School alumni, US envoy, celebs spice up Game 1

MANILA, Philippines - It was another starry affair as Ateneo and La Salle renewed their storied rivalry and engaged in a “Dream Match” for the UAAP title for the first time since 2008.

Famous alumni of both squads – from sports to showbiz to business to public service – took time off to join the 16,712-strong crowd that witnessed the opener of the best-of-three finals at the MOA Arena.

New US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim came to the game to get a first-hand experience of what his predecessors usually experience here. He was accompanied by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez 

PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and former Ambassador Danding Cojuangco, the top benefactors of Ateneo and La Salle, respectively, led high-powered personalities among the sea of blue and green.

Former President and current Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada was another interested spectator as did former varsities like Chris Tiu, Von Pessumal, and Almond Vosotros, sports execs like Philippine weightlifting Association president Monico Puentevella and Philspada chief Mike Barredo, and showbiz personalities like Edu Manzano and Randy Santiago.

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So intense was the on-court battle that a commotion transpired on the sidelines. 

Former Batangas Vice Gov. Mark Leviste, wearing a personalized La Salle jersey, rushed over to the Ateneo bench to accost a member of the Ateneo coaching staff in the third quarter. 

Leviste said he was provoked by the assistant coach. 

They were eventually pacified and everyone enjoyed the rest of the exciting match won by La Salle, 67-65.