Starmen open MBL bid

MANILA, Philippines - The MBL Corporate Cup basketball tournament fires off today with Star Group of Publications and Parola Maritime Company clashing at 7 p.m. at Lyceum gym in Intramuros.

Paul Almario of the Manila Sports Council (MASCO) has been invited to make the ceremonial toss during opening rites along with MBL chair Alex Wang and Lames Laron of Parola.

Led by coach Alfred Bartolome and assisted by Rene Recto and manager Mike Maneze, the Starmen will pin their hopes on Ver Roque, Chris Corbin, Gerald Ortega, Lester Reyes, Jhong Bondoc, Randell Reducto, Mario Geocade and Dennis Rodriguez.

Parola, handled by playing coach Joel Orenze and playing team manager Isauro Sanchez, will be led by former PBA standout Biboy Simon, Pol Santiago, Marius Sanchez, Jemuel Laron, Abraham Domingo, Denver Casaig, Richard Caoile, Garry Magnabihon, Gerald Orgina, Mark Oglimas and 6-8 Chris Aqualaful of Ghana.

The other teams seeing action are PRC Courier Services, Asia Brewery-100 Plus Duraville Realty, MASCO, Gerry’s Grill, Logohu Import-Export and Prudential Guarantee.