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Calm After the Storm: The 13th AUBC Concludes with Dignity and Unity.

7/27/2025

FESSAP President Edwin C. Fabro declared the tournament open

Calm After the Storm: The 13th AUBC Concludes with Dignity and Unity.
By Graham C. Lim

What began as a promising finale to the 13th Asian University Basketball Championship (AUBC) ended unexpectedly, with tensions briefly flaring between Mapua University—the 2018 AUBC champion—and Ningbo University from China, the 2019 titleholder. With just under six minutes remaining, the final game was suspended.

While the disruption was regrettable, the grace and sportsmanship shown by Ningbo University in conceding the match allowed the tournament to conclude with dignity. In lieu of spectacle, the championship title was awarded to Mapua University, while Ningbo University received the runner-up trophy in a respectful, subdued ceremony held at the Manila Prince Hotel. From adversity rose a renewed commitment to unity and understanding through sport.

Swift intervention from the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP)-Manila security personnel, alongside the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) game officials and marshals, ensured the situation was brought under control within minutes. The injured player from Ningbo University received prompt care from on-site medical staff, including TUP nurse Ms. Joana Veto, and was transferred to MADOCS Hospital, accompanied by delegates from both Ningbo University and the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP).

Heartfelt thanks go to TUP President Engr. Reynaldo Ramos for graciously hosting the championship, and to his dedicated staff led by Athletic Director Allan Soria. Special recognition also goes to the AUBC Tournament Committee: Allan Soria, Cecille Sarmiento, Johny Tam, Romulo Raytos, Fernando Gayanilo, legal adviser Atty. Maria Luz Arzaga Mendoza, and members of the BAP National Referees Group.

The championship was made possible with generous support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), LT Group Inc., Philippine Airlines (PAL), BESTANK Manufacturing Corporation, ASICS Tiger apparel, KELME Sportswear, Healthy Options, Seascape Village, LIME Resort & Hotel, Burlington Socks, PADDOCK’s Casual Jeans, OMNI Electrical & Lighting, Megaworld Property, and HENN Athletic Club.

FESSAP President Edwin C. Fabro and BAP President Robert Milton Calo, who represent the CEO, Graham C. Lim, of the Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF), extended their gratitude to all those who helped make the 13th AUBC a celebration of international friendship, especially among China, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The unwavering support of FESSAP’s Board and Patrons, including David Ong (PAL Director), Board Chairman Alvin Tai Lian, Vice Chairman Atty. Baldomero Estenzo, and Vice President Felix Tiukinhoy of Cebu, strengthened the foundation of this championship.

Special thanks also go to Businesswoman-Humanitarian Mary G. Ng, President of the Philippine Inter-School Sport Association and Head of Delegation to the 32nd World University Games, and her deputy, Frank Lao, Businessman-Philanthropist, for their leadership and advocacy.

The participating teams—Universitas Islam Indonesia, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Philippine Normal University, Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), Ningbo University (China), and Mapua University—embodied the spirit of sportsmanship throughout.

A heartfelt note of appreciation is extended to Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, for opening the 13th AUBC with a gracious video message that reaffirmed his unwavering support for the development of youth and collegiate sports. Honored guests included Paulo Ferreira of Portugal; Farahiza Binti Razali, representing the secretariat of the ASEAN University Sports Council (AUSC); Jimmy Dy, Director of the Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF); Manila Councilor Jefferson Lau; Arthur Lee of Spurway Company; Christian Tan of Healthy Options; and Rico Hernandez, who represented Senator Go during the opening ceremony.

Looking ahead, the 14th Asian University Basketball Championship is scheduled for 2026, with the final venue to be drawn on November 22, 2025. Possible host cities include Taipei, Nan’an, and Bangkok, each with its own promise of sporting excellence and cultural exchange.

