Page 9 - The Josenian Premier Volume 5 Issue 1

Back for All forOne

CESAFI 21 ‘ By: Ryan Lorenzo C. Palugod

s ports is a way for people to put their talents and I t seems like 2020 is getting worse by the day. Not
By: Francis Ian C. Albaracin II

skills to test and even into purpose. Bringing both
only are we in the middle of a pandemic but the
fellow athletes and sports enthusiasts together, for a
Sports may seem so unimportant right now as
chance to enjoy these various activities. One major Philippines has recently been hit by typhoons.
event is the Cebu School Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI), hundreds of thousands of families have been affected by
where many such sporting events are held including, these storms but what they might provide for the people
but not limited to; basketball, football, tennis, chess, etc. that need it, is a lift of spirit, even for a measly amount.
However, in certain situations, events need to be postponed
for the good of many, especially in times of pandemic. The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) was set to
start their 45th season back on March 1st, however, due
Last May 1, 2020, CESAFI Commissioner Felix “Boy” to the COVID-19 pandemic, the start of the 2020 season
Tiukinhoy announced via video conference alongside has been delayed until March 8th and was suspended
other sports scribes that the 21st season of the multi- indefinitely just three days later. The season would
sporting event is postponed due to the Covid-19 threat. return in a “bubble setup” at the Clark Freeport Zone in
The decision was made in part for the safety of the Pampanga, thus resuming the Philippine Cup featuring a
players, officials, and the fans. Seeing as the majority of virtual crowd instead of a physical audience on October
the games will be held in an enclosed gymnasium, the 11th. The PBA is now in the middle of the playoffs wherein
presence of many people will make physical and social eight teams compete for the prestigious Philippine Cup.
distancing difficult. Recently, the Commissioner and the The 2nd seeded Phoenix Fuel Masters eked out a one-
league answered an interview, saying that continuation point victory over the 7th seed, Magnolia Hotshots with
of the sporting event is possible next year, 2021. the final score of 89-88, allowing them to advance to the
semifinals. Their newly appointed head coach, Topex
On October 23, 2020, it was revealed that Commissioner Robinson took to the press and dedicated their dramatic
Tiukinhoy said that he and the league are quite hopeful, victory to the victims of super typhoon Ulysses which
and are considering resuming the event in August 2021 caused the destruction of hundreds of thousands of
without the need for bubble isolation, saying that it is risky property and households in the northern regions of the
and expensive. He also mentioned that the fans will have Philippines. “We just want to be resilient. You’re gonna
to be patient, as they want them to be present at the event go through tough times, just don’t quit, persevere. I hope
proper. Currently, the CESAFI is composed of defending we inspired a lot of people tonight with the way that we
men’s basketball champion Southwestern University, the played and communicated,” said Robinson. “Hopefully, the
junior’s basketball champion Sacred Heart Ateneo de Cebu, Philippines rises from this. I know there are going to be
the volleyball women’s champion USJR Lady Jaguars, SWU a lot of challenges ahead, but let’s just hang on together.”
men’s champion, the junior men’s champion University of
Cebu, and the women’s champion University of Southern Phoenix’s win is more than an inspiration to be resilient
Philippines Foundation. Also included are the Football and to not give up, it is also a reminder of how important
champions University of San Carlos, the junior’s champ Don being a team is. We are all on the same team called
Bosco Technical College and the Futsal champions Ateneo. All the Philippines, and we must all do our part to take
of the teams still in the games are excited to finally play again. genuine climate action as one united team, all for one.

photo via SunStar. photo via SunStar.

First Semester S.Y. 2020-2021 | The Josenian Premier 7