In a display of skill and nerve, Joma Avila emerged victorious as the Sugbuanon Bowlers United (SugBU) Association Inc. 2025 Bowler of the Year. The championship was decided in a gripping final match held at the SM Seaside City Cebu Bowling Center on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
A Commanding Victory in the Final Showdown
Avila, competing with a 15-handicap, faced off against fellow 15-handicapper Ted Convocar in a two-game final series. Avila demonstrated remarkable consistency, securing the prestigious title with a decisive 426-347 victory. This win capped off a day of intense competition among SugBU's top qualifiers.
The Road to the Championship
Avila's journey to the top was anything but easy. His path included a heart-stopping semifinal match in the up-the-ladder rounds, where he narrowly defeated Steve Bahani by a single pin, with a score of 167-166. This razor-thin margin propelled him into the championship round, while Bahani finished as the third runner-up.
On the other side of the bracket, Ted Convocar fought his way up from the first match of the stepladder rounds. He started strong with a 230-167 win over Jomar Jumapao. He then continued his momentum by overcoming Nestor Ranido 175-167 to earn his spot in the final against Avila. Ranido's performance earned him the second runner-up position.
Elite Field of Competitors
The tournament featured the year's top 12 qualifiers from SugBU's weekly and monthly events, showcasing the depth of talent in the local bowling community. The elite competitors who vied for the title were:
- Celis Viloria
- Feben Landazabal
- Joma Avila
- Jomar Jumapao
- Arthur Tapaya
- Dory Enoveso
- Mel Fines
- Nestor Ranido
- Danny Sabang
- Tessie Dante
- Steve Bahani
- Ted Convocar
The event kicked off with Steve Bahani advancing from Group A after defeating Feben Landazabal 177-164.
Crowning the 2025 Champion
The Bowler of the Year tournament served as the grand finale for SugBU's annual calendar of regular tournaments. With his triumph, Joma Avila has cemented his status as the premier bowler in the SugBU circuit for 2025. His victory marks a significant achievement in Cebu's vibrant sports scene, highlighting the competitive spirit and dedication of local athletes.