Mapua University- the 13th AUBC Champion

13th AUBC -Ningbo University -runner-up trophy

LT Group Inc., suported the 13th AUBC 2025

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR)

Trophies provided by PAGCOR, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Airlines

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1st Asia Pacific University 3X3 Basketball League Set to Unwrap

11/13/2021

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Mustaza Ahmad, President of Asia Pacific University Sports Union (APUSU)

1st Asia Pacific University 3X3 Basketball League Set to Unwrap
By Graham C. Lim

The inaugural competitions of the Asia Pacific University 3X3 Basketball League are set.

The tournament will be organized by the Asia Pacific University Sports Union (APUSU) and its affiliate member, the Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF), and other subsidiaries in the Philippines.

The Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), a newly registered member of the Asia Pacific University Sports Union (APUSU), has confirmed hosting the 1st Asia Pacific University 3x3 Basketball League (APU3x3-L) to be held from May 17- 20 next year.

The TUP basketball venue is well-situated as it is located nearby the City Government of Manila in the Philippines.

The Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF), APUSU’s affiliated associate member, has been designated to handle the technical aspect of the tournament through its partner in the Philippines, the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP).

Dr. Jesus Rodrigo F. Torres, TUP President, will act as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee with Prof. Robert Milton A. Calo, FESSAP Executive Vice President, as co-Chair. Dr. Torres is also a member of the FESSAP Board of Trustees as one of its Vice Presidents.

Further, Dr. Torres appointed his Athletic Director, Allan Soria, as the League Director tasked to supervise the tournament operations and establish the format of competitions. Soria is also the Executive Assistant of the FESSAP State University Affairs and a member of the FESSAP Board of Trustees.

To entice foreign universities to take part in the games, they will not be charged a participation fee. The pickup arrival and departure of the foreign delegations will be arranged by the Organizing Committee. The foreign teams, however, will have to take care of their hotel accommodations. They should book their hotel within the vicinity of the TUP area as there are various hotels and hostels nearby and food is easily accessible.

Members of the State Colleges & Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) have been invited to participate in the 3x3 League. Each school will be allowed to field in no more than two (2) teams, according to Soria.

Leonardo (Ding) Andres, the National Basketball League-Philippines (NBL) Commissioner, will hold the local Qualifying Tournament in February 2022, with the top four (4) university teams eligible to participate in the APU3x3 League.

Only those universities that have registered with the FESSAP will be invited to participate in the Qualifier.

Edwin C. Fabro, the FESSSAP President, has been informed of the developments in the staging of the 1st APU3x3 League. Fabro has given his full support to the TUP as the tournament host, and in particular, TUP President Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres.

Mr. Alvin Tai Lian, the FESSAP Chairman of the Board and President Emeritus of the APUSU, likewise is 100 percent behind the decision of the Philippines’ Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) to host this prestigious 3x3-League.

Mr. Mustaza Ahmad, the APUSU president from Malaysia, where the APUSU headquarters is located, will issue his official stamp of approval once all the details of the 1st APU 3x3 League have been finalized with the host-TUP.

Top executives of the APUSU and the president of the Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF) have been invited to grace the opening ceremonies in May 2022.
(gcl)

Edwin C. Fabro, FESSAP President

Dr. Jesus Rodrigo F. Torres, TUP President

Tai Lian, APUSU President Emeritus

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AUBF honors former FIBA president Dr. Ching

11/2/2021

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Manila Standard, Sports Editor: Riera U. Mallari

Carl Ching (2nd from the right) with the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) and FIBA officials during his FIBA president’s election held in Indianapolis, USA, in 2002.

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A Tribute To Dr. Carl Men Ky Ching

11/2/2021

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Carl Ching (2nd from the right) with the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) and FIBA officials during his FIBA president’s election held in Indianapolis, USA, in 2002.

November 2, 2021

A Tribute to Dr. Carl Men Ky Ching
By Graham C. Lim

Dr. Carl Men Ky Ching is a man of few words but a longtime sportsman-cum-businessman-cum-philanthropist that he is, he has been able to accomplish the things that he set to do during his lifetime.

His selfless leadership has been impeccable and his achievements as a basketball sports executive have been immeasurable.

Carl, in various ways, has been a big brother to me. He has provided me the inspiration on how to handle things as a sports official that I am myself.

