Photo Caption:  Cyrus Baguio of PBA (fourth from left with Division 1 winners including MVP Ronnie Cajayon (fifth from left)

The shooting guard/small forward of Alaska Aces, a prominent Philippines Basketball Association team, was in Qatar recently as a special guest at the Tatluhan sa Doha All-Filipino 3x3 Men's Basketball League 2014 event.

 

By:   Ailyn Agonia

Pics By:   Ronnie Castro

 

DOHA:   "I am thrilled to be given an opportunity to entertain my kababayans (compatriots) in Qatar and I look forward to visiting them again," said Manila-based basketball superstar Cyrus Baguio.

The shooting guard/small forward of Alaska Aces, a prominent Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team, was in Qatar recently as a special guest at the Tatluhan sa Doha All-Filipino 3x3 Men's Basketball League 2014 event. It was organised by the Pinoy Basketball of Qatar (Pibaq), with Qatar Tribune as the event's official media partner.

In an interview with Qatar Tribune, Baguio said that he was overwhelmed with the show of support by Filipino residents in Qatar."I am happy to see so many Filipinos here in Qatar supporting basketball events. I had a great time during the event and meeting some of them. I hope I am invited again to visit Qatar in the future," he said.

During the event, Baguio not only greeted his fans but also showcased his famous moves on the court. The superstar is known for his slam dunk moves.

"Pibaq is lucky to have Baguio during this important event," said Pibaq President Pat Carido.

The Filipino community came out in full force on the occasion, including several basketball lovers, who formed their own teams, to take part in the 3-on-3 event. The teams were categorised into two, namely Division One and Division Two.

In the first division, the team of Ronnie Cajayon, Eric Tamayo, Michael Paderes and Rodel Mallari bagged the top prize. Cajayon was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the category.

Meanwhile, in the second division, it was the team comprising Erminion Bigkas, Ronald Batarao, Jeffrey Roman and John Rafael Villegas, who emerged winners in the category. Bigkas was the category's MVP.

The winning team received $1000 handed over by Baguio. Each player of the winning team also received an android tablet and exclusive Gilas Pilipinas jacket. Cajayon and Bigkas went home with especially made MVP gold rings.

Tatluhan sa Doha All-Filipino 3x3 Men's Basketball League 2014, one of the main events of Pibaq this year, was sponsored by Diana Jewellery & Watches, Cocina Filipina Restaurant & Catering and August Sports Tailor.