LYKA MAE de Sagun CASTILLO Wins PIDC Mabuhay Cup Miss Sports Model 2016

By Susan Llanera
Toronto-Canada
July 27, 2016



In it's 13^th year anniversary, the PIDC Mabuhay Cup Open Invitational Basketball Tournament formally opened the Toronto's biggest and much anticipated three-day championship games on Saturday, July 23^rd which was held at Hoopdome, former Hangar in Downsview, North York, ON.

Manny Villamor officiated the Opening ceremonies with the introduction of the Mabuhay Cup participating teams across and outside the GTA. The event was emceed by Karen Pascual-Binaday. Fittingly, Aurora Ticzon Elefano and Suzy Llanera, Ms Sports Model Coordinators presented the seven lovely candidates who competed for the Ms Sports Model 2016 title. Each contestant who represented their basketball teams are: Lyka Mae de Sagun Castillo, Durham-Crossover; Angelica Mercado Alfonso, Angiels; Hayley Hofsted, Lapsely; Kristine Peralta, Maharlika; Kiyann Grimaldo, Red Warriors; Ariana Espiritu, North York Pinoy Athletic Association (NYPAA); and Megan Paulan, Lakan.

Honourable John Tory, Mayor of Toronto and PIDC President Norma Carpio, graced and delivered their welcome and inspirational messages to the enthusiastic crowd and the participating teams, as well as, they led the ceremonial toss with Manny Villamor, Mabuhay Cup Sports Director.

Celine Grey, Miss Philippines PIDC 2016, Liza Chapell, FRNAO chairwoman 2016, Angelito Santiago, Owner/ Franchisee of Original Barrio Fiesta, Emilie Co Sy, Royal LePage Broker, and Ashley Vanessa Tahsin, Sin Lashes owner, comprised the distinguished Panel of Judges.

Evidently, the hype and the energy on the field before and during the opening ceremonies was present. The organizing committee, Vilma Tahsin, Roger Tarca, Bob San Juan, Manny and Vilma Villamor were commendable in their hard work, true diligence, dedication, great effort and as well, had maintained a sports team-spirit environment. For without the organizing & working committees, the volunteers, the FRNAO nurses, the basketball players, the team directors, the referees, Hoopdome staff, and of course the Sponsors, Dr. Vicky Santiago-Liu and Filipino Renal Nurses Association in Ontario (FRNAO), this event would not have been possible. The Donors were GoldenCare Scarborough, Angelito Santiago, Emilie Co Sy and Ashley Vanessa Tahsin.


It was indeed another PIDC milestone, a tremendous and successful event! See you next year's Mabuhay Cup Invitational Basketball Tournament on July 21, 22, and 23, 2017.


Next PIDC Event: the MABUHAY PHILIPPINES FESTIVAL themed as "SINING" is slated on Sept 3-4 at Nathan Philips Square, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W. (sl)