08 February 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Lebanon participated in the 6th Filipino Bowling League (FBL) Tournament, which was held for three consecutive Sundays that started on January 19 at the Strikes Bowling in Hazmieh, Baabda, Mount Lebanon. Eleven (11) teams from the different Filipino community associations and groups participated in the bowling tournament namely: MISTAH, Filipino-Lebanese Families Association (FIL-LEB) Youth, JAMMARZ , DABARKADS, The Original Hyper Motion Dancers (TOHMD), Manila-SAMAFIL, International Women’s Friendship Club (IWFC), Classic Group, Filipino Cultural Guild (FCG) and two (2) teams from the Philippine Embassy.
In her message during the opening ceremony, Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang congratulated the FBL organizers for once again implementing this yearly sports event to promote camaraderie and goodwill among the different community organizations in Lebanon. She also commended and thanked the tournament sponsor, OMT-Western Union, represented by Mr. Melhem A. Rechdan, for providing financial support and backing for this event. Together, Ambassador Ruiz and Mr. Rechdan threw the opening ball to signal the start of the tournament.
On February 2, the third and last day of the tournament, the following teams and individuals were proclaimed winners during the awarding ceremony:
1) Team award
· Champion: Classic Group
· First runner-up: Filipino Cultural Guild
· Second runner-up: Philippine Embassy
2) Individual awards
· Highest Single Women: Ms. Kherlyn Ausente (Classic Group)
· Highest Single Men: Mr. Antonio Cruz (Philippine Embassy)
· Highest Triple Women: Ms. Kherlyn Ausente (Classic Group)
· Highest Triple Men: Mr. Alfredo Alvea (Filipino Cultural Guild)
3) Beginners Category:
· Team Champion: FIL-LEB Youth
· Highest Single Women: Ms. Carol Asmar
· Highest Single Men: Mr. Rody Karout
During the three Sundays of the tournament, the friends and supporters of the eleven teams were present not only to cheer for their respective teams and to network and mingle with fellow kababayans but also to generously share their delicious Filipino snacks and baons. END