Replace string matching a pattern with it's value, but differently formatted

I have a function on my mybb that displays the date of the last post: $lastpostdate

Function prints values in this format: 01-27-2016, 12:31 am

I need this to be displayed otherwise, but I don't want to modify the function itself, because it's being used in multiple places on the webpage - where the original format suits me.

So basically I need something working like this:

1. get $lastpostdate value
2. present it in a different form

I was thinking of making a conditional (so in a specific place, the date format would be different) looking somewhat like this:

if ($lastpostdate = regex match(original form))
{
print($lastpostdate but in different form);
}

I actually just need to make this:

$lastpostdate='<span>01-27-2016, 12:31 am</span>';

Into this:

$lastpostdate_after='<span>01-27-2016,<br />12:31 am</span>';


I guess it should be easier to clone the function and adjust the format in it and then use the custom form.

I can use only PHP.

**Solved:**

**A plugin is required in order to add php into templates: [PHP and Template Conditionals (2.1) by ZiNgA BuRgA][1]**

**Replace {$lastpostdate} with:**

<?php
$input=$lastpostdate;
$output =str_replace(',', ',<br />', $input);
print($output);
?>

This is not a conditional.


[1]:

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