RIYADH, 18 July 2003 — In celebration of its 1st year anniversary, the Military Hospital Basketball Association (MHBA) launched an Open RKH Summer Basketball Tournament 3 in 1 Category at the RKH SkyDome basketball court here.

Eric Villatema of the Al Bustan Mixers team did the star turn against the Badan Landscaping team, led by Rey Gelilio and Dave Gana, with a sterling performance.

Al Bustan led the match during the 1st three quarters with Coach Armel Trambulo marshalling his cagers Peter Hernando, Rex Capati, Jeff Salac, Carreon Brothers, and Julius Morales.

But the Landscaping squad came on strongly during the last three minutes with Rey Gelilio, Dave Gana, Ibrahim Besais, Billy Quinones and Rod Ayson saving their best for the last enabling their team to win 85-77.

The game between the Pacific Cargo and Al Nasser Club was a lopsided one with the Pacific Cargo triumphing (101-64) through the intense performance of Danny Bugayong, Dennis Almario, Cyrus Ruiz, Jeff Baybay backed by Saudi cagers Ali Bashir and Muhammad Khalid.

The participating teams in the Open Category are Badan Landscaping, Al Bustan Mixers, Al Nasser Basketball Club, Khalda and the Pacific Cargo. Seven teams comprise the 38 above category led by the RKH All Stars, Hatco, Hania SPIS, Saudi Oger, Kamah Falcons, Visayan Selection and the National Guard Selection.

The Inter-Department Category has nine teams namely Dental Fighters, Diet Aces, Kamah Rockets, Limousine Drivers, Medical Records-Garnet Cargo, RKH Nursing, Super Safari, Prince Sultan Clinic and Saudi Ericcson.

Games are scheduled for every Sunday and Wednesday for the Inter-Department, Wednesdays and Fridays for the 38 above and Thursdays and Fridays for the Open Category with games to start at 6:30 p.m.

The officers of the MHBA are:

Mohammad Jaime Nepomuceno (RKH Filipino Community sports coordinator), Ernie Calubayan (president), Rey Ruiz (VP external), Julius Suspene (VP internal), Efren Serrano (treasurer), Vic Cardenas (auditor), Leo Santos (secretary general), Ronniel Navarro (asst. sec. general), Jojo Paciano (public relations officer), Arnel Manaloto (business manager), Raul Bautista (head of technical committee), Pedie Gener (asst. head of technical committee), Mon Magracia (technical committee), Ed Alejandrino (technical committee), Philip Mendoza (chief marshal), Noel Burgos (asst. chief marshal), Jaime Fiel (marshal), Capt. Fahad Al Hejeri, Mohammad Al Mas and Nasser Shabour (advisers).