San Miguel, PAGCOR, DOT Back World Pool
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 14 Oct 2007
MANILA, PHILIPPINES---TWO of the country's staunchest sports supporters ? San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) ? have lined up behind the prestigious 2007 World Pool championship set Nov. 3 to 11 at the Araneta Coliseum.
From basketball to boxing to billiards, SMC, the country's leading food and beverage giant, has made its mark in sponsoring worthy sports causes and Filipino athletes.
San Miguel was one of the major backers of Team Philippines that won the country's first overall overall crown in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games. It also recently sponsored the RP squad that competed in the FIBA-Asia men's basketball championship in Tokushima, Japan.
On the other hand, PAGCOR is the single biggest government company responsible for funding the country's national sports development plan under the Philippine Sport Commission.
The gaming firm is also into identifying budding sports performers who may one day give honor and glory to the Philippines.
Both SMC and PAGCOR are the joint presenters of the $400,000 blue-ribbon billiards competition that is expected to draw the cream of cue artists all over the globe.
Also partnering with Raya Sports, the event's Philippine promoter and organizer, for the WPC is the Department of Tourism, which has been tapped as a gold sponsor.
Given the tourism's department extensive promotional resources, it intends to drum up awareness so that a lot of overseas billiards and pool enthusiasts will come over to the country to watch the games live, while also savoring the local tourist attractions. At least, 3000 visitors are expected in Manila for the event.
"We would like to acknowledge San Miguel, PAGCOR and the DOT as our partners in staging the 2007 Philippines World Pool Championship," Raya Sports president Yen Makabenta said. "A tournament of this magnitude would not be possible without their help."
"Similar to what happened last year, we look forward to an extensive media coverage of the competition, both locally and overseas," added Makabenta of the tourney that will be broadcast live for nine straight days simultaneously on ESPN Star Sports and ABC 5.
Billiards fans who want to watch the matches at the Big Dome are urged to buy their tickets early. They are available at all SM Tickenet outlets nationwide and at the Araneta Center box office.
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