By Rey Joble

POWERADE, the newest energy drink under Coca-Cola Bottlers Inc., has approved a P10-million funding for the all-pro Philippine men?s basketball team handled by coach Yeng Guiao.

JB Baylon, Coca-Cola?s board governor in the Philippine Basketball Association and most likely the team manager of the RP five in the Southeast Asia Basketball Association, the Champions Cup and the Fiba Asia Men?s Basketball Championship this year, confirmed the news to Standard Today.

The Fiba Asia Men?s Basketball Championship in China this September will serve as the qualifying event for the 2010 World Championship in Turkey.

?We have agreed in principle, but the deal is not inked yet as I haven?t seen the final proposal. They need P10 million for the 2009 campaign,? revealed Baylon in a text message yesterday.

Baylon said the offer was brought up two weeks ago. He is expected to finalize things with PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios and Guiao anytime.

The Seaba event is still up for discussion as no one from among the countries in the Southeast Asian region expressed interest in hosting the event. But the Champions Cup looms as the next big tempting event for Guiao and his nationals.

?Walang problema sa venue because the games will only be played in Asia. But the big concern here is the date because there were reports that it will be held in May and there were reports that it will be held in April. Baka mabago at tatamaan ang schedule ng Fiesta Conference,? Barrios said.