UV basketball greats grab limelight in Green Lancers’ Grand Reunion

CEBU, Philippines — Aside from reminiscing their good old days and reconnect with long lost friends, basketball greats who once donned the jersey of the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers were also honored during their highly successful Grand Reunion recently.

Among those who grabbed the limelight in the momentous event held at the Chiong’s residence in Naga City were the “Living Legends”, champion coaches, and UV cagers who made it to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Comprising the “Living Legends” list are Manolo “Manny” Paner, Robert “Bobby” Callelero, Raymundo “Monding” Chua, Zotico “Tex” Tan, Filomeno “Minoy” Chuntic, Sim “Tito” Achumbre, Carlito “Lito” Singson, Vitaliano “Vit” Porio, Arturo Gerasmio, and Raul Latonio.

The outstanding coaches who were feted include Eduardo “Eddiegul” Gullas, Justiniano “Ening” Completo, Eduardo Mendoza Sr., Oligario “Gary” Cortes, Jonil “Jomags” Maglasang, Elmey “Boycabs” Cabahug, Alfonso “Al” Solis, Delfin “Pafom” Pepito Jr., Ronald “Ronbucz” Bucao, Diosdado “Judy” Vilango, Felix “Donbel” Belano Jr., Jerry Aratan, Ferdinand “Bong” Pineda, Abel Bungcaras, Hermes Sumalino, and Tong Abelado.

The PBA players produced by the Visayanians through the years were also formally recognized.

Aside from Paner, Solis, Belano, and Cabahug, the other UV hardcourt warriors who were able to see action in Asia’s first pro league are Max Delantes, Bonel Balingit, Alejo “Ponky” Alolor, Eduardo “Eddieboy” Mendoza Jr., Marlowe Jacutin, Paul Velasco, Willie Generalao, Jay Ramirez, Jerry Pingoy, Woodrow Balani, Oscar Rocha, Renato Alforque, Bryan Heruela, Bruce Dacia, Stephen Padilla, Marvis Dennison, Willy Velasco, Jayford Roqriguez, Ariel Mepaña, Derick Bughao, Oliveros Dalman, Jojo Lim, JR Quiñahan, Montoy Singson, Peter Naron, Paul Desiderio, Rey Suerte, Tata Fernandez, Lowell Briones, Greg Slaughter, and Anthony Mendoza.

Before proceeding to their get-together, the organizers led by Terry Bolo, a retired officer of the elite United States (US) Army, visited the graveyard of the late Jose “Dodong” R. Gullas inside the motherhouse compound of the Daughters of Sta. Teresa in Barangay Valladolid, Carcar City.

There, they paid tribute to Dodong Gullas, who was not only a champion player, coach, and team manager but also a father figure and role model for all UV Lancers.