Prestigious Filipino basketball league opens

Ambassador Relacion leads the ceremonial tossing of the ball. Right: Philippine embassy officials and organisers at the event.

By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter

Philippine embassy officials and leaders of Filipino organisations in Qatar led the opening ceremony of the 3rd Ambassador’s Cup of the Pinoy Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ) yesterday at the Al Gharafa Training Centre.

Hundreds of fans trooped to the venue to watch the PIBAQ games, one of the most prestigious Filipino basketball leagues in Qatar. This season features three categories: Sobra Kwarenta (40 and above), inter-province and inter-school.

In the opening match, Francis Albert Mercado led Pampanga to beat Pangasinan, 75-61. He contributed 24 points, 13 rebounds and assists.

In other games, Mindoro outplayed Batangas, 99-79, while Manila defeated Visayas, 70-60.

Sharmaine De Leon of Pangasinan was adjudged as the best muse of the league. She received a cash award from vice consul Melvin Almongera and PIBAQ president Pat Carido.

“Sports is an important component of culture and is a bridge that brings people together,” Ambassador Crescente Relacion told Gulf Times. He also led the ceremonial ball tossing together with Jhin Tabuzo, chairman of the United Filipino Organisations in Qatar.

The Philippine embassy has been supporting sports activities of the community including cycling, football, volleyball, chess, tennis and basketball.

Relacion said they also supported sports tournaments among Asean expatriates in Qatar.

“It is one of the avenues in the realisation of the goal of Asean as a cohesive socio-cultural community,” he said.

Some 14 teams have joined the PIBAQ tournament. Proceeds of the league will be donated to victims of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

Carido said basketball was a way of life for many Filipinos and their passion for the sport kept them united and supportive of different community activities.

He announced that the Qatar Filipino Basketball Referees and Proud Pangasinense in Qatar have been accredited by the embassy.