By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The JB Amateur Basketball League season II has finally started.
People have been talking about this league for quite some time now and the league has lived up to the hype, taking Iloilo City by storm.
The Jaro Gym was filled not only by basketball fanatics but also by the different legendary basketball personalities who have been supporting basketball ever since.
Mr. Patrick Huyan, the JB ABL PR head, started the opening program with words of encouragement to the players and teams.
After that, the Iloilo United Royals team owner, Mr. JJ Javelosa, lightened up the mood of the Ilonggo cagers as he expressed his sentiments towards the league, stating that the JB ABL is one of the most vital breeding grounds for future Ilonggo ballers who wish to step up to the next level outside the city.
Javelosa also said that in line with the JB ABL II, he, together with the team management, will conduct a try-out to those willing to play for the United Royals.
Also, Councilor Rudolph Ganzon was there to officially declare the opening of the league. Aside from Councilor Ganzon, Vice Mayor Arnold Betita of Carles also lent his support to the league.
Congresswoman Julienne “Jam” Baronda also graced the event despite her hectic schedule. Baronda is an avid supporter of the sports programs headed by the Iloilo City Sports and Development Division.
Other long-time supporters of local leagues graced the opening: Mr. Jun Layson and Ms. Christia Layson, owners of TOTO-TIA-TEN trucking services, Mr. Jon Co of XYZ Balikbayan Forwarders, and Mr. Eugene Chua, Mr. Francis Natividad, and Mr. Manz Po of the Iloilo United Royals.
“As the founder and commissioner of this league, I am proud to say that so far, this is a success not only for me and for our JB ABL management, but a success to the Ilonggo basketball scene. I am very overwhelmed with the large leap the league has taken from season I to II. In just a span of months, the league has been gaining national attention from all over the country and until now, I still can’t believe the progress. May you all continue to support the league and let’s work hand in hand for the future of our Ilonggo ballers,” Mr. Jayphet Balbacal, JB ABL founder and commissioner, told the Daily Guardian in an exclusive interview.
