It’s time for PBA greats and Fil-Chinese “godfathers” to flaunt their court wizardry as they banner the Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA) in its all-out campaign in the 25th ASEAN Veterans Basketball Championships starting Aug. 21 at the newly-refurbished Chiang Kai Shek College gym in Manila.
Four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio, Allan Caidic and Jerry Codiñera backstopped the 50-above division while 1998 MVP Kenneth Duremdes banners the 40-above side of FCVBA which is once again outto dominate the annual event which has Philippine Airlines, Freego, Ironcon Builders and Rain or Shine as major sponsors.
Terry Que, who co-owns Rain or Shine in the PBA along with Raymund Yu, and Jimi Lim of Ironcon Builders will spearhead FCVBA in the 60-above while Eduard Tio will lead the 60-above division along with Kenneth Yap, Johnny Chua, Andrew Ongteco and Morris Lee.
Bong Tan, who heads several companies of his father, business tycoon Lucio Tan Sr., put up the 50-above and 40-above teams but opted only play only in the 50-above.
Aside from Duremdes, also playing in the 40-above are Benny Cheng, Loui Kaw, Royd Tan, Braulio Lim, Dexter Quan, Francis Sy, Lorencio Lim, Joseph Realista, Estong Ballestetos, Arnel Syyap and Jack Santiago while reinforcing the 50-above team are Yuk Chi Ng, Jerry Gonzalez, Oscar Go, Gerard Esplana, Gerry Tee, Lawrence Chongson and Silverio Palad.
Out to provide help for Que and Lim are Bong dela Cruz, Antonio Go, Zotico Tan, Ching Ka Lee, William Lao, William Lee, Peter Ley, Francisco Tan and Johnson Lao.
Aside from FCVBA also taking part in the event are Hatyai of Thailand, Hornbill of Sarawak, Malaysia, Miri Kinsar of Malaysia, Brunei, Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, ZAAP Bangkok, Thailand, Meteor Pontianak of Indonesia and ASABA of Indonesia.