HSBC Polo Cup on at Alabang

MANILA, Philippines - Glitz, glamor and thrills return to the Alabang Country Club polo field today as the country’s hottest polo players slug it out with top American pros in the HSBC Classic Cup.

Two weeks after regaling local fans with their courageous but fascinating plays, American Isidro Olivas and Fil-American Anthony Garcia spearhead the two squads that will square off in a seven-goal event presented by HSBC – one of the world’s prestigious financial institutions.

Olivas will team up with two of the emerging stars of the sport in Globalport owner Mikee Romero and Santi Juban. Also on their team are Adrian Garcia and Sonny Borromeo.

Out to provide Anthony Garcia the much-needed help are Jun Juban, Jun Eusebio, Jim Donovan and former Philippine team captain Tonio Veloso.

Both Romero and Juban agreed that the match is just about even although this marks the first time that Romero will be playing against Anthony Garcia – the team captain of his team that triumphed in the AirAsia Crystal Cup and 10-goal International Globalport Sultan Cup.

“It’s anybody’s game,” said Juban, ACC polo committee chair. “Expect an interesting match from us.”

“The event just showed that polo is alive and kicking in the country,” said Romero. “We have more patrons now who are willing to support for the development of the sport.”

As an appetizer, the squad of fast-rising Eduardo Lopez and Milka Romero takes on the team bannered by actor Diether Ocampo and Ige Camara. Joining Lopez and Romero are Freddie Borromeo and Daryl Matti while Jam and Jun Eusebio will beef up the other squad.

The HSBC Classic Cup is the fifth event to be hosted by ACC this year after holding the Royale Salute President’s Cup last January and the Victorinox Cup last month.

With the success of his twin event, Romero announced last week that he would hold a bigger tournament next year when patrons from China, Thailand, Singapore and the United States will be invited to play.

Juban, a popular Hollywood producer, expects another big crowd just like the 10-goal International Globalport Sultan Cup – the centerpiece of the two-day Romero Polo Festival.

“We now have a wider audience so I expect another good crowd this Sunday,” said Juban. “This tournament will be for the benefit of our local players. They need more exposure in order to gain confidence.”