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After 50 years, fabled Toyota Tamaraws gather for grand reunion

Sports | Basketball

After 50 years, fabled Toyota Tamaraws gather for grand reunion

By Manila Bulletin Sports

The Toyota basketball team holds its 50th grand reunion at Alfresco Covered Lounge in Makati City, last Feb. 18, 2023. The event was attended by the former players, families of the players, and some fans. Posing for the group photo are (standing, from left) Pol Herrera, Toffer (son of Big Boy Reynoso), Ed Camus, Carlos Bauzon (son of Orly Bauzon), Robert Jaworski Jr., Mon Fernandez, Coach Dante Silverio, Gil Cortez, Ulysses Rodriguez, and Joseph Galonga. Joining them are (seated, from left) Ed Cordero, Emerito Legaspi, Ompong Segura, Judge Concepcion. (Arnold Quizol/MB Photo)

By BRIAN YALUNG

The fabled Toyota franchise celebrated its 50th year with an extravagant get-together at the Alfresco Covered Lounge in Makati City on Saturday, Feb. 18.

The event was organized by 1976 PBA Rookie of the Year Virgilio “Gil” Cortez who coordinated with PBA historian Jay Mercado, former team manager and coach Dante Silverio and four-time PBA MVP Ramon Fernandez.

According to Fernandez, it was his last visit in January to the United States that brought up the idea of holding the reunion.

The 69-year-old retired player had met up with some of his old teammates such as Francis Arnaiz, Ricky Relosa, many-time Toyota import Andrew Fields and coach Rino Salazar.

From there, Cortez took the initiative and made the next steps to hold the prestigious event.

Aside from Cortez, Fernandez and Silverio, present for the occasion were Emerito Legaspi, Leopoldo Herrera, Ompong Segura, Oscar Rocha, Ulysees Rodriguez, Arlene Rodriguez, Judge Concepcion, Joseph Galonga and Ed Cordero.

Pasig City Vice Mayor Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr. was also in attendance, gracing the event on behalf of his father, Robert “Sonny” Jaworski, who is reportedly nursing an ailment.

Related Tags

Toyota Tamaraws Mon Fernandez pba

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