01 July 2016 - Filipino basketball players, their fans, and other enthusiasts and aficionados based in Shanghai gathered in the Gonghexin-Chang’an Basketball Court for the opening game of the 15th season of the Philippine Basketball Association in Shanghai (PBAS) on June 26. Eight valiant teams vied for the championship trophy currently held by last season’s champion Team Elite. Other teams included PMAS Jammers, PMAS Strummers, Shanghai Saints, My Place Amigos, Shanghai UAP, Shanghai Amigos and i-Aicon.
In his welcoming remarks, Philippine Consul General to Shanghai Wilfredo R. Cuyugan applauded the initiative of PBAS organizers, led by its President Moises Sumile, for bringing together the Filipino community together in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. The Consul General also talked about how basketball, being a quintessential piece of Filipino culture, is able to remind Filipino expatriates of the memories and comforts of home and how this game is able to bring out the very best of the Filipinos -- uniting as a team, foregoing individual aspirations for the team’s, and fostering a greater sense of collectivity and friendship.
The players, after reciting the oath of sportsmanship, and ceremonial ball toss led by the Consul General, proceeded to play several games for the rest of the afternoon. A fiesta-like convivial atmosphere was also created by the cheering fans and Filipino entrepreneurs who sold Filipino treats and food items outside the court. The 15th season of PBAS will last for 8 weeks and the champion will be crowned at the end of the tournament. END
