Forming the Bridge – What is NABA is all about

By Marissa Bumanlag
Ontario-Canada
September 27, 2015



With nearly over two years of planning, Windsor basketball and volleyball tournament this past labour day weekend. As NABA stands for North American Basketball Association, it was first founded in 1987 by one of the Windsor very own Gil Panganiban. With the love of basketball in mind, it was only the intention of Panganiban to invite a few teams from Southwestern Ontario to showcase their skills to the Filipino-Canadian community. As time progressed, the North American Basketball Association expanded into multiple cities coming from all across Canada, United States and with one team from London, England.Reaching 28^th year of NABA it is now 27 cities over 150 teams and 2 tournaments and volleyball was added later on the the mix.

To see the growth of the NABA family excited Gil Panganiban, along with Windsor City Directors, Gilbert Gallana and Russ and Reggie Salazar.Seizing the opportunity when presented to them,the Windsor City of Directors claimed NABA 2015 as their own. Without realization of how much work and preparation was involved. NABA 2015 opening was a huge success with over 5000 players,guests,families.  Hosted by CTV weatherman and Radio hosts Arms Bumanlag and special appearance of NBA Mike Brkovich. To finish off the night the coronation of the much awaited Miss NABA beauty pageant took place.

As the judges Ms. Josie de Leon, DIVA of Toronto, the Lemay Twins fashion designer and Ms.Chat Bautista of Aranas Skin Solutions and Ms.NABA 2014 Marissa Bumanlag deliberated it was a tough decision for them who exemplified the key virtues of what NABA stand for it would be.

Miss London, ERIKA Parel Federis was crowned as Miss NABA 2015.

Next year NABA 2016 will be held in Queens, New York.