1st Pinoy Netters Singles Cup

Championships set today
Riyadh – Seasoned tennisters will battle it out in the Championships of the 1st Pinoy Netters Singles Cup due Friday, January 9, at the Al Yamama Hotel Tennis Courts here.

Veteran Leo Barinan of Maaden Company and a teener RJ Suarez in the Higher B Category will slug it out while another seasoned tennister, Jess Butalid, will play against upcoming shotmaker, Gener Marasigan.

In the semifinals last January 6, Barinan came on the brinks of defeat in the second and third sets but emerged victorious with a hard-fought win over the multi-awarded Jeck Olaguer, 4-6, 6-5, 7-6. He is to meet in the finals today Suarez who was ruthless in his demolition of another veteran tennister, Roy Repollo, 6-0, 6-1.

In Lower B Category, Butalid will battle it out with Marasigan after both players posted convincing wins over their highly-favored opponents.

Butalid secured the finals berth when he prevailed over another experienced player, Dennis de Castro, in two sets, 6-4, 6-5. Marasigan, on the other hand, made it to the championship with a victory over aggressive and upcoming tennister, Darwin Suson, in two sets, 6-1, 6-3.

Meanwhile, in the Lower C Category, Jojo Romano captured the Championships in a nail-biting final against rising Terence Mongcal, 6-3, 6-5.

It was an uphill battle for Romano who was able to turn the table on Mongcal after the latter held a 5-2 lead in the second set. Mongcal got many chances when he secured the upper hand just after Romano broke his racquet string but could not capitalize on it as he became tentative and committed too many unforced errors.


In Higher C, Arnel Pineda showed the court brilliance he displayed in the earlier rounds when he routed Roel Genson overwhelmingly, 6-0, 6-1.

Earlier, Suarez trounced the veteran Lemuel Habban, in two but long-concluded sets, 6-3, 6-2. Likewise, in the round of 16, Marasigan prevailed over seasoned player, Peter Manalo, carving out a hard-fought win in three sets, 6-5, 5-6, 7-1.

Pineda came through to the finals when he got past Edison Lallana in the semifinals last December 27, carving out a convincing win in two sets, 6-2, 6-1. Gem Beringuel

A day to recall for Pinoy Netters (by Frank O. Villahermosa

A day to recall for Pinoy Netters

Last September 30, Pinoy Netters' tennisters had their outing at the city's outskirt.  Many PNC tennis-playing members were there including new ones,  Angel Aniag, presently the prexy of Bankers Tennis Club, and his colleague, Edgar Estoesta. Newcomer Jericho Puno was also there.

The event was intended not only to recognize the day the tennis clique was established two years ago but also to give credence to the three tennisters who were about to leave for various reasons and destinations.

The first to depart for RP for good was Jess Hermano, a PNC BOD.  Sarge Gumapac PNC's President, also attended so with Lori Adalim, an avid tennis-playing member. The two are about to leave for Dubai and the reasons were all work-related.

In all, the event was a success, judging from the happy faces of those who participated in.  There were fun games for members, one of which was an obstacle hurdle where participating tennisters were fooled to go through five barriers which were actually removed before the blind-folded participants started with the game.  Imagine you have to jump, crawl and step over those hurdles which were really not there!!!Part of camaraderie hu!!!Funny but enjoyable.

Although I did not finish the event due to a prior commitment, I went home with gladness in my heart.  The tennis clique is ONE and UNITED not only in tournaments but also in other aspects.  It's indeed a manifestation of closeness, solidarity and brotherhood Pinoy Netters' tennisters displayed.  This was just the beginning of good cooperation among PNCtennis-playing members.

D’Stallions clinches Title by: Gem Beringuel

Riyadh – Early favorite D’Stallions prevailed over its fiercest rival, UTT Logistics, to win the Title of Pinoy Netters Mabuhay Cup 2004, convincingly, 5-1 (47 games to 39), recently at Al Yamama Hotel Tennis Complex here.

Victory was imminent for D’Stallions when its low-ranked players, Ferdie De Guzman & Max Lopez (C3 & C4) eked out a hard-fought win against the formidable duo of Gerson Baretta & Bong de Leon in Court 4 last September 29.

