JEDDAH, 28 December — Danube Hypermarkets top brass, Philippine Consulate officials, prominent guests and hundreds of staff and visitors recently converged in full measure, as the 2nd Danube Inter-Color Basketball Tournament formally took off in style at the Lotus IV compound.
With assistant executive director Khalid Al Darwish and Philippine Vice Consul Angelo Amonoy spearheading the roster of guests, the program started off with a parade of the seven participating teams. Outfitted with their colorful uniforms, these teams took turns in setting foot to the court amidst the sound of a lively marching band.
The traditional playing of the Saudi and Philippine national anthems ensued, before the opening remarks and speech of the guest speaker took place.
Introductions, oath of sportsmanship and several intermission numbers spiced up the event before the Danube Admin team stole the opening day limelight. Playing under the banner of Gillette Middle East, the team was unanimously recognized by the panel of judges as winner of the best in uniform award. They brought home an attractive trophy and a dose of confidence for their sponsor that provided their needs.
The opening game followed right after the ceremonial ball toss, wherein Alex Sargento became the first player to reckon with. He blazed the iron rim with 24 points for Lotus American Garden to pull the rug from under Danube Star Carma, 88-57. Able support came from Ed Salvedia, Allen Ng, Johnny Pacillos and Elmer Valdes who all scored double digits, while the opposing Danube Star Carma team had Cris Felicissimo top scorer with 16 points.
The other game saw Danube Fruto sharing the limelight with an impressive 62-52 victory over Danube Green Giant. Bruce Banaag shone the brightest among Fruto’s collection of rising stars with 19 points, as he countered strong opposition from Andy Mirador and Darius Valencia who collected 17 and 14 points for the struggling Danube Green Giant.
Danube Sadafco had also its first taste of victory at the expense of Danube Nouri Trading, 59-51. Roderick Sauquillo served as the table turner for Sadafco and his collaboration with Rey Torres and Jhes Alfonso paid high dividend in concluding the match in their favor.
The event has the full backing of Danube Foodstuffs and Commodities management, in coordination with Lotus Compounds, with Mohamed Yousuf Al Hassan as executive director, Khalid Al Darwish-assistant executive director, Abdulrezak Saad-deputy executive director and Fathi Ahmed as finance manager.
Tournament Commissioner Peng Domingo and chairman of the organizing committee Ronnie Llave spearheaded the event, with Ramon Dellosa and Benjo del Castro serving as technical affairs chairman and liaison officer, respectively. Other members of the technical committee, including Ferdie Pangan, Bernie Portillo, Edwin Exconde, Eric Barcibal, Edward Noel, Allan Ocenar, Ataullah, Web Panigbatan, Mark Sy, Paul Calayan, Victor Rebong, Jun Mejia and Renato Talusig.
The officiating chores is handled by the Jeddah Officiating Group, headed by chairman Peter Ronatay and Vice Chairman Rico Domasian, along with referees Ed Batayola, Lito dela Cruz, Larry San Pedro, Norie Santiago, Obet Orellana Pete Roblo, Andy Mirador, Willy Cartajena, Ronald Cartajena, Nanie Castro, Rey De Chavez, Ric Lumasag and Joy Permejo.
Other companies supporting the event are Tasty Foods Corporation, Al Basher Company (Carma), Gillette Middle East, Sadafco, Nouri Trading Company, Bahrawi Trading, International Farms, Gandour Foods, Al Muhaidib Foods, American Garden, Fruto, Green Giant, Radwa Farms, Snickers, Danube Graphics and Bin Dawood Superstores.
