Banner season for the NBA in the Philippines

Basketball is truly a sport near and dear to the hearts of the Filipino, and the people at NBA Philippines recognize that.

According to them, the 2018-19 season was a banner year for the league in the country, which reflected on the growth in viewership, NBA League Pass subscriptions, and social media consumption, among others.

NBA Philippines Managing Director Carlo Singson shares, "As we near the culmination of this incredible NBA season, the NBA’s remarkable growth in the Philippines speaks to the league’s impact and relevance to the country’s millions of passionate NBA fans. The NBA’s commitment to innovation has provided Filipinos with a multitude of ways to experience the energy and excitement of the game. With the continued support of our partners, we look forward to building on this season’s success and taking the league’s popularity in the Philippines to even greater heights in the years to come."

Here are some numbers reflecting such demand for the product:

Regular Season Viewership:

The most-watched regular-season game in the Philippines during this season reached 5.4 million viewers at its peak on ABS-CBN. (EDIT: that was the OT game between Philadelphia and Charlotte last November 10)  Of course, games were shown locally through there and via S+A, with FOX Sports Asia, Basketball TV, and NBA Premium serving the cable market.

The average audience for live NBA games as of April 2019 grew 15% year-over-year across S+A, while it was an 87% increase for Basketball TV, which reached their highest mark since the 2016-17 season.

In addition, the average audience of live, delayed, and on-demand broadcasts of NBA games was up 21% year-on-year across S+A, BTV, and FOX Sports Asia, reaching the highest average audience since the 2016-17 season.

NBA League Pass:

The Philippines currently owns the fourth-largest subscription base for NBA League Pass outside of the United States and China, and is the second largest base in the Asia-Pacific. As of March 2019, NBALP subscriptions rose 84% year-on-year, the largest year-on-year growth since the 2012-13 season.

The 2018-19 NBA season marked a banner year for the NBA in the Philippines, as the league saw growth across broadcast viewership, NBA League Pass subscriptions, social media consumption, and more.

Social Media Presence:

10.6 million of the NBA's followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter come from the Philippines, which is the most out of a single country outside of the United States.

The Filipino has a voracious appetite for NBA content on Youtube. Viewers from the Philippines consumed 5.5 million hours of content from the league's official Youtube channel during this season, which is the most from a single country outside of the United States.

The NBA Philippines' Facebook page has 3.7 million fans, the largest regional NBA page on Facebook in the world. That number reflects a 15% increase year-over-year.

Marketing Partnerships and Events:

The NBA has fourteen partners in the Philippines, the latest being with Chinese technology company Vivo. Vivo now dubs itself as the Official Smartphone of the NBA in the Philippines.

The recently-concluded Jr. NBA Philippines program presented by Alaska achieved its highest participation numbers in 2019, with over 59 thousand players and coaches taking part in the different camps nationwide. That figure now puts the aggregate reach of the program since it was launched in 2007 to over two million players, parents, and coaches across 190 cities and municipalities.

Merchandise:

Even with the end of the partnership that saw the closure of the physical NBA Stores in the country, there is still demand for NBA merchandise from the Philippines. Sales on NBAStore.com that came from the country increased 62% year-over-year.

NBA Finals Storylines to check out

The NBA Finals starts on Friday, with all games to be shown LIVE locally on ABS-CBN, S+A, BTV, and NBA Premium. The schedule can be surmised below.

What are the major storylines to watch? Here are some.

O Canada!. The Toronto Raptors capped off their most impressive six-year stretch in franchise history with their first-ever Finals berth. It also marks the first time the NBA Finals will be played outside of the United States. Very much befitting, since the sport was invented by a Canadian. (Yes, Dr. James Naismith was born in Almonte, Mississippi Hills, Ontario.)

International Flavor. The NBA takes pride in its global reach, and the NBA Finals is no exception, especially with the Raptors. Five players were born outside of the United States: OG Anunoby (England), Chris Boucher (Canada), Marc Gasol (Spain), Republic of the Congo (Serge Ibaka), and Cameroon (Pascal Siakam). That even extends to the coaching staff, with the newly-minted head coach of the Canadian men's basketball team Nick Nurse, employing an Italian (Sergio Scariolo), a Congolese (DRC) (Patrick Mutombo), and a Canadian (Eric Khoury) as assistants. The Warriors also has an international flavor with Jonas Jerebko (Sweden) and Andrew Bogut (Australia).

Chasing Championships. The Warriors are the first team since the Bill Russell-era Boston Celtics (1957-66) to make it to five straight finals. Win the championship, and they would be the first team since the 2000-02 Los Angeles Lakers to win three straight titles. It would also break a tie with the Chicago Bulls for third place overall with potentially their seventh title. The Celtics have seventeen titles, with the Lakers toting sixteen.

G-League Pride. The G-League continues to have a prominent role with both finals teams. Nurse is the only coach to lead two G-League franchises to championships (Iowa Energy 2011, Rio Grande Valley Vipers 2013). Both teams have alums on their rosters. (the likes of Boucher, Siakam, Fred Van Vleet, Green for Toronto; Jordan Bell, Shaun Livingston, Kevon Looney, Quinn Cook for Golden State, among others)

Coaching acumen. Steve Kerr is the first head coach to make it to the NBA Finals in his first five season. He also joins Phil Jackson (13), Red Auerbach (11), Pat Riley (9), John Kundla (6), Gregg Popovich (6), and K.C. Jones (5) as the only coaches to reach that many NBA Finals. Kerr could have opted to hire Nurse as part of his staff, but Nick opted to stay in Toronto under Dwane Casey. Nurse joins Kerr in being the only NBA head coaches to make the finals in their debut.

Regular Season success. The Warriors have yet to defeat the Raptors this season, although both games came in a span of a couple of weeks early in the season. That was the first time the Raptors swept the regular seaon series since the 2001-02 season. At the Scotiabank Arena, Kevin Durant scored a season-high 51 points, but Kawhi Leonard's 37 points helped the Raptors fend off the Warriors in overtime, 131-128. The Raptors would then end their 13-game losing streak at Oracle Arena with a 113-93 victory, doing so without Kawhi, who was on load management. Kyle Lowry (23-5-12) and Serge Ibaka (20-12-1)  contributed 20-10 double-doubles for Toronto.

Farewell. This is the final season Golden State will be playing at Oracle Arena, which has been their home for the last 47 seasons. It is the oldest home arena in the league. They will be moving across the bay from Oakland to San Francisco, with the completion of the Chase Center that is located in Mission Bay.

Kawhi or KD. Both guys are heading into free agency this offseason. One will be basking in the glow of a championship, though. The former has been scorching the nets in the playoffs, as only four players in NBA history have scored more points up to this point in a single postseason. The latter happens to be one of those four. The latter, if he comes back in time, could become the third player in NBA history to win the Finals MVP three straight seasons.

Familiarity. Current Raptors Jeremy Lin, Patrick McCaw, and Chris Boucher are familiar with the Warriors. Lin was a rookie with the Warriors, before they cut him. He moved to Houston for a couple of weeks, before the New York Knicks claimed him on waivers, setting the table for #Linsanity. McCaw and Boucher were part of the championship winning Warrior squads, the former actually won two titles, while the latter was a two-way player with the team and was not part of the playoff squad. McCaw was in an contract impasse with the Warriors this season, signed a deal to join the Cavaliers, then got waived and was picked up with the Raptors. On the other side, Alfonso McKinnie spent last season with the Raptors, spending time both with them and their G-League affiliate Raptors 905.

Time for some Curry. Since the KD injury, Stephen Curry has been on a roll for the champions, averaging 35.8 points in the last five games. Keep that impressive run going and he could finally snag that Finals MVP that would effectively burnish his growing legacy in the league. He'll also make history in the Finals by becoming the first player to make a hundred triples in his NBA Finals career. Take five more attempts and he'll surpass LeBron James in the all-time list in threes attempted in the NBA Finals. Take thirteen more attempts and he'll move past LeBron in the all-time playoff standings for threes attempted. In addition, he'll be stepping in some familiar territory, having spent time there during his father's stint with the Raptors back in 1999-2002. Steph was in middle school during that time, studying at Queenway Christian College. In addition, Steph's wife Ayesha was born and raised in Toronto before moving to Charlotte at 14.

Masai's swing for the fences. Even with LeBron moving west, Raptors President Masai Ujiri thought the team currently constituted at the time would not be enough to make headway and contend in the Eastern Conference. He thus then went out and acquired Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs, in exchange for a package that included fan favorite DeMar Derozan. He also fired Dwane Casey, who would later be named as the Coach of the Year that season. Masai also pulled off a midseason deal that sent a package that included Lithuanian big man Jonas Valanciunas to Memphis for Spanish  big man Marc Gasol. Making risky moves is something he has had experience, as he participated in the four-team trade that sent Dwight Howard to the Lakers, netting Andre Iguodala in the process. The risk did not really pan out, as Iguodala was eventually sent to Golden State on a sign-and-trade deal a few weeks after Masai agreed to take over the Raptors.

Challenging the Splash Brothers. The three-headed backcourt of Kyle Lowry, Fred Van Vleet, and Danny Green will have to be ready to step up to the challenge against the Splash Brothers. Lowry is the heart and soul of the team, being its longest-tenured player. He has seen all the postseason heartaches the franchise has gone through during his run. Van Vleet was an undrafted free agent who proudly "bet on himself" and proved the risk the worth it. His hot shooting in the last three games of the Eastern Conference Finals proved vital for Toronto in dispatching the Milwaukee Bucks. Green comes with the experience of being in the Finals, having helped San Antonio win a championship against Miami with his hot three-point shooting. The Tar Heel owns the highest three-point percentage in the NBA Finals among players with at least fifty attempts at 52.2 percent.

Teammates then, opponents now. Durant and Ibaka were teammates for seven seasons, with one of those seasons yielding a Finals berth for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kevon Looney and Norman Powell were teammates at UCLA in the 2014-15 season, where they finished with a 22-14 record and a Sweet 16 berth.

Matchup to watch. With KD being injured, arguably the best one-on-one matchup features Draymond Green and Pascal Siakam. We know about Green's skills, having raised his game during the postseason. Siakam is this season's breakout star, likely to be named as the Most Improved Player in the NBA Awards next month. The New Mexico State alum is a multi-dimensional power forward who can defend multiple positions, act as a playmaker, grab a rebound and then lead the fastbreak, something Green can also do.

10 picked as Jr. NBA Philippines All-Stars

The top ten cagers named to the Jr. NBA Philippines 2019 presented by Alaska All-Star Team are (front row, L-R): Princess BJ Marie Villarin, Mikylla Taborada, Karylle Sierba, Diane Camille Nolasco, and Justine Mhyrra Vibangco; (back row, L-R): Lionel Matthew Rubico, Sebastian Roy Reyes, Zhan Paolo Moreno, Henjz Gabriel Demisana, and Joshua Minguillo. Also in photo are Alaska Aces mascot E-Cow, Alaska Milk Corporation Chairman of the Board and Jr. NBA Asia Advisory Council member Wilfred Uytengsu, Alaska Coach Tony dela Cruz, Jr. NBA Coach Natalia Andre, WNBA Legend Ticha Penicheiro, Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Collin Sexton, SM Prime Chairman of the Executive Committee and Jr. NBA Asia Advisory Council member Hans Sy, NBA Philippines Managing Director Carlo Singson, and Jr. NBA Head Coach Carlos Barroca.

Earlier this month, the Jr. NBA Philippines National Training Camp took place, with eighty participants getting the chance to be schooled by Jr. NBA coaches Carlos Barroca and Natalia Andre, as well as Alaska coaches Jeffrey Cariaso and Tony dela Cruz. Assisting them are a couple of guests: WNBA legend Ticha Penicheiro and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton.

The second day involved an exhibition game at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall that involved an all-alumni game and one involving the campers, while the first day of instruction taking place at the Gatorade Hoops Center and at the Don Bosco Technical Institute. Thirdy Ravena and Janjan Jaboneta hung around and checked out Day 2 camp as well, with Thirdy taking an impromptu assistant coaching duties to Sexton in one of the exhibition games.

After all the games, the Selection Committee revealed the five boys and five girls who made the cut as Jr. NBA (and Jr. WNBA) Philippines All-Stars.

Girls: Dianne Camille Nolasco (Miriam College), Karylle Sierba (Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation), Mikylla Taborada (Corpus Christi School Cagayan de Oro), Justine Mhyrra Vibangco (Saint Joseph Parish School), Princes BJ Marie Villarin (La Salle-Zobel)

Boys: Henjz Gabriel Demisana (Bacolod Tay Tung High School), Joshua Minguillo (out-of-school), Zhan Paulo Moreno (Xavier University Cagayan de Oro), Sebastian Roy Reyes (Nazareth School of National University), Lionel Metthew Rubico (La Salle-Lipa).

In addition, there were additional awards handed out in the ceremonies.

Gatorade Hustle Awardees: Zhan Paolo Moreno and Franchesca Isabela Buenvenida

Panasonic Rising Star Awardees: Zak Gumaya and Kaye Andrea Vivas

Coaches of the Year: Orlando Estrelles and Precious Jimenez

Alaska Ambassadors: Henjz Gabriel Demisana and Justine Mhyrra Vibangco

MVPs: Sebastian Roy Reyes and Dianne Camille Nolasco

This year's edition of the Jr. NBA Philippines program presented by Alaska is also supported by AXA, Gatorade, Globe, Panasonic, Rexona, and Vivo as its official partners, with ABS-CBN S+A, Basketball TV, and NBA Premium TV acting as its official broadcasters.

ESPN5 Boxing reveals Ultimate Boxing Series: Kamaong Pinoy

UPPER L-R: Ronel Dela cruz, Christoval Furog, Ian Refuela, Ronel Sumalpong, April Jay Abne, Ruben Dadivas, Welben Montere, Joseph Bayubay, Denmark Quibido, Rey Tagulaylay
LOWER L-R: Lienard Sarcon, Rimon Rama, John Mark Tihuk, Luis Evander Borje, Ken Jordan, Kevin Aseniero, Lenjun Retuerto, Gary Tamayo, Aljum Pelesio, Dave Barlas

TV5 has remained committed to the development of local boxing, and to highlight such devotion, they have teamed up with Gerry Penalosa's boxing promotion, Gerrypens Promotions, to craft together a boxing tournament training program, entitled Ultimate Boxing Series: Kamaong Pinoy.

Scheduled to premiere in June 2019 on ESPN5, it involves ten boxers each in the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. Eight of those boxers will be taking part in a knockout tournament, with the remaining two fighting in a swing bout that serves as a reserve in case a replacement is needed.

The finalists in each division will be fighting as a co-main event in the upcoming GerryPens fight card in August that has Carlo Penalosa facing Maximino Flores for the IBO flyweight title.

In addition to the fights, which will feature one per episode, it also highlights the fighters' training and conditioning, as well as their motivations, whether it's their loved ones, families, or eventually becoming the next champion.

As such, each episode will feature not just how they fight and the process of getting there, especially since all will be housed in one facility that Sports5 carved out of their Novaliches complex, but also why they do so and who are they fighting for.

Gerry Penalosa shares about the concept of the UBS: KP, "Ang Kamaong Pinoy ay hindi lang panglaban, ito rin ay pang-protekta ng mga mahal sa buhay,” (The Pinoy boxer’s fist is not only for fighting, but also for protecting the ones they love).

TV5 President Chot Reyes adds, "The Filipino boxing scene has never been this exciting. The search for the next dominant Pinoy boxer can come from anywhere and bring something new to the table – a new stable, a new boxing style, a new motivation. We are proud to be a pivotal part of this, and to share Gerry Peñalosa’s vision in his search for the next Fearless Pinoy Fighter."

Hosted by Mark Zambrano, the Ultimate Boxing Series: Kamaong Pinoy will have these matchups:

Flyweight:

Ronel Sumalpong (Bebot Elorde Boxing) vs Ruben Dadivas (MP Davao Boxing)
Joseph Bayubay (Alchemist Multimedia) vs Christoval Furog (Kaamino Stable)
Ian Refuela (Phil-Aust) vs Welben Montere (Don Punch Boxing)
April Jay Abne (Wild Boxing Gym) vs Ronel dela Cruz (Kaamino Stable)

Swing bout: Denmark Quibido (ATA) vs Rey Tagulaylay (MP Davao Boxing)

Bantamweight:

Lienard Sarcon (MP Davao Boxing) vs Rimon Rama (Phil-Aust)
Dave Barlas (Bigwas Heneral Boxing Camp) vs Aljum Pelesio (Luis Marty Elorde Boxing)
Lenjun Retuerto (Bebot Elorde Boxing) vs Gary Tamayo (Alchemist Multimedia)
John Mark Tihuk (Penalosa Boxing Stable) vs Luis Evander Borje (Hardstone Monis Boxing)

Swing bout: Ken Jordan (MP Highland Boxing) vs Kevin Aseniero (ATA)

Collegiate Press Corps Awards highlight best of 2018-19

Collegiate Player of the Year winner Thirdy Ravena with (from left to write) former UAAP-NCAA Press Corps officials Joey Villar of the Philippine Star, Jonas Terrado of the Manila Bulletin, and Cedelf Tupas of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, and Collegiate Press Corps president Reuben Terrado of SPIN.ph.

Heroes from the recently-concluded NCAA and UAAP seasons were honored in the 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Awards presented by SportsVision, last Monday at Amelie Hotel Manila.

The preeminent student-athletes who showcased their talent and workmanship at the highest level of collegiate sports were gathered in the annual event held by the the Collegiate Press Corps, made up of print and online reporters covering the beat.

Ateneo de Manila University’s Thirdy Ravena was hailed as Basketball Player of the Year after leading the Blue Eagles to their second straight UAAP title.

"It's a great feeling to be recognized, especially for an award like this. Lahat ng mga pinaghirapan ko, finally nagpay-off,” said Ravena. "But in all honesty, I owe this all to my teammates. Of course, also the hardworking coaching staff of our team. We've come this far because of them."

Ravena joins the elite company of Mac Belo, Jeron Teng, Ben Mbala, Robert Bolick, and his own brother Kiefer as players who have received the coveted award.

"I also dedicate this award to my family, my friends, and those who have supported us in this journey. Honestly, I'm so surprised. I'm still in shock,” said the second-generation star.

The King Eagle was also named part of the All-Collegiate Team together with San Beda’s Robert Bolick, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta’s Prince Eze, and the University of the Philippines duo of Bright Akhuetie and Paul Desiderio.

It was also an historic night for volleyball as the sport's best individual performers were recognized for the very first time in the event supported by Amelie Hotel Manila, Rain or Shine, NorthPort, World Balance, Arellano University, AXA Team Eds, and NBL.

University of Santo Tomas’ Sisi Rondina and Arellano University’s Regine Arocha became the first recipients of the SportsVision Volleyball Player of the Year award.

Rondina capped off her stellar UAAP career by winning MVP in both beach and indoor volleyball in the same season, all while carrying the Golden Tigresses to their first Finals in eight years. Arocha, meanwhile, took the spotlight in the NCAA after helping the Lady Chiefs capture a three-peat while also winning the Finals MVP award.

The Award of Excellence was then handed out to the National University women's basketball team, as the Lady Bulldogs have run off eighty straight wins to claim five straight UAAP championships. UP's men's basketball team, meanwhile, earned a Special Citation for their inspiring Cinderella run to end their school’s 32-year Finals drought.

Coaches Boyet Fernandez of San Beda and Tab Baldwin of Ateneo were deemed top tacticians in the NCAA and UAAP, respectively, after leading their respective squads to championships.

Other awardees were Pivotal Players Angelo Kouame of Ateneo and Javee Mocon of San Beda as well as Impact Players CJ Perez of Lyceum and Sean Manganti of Adamson.

Okumu remains UP WVT head coach - UP CHK

The University of the Philippines on Monday, officially clarified matters pertaining to Godfrey Okumu this afternoon.

It all started with this series of tweets from the Philippine Daily Inquirer's Marc Reyes on Monday morning.

It then prompted this reply from someone connected with the Nowhere to Go but UP Foundation.

Hoping to provide proper closure on this matter, the university on Monday afternoon, through the College of Human Kinetics, released a statement, signed by its dean Kiko Diaz and endorsed by the university president Michael Tan, that Okumu remains the head coach of the Lady Maroons.

The statement in full reads:

Coach Godfrey Owese Okumu is Still Coach of the University of the Philippines Volleyball Team.

The College of Human Kinetics wishes to clarify that Coach Godfrey Okumu is still the head coach of the UP Lady Maroons Women's Volleyball Team. Mr. Okumu has a live contract with the UP College of Human Kinetics and the University of the Philippines, and as such will continue to coach, train, and recruit players for the UPWVT. Coach Godfrey's relationship with other entities involved with the volleyball sport does not include or affect his current position in the UP team.

At the same time, the University also recognizes under its existing Memorandum of Agreement that United Auctioneers continues to be the major sponsor of the UP Women's Volleyball Team and is thankful for their continued support.

One can see the full document below.

Okumu was introduced as UP's head coach last November 2017 and has led UP to consecutive 6-8 seasons.

Thirdy Ravena set to be Collegiate Player of the Year

Thirdy Ravena. Best Player in College Basketball

Thirdy Ravena's season just got a little more memorable, as he will be named as the Collegiate Player of the Year by the Collegiate Press Corps.

The second-generation sensation led Ateneo to back-to-back UAAP titles, averaging 29.5 points, eight rebounds, and 7.5 assists in the finals to clinch the championship.

He then proceeded to be called up for national team duty in the final window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifying, where played a total of 14 minutes combined for Gilas Pilipinas against Qatar and Kazakhstan.

Ravena beat out fellow All-Collegiate Team members Robert Bolick, Prince Eze, Bright Akhuetie, and Paul Desiderio for the nod, which had been previously bestown to the likes of his brother Kiefer, Bolick, Ben Mbala, Mac Belo, and Jeron Teng.

Thirdy becomes the latest awardee to be revealed by the Collegiate Press Corps for the upcoming 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night presented by SportsVision, which will take place at the Amelie Hotel Manila on Monday, May 27.

Aside from the already mentioned All-Collegiate Team, he joins the likes of Tab Baldwin and Boyet Fernandez (Coaches of the Year), as well as SportsVision Volleyball Players of the Year Sisi Rondina and Regine Arocha as some of the awardees.

The 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Awards presented by SportsVision is also supported by Amelie Hotel Manila, Rain or Shine, NorthPort, World Balance, Arellano University, AXA Team Eds, and NBL.

The festivities will be streamed LIVE on both the Facebook accounts of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas and Tiebreaker Times.

All-Collegiate five revealed

Your All-Collegiate Squad this school year

The All-Collegiate Team will be comprised from four schools this schoolyear, as the Collegiate Press Corps has decided to award the nod to the quintet of San Beda's Robert Bolick, Ateneo de Manila's Thirdy Ravena, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta's Prince Eze, and the University of the Philippines' Bright Akhuetie and Paul Desiderio.

Bolick capped off his collegiate career with averages of 16.8 points (on 49.1% shooting), 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists to lead San Beda to a 20-1 season in the 94th season of the NCAA. He also might have produced arguably the most impressive individual game this season with his fifty-point outburst against Arellano.

Ravena averaged 14.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 blocks to lead the Blue Eagles to the UAAP title in Season 81 with a 15-2 win-loss record. He took over in the Finals for the Blue Eagles to finish off UP en route to being named as the Finals MVP.

Eze carried the Altas to the postseason with averages of 17.9 points and 16.3 rebounds. His former teammate Akhuetie was named as the UAAP MVP with his 18.9 points, 14.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals for the Fighting Maroons, serving as the muscle to Desiderio's heart and leadership in their run to the Finals.

The Cebuano would finish with averages of 13.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals.

The five will join their fellow awardees National University women's basketball team (Award of Excellence), Angelo Kouame and Javee Mocon (Pivotal Player), Sean Manganti and CJ Perez (Impact Player), Boyet Fernandez and Tab Baldwin (Coach of the Year), and Sisi Rondina and Regine Arocha (Volleyball Players of the Year).

The 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Awards presented by SportsVision will take place on May 27 at the Amelie Hotel Manila. It is also supported by Rain or Shine, Northport, World Balance, Arellano, and AXA Team EDS.

The ceremonies will be streamed LIVE on the Facebook pages of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas and Tiebreaker Times.

Baldwin, Fernandez set for Collegiate Coach of the Year nod

Fernandez, Baldwin keep winning

Another year, another coaching nod for both Boyet Fernandez and Tab Baldwin.

Both head coaches led their respective schools to championships this season, contining their recent winning tradition.

The UAAP and NCAA Press Corps has decided to honor both tacticians as the Coach of the Year in the 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Awards, presented by SportsVision.

For Fernandez, he helped guide San Beda to another NCAA championship, the school's eleventh in the last  thirteen seasons and 22nd overall. Boyet now ties former Ateneo head coach and current Meralco mentor Norman Black with his fifth Coach of the Year nod.

The Red Lions only lost once this season, ending their campaign with fourteen straight wins, capping it with a two-game sweep of Lyceum in the Finals.

For Baldwin, it is his second straight year to be rewarded with the honor, leading Ateneo de Manila University to its tenth title in its history in the UAAP.

Before the season, he also coached the Blue Eagles to a fourth-place finish in the 2018 Jones Cup, a tremendous feat for a collegiate team to pull off against opposition from clubs and national team opposition.

The 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Awards presented by SportsVision will take place on Monday, May 27, at the Amelie Hotel Manila in Malate. Aside from the host venue, the festivities are also supported Rain or Shine, NorthPort, World Balance, Arellano, and AXA Team EDS.

The latter will also distinguish the University of the Philippines men's basketball team, whose return to the finals after 32 years was considered as the biggest feel-good story of the collegiate basketball season.

They all join a growing list of individuals being honored by the collegiate media:

Cherry Rondina and Regine Arocha (Volleyball Players of the Year)
National University women's basketball (Award of Excellence)
Angelo Kouame and Javee Mocon (Pivotal Players)
CJ Perez and Sean Manganti (Impact Players)

The Collegiate Awards will be streamed on the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas' Facebook page.

Rondina, Arocha set to become first Collegiate Press Corps volleyball winners

Your first set of volleyball awardees in the Collegiate Press Corps Awards

The 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Awards will be making history on May 27 at the Amelie Hotel, as the scribes have decided to bestow an honor to a couple of volleyball student-athletes for the first time ever, noting the impact of the sport has made, particularly in the women's division.

Set to be honored as the first-ever SportsVision Volleyball Players of the Year are Cherry Ann Rondina of the University of Santo Tomas and Regine Arocha of Arellano University.

Sisi capped off her amazing UAAP career with the Golden Tigresses with a three-peat (and fourth title in five years) in beach volleyball, winning four Most Valuable Player nods. Moving to the indoor for the second semester, she would help end an almost decade-long finals drought by UST, dethroning defending champions La Salle before gamely giving eventual champions Ateneo de Manila a fight in three action-packed games.

The Cebuana became the second woman to be honored as the MVP in both beach and indoor in the same season, following Wendy Semana of FEU eleven years ago. It also the first time a UST player was named as MVP in twelve years.

Regine, on the other hand, denied the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta a crack at the volleyball treble, leading the Lady Chiefs to a series comeback against the Lady Altas to secure a three-peat. She also was named as Finals MVP in back-to-back seasons.

The duo join already announced awardees National University women's basketball (Award of Excellence), Angelo Kouame and Javee Mocon (Pivotal Players), CJ Perez and Sean Manganti (Impact Players).

The 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Awards presented by SportsVision is also supported by Amelie Hotel, Rain or Shine, Northport, World Balance, Arellano, and AXA Team EDS.

The event will be streamed LIVE on the Facebook pages of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas and Tiebreaker Times.

National University women's basketball to be feted in Collegiate Awards

The longest-running winning streak belongs to these ladies.

It is impossible to not basically not think of the word DOMINANCE in collegiate sports without mentioning the women's basketball team of National University.

Coached by national team mentor Patrick Aquino and led by the collective efforts of senior guard Ria Nabalan, the inside duo of Jack Animam and Rhena Itesi, and prowess of Kaye Pingol and Monique del Carmen, they won EIGHTY straight games on their way to their FIFTH straight UAAP title this season, currently the longest winning streak in Philippine collegiate sports today. And the Lady Bulldogs seem primed to extend that run going in Season 82 and beyond.

The Collegiate Press Corps is set to make history by honoring a feat in women's basketball in the last two editions of the Collegiate Awards, as the Lady Bulldogs will be receiving the Award of Excellence in the 2019 edition.

This comes after former Lady Bulldog and current national team standout Afril Bernardino received a similar honor last year, the first woman to be given an honor in the history of the Awards.

The Press Corps also revealed some of the individual players to be honored as the event, which will take place at the Amelie Hotel on May 27.

The Pivotal Players for this Season are to be awarded to Angelo Kouame of Ateneo and Javee Mocon of San Beda. The former stabilized the interior for the Blue Eagles on his way to becomines the UAAP Rookie of the Year, while the latter's reliability all season long aided the Red Lions to claiming the three-peat and the Finals MVP.

The Impact Players for this Season are to be awarded to CJ Perez of Lyceum and Sean Manganti of Adamson. The former powered the Pirates to back-to-back finals appearances in his final season before becoming the top overall pick in the PBA Draft, while the latter served as the difference-maker for the Soaring Falcons as they made their return to the Final Four this season.

The 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Awards presented by SportsVision is also supported by Amelie Hotel, Rain or Shine, Northport, World Balance, Arellano, and AXA Team EDS.

The event will be streamed LIVE on the Facebook pages of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas and Tiebreaker Times.

Collegiate Awards set to honor season's best and brightest

Ravena, Bolick set to lead cast of awardees

With the athletic school year already completed, it is time for the best and brightest collegiate standouts to be feted at the 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Awards, presented by SportsVision.

Conducted annually by the different print and online media outfits covering both the NCAA and the UAAP, the 2019 edition takes place on May 27 at the Amelie Hotel Manila in Malate.

Leading the cast of outstanding student-athletes to be feted are the men's basketball teams of Ateneo and San Beda, who both impressively clinched their respective league titles this season. The Blue Eagles took care of business against upstarts the University of the Philippines to retain their UAAP title, while the Red Lions remain the standard of excellence with eleven titles in the last thirteen seasons, including the last two against Lyceum.

Of course, certain individuals will also be honored for their breakout performance and achievements with their respective special awards.

The 2019 Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps Awards presented by SportsVision is also supported by Amelie Hotel, Northport, World Balance, and AXA Team EDS. The event will be streamed LIVE on both the Facebook pages of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas and Tiebreaker Times.

Pasig Chooks set for Kunshan grind

Pasig Chooks

For Pasig Chooks, the quest to make headway in the 3x3 scene leads to a familiar roadblock.

The Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup champions are set to once again cross paths with Liman when pool play for the FIBA 3x3 Huaquiao International Kunshan Challenger commences on Saturday.

At 740pm, the Serbian side will have a chance to avenge their 19-16 loss to the Kings at the Doha Masters, although this time around they will be facing a team without Nikola Pavlovic and Angelo Tsagarakis. Both players are sidelined due to injuries, with Pavlovic has an injured hand and Tsagarakis dealing with a semi-fractured rib.

Dylan Ababou and Troy Rike have rejoined the duo of Joshua Munzon and Taylor Statham, reuniting the same crack unit that dominated Chooks Pilipinas 3x3. Both Joshua and Taylor highlighted their chemistry and experience alongside each other as a key role heading into the Challenger.

Statham shares, "I have the utmost confidence in Troy and Dylan. "We played together for four months and it doesn't matter how good players are, the team camaraderie is what's so important. And you can't replicate the experience." The top-ranked Filipino 3x3 baller had nine points and five rebounds against Liman that day.

Munzon adds, "We won the local league championship together so I feel like we have that chemistry. Experience is everything in 3x3. We definitely hope they get their rhythm and can contribute and do their thing too." The ASEAN Basketball League veteran added four markers in that particular win.

Before facing off against Liman, Pasig Chooks will face Russian side Sosnovy Bor Cop Rosatom at 555pm. That matchup could already decide the fate of Pool A, since Liman and Sosnovy Bor will play at 410pm.

Survive pool play and they get the chance at making it to the Chengdu Masters in a few weeks through Sunday's knockout rounds.

The Kunshan Challenger champion claims $15,000, while the runner-up gets $10,000. Third and fourth place teams net $5,000 and $2,000, respectively.

One can watch Day 1 of the Kunshan Challenger below.

Pasig set for All-Filipino grind at Kunshan Challenger

The original Pasig Grindhouse squad back together. Flanked by the Altamiranos

Pasig Chooks will be channeling a little throwback when it participates in the FIBA 3x3 Huaquiao International Kunshan Challenger this weekend.

With both its recent reinforcements sidelined with injuries, the team will be going back to the original lineup that dominated the Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup in Taylor Statham, Joshua Munzon, Dylan Ababou, and Troy Rike.

Nikola Pavlovic is nursing a swollen left hand, while Angelo Tsagarakis is dealing with a semi-fractured rib that he incurred during the Doha Masters.

Regardless, the team believes this is a good test for the country, as it tests its mettle against some of the world's best in the 3x3 scene.

League commissioner Eric Altamirano shares, "It's going to be tough. We are facing Liman and one Russian team. It's going to be a tough group but hopefully, with their familiarity of the players with each other, that can be an advantage for us." He adds, "Also, Josh and Taylor gained a lot of experience in Doha."

Pasig Chooks is in Pool A alongside familiar foe Liman and Russian side Sosnovy Bor Cop Rosatom. They play the Russians first at 5:55pm, before facing the Serbs at 740pm on Saturday.

Finishing first or second in the Pool grants them access to the knockout rounds on Sunday.

Topping the Challenger nets $15,000, while runners-up pocket $10,000.  Finishing third and fourth nets $5,000 and $2,000, respectively.

"They are not just representing Pasig or Chooks-to-Go for this tournament. They are the country's representatives," closed Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 league owner Ronald Mascariñas.

The Kunshan Challenger is the final qualifier for the second leg of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour, which takes place in Chengdu this coming June. Liman and Riga Ghetto have already booked their ticket to this particular 3x3WT leg, so the top team other than those two will earn said ticket.

Mascariñas appreciative of Magsanoc's Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 comments

BAVI head honcho and Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 owner Ronald Mascariñas

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 owner Ronald Mascariñas welcomed the latest developments from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas with regards to potential involvement of the league's players in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, reiterating his previous statements of their availability for flag and country.

"As I said in the past, we are offering the players in our league to the country, the SBP and any other entity that will need 3x3 top players to represent the country in any international tournament. This means that all players who played in our Chooks-to-Go league and are ranked in FIBA 3X3 are available," he said.

During their unveiling of the new team logos for Gilas Pilipinas, the federation, through its 3x3 Program Director Ronnie Magsanoc, broached the possibility of having Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 players in the national pool.

The PBA legend shares, "That is also an option. Yung mga nasa Chooks-to-Go, most of them have made it to the top one-hundred already." He adds, "They will always be considered even a part of the pool because of their ranking."

Magsanoc continues, "Napakalaking bagay ng ginagawa nila. Hindi pa nagagawa yun eh, pero sila nagawa nila."

The league not only employs the top 20 Filipinos in the FIBA 3x3 rankings, it has also helped raised the profile of the Philippines in the 3x3 federation rankings, moving up from 58 to the lower 30s. They are also in the midst of preparations for the upcoming import-laden second conference of the league, the Patriots' Cup.

Mascariñas appreciates the praise from Magsanoc, but notes that all of these efforts are for the country.

"I appreciate the kind words of Coach Ronnie as we both share a common objective for the country. All work being done is for the country to qualify in the 2020 Olympics and to give a new avenue for the Filipino basketball player.  This can only be good for 3x3 basketball."

He adds, "Whatever the SBP needs for 3x3 basketball, we will be there to support."

SBP open to call up Chooks 3x3 players for SEA Games

Could Karl Dehesa get another national team callup again? It might happen, according to the SBP.

Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 players may get the chance to represent the country in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

"That is a big possibility," according to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas 3x3 Program Director Ronnie Magsanoc, although he admitted that he has yet to figure out what the federation's approach is for the event, which will take place at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Magsanoc did acknowledge that Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 are "in strong consideration," noting their FIBA 3x3 rankings. He shares, "That is also an option. Yung mga nasa Chooks-to-Go, most of them have made it to the top one-hundred already. They will always be considered even a part of the pool because of their ranking."

The top 20 Filipinos in the rankings all play in the league, led by Joshua Munzon of Pasig Grindhouse and Alvin Pasaol of Bataan Risers.

Completing the top 20 are Leonard Santillan, Troy Rike, Karl Dehesa, Jaypee Belencion, Arvin Tolentino, Sean Manganti, Anton Asistio, Ron Lastimosa, Dylan Ababou, John Wilson, Larry Muyang, Roosevelt Adams, Leo De Vera, Paolo Hubalde, Jojo Cunanan, Chris De Chavez, Jan Jamon, and Rey Suerte.

Magsanoc also praised Chooks-to-Go with their efforts in helping the Philippines gain the necessary points in order to get themselves into a position to qualify for the upcoming 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. He says, "Napakalaking bagay ng ginagawa nila. Hindi pa nagagawa yun eh, pero sila nagawa nila."

The league, led by its owner Ronald Mascariñas, has made it clear that they will make themselves available for national team duties. The BAVI head says, "We are publicly offering the field for SBP. All the players who played in our Chooks-to-Go league are available. Even if there’s an ongoing tournament, if the country needs our players, we will release them for the country."

National University, Adamson, San Sebastian snap up Fr. Martin's Cup wins

National University stamps class against UE

Rhena Itesi led National University in their 74-40 blowout of the University of the East in women's division action at the 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League, which took place at the SGS Stadium in Quezon City.

The foreign student-athlete led the UAAP champions with fourteen points, as they pulled away early on in the first quarter and never looked back, maintaining a double-digit lead throughout the match.

Aside from the women's matchup, the Fr. Martin's Cup also had a couple of high school basketball matches, with Adamson and San Sebastian notching wins.

The Baby Falcons outlasted La Consolacion-Manila, 89-78, with JM Erolon leading the way with nineteen points.

The Junior Royals rode on Christian Alonzo, who led all scorers with 26 points.

As for the Golden Staglets, they closed the game on a 15-2 run to overturn a seven-point deficit in the final seven minutes, defeating Arellano, 72-66.

Dave Baio led San Sebastian with fourteen points, while Ivan Salinel led all scorers with fifteen for the Braves.

The 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League is presented by Resorts World Manila, Bedans 62-66, and Cocolife.

La Consolacion goes streaking in Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League

La Consolacion holding off a Letran offensive play

Make that three in a row for La Consolacion-Manila in the 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League, as the ISAA squad defeated Philippine Christian University in overtime, 89-83.

Jesse Bardaje took over in the extra period for the Blue Royals, scoring all eleven of the team's points to secure the win. He would finish with 21 points.

The Dolphins almost competed a dramatic comeback, having been down by as large as 23 points before forcing the extension. Jexter Tolentino scored a game-high 23 markers.

LCC-M previously produced upsets against National University and Letran before being tested by PCU.

The 25th Fr. Martin's Cup Summer League is presented by Resorts World Manila, Bedans 62-66, and Cocolife.

Trota #ALLInForGold speech for Max's Group Inc.

Max's Group Inc. President and CEO Robert F. Trota

Our friends at Max's Group also shared the speech that their President and CEO, Robert F. Trota gave at the unveiling of their partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The complete speech can be read below:

To our friends from the media and of course, to all our POC representatives, good afternoon.

Mr. Ricky Vargas, Mr. Patrick Gregorio, Mr. Ed Picson - who are all here today, thank you for gracing us with your presence! It is because of you that this partnership has come to fruition. Mr. Gregorio, thank you for championing this partnership. This would not have been possible without your genuine care and valuable guidance.

Today marks another important milestone for Max’s Group as we formally announce our exciting partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Max’s Group is a brand that has local roots but is fast making strides in the global arena, with a number of well-loved brands delighting customers from all around the world.

As a local brand that champions Filipino food both here and internationally, so too are our athletes bannering the Philippine flag in the global arena, showing what we as Filipinos are capable of.

Together with the POC, we will make sure that our hardworking athletes get the backing that they need. As well as support the welfare for their families because we know how important family is to our athletes.

Max’s Group’s contribution to the POC will be used to support our athletes as they train, compete, and triumph in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.

OUR PARTNERSHIP will cover THESE 3 key points: Flagbearers, Families, and Fans.

The Flagbearers are our athletes. Our contribution will fund their training and provide an exciting incentive of PHP3 million which will be divided among all gold medalists.