The win was followed by the demolition of D’Stallions’ C1 tennisters (Richard Lanuza & Willie Nicholas) of UTT’s Deo Pelaez & Serge Ariola, 8-3. Only UTT’s duo of Art Bumatay & Gilbert Masias survived the onslaught of D’Stallions, overpowering the tandem of Marlon dela Cruz & Raffy Sta. Ana with the same score. From this point, there was no stopping for D’Stallions as the rest of its high-ranked tennisters emerged triumphant.
Aside from de Guzman & Lopez and dela Cruz & Sta. Ana, D’Stallions grouped Paul Pagulayan & Pete Manalo (B1 & B2) 8-4; Richard Villanueva & M.A. Hibshi (B3 & B4) 8-7; and Gener Marasigan & Abet Bagay (B5 & B6).

In Court 1 & 2, Serve & Volley doused cold water on Nestle’s quest for prestige as it subdued the latter with ease, 4-2, to capture 3rd runner-up honors. DIFA Spinners settled for the final 5th place while GSK Consumers Health Care ended up in 6th .

Meanwhile, although MASCO failed to get top plums out of 18 competing teams, four of its tennisters made headway as Best Players in the two-month competition. Nelson Etor & Rey Lamban lambasted the rest in their categories (B3 & B4), respectively. Their teammates, Dennis de Castro (B5) and Rey Esteban (B6), also pulled the rug under their rivals.

Other Best Players were Lito Punay & Jilany Chawdhry of Al Rumaih/SAIB (B1/B2); Richard Lanuza & Willy Nicholas (C1) of D’Stallions; Romy Suarez & Jonathan del Pilar (C2) of Siemens and Romy Asiones (C3) and Rudy Alberto (C4) of DIFA Spinners.

1st Pinoy Netters – Bankers Joint Tennis Tourney

'BANKERONG PINOY' OPENS

Riyadh – Pinoy Netters Club 102 and Bankers’ first-ever joint tennis tourney opens today at Al Yamama Hotel Tennis Complex here with tennisters from both its ranks competing for top plums.

Dubbed “Bankerong Pinoy 2004”, the tourney was participated in by 120 tennisters from both PNC & Bankers.

“This joint tournament was contemplated last year and it’s good that it has been realized now,” said Albin Guinto, chair of Pinoy Netters. (Gem Beringuel)

Tournament format shall be single round-robin. Bankerong Pinoy 2004 shall run up to November 5, 2004. Top four (4) finishers after nine (9) preliminary matches shall qualify for the trophy standing, according to Angel Aniag, Bankers’ President and a member of the Tourney’s joint steering committee.

2nd Pinoy Mabuhay Cup - Veteran tennisters notch clinical wins

Riyadh – Seasoned tennisters and early favorites UTT Logistics, SEC Power Netters and DIFA Spin hitters led the blitz at the ongoing 2nd Pinoy Mabuhay Cup, trashing their opponents with brilliant display of tennis at Al Yamama Hotel Tennis Courts.

In Court 1 & 2 last August 10, seeded players provided the wall for UTT’s near demolition of Acers, bringing home the bacon at that night, 42-31, with only its C2 players (Art Bumatay & Gilbert Masias) succumbing to Acers’ Abdulaziz Manzano & Michael Reyes, 2-8. UTT is to face Spin smashers on Sunday, August 22, in the 4th round .

In Court 3 & 4, Al Rumaih/SAIB turned the tables on Pacific Cargo, overpowering the latter with guts and experience as it emerged victorious after see-saw games going into the final matches of the night.

A day later, in court 1 & 2, DIFA Spinners, anchored by Pete Petersen & Tom Silverio, overcame the Net Warriors, 39 games to 31, after splitting the first four matches. Petersen and Silverio’s (B1/B2 tennisters) drubbing of Net Warriors’ Boy Gopez and Ernie Carillo to 2 games only proved enough to provide them the bonus point and catapult DIFA on top with 9 wins (86 games).

DIFA’s trashing of Net Warriors’ lower ranked tennisters was crucial as the latter was limited to only 5 games with four matches still to be accounted for. DIFA’s C2 players (Danny Maun & Romy Asiones) got past NW’s Rudy Tablate & Alex Bergonia, 8-2, while its C3/C4 players (Asiones & Rudy Alberto) overwhelmed the duo of Ver Rubio & Bergonia, 8-3. They are to meet FC Netters today, August 20, in Court 1, 2 & 3.

In Court 5 & 6, Positive Beat tennisters regrouped to turn the tide on Siemens as their last four matches proved to be nail-biting. Siemens’ smashers rallied to catch up to their opponents but lost steam as they surrendered a dozen of breakpoints to go down, 19 games to 31.

