Fern-C vows to bring act to PBL

MANILA, Philippines - Fern Inc. hopes to transform its success story in direct selling and network marketing to basketball glory when it fields its own team – Fern-C – in the 2010 PBL PG Flex-Erase Placenta which starts on Feb. 16.

Fern-C, the country’s leading Vitamin C, has assembled a formidable line-up – one that has speed, height and firepower – to become a giant in its new field.

Reigning NCAA MVP John Wilson, who once scored 40 points in a game for Jose Rizal University, will be the focal point of the team’s offense.

Aside from Wilson, also expected to get important roles for the team that will be handled by former Ginebra star Bal David are La Salle’s PJ Walsham, Ateneo’s Roel Escueta, San Sebastian’s Raymond Maconocido and Dave Najorda and College of St. Benilde’s Anjelo Montecastro.

Experience is not much of a problem for one of the six newcomers of the league since veterans Hans Thiele of University of the East, Allan Evangelista and Anthony Espiritu of University of Santo Tomas are willing to guide their rookie teammates.

Other members of the team who were carefully chosen by David and his staff –former UAAP star John Cardel, Estong Ballesteros and Berni David – are UST’s June Dizon, Jerry Miranda of the Phil. College of Business Administration and Edgar Tanuan Jr. of Far Eastern University.

With a rookie team, team manager Jose Vibar IV expects a lot of challenges coming their way, but said: “It’s going to be a tough ride, but we’ll be ready for it. Just like our company, we’re ready to learn and compete.”

From a small business in 2003, Fern Inc. has blossomed into a billion-peso company because of the high demand for its various products -–Fern-C and FernSlim.

Aside from its team in the PBL, Fern-C, also the official vitamin in the PBA, has been involved in various tournaments.

“But what is important for us right now is how we achieve our goal in the PBL,” added team owner Tommy Tan.

Known for his razzle-dazzle play during his Ginebra days, David hopes to bring his magic to Fern-C.