Pilipinas Super League players beam with pride

MANILA, Philippines – Players who saw action for the Palarong Pambansa know the feeling of what it takes playing in the national level, but for players competing in a nationwide scope for the first time, it’s definitely a surreal moment.

PSL commissioner Alan Caidic saw it up close and personal when he watched the PSL Mindanao Regional Finals as the outpouring joy was written on the faces of the squads which earned berths to the National Finals, every team’s ticket meal going to the biggest event to be staged by the Pilipinas Super League that is the Global Championship Challenge that unfurls on July 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“When we were in Mindanao, tuwang-tuwa yung, I think it’s MisOr, competing in Born 2006, Tuwang-tuwa sila kasi yung representing Mindanao sa National Finals, para sa kanila napakalaking accomplishment na noon,” said Caidic.

“Imagine if you win in the national level and you’re going to represent the Philippines (for the Global Games). Yun ang ibinibigay ng PSL dito sa Pilipinas pati na rin sa mga players natin sa ibang bansa.”

Such opportunity was echoed by PJ Simon, deputy commissioner for Mindanao.

“Mas marami rito yung less fortunate, but you can be sure that yung mga ganyang klaseng bata, makikipagpatayan yan sa laro,” added Simon during his guesting at the PSL National Finals: Meeting The Combatants online interview.

“Nakakalaro ko mismo yung mga bata dito, nakikita ko sila. One thing is for sure, fighter sila lahat. Ito na yung dream nila na makapaglaro sa Manila. Napakasarap ng feeling na ganun. Nung panahon namin, walang opportunity na ibinibigay na ganun. Now, kaliwa’t-kanan yung opportunity na naibibigay sa kanila.”

A total of 23 teams are competing in the National Finals with five Visayan teams completing the cast.

Emerging as champions in their respective divisions were Cebu-Khalifa (Born 2004), Cebu-USPF (Born 2008) and Cebu-GN Splasher (Born 2006).

But due to conflict in the Palarong Pambansa, Cebu's Born 2006 team won't be able to compete in the National Finals.

Also cracking spots in the tournament that serves as a qualifying event for the first ever Global Championship Challenge, the flagship tournament of the PSL, are runner-ups Cebu-Shirillin/Atty. Dico (Born 2004), Ormoc-OCCCI (Born 2008) and Cebu-USJR (Born 2006).

They will join the early qualifiers, the top two placers in the previous regional events:

Mindanao – Davao Occidental (Born 2004 champion), Misamis Oriental (Born 2006 champion), Davao City (Born 2008 champion), Davao City (Born 2004 runner-up), Tagum City (Born 2006 runner-up) and Misamis Oriental (Born 2008 runner-up).

NCR – Caloocan (Born 2004 champion), Manila-UST (Born 2006 champion), Caloocan (Born 2008 champion), Manila-UST (Born 2004 runner-up), Caloocan (Born 2006 runner-up) and Manila-UST (Born 2008 runner-up).

Luzon – Tarlac (Born 2004 champion), Pangasinan (Born 2006 champion), Cavite (Born 2008 champion), Pampanga-Luid (Born 2004 runner-up), Pampanga-Luid (Born 2006 runner-up), Pampanga-Luid (Born 2008 runner-up).