Sealing a 3-peat win in ACBL Makata Cup
Marilao Gems sweeps Sulong Calumpit in Season 3 Juniors Finals

CITY OF MALOLOS — Still the undisputed kings of the court, the Marilao Gems Juniors Division team completed a gallant 2-0 sweep against Sulong Calumpit in the Season 3 Finals of the province-wide All Stars Champions Basketball League (ACBL) Makata Cup, sealing their third straight championship title on May 14 at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here.

The Marilenyos dominated the Calumpitenyos, 100-80, in Game 1 before surviving a thrilling overtime clash in Game 2, 94-91, to complete the finals sweep.

Harvae Raymundo, the Season’s MVP, expressed his gratitude to everyone who made their victory possible.

“Season’s MVP ako, sobrang grateful ako. Pinapasalamatan ko si Lord siyempre binigyan Niya ako ng lakas everyday sa mga ensayo ko sa school, ensayo ko ulit dito sa Marilao Gems. Thank you rin sa mga boss namin at sa buong pamilya ng Marilao Gems,” he said.

On the other hand, Harvae’s brother, Marvin James “MJ” Raymundo, who was hailed as the Finals MVP, left a motivating message to Bulakenyo ballers, especially the youth who dream to play on a bigger stage someday. 

“Para sa mga batang nanonood na gusto ring makapaglaro ng basketball, maniwala lang kayo sa mga sarili ninyo at saka siyempre samahan ng paniniwala sa Diyos, at kailangan [din] ng trabaho. Hayaan ninyo na ‘yung resulta na mangyari, trabaho lang nang trabaho. May resulta o wala basta magtrabaho lang nang magtrabaho,” he said. 

The City of Malolos Republic took home the bronze medal after winning over 1San Rafael.

Moreover, the Raymundo siblings were joined by Cyril Hernal (1San Rafael), Mark Gil Belmonte (Sulong Calumpit), and Warlo Batac (City of Malolos Republic) in the Mythical 5 of Juniors Division. 

In addition, One Santa Maria reigned supreme in the Seniors Division, forcing 1San Rafael to settle for a silver medal finish, and followed by Pangkat Balagtas in third place. Cedric Ablaza (Pangkat Balagtas) was named Season’s MVP, while Stephen “Orin” Catacutan (One Santa Maria) was hailed as Finals MVP.

Jopet Soriano (One Santa Maria), Jaycee Marcelino (1San Rafael), and Wowie Escosio (Solid Bocaue) completed the Seniors Division Mythical 5.

Proving their dominance on the court once more, One Santa Maria also brought home the championship title in the Legends Division, stealing the victory from the mighty force of the City of Malolos Republic during the finals. The bronze medal, on the other hand, was clinched by Hagonoy.

One Santa Maria’s Jervie Glorioso and Jomar Santos emerged as the Season and Finals MVP, respectively, while Nad Mallari (San Ildefonso), Kenneth Santiago (City of Malolos Republic), and Angelus Raymundo (Hagonoy) were named as one of the Legends Mythical 5. 

Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, the brainchild of the ACBL Makata Cup, thanked everyone who supported this year’s league, including those working behind the spotlight. He further expressed his gratitude to the municipalities and cities that consistently give a hundred percent participation since the first season.

“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga bayan na sumali. Nakakatuwa kasi lahat ay sumali [mula] sa Juniors, Seniors, hanggang sa Legends. At hindi lang iyon, nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng nanonood, sa lahat ng naging parte ng ACBL Makata Cup. Na kahit alam nating hindi nawawala ang pressure sa laro ng basketball, natapos natin ito nang maayos,” Castro said.