More than a month ago, JMJ Sports Training Services hosted the first Masters and U-24 combo tournament of the country. This was a trailblazing move by the leading Tournament Managing company in the community. I could say that this is a visionary move for the Team led by Ping and Guila Bautista; JM Miranda and Mon Pe Benito; Cess Trinidad; and Jo Civil. 

The tournament's first day was stormy as the tailwinds of a typhoon were sweeping across Luzon. Nevertheless,  the Nine teams –4 for U024 and 5 for the Masters' division, that joined, sweat it out in the wet fields of Alabang Country Club Polo Fields.

Players in the Masters' Division were donning smiles and showing off their smarts. This a great indication that they were here more for the fun and reunion than the competition. On the other hand, the U-24 games were intense and opposite the weather, were hot. The young ins are‘ flexing’ their unpolished physical prowess showing great potential but un-aged exposure to the game.

On the second day, a switch was flipped as the Younger Masters of Tanders Pilipinas and A Team physically dominated the Masters' Division despite a great effort from PUMA, FOTS, and BC and friends. The Tanders and beach legends of PUMA’s semis game was particularly close until the end part. PUMA’s fast ‘give and go’s weren’t enough against the Stamina and cunning antics of Tanders. 

The Young Masters of Tanders –composed of mainly of OGs of DUO, core ALPHA and a Shake n’ Bake trio from Iloilo, and the A Team –core Warriors, big names of Binibinis and some Titos, pitted it out in the moody weathered finals. Fel Angue and Angelique Cortez led the way, as A Team was jolted on top of the Masters' Division.

On the younger end of the outliers’ chart, on the other hand, the steady play of Pancake Y was too much for the seemingly distracted Kid Vicious in the finals. Pancake Y won the first U-24 crown of the Philippines as Kid Vicious settles for second, while Dou and Kidstone of Lipa settled for rankings.

 

 

This Combo Tournament is quite fun. Seeing the contrast of play between the far ends of the age brackets makes you see the decline of the Physical capabilities but the growth of the mind. The youngins played with so much vigor but lack on discipline and patience, while the lack of physical prowess on the upper end of the age chart did not limit the game of wits and experience –although they did play below their age all weekend long, I wonder how much the masseuse and the massage therapists earn the week after, between the so-called ‘Masters of the Ultiverse’.

This was fun! Also, the implementation of gender rules was a big plus for this tournament.

Cabalen Ultimate Open is also known for its unique themes and accompanying visual collaterals. From their posters to their event shirts to the unique sticker pack concepts. More than just an ultimate tournament (biggest national level in Luzon?), this is an expression of self and appreciation of gratitude. Ruzz's way of expression through visual arts and Jansie's expression of gratitude that in a way a cycle in itself –organizing a tournament, people appreciate and give thanks; the following year’s tournament is a form of social service in gratitude for the last one, and the cycle goes on. Lastly, Jerico's reconnection to his roots, like the CUO’s Kapampangan buffet. Which is also an ode to Pampanga being the culinary capital of the country.

The Tournament

This year, CUO is in an ironic progression with the weather. Saturday’s hot and sunny weather progressed into a rainy Sunday that turned into the tropical storm Karding. The Forty competing teams started their games on cruise control as many of them are still getting into their groove.

As the day progresses, they began to heat up and rub it off. Teams like the Palawan State University Disc League, and Baguio Lions showed promise. 

And there's the Cabalen Ringer team. I think this is the strongest ringer team assembled –that I know of. Showcased in this team are guest players from Malaysia and some members of Boracay Bandits. With these people leading the team, they could’ve reached the Advanced pools –I think they are capable if the tournament format allowed them to. 

Nevertheless, powerhouse teams like Vicious Mob, TSP, Pancake X, Alpha, Caution, Revolt, Bitag, and SP Kids lead the way by the end of the first day.

The rainy second day was tough. Although it did not pour early, it is always hard to start a day of taking photos outdoors knowing it will rain eventually. We have to make necessary preparations to make sure our equipment and health will make it through the day –yup cover all sensitive parts while maintaining the ability to perform and get snaps of those plastic plates nearest to flying bodies to make something relevant. All these while still keeping a feel of things around to be able to get visual stories.

While I was bothered by the weather, the games never stopped and continued their ironic progression with the weather. Remember the Ringer team? They ended up on the top of the Intermediate pool. 

Tandang Sora Pleasure cut the return party of Alpha as they were beaten in the semis of the Advanced pool. Pancake Y had another great run in this tournament –it is a great year for them. Maxmax, a pancake adoptee from Dumaguete played well in the semis but it was not enough to push them through as Vicious Mob got the edge on the other semis game.

The Finals

Irish Ambida then sent a forehand along the line to Lanz Agnes for an easy positional advantage which he easily dished to Jay-R Panulaya for the 10-11 advantage for TSP. 

The disc then ended in the hands of Vicious Mobs after the disc was turned hand several times –napa-layout si tito X. 

At this point, a pair of crucial plays happened –A short goal from Ysa, and the 50-50 catches of Paloy, but Ysa’s uncharacteristic –and by her own words, wobbly hammer took care of business as finally Vicious Mob won the Cabalen Final VII and got one strike on the win column of the Manila Classic.

This championship game is for me a great lesson for Ultimate. Those crucial plays [Ysa's short goal and double team call; and Paloy's catch] at the end of the games were dealt with a high level of spirit. Winning by a clean play is always better than winning a 50-50 argument.

The Notables

There are some interesting stories in this Cabalen Final VII. The trophies were again commissioned to Art Solace Manila. A movement that started out of love and grew into a socially responsible entity. As beneficiaries of this year's commissioning fee, images of natives are incorporated into the award plaques. These trophies/plaques are in a way, a microcosm. An expression of the cycle of gratitude between Cabalen Ultimate open and Arts Solace Manila.