The Hong Kong-based Dr. Carl Men Ky Ching has loved the game of basketball like nobody else. His dedication to the sport as a basketball leader and organizer has brought Asia countries to the forefront of the international map.

For the love of basketball, that has been Carl's mantra in all his advanced life.

In that respect, the Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF) has honored Dr. Carl as its Chairman Emeritus for more than a decade when he was elected as the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) President in 2002 during the FIBA Congress held in Indianapolis, USA.

His much-respected stature has brought the AUBF to greater heights.

Established in 1998, the AUBF is Asia’s only university federation that is duly recognized by the Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF), which was led by president Dr. Enoch Markum and Secretary-General Dr. Ekodjatmiko Sukarso, both from Indonesia, during this inception. The AUBF later became an independent organization and joined the Asia Pacific University Sports Union (APUSU) furthering expanding to the Asia Pacific regions.

Dr. Ching is a hands-on sports leader. His persistence and perseverance, coupled with his innovative ideas, helped produce the first Asian professional league known as the Asian Basketball Association (ABA).

A creative-mind approach to this seldom-tapped field, particularly in basketball, he took. Carl’s novel formula for success and excellence spurred him to become the president of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) from 2002 to 2006.

Determined Dr. Ching was then the head of the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC), which has since been rebranded to FIBA-Asia Championship and then FIBA Asia Cup, during its formative years.

The AUBF organizes the Asian University Basketball Championship once in two years, if not annually when a country wishes to host the university-level event.

It has been an honor to work alongside Dr. Ching for more than three decades. The longtime partnership continues in this journey that is based on friendship, trust, and camaraderie.

The AUBF will not have to grow big without the presence of Dr. Ching.

For this selfless effort to prop up the AUBF through the years, I am recommending to the Executive Board of the Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF) that the succeeding Asian University Basketball Championships (AUBC) be named the Dr. Carl Men Ky Ching Classic Cup in his honor. (gcl)

Established 1998

Dr. Carl Men-Ky Ching

Graham with Carl's Hong Kong office in 2005

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11th AUBC Unwraps November 18

11/7/2019

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BAP's Leonardo Andres & Robert Milton Calo

11th AUBC Unwraps November 18
By Graham C. Lim

The Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP), in partnership with the Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF), will host the 11th Asian University Basketball Championship
(AUBC).

The AUBC opening ceremony will be held on Monday November 18, 2019, at 10:00 in the morning, at the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) gymnasium in Intramuros, Manila.

The AUBF was established in 1998 and it has since sanctioned all the AUBC competitions in the past.

The 11th AUBC tournament is being organized by the FESSAP. For the technical operations and the tournament proper, the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) has been tapped to coordinate with the FESSAP National Secretarait in the running of the games.

Six university basketballteams, including four foreign entries, are seeing action in the 11th AUBC tournament.

The foreign teams are Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU) and Kindai University from Japan, KLBA from Malaysia and HCMC from Vietnam.

Aside from the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) as the tournament host, one other local entry will be determined following the result of the 2nd Philippine University Basketball League (PUBL) that will be participated om by schools from the various league organizations affiliated with the FESSAP, thelone university sports association in the country recognized by the International University Sports Federation as a regular voting member since 2009.

The opening game of the 11th AUBC tournament on November 18 will feature Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU) of Japan against Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) following simple ceremonies to honor the special guests, the players and team officials and the traditional ceremonial toss to unwrap the prestigious competitions at 10:00.

Prominent personalities expected to attend the opening include FESSAP officials led by its president Angel Ngu, FESSAP Chairman Alvin Tai Lian, FESSAP Vice President Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres, and FESSAP Honorary President David Ong.

AUBF President Shin Dong Pa of Korea will be represented by Park Hyun Mo, AUBF Deputy Secretary General.

Invited Guest of Honors include Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, and Presidential Adviser for Sports Dennis Uy.

