Final Message from the (current) PBAM President

Dear Friends ,

As at October 31st, 2015 and after 3 years as President of the PBAM – my term will end and I want to take the opportunity to briefly share some thoughts and reflections.

After being elected president for the first time back in 2011, I have worked with many volunteers – men and women (the PBAM Officers and Advisors, Team / Club Presidents, Coaches and Managers, players) – who have put in such passion, commitment, dedication, and most importantly- time and often… donated money. From the very moment I was elected I have worked with these great ” friends, leaders and unique individuals ” to elevate the PBAM to a higher level.

Using strategic planning, determination, creativity, a transparent system of communication, and with the support of the countless people who comprise the PBAM family, it continues to thrive as one of Quebec’s leading and most successful non-profit sports associations. The PBAM is at the apex and the #1 Filipino basketball league in Quebec – a powerhouse to contend with.

When I look back at the successes achieved during my presidency and the state of the PBAM today, I feel tremendous pride to have helped lead and been a part of such a successful management team comprised of so many valuable individuals. Particularly during the first year of my tenure, the constant support of Mr. & Mrs. Jake Maguigad and Mr. & Mrs. Frank Baluyot, and Mr. Robert de Guzman made the immersion in handling my responsibilities easier to fathom. Yes – it was a year of big challenges especially with the mega event when we hosted in Montreal the PIBNA 36th Tournament in 2012 followed by the mutated birth of a competing league. But with a strong team of dedicated, resilient, and sound-minded team of officers by my side ( Mike Castro , Mike Narciso , Noel Tejada ) we pushed onwards and stayed the course. I would like to express my highest gratitude to each of these PBAM Officers and Board of Advisors for their unconditional support. I would also like to thank the City Ministers & Officers , the gymnasium directors , and staff for working with us to have use of their facilities where we have had the pleasure of playing in over the years and surely in coming years as well.

There have been countless unforgettable moments, particularly when it comes to our travelling tournament teams (PIBNA games teams). Their successes have been a cause for celebration and sense of elevated pride in the Montreal community. As a basketball family we have succeeded in conveying the magic of basketball, its beauty and excitement, to people of all ages. These successes are but part of what the PBAM is about. Many cities across eastern North America continue to take notice, show respect, and oftentimes at awe of Montreal Filipino basketball. The numerous events we have attended, events we hosted, the Winter League games each attest that the PBAM continues to get bigger and stronger. One of the many special moments as an example – bearing witness to the ” La Famiglia Narciso ” team – Champions of the PBAM 2015 summer league tournament (under the guidance of Aron Poonin, Dhabby and Jason Mayuga). This team Narciso was comprised of ONLY family members, managed and coached by same. The entire team is but family and won!!! I have seen in my lifetime brothers or family members playing in the same league, or in same team with other non – family members. Whether in amateur or in the professional level… to win the championship in any sport with the entire team strictly family….never done before! Only in the PBAM… did it happen… and am proud to have watched it.

I fell in love with basketball as a young boy growing up in Montreal, and my passion for the sport has never wavered. On the contrary, that passion is what has inspired and motivated me over the years, because I know firsthand this sport’s potential to change a young person’s life on and off the court. Hard work, respect, passion, and creativity were some of the values I learned playing, and these are also the values of the PBAM. Sharing these values with new generations of basketball players has always been a personal priority. I am deeply satisfied with the positive impact it has made on children in the community. I know that the impact of the PBAM to the youth and the community will continue to grow even stronger in the years ahead under the leadership of the new PBAM President Mr. Mike Castro .

Complacency has always been the enemy of success. We have treated each success as a stepping-stone to greater achievements. And the future looks bright. I leave this position confident that Mike Castro and the highly experienced and talented management staff will achieve even bigger and better things in the future. As always – I pledge to continue my unconditional support. I am excited to continue working with everyone in the PBAM and will carry its values as I tackle the position of Secretary of PIBNA .

I am grateful and THANK YOU to past and present members of the PBAM and everyone who has contributed to our tremendous success.

Cheers!

Rick Aquino
PBAM President

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