SAN Juan Nepomuceno Parochial Vicar Fr. Francis Manugas staged the third edition of his Fr. Francis Cup, this time uniting the three tennis clubs in Moalboal.
Manugas, who will assume as the parish priest of Saint John the Baptist Parish in Sudlon, Cebu City next month, decided to hold his third edition as a farewell to the tourist town.
“I was lucky enough to have been accepted by the three tennis clubs and as a farewell, I wanted to hold a tournament for all of them,” said Manugas.
However, luck deserted the amiable priest in the Category B as he and partner Engr. Noel Grengia, a newly-elected councilor of the town, lost to Darius Redoble and Jephone Gador.
Up 6-2 with Manugas serving to go up, 7-2, Redbole and Gador showed they have nerves of steel as they slowly chipped away at the lead to get level before winning, 8-2. Lady luck also smiled on the champions as Grengia had at least three attacks by the net that merely kissed the cord.
Meanwhile, fortune also smiled on tennis playing couple Karen and Timothy Joseph “TJ” Chiong in the 3rd Francis Cup. TJ teamed up with Larry Coderos to beat Kerbin Boquisa and Jet Gador, 8-5, while Karen and Thea Marisse Diez won the women’s title over Sarah C. Yosores and Helen S. Amorado,8-2.
On the other hand, Lido Nacion and Mark Calme defeated Edrick Templado and Marvin Mesa for the Class C men’s title. In the battle for third place, Aner and Ganie Ortega won via default over Venecio Delgado and Seth Rabuya in Class A, Ray Mendoza and Janax Gador defeated Rom Caballero and Junsell Suringa, 8-3, in Class B; Jorge Estoy and Ronnel Quinain defeated Edward Sagun and Jean Samotanez, 8-4, in Class C; and Elsa Nacion and Marechel Mercado defeated Lira Grace Suringa and Delaine Louix Pepito in the women’s division.
“I’m also very thankful to Engr. Noel for taking care of the prizes, to Mayor Inocentes G. Cabaron for the venue and the use of the tables and chairs of course to the generous parishioners of Moalboal,” said Manugas.
Manugas also thanked Rufana Suties, Rom Caballero, Junsell Souringa, Roland and Mai Bebilone, Alma and Allan Tabanag, QM Builders, Merriam Kristine Seno and Engr. Felix Palca for their support.