Must-see games

For the first time this 11th season of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) basketball tournament, I watched a game last Thursday at the Cebu Coliseum.

I never had the chance to be at the games earlier this season due to the conflict with my work schedule, but last Thursday, I just had to be there to watch one of two exciting semifinal games.

I managed to catch three quarters of the match up between Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles and the Cebu Eastern College Dragons.

SHS enjoys a twice-to-beat advantage, but that doesn’t matter anymore now as CEC won the game and forged a do-or-die battle this Tuesday, I was told.

I was hoping to stay for the collegiate match-up between Southwestern University and the University of the Visayas, but I had to go back to the office and had to be satisfied with learning about the result later that night.

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I sat with the parents and supporters of SHS-Ateneo de Cebu, who were grouped on the bleachers on the right side of the court.

The CEC parents and supporters were on the other side.

The cheering was deafening and in the end, although sad that the Magis Eagles lost, the supporters knew that they would be back for the do-or-die battle.

Among those I sat with were Wilson and Cherry Pie Yu, whose son plays for SHS.

Wilson is actually in an awkward position as he is an alumnus and former basketball player of CEC.

Now, it is love for his son that is prevailing and having parents like that is actually what is helping many school teams reach lofty goals.

The support of the alumni is also a key and both SHS and CEC are perfect examples of such.

Expect an even bigger crowd next week as two major battles will be played.

Wear comfortable clothes and see you there.

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This 2 p.m., the Queen City United Football Club of Cebu is going up against Stallions FC in the United Football League Cup.

Although the game is in Manila, we here in Cebu would get a chance to watch it live on AKTV channel 13.

This is the reason why the UFL leaders are very hopeful of better things to come for the league, some of the games get televised, which would make them much more appealing to the sponsors.

This is already a good start, but I’m sure there would be more coming in the future.

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MILESTONES: Happy birthday greetings go to Darlene Dayoc and Dominic Celocia, who are turning a year older today.

Advance greetings go to Richard Villaceran, who is celebrating tomorrow.

More power to all of you! - THE FREEMAN