Cebuano sportsman displays love for hoops in Emil’s Cup

CEBU, Philippines - Self-effacing Cebuano businessman/sportsman Jerry Oberes relishes each moment of having provided a little spark, in his own little way, to the nearly dead state of Cebu commercial basketball.

Not only that, his Emil's Fresh Chicken Cup tournament held every first week of August at the Lipata Sports Complex in Barangay Linao, Minglanilla is a complete package for hoop fans with no less than former PBA players, commercial veterans and collegiate stars looking forward to it each year.

Still enjoying the sweeping success of the 9th Emil's Cup wherein the championship match was witnessed by an overflowing crowd of over 10,000 that packed the Minglanilla Sports Complex to the rafters three weeks ago, Oberes can't help but fondly recall the humble beginnings of his annual cagefest that is now the most sought-after commercial tilt in the Visayas region.

During his younger days, Oberes said he used to watch classic hardcourt action in their place even before the PBA was formed. That flared up his fervor for hoops that until now keeps on burning.

Now an established businessman, Oberes noticed that there had been no regular commercial basketball in this side of the country.

After a deep thought during his solitary moments, Oberes said there was a strong urge within him to take matters into his own hands. To make the long story short, that led him to the establishment of the Emil's Cup with the help of noted referee and league organizer Edwin Dejacto way back in 2007.

"I organized the Emil's Cup with the help of some well-meaning friends mainly because of my passion for basketball. I want the Cebuanos especially those in my place to experience a highly entertaining hardcourt action once in a while," said Oberes.

"It's also something that I prayed hard. God has been so good to me and I desire to make others happy too that is why I thought of having this event. I purposely scheduled it every first week of August in time for our annual fiesta celebration as a way of thanksgiving for all the blessings I received," he added. 

From only P10,000 for the champion during their maiden offering nine years ago, the stakes are getting higher as the years go by with the grand winner racking up P120,000 in its most latest edition. The nearly half million in cash prize all come from the pocket of Oberes.

Aside from having no registration fee for all entries, the games are also open to the public for free. That is already a palatable treat to fans in a week-long joust featuring top caliber players that is an assortment of ex-pros, commercial mainstays and collegiate standouts wrapped from one team to another.

"More than the success of the Emil's Cup, making the fans happy and thrilled to the bones during games is what matters most to me. Having achieved such encourages me to make the tournament bigger and more exciting more so that we are now heading to our 10th year," said Oberes.

True enough, Oberes is now laying down the legwork for an inter high-school tiff this Christmas. That is only an aperitif to a much grander commercial tourney he plans to stage in time for the Sinulog festivities.

In retrospect, Oberes regarded his move nearly a decade ago as the best thing he has ever done out of his love for basketball. That will be his shining legacy to Cebu hoopdom. (FREEMAN)