AirAsia supports RP Patriots in ABL

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Patriots have found a major backer in their quest for a second straight Asean Basketball League (ABL) title.

AirAsia recently formalized its tie-up with the Patriots in a partnership that hopefully produces another championship come February.

The Patriots distinguished themselves as the inaugural champions of the fledgling league involving countries within the Asean region. They made history last season when they completed a three-game sweep of the SM Britama of Indonesia for the title.

AirAsia, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was recently recognized as the best low-cost airline in the world today.

AirAsia has been involved with the ABL from the very beginning, serving as official carrier of the league, which chief executive officer Tony Fernandes considers as one the company’s major thrusts.

AirAsia has also a big stake in the Lotus team in the Formula One Grand Prix.

Tonyboy Cojuangco, co-owner of the Patriots together with sportsman-businessman Mikee Romero, hopes the team’s deal with AirAsia would further boost the airline’s stock among Filipinos and neighboring countries as well.

Romero said they’re forming a competitive team since Indonesians, Malaysians and even Singapore are dead set in spoiling the Patriots’ back-to-back bid.

“We hope we can form the team by the middle of the month and we have to get the best available players around,” said Patriots team manager Erick Arejola

AirAsia representative Maan Hontiveros added that there is a powerful market in the Asean region – an opportunity tourists and travelers should readily take advantage of through the low budget fares offered by the most successful low carrier airline in the world.

And proof of how attractive the booming Asean market is, Hontiveros said Vietnam and Cambodia – as well as one more possible team from the Philippines – have already signified their intention to join the ABL hopefully by its third season.

The second season of the ABL kicks off on Oct. 2 with a game pitting the Kuala Lumpur Dragons against the Thailand Cobras in Malaysia.

The following day, the Patriots begin their title defense by taking on the Brunei Barracudas at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Completing the six-team cast are Muda Britama of Indonesia and the Singapore Slingers.