Cage stars grace BEST 36th year

MANILA, Philippines - The BEST Center recently celebrated its 36th anniversary with an appreciation event, which served as an occasion for the country’s first and longest-running scientific basketball clinic, to thank its friends who have tirelessly been supporting the program through the years.

The impressive guest list included past, present and future basketball legends like ‘90s PBA cagers Jerry Codiñera and Bong Ravena, Gilas Pilipinas players LA Tenorio, Larry Fonacier and Jeff Chan, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes, PBA Rain or Shine’s TY Tang and Chris Tiu, 2011 UAAP rookie of the year Kiefer Ravena, 2013 UAAP Juniors MVP Thirdy Ravena and 2012 UAAP Juniors mythical five awardee Renzo Subido.

Also present to congratulate and show their support for BEST Center were Philippine Olympic Committee president Peping Cojuangco and first VP Joey Romasanta, Philippine Sports commissioner Iggy Clavecilla, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios, former ABC secretary general Moying Martelino and Small Basketeers of the Philippines VP Gigi Prats.

BEST Center founder and president Nic Jorge expressed his gratitude for the continuous support they have been getting through the years from friends, sponsors, schools, parents and athletes. “When we started BEST Center, our goal was to train kids seriously aspiring to become good basketball players through a program to develop their skills. We are proud to say that we have delivered this promise. In fact, we have even produced quite a few legendary names,” said Jorge, who himself is also a basketball icon.

Joining the celebration were Olongapo Mayor and sports advocate Rolen Paulino, singer and host and BEST Center parent Randy Santiago, executives from long-time sponsor Milo represented by former Nestle executives Levi Castillo, Ernesto Mascenon, and Jackby Jaime, current Milo business executive manager Sherilla Bayona, VP and team lead Ellen Isturis and sports executive Robbie De Vera, as well as new sponsor RCBC Savings Bank 1st VP Guilberto Benedicto, AVP and head-liability products Carmelo Pituc and product manager Katherine Basagre.

With 36 years legacy of building champions, an impressive list of graduates and ardent, loyal supporters, there is no doubt that the BEST Center will continue to be the country’s premiere basketball clinic in the country.