Tougher Barakos ready for PONY World Series in Virginia

MANILA, Philippines - A Philippine team that is tougher and better prepared than last year’s squad arrived in Chesterfield, Viriginia to begin their quest for Pony baseball’s world crown at the Harry Daniel Park at Iron Bridge, Chesterfield, Virginia.

Eight Bronco -11 teams representing regional champions of the globe are competing in the tournament which opens in colorful ceremonies on Thursday (Friday in Manila). 

 The Philippines is representing the Asia- Pacific in the White Bracket with champions from the East, North and the Mexican Zone. 

The Green Bracket is composed of champions from the West, South and Caribbean Zone and the host team Chesterfield. 

The “Barakos” play the East Zone in the opening game at 5:30 p.m. EST.  The Filipino communities all over Virginia  are coming to Chesterfield during the games to give their all-out support to their young kababayans.

Philippine Tot Baseball president Boy Tingzon said the Barakos are a tough, fighting unit which he hopes  will peak at the right time. He  said the overwhelming support of the Filipino community will definitely inspire the Barakos to fight  their best for their country. 

On their arrival , the Barakos were  again greeted warmly by the Filipino community in Washington DC and the Filipino-American community of Central Virginia (FACCV). 

Tingson said the personal secretary of Philippine Ambassador Jose Cusia – since the ambassador was out of town – headed the bayanihan efforts by providing shuttle services from the airport to their hotel.

and hosting a welcome lunch of sumptuous Filipino food. 

“Art Asistores, president of the Don Bosco Alumni Association of Washington DC, and  Gerry Ballalo, president of the FACCV, joined hands in making the welcome of the “Barakos” a big success,” Tingson said. “Even Angelyn Marzan, of The Manila Mail accompanied the boys in touring the Philippine Embassy, White House, Space Museum, Washington Monument and many others to give the “Barakos” a most memorable experience.”