The 1st Giordano Filipinas Cup and 3rd GBI-SAPTCO Basketball League kicked off at the SAPTCO basketball ground here recently. The event got off to a colorful start with the parade of the competing teams in various divisions. Ronie Manalumpong (GBI SAPTCO team) led the players in the oath taking. Ahmedullah of Giordano made the ceremonial toss during the opening jump-off between GBX Giordano Cebuanos and Panda Roshan Davao City. Founder of Desert Mover Chapter Eldemer ‘Tabak' Flores spoke about the unity among Filipinos and the educational help for the GBI-TBBG featured schools in Ibaan, Batangas and Lopez, Quezon. Among the guests were Vice Consul Mary Jennifer D. Dingal (Philippine Consulate), league's major sponsors Ahmedullah (General Manager, Giordano), Fahad (Housing Manager, SAPTCO), Rams Guinao (OMEA WPBL Chairman) and Rodolfo Cornejo (KASAPI Chairman). The participating teams are: Morning Division – Al-Zafer Cargo, Calamba Cavaliers, MVPI. Strong (Non-Rated) – BSX Giordano Cebuanos, GBI-SAPTCO Subic Bay, Panda Roshan Davao City, Panda Makaronah, Pepsi, Laguna Lakers, Naizak Labs. Weak (Non-Rated) A – PC Marine Samar Warriors, Al-Shatei Manila Suns, Rabigh Wings Fly School, Highway 54, Boracay Island. Weak (Non-Rated) B – Advanced, Mahmoud Gharib, BMW Marikina Dikers, Al-Kayan Décor, Luzvimin, SBG Binladen. 5'5” and Below – Samantha Knights, Las Pinas Slasher. Above 40's Division – Jawharet Pilipinas. The league officials with Giordano's Elvin Pineda (VM, Creative Manager) have provided various awards. Special awards: Best in Uniform – MVPI, Panda Roshan, PC Marine, Samantha Knights and Jawharet Pilipinas. Best Muse – PC Marine and Samantha Knights. Lucky spectators received give-aways from Giordano Fashion and Western Union Money Transfer. __
