EXPLOSIVE basketball action is set to mark the return of the Emil’s Fresh Chicken Fiesta Cup Basketball Invitational on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the Barangay Lipata-Linao Sports Complex in Minglanilla, Cebu.
The multi-titled University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers, coached by Ronald Bucao, will face off against the University of Cebu (UC) Baby Webmasters under coach Reggie Licanda in the main game of the opening day double-header.
The opening match is likewise highly-anticipated as the UC-Lapulapu/Mandaue and the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USP-F) Baby Panthers test each other’s mettle.
The annual tournament, strongly bankrolled by the Oberes Family, is participated by eight teams divided into two brackets. It follows a single-round robin format with the top two teams from each bracket advancing to the semifinals.
In bracket A are UC, USJ-R Baby Jaguars, UV Baby Lancers, and the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Baby Wildcats, while in Bracket B are UCLM, Benedicto College (BC) Baby Cheetahs, Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Baby Dragons, and USP-F Baby Panthers.
Emil Oberes serves as the overall chairman of the league, while his brother, Mikey Oberes, is the vice-chairman. This is the first time the Emil’s Fresh Chicken Fiesta Cup is holding an inter-school tournament.
The annual Emil’s Cup will also serve as a tribute to its founder, the late Boss Gerry, father of the Oberes family.
The league is supported by barangay officials led by Captain Primitiva Castanares and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) under the leadership of John Nino Lucero.
Aside from the championship trophy, cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. There will also be awards for the mythical five, Season’s MVP, and Finals MVP. / JBM