A TEAM OF FIL-CANADIAN BASKETBALL PLAYERS IS GOING TO MANILA TO COMPETE IN SM NBTC CHAMPIONSHIP

By Li ERON
Ontario-Canada
January 20, 2015



For the first time ever, a Team of Filipino-Canadian Basketball Players under NABA is going home to Philippines this March 13-17 to participate and compete for SM NBTC Championship.

NBTC started eight years ago, it covers 48 cities in the Philippines and with over 700 public and private schools members. NBTC’s main objective is to develop skills, build character and raise leaders. It does not only develop players, it also includes even coaches according to Mr. NBTC program director coach Eric Altamirano.

Notable NBTC products are Mike Tolomia, former Far Eastern University, Scottie Thompson of Tamaraw Barangay Ginebra and Bolts’ Baser Amer of Meralco. The national championships this year, with its new partnership with SM, is to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City from March 13 to 17.

Coach Mike Cruz, Durham Crossover Basketball President is working hard to be able to participate and bring some of Canada’s best basketball players in conjunction with NABA- North American Basketball Association Commissioner Mr. Ron Damasco and assisted by NABA Liaison Officer Edgar Tojino. This team is one of the two international teams competing for the Championships.

Team Canada consists of players from Durham Crossover, namely;  Matthew Daves, Andre Cruz, Phaul Peralta, Rob Ocampo, Ridge Ablang, Matthew Oligane and Matthew Lim. From Maharlika (Markham) are James Canlas, Evyn Santiago and Alvin Florido. Also from North York is Jaiden Abad Mohamed.

Coach Mike and his Team are organizing events to help the team financially on their trip with the following events;
Jan 23- Team Canada Exhibition
Feb 6- Poker Night
Feb 20– Post Valentine Benefit Concert

Supporters:
Drita Burci of Remax, Rey Vindua of VSIX Consulting, Sam Herrera and Ophelia Valdez of PMN TV, Àudio Spin Entertainment, Erwin Ablang of EB Grapix, Manny Gutierrez of TFC, Jojo TADURAN and Willy Santiago