CSLI turns 20

I had a wonderful time Tuesday night at the 20th anniversary celebration of Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc.

More than being a man at the helm of the shipping company, Chester Cokaliong is also well-known for his passion for basketball. In fact, we became friends 11 years ago when he first organized the Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association.

Through ten seasons of the CECABA, I have always been present during opening day to cover the event for TV and in the process I have made many friends from CEC that oftentimes I am mistaken to be an Easternian. I am not, but I feel at home among the members of CECABA as most of them are very friendly.

I have since been to many events in Chester’s life — his birthday celebrations, ship inaugurations, thanksgiving parties and many more. 

I have also covered for TV his games against different teams and in different tournaments. 

As a friend, he is also very supportive. He goes out of his way to support your career and your endeavors. This goes for everyone in various fields, which is the reason why you see them at his events also.

While he is often seen as a very serious and hardworking businessman and ball player, Chester, if you don’t know yet, is also a very doting father and husband. 

Cheers to your company’s 20th anniversary my friend!

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The 1st Fastball Baseball Cup for Kids is set this Saturday at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Mandaue City.

Games will start at 8:30 am and will run until 5:30 p.m., said Jesse Bernad, who added that Alaska Milk is supporting the tournament.

There will be games in the T-Ball, Little League and Juniors categories. T-Ball is for those aged 5 to 8 years old, Little League for 9 to 12 and Juniors for 13 to 16 years old.

If you want to see baseball action, head to the Aboitiz Sports Field this Saturday and enjoy the games.

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For those into rugby, not those street urchins who carry around small plastic bags, but the sport, there is going to be the annual general meeting of the Visayas Rugby Football Union also this Saturday.

The AGM and Christmas Awards will be held at the Sports Exchange Bar & Grill immediately after the final Dragon’s Challenge Cup match that will also be played at the Aboitiz Sports Field after the baseball event.

I am not part of this group, but just had to relay the message that was emailed to me by Jerry Branzuela as we do have a good number of rugby fans in Cebu.

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MILESTONES: A very happy birthday to my fellow sports columnist Bobby Motus, who is turning a year older today. The same goes to Anjanette Zozobrado, Janice Tangub, and Waterfront’s Shelley Arciaga.

Advance birthday greetings go to Friday’s celebrators – my aunt Ofelia F. Quiñones-Gabbidon, my classmate Kerrwin Sanchez of Cebu City Marriott Hotel, and Dr. Joseph Burt Ruedas.

More power to all of you!   (FREEMAN NEWS)