JEDDAH, 16 November — As the honored guest from Jeddah Philippine Consulate Esmael Alim and Mohmed Ali Taleb of Seiko arrived; parade of 11 participating teams started the opening of the games tournament spearheaded by San Juan Knights and followed by Nueva Ecija IMG, Iloilo Megavolts EKC Maintenance, Cebu Gems Material Management, Negros Slashers Cabin Hangar Lines, and Saudia Selection for the non -rated teams.
Next are rated teams headed by Laguna Lakers, Pampanga Dragons, Batangas Blades, Manila Metro Stars, and the Saudia All Stars. the colorfull parade was highlighted by beautifull little lady muses of Cebu Gems Material Management Bianca & Bea Velante and Manila Metro Stars Gwyneth Tolo and Liez de Guzman, this beautiful kids received special gifts of Alarm Clocks courtesy of Pepsi Cola Company and travel bags courtesy of Seiko watches. The participating teams are wearing exactly the same color and logo of MBA teams.
The First game was between Pampanga Dragons and Batangas Blades (CABS) for the rated teams round; And the First Shooter Award goes to Edwin Santos of the Dragons with his ala Vince Carter under goal stub. It was a seesaw battle in the first half period as top player Darwin Domingo lead the Dragons in manuevering the offensives against the might of Batangas Blades defenders Albert Trinidad, Benjie Gomez, Jamil Abangad, Neil Nobleza, and Jhun Simbol as the first half ended with just 2 points lead in favor of the Dragon at 30 - 28.
The second game was between Nueva Ecija Patriots IMG against Iloilo MegaVolts (EKC Maintenance) for the non-rated teams. The Patriots proved that speed and superior firepower is the key to win the game as Aiman Balindong, Ahmad Sarip, Robert Lugue, Ernie Zamora, Rizaldy Ramores combined their speed supported by the sweet shooting Vic Adelante and Matarundo who do the rebounds to outclassed the Iloilo MegaVolts defenders in the persons Popoy Parayan, Valdez, Cortez, Basilio, and the towering Querobi.
