ABP Muloy’s Cup – An Insider’s Perspective

From June 29 to July 2, 2026, the first-ever National Basketball League for priests and religious held in and hosted by the Archdiocese of Davao was part of the celebration of the fiesta of its Cathedral. Entitled ABP Muloy’s Cup, the tournament brought together 14 archdioceses and dioceses from across the Philippines to compete in a spirit of fraternity through basketball.

The event also coincided with Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for June, which highlighted the value of sports. He invited the faithful to pray “that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.”

The tournament was a tremendous success. While it featured healthy and exciting basketball competition, its greater achievement was fostering what we came to call Sacramental Brotherhood—a deeper fraternal bond among priests rooted in their shared priesthood. It became an opportunity to build new friendships, rekindle old ones, and witness priests enjoying moments of recreation beyond their usual sacramental ministry.

From an insider’s perspective, however, the success of the tournament was not solely because of the priests who participated. It was the fruit of the collective efforts of the entire local Church. The youth volunteers, the City Government of Davao, the different lay ministries—especially the Knights of Columbus—the generous sponsors, the Davao clergy, the medical team and support personnel who cared for the players, and above all, Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, all played indispensable roles in making the event possible.

Behind the scenes, the tournament demanded months of planning, countless meetings, and tireless preparation. It was a labor of love that continued until the final buzzer of the championship game.

I had the privilege of being part of the coaching staff of the Davao Clergy team. Every game was intense because each victory brought us one step closer to our goal of reaching the semifinals. Our semifinal match against Panay was especially memorable. We had to overcome a significant point deficit, but through determination and teamwork, we completed the comeback and earned our place in the championship game.

The finals against San Carlos were nothing short of exhilarating. The game remained close from start to finish, with neither team able to build a comfortable lead. Every possession mattered, and the atmosphere inside the venue was electric. In the closing moments of the game, Rev. Rodriguez scored a crucial layup that broke the tie and secured the championship for the Davao Clergy.

Winning the championship meant so much to all of us. It was a dream we had pursued for years, and finally seeing it become a reality made every sacrifice worthwhile. More than bringing home the trophy, it was a testament to our unity, perseverance, and commitment—both on and off the court.

At the same time, becoming champions brings a new responsibility. The title is not merely an achievement to celebrate but also a challenge to uphold. As we look forward to the next edition of the league, we hope not only to defend our championship but also to continue promoting the true spirit of the ABP Muloy’s Cup: fraternity, healthy competition, and the enduring brotherhood that unites priests in their common vocation. (Sem. Jefferson Cua)