BAGUIO CITY — Defending champion Manila Southwoods is going for an unprecedented ninth title in the premier Fil Championship division of the 73rd Januarius Fil-Am Invitational slated to get going at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay.

But while they are ready to aim for the record, especially with a youthful team bannered on national team mainstay Aidric Chan, captain Third Escaño emphasized the need to work as a team as other squads have also beefed up their respective lineups.

"The rosters are deep. We will have to play as one as we have always done in the past. I think that's our advantage over the others," said Escaño while noting that squads in the centerpiece division lack the cohesiveness they have.

Eastridge will parade amateurs Edison Tabalin, Chris Remata, first-timer Alex Bisera, Ronel Tagaan and John Uy.

"We are better prepared to give a nice challenge to Southwoods. I think we have a fair shot at the crown," Eastridge general manager Gimo Asuncion said.

Cebuano stars Mark Dy, Bayani Garcia, and Tyler Po, will team up with Justin Limjap, Marvin Mendoza and Homacio Mendoza for SPES-1.

Januarius Private Equity looms as the underdog but has a good shot at success with veterans Ray Sangil, Terence Macatangay and Jet Mathay partnering with Kirby Lachica and Ayon Sanchez.

"We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this prestigious event. Win or lose, everybody goes home a winner," Januarius Private Equity manager Paolo Cagalingan said.