Burlington-RP Youth cagers star in UAAP-NCAA showdown

People's Journal
October 17, 2007

Members of the Burlington-RP Youth squads of 2002 and 2004 shone during the UAAP-NCAA showdown for Bantay Bata 163 held recently at The Arena in San Juan.

Ogie Menor, a stalwart of the Burlington socks- sponsored national 18 years and under team in 2004 in Lucena, played a key role for the NCAA All Stars in drubbing their UAAP counterparts.

Menor, who is now a vital cog of the victorious San Beda Red Lions, scored 20 points while another Youth cager, Bryan Faundo (RP Youth-2002), helped secure the rebounds and was big in defense.

Ford Arao, who was with Faundo in the Burlington backed- Junior team in 2002 drained in 12 markers while Dylan Ababou of RP Youth 2004 contributed six for the UAAP All-Stars.

Jervy Cruz of RP Youth 2004 and Jonathan Fernandez of RP Youth 2002 were also named to the UAAP selection but had to beg off since they are in Korea playing for the RP-Harbour Centre men’s team. Atenean Chris Tiu of RP Youth 2002 was also supposed to be part of the team but is in the USA now.

Mac Baracael of FEU, a Burlington Tuklas Taas discovery in 2003, also saw action for the UAAP All-Stars.

According to Rudy Tan, general manager of Burlington Industries Phils Inc., maker of Bio Fresh anti-microbial socks, their firm are proud that the players are now the stars of the collegiate leagues and the national squad.