2009 AFC Basketball Tournament Opening Ceremony

Amid cold weather condition the Ansan Filipino Community held its 2009 Basketball Tournament opening ceremony last April 26, 2009, Sunday at the Hanyang University gym. Many Filipinos in Ansan attended the said event. It was hosted by former AFC presidents Billy Vela and Kathlia De Castro. The ceremony started with the parade of players from 12 different teams competing for the said tournament namely Guardians, Lemerians, LAHV, GSL, Ilonggo Volts, PhilTrust Travel, FMWAS, Pampanga Brothers, Amianan, Mabuhay Blades, Pangasinan and Mexican Vismin. Last year’s best forward awardees’ Bangs Musngi of Batangas Blades and now playing for Mabuhay Blades led the oath of sportsmanship.
The Emcees

Bangs Musngi during oath of sportmanship

The Ansan City Mayor Park Ju Won was not able to attend the opening ceremonies because of his prior commitments but he sent Mr. Lim Young Seun, the Chief Administrator of Ansan City on his behalf.
“This year Korea and Philippines is celebrating its 60 years of endearing relationship and I think this Basketball Tournament make our relationship deeper and more meaningful “Mayor Park Ju Won told the community through Mr. Lim Young Seun. “I hope that this AFC Basketball Tournament makes you feel happy and joyful.” He added.

The hardworking and very supportive Ambassador Luis T. Cruz also attended the ceremony and gave his greetings and short message to all Filipinos in Ansan especially to all the players. He stressed in his message that this tournament should promote friendship and unity and not competition among Filipinos. This was also the message of the AFC president, Richard Francisco.

AFC dancers

A part of the spectacular opening ceremony was the search for Ms. Summer girl 2009. The nine (9) young and gorgeous muses represented their teams with poise and glamour. They are equally beautiful and intelligent that made the judges spent long time in picking the winners. The muse of FMWAS Ms. Crisel Esayas won the 2nd runner-up while Ms. Eileen Villamatter of LAHV took the 1st runner-up. KC Conception look-alike Venise Dumandan of Ilonggo Volts was hailed as the 2009 Ms. Summer Girl. She amazed the judges with her answer during the question and answer portion of the said mini pageant. The team of LAHV impressed the judges with their well-designed uniform bringing home the best in uniform award. They received 100 thousand won in cash as prize.
The candidates of Ms. Summer Girl 2009
The Judges


AFC Vice President Rachel Pangga thanked all the sponsors, players, galilea staff and afc volunteers for supporting the said event during her closing remarks.
AFC Vice President Rachel Pangga delivering her closing remarks

2009 AFC Basketball Committee

At the end of the day, the teams of Mexican Vismin, Mabuhay Blades, GSL, Pangasinan, Ilonggo Volts, and FMWAS won their first battle against their opponents. This basketball tournament will run for 13 weeks with the championship game tentatively scheduled on July 26, 2009 at Choji High School Gym.