CEBU, Philippines - The Emil's Fresh Chicken commercial ballclub of Cebuano businessman/sportsman Jerry Oberes will bring its act to Southern Leyte for the cash-rich 2016 Macrohon Fiesta Open Basketball Tournament slated from September 17-20.
Powered by former PBA star Eliud Poligrates and commercial veterans Rudy Lingganay and Jaypee Belencion, Emil's FC will be challenged by Gabisan Shipping Lines, Bogo LGU, JB Bautista Enterprises and 2GO Maasin branch in the four-day cagefest that offers close to P300,000 in cash prize.
Gabisan Shipping of Hilongos, Leyte Vice Mayor Manuel Gabisan is bannered by former pro mainstays Reed Friar Juntilla, Jercules Tangkay and Ferdinand Lusdoc, while Bogo LGU of team owner Carlo Jose Martinez is composed of Congolese Ahmed Salihou, Frank Nailon and Charles Pepito.
On the other hand, the JB Bautista Enterprises of team owner Jonathan Bautista is manned by erstwhile collegiate standouts James Regalado, Joseph Nalos and Kevin Villafranca.
They will play in a single round robin format, with the top two teams slugging it out for the championship in a winner-take-all affair. The champion will pocket P100,000, while the second to fifth placers will receive P75,000, P50,000, P30,000 and P20,000, respectively.
On top of the cash bounty, Macrohon LGU will provide each team with a financial assistance of P20,000 aside from free meals and accommodation during the entire duration of the tournament.
Organized by Macrohon LGU under the flagship Mayor Alan Jose Kuizon Aroy, the exciting hoopla is among the highlights of Macrohon's annual fiesta celebration in honor of their beloved patron Saint Michael the Archangel on September 29.
Aside from Mayor Aroy, also expected to grace tomorrow's opening ceremony is Pilipinas Commercial Basketball League chairman Buddy Encarnado. EBV (FREEMAN)