The inaugural "National Media vs Kosa 9-Ball Billiards Tournament" is set to take place at the Angeles City District Jail on 16 December, bringing together media players and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in a unique showcase of sportsmanship and skill.

This groundbreaking event, organized by the Camp Olivas PNP Press Corps (COPPC) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Region 3 (BJMP3), promises an exciting three-category competition: Class A, Class B, and a Women's Division. Around 300 media representatives from the National Capital Region and Central Luzon will compete against 200 inmates in this friendly but competitive match.

High-profile participants

Registration is open from 11 to 15 December, with an entry fee of ₱700. Participants will compete for cash prizes and trophies, with the event expected to foster camaraderie and goodwill among players. For inquiries, participants can contact 0994-684-3276.

The event will feature appearances by notable figures, including former PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde and billiards legend Efren "Bata" Reyes. Invited dignitaries include Pampanga Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda, Vice Governor Lilia "Nanay" Pineda, Police Regional Office 3 Director Redrico Maranan, Pampanga Provincial Office Director Police Col. Jay Dimaandal, Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando, and Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane.

Boosting PDL morale

"Part ng ating programa ay binibigyan natin ng push ang ating mga inmates. Kaya tayo suportive sa mga ganitong event kasi gusto natin ma-boost din yung kanilang morale. Hindi naman porket inmates sila eh ganon na lang. Kahit papano sa pamamagitan ng mga ganitong pagkakataon lalo't media ang kasalamuha, malaking bagay ito para sa kanila," said Gen. Paulino.

(Giving our inmates a push is part of our program. Supporting these kinds of events will boost their morale. Through this opportunity, and especially with media participation, this will be a big thing for them.)

COPPC President and DAILY TRIBUNE reporter Franco G. Regala echoed the sentiment, urging participation: "Tinatawagan po natin lahat ng mga billiard enthusiasts na makilahok sa kaunaunahang billiard event na ito kasama ang mga kapatid nating inmates. Pagkakataon na rin natin makasama at makilala ang mga kosa, at makapagsaya na rin dahil papalapit na ang Pasko."

(We call on all the billiards enthusiasts out there to join our brothers, the inmates. This is an opportunity for us to join them and get to know then, and to enjoy the Christmas season.)

The tournament promises a day of spirited competition, camaraderie, and Christmas joy. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event, where media and PDLs will meet on common ground — over a game of billiards.