ILOILO City — Bacolod Tay Tung High School (BTTH) stamped its dominance on the Iloilo 1st Governor’s National Cup as the Thunderbolts overpowered Parola Panaon Misamis in the finals at the Iloilo Sports Complex, completing a title run defined by balance, depth, and star power.
At the center of the championship charge was Paul Adrian Barcelona, who emerged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and secured a place in the Mythical Five, underscoring his all-around impact throughout the competition.
Barcelona anchored a cohesive Thunderbolts lineup that consistently delivered on both ends of the floor. Key contributions came from Alexander II Atiles, Ae-Jay Aurelio, Jerry III Binguan, and Kert Jacob Espanola, whose steady play complemented Barcelona’s leadership during crucial stretches of the tournament.
Also suiting up for Bacolod Tay Tung were Vinz Khystoff Lapore, Third Sebuan, John Steven Sondia, Michael Kirk Velasco, Alfred Jr. Ysulan, Seth Guarino, and Johndave Parojinog, giving the Thunderbolts the depth needed to outlast their rivals across several days of competition.
The championship squad was guided by head coach Atoy Callora Jr., with DenDen Velez and Steven Seriritan as assistant coaches. Gabby Velasco served as team consultant, while Brian Tan acted as team manager.
The Iloilo 1st Governor’s National Cup featured a six-team field that included Colegio de San Juan de Letran Squires, Iloilo Doctors College, St. Robert’s, and St. John’s Institute, delivering a highly competitive showcase of inter-school and inter-regional basketball.
Organized as part of the Iloilo provincial government’s grassroots sports development initiative, the tournament aimed to provide young athletes with high-level exposure while strengthening basketball ties across regions. Games drew strong local support, with fans filling the Iloilo Sports Complex throughout the event./PN
