Palaro 2011 - Exciting As Ever

by Jun Rana

PAL Center, Hockessin, DE, September 10, 2011 - Robert BJ Advento of Pennsylvania converted a three point basket and 6 nerve wracking free throws in the final 8 minutes of the game to lift Team Wedge to a pulsating 58-53 win over Ballersville of Delaware as Wedge captured its first ever 2011 Palaro Open Division Basketball Championship. Earlier, Jake Cortez of Maryland kept Wedge in the game by answering the baskets of Jim Reynolds and Dennis Balagtas in a see-saw battle witnessed by cheering and screaming fans. Then came the heroics of Advento who also got the nod as most valuable player (MVP) of the championship game to seal the victory for Wedge.

Wedge is a team consisting of players from the former No Way/KOP and Red Bulls. Dynamic Physical Theraphy captured third place while newcomer Global Cargo Movers wound up in fourth place. The MVP of the Open Division went to Dave Setters of Wedge for his consistent scoring, defense and rebounding while Karl Malicdem grabbed the Best Coach award by steering Wedge to its first ever championship. Jake Cortez captured the Three Point Shooting championship for the second straight year by displaying his marvelous shooting touch.

Meanwhile in the 35 and over Division, Ballersville Senior Team routed New York Life of Pennsylvania, 83-50 to capture the 35 and Over Year Year Old Division crown. Former three point shooting champion Noel Borres turned back the hands of time by top scoring for Ballersville with 23 points and in the process captured the championship MVP. Sonny De La Torre and Herb Monsalud of Ballersville won the best coaches award in the division. Meanwhile crowd favorite Delaware Titans settled for third place in the Division.

In the Mixed Volleyball Tournament, the Couples for Christ (CFC) nosed out the Delaware Dabarkads in 5 thrilling sets, 21-18, 16-21, 21-10, 14-21 and 21-10 to capture its first ever championship. Prior to the championship, CFC scored a two sets win over The Healing Water Bible Church in their knock-out match. The Healing Water Bible Church placed third in the competition.

In the Youth Basketball Tournament, Matt Alba led the White Team to a convincing win over the Green Team 28-22 as the White Team annexed the championship crown. He had ample support from Justin and Carlo Cardino, Dan Angeles, Joshua Garcia, Franz Alvarez and Kyle Ocampo. Meanwhile the Green Team was bannered by Glenn Sta. Ana of Pennsylvania, female standout Bea Fontano, Aldrin & Edwin Brillante, Miguel Sanchez and player Buenaflor. Gus Alba coached the winning White Team while Mike Sanchez of Dynamic coached the fighting Green Team. Meanwhile the Blue Team emerged third in the competition.

Thanks a million to our Sports Committee members and volunteers led by Willie Fontano, to all our generous donors led by Health Care for Children LLC and Philippine Bread House, to the ladies/ officers led by the First Lady Linda Rana and Marie Fontano for their food donations, to all the participating teams, the audience, families, friends, our guests and to everyone. Also, our special thanks to Jeorge Corotan and Luis Alvarez for the wonderful pictures, Ron Lucindo for the awesome videos, Jomar Ugarte for website updates and sound systems and to Dennis T for other website assistance.

Magkitakita po tayong muli sa PAAD Palaro 2012. See you all next year. Maraming salamat po.