Phl U-13 squad competes in Guam Annual Invitational

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will participate in the ninth Annual Thanksgiving Hoopfest Invitational youth basketball friendship tournament scheduled Nov. 16-25 in Guam.

Handled by multi-titled youth coach Mark Herrera and supported by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the Philippines will take part in the 13 years-and-under category in this week-long competition hosted by the Office of the Mayor for Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon of Guam.

“This is a good opportunity for our players to hone their skills while playing against top players from other countries in an invitational tournament,” said Herrera, who was personally tapped by SBP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and vice-chairman Ricky Vargas to handle the team as part of the SBP’s grassroots program.

“Aside from being able to get a first-hand experience in international basketball, our players will also get the chance to meet new friends from Guam and other participating countries,” added Herrera.

Herrera thanked Pangilinan, Vargas, SBP executive director Sonny Barrios and deputy director Bernie Atienza, as well as Arnel Hibo, first vice president of AMA Computer University, for supporting the team.

“The whole team, especially the players and their parents, are very thankful for the support of Mr. Pangilinan, Mr. Vargas and the SBP,” added Herrera, who led the AMA Titans to their first NAASCU Final Four in four years.

The country will be represented by Kean Miguel Herrera, Patrick Xavier Jorvina, Ludgerio Dazo IV, Yves Gabriel Lazaro, Jed Ramos and Jan Carlo Baltazar of Ateneo, Clark Garret Quijano, Sean Daniel Barranco and Pawan Deep Singh of St. Augustine International School, Marc Kristian Sausa Marty and Maurice Paredes of AMA Computer University, Dominic Panlilio, Jose Diego Rodrigo, Matthew Concepcion and Rodel Victor Joven of La Salle Greenhills, and Clint Escamis and Enzo Buncayo of San Beda Alabang.

The members of the coaching staff are Ronald Barranco, assistant coach-trainer; Patrick Jonathan Carpio, conditioning coach; and Aldric Manrique, adviser.

Elsa Ulloa, program coordinator, said the Guam event will include competitive games, cultural exchange and visits to Guam schools as part of its goal to educate, exchange and reach out to youths in today’s modern world.

 The prestigious sports-cultural event is being supported by ACAS, a non-profit organization, and the Office of the Mayor for Tamuning-Tumon and Harmon.