The Filipino Canadian Basketball League Yukon (FCBLY) kicked off their 12th season on Saturday at F.H. Collins.

Before the games commenced the FCBLY held an opening ceremonies.

“When we have a game those fans of each team are coming,” said FCBLY league organizer Joselito Tobias. “The opening day is always like this, a big event. Sports are a big thing for the Filipinos. Especially basketball, it is one of the most recognized sports back home.”

All the participating teams taking place in the yearlong tournament were first introduced, to a packed gym, including for the first time two female teams.

Once the teams were introduced the national anthems of the Philippines and Canada were sung. The players and crowd were then treated to speeches by the Commissioner of the Yukon Angelique Bernard, Brian Jones of the RCMP, city councillor Jocelyn Curteanu and Darlene Doerksen founder and CEO of Multicultural Centre of the Yukon.

With the speeches finished the sportsmanship oath was read for all the participants and the FBCLY officially began its 12th season. The night’s events were just beginning, as it was time for the basketball teams to take the court. The first game to take place was Miranda vs. Viernes, the first women’s game played in the FCBLY.

“This is the first year for the women’s teams,” said Tobias. “They requested to play last year but the planning was already in place so we told them this year. The first game is a bit of an exhibition but if they want to continue we will schedule them a slot.”

The women’s team featured players of all ages and talents, and was one of the purest most joyous things to witness.

The players tried their hardest, laughing the whole time, the crowd was boisterous full of cheers and laughter for every basket made for either team.

After the first quarter team Viernes led 8-4, scoring their points on the fast break, as they found their players under the net. Miranda took the lead 18-14 into the half, as they found their shooting touch and played hard-nosed defence.

In the third quarter Miranda was able to add to their lead continuing to work the ball into the paint for easy baskets under the rim, they headed into the fourth quarter leading 27-21.

The fourth quarter saw Viernes make a small comeback, but Miranda was able to get to the free-throw line and make the majority of their foul shots on their way to winning the first women’s basketball game in the FCBLY.

Ailene Gayangos played in the inaugural game, and says it was a lot of fun with a good contribution of youth and experience.

“I did not really expect to much, I just wanted to have fun,“ said Gayangos.

“Anyway, it was done really well, we had a good combination of youth and seniors like myself. This is one of my first times, I am one of the pioneers, and it was the first time having this event and I’m leaving feeling young I had a blast.”

The women’s game was an exhibition but could remain if there is enough interest from the players. Gayangos hopes the games continue because it is a way to stay connected with the community and to get exercise.

“Everybody is working hard, and we don’t really have time,” said Gayangos. “This is a good excuse, it brings really good purpose. You end up doing your exercise and connecting with the community, it’s a really great way of connecting.”

According to the CFAY there is about 3,500 Filipinos living in the Yukon. Tobias says when he came to Whitehorse basketball was not very popular.

“When I first got here the Canadian kids were more into hockey, skiing and volleyball, basketball not so much,” said Tobias. “We are inviting everybody, it used to be just the Filipinos but now our Canadian brothers are requesting to play with us. It’s a community base we want everyone to be as one. Unity.”

The evening finished with two mens basketball games. In the first game SHIRLEY@COLDWELLBANKER narrowly defeated Wolf Pack Basketball 94-87. Jomski Pahilanga lead the SHIRLEY@COLDWELLBANKER’s in scoring, netting 24 points. Noel Pagobo led the Wolf Pack, also with 24.

In the last game Domino’s Pizza had a lopsided victory over Viernes Janitorial winning 103-67. Domino’s was led by JB who dropped 24 points. Viernes leading scoring was John Madrigal with 16 points.