PBA legends see action in Asean veterans meet

MANILA, Philippines - PBA legends Alvin Patrimonio, Vergel Meneses and Atoy Co return to competitive basketball as they banner the country’s campaign in the 18th Asean Veterans Basketball Invitational-BF Cup which starts today at the Marikina City Sports Gym.

The organizing Filipino Chinese Veteran Basketball Association (FCVBA), headed by Johnny Chua, Alfonso Kaw, Jimi Lim of Ironcon, Bong Tan Jr., Eduard Tio and Terry Que of Rain or Shine, said Patrimonio, Meneses and Co, who combined for six MVP awards, will spearhead the Philippine-FCVBA Team B in the 40-year-old division.

The other members of the team are movie actor Cesar Montano, James Tanhuy, Onchie dela Cruz, Romero Rejuso, Crisanto Bautista and Sonny Cabatu.

Tan will be the player-team manager of RP-FCVBA Team A that will have Jerry Codinera, Patrick Loo, Jerry Ong, Alvin Teng, Yuk Chi Ng, Lawrence Chongson, Rudy Yu, Arney Syyap, Edgar Valencia and Richard Lim as players.

Lim Eng Beng, one of the Fil-Chinese players who made it big both in the amateur and pro leagues, will lead RP-FCVBA’s campaign in the 60-years division along with former PBA star and now Pasig Vice Mayor Yoyong Martirez, Zotico Tan, Jerry Ong-Carranceja, Edwardo Chua, Manuel Sy , Alberto To, Manuel Sy, Edmundo Ang, Al Jimenez and Que.

Tio and Lim will take charge of the RP-FCVBA team in the 50-years divisions that will be led by Elmer Reyes, Ed Cordero, Noli Banate, Manny Victorino, Leo Austria, Morris Lee, Gerry Samlani and another former PBA MVP Freddie Hubalde.

A total of 18 teams, including eight from Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand and host Philippines will play in the five-day tournament backed by MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando and Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando.