Edgar Alqueza hands over SUGBU presidency to Hodgkinson

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Sugbuanon Bowlers United (SUGBU) president Edgar “Egay” Alqueza has formally stepped down, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the oiled lanes.

AAfter steering one of Cebu’s most active bowling organizations for nearly eight years, Alqueza announced his departure earlier this week following the election of SUGBU’s new set of officers.

His stepping down closed a chapter that saw the organization grow from a small group of enthusiasts into the province’s largest bowling association.

READ: Edgar Alqueza finishes fourth overall in Negros Tenpin Open

SUGBU’s origin

Long before SUGBU became a household name among Cebu’s bowling community, Alqueza, together with his son Heber and Bel Suelto Jr. of the former Bowlingplex Tenpin Association (BTA), founded Pilipinas Sugbu Bowlers in 2012. At a time when bowling was struggling to stay relevant locally, the group organized local and national tournaments to keep the sport alive and give Cebuano bowlers a place to compete.

When the Philippine Bowling Federation was recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission as the sport’s national governing body in 2016, Alqueza was advised to drop “Pilipinas” from the organization’s name to avoid confusion with the national team.

The group was subsequently renamed Sugbuanon Bowlers United, or simply SUGBU.

Under Alqueza’s leadership, SUGBU flourished. What started with just 10 members eventually grew to more than 80 active bowlers, making it the largest bowling organization in Cebu. More importantly, it helped revive interest in a sport that many believed was fading from the local scene.

In 2021, as sports gradually resumed after the pandemic, Alqueza and SUGBU spearheaded the return of competitive bowling in Cebu. The organization consistently held tournaments while encouraging its members to compete in national and international events, where many, including Alqueza himself, earned podium finishes.

READ: SUGBU prexy Edgar Alqueza rules shootout tournament

Reflecting on SUGBU’s journey, Alqueza said the organization’s greatest achievement was not measured by medals, but by the community it built.

“We started with only 10 members, made SM Seaside Bowling Center our home, and grew to 78 members. We injected life into a dying sport in our city. This is our legacy,” Alqueza told CDN Digital.

He also took pride in SUGBU’s successful staging of national tournaments that attracted some of the country’s top bowlers, including former World Cup champion Krizziah Tabora-Macatula.

Beyond the competitions, Alqueza believes his biggest contribution was bringing together Cebu’s once-fragmented bowling community. Under his leadership, bowlers from different organizations, including the former BTA-ACBI, Cebu Tenpin Bowling Association (CETBA), Seaside Tenpin Bowling Association Inc. (STBAI), as well as foreign bowlers and guests, found common ground through SUGBU.

READ: Guinness refreshes Paeng’s record as world’s winningest tenpin bowler

New officers

That spirit of inclusivity continues with the organization’s new leadership. Australian bowling enthusiast Mark Hodgkinson of BowlerX USA was elected president, while PHINMA educator John Zamora of Dagupan, Pangasinan, will serve as vice president.

Joining them in the new board are Jomar Jumapao (tournament director), Robert Sarvida (secretary), Aui Padawan (treasurer), Flor Hodgkinson (auditor), Juan Arceo (vice president for youth development), Kianne Cesar (vice president for membership), and GJ Buyco (vice president for ways and means).

As Edgar Alqueza passes the torch, he leaves behind a thriving bowling community built on friendship, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to ensuring that the sport continues to roll forward for generations to come.

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