DAVAO CITY – Founding member Montaña Pawnshop-Davao returns to the Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) when it competes in the community-based league’s Sinulog Cup from January 27 to 31 at the New Cebu Coliseum.

Montaña reached the Mindanao Division semifinals of the MVBA’s very first conference in 2006, losing to the Iligan Archangels, 1-2. Since then, the team of businessman Armando Quibod took a leave of absence from the league.

Former Cebu Landmaster-Mandaue guard and Davao City native Michael Manigo has been added to Montaña’s youthful roster and is expected to be among the team’s main men along with team captain Randy Panerio, guards Allan Quibod and Ryan Abanes and forwards Junel Jawod and Dado Ayson.

The Davaoeños thus complete a tough six-team cast sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP). Leading the way is defending back-to-back champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu City of Michel Lhuillier and Coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba.

Three teams are from Metro Manila – Philippine Basketball League (PBL) members Pharex Medics of Coach Carlo Tan and Toyota-Balintawak Road Kings of Coach Ariel Vanguardia and Metro Basketball League (MBL) titlist Fifth Avenue Telecoms under playing coach Junel Mendiola.

Also in the hunt are the multi-titled University of the Visayas Green Lancers of Coach Elmer Cabahug, who will carry the colors of Hotel Fortuna-Boljoon thanks to the help of businessman Lorenzo Chao Sy and Mayor Deogenes Derama. The Lancers are keen on enlisting some of their recent alumni owing to the tough competition ahead.

The Sinulog Cup is making a return after a three-year absence. In 2005, M. Lhuillier bested the Quezon Coco Huskers in the finals to claim the crown, 97-87. The Jewelers are gunning for a rare three-peat having also bagged the 2004 Sinulog Cup over the San Sebastian-Cavite Baycats, 97-78.(Anthony E. Servinio)