The Families are the support systems of our athletes. Our brands should not just nourish the athletes themselves but give them something to spread delight to their own families.

The Fans are the rallying force behind our athletes. We believe there is no fan like a Filipino fan. And that’s why it’s important we give three pairs a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics live. STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS.

Thank you everyone for coming here to show your support. Together, let’s go #AllInForGold!

Max's Group goes #AllInForGold in Tokyo 2020

From L-R: Jim T. Fuentebella, Cristina Trota-Garcia, Carolyn Trota-Salud, and Dave T. Fuentebella (Max's Group Directors), Max's Group President and CEO Robert F. Trota, Philippine Olympic Committee President Ricky P. Vargas, POC Spokesperson and Communications Director Ed Picson, and POC Secreatry-General Patrick Gregorio

For a Filipino athlete, it is important to have some semblance of a support system around themselves, in order for them to focus on one's goals.

One of the loftiest goals for such an athlete would be to finally end the drought of an Olympic gold medal. And one private entity has made it its goal to help achieve that milestone.

Last week, Max's Group Inc. made official its involvement with the Olympic quest, forming a partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The casual dining powerhouse, which has the likes of Max's Chicken, Yellow Cab, Pancake House, Krispy Kreme, and Jamba Juice under its banner, is investing an initial PhP 10.5 million to help Filipino athletes with their Olympic preparations.

Included on that incentive is a PhP 3 million cash reward for the much-sought-after Olympic gold. The initial investment also includes POC funding, as well as catering for POC events.

This partnership makes the Max's Group the first major local brand to pledge support for Tokyo 2020. By doing so, MGI hopes that they can inspire others to help our Filipino athletes get the resources they need in order to excel in the world's biggest sporting event.

MGI President and CEO Robert F. Trota shares, "We understand the work and support needed by our Filipino athletes to truly succeed in the global arena, and we want our athletes to thrive in this highly competitive environment. We’ve structured our pledge so that we address what we call the three Fs: Flagbearers, Families, and Fans. The Flagbearers, our athletes, will receive funds for their training and a cash prize of PHP3 million for gold medal wins. We will also make sure to nourish not just our Flagbearers, but also their Families, so they don’t have to worry about their welfare while they train for and compete in the Olympics. Lastly, we’re giving the Fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch and cheer for our Philippine team live in Tokyo 2020, because we believe that Filipinos are the greatest fans in the world."

POC President Ricky Vargas adds that the partnership allows Filipino excellence in food to trickle down into sports, adding "Filipino athletes have the drive and determination to rise above the competition. With our partnership with MGI for Tokyo 2020, we will be able to ground a new wave of Filipino pride for the world to see."

Aside from the contributions towards the athletes and their families and the POC, MGI is also establishing a special campaign through its different restaurant brands, dubbed as "All In For Gold."

Each of the brands will have their own specific product innovations, food bundles, and marketing campaigns that would help in raising additional funds for our Olympic athletes.

MGI is also looking to send three pairs of customers to Tokyo to partake of the Olympic festivities next year.

Trota believes that their partnership with the POC for Tokyo 2020 is step in unifying all Filipinos to showcase and champion the best Filipino talent, "Just as we at Max’s Group are championing Filipino cuisine here and abroad, so too are our athletes bannering the Philippine flag on the world stage. We hope that our partnership with POC will inspire a greater outpouring of support for our athletes, their families, and for Philippine sports, as well as instill being proudly Filipino."

MGI is no stranger to supporting sports, with Max's serving as one of the sponsors of Gilas Pilipinas back in 2014, and Yellow Cab being having served as sponsors for numerous football events in the country.

Bundesliga confirmed as Europe’s home of Asian talent

The Bundesliga.

Recently released information from the Bundesliga confirms that Germany has served as the home for the best Asian talent to excel in Europe.

Based from Opta Sports data, it shows that since July 1998, the Bundesliga has welcomed 64 Asian players, accumulating 3,926 matches and scoring 427 goals. With such a total, the German top-flight outperforms their counterparts in England, Italy, Spain, and France combined.

And it is not limited to just Japan and Korea Republic, as the players come from places like Tajikistan, Iran, Lebanon, China, Cambodia, and the DPR Korea. It even includes the Philippines.

Some of the biggest stars in Asian football have served as vital cogs for German sides, including Makoto Hasebe, Ja-Cheol Koo, and Shao Jiayi. Hasebe and Koo continue to figure in key roles for Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Augsburg, respectively. The two, alongside Persian football icons Mehdi Mahdavikia and Vahid Hashemian, combine for almost a thousand appearances for their respective German sides.

Bundesliga International CEO Robert Klein shares, "The Bundesliga has earned a reputation of being a truly global league, but we’re particularly proud of our strong Asian connections. We look forward to welcoming many more Asian stars over the coming years as we continue to build on our strong relationship with Asian football and its fans." He adds, "Many Asian players come to Germany attracted by the league’s pure, authentic football – football as It’s meant to be. They’ve played an important part in our league’s success, both on the field and by engaging with millions of fans across the continent."

For fans in the Philippines, Fox Sports Asia has all the information one needs to know about the Bundesliga, which is winding down its season with a couple of match weeks remaining in its calendar.

Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 holds MelMac Cup for stakeholders

Team Alta Sports: MelMac Cup champions

The Sheridan branch of Gold's Gym in Mandaluyong was busy this past Friday with 3x3 basketball on the docket.

If the afternoon saw the first 3x3 basketball camp that Taylor Statham ran alongside his fellow Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 ballers, the morning saw some of the league's stakeholders take part in a one-day, ten-team mini-tournament, dubbed as the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 MelMac Cup.

League owner Ronald Mascariñas shares, "We wanted to give thanks to all the people who helped us during the President's Cup with this tournament."

The Bounty Agro Ventures head also adds, "Besides having fun, we were also able to rack up points for the country in our small way."

Team Alta Sports, composed of Anton Altamirano, Jonas Puno, Ted Roque, and Juan Antonio Asinas, claimed the title after defeating Team MelMac (Mel Macasaquit, Jericho Santos, ER Luz, and John Mendez) in the final, 19-17. Alta Sports claims PhP 10,000 as champions, while Team MelMac snags PhP 5,000 as runner-up.

Taking third place in the Level 5 FIBA 3x3 tourney is Team ESPN5, who won PhP 2,500.

The other teams who participated in the MelMac Cup include:

Team Coffee Power: Joaqui Flores, Paul Ryan Tan, Kevin dela Cruz, Tristan Tamayo
Team Bong and Friends: Paolo Poblador, Santino Honasan, Richard Esguerra, Bong Lozada
Team Dymons: Mix Gatpandan, AJ Bolando, Delfin Dioquino, Jerome Ascaño
Team Not Vice Tanda: Karlo Sacamos, Cedelf Tupas, Joel Orellana, Jonas Terrado
Team Sporthunk 3x3: Micah Sebastian, Denison Dalupang, Josef Ramos, Paul Lintag
Team Boyfriends: Justine Bacnis, Jeremiah Sevilla, Lance Agcaoili, Migs Flores

Taylor Statham successfully runs 3x3 basketball camp

Taylor Statham checks one thing off his bucket list: running a basketball camp.

