RIYADH, 21 February 2003 — The highly-spirited Filbowler team keglers under the helm of Ed “Tiger” Mendoza captured the team event title in the first day of the competition in the just concluded OFWBR 2003 Annual Haj Goodwill Games held at the jampacked Riyadh Inter-Continental Hotel Bowling Center.
It was the combination of Ronnie Bernardo and Jun Arcano who powered the Filbowler over their arch rivals for the crown. Bernardo exploded for a four game series of 823 and had on lines of 198, 202, 221 and 203 while Arcano rolled 190, 220, 203 and 189. Mendoza, now back to his old form cheered by the crowds toppled a four game series of 775 (167, 180, 235, 193). Gerard Emmanuel, meanwhile burned the lanes to shoot a four game series of 757 and rolled 197, 221, 147 and 192. The Filbowler got an overall total team output of 3157 points.
Landing in second position was the Riyadh delegation consisting of Rico Feria, Ver Cayago, Eddie Eder and Jojo Demetrio.
The Riyadh delegation posted a combined total team output of 3033 and saw Ace Vher Cayago topscored by carding an impressive four game series of 876. Cayago started strong in the first game by rolling a game-high of 279, followed by 218, 205 and 174. Demetrio toppled a series of 746 and shot 190, 179, 188 and 189 while Eder and Feria had a separate series of 711 and 700, respectively.
Securing the third position was the team of Benjie Domado of Riyadh with teammembers Arcie Consolacion, Art Palustre, and Arnel Garlan. The veteran Art Palustre led by carding a four game series of 774, followed by the defending haj master’s champion, Arcie Consolacion (763), Domado (750) and the crowd’s favorite, Arnel Garlan (690).
Other teams who made in the top 10: 4. Filbowler (Joe Tomagan, Edwin Avelino, Boy Tameta, Rudy Magpoc), 5.
Riyadh (Omar Pascual, Pep Maghinay, Leo Mabunga, Arnold Bellen), 6. Filbowler (Nel Sarinas, Joey Gliponio, Jess Villanueva, Boy Balane), 7. Riyadh (Nante Paralejas, Cris Crisostomo, Mags Bongcarawan, Benjie Galicia), 8. Riyadh (Atoy Malubay, Rolly Amis, Abe Abulencia, Abdulrahman Jose), 9. Riyadh (Bobby Jamora, Willie de Mesa, Jun Ausa, Ben Timpog), 10.
Riyadh (Wilson Bacala, Jun Ego, Teody Zulaybar, Ronald Bautista).
The team event high game holder was Riyadh’s Vher Cayago with a game-high of 279.
The major sponsor of the event was the SMSA Express, licensee of Federal Express Corporation through its marketing manager, Mr. Walid Hakim.
The 2003 Annual Haj Goodwill Games is hosted by the Overseas Filipino Workers Bowlers of Riyadh (OFWBR) and in cooperation with the Riyadh-500 Bowlers and the Riyadh Inter-Continental Hotel Bowling Center. The event is covered live by Mr. Giovanni Masangkay, TFC Balitang Middle East Correspondent, Riyadh.
Meanwhile, the “Past & Present OFWs Worldwide Summer Balikbayan Bowlfest” hosted and organized by the OFWBR is set for May 6, 2003. The games will be played at the SM City Bowling Center, SM West, North Edsa, West Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines. Former OFWs who are now staying permanently in the Philippines are elgible to participate in the tournament. The entry fee is PHP2,500 inclusive of balikbayan souvenir t-shirt sponsored by the Skyfreight Forwarders and lunch.
The cash prize that will be awarded to the winners will be based depending on the total number of the participants. 30% of the proceeds will be donated to the ABS-CBN Foundation, the Bantay-Bata 163. (Ricnol Mondrit) CAPTION ONE: The Filbowler team keglers after bagging the team event title. (Kneeling, L-R): Ed Mendoza, Ronnie Bernardo and Jun Arcano. Standing (L-R): Boy Tuazon, Filbowler’s head of delegation, Gerard Emmanuel, Mr. Jun Arenas, Finance Officer, Philippine Embassy, Rally Zamora, FTBJ/BBG head of delegation, Dante Prado, chairperson, R-500, Noli Ritual, OFWBR chairman and Mr. Kasim, Area Manager, House of Donuts.
