The Cebu City Christmas League reached its thrilling conclusion on December 20, 2025, at the City Sports Institute Gym in Barangay Sawang Calero, leaving local basketball fans thoroughly entertained. The excitement was fueled by the standout performances of several young Cebuano players who have made names for themselves in Manila's collegiate leagues.
From Unnoticed to Unstoppable: The Rise of Titing Manalili
Leading the pack of homegrown talents was point guard Jonathan "Titing" Manalili, who became the center of attention for the eager crowd. Interestingly, Manalili was not widely known in Cebu's local basketball scene because he went straight to Manila to pursue his career.
He spent two years in high school at Letran, where he immediately achieved a back-to-back championship and was crowned Finals MVP before moving up to the collegiate level. Many fans wondered why no school in Cebu recruited him, given his evident skill. In truth, Manalili wanted to play in the Cesafi, but scouts overlooked him at the time due to his smaller, slimmer frame.
His passion for the game was undeniable, often tagging along with teams as a ball boy or water boy just to watch the action. His big break came during the pandemic when a Manila-organized league, backed by a politician, was held at the Cebu Coliseum. Manalili was included in the lineup of a Talisay team participating in the short tournament.
A Fateful Discovery and Meteoric Rise
The tournament organizer was Allen Ricardo, then the coach of the Letran Knights Juniors. Ricardo discovered Manalili's talent and immediately offered him a spot on the Letran high school team. Seizing his dream, Manalili consulted his supportive parents, and his journey to stardom began.
Ricardo's judgment was proven right as Manalili led his team to those consecutive championships in his first two years. On the court, Manalili's talent is distinct. He plays with a graceful, pressure-free ease that makes the game look simple. What truly sets him apart and excites fans is his exceptional passing ability, often his first option, leaving defenders guessing where the ball will go and who will receive it. Some observers even draw comparisons to the legendary Magic Johnson in his playmaking vision.
A Gathering of Cebuano Hoops Royalty
Manalili's presence is a major reason Cebuano basketball fans flocked to the City Sports Institute Gym, eager to see in person a player they usually only watch on TV. But he wasn't the only draw.
The league also featured Steve Nash Enriquez with his own entertaining style, and Reinhard Jumamoy. The presence of Jared Bahay, the recognized leader of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP, further amplified the league's appeal.
Perhaps the most underrated Cebuano talent in the eyes of local fans is Nicael Cabanero. He started his basketball journey in Cebu, playing for the University of San Carlos in elementary school alongside Bahay and Jumamoy. Cabanero has risen to become the team captain of the UST Growling Tigers and a three-time UAAP scoring champion, including in the most recent season. He has also been included in the UAAP's Mythical Five twice, a rare feat for any Cebuano in the UAAP or NCAA.
These rising stars represent the new generation of Cebuano basketball talent, poised to bring further glory and recognition to Cebu in the years to come.
