US envoy graces All-Star today

Manila, Philippines - US Ambassador Harry Tomas will deliver the ceremonial pitch, kicking off today’s Pepsi Fil-Am Friendship Day All-Star Game at the Alabang Country Club in Muntinlupa City.

The leading and rising stars in Baseball Philippines showcase their wares in the game set at 11 a.m. with the US envoy, a noted sports buff, gracing the festivities marking the Fil-Am Day celebrations.

Manila’s Jhoel Palanog, Batangas’ Randy Dizer and Dumaguete’s Iking Jimenez will be the men at the helm of the Red All-Star team composed of Charlie Labrador, Chris Canlas, Christian Galedo, Deo Remollo, Ernesto Binarao, Francis Candela, Jonjon Robles, Justin Zialcita, Mike Gante, Pelos Remollo, Romeo Jasmin, Rommel Roja, SJ San Juan, Vio Roxas and Vlady Eguia.

On the other hand, Adrian Bernardo, Alfredo Olivarez, Carlos Laurel, Carlos Muñoz, Christian De Leon, Darwin Dela Calzada, Denver Largo, Fulgencio Rances, Jonash Ponce, Matt Laurel, Miggy Corcuera, Richard Gamble, Tino Ubungen, Wilfredo Hidalgo and Lorenzo Ubungen make up the Blue All-Star squad to be handled by Isaac Bacarisas of Cebu, Gerry Fernandez of Taguig and Jeffrey Santiago of Alabang.

The event is organized by Community Sports Inc. and sponsored by Gatorade, Rawlings, Harbour Centre, The Heritage Park, Emperador Distillers, Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Victory Liner and Clark Development Corp. Other backers are Pepsi, Equilibrium, Ayala Alabang Village Association, Brgy. Ayala Alabang, Dunkin’ Donuts, Lifeline, JBSFP and Integrated Waste Management Inc.

Meanwhile, Manila took the top seeding in the semis as it completed a 13-6 rout of Alabang at Rizal Memorial baseball stadium yesterday.

Action actually starts at 8 a.m. with Taguig taking on Dumaguete with the Patriots needing a win to secure the third spot in the semifinal round of Baseball Phils. Series 8.

The league will also honor the Philippine teams set to compete in international competitions, including the World Series, while fun games will also be on tap for the fans.

The league is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Amateur Baseball Association, Philippine Umpires Association and DZSR Sports Radio 918.

The win, the Sharks’ ninth against one loss, also foiled the Cebu Dolphins’ bid for the No. 1 berth despite the latter’s 4-2 victory over the Dumaguete Uni-Bikers. 4-2, in Clark Field, Pampanga, also yesterday.

For details, log on towww.baseballphilippines.com and www.facebook.com/baseballphilippines.