The teams getting ready for the parade at the 31st FBA basketball tournament at the Sheraton Hotel, Jeddah. JEDDAH – The 31st FBA Basketball Tournament got off to a colorful start with the 26 participating teams parading in their beautiful uniforms at the Sheraton Jeddah Hotel Sport Complex last Friday. During the opening program, FBA president Edgar Mendoza welcomed the gathering and thanked the sponsors. He also requested full cooperation of players to keep the spirit of sportsmanship toward a peaceful and successful tournament. Official representatives of sponsoring companies and other special guests graced the event. Teams that have confirmed participation and paraded were Al-Shaya Trading Int'l, Al-Tamayuz Company, Al-Zamil, Danube, Hugayeth-Timberwolves, King Abdul Aziz University Hospital (KAAUH), Lexuz, MOHAP, Petro Rabigh, Unidecor, Al-Bilad Hotel, Hilton Jeddah Hotel, Inter-Continental Hotel, Le Meridien Hotel, Movenpick Hotel, Sheraton Jeddah Hotel, Westin Hotel, Al-Zafer Cargo, Dabarkads, Mohap, OBS, Paninos, Pantos Logistic, Friendster, Semacs and Unilever. During the program, intermission numbers were rendered by Himig Ng Kalayaan 2011 grand champion, Mel Panganiban, together with Imee Aragones and the KSA Knight Movers. Winners in the best muse category were chosen from the teams of Al-Shaya, OBS, Al-Zafer Cargo and Al-Bilad Hotel. Adjudged teams in best uniform were Paninos, Al-Bilad Hotel, Inter-Continental Hotel and Hugayeth Timberwolves. In a breath-taking opening game, Paninos, mentored by coach Gary Santos and team manager Ernie Cabawatan, beat (90-75) an equally strong team of Al-Zafer Cargo, headed by coach Jay-R Roque. In another match, Petro Rabigh of coach Carmelito Agpalo and manager Zaher Osman beat Hugayeth-Timberwolves of coach Hector Bagul-bagul and team manager Lito Marucot, 92-79. In the final game of the day, Al-Bilad Hotel team of coach Joel Orapa and manager Manny Untalasco overpowered another defending champion team, Inter-Continental Hotel team of coach Ariel Anioay and team manager Alex Jamila, 59
