Hapee sponsors RP candidate squad

Lamoiyan Corp. formalized yesterday its agreement with the Philippine Basketball Association to make Hapee Toothpaste a title sponsor for one of two Philippine candidate teams in the PBA Governors Cup starting Feb. 10 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Lamoiyan Corp. president and chief executive officer Cecilio Pedro and PBA commissioner Jun Bernardino signed the sponsorship agreement at the Westin Philippine Plaza. Also present in the ceremony were PBL chairman Dioceldo Sy and PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad.

Hapee entered into the sponsorship agreement to the tune of P8.5 million. The sponsorship cost will reach as much as P15 million if the Hapee Philippine Candidates Team figures in the finals.

Composing the Hapee Philippine Candidates Team are Danny Ildefonso, Johnny Abarrientos, brothers Danny and Andy Seigle, Boyet Fernandez, Noy Castillo, Renren Ritualo, Jeffrey Cariaso, Don Camaso, Rudy Hatfield, Mick Pennisi, Marlou Aquino, Davonn Harp, EJ Feihl and Romel Adducul.

Selecta sponsors the other team. Carrying the Selecta banner are Olsen Racela, Patrick Fran, Kenneth Duremdes, Chris Calaguio, Chris Jackson, Chris Clay, Jeffrey Flowers, Jimmy Alapag, Eric Menk, Asi Taulava, Dennis Espino, Rafi Reavies, Ali Peek, Dondon Hontiveros and Poch Juinio.

Pedro appointed veteran sportscaster Emy Arcilla as team manager of the Hapee RP Candidates Team.

Hapee’s sponsorship agreement with the PBA somehow underscores the Lamoiyan Corp.’s intention to join the country’s premier pro league someday. "We’ll talk about it in due time," said Pedro.

Pedro said he did not take long to decide to accept PBA’s offer for them to be part of the Philippines’ quest to win the elusive gold medal in Asian Games in Busan, South Korea this September since they’ve long been supporting sports development in the country.

Aside from maintaining a ballclub in the PBL, Lamoiyan is also sponsoring football and swimming tournaments. Hapee was also the Philippine delegation’s official toothpaste in the 1988, 1992 and 1996 Olympics.

"Like our commitment with the PBL, Lamoiyan Corp. totally supports PBA in the development of the sport in the country. When we joined the PBL, Lamoiyan Corp.’s focus was to be part in the development of basketball in the country. And when we accepted PBA’s request, our focus remains the same," said Pedro. – Nelson Beltran