In case you are all wondering why I am wishing Robert a Happy Birthday here, it’s because Robert is not only a dear friend but he is family. He has done so much for team Bowlmart and bowling in the Philippines. For almost my whole career as coach of the Philippines National and National Youth team, Robert has supported me and the team with products. These bowling balls have been influential in the success of the team in the past. Without the support of Storm and Mr. Dong, we might not have seen the steady improvement of the whole national program. Not only did the National and National youth benefit, so did the rest of the developmental program that was installed then.

Understanding the relationship I have with Robert is easy and can be explained in one word, “FAMILY”. When he became gravely ill last year, we all prayed that he would recover and thank God all our prayers were answered. But during that time when his future was not clear, I realized that I never got to really thank this man who has always been there through out my career. Robert Dong has done so much for bowling in the Asian region and beyond but never got the credit for it. He is such a humble and loyal friend. I was once told by my elders not to find so many friends but to search for one true friend. They said that the true wealth of a person is measured by his true friends. I am so fortunate to have so many true friends that have surrounded me through out my life. I am indeed a wealthy and blessed man because of my family’s and true friends’ love. Thank you Robert Dong for being a  “True Friend” and family. Your friendship, love, and support will always be cherished.

Happy happy 50th birthday Robert. Please continue to take good care of yourself. Thanks for your never ending support and gracious love and care. All the best to you my brother and dear friend.

Chinese Taipei’s Li Min-Jhe and Singaporean Gregory Gan tied for the seventh spot with a series of 1671. Thai bowler Songvit Lappasubpaisan bowled a 1637, while TBAM-Prima’s Kevin Cu rolled a1625 series to finish in the top 10 finalist. A pair of Singaporean occupied the 11th and 12th spot, which are the last two spots to cash. Brandon Lee and Justin Lim rolled a 1619 and 1604 series respectively. The Open division will roll off at 10 am tomorrow. The organizers would like to thank all the sponsors and participants for making the 13th PBAP Bevida-Storm International Classic successful.

Michael Sia of team Henrich finished in seventh place with a 1676 series ten pins ahead of PBAP-Team Bowlmart’s Sheena Go. Singapore’s Fok Ka Wai made a late charge to finish in ninth position with a1635 series. Last years winner, Jeremy Fang, also from Singapore finished in tenth with a 1630 series. PBAP-Bowlmart’s Lara Posadas (1613) and Chinese Taipei’s Yang Shih-Chieh(1601) rounds up the top twelve finishers in the Classic division and all of them cashed in. A total of ten countries participated with more than a hundred participants.

In the first shootout Chinese Taipei’s Chen Hung-Chih turned up his game and rolled a 255 game to beat Hong Kong’s Vanessa Fung (223) and Singapore’s Andrew Lee 194. Chen then moved on to meet second seed  Hamilton Hernandez and third seed Gina Lim. In a very tight match Gina was able to roll two strikes in the tenth frame to edge out Hamilton(190) and Hung-Chih(184) with her 192 to advance and challenge top seed RJ San Diego. Both San Diego and Lim, who have been so hot in the finals, ran out of gas and RJ out lasted Gina  184 to 144 to win the Classic Division Championship and 150,000 pesos.

PBAP-Team Bowlmart’s Sheena Go  also wrested the lead away from Singapore’s Andrew Lee as she rolled a 4989 series to Lee’s 4956.  Chinese Taipei’s Wang Che-Chun(4896) out scored Singapore’s Jeremy Fang(4763) and country men Wang Che-Chi(4735)to finish third to fifth respectively. Three female bowlers, Hong Kong’s Vanessa Fung (4725), PBAP-Bowlmart’s Lara Posadas(4721) and Singapore’s Gina Lim(4694), occupies the next three spots. Singapore’s Eric Ching (4670) and Chinese Taipei’s Wang Yung-Hsiang(4668) rounds up the top ten finalist in the Classified division. PBAP’s Oca Abuan finished with a 4551 series to make the top 24 finalist advancing to tomorrow’s final.

Hong Kong’s Michael Tsang continues to lead the Youth division with his 5140 series. Wang Ling-Gang(5083) moved ahead of Singapore’s Justin Lim(5029) to finish second and third respectively. Korean Kim Sung-Jun rolled a 4888 series to better Hong Kong’s Lau Kwun Ho by two pins. Thailand’s Songvit L.(4873), Singapore’s Brandon Lee(4840), Hong Kong’s Carlos Lai(4779), Singapore’s Gregory Gan(4748), and Roto Grip’s Lara Posadas (4721) occupies the top 10 position in the Youth division. MTBA’s Louie Chuaquico is the final cut for the Youth division with a 4498 series. The finals will also be held tomorrow after the Classified division finals.

