SBC launches Hall of Fame search; 13 named

Saying it’s better late than never, the San Beda College Alumni Association has launched the search for the first inductees to the San Beda Hall of Fame as a fitting tribute to its distinguished alumni, both living and dead, whose vision, talent, commitment and dedication helped shape Philippine sports.

The steering committee has come up with 13 nominees, according to SBCAA president Nicolas "Tata" Carranceja, leaving the board of judges to decide the final composition of the first batch of Hall of Famers. The decision will be made on Nov. 22 at the San Beda College boardroom.

In the list are Ramon "Mon" Aldea (archery), Enrique Beech (shooting), Charles Borck (basketball), Florencio Campomanes (chess), Loreto Carbonell (basketball), Antonio "Tony" Genato (basketball), Carlos "Caloy" Loyzaga (basketball), Arturo "Art" Macapagal (shooting) and Ponciano "Pons" Saldana (basketball).

Those who have passed away but left behind so much pride, inspiration and a great tradition of excellence and quality for future Filipino generations are Rafael "Piling" Barretto (basketball), Eduardo "Eddie" Lim (basketball), Arturo "Luli" Rius (basketball) and Ildefonso "Ponching" Tronqued Sr. (football).

"It could be some of them, half of them or all of them. It’s now up to the board of judges to decide who makes it to the first batch of Hall of Famers, although these gentlemen are truly deserving," said Carranceja, himself a great Filipino athlete, being a member of the national basketball team that won the ABC Championship in Manila in 1960.

Those who will be chosen will be honored during the traditional Red and White Ball on Feb. 20, 2003 at The NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City. Their portraits and other professional mementos will be displayed on the hall of the St. Placid Sports Center now being constructed inside the SBC campus and expected to be finished early next year.

The board of judges is made up of distinguished individuals in the field of sports, education and government service: Rev. Anscar Chupungco, OSB, Rector, SBC; Atty. Raul Roco, former senator and education secretary; Jose Carlos Lacson, congressman, third district of Negros Occidental; Atty. Rene Saguisag, former senator and human rights advocate; Manuel Pangilinan, CEO and president of PLDT; and Emilio Bernardino, commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association.

Billy Ong Hua Chiong leads the steering committee that will continue to look for future Hall of Famers. The other members of the committee are Ral Rosario, Jose Mari Lascon, Mario Soriano, Frank Yulo and Joey Lim.

A certain criteria must be met by future nominees: he must have studied in any academic department of San Beda College for at least two years or be an SBC diploma holder; must be at least 45 years old; must have demonstrated outstanding and responsible leadership; must have contributed significantly to the development of Philippine sports; and must epitomize and exemplify the Bedan qualities of work and prayer, thus serving as role model to the members of the Bedan community and society in general.