IF you’re a basketball-loving fellow living in Cagayan de Oro but not familiar with Ballpals club and its legacy, you’re probably an alien.
The city’s most popular ballclub turned 32 yesterday with a day-long celebration that actually extended from dusk till dawn.
“Ako isa sa pioneer sa ballpals. 17 years old ko sa una uban-ubanon ko sa ako tito nga si JP. Happy 32nd-anniversary ball pals,” wrote Anthony Pabillore, referring to his late uncle Mariano JP ‘Inting’ Pabillore, easily one of the original pillars of the so-called “pang-masa” ballclub that thrives at the Misamis Oriental Integrated Sports Complex, formerly known as Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Center.
Learning the basics with Ballpals, the younger Pabillore went on to become a backcourt tandem with the Philippine great Johnny Abarrientos during the maiden glory days of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines basketball.
“Once a Ballpals will always be a Ballpals. And the club is already an institution para sa mga lumad nga Kagay-anon,” the now BDO banker Pabillore told Gold Star Daily.
Returning club president Ven Camon Shimomae came all the way from Japan to lead the celebration that started with a motorcade from MOISC to downtown Divisoria then proceeded to the Southern Philippine College covered courts for the games before killing the night at the RER Phase 1 Club House with sumptuous dinner and drinks.
“Of course, larong karangalan ang padula nakataya ang pride kay ang Ballpals di gyod magpa pildi. And though we honor the team winners, we considered everyone who came to participate and celebrate with us as all winners,” Shimomae said.
He thanked club legends, sponsors, and facilitators such as Gerry Suyao, Danilo Guevara, Jerry ‘Gat’ Tamayo, Pabillore, Tata Gementiza, Cancan Meralles, Archer Felisilda, Marcelino Neri, Ernie Damasing, Tomas Penus, Froilan Mabalot, Hermogenes Anciado, Jimboy Abrena, Bobax Echalico, and Larry Bagayna, among the others, for making the anniversary celebration a success.
“Even Charome Marte who’s now based in Manila came to be with his ball friends Erwin Raagas, Boyet Burias, Arnel Dy, Samboy Uy, Wenceslao Aunzo, Allan Enteria, Bobby Diaz, and Jojo Mahistrado to attend the Ballpals celebration,” added Shimomae.
