Saturday, August 09, 2008 NBA Gov's Cup opens Friday By Henry C. Villalva
THE Negros Basketball Association is making sure Friday's NBA 1st Governor Isidro Zayco Invitational Cup '08 opening ceremonies will be remembered not only for its opening game between the West Negros University Mustangs and visiting Ticel-Iloilo, but more so because of its colorful traditional opening ceremonies.
"We believe this tournament is going to be exciting because of the eight participating teams," said NBA president Oscar 'Dodong' Bascon.
"The fans deserve to be entertained well during the opening ceremonies, that's why we have required the eight teams to come up with their beautiful muses and we've also invited the West Negros University Glee Club and the La Carlota City Pasalamat Drumbeaters to add color to the occasion," he added.
The Mustangs, reigning NBA Bacolod Mayor's Cup and NOPSSCEA champions, will be trying its mettle against a tough Ticel-Iloilo squad bannered by the likes of former PBA MVP Kenneth Duremdes and ex-Negros Slasher Leo Bat-og.
Others listed in the partial lineup of Ticel-Iloilo which was faxed Friday to the NBA office are Alberto Lopez, Tonyboy Espinosa, Edu Allado, Mark Yee, Ruel Balgos, Rhagnee Sinco, Reynel Hugnatan, Jay Pisuea, Francis Salcedo, Mark Hubalde, Tong Aquino, and Aming Doliquez.
It was not clear as of press deadline Friday whether the Mustangs will be fielding an intact varsity lineup as NBA tournament commissioner Bobby Tee was still awaiting the final submission of team lineups.
"It's still pretty much of a secret up to this point and the most we can do is speculate on the team reinforcements until we have in hand the actual lineups," Tee said.
Governor Zayco will be the guest of honor and speaker in Friday's opening program while Bacolod Mayor Evelio 'Bing' Leonardia will give his inspirational speech.
Mayors Salvador Escalante of Cadiz City, Hermilo Aguilar of Hinigaran, Demie Honrado of La Carlota City and Jose Montelibano of Silay City will join Leonardia and Bascon in assisting Zayco during the traditional ceremonial toss to usher in the opening game between WNU and Ticel.
A highlight of the opening program is the selection of a Miss NBA Governor's
Cup from among the muses of the participating teams, following the awarding of the best in uniform plum to be presided by NBA treasurer Vic Tan.
The participating teams are Cadiz city, Hinigaran, La Carlota City, Pamplona Bulls, Province of Negros Occidental, Silay City, Ticel-Iloilo, and West Negros University.
Cadiz takes on La Carlota City in Saturday's 3 p.m. schedule immediately following the opening ceremonies while Ticel-Iloilo meets the WNU Mustangs at 4:45 p.m.
Sunday’s schedule pits Hinigaran against La Carlota at 2:30 p.m., Silay City versus Pamplona Bulls at 4:15 p.m. while Cadiz City tangles against Ticel-Iloilo in the main game at 6 p.m.
Tickets for the series are at P25 (reserve) and P10 (bleacher).
