Filoil pays tribute to UST, La Salle

MANILA, Philippines - De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas celebrate milestones in their school history, and to highlight their season, the Green Archers and the Growling Tigers will headline the opening of the 2011 Filoil Flying V Hanes Pre-Season Premier Cup on Saturday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Archers, who are celebrating their school’s 100th year, and the Tigers, representing the country’s oldest educational institution at 400 years, clash in the main offering at 4 p.m. in an explosive opening salvo.

Filoil Flying V Sports chairman Joey Guillermo said the opening game serve as a tribute to both schools.

“This is Filoil and Flying V’s tribute to De La Salle and UST for having these significant milestones in their history,” said Guillermo, who also noted that this is the first time that the Tigers will be joining the Filoil Flying V tournament, which is now on its fifth year.

The La Salle-UST clash will be preceded by another blockbuster of a match between two-time UAAP champion Ateneo and two-time NCAA titlist San Beda College at 2 p.m., right after an hour-long opening ceremony.

The Blue Eagles and the Red Lions play for bragging rights for their respective leagues even as they gear up for the coming regular season.

Yet another game to watch is a game between archrivals Ateneo Eaglets and De La Salle-Zobel in the lone junior match at 6 p.m. to cap the opening day for the tournament title-sponsored by Hanes and presented by Pioneer Mighty Bond Xtreme and Elastoseal with major sponsors Filoil, Flying V, Total Phils., TMS Ship Agencies and Molten, the official ball.

The seniors doubleheader on Saturday also showcases the much-awaited clash of this year’s celebrated rookies.

Tickets for the games are now available at SM at 470-2222 or at the Arena gate.