The first-ever Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 basketball camp took place last Friday afternoon at the Sheridan branch of Gold's Gym in Mandaluyong.

Over forty kids took up the offer that initially was posted on Taylor Statham's social media, a brainchild of both he and Chooks-to-Go.

When I came back to the Philippines a major goal of mine was to throw FREE camps for kids less fortunate in different provinces.

With the help of Chooks To Go I’m hosting the first ever 3x3 Basketball Camp in the Philippines to start off our tour of camps 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/PKZTRxxqkD

— Taylor Statham (@therealTStat) April 30, 2019

The free clinic centered on teaching the basics of the halfcourt game, with Taylor and his buddies in the 3x3 game, led by his Pasig Grindhouse teammates Joshua Munzon, Troy Rike, Dylan Ababou, Nikola Pavlovic, among others, also providing their know-how.

The top-ranked Filipino in 3x3 basketball shares, "As athletes, we tend to be so focused on ourselves. I wanted to give back and help kids find their passion, give them opportunities they didn’t have before while also showing other athletes that it doesn’t matter if your a top player or an average player -- you can impact lives and communities with small acts."

He adds, "My mission is always to be the best basketball player but beyond that, I want to inspire lives through what I do."

Statham sees this as the first of many such camps that will be held all across the country. He says, "With the help of Chooks To Go we will be putting on more of these in the provinces where they may not have access to high-level coaches."

This basketball camp serves as a break for Pasig, as they continue their preparations for the upcoming Kunshan Challeger, which is a qualifier for the Chengdu leg of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour.

Philippine Premier League de-accredited

The Philippine Premier League.

The drama involving the Philippine Premier League has moved onto the next level, as a statement from the Philippine Football Federation released on Saturday probably has likely put a period onto the fledgling league.

The statement reads that the PFF on May 3 immediately revoked its agreement with the PPL's operator, Triple CH Holdings Co. Ltd. The federation made sure to notify the five clubs it has granted licenses to (Ceres-Negros, Kaya FC, Stallion, Global, and Green Archers United) about this particular development, and intends to meet with the PPL clubs to determine the

The full statement from the PFF below.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has terminated on 03 May 2019 its agreement with league operator, Triple CH Holdings Co. Ltd., with immediate effect.

The decision carries full approval from the PFF Board of Governors led by its president Mariano Araneta, Jr.

PFF has notified Triple CH Holdings Co. Ltd., its chairman Bernard Sumayao, and the current five (5) licensed clubs, namely Ceres Negros FC, Kaya FC-Iloilo, Stallion Laguna FC, Global Cebu FC, and Green Archers United FC, about the PFF decision.

PFF is taking steps to ensure the continuation of the 2019 national league season. A meeting with the clubs, including those which have earlier withdrawn their participation from Philippine Premier League (Stallion Laguna FC, Global Cebu FC, and Ceres Negros FC) had already been scheduled.

The league reverts to its official name, Philippines Football League. Kick-off will be scheduled middle of May 2019.

Further announcements will be made soon, including information on the tournament regulations for 2019 season which will be made available to all stakeholders.

PFF assures the football community and everyone that the league will continue its deliberate strides to be a successful national league, one which inspires young footballers in the country and one whose winners are eligible for nomination by PFF to compete in AFC competitions in 2020 and the years to come.

On the PPL side of things, they released a simple statement on Thursday.

The Philippine Premier League would like to inform the public that due to circumstances beyond our control as of the moment we are constrained to not schedule any matches for this coming weekend. Kindly wait for further announcements. Thank you.

The league had just one matchday played last Saturday, and had been slated to have its next few matchdays at the football facility managed by the Aboitiz Group in Lipa.

Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup set for 13th season

The premier preseason tournament for collegiate basketball is set to kick off its 13th season this Sunday.

The Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup is set to commence with a triple-header at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan, highlighted by a pair of interesting collegiate match-ups.

At 2pm, new-look La Salle will be taking to the floor against a souped up University of Santo Tomas, which will then be followed by defending NCAA champions San Beda facing last season's losing finalists in the UAAP, the University of the Philippines.

All ten NCAA schools and six of the eight UAAP schools are set to participate in the seniors division, with both Ateneo de Manila and the University of the East citing their overseas training as the reason for their non-participation. The defending Preseason Cup champions will be unable to conduct their title defense due to the upcoming Jones Cup campaign.

Serving as the curtain-raiser at 11am is a new initiative by the league, a 11-under division composed of ten teams. Opening that specific tournament is a matchup between La Salle-Zobel and Xavier.

The high school division starts the next day, May 6, with two matches: Mapua/Malayan faces off against San Beda at 10am, followed by La Salle-Greenhills against Far Eastern University. Twelve squads will duke it out, led by the defending UAAP champions, Nazareth-NU. They will kick off against La Salle-Greenhills in a rematch of the NBTC National Finals.

The league is also bringing back one of its major side events from last year, the Hanes 1-on-1 tournament. CSB's Prince Carlos was the inaugural winner, and could potentially return for a title defense.

In addition, there will be an All-Star Game scheduled on the end of the month, with the best of the UAAP going up against the best of the NCAA. Tournament Director Joey Guillermo hinted in using social media to help determine who will be starting for each team, with the coaches set to fill out the rest of their respective All-Star squads.

Overall Tournament Commissioner Ato Badolato shares, "Every year, there is much anticipation for the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup because this is the tournament where teams can only field their actual line-ups for the upcoming NCAA and UAAP seasons,” pointed out over-all tournament commissioner Edmundo “Ato” Badolato. “There are new rookies, players who switch teams, newly-appointed coaches, and this year, this is last we will see of foreign players in the NCAA. Maybe for some, it will be emotional."

Sports5 has secured broadcast rights and will be showing select matches on their social media accounts, as well as on 5Plus.

Tickets for the matches can be purchased either at the gate or via Ticketnet.

For more information about the 13th Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup, one can check out their official Facebook page (Filoil Flying V Sports).

Ballroom returns in UAAP Season 81

It all begins here.

With the action set to wind down for their 81st season, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) will hold its second Ballroom Formation Dance Competition on Friday afternoon, May 3, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion inside the University of Santo Tomas campus in Espana, Manila.

Ballroom makes its return as a demonstration event for the UAAP, after making its debut a couple of seasons ago, as a new project by then-hosts UST as part of the league's Opening Ceremonies. After not being held last year, current hosts National University brought it back for this season. As a demonstration sport, the results will not count in the General Classification standings.

For this version of the competition, there are two categories: Standard and Latin Ballroom. Three schools are set to participate: the University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, and the University of the Philippines.

UP returns as the sport's inaugural champions in both categories, with UST seeking to win the title on its home turf.

Even with a smaller field, all three schools vow to bring their respective A-games and wow the crowd with their smooth dance moves.