Pinoy basketball teams, fanatics, sponsors and organizers gather for the 1st PEBC-Cebuana Lhuillier UAE Cup as it kicked off last Friday, March 15 at Al Shabab Sports Complex, Dubai.
Carrying out its commitment to sports among Filipinos and OFW in the UAE, the first collaboration between the Philippine Expat Basketball Club (PEBC) and Cebuana Lhuillier aims to unite the best teams and players in the UAE.
The event was officially opened through the relay of ceremonial torch as represented by Team Captains and the recognized ex-professional players from MBA, PBL, and Collegiate players now working and living in the emirates. Teams paraded with their respective muses.
Government sectors are also backing up the event. Labour Attache, Atty. Delmer Cruz graced the opening and announced that POLO-OWWA, SSS and PAG-IBIG Funds will be setting up extension service booths every Friday at the venue to cater to the needs of the OFWs for memberships, payments and other request of assistance.
Mr. Atallah Muhammad Habib, publisher and editor-in-chief of Kabayan Weekly was also recognized as the Honorary Commissioner of PEBC.
Special awards were given to Fiesta Pinoy- Dubai Legends for Best in Uniform and Ms. Maribel Alcantara of Team Titans.
Teams from different categories will play at the hardcourt every Friday from 10am-5pm for 18 weeks. Exciting prizes and raffle draws await spectators courtesy of various sponsors.
Special thanks to PEBC Commissioner Edwin Deang, Ogie Ignacio, Internation Relations Manager of Cebuana Lhuillier expressed his thanks to all participants and added, "Ang Cebuana Lhuillier ay walang kapantay magpahalaga at ka-partner mo sa sport."
Source: Kabayan Basketball League