Big crowd, VIPs, prizes mark AFTBL season 2 opening

A large number of Filipino basketball fans came to support the second season of the Association of Filipinos in Thailand Basketball League on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at Ramkhamhaeng University Gymnasium in Bangkok.

AFT President Efren Villanueva welcomed guests, players and fans right after the parade of teams and the singing of Philippine and Thai anthems. Villanueva reminded players to exercise professionalism and sportsmanship during the nine-week tournament. He also thanked the sponsors for supporting Filipino events.

Some of the country’s biggest companies led by Western Union and its agent companies such as Bangkok Bank and Central Department Store attended the opening. Other sponsors include Yanhee Hospital and RBG House of Fashion.

Philippine Embassy Vice Consul Jim Minglana delivered a keynote address. In his speech, Minglana stressed the Embassy’s full support to all Filipino activities in Thailand. He also thanked the sponsors and congratulated the people behind the success of AFTBL.

The search for Mr. and Miss Western Union and Miss AFTBL 2017 was also held after the speeches. Jim Sandre Custan and Elica May Tajonera were chosen by Western Union as this year’s Mr. and Miss Western Union.

On the other hand, Ana Rose Romasanta Mendoza won Ms. AFTBL 2017 title after competing with ten other contestants. The panel of judges were composed of guests from Western Union, Royal Thai Police and AFT.

Fun games were facilitated by Western Union Filipino marketing staff. Prizes and freebies were also given away by sponsors.

Games started in the afternoon.

These are the teams participating at AFTBL season 2.

Senior’s Division