BY WAYNE A. BIGSAT
A dinner-press conference for the visiting teams and entourage of Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2022 Season home games was hosted by Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez at the Government Center lobby on July 17.
Mayor Benitez welcomed the team of Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines, Valenzuela MJAS Zenith, Bacolod Bingoplus (All Star Bacolod Ballers -ABB) and Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards who are set to play against each other.
MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said they brought the best four teams to Bacolod City to give the Bacoleños a good show.
He invited everyone, especially basketball fanatics, to come and witness the game of the different teams from various provinces. Duremdes said he is also hopeful that this will inspire children to do be involved in sports, especially basketball.
“It’s been two years since the MBPL had set a game in Bacolod City,” Duremdes said, adding that they are excited and dedicated to give the people of Bacolod a good game.
He said they chose Bacolod City since Bacoleños are fond of basketball. Everyone is welcome to the game as long as they have their vaccination cards and follow the health protocols set, he said.
He added they expected the venue to be jampacked and they are likewise prepared if there are emergencies.
Duremdes said he is hopeful that more games will be held in Bacolod, and if possible, the All-Stars Game would be hosted in the city, it’s already in discussion within the organization.
The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League is a men’s professional basketball league in the Philippines, founded by Manny Pacquiao when he was sitting in congress.
The game will be held at the University of St. La Salle Bacolod Coliseum from July 18-19 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the Congressional Office.*
