I had the opportunity to ask around about some of the passionate individuals who have contributed significantly to promote sports as a method of tourism for Bacolod City.

Oscar ‘Dodong’ Bascon was mentioned in terms of basketball. While I know him, I’m acquainted with him as a hotelier and lover of gourmet food—not as a sportsman. He spent much of his younger years involved with basketball as both a player and an inspiration alongside businessman Vic Tan, entrepreneur Bobby Tee, and former Games and Amusement Board Chairman Juan Ramon ‘Monju’ Guanzon.

As a coach, University Games President Roger Banzuela has given many of his years to the sport of volleyball. In addition, Bacolod Tay Tung High School Vice President for Sports Jose Montalbo built a volleyball court as the back of his own residence, which includes player quarters.

Tony Oquindo brought local softball to the international stage, winning medals and awards at various events.

Ceres-Negros FC, owned by Leo Rey Yanson, is a renowned football club. He also organizes the Ceres Cup, where nearly 500 football clubs compete annually. Ricky Yanson also loves football and shares his abilities and resources to promote the sport around the province.

For over a decade, the Sports Tourism Forum (STF) has been held in many parts of the country to teach and inspire local governments and private organizations to use sports as a medium for tourism. STF founder Charles Lim recently held the Sports Tourism Awards to honor exceptional individuals promoting sports tourism.

In Bacolod City alone, aside from the prominent names, there are also low-key figures who continue to promote sports tourism with a passion and personal love for their respective sports.

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This column greets Krystel Jubilag, Anthony Visitacion, Desiree Segovia, Dennis Uy, King Fernan, Ritchie Macabane, Jennylind Cordero, Philip Lacson, Manolet Lamata, Gerard Mora, William Ong, Pastor Emilio Henares, Warren Concepcion, Jet Lee, and Neil Concepcion/WDJ