Initially, the two-weekend event was set to kick off on February 10, but the organizers led by MLSDF executive director Eddie Ybañez and M. Lhuillier marketing manager Michael Roma decided to postpone it to February 24 to give them ample time for preparations.
The latest entries are the X-Panthers and the University of Cebu, thus, bringing the total number of competing teams to nine.
The rest include the University of San Jose-Recoletos, University of the Visayas, Southwestern University, University of Southern Philippines Foundation, University of San Carlos, Hiroshi and the Jaguars.
The X-Panthers and UC were represented by Marissa Lagancia and Ritchie Andrino, respectively, during the organizational meeting presided over by Ybañez the other night at the Family Choice Restaurant along Gorordo Avenue, this city.
Also present during the gathering were Raffy Briones (UV), Cecil Jotojot (Officiating official), Elen Pongase (X-Panthers), Neil John Diola (Officiating official), Paul Miranda (UC), Kenneth Cinco (Hiroshi), Yoli Rizarri (USJ-R), Grace Antigua (USJ-R), Norvie Labuga (USC), Jordan Paca (USPF) and Thelma Datig (SWU).
The tournament follows a single round robin format in the classification round, with the top four teams advancing into the semifinals. The top two qualifiers will slug it out for the championship, the third and fourth ranked squads will mix it up for the third place trophy.
Aside from trophies and medals, the champion will go home P5,000 richer, while the second placer will pocket P3,500. The third and fourth will receive P1,500 and P1,000.
Special awards will be handed out to the MVP and to the Darling of the Crowd.
Registration fee is pegged at P500 per team. The deadline for the submission of entries is on February 20 in time for the group’s final meeting at the White Gold House Restaurant.
For further details, interested parties may keep in touch with Ybañez at (032)255-4423 or 0926-7319004.