Pangasinan ties up with Osaka in MBA

Osaka Iridology formalized its entry to the MBA fold Tuesday night, hooking up with the Pangasinan Waves for the first conference starting on April 6.

"I’m happy that we’re finally in the MBA. We’re looking forward to a lasting relationship with the Waves and, of course, the league," said Jonathan Guardo, president and chief executive officer of the nationwide company specializing in health care.

Guardo and his brother Jerry, Osaka vice president for sales and services, signed the memorandum of agreement with the Waves’ Tim Orbos and Lawrence Chongson. Henceforth, the team will be known as the Osaka-Pangasinan Waves.

"It (Pangasinan) is a very strong team. With Clay (Chris) and Adducul (Romel) around, we have a built-in edge," said Guardo. "And with a formidable team, you’ll get more media mileage."

Guardo said under the MOA, team management would remain on Orbos’ group while Osaka Iridology, which has 40 branches around the country, would provide financial support and assist on the marketing aspect.

To further strengthen the Waves, to be coached by Chongson, Guardo said he’d be recommending two Cebuano stalwarts, one of whom is University of Visayas’ Junel Maglasang. The 6-foot-2 Maglasang is the starting off-guard of the Osaka-Cebu team in the Cebu Basketball League, which Guardo heads.

Guardo, also the chairman of the Cebu Sports Commission, bared that the Waves would transfer their homecourt from Lingayen to Dagupan City, which is more accessible.

The other Waves are former Andok’s San Juan Knights Randy Alcantara, Gilbert Castillo and Vilmer Banares; Paul Du, Francis Aquino, Bernard de Guia, Joshua Lambert, Julius David, Carlos Garcia and Fil-Am Rob Johnson.