Tennisters Randy Cepe & Bob Cardinal (B1/B2) and the tandem of Jess Butalid and Max Ingal (B3/B4) produced the goods for Positive Beat, coming home winners, after more than two hours of devastating rallies, 8-2 and 8-3, respectively.

Overall, D’Stallions led the pack going into the 3rd round, with 16 wins (131 games), followed by SEC Power Netters, 13 (124). On 3rd place is UTT Logistics with 12 (86), followed by Serve & Volley, 9 (116). Trailing them are Nestle and Al Rumaih-SAIB, both with identical 9 wins (96 games). Gem Beringuel

Pinoy Mabuhay Cup 2004 - Consistency & Sheer Luck Propel 3 Teams to Victory (by Gem Beringuel)

Riyadh – Three formidable tennis teams scored emphatic victories last August 8 to capture the lead after the second round of the 2nd Pinoy Mabuhay Cup at Al Yamama Hotel Tennis Courts here.

In Court 5 & 6, early frontrunner D’ Stallions proved too strong for Serve & Volley and won 41 games to 39 after losing three matches before its higher ranked players subdued their opponents in convincing fashion.

The trio of D’ Stallions, Telemoney and Spin Doctors edged out their equally strong opponents with guts and experience, coming home winners after tense and hard-fought matches.

D’ Stallions went off to a poor start by losing the first three matches of its lower ranked tennisters. Fortunately, midway into the matches, it was all the D’ Stallions turn as its B5/B6 (Abet Bagay & Gener Marasigan) players fought point by point to secure the crucial win to gain momentum, 8-3, from the Serve & Volley tandem of Ruben Galema and Ato Bautista. From here, the victories were all for the D’ Stallions as the remaining B players played superbly to overtake the Serve & Volley at the finish line, 41 games to 39.

In Court 3 & 4, like D’ Stallions, Spin Doctors also managed to split all the 6 matches, edging out SEC Power Netters at the tape, also with an identical score, 41 to 39.

SEC Power Netters and Spin Doctors equally divided the first four matches, with the former slightly ahead with 2 games going into the next two matches. With the win of Spin’s Rene Sumido and Gerry Villaraiz (B3 & B4) over SEC’s Sergio Arato and Chito Abreau, the overall winner of the night’s matches was still uncertain as they edged out SEC only by 1 game going into the last match. The match of their B1/B2 players, Fidel Ulan/Danny Delfin & Danny Villanueva/Clark Minoza proved nerved-wracking as the two pairs exchanged hard rallies to exact defeat on each other. In the end, it was just sheer luck that separated the two tandems, with the Spin claiming the match in a tiebreak, 8-7.

In Court 1 & 2, Telemoney tennisters scored overwhelmingly against their foes with consistency and variety of shots, capturing 4 matches to 2. Telemoney’s lower ranked players saved the night for the team limiting their rivals to 14 games.

Telemoney’s Bebot Bancula and Rolly Barrozo (B1/B2) bulldozed the tandem of Romy Onas and Choi Calupcupan, 8-1, after their colleagues, Roger Samain & Roberto Itum (B3/B4) and Kamar Pancho & Jed Allonto (B5/B6) surrendered to Masco’s tandems of Nestor Etor & Rey Lamban and Dennis De Castro & Rey Esteban, respectively. In all, Telemoney got 36 points as against Masco’s 31.

With the victories, D’ Stallions cemented its place on top with 10 points going into the 3rd round. The Spin tennisters also moved up with 7 points, with Masco not far behind with 6.

In today’s (Friday, August 13) matches, D’ Stallions will be seen again in action against FC Netters in Court 1, 2 & 3.

CONSISTENCY & SHEER LUCK PROPEL 3 TEAMS TO VICTORY: 2nd PINOY MANBUHAY CUP

Pinoy Netters Club lehitimong tennis clique:RP Embassy

Pormal na kinilala kamakailan ng Embahada ng Pilipinas, sa pamamagitan ni Cultural Affairs Attache Carmelita R. Hidalgo, ang Pinoy Netters Club 102 bilang lehitimong tennis organization sa Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Sa panunumpa sa tungkulin ng mga opisyal ng PNC noong Hunyo 24 sa White Palace Hotel, pinapurihan din ni Hidalgo ang lahat ng miyembro ng PNC dahil sa pagsisikap ng mga ito na matamo ang mga adhikain ng nasabing tennis circle.

