Panalite Stuns ARQ, Captures First-Ever MCBL Gold Crown! Menina is Finals MVP!

Team Panalite has officially cemented its place in Cebu basketball history, capturing the Metro Cebu Basketball League (MCBL) Season 12 Gold Division crown. In a spectacular display of championship grit, Panalite dethroned the defending champions, ARQ Builders, with a decisive 93-83 victory in the do-or-die Game 3 showdown last Sunday at the Cebu City Sports Institute (CCSI).

The victory marks a historic milestone for Panalite, securing the franchise’s first-ever MCBL title after years of competitive participation in Cebu’s prestigious league.

A Perfectly Constructed Powerhouse

The championship run was the direct result of a strategic off-season vision executed by team owner Jethro Lim Imboy, alongside co-team owners Admar Leoncio and Wilmer Go. The management focused on assembling a powerhouse roster engineered for success in the Gold Division.

“This championship is a milestone for us, marking our first-ever MCBL title after years of competing,” said Imboy. “Following two consecutive semifinal finishes, we finally triumphed this season by defeating the defending champions, ARQ Builders. From day one, I had full confidence that we were built to go deep in the highly competitive MCBL Gold Division.”

The winning formula included reinforcing the core group—led by Tawe Cañedo, Aye Calomarde, and Jomarie Beldoro—with veteran star power. This included import James Ferraren, reliable big man Jason Balabag, and the eventual Finals MVP, Shane ‘The Game’ Menina. The team’s success was further guided by an elite coaching staff, featuring Head Coach Ed Macasling, Assistant Coach Bogs Llanto, and assistant coach Albert Echavarria.

Menina Delivers MVP Performance

Shane Menina lived up to his superstar billing in the final game, delivering a stellar, game-high performance that earned him the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) title. Menina finished with 26 points, complemented by eight assists, three rebounds, and three steals, controlling the pace and crucial possessions for Panalite.

Key support came from the team’s dominant frontcourt. Jason Balabag powered the squad with a massive 18-point, 10-rebound double-double. Defensive specialist Kline Ochavoadded 12 points, while John Velasco chipped in 10 points off the bench. Panalite's defense effectively contained ARQ’s offense, which was paced by Johndel Bagaporo’s 23 points.

Eyes on a Dynasty

The journey to the title was challenging, as the MCBL Gold Division is renowned for featuring top collegiate imports and elite regional talent. Panalite performed impressively, finishing the elimination round with a strong 4-1 record and advancing decisively through the playoffs.

With the first championship trophy now in the cabinet, Team Panalite is not slowing down. Owners Imboy, Leoncio, and Go are already optimistic about competing in bigger regional tournaments, including the prestigious Sinulog Cup in 2026. However, their immediate focus remains on maintaining basketball supremacy by successfully defending their MCBL Gold Division crown next season.