IFCBA successfully kicks off 41st playing season

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Forty-one seasons of commitment, camaraderie, and brotherhood bonded by ball.

That’s what the Iloilo Filipino-Chinese Basketball Association (IFCBA) is all about.

On Feb. 1, 2026, one of the most respected basketball leagues in Iloilo City—the IFCBA—successfully began its 41st playing season at the ROW Community Church in Mandurriao, Iloilo.

Twelve teams will be vying for the highly coveted championship title of the IFCBA’s first conference of the year, and the competition couldn’t get any better than this.

Headlining the list of competing teams are: Toyota Iloilo, Velvet Pops, Toppings Boutique, RBJR Construction, R. Orquiola Construction, PorkHub Iloilo, Go Rehab/Iloilo Nooms Beverage, Maestro Food PH, DOIS Seafood, Cassandra’s Aesthetics, Blue Chips, and Team XYZ.

Spearheading the league’s commemoration of its 41st season is Mr. Eugene Chua, the current IFCBA president and owner of Kusina Tsina, one of the premier Chinese restaurants in the City of Love.

“This season is more than just basketball. It’s about brotherhood, discipline, sportsmanship, and respect,” said Mr. Chua in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.

Notably known as an active ball club player, Mr. Chua chose to remain on the sidelines and gave up his playing spot with the intention of focusing more on the IFCBA’s managerial aspects.

“For 41 seasons, this league has continued to grow because of the passion and commitment of every member who believes in the true spirit of the game,” Mr. Chua added.

Two games headlined the opening festivities, with Blue Chips starting their season with a huge win over PorkHub Iloilo, 98–77, led by Papo Garbino, who dropped 34 big points.

In the finale, Bill Reyes’ 27 points lifted Toyota Iloilo to a convincing win over DOIS Seafood, 75–60.

Also present during the IFCBA’s opening ceremony were Mr. Robert Uy, vice president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP); Mr. Lemuel Cordero, IFCBA Elite president; and Joe Gaitan, board member of IFCBA Elite.

“As we open this first conference, let us all play with heart, pride, and integrity. Win or lose, may we always remember that we represent not only our teams, but also our community and the values we stand for. IFCBA STRONGER TOGETHER,” Mr. Chua closed.