IPI-Gastripac mulls joining MVBA family

If plans don’t miscarry, Gastripac, a product of the International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IPI), will become the newest expansion team of the Mindanao Visayas Basketall Association (MVBA) in its Second Conference later this year.

Gastripac is a hyper-acidity herbal medicine available in all leading drug stores nationwide.

Veteran commercial coach Norberto "Titing" Manalili said there was already initial talks with MVBA commissioners Boy Murillo and Willy Generalao for Visayas and Mindanao, respectively, regarding the plan of the IPI management.

As his initial step towards building up a competitive team, Manalili will be holding a series of try-outs after the Holy Week. The scheduled and venue of the try-outs will be announced soon.

Generalao himself was a former player of Casino Rubbing Alcohol in his amateur days. After his retirement in the PBA, he went on to become the head coach of Casino during the last few years of the now defunct Cebu Basketball League (CBL) orginally known as the Cebu Amateur Basketball Association or CABA.

Manalili said the team owner is Pio "Junpi" Castillo, Jr., the president and CEO of IPI, while Bimboy Osorio will serve as the team manager.

Manalili revealed that Castillo and Osorio had already met with Murillo and Generalo to discuss important matters regarding Gastripac’s participation in the MVBA that include the franchise fee and sponsorship.

The team will not carry any city or place as secondary sponsor, Manalili said. (GGM)