The third off-season of UNTV Cup’s Executive Face-Off Edition has kicked off on May 6, 2018 at the Pasig City Sports Center, the charity basketball league conceptualized by Kuya Daniel Razon aimed at fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship among public servants and government agencies.

This edition of UNTV Cup Executive Face-Off comprises of participating teams, such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Judiciary, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Malacañan-Philippine Sports Commission, and Senate.

Medic Corps Commander Nathaniel Mendez (#42) finds way to escape a trapping defense during Responders and Cavaliers match on UNTV Cup Off-Season opening ceremonies on May 6, 2018, at the Pasig City Sports Center. (photo from UNTV Cup FB page)

Presidential Special Assistant Bong Go led the Malacañan-PSC Kamao team after settling for a runner-up finish in the regular tournament won by the Senate Defenders. Senators Joel Villanueva and Sonny Angara led the Senate Sentinels, however.

Also participating this season are some assistants, deputy ombudsman, and prosecutors of the Office of the Ombudsman.

“This is a great opportunity and a very nice advocacy of Kuya Daniel of UNTV so that different agencies will meet in the game that would poster camaraderie among themselves,” said PNP Chief PDG Oscar Albayalde.

According to UNTV CEO and chairman Daniel Razon, the Executive Face-Off was created to give the top executives of the government’s various branches the time to relax, renew acquaintances, and show the other side of their talents.

A captured moment of Senator Sonny Angara with the Senate basketball club on a huddle during their match against Kamao in UNTV Cup Off-Season opener at Pasig City Sports Center.

Meanwhile, Bro. Eli Soriano, the Overall Servant of the Members Church of God (MCGI), expresses the organization’s full support of the cause of UNTV Cup.

“We, in the Church of God are always in support of this endeavor, knowing that the little we can do can help alleviate the would-be beneficiaries of this game,” said Bro. Eli. “All of you are instruments of goodness to others.”

More than P2.3 million of the prize will be donated by the eight teams to their chosen beneficiaries. The top prize of P1 million will go the charity of the champion team. The chosen beneficiaries of the runner-up will get P500,000 while the third placer will receive P250,000 and P200,000 to the fourth placers.

Written by: Maikka Dungog