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'Pinoy Sakuragi' Pingris steals show in Ako Bicol Cup opening rites

Philippines | National

'Pinoy Sakuragi' Pingris steals show in Ako Bicol Cup opening rites

By Ellson Quismorio

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) icon and so-called "Pinoy Sakuragi" Marc Pingris stole the show during the opening ceremony of the Ako Bicol Cup - basketball tournament on Saturday, March 25. The super-popular Pingris was the designated torch-bearer during the event, which was held at the Fuerte CamSur Sports Complex. One of the PBA's 40 greatest players and a nine-time PBA champion, Pingris led the ceremonial torch run to signal the start of the tournament. He also gave an inspirational message to the players. Ako Bicol Party-list Reps. Zaldy Co and Jil Bongalon; and Ako Bicol Executive Director, lawyer Alfredo Garbin Jr. led the officials who attended the opening ceremony.

PBA icon Marc Pingris (center) handles the torch during the opening ceremonies of the Ako Bicol Cup on March 25, 2023. Directly behind him is Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co. (Photo from Facebook)

"We believe that sports can be a catalyst for positive change, and the Ako Bicol Cup is just one of the many initiatives that we are pushing to support our community's development," said Co, who chairs the Committee on Appropriations in the House of Representatives. The party-list says thwcAko Bicol Cup is more than just a basketball tournament, noting that it provides an opportunity for the community to come together and support the young athletes representing their towns and schools. A total of 36 teams from all over Camarines Sur are participating in the tournament. The jerseys and basketball shoes worn by the all players were shouldered by Ako Bicol Party-list.

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Marc Pingris Ako Bicol party-list basketball zaldy co

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