Ocariza to lead UC grand alumni reunion

Former University of Cebu (then CCC) star Benjamin Ocariza, whose unorthodox undergoal stabs earned him the moniker “Undergoal King” in the PBA, headlines a bevy of sponsors for the CCC Batch ’86 Grand Alumni homecoming slated January 26 at the Cebu Coliseum.

Ocariza, now residing in New York City, is the uncle of Sang Miguel hotshot Dondon Hontiveros, also an UC alumnus.

Allan Ceniza and Dodong Endrino, who are residing in New York as well, told The FREEMAN that Ocariza will be arriving on January 13 and will bring with him at least 100 t-shirts as uniforms of those who will be attending the reunion.

Rey Yncierto and Jofrey Macoy, two of the most successful members of the UC team that won the 1986 CAAA title, are organizing the activities of the grand reunion.

Joaquin “Jake” Rojas coached the victorious 1986 team with Atty. Baldomero Estenzo as manager. The other members of the team were Roel Gomez (the current coach of UC Webmasters), Cesar Borromeo, Joshua Alguno, Allen Sasan, Tata Abellana, Percius Curugan, Carlito Mejos, Porferio Tuse, Armen Reunido and Cecilio Amaya (now deceased).

Gomez is handling the local registration and, according to information he sent to The FREEMAN, many former UC players have already confirmed their participation.

The FREEMAN also learned that most, if not all, of the former UC players now residing in the United States are attending the reunion. The first to arrive will be Cesar Borromeo, who now lives in Alaska. Ocariza will plane in on January 13 followed by Ceniza the next day while the others are arriving before January 26.

An exhibition game between the alumni will be the highlight of the one-day reunion. (GGM)