M. Lhuillier joins aid effort for 'Ondoy' victims

CEBU, Philippines - The M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños have joined the growing list of magnanimous-hearted individuals both from the government and private sectors who readily lend a hand to those who are in dire need of help.

M. Lhuillier coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba announced during their team practice yesterday that proceeds of their charity game against the PBA’s Coca-Cola Tigers will be donated to the victims of tropical storm “Ondoy” that ravaged Metro Manila and outlying Luzon provinces, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless.

“Through the M. Lhuillier Foundation, we are going to donate the net proceeds of our game against Coca-Cola to help fund the relief efforts for the victims of typhoon Ondoy,” said Alcoseba.

“It’s our own little way of extending help to our countrymen who are in need specially that a member of our coaching staff is one of the victims,” added Alcoseba, referring to his assistant Willie Generalo, a councilor in Cainta, Rizal which is one of hardest hit by country’s worst storm-induced flood in 40 years.

The MLKP-Cebu Niños will clash with the Coca-Cola Tigers this Friday at the Cebu Coliseum. Showtime starts at 7 pm.

“I’m counting the support of the Cebuanos for this cause. I hope they will watch our game against Coca-Cola because they will surely enjoy it at the same time thay are able to help those who are in need at this point of time,” said Alcoseba.

Alcoseba said they are lowering the prices of tickets to make it affordable to the public - P50 for general admission, P100 for upper box, P200 for lower box, and P300 for VIP/ringside.

Meanwhile, Cebuano star playmaker Dale Singson, who recently had a return trip to the PBA, will once again dazzle his hometown fans this time donning the Coca-Cola Tigers’ jersey.

The other Coca-Cola stalwarts to watch out for are Paul Asi Taulava, Dennis Espino, Alexander Cabagnot, Ricky Calimag, rookie Christopher Ross and Larry Rodriguez, who once had a brief stint with the Cebu Gems in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA).

Completing the Coca-Cola roster are Marvin Cruz, Mark Macapagal, Francis Allera Karl Kenneth Bono, Ryan Rizada and Norman Gonzales.

Expected to shoulder the offensive load for M. Lhuillier are the likes of Bruce Dacia, Ariel Mepaña, Stephen Padilla, Woodrow Enriquez, Mark Jonas Ababon and Marlon Basco. The other top guns in Alcoseba’s arsenal include the newly-signed Mark Magsumbol, Richard Ian Saladaga, Warren Ybañez, Abby Santos and Franklin Nailon. (FREEMAN NEWS)