Despite recent calamities that have challenged the province, the spirit of Cebuanos remains unbroken as sports events continue to bring communities together and provide much-needed relief from ongoing difficulties.
Basketball Exhibition Lights Up Lapulapu
On Friday, November 7, 2025, the highly anticipated exhibition game between Cebu Greats and Lapulapu Heroes finally took place at the Hoops Dome in Lapulapu City. Although the event began late in the evening due to three preliminary games in different categories, basketball fans from Lapulapu maintained their excitement throughout the venue.
The special match had been planned for several weeks and proceeded as scheduled since Lapulapu City was not severely affected by Typhoon Tino. The game provided perfect entertainment, particularly for Oponganons, as the intensity remained high until the final minutes.
What made the event particularly engaging for basketball enthusiasts was the presence of local talents who have made names for themselves in major leagues, alongside young players showing potential to become star-caliber athletes.
Star Players and Team Lineups
The Cebu Greats featured the ever-popular Dondon Hontiveros, known as the Cebu Hotshot during his PBA days, who now serves as playing assistant coach to Junthy Valenzuela. Also present was JR Quinahan, who recently trended on social media when his family's home was affected by Typhoon Tino's flooding, though he did not play in the game.
The team also included well-known player Paul "Atin Ito" Desiderio and reinforcements from Davao: Lean Martel, Joseph Terso, and Alvin Baetiong, formerly of the UST Tigers. Jun Manzo and another big man, Reeve Ugsang, were unable to participate for various reasons.
The Lapulapu Heroes, coached by Lloyd Solis, were led by veteran players including Shaquille Imperial, Junel Bongcasiso, Vincent Minguito, John Abad, Kint Ariar, and former Cebu Greats member Mac Tallo.
In the end, the Lapulapu Heroes emerged victorious with a score of 88-80, but overall, basketball fans in Lapulapu City went home with their enthusiasm properly satisfied.
Additional Successful Events Despite Challenges
On Saturday morning, November 8, Typhoon Tino couldn't prevent the successful holding of the Powerdash Run, organized by the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists (CFBJ) under the leadership of Arnold Bustamante of dyHP and Calvin Cordova of Manila Bulletin.
The event started and finished at Robinson's Galleria in Cebu City. While originally intended as a fundraising activity for CBFJ, the organizers decided to allocate all proceeds to a barangay in Talisay City that suffered severe flooding during Typhoon Tino.
Later that afternoon, Big Yellow Boxing Promotion successfully held their "Bakbakan 4" boxing series at the ConEquip Office in Mandaue City. The promotion had been originally scheduled for November 5 in Danao but was postponed to November 8 and moved to a different venue due to significant damage caused by Typhoon Tino in that area.
These events demonstrate Cebu's profound love for sports and physical activities. Despite significant timing challenges, communities find ways and arrange alternative options to ensure events proceed - showcasing quality athletes with champion hearts.
Bangon Cebu! Bangon Sugboanon!