Mula nang itatag noong Oktubre 18, 2002, walong (8) tournaments na ang nagawa ng PNC, kabilang ang paligsahan lamang ng mga miyembro ng PNC. Gayundin, bilang natatanging layunin ng Club, nakapagkaloob na ito ng mahigit sa USD 1,000 (pinansiyal at mga bagay) sa Bantay Bata 163. Nakapagbigay din ng tulong pinansyal ang PNC sa ilang distressed OFWs sa mga nakalipas na buwan.

Kabilang sa mga pet projects ng PNC ay ang Kusang Palo at “Reaching Out for the Love of Children”, kung saan kusang loob na nagbibigay ng donasyon ang mga tenista at mga kaibigan nilang nanonood ng opening at awarding ceremonies para sa kapakinabangan ng mga mahihirap na batang kinakalinga ng BB 163 sa Pilipinas.

Ang mga nanumpa sa tungkulin bilang mga opisyal at kasapi ng PNC para sa taong 2004 hanggang 2005 ay ang mga sumusunod: Albin Guinto, Chairman; Felisardo Gumapac, President; Gem Beringuel, Vice President ((Internal); Ramon Nonato Adrineda, Vice President (External); Danilo Bueta, Treasurer; Ernan Santiago, Director, Finance; Rey Sanchez, Deputy Director, Finance; Rolly Mariano, Director, Tournament; Rey Lamban, Deputy Director, Training & Development; Abelardo Bagay, Director, Logistics; Frank Villahermosa, Director, Social Services; Rico Rana, Deputy Director, Social Services; Vic Capulong, Director, PR & Publications; at Max Lopez, Deputy Director, PR & Publications.

Ang iba pang mga tenista na nanumpa ay sina Edwin Sajonia, BOD; Benrulph Corvera, Reynaldo Lamban, Bernardino Ustani, Richard Villanueva, Raffy Sta. Ana, Reynaldo Esteban, Rey Tolentino, Ferdinand Severino, Virgilio Rubio, Doloroso Adalim, Alejandrio dela Cruz, Noli Villasis & Rey Mantua, mga kasapi.

PINOY NETTERS CLUB 102 VISIT BANTAY BATA CHILDREN'S VILLAGE

The Pinoy Netters Club 102 extended its support to Bantay Bata 163 by donating US$ 329 and by visiting the Children's Village in Norzagaray, Bulacan.  Just recently, Pinoy Netters Club representatives, led by Founding Chairman Albin Guinto and President Sarge Gumapac, conducted a joint visit with Bicolanos Tennis Association & Aficionados in Riyadh (BTAAR) delegates to the Children's Village and shared a part of their quality time with the children by playing and interacting with the children.

PINOY CUP 2004 : PALACE ACERS VS GLAXO

Riyadh - Palace Acers edged out frontrunner Glaxo Smith Kline at the finish line to come on top of the rankings, 42 points to 40, and secured the berth to face the latter for the Championship of Pinoy Cup 2004 at Al Yamama Hotel Tennis Courts here.

The WRJ Cargo & Services and Prime Movers shall fight it out for the final 3rd and 4th positions. Both teams accumulated 38 and 34.5 points, respectively.

Glaxo, steered by Bong Bueta (B3 player), clustered tennisters Kiko Asuncion, Ricky Tamayosa (B1&B2), Alfred Pastolero (B4), Jojo Romano & Ernan Santiago (B5 & B6), Rod Tango & Oeji Lacno (C1), Rico Rana & Seng Torres (C2), Frank Villahermosa (C3) and Raul Robles (C4).

The Palace Acers, with Olan Pena (B4 player) at the helm, group Bernie de Castro & Danny Delfin (B1&B2), Jimmy Perfas (B3), Tim San Gabriel and Manny de Lemos (B5&B6), Jojie Ortiz & Allan Ponsones (C1), Rizaldo Ostol & Arnel Tapay (C2), Reynaldo Panopio (C3) and Omar Bisencio (C4).

Fifteen teams competed in this tournament, the proceeds of which shall go to Bantay Bata 163, a foundation caring for the needy children back in the Philippines.

BEST PLAYERS
B1 Jilany Chaundry (9.45 pts.), team Prime Movers
B2 Reno Punay (9.40 pts.), team WRJ Cargo
B3 Jimmy Perfas (10.15 pts.), team Palace Acers
B4 Rey Lamban (10.35 pts.), team Golden Grass Inc.
B5 Jojo Romano (9.25 pts.), team Glaxo Smith Kline
B6 Ernan Santiago (9.65 pts.), team Glaxo Smith Kline
C1 Ruben Gallema (10.20 pts.), team Serve & Volley
C1 Yeye Vasquez (10.20 pts.), team Serve & Volley
C2 Odi Dalida (8.80 pts.), team The Volleygators
C2 Ting Banday (8.80 pts.), team The Volleygators
C3 Jigs Garcia (9.50 pts.), team The Volleygators
C4 Carl Mosot (9.50 pts.), team The Volleygators
(*The figures corresponded to the points accumulated by the individual player based on his winning/losing matches for the duration of the tournament.)

