Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines and Imus-Luxxe Slim will banner the 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season Canada Invasion alongside two all-star team selection by Sen. Manny Pacquiao and various local Canadian teams.
On Friday, December 27 (December 28 Philippine time), the Family Brand Sardines-backed squad square against the Luxxe Slim-backed Bandera at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex in Calgary.
Zamboanga seeks to continue its uphill climb in the South division. Riding on a three-game winning streak, Zamboanga is currently holding the seventh seed with a 15-10 win-loss record.
On the other hand, Jayjay Helterbrand and actor Gerald Anderson will lead also-ran Imus, which looks to play spoiler in their foe’s attempt to enter the playoffs strong.
But the Bandera was luckless the last time they played out of the country in Dubai last September, falling to Batangas Athletics, 86-85.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s first All-Star team will collide against Calgary Team 1 in the curtain-raiser, while the All-Star team 2 will close the day against Calgary’s second squad.
The league’s all-star teams features Bacoor’s Gab Banal; Davao Occidental’s Mark Yee; Manila’s Aris Dionisio and Chris Bitoon; Valenzuela’s Paulo Hubalde and Val Acuna; Bicol’s Chris Lalata; Pampanga’s Michael Juico; Batangas’ Jeff Viernes and Jhaymo Eguilos; Imus’ Anderson; and Sarangani City’s Spencer Eman.
The next day, MPBL will be at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, featuring Imus, Zamboanga and Pacquiao’s All-Star team, going toe-to-toe against three Edmonton local teams.
This is MPBL’s second international event this season, following the Dubai Invasion last September, which featured Imus, Batangas-Tanduay and Davao Occidental-Cocolife.
Story by Justin Valencia
Photo by Angela Davocol
