Successful SK event

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

I MISSED the elimination round, quarterfinals and the semifinals of the Bangus Festival SK Inter-Barangay Basketball Challenge that started on April 17 as I was mostly in Zambales from February to May organizing and directing bicycle races, majority of which were sponsored by Governor-elect Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. I prioritize this sport because it’s my forte. As an organizer, I know the south, north, west and east of this two-wheeled event with 165 races already counted in my card.

But I was there during the important skirmishes, the best-of-three championship series between Barangay Bonuan Gueset and Poblacion Oeste.  I watched how these two youth squads of Dagupan City tangled with each other in three tight matches that delighted the crowd at the Dagupan People’s Astrodome. Multi-titlist Bonuan Gueset prevailed in a convincing victory in the third and final encounter. (See related story on this page.)

It was an exciting finals despite the problem that the organizers encountered during the second game. The third and final match amazed me that even the coach of the losing team, Joey Escorpiso of Pob. Oeste admitted his defeat with humility, praised the three arbiters, organizers and other game officials.

“Maganda ang mga tawag ng three referees ngayon at wala akong masasabing negative sa kanila,” said Escorpiso.

Bonuan Gueset celebrated their triumph with much jubilation and a victory party was also held. There were a lot of bets on the table. It’s very typical in a prestigious cagefest.

“Winning is gratifying and our victory today is one of the happiest moments in my sports life,” said Gumarang.

“I believe this is a sign of getting back our winning tradition being a champion eight times. I hope we can defend our title next year and more years to come,” added Gumarang, the newly appointed SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) provincial director.

”We billeted our players in a hotel two days prior to the final game courtesy of Kap Gumarang. Our purpose was to give them enough and comfortable rest and mainly to make sure that they will not linger around especially at night. It paid off,” said coach Byron Vidal.

Mabuhay kayo.

* * *

My best wishes to Haridas Pascua, the 17-year old chess wizard from Mangatarem who is now battling the best in the orient in the Asian Junior Boys and Girls Championships being held at Vijay Parkand Business Hotel in Arrumbakkan Chennai, India starting June 15. The tournament is for 20 years and below. The FIDE master Pascua is seeded 17 out of 72 participants led by IM B. Adhiban of India with an ELO rating of 2510.

Good luck and bring home the beacon, boy.

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