Life after PBA

Former Adidas executive Goody Custodio, who now runs a family-owned restaurant “Avenetto” at SM San Lazaro, is keeping his ties intact with sports stars, particularly in the PBA. He’s doing his share in giving back to fans by bringing the stars to community backyards for personal appearances, exhibition games and bonding opportunities.

For Custodio, it’s also fun to do. From his long years of working for Adidas, Custodio earned a reputation as an efficient organizer and a friend to all athletes, whether stars or benchwarmers.

Last Tuesday, Custodio accompanied eight retired PBA cagers to Calbayog, Samar, to join in the 61st charter celebration of the city. Mayor Mel Sarmiento had sounded out Custodio on the possibility of bringing PBA veterans to the city for an exhibition game and Custodio made it a reality.

“It’s a week-long celebration and Mayor Mel asked if I could help out,” said Custodio. “I got in touch with friends who used to play in the PBA and put together a group.”

The veterans whom Custodio flew to Calbayog were Alvin Patrimonio, Ronnie Magsanoc, Jerry Codiñera, Rey Evangelista, Benjie Paras, Bobby Jose, Johnedel Cardel and Joey Sta. Maria.

“We split the eight players into two teams,” said Custodio. “The Green team was made up of Jerry, Johnedel, Joey and Rey plus three local players while the Red team was composed of Alvin, Ronnie, Bobby and Benjie plus two local players. They all wore uniforms with the initials USA-CLT. USA are the initials of the last names of the Congressman (Rey Uy), Mayor and Vice Mayor. CLT is the sponsor, a motorbike company owned by brothers Tony and Marlon Tan who provided for our accommodations at a condotel.”

Custodio said the players gave the fans a big treat. “It was a close game, free-wheeling and lots of scoring,” he continued. “Pasiklaban ng three-point shooting. Alvin, Ronnie, Jerry and even Benjie hit triples. Everybody had a great time. Alvin, of course, was the big attraction. Walang kupas. He’s still the same Alvin, very popular with the fans and very accommodating. Benjie had everyone laughing with his comic antics. In the end, the Greens won, 127-123.”

Custodio said Mayor Sarmiento plans to invite the PBA to play a regular season game in the city after refurbishing the city stadium.

“The stadium won’t do for the PBA at the moment because the court flooring isn’t wooden but the Mayor intends to put a wooden flooring by next year,” said Custodio.

Mayor Sarmiento also invited the Aegis Band and the Sabado Boys to participate in the charter anniversary celebration this week.

As for Custodio, he said his next project is an exhibition game at the Cebu Coliseum on Nov. 16. It’ll be the same ex-PBA players – this time, reinforced by Allan Caidic, Johnny Abarrientos and Jun Limpot – against the Lhuillier squad. Custodio said if he’s available, Purefoods’ Ryan Gregorio will act as playing coach.

“We’re not advertising and we’re not promoting,” said Custodio. “We’re getting invitations through word of mouth. It’s just a good feeling to give back.”

 Custodio, by the way, evacuated his family from their Town and Country village home along Marcos Highway at the height of Typhoon Ondoy. His car went underwater and he lost his priceless memorabilia from a long career with Adidas. “But we’re thankful to the Lord that we’re alive,” said Custodio. “This disaster only proved that material things don’t count because they’re not lasting.”

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The first Executive Squash Cup comes off the wraps tomorrow with 24 players split into four teams competing for honors at the Manila Polo Club.

Funds raised from sponsors will be used for the grassroots training program of the Squash Rackets Association of the Philippines and for preparing the national junior squad participating in the 15th Asian Junior Championships envisioned to be hosted by the Philippines in February 2011.

According to organizing committee chairman Jovie Vilar, the tournament sponsors include Powerade, Viva Mineral Water, the Vicente Gonzalo Puyat group, Head, Speedo, Planet Sports, Gerry’s Grill, Karakal squash rackets, Selecta ice cream, Fresh Papaya soap, Mikado propeller, Concept One, PR kitchens, Edgar Lee and Dondi Baltazar.

Expected to play in the Executive Cup are Manish Mahtani, Dondi Verano, Stephen Gan, Francis Sebastian, Cheli Espiritu, Bambi Tambunting, Beans Gonzalez, Gerry Apolinario, Edgar Lee, Kandi Anand, Cila Reyes Chua, Patrice Ramos Diaz, Bobby Bachmann, Alex Rodriguez, Louis Heussaff, Sammy Unson, Cris Bonoan, Margot Garcia, Yazdi Bagli, Nico Paradies, Dave Puyat, Tet Manalac, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez and Bettina Gordon.

Postscript. The Rotary International District 3800, under District Gov. Rudy San Felipe with 85 clubs, is now running its annual Ten Pin Bowling tournament hosted by the Rotary Club of Rizal Mideast at the SM Megamall Bowling Center on EDSA, Mandaluyong City. The series started last Sunday and continues until Dec. 6.

Meanwhile, over 400 Rotarians, their spouses and children are involved in helping to raise funds for victims of Typhoon Ondoy. International boxing matchmaker and immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Rizal Mideast Jun Sarreal announced that donations for victims may be coursed through lawyer Honorato de Leon Jr. at tel. 890-4301 or cell phone 092865-89082.