Pag-Iribang Bicolnon Invitational Basketball League 2007 Championship

Orient Express shut the colorful curtain of first invitational basketball league 2007 organized by the Pag-Iribang Bicolnon (PIBQ) by downing high energetic Midmac Contracting, 76-67, for a 2-0 record in the finals best of 3 held at the Mercury gym on May 11, 2007.

Orient Express, early favorites in the elimination round, got important convertion points from tandem Tonton Ravanes and Glenn Mariano with double extra efforts to score double figures 27 & 17 respectively to bring the team in an advantage in the third quarter.

Midmac Contracting who fought until the final minutes of final quarter who was trying to improve their offensive plays could do better if key players find the execution percentage from the field had only several offensive rebounds and that made Orient Express controls the board. Midmac Contracting was a victim of hit and run.

In the exhibition game during first game, the PIBQ Oragons crushed Mercury Qatar at their own yard, 65 – 59. PIBQ Oragons was left behind and under pressured by the stubborn Mercury Qatar in 3 quarters however Head Coach Tony Hernandez used is magical chemistry in 4th quarter using all number combinations to unlock and find hot and sizzling players of Oragons that started controlling the tempo who responded well and protect the last minutes.

It was followed by the awarding of medals for the mythical five where personally handed by the donor APO Qatar to Glenn Mariano (forward) and Tonton Ravanes (Guard) both from Orient Express, Ryan Latayan (Point Guard) of ITT, Edwin Cestina (Center ) of Doha Golf and Andy Mondejar (Guard). Tonton Ravanes of Orient Express is named as "Most Valuable Player".

PIBQ IBL 2007 wants to thank following sponsors, APO Qatar Mr. Ric and Mrs. Tess Macatula and Family, Mr. Edd and Ester Mangulabnan, Mr. Maxi Manuel, Pepsi Cola, Perlas Ng Pilipinas, Rawdah Beauty Saloon, Trags – Trading and Agency Services and PIBQ volunteers.