The 2006 edition of the Monico Cup Inter-Barangay Summer Basketball Tournament takes centerstage at 8 a.m. today at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center in Bacolod City.

Three games will be played shortly after the opening ceremonies that will be keynoted by Philippine Sports Commission chairman William "Butch" Ramirez, tournament chairman Nicky Puentevella said.

The final schedule of the games of the two-month tournament will also be revealed after the opening rites, he said.

Games will be played every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

West Negros College standouts Ely Olarte, Vengie Vergara and Joemar Tan of Brgy. Estefania, Severino Baclao of Brgy. Bata, Rundy Baydo of Brgy. 6, Bernard Suante of Brgy. 8, Donald Quilantang of Brgy. 10 and Junblargs Alisbo of Brgy. Villamonte will also be honored during the opening ceremonies.

The opening rites will be preceded by a parade of the competing squads from the Paglaum Sports Complex to NOMPAC.

Puentevella said Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, an adopted son of Bacolod, who was supposed to be the guest speaker, begged off from coming to the opening because he is still recovering from sickness.

But Pacquiao will definitely visit Bacolod City and watch some of the games once he gets healthy, he said.

Reigning titlists Brgy. Tangub and Brgy. Singcang-Airport remain the favorites to rule the 19-Under and 26-Under divisions, respectively. Other barangays that will compete in the 19-Under hostilities are Banago, Montevista, Pahanocoy, Singcang-Airport, Pueblo Rosario, Granada, Bata, Cabug, Mandalagan, Punta Taytay, 2, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18, while Bacolod Tay Tung High School will be the guest team. Also fielding their squads in the 26-Under competitions are barangays Bata, Felisa, Banago, Tangub, Punta Taytay, Pahanocoy, Estefania, Cabug, Taculing, Villamonte, Montevista, Mandalagan, 3, 7, 9-11, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 21, 25-26, 35-36, 39. *CIT

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