Singaporean Andrew Lee took over the lead in the Classified division with a 3386 series. Team Bowlmart’s Sheena Go, AZO ball rep, also moved up to second with a 3348 series to finish ahead of SLETBA’s RJ San Diego who rolled a 3279 series a pin better than Chinese Taipei’s Wang Che-Chun. Singapore’s Jeremy Fang made a big leap with his score of 3250 to finish in fifth position ahead of PBAP-Bowlmart’s Lara Posadas who finished the day with a 3234 series.  Another spinner from Chinese Taipei Wang Che-Chi finished with a 3195 to finish ahead of three Singaporeans. Eric Ching(3184), Gina Lim(3160), and Amanda Ng(3150) finished eight to tenth in the classified division.

Hong Kong national team mainstay, Michael Tsang rolled impressive numbers to dominate the Junior division qualifying with his 3613 series. Wang Ling-Gang of Chinese Taipei bowled a 3338 series but could not keep up with Tsang. Upcoming Singaporean bowler Justin Lim (3322) and Korean Kim Sung-Jung(3291) are currently in a distant third and fourth place. Two more Singaporeans Gregory Gan(3242) and Brandon Lee(3236) are ahead of two Filipinos. Roto Grip’s ball rep, Lara Posadas, is the only girl in the top ten with a score of 3234. PBA’s Oliver Mandilag’s 3195 places him in eight place. Hong Kong’s Lau Kwun Ho bowled a 3177 to put him in the ninth spot.  TBAM-Prima’s Stewart Ngo’s 3166 rounds up the top ten qualifying scores for the Youth division. Tomorrow is the third and final day of qualifying for the three division. The top 24 qualifiers in each division will advance to Thursday(Classified and Youth) and Friday’s(Open) finals. Top twelve in each division will win cash prize and are gunning for the first place prize of 150,000 pesos in both open and classified division and 20,000 pesos in the youth division. The classic is held at Pearl Bowling Center located at HP Pearl Sports Center in Harrison Plaza.

Meanwhile Team Bowlmart-PBAP’s Lara Posadas rolled a 1707 series to take the top spot in the Classified division. Chinese Taipei’s Wang Che-Chi shot a 1685, just five pins better than another Singaporean, Andrew Lee. Three Local keglers occupied the next three spots led by SLETBA’s R.J. San Diego (1663). Team Henrich’s Michael Sia rolled a 1655 series just two pins better than Team Bowlmart-PBAP’s Sheena Go. Singaporean Eric Ching (1645), Chinese Taipei’s Wang Che-Chun(1622), Team Bowlmart-PBAP’s Masa Ishizuka (1620), and youth bowler Nikko Go (1612) rounds up the top 10 qualifiers for the Classified division.

Michael Tsang’s, of Hong Kong, 1784 was the score to beat in the Youth division. Singapore’s Brandon Lee rolled a 1756, while Filipina Lara Posadas bowled a 1707 series to finish second and third respectively. Gregory Gan, of Singapore, (1694), Thai’s Songvit L. (1688), and Taiwanese Wang Ling- Gang (1673) are currently occupying the fourth to sixth spot. The next three spots are occupied by three Filipinos, Oliver Mandilag (1672), MTBA’s Louie Chuaquico (1668), and Prima-TBAM’s Stewart Ngo (1645). Hong Kong’s Carlos Lai (1641) currently hold the tenth spot in the Youth division. The top 24 bowlers in each of the division will qualify for their respective division’s master finals.

Higher scores are expected as the bowlers find their grooves on the lanes and are adjusted to the three different oil patterns. This classic is sponsored by Euro-Med Laboratories, Bevida Distilled Drinking Water, Storm Products Inc., Wave products by Ark International, Premiere Insurance and Surety Corporation, EGI, AZO, and Roto Grip. Philippine Airlines is the official airlines. Manila Bulletin and Sports Weekly are the official media partner. Heritage Hotel and Century Park Sheraton are the official hotel of this international classic. City Garden Hotel is the artery hotel. Bowlmart Training Institute is the official lane maintenance partner.

HP Pearl sports center will be hosting local and international events. The bowling center will host the Bevida PBAP Storm International Invitational Classic as well as the PBAP Euro-Med Storm International Championship. This years Asian Intercity Bowling Championship will also be held here. Aside from open play, the bowling center is expecting to host leagues daily except for Sunday. Bowling camps will he held for the summer also. Anyone interested or have questions should call Mr. James Dela Cruz and Mr. Yap Kok Wee. Our entrance is located opposite Banko Central with more than ample parking space. We are opposite Jollibee and Bingo at the annex of Harrison Plaza. Bowlmart Proshop is also here, not to only service your bowling need, but your other sporing needs also.

Team Bowlmart would like to sincerely thank the management of Paeng’s Midtown Bowl at Robinson’s Place for being such gracious host for over two years. The management of HP Pearl Sports Center  would like to invite all to visit and enjoy our facilities. We are here to service you. See you all there. Welcome to your new home. “Healthy body and healthy mind for a brighter tomorrow”.