PBA Legends grace Canlubang cage exhibition

MANILA, Philippines - A number of PBA legends will backstop a Canlubang selection against The Philippine STAR team on May 28 at Don Bosco gym in Canlubang in an exhibition game that will kick off a series of activities for the Balik-Canlubang homecoming next year.

Led by four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio, the former PBA stars who were invited through Robert Non, SMC basketball operations head, include Allan Caidic, SMB coach Ato Agustin, Johnny Abarrientos, Peter Martin and Hector Calma. Jerry Codiñera, currently the UE Warriors coach, will also suit up for the contest.

Philippine Sports commissioner Chito Loyzaga has also been invited to grace the rites starting at 4 p.m. together with Canlubang Barangay chair Eric Manaig.

The combined selection will meet The STAR squad which has been a perennial Inter-Publications basketball champion.

The Balik-Canlubang project is an endeavor by the Canlubang residents to bring back all bonafide “Batang Canlubang” from all over the world to a grand reunion on Jan. 6-7, 2012.

The exhibition game will serve as the first of a series of sporting events lined up by the steering committee, headed by Ely Baradas.

It will also stage an amateur boxing exhibition, a fun run and an 18-hole golf tournament at Cangolf to raise funds for the homecoming.

It also plans to hold a medical mission for senior citizens of the town.

The event is sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, The STAR Group of Publications, Canlubang Barangay Council, Rizal Institute Alumni Association and sportsman Tom Trinidad. Councilman Hector Fajardo also assisted in putting up the match.

The Canlubang lineup is composed of William Rivera, Paul Marqueses, Shaq Jimenez, Ronaldo Robles, Arnie Gutierrez, Paul Dumlao, Tristan Laurel, T-Jay Bacani, Joseph Jake Belen, Gremael Paraiso, James Moaña, John Laurel, Bryan Manaig, Mark Anthony Gastilla, Clarence Advincula and Edrian Delfino with Joy Zabala, Boy Genota, Bong Tolentino and Armel Ibarra making up the coaching staff.

The STAR Group is made up of Ver Roque, Cris Corbin, Jong Bondoc, Mario Geocada, Randel Reducto, Bong Martinez, Gio Coquilla, Dennis Rodriquez, Gerald Ortega, Niño Sangalang, Wayne Tabang, Lester Reyes, Rene Recto and player-coach Alfred Bartolome with Mike Maneze as team manager.