M’lang hosts Palawan Pawnshop netfest

MANILA, Philippines - Action in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age-group tennis circuit resumes tomorrow with the staging of the M’lang leg with a huge field expected to see action in Cotabato.

The region’s top age-groupers, headed by April Minet Bentillo, AJ Alejandre and Shaira Hope Rivera, have confirmed participation in the four-day event, guaranteeing an action-packed duel in various divisions, the first-ever national tournament M’lang is hosting in a long, long while.

“This is a good opportunity for our young players and only lately did we have a truly junior program that is nationwide in scope through the effort of Palawan Pawnshop,” said Mayor Joselito Piñol. “We really want to ensure the success of this event and we are very thankful for Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala for putting up a tournament here.”

Also in the fold are Nicole Bautista, Carlyn Bless Guarde, Andre Sing, John David Velez, Patricia Velez, Ramon Bentillo, Jazelle and Tenielle Madis, Cedric and Adrei Pamplona, Jyle Cyrin Martinez, Ma Angelica Novis, Shane and Marco Barrios, Jeff Alqueza, JV and Eric Comendador.

“Palawan Pawnshop has been in the forefront of tennis development for years and we will continue providing our youth top-notch tournaments like this,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro. “This tournament will surely inspire our young players to achieve a higher level of play.”

The tournament, sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Associaiton headed by president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, is also expected to draw entries from Davao City, Tagum City, Digos City, Kidapawan City, Alamada, Malita, Midsayap, Kabacan, Toril, Panabo,Tadeco, Gen san,Koronadal, Tupi and Sultan Kudarat.

The blue-ribbon event is also held in conjunction with the town’s fiesta celebrations with the local government waiving the entry fee while providing free accommodations and free souvenir shirts to all participants.