The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025 with a season that will be long remembered, not just for its historic milestones but for the profound challenges that tested the league's resilience.
A Silver Celebration Marked by Historic Events
The season's festivities kicked off with a landmark event: the first-ever Cesafi Alumni All-Stars Game between arch-rivals University of the Visayas (UV) and University of Cebu (UC). Held on September 10 at the newly renovated New Cebu Coliseum, the match featured legendary Cebuano talents who have made their mark nationally.
Fans were treated to the sight of PBA superstar and nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo suiting up, alongside other notable players like Brian Heruela, Paul Desiderio, JR Quiñahan, and MPBL star Emman Calo. The game was further elevated by the presence of former Alaska Aces standout and playing-coach Dondon Hontiveros.
The thrilling exhibition was decided in the final seconds by a clutch three-pointer from Paul Desiderio, securing victory for the UV Alumni Green Lancers. The event's massive success has league officials considering making it a regular feature, possibly every year or every five years.
Other anniversary events included a fun run on September 9 that attracted around 3,000 students and a vibrant dance competition ahead of the official season tip-off.
Nature's Fury Disrupts the Season
The league's smooth progress was violently interrupted on September 30 when a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Bogo City, with tremors felt strongly in Cebu City. Cesafi was forced to suspend all events temporarily.
Just days after games resumed, Typhoon Tino battered the province on November 4, causing widespread destruction and displacement. The community's focus rightly shifted to relief efforts. To compound the crisis, Typhoon Uwan followed merely three days later, raising alarm across vulnerable areas.
Faced with these consecutive calamities, Commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy Jr. and league officials had to repeatedly adjust schedules. In a bid to finish on time, they eventually resorted to holding games daily.
Controversy and Unstoppable History
As the league pushed to complete its schedule, a significant controversy emerged. The University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu/Mandaue (UCLM) Baby Webmasters, leading the high school standings, were disqualified from the semifinals.
The ruling came after it was proven that their top point guard, Noe Lingoste, had played in another league in Iloilo on November 2 while the Cesafi tournament was ongoing—a clear violation of league rules. All UCLM wins involving Lingoste were forfeited, dropping their record from 8-2 to 3-7 and knocking them out of semifinal contention. Despite an appeal, the Cesafi board upheld the technical committee's decision.
Yet, even calamities and controversy could not halt historic achievements. In the high school division, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles, coached by Rommel Rasmo, secured the league's first-ever five-peat by sweeping the UC Baby Webmasters.
Meanwhile, in the collegiate ranks, the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers under coach Gary Cortes captured their fourth consecutive championship and their record-extending 17th overall Cesafi title.
The Cesafi's 25th anniversary season was a true tapestry of emotion—woven with threads of celebration, adversity, debate, and ultimate triumph. It proved the league's enduring spirit, leaving another indelible chapter in its rich Cebuano basketball history.
