Cavite Patriots hope for good showing in WMPBL

The  Cavite ToL Patriots are aiming for a successful debut in the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL), which is set to kick off in January.

Erika May Jimenez, Bernice Paraiso, and Jaina Del Prado were among the players who attended the team presentation at the Windy Ridge Hotel in Manila on Friday, where they all expressed their excitement to compete.

Also in the lineup are Wendi Casinillo, Haliana Marie Aldaya, Fionna Mikee Gonato, Diane Reyes, Honeylyn Caringal, and Magdaliowi Flores.

Mandell Martirez, the son of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legend Rosalio “Yoyong” Martirez, will serve as the head coach of the Patriots.

“Since our team was just recently formed, we need to catch up to improve our system by holding practices and as many tune-up games as possible,” Martirez said.

“The composition of the team is okay, I think we are competitive. We have good players. We are hoping for a good performance in this league.”

Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, the team owner, emphasized that providing opportunities for Filipino women athletes to showcase their skills is a powerful form of empowerment and will significantly contribute to the growth of women’s sports.

Tagaytay City Councilor Micko Tolentino, who serves as the team’s manager, will coordinate with the WMPBL to arrange for the Patriots’ home games to be held in Dasmariñas and Tagaytay.

“We have homegrown players and we would like to see our team being cheered on by our kababayans,” Micko said.

Patrick Andrei Tolentino and Jeb Tolentino, will take on roles as the team’s assistant manager and director of player personnel, respectively.

“As female athletes, we seek equal opportunities. We are ready to prove that we can play. What male basketball players can do, we can do as well,” said the 24-year-old Jimenez, who played for the UP Maroons in the UAAP.

Paraiso the younger sister of PBA player Brent.

“We hope to inspire the younger generation that after playing in college, female basketball players can continue to compete in a pro league,” said Paraiso the younger sister of PBA player Brent.