This article was published in NET Plus  (News, Entertainment & Trivia), A journal of Pinoy Netters Club 102, issue No. 1 (April 2004). Vol. 2

DOWN THE LINE by Gem Beringuel

Pinoy Netters: Real COmmitment Did It

Conducting tennis tournaments is not an easy task.  The bulk of responsibilities on the organizers was nonetheless conspicuously implied.  What is making it more difficult is the added responsibility of doing it the proper way.  A tennis tourney is really a gargantuan task especially if it borders on transparency.  With the results of PNC/s previous tours, there's no doubt that it triumphed. It has made a headway in providing tennis playerss a better choice.

PNC's holding of tennis tour is just a bonus.  It was not the main thrust of PNC as it has other concerns not only for the benefit of its tennis playing members but also underprivileged kababayans back in the Philippines. Our tournament's rallying point say it all: "Where the fun of playing is a means of sharing." Nabuo ito hindi lamang para mag-enjoy ang paglalaro ng tennis kundi ang makatulong sa kawanggawa.

PNC's first tournament, Pinoy's Doubles Tennis Challenge, last year was a huge success and this compelled the clique to follow it up with Pinoy Cup 2003, in celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.  It was phenomenal. 

As Albin Guinto has put it, and I reiterate, kapag gumawa ka ng isang bagay para sa kawanggawa, there should be no comparison, no competition.  And this was one of the denominators, Albin, Edwin Peleo & I agreed when we discussed the rationale for the PNC's formation at the initial stages.

Some tennis playing members of PNC have already sacrificed their comfort and convenience especially precious times for their families.  They have cast aside their personal interests for the sake of unity among PNC members.

Albin, Sarge Ricky Tamayosa, Bong Bueta and the rest of the guys who pulled this Pinoy Cup 2004 through really deserved the accolades they are getting now.  They represented Pinoy Netters extremely well.

Many tennisters I met and talked with were one in saying, "sana tuloy-tuloy na ang pagko-conduct ninyo ng tournaments." Nakakataba ng puso because it's a pat on PNC's back.  There's no doubt, PNC has now given all tennis enthusiasts the alternative of playing while at the same time helping and reaching out to others.  It's now up for them to choose.

*This article was published at Net Plus (News, Entertainment & Trivia) ,A journal of Pinoy Nettes Club 102 , Issue No. 1, Vo. 2.

BEHIND MY RACKET! by Nony M. Adrineda

QUO VADIS, PINOY NETTERS?

The year 2003 was over and looking back to the humble beginning of Pinoy Netters Club102, it is safe to say that it  was able to fulfill its missions and objectives in so short a time.  This is attributable to the combined efforts and determination of its officers and members who sacrificed their comfort and time to make Pinoy Netters Club what it is today.

The Club was able to hold successful tournaments, help people in need and in distress, donate  well-managed funds to Bantay Bata163.  In doing this, the Club was able to gain the respect not only of its supporters, players and sponsors but other tennis circles as well.

With the advent of 2004, the Club has already instituted a minor tournament format shake-up. The Pinoy Cup, a competitive team event, has already concluded.

A special event will follow in May which may be a dual meet with other tennis clubs or fun games with willing tennis circles in residential compounds (any takers?!), followed by Pinoy Mabuhay Cup which is slated from June to August and to coincide with the Philippine Independence Day celebration.

The formation of teams in Pinoy Mabuhay Cup will be by a categorized drawing of lots (bunutan) unlike the previous one which was a semi-commercial competitive team event.

Another team tennis competition is slated from September to November with the format still to be decided by the tournament committee.  Come December, the season when tennis tournaments usually experience a short hiatus, the singles knock-out competition will be the traditional filler tour to compete the year-round fun of playing and excitement!

We once again invite you to play and be a part of these momentous events and thereby continue to make Pinoy Netters Club 102 a fraternal icon of unity, commitment and character!

1ST PINOY NETTERS SINGLES CUP CHAMPIONSHIP SET FOR TODAY