The AUBC Organizing Committee is composed of Robert Milton A. Calo as OC Chair, Executive Assistant Cecille Sarmiento, Antonio A. Quiza, and Fructuso Raytos, and Sean Elijah Siy.

League Commissioner is Leonardo B. Andres and Technical Supervisor is Nestor Macatuno. Host Lyceum represented by its athletic director, Herculles P. Callanta, assisted by LPU Gymnasium Manager, Lanie S. Buan.

Leonardo (Ding) Andres is also the Chair of the Laguna Colleges & Universities Athletic Association (LACUAA) and owner of the tournament’s patron, Andres and Fabella Trading Inc.

The 11th AUBC tournament will have a single-round format with the team having the best win-loss record bagging the title.

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Manila and Laguna co-host to the 10th AUBC 2018

8/8/2018

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Santa Rosa Stadium in Laguna Province

LAGUNA'S SANTA ROSA CITY TO HOST ASIAN UNIVERSITY CAGEFEST
By: Graham C. Lim, August 8, 2018

For the first time in a decade, Santa Rosa city will co-host the side event of the 10th Asian University Basketball Championship (AUBC) from November 18 to 23. Official venue at San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.

Six collegiate teams, including a pair of foreign entries from the People’s Republic of China and Japan, are taking part in the prestigious regional competitions to be held at the tradition-steeped Santa Rosa Stadium and San Andres Sports Complex.

The local participants will be spearheaded by the top schools from the Laguna Colleges Universities Athletic Association (LACUAA) and other regional club.

A University of the People’s Republic of China and a University of Japan, both countries which had won AUBC champions, will be around to test the mettle of the best collegiate squads from different regional collegiate from the North and South.

This was in cooperation with the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) in Laguna Provincial Chapter represented by Leonardo Andres Sr. with the Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF) Secretary-General Alvin Kwong and witnessed by BAP Board Secretary Ruel Roa Daba.

Brief history:
Muongji University of Korea topped the 4th AUBC tournament hosted by Dumaguete City in 2005.

Huaqiao University, on the other hand, whipped local bet University of the Visayas (powered by a young Greg Slaughter) during the 6th AUBC finals held in Cebu City in 2008. An international school, Huaqiao is located in Xiamen, China and has been supportive of AUBF activities since 2005.

In 2011, Guangdong University of PROC bested a Taiwanese squad to annex the crown at the Bintulu Stadium in Sarawak, Malaysia. The following year, the University of the East Red Warriors, led by Roi Sumang, Chris Javier and Cameroonian import Charles Mammie, ascended to the AUBC throne in hostilities held at the Trinity University of Asia in Quezon City and participated in by foreign schools Hangtuah University of Indonesia and Universiti Technologi MARI of Malaysia.

Honorable government officials from Laguna Provinces will be the guest speaker during the AUBC opening ceremony.

Prominent sports personalities invited to grace the opening are Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) president Baldomero Estenzo, BAP president Prof. Robert Milton Calo, AUBF President Shin Dong Pa, AUBF secretary-general and deputy secretary general, Alvin Kwong and Park Hyun Mo, respectively, and LACUAA Chairman Leonardo Andres Sr.

All-time Korean cage great Shin Dong Pa and Park Hyun Mo will accompany the Muongji University team to Cebu City. Muongji, whose head coach is Kim Nam Ki, seeks to duplicate its championship finish nine years ago.

AUBC Organizing Committee in coordination with the Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF) and the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP), which is recognized by the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP). (gcl)
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10th Asian University Basketball Championship for Men

5/11/2018

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From left to right: BAP representatives Ruel Roa Daba, Leonardo B. Andres and AUBF Secretary General Alvin Kwong represented the Memorandum of Agreement to host the 10th AUBC in Manila.

10th Asian University Basketball Championship for Men
November 18 - 23, 2018
San Andres Sports Complex, Manila

Kuala Lumpur, May 11, 2018 --- Alvin Kwong, AUBF Secretary-General, announces the 10th AUBC will be held in the City of Manila, Philippines, from November 18 to 23, 2018. Mr. Kwong meets with the officials from the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) led by Mr. Leonardo Andres and Mr. Ruel Roa Daba.

