History was made in 2006 when James Yap became the first-ever Negros Occidental-born cager to be named the Most Valuable Player in the Philippine Basketball Association, the country's premiere professional basketball league.

Yap, a native of Escalante City, also helped the Purefoods Chunkee Giants bag the title in the Philippine Cup All-Filipino Conference against the Red Bull Barakos. Yap and wife, TV personality and host Kris Aquino, are also expecting a baby this year.

Another Negrense cager, Talisay-born Reynel Hugnatan who plays for the Alaska Aces, was among the nominees for the Most Improved Player award, but lost out to Yap's teammate Marc Pingris.*

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Football glory, Pacquiao victories top 2006 stories
RP BOOTERS CLAIM ASEAN FINALS SLOT
NEGRENSES CHEER FOR PACMAN
ETCS GIRLS PLACE 2ND IN W. SERIES
DEBTS KEEP DLNHS OUT OF WORLD TILTl
RP'S ASIAD BID IN DOHA
RP'S ASIAD BID IN DOHA
LOCAL PUGILISTS MAKE MARK
YAP NAMED PBA MVP
PAGUNSAN SHINES IN ASIAN TOUR; INT'L CROWN FOR MIA