On acoustic night, CESAFI players blend well with each other

SAINT BERNARD, So. Leyte, Philippines — The St. Isidore Parish Fiesta Invitational Cup does not only set the stage for a high-level competition among Cebu's top collegiate ballclubs.

It also provides each team a perfect opportunity to bond and get to know each other well especially their new recruits as they gear up for this year's Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) season set to open in the first week of August at the Cebu Coliseum.

"Competition aside, this is truly a great moment of team bonding for us," said Southwestern University-Phinma Cobras head coach  Mike Reyes.

While players from Southwestern U, University of the Visayas, University of Cebu and University of San Carlos frolicked in the swimming pool of the picturesque Kissbone Cove and Resort where they are billeted on the day of their arrival, the University of Southern Philippines Panthers enjoyed dipping in the cold waters of Hindag-an Falls, one of Saint Bernard's places of interest.

"I am happy to see them enjoy and have fun with each other. It's one way to build stronger teamwork amongst them," said USPF chief strategist Albert Alocillo.

The day's main highlight, however, was the acoustic night by the beachfront with the Cebuano hardcourt stars acting as entertainers.

Enticed by tournament manager Van Halen Parmis with monetary remuneration for every performance, players from different teams showcased their singing and guitar playing skills at the same time that were as cool as the sea breeze.

Interestingly, what was supposed to be just for fun  has somehow became some sort of CESAFI's Got Talent version with each team seriously taking turns to perform with much gusto and liveliness to the delight of everybody around.

Led by center/forward Jayson Balabag on guitar and sharpshooting guard  Tristan Albina on keyboard, the UV Lancers performed a variety of Bisrock hits to set a jovial mood for the night.

"Aside from playing basketball, singing and playing the guitar are the other things I love to do most," said Balabag, who can also executive magic tricks with savvy.

The Webmasters wowed the audience with their reggae medley, while the SWU Cobras, guided by the powerful vocals of Adam Elnor who also plays guitar beautifully,  were a standout in their medley from the '90s alternative rock 'Huling El Bimbo' by Eraserheads to Jason Mraz's hit single "I'm Yours" that brought the house down.

"Just like what we've been doing the past, we want to make this tournament a fun and enjoyable experience for all the participants," said St. Isidore Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Joselito 'Joy' C. Catubig, the  organizer of this annual event he conceptualized in 2013.— EBV (FREEMAN)