CEBU, Philippines - Team Raco of coach Van Halen Parmis bested host Kabalasan, 91-84, in their sudden-death final match to clinch back-to-back championships in the Kabalasan Mayor's Cup Invitational Tournament recently in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Alfredo Gerilla, Jr. exploded with 20 points, while Ferdinand Lusdoc chipped in 13 markers for Team Raco owned by Zamboanga Sibugay Vice Governor Rey Andre C. Olegario, Brgy. Captain Richard Olegario and Councilor Rambo Olegario.
The rest of the team include Ardy Larong, Reed Friar Juntilla, Al Vergara, Dennis Daa, Leymar Losentes, Jovanie Aguilar, and Jean Marie Mpouma.
After his successful stint in Zamboanga Peninsula, there's practically no rest for Parmis as he will call the shots for the Tagoloan Natumolan Tigers, who are gearing up for a tough battle against three PBA squads in the keenly-awaited 2014 Charter Day Cup on February 21-23.
"We really have to double our efforts in preparing against the visiting PBA teams. It's a tall order for us, but we are primed and ready to give them a run for their money," said Parmis, who is also the assistant coach of reigning CESAFI champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers.
The Tigers of Natumolan, backstopped by Tagoloan Mayor Paulino Emano, will take on the Alaska Aces, GlobalPort Batang Pier and Talk 'N Txt Tropang Texters in the three-day joust that will be played in two separate venues.
Games on February 21 and 23 will take place at the Cebu Coliseum, while action on the 22nd will be at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
The four contenders will play in a single round robin format. The team with the best record will automatically be declared as champion.
Tickets are priced at P50 for general admission, P150 for upperbox, P300 for lowerbox, P400 for stage seats and P500 for ringside.
For reservations and further information, one may text or call 0922-2801830, 0943-2978831, 0917-5273888 or 255-1405 and 402-9419. — EBV (FREEMAN)