PMMS, La Consolacion start title-bid in ISAA cage tourney

Three-time champion Philippine Merchant Marine School faces a tough test in St. Dominic College of Asia while archrival La Consolacion College-Manila is heavily-favored to steamroll Manila Tytana Colleges at the start of the 7th Inter-Scholatic Athletic Association basketball championship at Cuneta Astrodome Thursday.

The Mariners, under coach and ex-amateur standout Aldrin Morante, will parade an almost intact lineup against the Red Pikes, who have bolstered their squad in a bid to topple the heavyweights. The Blue Royals of La Co-Manila will be handled anew by University of Santo Tomas coach Bong dela Cruz and will parade players with foreign roots against the Titans, who will be handled by new coach and ex-NCAA star Ronjay Enrile.

Guest team Philippine Air Transport and Training Services (PATTS) College of Aeronautics will also show its mettle against Philippine Women’s University.

ISAA President Melanie Florentino of FEATI said this year’s season promises to be a blockbuster. Florentino, now on her second season as head of the association which boasts of sound academic and sports programs, also thanked PMMS for hosting the season.

“The league is getting stronger and there’s no way but up for ISAA. This is made possible by the camaraderie and cooperation of the members,” said Florentino, who is very vocal in stressing the importance of academics in ISAA’s vision. This year’s theme is “Soaring at 7.”

Guest of honor and speaker is PBA Hall of Famer Ronnie Magsanoc, a veteran internationalist and a member of the pro league’s 25 greatest players. Magsanoc, who played a key role in the triumph of the University of the Philippines during the 1986 UAAP wars, will be introduced by Crispulo “Pipo” Onrubia, who is regarded as the architect of the Mariners’ rise in collegiate basketball.

PMMS also won this year’s National Capital Region Athletic Association competitin. The Mariners showed action in the prestigious Philippine Champions League.

“We’re ready and aware that our rivals have bolstered their lineups. Just like in the past, hardwork will do the trick for us,” said Morante, who at 5-foot-7 was a delight to watch in the now-defunct Philippine Basketball League.

Leading the Mariners’ charge is league MVP Jess Nicole Quilatan, who will be supported by Sany Jay Trinidad, Rocky Antonares at Domark Matillano.

The opening ceremonies will start at 9 a.m. with the award-winning Customs Administration Cultural Group of PMMS regaling the crowd with its dances. Manila Tytana’s choral group Nightingale Society will provide the songs for the highly-awaited competition for the Ms. ISAA.

The other officers are: Jonathan Sta. Ana (SDCA) , vice-president; Raul Santos (PWU), secretary; Antonio Giron (Manila Adventist Colleges), treasurer; Marlon Asuque (PMMS), auditor and Ruel dela Rosa (MTC), press relations officer.

Board members are Marielle Benitez, Andie Cristobal, Crispulo Onrubia and Josie Dimalanta.