NEW-LOOK Abra and newcomer Ilagan Isabela test their strength against Binan and Sarangani, respectively, in the inaugural of Manny Pacquiao presents 1XBet-MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2025 Season on Saturday, March 8, at The Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.
The Abra Solid North Weavers, with only three of last year’s regulars retained, swept a pocket tournament held at their homecourt recently and are slightly favored over the veteran-laden Binan Tatak Gel squad in the 6 p.m. opener.
The Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, on the other hand, are projected to encounter stiff resistance from the Sarangani Marlins, who have boosted their stock with the return of Kyt Jimenez and the acquisition of Orin Catacutan, in their 8 p.m. tussle.
After making the playoffs in their maiden stint last year, the Weavers intend to go all the way in the MPBL’s Seventh Season.
They acquired the services of scorers Encho Serrano and Jason Brickman, varsity stars Dave Ildefonso, Raven Gonzales, CJ Austria and Jack Cruz-Dumont, high-flyer John Uduba, towering Yousef Taha, reliable Leo Najorda, and shooter Marwin Taywan.
Together with returnees Mark Yee, Alfred Batino and Paul Desiderio, homegrown Will Kean Lee and Jayson Apolonio, they make the Weavers highly charged against the Binan Tatak Gel, which will draw offense from Carlo Lastimosa, Kenny Roger Rocacurva, Pamboy Raymundo, Ryan Sual, Jaymar Gimpayan and Jonathan Gray.
They will be backed by accomplished players KG Canaleta, Marc Pingris and Mac Cardona, and defensive pillar Jason Ballesteros.
Playing before Isabelinos, who have reportedly bought all tickets available in the 10,000-seat arena, the Cowboys will depend on Philip Manalang, Arth Dela Cruz, Mark Dyke, Macoy Marcos, JR Olegario, Joshua Gallano and former Ateneo Blue Eagles Sean Quitevis and Gabriel Gomez.
Opening ceremonies start at 4 p.m. with the prayer, parade of colors and national anthem playing. Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano and Ilagan City Mayor Jay Diaz will welcome the representatives and the muses of the 30 teams competing in the MPBL’s seventh season.
Also gracing the affair are MPBL Founder and Chairman Manny Pacquiao, Ilagan Isabela Cowboys team owner Avelino C. Diaz, provincial board member Evyn Jay Diaz, and Ilagan Councilor Jayve Evson Diaz.