By: Celso M. Cajucom

CABANATUAN CITY — Team Royce clinched the WESSS Club basketball league title just last week, overcoming a fierce challenge in the finals at the Villaluz Gymnasium in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

The tournament, organized by WESSS Club (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday) was designed to promote sportsmanship and camaraderie said Club President Efren Paul Mallari.

The league featured a unique format, pairing veteran players aged 40 and above with promising young rookies to ensure balanced competition across the four competing teams.

Team Royce, led by veteran captain and Finals MVP Glenn Vegiga, secured the crucial championship title. Vegiga’s teammate of two decades, Nelson Baldedara (the marksman) praised the captain’s leadership.

The championship roster included a rare three-generation lineup of the Baldedara family—Nelson, his son Aaron (fleet footed), and his grandson Jacob (the star rookie)—alongside teammates Edsel Musni (coach), Noel  Enriquez ((the 3-pointer), Irish, Harold, Patrick Torno (swingman), Jun Vegiga (the iconic undergoal stab man), Celso Cajucom (the playing coach), Jeff Santos (the versatile man),  Lito Enriquez, the gunner (MIA).

The WESSS Club is known for its professional ties to the local automotive industry, with members representing Freeway Mitsubishi Motors-Cabanatuan, Nissan Philippines, and Royce Motors Inc.

The Side Bar: Nike vs. Ukay-Ukay

The championship atmosphere remained high even after the final game, thanks to a lively celebration that started with a live musical performance by Chris “the Bull,” Cajucom Libiran, a solo professional singer and long-time club member.

Despite his musical success, Chris found himself on the “losing” side of the bracket along with Team ni Hepe (Erwin Manaois), Team Roy (known locally as the “Pacific Cellphone King”) and Team Paul (led by the club president).

The fun continued online as the joyful atmosphere moved to social media. Several players took to the club’s Facebook Page and Messenger group, teasing each other about their footwear and jokingly blaming their “bad luck” sneakers for their defeat.

“It’s time to trash the old ones and invest in top-of-the-line Nike brand shoes to secure a win in the next league,” one player quipped in the group chat.

This banter highlighted a very real trend among local athletes in Nueva Ecija.

While many younger varsity and amateur players turn to “ukay-ukay” (thrift store) sneakers for affordable access to big names like Nike, Adidas, and Jordan, among other brands, the conversation revealed a common frustration.

While these second-hand finds are cheap, they often require immediate repairs—such as re-gluing or sewing—to survive the high intensity of court, said veteran player Eldrin Balagtas who advised to the younger athletes.

Baldedara, who is famously loyal to the Kevin Durant (KD) line of Nike sneakers, he emphasized that for professional-level play, the durability and support of a brand-new pair of Nikes often outweigh the initial savings of an “ukay-ukay” (athletic thrift store). “For him and the rest of Team Royce, the right gear was clearly a winning investment, regaining the title and joining us for celebration.”

Finals MVP Vegiga, on the other hand, credited his performance to his LeBron XXI sneakers. “I am proud to use these shoes. They helped Team Royce take the title,” he said.

He added that while he is not overly choosy about brands, the performance of Nike’s LeBron line keeps him the strength, saying that he plans to upgrade to the LeBron XXIV soon.

A Mission Beyond the Brand

Despite the lively sneaker talk, the consensus among club members remains focused on the welfare of their fellow players. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a new top-of-the-line pair or a second-hand brand,”

The Club President, underscored this sentiment, reminding everyone of the league’s true purpose. “What matters most is our unity, staying active, and maintaining our physical fitness as we age, whether they are wearing the latest Nike or a thrifted pair—is what truly defines a champion.” Mallari said.

Sports in Nueva Ecija
“The local basketball scene continues to thrive this holiday season, featuring the Nueva Ecija Town’s Basketball League, Katropa Basketball League, Dribbler’s Basketball League, and Gapan City Basketball League.

In nearby Jaen, Municipal Mayor Sylvester Austria reportedly underscored the importance of quality gear by donating new Nike basketball and volleyball shoes to all participants in the recently concluded Provincial Meet.

Also in Gapan City, the siblings—4th District Cong. Emerson Pascual and Mayor Joy Pascual—offered free basketball uniforms and Nike sneakers to all participating teams under the congressional and city’s sports program in Nueva Ecija.