Pido, brightest of UAAP 69th season feted

The UAAP Press Corps yesterday honored the top achievers of Season 69 headed by Coach of the Year Pido Jarencio of the triumphant Santo Tomas in simple rites at the Pantalan Restaurant.

Like Jarencio, managers Clarence Aytona, Rudy Yu and Timmy Chong and school officials Felicitas Francisco and Fr. Ermito de Sagon, OP, were also feted along with host University of the East, which was represented by Bren Perez.

"I wish to thank the school’s officials, players, coaching staff, students, alumni and priests for their support, without them I wouldn’t have gone this far," said Jarencio. He also thanked his dad, Benedicto, who attended the affair.

Ateneo’s JC Intal was named Player of the Year while Adamson’s Ken Bono and UST’s Jojo Duncil the Scoring Champion and Mr. Clutch, respectively, in the event backed by City of Manila, Masco, PSC chair Butch Ramirez, San Miguel, Burlington and Accel.

Other awardees were UST’s Jervy Cruz (Defensive Player) and Dylan Ababou (Sixth Man), FEU’s Jeff Chan (Sportsmanship), Ateneo’s Chris Tiu (Comeback Player), UP’s Marvin Cruz (Most Improved) and UE’s Marcy Arellano (Energy Player).

Presidential adviser for youth sports Ali Atienza of Masco and former UE Warrior, ex-PBA star and Teletech coach Jerry Codiñera graced the awards rites.

A special senior award were also given to Intal and teammates Macky Escalona and Doug Kramer, UE’s Rob Labagala, NU’s Dave Catamora and Jason Malcontento, UST’s Allan Evangelista and FEU’s Francis Barcellano.

The group also honored former Tiger John Lee Apil a posthumous award for his heroism. The lefty guard passed away after he saved two kids from being electrocuted early this year in hometown Cagayan Valley.