Pangasinan eyes to bring the heat to MPBL

MANILA, Philippines – The Pangasinan Heat officially joined the MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) on Wednesday following a contract signing held at the Provincial Capitol in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Franchise owner Cezar Quiambao and MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes signed the Memorandum of Agreement making Pangasinan the league's newest member after Abra was admitted to the league on Tuesday.

Witnessing the signing were Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III, Rep. Art Celeste, Alaminos Mayor Bryan Celeste and MPBL legal counsel Glen Gacal.

Also present were Pangasinense cage legends Danny Ildefonso, Marlou Aquino and Cris Calaguio and the coaching staff headed by Jun Marzan.

Guico thanked the MPBL for accepting Pangasinan in its fold and Quiambao for agreeing to be the franchise owner.

Despite the short time of preparation left for the MPBL Sixth Season set to start on March 16, the Heat’s benefactors are determined to field a strong team and are aiming for a top-five finish in their maiden stint in the country's top regional cage league founded by eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.

Quiambao, who was approached by Gueco and Celeste to head the franchise, said they chose the Heat moniker in line with Pangasinan's thrust to become the Solar Capital of the Philippines.

Mayor Celeste said forming a competitive team is a challenge, but "we will do our best" as finishing at the bottom is not an option.

Although Pangasinan wants to tap as many homegrown talents as possible, it is looking for five to seven pros, especially big men, to beef up the squad, which will use the Calasiao Sports Complex as its home court in the meantime.

Duremdes welcomed the entry of the Heat, noting that the team's vision of tapping mostly local talents jibes with the MPBL's mission of giving opportunities to homegrown players and promoting grassroots development.