Spectators who witnessed the opening of the basketball “gaymes” Battle of the 3^rd kind were delighted upon seeing for the first time how gays try to outshoot and outdribble each other during the staging of this one-of-a-kind sports competition in the municipalities of San Fabian and Manaoag on April 1 and 2, respectively.

Mayor Benjamin Lim along with wife Celia Lim took the opportunity to promote this year’s celebration of Bangus Festival which is set to be one of the biggest ever. The organizers decided to extend the festival’s coverage to nearby towns and municipalities in Pangasinan.

“We thought of staging some of the Bangus Fest activities in other towns so we could gain the participation of other coastal towns like San Fabian, San Jacinto, Mangaldan and Manaoag and to create a district-wide festive ambiance. I am extremely pleased that you have shown your support for the Bangus Festival,” said Lim.

As early as 4pm, the crowd began to cheer as the teams composed of gay players started to display their own style of playing basketball at the San Fabian open basketball court and Manaoag Sports Complex.

A total of 8 teams competed in the two-day event. On the first elimination round, Manaoag beat the Dagupan-Bolosan team scoring 19 – 6 while Mangaldan scored over San Fabian with 21 – 15. On the second elimination round, San Fabian team outscored Dagupan-Bolosan with 48 – 3 while Manaoag beat Dagupan-DCNHS team with 16 – 13.

The winning teams in each round will automatically qualify for the championship game scheduled on April 28 at the city plaza.

Aside from the basketball “gaymes,” the search for the Bangus King & Queen bikini open contest is also one of the festival’s highlights that celebrate the beauty of swimsuit fashion.

The elimination round held at the Manaoag Sports Complex was participated in by 18 male and female candidates from various towns and cities like La Union, Mangaldan, Cabanatuan, Baguio City, Pampanga, Lingayen, San Fabian,San Jacinto, Manaoag and in some parts of Manila. The spectators were treated to a series of exciting production numbers during the event which include different festival costumes, stylish bikini outfit, casual wear and the interview portion.

At least 15 pairs of male and female candidates will compete for the grand finals slated on April 27, 7pm at the City Plaza.

The next elimination rounds for the Bangus Festival King & Queen and basketball “gaymes” will be held at the San Jacinto Plaza on April 8 and at Mangaldan town plaza on April 9, respectively. (CIO/Leziel T. Cayabyab)