H Centre to link up with Barako 5

Source: Philippine Star


MANILA, Philippines - Harbour Centre, an amateur ball club with great successes both in the local and international scenes, will have its initial foray in the pros as co-sponsor of Barako Bull in the coming PBA Fiesta Conference.

The PBA board of governors has approved Harbour Centre’s sponsorship of Barako Bull, a development that could well lead to the eventual entry of the Mikee Romero-owned team in the pro loop in the future.

The Energy Boosters will carry the Harbour Centre name at the back of their uniform in the import-laden PBA second conference.

“Mr. George Chua invited me as co-sponsor. We haven’t gone as far as talking about the franchise. For now, I’m a sponsor and observer. Who knows the next step might be a dream come true,” Romero told The STAR.

The Barako Bull team may be a mix of its old lineup and key players of the Philippine Patriots squad that ruled the inaugural Asean Basketball League championship.

Coaching staff of the two teams may also join forces. Leo Isaac is head coach of Barako Bull while Louie Alas is the Philippine Patriots’ chief tactician.

“The next ABL tourney won’t open until October. To stay in competitive shape, some of the Patriots will try it out with Barako. It’s up to the coaching staff, if they like the services of these players,” said Romero.

Among the Patriots who are PBA free agents are Rob Wainwright, Jerwin Gaco, Warren Ybanez and Christian Coronel. They can sign up with Barako anytime.

Romero, a businessman-sportsman who used to be a La Salle Green Archer, had his first attempt in joining the PBA with Burger King. Romero’s stint with the team was short lived as projected partnership with the Lina Group of Companies didn’t push through.

Romero, however, is confident he would still make the pros someday.

Barako Bull will be taking on Sta. Lucia Realty in the opener of the Fiesta Conference on March 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Energy Boosters, the first team eliminated in the Philippine Cup, will also see action in the next Fiesta Conference play date on March 24, going up against Coca-Cola also at the Big Dome.

The opening twin bill also features Barangay Ginebra versus Talk n Text. The March 24 double-header, meanwhile, also pits San Miguel Beer against Air21.

It’s Talk n Text against Rain or Shine then Sta. Lucia versus Barangay Ginebra on March 26 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Philippine Cup champion Purefoods and runner-up Alaska Milk won’t see action in the second conference until April.