Stars play for Zambo victims

MANILA, Philippines - A lone basketball goodwill  game for the benefit of victims of the nearly two-week  encounter between rebel forces and the military will be staged tomorrow at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Called the Smart Friendly Game: Ayuda Zamboanga, the event will see Manila-based Zamboangueños, fighting under Team Zamboanga, go up against Team Sky Force made up of stalwarts from the Metro Manila school leagues such as the UAAP and NCAA.

Proceeds of the game at  6 p.m. will go to the residents of Zamboanga City who are  victimized by  the ongoing crisis, according to chief organizers, Councilor Vincent Guingona and sportsman Rolando Navarro.

Team Zamboanga is composed of current PBA campaigners Gary David, Marc Barroca, Chester Tolomia and Rudy Lingganay and will be reinforced by collegiate players  Mike Tolomia, Garvo Lanete, RR Garcia, Kiefer Ravena, Jojo Belorio, Al-Rauf Julkipli and Robin Rono.

David, a member of FIBA-Asia silver medalist Gilas Pilipinas and Ravena although not Zamboaangueños, volunteered to play to help raise funds for the victims, according to Marvin Padrigao during yesterday’s SCOOP session at the Kamayan Restaurant-Padre Faura.

Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano had also volunteered to see action, Padrigao added.