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SMC supports FESSAP

5/20/2013

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San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon S. Ang (center) is shown receiving the Plaque of Recognition from FESSAP president David Ong for his generous support to the youth development program initiated by the federation. Also in photo from left to right are FESSAP Vice President Christian Tan of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP), National Press Club president Benny Antiporda; FESSAP Deputy Secretary General and Body Builder Federation vice president Ariel Querubin, Ramon S. Ang, David Ong and FESSAP treasurer Jeane Monteverde. San Miguel support Basketball in Kazan. Photo by Henry T. Vargas (17 May 2013)

May 20, 2013 Press Release -- San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through the efforts of its amiable chief executive Ramon S. Ang, is extending its full support to the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP), which is sending a 76-member delegation to the 27th Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russian Federation from July 6-17.

Through the past decades, San Miguel Corporation has been a major proponent of sports development in the country through its various sponsorship of various local and foreign sporting events such as basketball in the 27th Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia.

Golden Plated Dragon in Pewter Metal Plate - Plaque of Recognition given to Mr. Ramon S. Ang of San Miguel Corporation

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BSAT New Board Members 2013

3/31/2013

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March 31, 2013, Renaissance, Bangkok, Thailand -- The Basketball Sport Association of Thailand (BSAT) , the country's national governing body in basketball has elected a new set of officers and a new president which was held recently at Renaissance hotel in Bangkok City. Newly elected President is Mr. Pipat Larppradhana.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Other BSAT Officers are Dr. Chira Hongladdarom (1st Vice-President); Lt. Gen. Chalermkiat Potongnak (2nd vice-president); Mr. Thongchai Vatanasakdakul (secretary general); Miss Thitirat Nopvoraprasert (Treasurer); Mr. Yingsak Phao-Injant (Competition Committee); Mr. Taschai Sansanapitayakorn (Technical Committee & Asian University representative). Bangkok City, Thailand

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University of Visayas (uv) won the 65th National Students Basketball Championship in Bukidnon proivince, Southern Philippines

3/11/2013

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BUKIDNON, March 11, 2013 - Cebu’s University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers clobbered Jose Maria College (JMC) Kings of Davao City, 77-64, Sunday night to grab the title the 65th National Students Basketball Championship in Don Carlos Municipal, Bukidnon province.

The CM Farm-UV Green Lancers trailed 32-30 at halftime but ran off 13 consecutive points at the start of the third quarter to go ahead, 43-42.

The 2012 NSBC Defending Champion Jose Maria College Kings never recovered from the offensive onslaught and fell behind by as much as 21 points in the six-team tournament organized by the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) President Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and BAP region 10 officials led by Karl Fortich and Ruel Daba in coordination with municipality of Don Carlos Mayor Felix Manzano and his Vice Mayor Jude Palmada.

Burly Hernan Escosio, who earned top rookie and Most Valuable Player honors for the runner-up Lancers in the 2012 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc (CESAFI) competitions, knocked in 15 points and shifty playmaker John Michael Abad tallied 13 to thrill a capacity crowd of nearly 5,000 at the Josie Marie Zubiri Astrodome.

UV’s 17 year old Cameroon recruits Nlzelssed and Akomo combined for 17 markers. JMC was led by Martinez and Bob Ombecan with 15 points each.

Escosio and Abad were named co-MVPs of the tournament that included games being played in the towns of Dangcagan, Maramag and Quezon in this championship qualifying to the 10th Asian University Basketball Championship which will be held in September in Manila.

The Championship is in cooperation with the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) and supported by AgriNurture Inc (ANI), San Miguel Corporation, Bestank, H2O Technologies Philippines, Healthy Options, and Cobra Energy Drink.

Cagayan de Oro College took third place with a 95-73 rout of the University of Luzon Tigers from Dagupan City.

Ruel "Wewe" Roa Daba, Provincial Director of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) initiated the project to host the 65trh NSBC in Bukidnon province, Southern Philippines