Reflections on the PIBNA 39 Tournament… what an experience!

Thank you Lord for bringing everyone back home safely.

After 28 hours of just the drive back to Montreal, conquering approximately 5840 kms. (round trip), and enduring an average of 36 degrees C temperatures per day – altogether – a great tournament, a great time, and great memories.

BIG Congrats to each of the TEAMS that participated… the “OXYGEN” division of ‘45’s… I heard great efforts of your play against larger and full-staffed teams… you fought and never backed down, cramped and tired due to lack of players… as per other City Directors… they were “very impressed” and you “went blow per blow and fought till the end!!!” Your quickness and team-work almost fell some of the biggest contenders in the division. You left an imprint in their minds… and a few definite bruises I am certain.

The 5’10’s, and 35’s – I also heard (unfortunate I could not attend all your games) you guys played your hearts out too and spilled every ounce of sweat and energy on the floor… won games and lost some and just missed the play-offs by mere few points in the +/- system rankings… but do not dismay – anyone that watched also said your skills and team effort are the talk of the tournament. You did not disappoint, you won games against some big and tough opponents and those that you lost – did not get blown away and you held your ground on every play. Whoaaaa!!!!

The U19’s… or shall I say… our U16’s – a team assembled by Noel Tejada at the last few weeks prior to the games… you tried your best against bigger and much older players with tall-bamboo height levels – objective was accomplished… gain valuable experience for the future and fun along the way.

The U15’s- you showed guts and “no fear” mentality. You won against a tough NYC team and lost to bigger and taller teams as well including to the eventual Champions- JAX. To the Coaching staff of Norman Morales – keep your head up – your team performed to the best of their abilities.

To the FINALISTS – U11 & U13… wonderful effort to each of your teams and the fantastic showing of your skills. BIG applause to Lito Lalic and entire Coaching staff and Managers of U13 for getting to the finals!!!! You and your players provided us with great thrills, chills, and wet under garments (sweat or stress related???) in each of the games you played. Tampa Bay staff could have charged good money if they knew that your games were that FAN-tastic filled with acrobatics!!!!

Big ovation and high SALUTE to Head Coach Jex Mendiola, Asst.. Coaches Mario Losloso and PT Asst. John Bustamante for being the U11 CHAMPIONS… again… Back-to-Back!!!!!!!!!!! 2-peat CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!

Hard work, passion, discipline and determination… that’s what it is all about!!! Our minis are truly formidable mighties in this category!!!!

Very happy with the results and the efforts put in by all. Though we were small in physical stature – WE HAVE THE BIGGEST HEARTS in competitions!!!

To all the Coaches, Managers, and Parents – I am very PROUD to have been with you on this trip and Thank You for representing Montreal with CLASS!!!

SPECIAL THANKS to our FANTASTIC 4!!

Kuya Frank & Ate Lydia Baluyot, Kuya Jake & Ate Nancy Maguigad… without your ubiquitous guidance, support and pro-active approach (hotel accommodations, food for Saturday night, bus, and many more..) this trip would have been a chaos. You are the true pillars of our success.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!

See you all soon to celebrate… and that’s a date!!!!!!…

Many cheers y’all!!!

Rick Aquino
Loyal PBAM Fan

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