Tacuyan, Saludar top Canlubang slugfest

Manila, Philippines - Rolando Tacuyan and Victorio Saludar III hacked out victories in similar fashions to lead the winners among national team aspirants in the Balik-Canlubang fightcard at the Ceris I basketball court in Canlubang, Laguna recently.

Tacuyan, a veteran internationalist, stopped former national youth gold medalist Dennis Galvan Diaz, 2-1, while Saludar, a Guangzhou Asiad bronze medalist, posted the same result in thwarting Mark Anthony Barriga in the tournament which served as the second sporting event of the Balik-Canlubang homecoming project on Jan. 6-7, 2012.

Tacuyan was later named best boxer of the one-day event graced by Atlanta Olympics silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco and brother Ruel, Barcelona Games bronze medalist. Tacuyan was given a bonus by sportsman Atty. Joel Paner.

Ricky Dulay also scored a 2-1 victory over Junel Cantancio, who replaced Doha Asian Games gold medal winner Joan Tipon, who begged off at the last minute due to shoulder injury.

Ricalyn Aquino won via an RSC (referee-stopped-contest) over Janice Vallares in the lone female match also held as part of the national team qualifiers for various international competitions.

The event, handled by national coach Boy Velasco together with Balik-Canlubang committee head Ely Baradas, was sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Harbour Centre and Maynilad.

Meanwhile, Joshua Moreno of Brgy. Canlubang beat Oliver Villagracia of Pagsanjan, Laguna, 3-0, to lead the winners in the undercard which featured young local talents under two age-group divisions, according to Canlubang coordinators Cesar Pradas, Louie Mijares, Dindo Rivera and Mel Delos Santos.

Other victors were John Paul Mesa of Brgy. Sailang Lupa, who defeated Ron Cedrick Alemania of Cabuyao, 3-0; Meliton Astrema of Gumaca, Quezon, who stopped Pamfilo Pamogas of Kapaya Village (Ret.-R3, 2:58); Raymond Tobero of Brgy. Taboy, Pangasinan, who disposed of Richard Bongalos of Sta. Rosa, 3-0; Desiderio Maga of Brgy. Bomba-B-Uno, who beat Victor Maiahilos of Asia-1, Calamba (RSC-O, R1); Jerry Concepcion of Brgy. Silang Lupa, who beat Miguel Niko Garcia, Asia 2, Manpil (Ret. R3); and Cris Dellara of Ceris-1, who prevailed over Arthur Vasquez of Asia 2, Manpil (RSC-O R2).

The Balik-Canlubang is a project of the Canlubang residents to bring back all bonafide “Batang Canlubang” from all over the world to a grand reunion next year.

It will also hold a fun-run and an 18-hole golf tournament at Cangolf.