CALASIAO, Pangasinan — There are three reasons why I accepted the invitation to cover the opening day of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Season 6 at the Calasiao Sports Complex in Calasiao, Pangasinan last weekend.

First was the opportunity to meet and greet again MPBL founder Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes together under one roof.

You see, Pacquiao is Pacquiao.

Although he was not as young and explosive when I first covered him as a boxer many, many years ago, Pacquiao will always be an interesting copy for any sportswriter worth his salt.

He always walk the talk, so to speak.

I was personally introduced to Pacquiao by the late boxing promoter-matchmaker and my kumpare Alexander “Bomber” Pamiloza when we chanced upon him walking almost unnoticed in one of the busy streets near L&M gym in Barangay Bomber in Sampaloc, Manila.

Pacquiao was still not Pacquiao at that time. But Bomber believed he is a diamond waiting to be polished. You always knew it is only a matter of time before his star will shine so bright he would eclipse the rest in the local sporting world.

Duremdes, “Captain Marbel” to his legion of fans during his playing days with Sunkist Orange and Alaska Milk in the PBA from 1995 to 2008, is also one of the nicest personalities in the basketball world.

Long-time basketball analysts believe Duremdes’ wisdom, patience and hard work as commissioner are the main reasons why the MPBL is now truly the “Liga ng Bawat Pilipino.”

Second reason was the chance to watch the games pitting Zamboanga Master Sardines against Valenzuela Claasic and newcomer Abra Weavers and host Pangasinan Heatwave.

Both games, as they turned out, proved to be tight and exciting with the curtainraiser between the Zamboanga and Valenzuela ending up in overtime to the delight of a wildly-cheering overflow crowd in this beautiful municipality in the heart of Pangsinan.

There were several outstanding performances by players from all four teams in action: former MVP Jaycee Marcelino,Rey Publico, Renzo Subido, Adrian Santos and Joseph Terso of Zamboanga and Dennis Santos, Orin Catacutan and Valandre Chauca of Valenzuela; and Mark Tallo, John Lloyd Clement, Prince Caperal , Michael Canete, Clint Escamisnd Wendelino Combo of Abra and Hesed Gabo, Ian Melencio, Michael Mabulac and Ed Daquioag of Pangasinan.

Of course, it’s not all basketball when one decides to visit Calasiao, which was originally called by the Spaniards as “Lugar de Rayos: or a place where lightning frequently strikes.

Foremost on our mind in accepting the MPBL invitation is to visit the Shrine of the Señor Divino Tesoro,where a statue of a crucified Jesus Christ is believed to grow in size and grant miracles; and the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church, a Spanish-colonial era church which was declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

According to church authorities, the best-preserved Pangasinan church bell tower was built in several stages from the 17th to 19th centuries by the Dominicans.

Indeed, the nearly five-hour trip from Manila to Calasiao passing through several towns in Tarlac was worth it.

Next time, I’ll check the complete MPBL schedule and get to see the other beautiful cities and provinces now hosting the MPBL games under Pacquiao and Duremdes.

As Pacquiao himself said, the MPBL is not just about basketball. It is also about helping promote tourism and explore the many beautiful destinations all over the country with the support of the equally hard-working executives of the different local govenrment units.

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Congratulations to the newly-elected officers of the ERJHS Alumni Association, headed by President Ramon “Monchee” Ferreros of Batch 73 and Vice President Zeny Castor of Batch 70 , for the very successful alumni meeting held at the Ponciana’s Restaurant along N.S, Amoranto Ave, Quezon City last Saturday.

Ferreros and his group is tasked with the herculean job of promoting all alumni activities starting with the ERJHS 73rd Foundation Day and Grand Alumni Homecoming on February, 2025 all the way to the ERJHS Diamond Anniversary celebratuon on February, 2027.

First order of business, however, is next year’s alumni homecoming.

Ferreros, one of the ERJHS “10 Outstanding Alumni” awardees this year, hopes to surpass, if not match the highly-successful 72nd celebration held under the leadership of immediate past president Jess Asistin of Batch 76 and ERJHS Principal Gina Obierna.

Helping Ferreros in this noble undertaking are Asistin (Honorary President), Castor and Lina Torres of Batch 62 (Vice Presidents), Richelle Lynne Fulgosino Cu of Batch 2001 (Asst. Secretary), Fe Castor Pangan of Batch 69 (Treasurer), Oliric Lacsamana of Batch 2000 (Asst. Treasurer), Jesse Nell of Batch 85 (Auditor), Ramon Ypil of Batch 84 (PRO), Rogelio Pormento of Batch 83 (PRO), Raul Velandres of Batch 82 (Sgt at Arms), Tony Isip of Batch 91 (Sgt at Arms) and Arnel Abrenica of Batch 75, Richmond Lacsamana of Batch 2002 and Wendy Saludes of Batch 80 (Board of Trustees) and yours truly as Secretary-General/Spokesperson.

NOTES — Happy birthday to my son, John Michael M. Andaya, who celebrated with family and friends at Gerry’s Grill SM Fairview last Sunday, April 7…

Happy birthday also to Antoinette Cruz (April 4) and Jojo Lagak (April 4) of ERJHS Batch 81, Carmelita “Twinkle” Valdez of PAGCOR (April 5) and Melnie Jimena of People’s Tonight (April 5), Greg Rellorosa of Malabon Chess Club (April 6) and Ramon Ypil of National Police Commission (April 8).

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