PBAPC Annual rites draw major support

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Sports, San Miguel Corp., Coca-Cola and Pagcor back the PBA Press Corps (PBAPC) as it holds its 2009 Annual Awards starting at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at The Alegria of the Holiday Inn Manila Pavilion.

The affair, with veteran sportscasters Ed Picson and Patricia Bermudez-Hizon as emcees, will be highlighted by the crowning of the Coach of the Year and the Executive of the Year.

The PBAPC, a group of sportswriters regularly covering the PBA games, also fetes other achievers including the Defensive Player of the Year, Mr. Quality Minutes, Comeback Player of the Year, the All-Rookie Team and the Referee of the Year.

At stake for the Coach of the Year is the prestigious Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan Trophy. Elegant trophies by Angel Zamora and Sons will be given to the other awardees.

Smart Sports, San Miguel Corp., Coca-Cola and Pagcor have been major supporters of Philippine sports.

Smart Sports bankrolls the Smart Gilas developmental team and the RP boxing squad among others while San Miguel Corp. and Coca-Cola have taken their turns funding the RP basketball team.

Pagcor, under chairman Efraim Genuino, has its own sports program aside from being a major funding arm of the Philippine Sports Commission as mandated by law.

These sports patrons back the press corps as it holds its annual bash where it also launches the 2009 edition of its annual magazine The Extra Period.

Legendary coach Baby Dalupan is expected to grace the event to personally award the Dalupan Trophy to the Coach of the Year. Tipped to win the award is Talk n Text mentor Chot Reyes.

PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios, current board chairman Lito Alvarez, immediate past chairman Joaqui Trillo and other top PBA officials are also expected to grace the occasion.