MVP, Reyes lead awardees in PBAPC rites

MANILA, Philippines - Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes and owner Manny V. Pangilinan share the spotlight as winners of the Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year awards, respectively, in the 2011 PBA Press Corps Annual Awards at the Topaz Room of Gateway Suites in Cubao, Quezon City tonight.

Reyes will be the recipient of the Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan Trophy while Pangilinan gets the Danny Floro Trophy in the blue ribbon affair starting promptly at 7 p.m. Dave Floro, son of the legendary Crispa Redmanizer team owner, will be present.

The Talk n Text mentor brings home the Dalupan Trophy for an unprecedented fifth time while Pangilinan takes the Floro Trophy for the second time.

They were the outstanding choices for the prestigious awards for the major breakthrough of the Tropang Texters in the PBA season just past.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, a keen follower of the game, is the guest of honor and speaker in the rites also marked by a special tribute to the late former PBA commissioner Rudy Salud, with long-time friend Consul Eddie de Guzman saying a few words.

Talk n Text’s Jason Castro and Petron Blaze’s Arwind Santos and Danny Ildefonso are among the achievers to be feted in the awards night presented by San Miguel Corporation, Powerade and Smart Sports.

Castro is the recipient of the Maynilad Mr. Quality Minutes award, Santos is to receive the Sapal Elastic Sealant and Waterproofer Defensive Player of the Year plum while Ildefonso gets the Comeback Player of the Year honors. 

As the Comeback Player of the Year, Ildefonso will be awarded the William “Bogs” Adornado Trophy.

Also to be cited is Mark Caguioa as the Accel Order of Merit Winner, Jimmy Mariano as Referee of the Year and Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Noy Baclao, Rob Labalaga, Sean Anthony and John Wilson comprising the Energen All-Rookie Team.

TV5 star singer Morisette Amon will render a number, alternately with Gray Room and Resort World performer Wally Sulit.

Seasoned sportscasters Sev Sarmenta and Patricia Bermudez-Hizon serve as emcees of the rites also marked by the launching of the PBA Press Corps’ annual magazine The Extra Period, featuring the exploits of the awardees among others.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud, current board chairman Mert Mondragon, immediate past chair Rene Pardo and other PBA officials are expected to grace the occasion.