Winners of See’s contest

We called it our sweetest contest ever and why not?  It’s the first time we’re giving away treats from See’s Candies Manila and since we launched the contest two weeks ago, entries came in from different parts of the country, including Aklan, Cagayan de Oro, Pampanga, Batangas, Camarines Norte and Laguna, among many others, indicating a strong, widespread inclination towards sweet things.

See’s Candies aren’t the only sweet things we’re awarding our three winners.  Other prizes are a boxing glove autographed by WBA welterweight champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao, P4,000 worth of gift certificates from Planet Sports, power banks, hoodie, kitchen utensils, foldable bag and water jug.

The answers to the three questions in our contest are – Lou Williams of the Los Angeles Clippers is the NBA’s all-time leader in points scored off the bench, “Sweet Georgia Brown” is the Harlem Globetrotters’ theme song and three former world boxing champions nicknamed “Sugar” are Sugar Ray Leonard, Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Shane Mosley – they were the most common names but some entries added Sugar Ray Beltran and Sugar Ramos who were also former world titlists.

The difference maker was the essay relating the sweetest experience in sports as a spectator or participant, in three sentences.  Entries that didn’t include the essay were struck out.  Entries with essays that exceeded the limit of three sentences (one had 10) or missed out on other requirements like contact details, age or occupation (if not student) were also disqualified.  A few entries named Lou Hudson, an NBA legend, as the all-time leader in points scored off the bench so that was a wrong answer.  We want to be fair to those who complied with our contest requirements.

Our first prize winner is Luis Romero Antonio, 72, of 3111 J. B. Juan Street, Ugong, Valenzuela City.  He’s a retired employee.  His essay:  “Emerging as the winner in the battle of monthly champions for the annual bowling title in my twilight years last December remains the sweetest and most memorable.  I felt like joyfully floating amid the clapping, cheers, high fives, feeling young, reigning supreme and beating everybody, even the younger ones.  It was sweet and awesome.”

The first prize winner will receive a one-pound box of See’s Candies assorted chocolates, a one-pound box of See’s Candies assorted lollipops in four flavors, a boxing glove autographed by Sen. Pacquiao, a power bank and P4,000 worth of gift certificates from Planet Sports.

Our second prize winner is Lyndeen John Deloria, 45, of Block 32, Lot 4, Emilio Jacinto Street, New Capitol Estates 1, Batasan Hills, Quezon City. He’s a government employee. His essay: “It was the time when I first witnessed my 16-year-old daughter’s football training at her school. Growing up with chronic asthma and rhinitis resulting in low self-esteem to participate in sports activities to watching her run, kick the ball and enjoy the camaraderie of teammates at the pitch was a sight to behold. Beyond doubt, the sweetest moment I have ever experienced in sports.” 

The second prize winner will receive a 10-ounce box of See’s Candies peanut brittle, hoodie, power bank and water jug. 

Our third prize winner is Mark San Agustin, 40, of No. 57 San Pedro One Compound, San Felipe Street, Barangay Tandang Sora, Quezon City. He’s an associate vice president in an ESG (environment, social and governance) consulting firm. His essay: “The sweetest moment I’ve ever witnessed in sports was the greatest performance by Manny Pacquiao against a tough elite fighter, Miguel Cotto, on Nov. 15, 2009, when our Filipino boxing hero became the first boxer to win seven world titles in seven different weight classes at that time. For me, this bout was so sweet and thrilling not only because of the intense action from start to finish but it also demonstrated Pacquiao’s skill, athletic ability and courage while under fire from a much bigger and tremendous opponent. This winning moment became sweeter because this was the time when my wife Anna and I officially became together as a couple and this was our very first time to watch a pay-per-view boxing match in a restaurant, teary-eyed after the match.”

The third prize winner will receive a 10-ounce box of See’s Candies peanut brittle, foldable bag, power bank and kitchen utensils.

Winners may claim their prizes at 11 a.m. this Tuesday, April 9, at the See’s Candies Manila store in the East Wing, mid-level in front of California Pizza Kitchen at the EDSA Shangri-La Mall. I’ll be there to personally meet the winners and award the prizes. 

Watch for the announcement of our next contest. We’re giving away the brand-new, premium leather Molten BG5000 basketball that will be used in the coming FIBA World Cup and the PBA Second Conference starting in May.