SMART CLARK GIGA CITY , Philippines — For years, the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena and Cultural Center has only hosted at least one PBA road game each season. The next thing it knew amid pandemic, it would be home to more than 80 historic PBA games.
For two months now, the Angeles City school facility has been the venue to daily PBA games and practices including the first-ever quadruple-headers and morning matches at the tail-end of the Philippine Cup elims.
Playing a big part is the 13-strong AUF team, which has made it a routine to wake up at 5 a.m. and call it a night at 11 p.m.
It’s not a walk in the park. It’s as exhausting and challenging for the AUF team as it is for the players. But they endure for the honor and fulfillment of being part of this monumental moment.
“It’s challenging but it’s once in a lifetime opportunity for us. It’s a great experience. Our team is very happy as this will go down in the record books. Sa dami ng dapat, kami yung napiling mag-host,” said AUF athletic director and cultural center building manager Jeffrey Jervoso.
“It’s a privilege to be part of the bubble. It’s an achievement. Paalala ito na tuloy pa rin ang buhay, kahit may pandemya,” added Ar J Phoe Pangan, director of the AUF Office of Safety and Security Services.
Security officers Jermaine Esguerra, Darren dela Cruz and Kevin Yalung with guards William Galang, Richard dela Cruz and Erwin Calites, housekeeping’s Markell Romaraog, Ruel Dimarucot, Antonio Garcia, Melchor Mercado and electrician Dexter Carbungco complete the AUF family.