JEDDAH, 27 September — The All Filipino Tennis Players Association (AFTPA), under the chairmanship of Ding Miranda held its much awaited prize giving ceremony capping the recently concluded Najran-AFTPA Team Tennis Tournament at the newly refurbished Al Bilad Hotel banquette hall.
The occasion was graced by Consul General Kadatuan P. Usop of the Consulate General of the Philippines, Hussam Salahi, Sales & Marketing Manager of Al Hussani & Co., Raoul Eden of Najran , Bob Wilson of Al Bilad Hotel and Ben Garcia, Chairman of the KASAPI Congress and other community leaders.
In his inspirational speech, Consul General Usop lauded the efforts of the AFTPA officers and members of the organizing committee in promoting the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers in the region by way of organizing a healthy sports competition.
Entertainment numbers were provided by teenage singing sensation and soon to be crowned "Miss Penafrancia 2002" Jeannette Cervito, Evelyn Santos, Milette Sy and Fred Garces and Boy dela Cruz who also anchored the program. Valuable gift items were also raffled among the participants.
Handsome team and individual trophies and Najran gifts packs were handed over to the champions and finalist in Category C, B2, B1 and B1B.
Also presented are the winners in the following categories which were selected during the opening day parade: Best in Team Uniform: Category C ? AREECO; Category B2 — Gulf Express/Pogmatch; Category B1 — Dora? BCJ; Category B1B — Theragran-M. Best Mascot ? Aaron Gomez and Megan Cruz of Areeco.
Best Muse — Susan Arongayan of Jamed-Siemens-TPST and the prestigious award, The Spirit of AFTPA to Jamed-Siemens/TPST.
Special awards were also presented to the following players for their outstanding performances as doubles partner: Category B1B — Popoy Macaampao & Benjie Usman (Carlo Gavazzi/Jaforms); Category B1- Benjie Usman & Vootch Maniri (Al Arabi Decor/Jaforms); Category B2 — Bayani Colorado & Mar Javarro (BCJ-Saudi-Divers); Category C — Arnel Laparan & Ben Amaroto (SRL).
Complete results:
Category B1B: Champions ? Carlo Gavazzi/Jaforms, Bong Andales, Team Captain; Popoy Macaampao, Asst. Team Captain with team members Fernando Forte, Dado Ignacio, Vooch Maniri, Ruben Rosario and Benjie Usman. Finalist ? Saudia City; Semi Finalist Theragran-M and Evian-KAIA
Category B1: Champions ? Al Arabi Décor-Jaforms, Reggie Sanosa, Team Captain; Charlito Lazaga, Asst. Team Captain with team members Don Adiova, Jun Amancio, Lito Bonode, Mel Fiesta, Fernando Forte, Venus Layoso, Vooch Maniri, Arnold Tavera and Benjie Usman. Finalists ? Fa; Semi Finalists ? Evian-KAIA and APO-KKNGH.
Category B2: Champions ? BCJ-Saudi Divers, Francis Idjao, Team Captain; Serge Taga, Asst. Team Captain; with team members, Arnel Alburo, Don Bandija, Jojo Caspe, Bayani Colorado, Rey Diano, Khalid Hizham, Mario Javarro, Stephen Maradan and Celso Salenga. Finalists ? BNCF-Express Point; Semi Finalists ? Jamed-Siemens/TPST and ALJ-Toyota/APO; Quarter Finalists ? Areeco, Gulf Express-Pogmatch, Hidada and OFW-SWAJ.
Category C: Champions ? Jamed-Siemens/TPST, Angelito Tan, Team Captain, Conrad Perez, Asst. Team Captain with team members Makee Colacion, Dominic Dadal, Jonathan Gravino, Ben Hallberg, Al Ijiran, Rhill Macapagal, Jerry Sacanle, Leo Tiu and Jimmy Valeros. Finalists ? SRL; Semi Finalists ? BNCF-Express Point and Dallah; Quarter Finalists ? Hidada, Saudia City 1, SKAB and Luna-Green Farms-Box Makers.
Meanwhile, Chairman Ding Miranda announced that the AFTPA Open Tennis Tournament is scheduled to commence on Friday, 18 October at the Al Bilad Hotel tennis courts. Al Hussaini & Co. agreed in principle to be the major sponsor of the tournament. Entry forms are now available at the Al Bilad Hotel or you may contact any of the AFTPA officers for further details.
