3 PBA teams to see action in Cebu-Leyte charity hoop, Ginebra, Barako Bull and Meralco to play for benefit of Yolanda victims

CEBU, Philippines – Bannered by Brgy. Ginebra Kings, Barako Bull Energy Cola, and the Meralco Bolts, the pro cagers will go up against Goldstar Hardware Davao, which recently ruled the Kadayawan Festival Invitational Cup, and Cebu's Cong. Samsam Gullas team backed up by Panalay Tailoring of coach Van Halen Parmis.

The first stop of the five-day caging for a cause is the bustling town of Hinundayan in Southern Leyte where Goldstar-Davao will clash with Cong. Samsam Gullas-Panalay Tailoring in a charity exhibition match on at 6 p.m. September 24.

Aside from the exciting hardcourt action, fans will also get a chance to hobnob with their PBA idols during a brief 'Meet and Greet' program scheduled before the game. On top of that, representatives from Ginebra and Barako will distribute relief goods to the victims of last year's super storm in Hindayan as part of their community outreach project.

"We're looking forward to this historic event for our town. This is part of our earnest drive to promote Hinundayan because even some people in Leyte don't know where Hinundayan is. I hope after this PBA games, many will already know more about our place," said Hinundayan Mayor Evelyn T. Lee during a press conference yesterday at the newly-opened Bayfront Hotel Cebu.

Mayor Lee was joined by former Cebu First District. Rep. Eduardo "Eddiegul" R. Gullas, Mandaue City Vice Mayor Glen Bercede, and Fr. Joselito Catubig of St. Bernard Parish during the formal launching of the event.

"I would like to congratulate Mayor Evelyn (Lee), Fr. Lito (Catubig) and the rest of the organizers. I know it is hard to invite PBA teams to come here and play and they are able to do it not only two but three PBA teams so this is something really big especially for the Cebuanos who really passionate about basketball," said Gullas.

Games in Hinundayan will further heat up on September 25-26, with Ginebra and Barako Bull taking centerstage against Goldstar Davao and Cong. Samsam Gullas-Panalay Tailoring. Tickets are priced at P250 for the upperbox, P500 for the ringside and p1,000 for the VIP seats. Tickets are available at the St. Bernard parish through Councilor Gemma Calungsod, MBU Meatshop (Sogod and Hinundayan branches), and Pet Care Center in Sogod, Leyte.

"We're expecting a huge turnout of fans to watch the games because this is the first time in the history that PBA teams will play in Hinundayan,"said Fr. Catubig.

After Hinundayan, Barako Bull, Goldstar Davao and Cong.Samsam Gullas will travel to Cebu for a showdown with the Meralco Bolts at 7 p.m. on September 27 at the Minglanilla Sports Complex. Tickets are priced at P150 for the upper box, P250 for the stage, and P500 for ringside.

The top two teams will then clash for the championship at 4 p.m. on September 28 at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex. Tickets are pegged at P200 for upper box, P400 for stage, P500 for lower box,  and P700 for ringside.

There will be free deliveries for a minimum order of tickets worth P1,000 in Cebu City and Mandaue areas only. For further inquiries, one may call 0923-7482110, 0922-5183771, 0917-6888890, 0998-3985159, or 422-8988. (FREEMAN)