MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines (UP) has found a willing and generous company to support the school’s bid in the 79th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
Chooks-to-Go, a roasted chicken retail business owned by Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. (BAVI), has pledged to be the full backer of UP’s basketball program all throughout the upcoming tourney.
The two entities formalized their partnership on April 14 at the Melmac Sports Media Center in Quezon City.
“We will support the pre-season games and training as well as the entire campaign of the UP Fighting Maroons in the 79th UAAP season,” BAVI president and general manager Ronald Mascariñas said in a statement.
Chooks-to-Go’s support of the Diliman-based squadron involves full merchandising, meal provisions, life-coaching, and personal development of the team and staff as the company encourages the players to be shining examples of true sportsmanship on and off the court.
Mascariñas said that he aims to match the support system of other UAAP member schools such as Ateneo De Manila University and De La Salle University.
“The system will not change, but we'll provide the same support that top schools like Ateneo and La Salle are getting,” he told Rappler.
UP concluded Season 78’s double-round eliminations with a 3-11 win-loss record, starting the tournament with two-straight victories before limping to another disappointing finish.
UP team manager Dan Palami claimed that the Fight Maroons are seeking for a Final Four spot as veteran skippers Jet Manuel, Kyles Lao and Henry Asilum will be returning to the lineup to lead the team’s campaign.
The state-run university has not reached the crossover semi-final phase since 1997 when UP was swept by Far Eastern University in two games.
Although the joint venture is not guaranteeing to bring back UP's long lost glory in basketball at the moment, Palami did not mince words in expressing his gratitude with the support that Mascariñas’ food enterprise is extending to UP.
“We have nowhere to go but up,” Palami stressed.
In the coming days, UP is expected to announce Bo Perasol’s appointment as its new head coach.
Perasol will be taking the coaching helm from Rensy Bajar, but Mo Gingerich, Allan Gregorio, Poch Juinio and Joe Ward will remain as the team’s assistant coaches. – Rappler.com