Class organization, winning tradition, We Not Me.
A mere mention of these words and the Alaska franchise comes to mind, qualities with which the Aces have thrived on in their 33-year stint in the PBA.
And certainly, it’s a reflection on the way team owner Wilfred S. Uytengsu handled the ballclub through the years which saw it won a total of 14 championships – tied for second most in the league – capped by a grand slam in 1996.
As the PBA Press Corps celebrates the silver anniversary of its yearly Awards Night, Uytengsu will be recognized for what he has done for the proud franchise.
A former member of the national swimming team and an active triathlete, the Alaska Milk executive is going to be the recipient of a first ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the group of men and women who regularly covers the PBA beat.
In a 25-year span since the PBAPC first staged the affair in 1993, the Aces bagged 13 championships with Uytengsu – who’s been with the team since its debut season in 1986 – as the single influential force behind the organization.
During the 1994 to 1998 seasons, the franchise claimed eight out of the 16 conference titles at stake, including the 96 grand slam, and produced two of the five MVPs in that stretch in Johnny Abarrientos (1996) and Kenneth Duremdes (1998).
Tim Cone, the most accomplished coach in PBA annals, was responsible for 12 of the 13 championships the Aces had in the last 25 years.
The Lifetime Achievement honor is one of the 12 awards to be given out during the event presented by Cignal TV.
The awarding of the coveted Virgilio ‘Baby’ Dalupan Coach of the Year serves as the highlight of the affair.
BOARD TO BE FETED
Meantime, the entire PBA Board led by chairman Victorico ‘Ricky’ Vargas also gets its due recognition.
Vargas and the rest of the board will be the recipient of the special President’s Award.
Setting aside its differences to work for the common good, the board’s move paved the way for the league to successfully hold its 43rd season.
