From Davao with love

Sherwin Elioreg took a 2 a.m. flight from Davao to Manila last Sunday to attend the Philippine Star sports section’s “Pasko Sa Enero” awarding of prizes at the Starbucks Molito, Alabang, late that morning. Elioreg, 33, won the first prize of P50,000 and a sackfull of gifts, including a Molten BG4550 premium composite leather basketball, Bluetooth speaker from PBA, canned goods, coffee and more. He managed to stuff the loot in a check-in trolly and an oversized backpack, returning to Davao on a 10 p.m. flight. There were 19 other winners who claimed their prizes in the two-hour fun event sponsored by PSC.

Elioreg answered the contest’s three questions correctly and submitted an essay explaining his choices for Gilas’ 12-man roster assuming qualification to the 2027 FIBA World Cup. His picks were Sotto, JMF, Edu, Brownlee, Malonzo, Oftana, Ramos, Perez, Thompson, Newsome, Quiambao and Tamayo.

“The backbone of this team is balance,” he wrote. “It covers size, defense, shooting, shot creation and experience without overloading any single skill. The roster is not built to dominate but to compete honestly. It reflects where Philippine basketball realistically stands while maximizing strengths and minimizing weaknesses. With proper preparation and continuity, this group gives Gilas its best chance to be respected, not just represented, at the 2027 FIBA World Cup.”

Elioreg earned a degree in Information Technology at the University of Southeastern Philippines, Obrero campus, in 2013. He’s employed at BDO Davao with wife Laian Joy, both IT officers. Daughter Sheri Lyanna, 6, studies at Holy Child College, Trinity campus. His parents Sergio, 63 and Evangeline, 62, are public school teachers. Brother Sergell, 34, works in healthcare in Melbourne.

A sportswriter in his high school paper, Elioreg finds time to manage a Facebook page that shares sports updates. “I fell in love with sports because of the emotion and stories behind every game,” said Elioreg whose all-time PBA favorites are Johnny Abarrientos and the Alaska Aces. “To all sports fans and Philippine Star readers, let’s keep on supporting Philippine sports and every athlete who proudly represents our country. Sports gives us something to believe in and unites us beyond differences. In our own way, cheering for our athletes is a form of patriotism, especially during times when the nation is facing so many challenges.”

For 2026, Elioreg said he foresees the emergence of a golden generation of Philippine sports “from back-to-back Olympic golds by Hidilyn and Yulo to the rise of stars like Alex and EJ to the continued surge of our women’s football team, the steady growth of Philippine volleyball and many more sports achievements.” In parting, he said, “the future looks bright …my wish is for everything to fall into the right place so our athletes can continue to shine, inspire and bring pride to the Philippines for many years to come.”

Special thanks to “Pasko Sa Enero” cash donors PSC, Mikee Romero, Converge PBA governor Archen Cayabyab, Hermie Esguerra, Dioceldo Sy, Alex Campbell, Sen. Bong Go, TNT PBA team, Marife Barrera, NLEX PBA team and Rommie Chan. Our gratitude to gift donors POC president Bambol Tolentino, Sen. Bong Go, PBA, SBP, San Miguel Corp., Sonak Corp., Magnolia PBA team, Rain or Shine PBA team, NLEX PBA team, Meralco PBA team, Phoenix PBA team, Rommie Chan, Joyride, Ever Bilena/Blackwater and Lamoiyan Corp./Hapee Toothpaste. Cash and gifts will also be given to St. Jerome Emiliani and Sta. Susana Parish Church, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church, St. Padre Pio Shrine in Sto. Tomas, Batangas and Casa Miani Orphanage in Katarungan Village.