A new ear in Filipino basketball has began as the Spoilers managed to bring back its glory days after beating Western Union, 117-93, Sunday to win the coveted crown of the Filipino Basketball League (FBL) at the Palau National gym.

The Spoilers closed down their series with a 2-0 count. With the win, the Spoilers playmaker Aries Echanova was judged as the season MVP and rookie of the year while teammate Michael Bombita was named Finals MVP and Leonilo Gonzales was awarded the sportsmanship honors.

Aside from that Echanova, Bombita and Gonzales were named to the 1st Mythical Five selection together with Western Union’s Erwin Senadre and Emerson Patenia while the 2nd Mythical Five team is composed of Jay Naguit and Nic Hinoza of Mam’l Divers Rangers, Edzel Torres of Western Union and Dennis Castro and Joeger Supnet of the Ilocandia Bulls.

Other awardees were Bong Alambra of Western Union (Tapal Kings); Richard Lanuza of Guardians (Most Improver Player); and Hanpa Cardinals (Team Sportsmanship award).

FBL chairman Ronnie Giman and vice chairman Boy Castaneda awarded the trophies and certificates immediately after the event.

The Imperial Bar Girls and Happy Hours dancers delighted the crowd with their intermission numbers during the half time break.

This year’s FBL is sponsored by Aqua Drinking Water, ATT Bar and Restaurant, Blue Bay Petroleum Inc., Budget Mart 1, CTSI Logistics/Western Union, Engr. Bobby Pineda, Galaxy Dexigner, Galaxy Builders, Kabayan Restaurant, MJ Trading and General Merchandise, Palasia Hotel, Palau Royal Resort, Palau Shipping Co., PITI, Sea Passion Hotel, Shimbros Inc., The Print Zone, The Taj Restaurant, VMJ Construction and WCTC. The FBL is under the supervision of the Palau Basketball Federation.   By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)