UAAP Season 82 Opening Ceremony to serve as One Big Pep Rally for student-athletes

Host Ateneo de Manila University draws the curtains of the 82nd Season of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines on Sunday, September 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The vision of Ateneo is to make this event the final send-off for all the student-athletes of the league before they embark on their respective UAAP journeys.

"The thing we are doing differently this year is just like back in Season 74, there won’t be a basketball game after the opening ceremony," said UAAP President Em Fernandez. "It’s because we want to make sure that we celebrate all our student-athletes first before they compete.

"We want this to be the pep rally for all the student-athletes of the UAAP."

All student-athletes from all member schools across all sporting events will be present during the parade.

Highlighting the event will be the oath of sportsmanship which will be led by the national team athletes from the member schools who will be competing in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Ateneo will be represented by Jarvey Gayoso (Football), Jessie Lacuna (Swimming), Francis Agojo (Taekwondo), Pauline Lopez (Taekwondo), Maxine Esteban (Fencing), and Jaime Viceo (Fencing).

Adamson University will have Joyme Sequita (Track and Field), Bryan Castillo (Baseball), Steven Manaig (Baseball), Arianne Vallestero (Softball), Ezra Jalandoni (Softball), Angela Gabriel (Softball), Mary Joy Maguad (Softball), and Nicole Padasas (Softball).

Representing De La Salle University are Darylle Lumahan (Fencing), Nicole Albo (Badminton), Irish Navaja (Football), Sara Castaneda (Football), Chelo Hodges (Football), Rocelle Mendano (Football), Alisha Del Campo (Football), Raphael Mella (Poomsae), Patrick Perez (Poomsae), Rinna Babanto (Poomsae), Arvin Herrera (Baseball), Diego Lozano (Baseball), Iggy Escano (Baseball), and Julius Diaz (Softball).

Far Eastern University will have Jelly Paragile (Track and Field), Joida Gagnao (Track and Field), Shania Mendoza (Chess), Darry Bernardo (Chess), Clare Castro (Basketball), Mary Lam (Football), Pocholo Bugas (Football) and John Saldivar (Football).

For National University, Jack Animam (Basketball) will be joined by Ricky Marcos (Volleyball), Joshua Retimar (Volleyball), Kurt Barbosa (Taekwondo) and Nick Garces (Taekwondo).

Fencers Samantha Catantan, Queen Dalmacio, Mickyle Bustos, Nicole Cortey, Shawn Felipe, Reynaldo Perez, and Christian Concepcion will represent University of the East, while Judokas John Ferrer, Gabriel Salazar, and Zarchic Garay compose the University of the Philippines contingent.

Dither Tablan (Judo), Chino Sy (Judo), Czar Bayas (Judo), Khrizzie Pabulayan (Judo), Sydney Sy (Judo), Juan Pingot (Judo), Ann Antolihao (Softball), CJ Roa (Softball), and Celestine Palma (Softball) are set to represent University of Santo Tomas.

The league will also invite the whole community to join in the singing of this year’s theme song “Ang Ating Tagumpay” together with the Itchyworms and Sponge Cola. Both bands will be joined by  December Avenue, Autotelic and IV of Spades for a concert after the ceremonies.

Tickets to the season opening ceremony can be purchased in the schools, over at the venue, or through SM Tickets' website (https://www.smtickets.com/events/view/8080).

UAAP to offer discounted tickets for Season 82 Wednesday playdates.

Discounted tickets await interested parties on Wednesdays.

ALL FOR MORE!

With this season's theme of doing more, the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) encourages students of the member schools to come and support their teams during the Wednesday games of the Men's and Women's Basketball tournaments.

To increase student attendance, the league, spearheaded by season host Ateneo de Manila University, introduces Student Wednesdays. Tickets for Upper Box and General Admission in both the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Asia will only cost PHP 35.00 each.

"We want to encourage more students to watch. With social media, the games are easily accessible, but nothing beats watching the games LIVE! Because of this, we have been trying to find ways to promote student participation," said UAAP President Em Fernandez.

"We want to push Wednesdays, of course, class schedules permitting. So we decided to have STUDENT WEDNESDAYS where they only have to pay the cost of printing a ticket to get into the playing venues."

This season, the Wednesday schedule features four Basketball games: Women's at 8:00 AM, followed by three Men's matches at 10:30 AM; 12:30 PM; and 4:00 PM. After the 12:30 PM game, the venue will be cleared and a separate ticket will have to be bought to watch the last game.

Student Wednesdays will run throughout the elimination round.

PHISGOC: Volunteers are the "Backbone" of the SEA Games

PHISGOC COO Ramon "Tats" Suzara asserted that volunteers serve as the "backbone" of the SEA games hosting in his opening remarks during the Subic-Clark cluster launch of the Volunteer Program held at the ASEAN Convention on August 23, 2019.

The Philippine South East Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) Chief Operating Officer Ramon Suzara asserted that the volunteers serve as the "backbone" of the Philippine hosting of the SEA Games.

"Whatever we have been doing in PHISGOC for the last few years will be meaningless without you. If we don't have any of you, then we won't be able to deliver the best SEA Games. And with this, you are part of our family, our SEA Games family."

This is the inspiring message expressed by the PHISGOC COO as he welcomed the participating volunteers in the Subic-Clark Cluster Launch of the SEA games Volunteers Program.

PHISGOC Chief Operating Officer Ramon Suzara assured the volunteers who joined the Subic-Clark launch that this will be a memorable experience for everyone, noting that the Philippines is staging the biggest and best SEA games ever.

Suzara stressed that preparations for the SEA Games is in full swing. It is "all systems go" especially with the support of partner institutions and thousands of volunteers, with less than a hundred days to go before the biennial sports event.

WE WIN AS ONE! The PHISGOC team welcomed thousands of volunteers to the SEA Games family. The spirit of nationalism and volunteerism was strong and alive during the Subic-Clark cluster launch of Volunteer program.

There are almost 11,000 athletes and team officials, 530 medal events covering 56 sports, 44 competition Venues for the 30th edition of the Games which will happen in 12 exciting days. The events will take place in 4 clusters in Clark, Subic, Metro Manila, and other areas in South Luzon.

The 9,000 strong volunteers recruited by the SEA games Volunteer Program will be trained by PHISGOC to prepare them for their tasks and responsibilities for the events proper.

Volunteers will be assigned to specific functional areas of PHISGOC depending on their skill sets and interests in order to spearhead the success of the Games.

The PHISGOC Executive thanked the volunteers from Clark, Subic, Metro Manila, North and South Luzon as well as from other parts of the archipelago and urged them to work together to make this the most memorable SEA games.

Volunteers ready for Subic-Clark portion of SEA Games

The bayanihan spirit was definitely very much alive during the Volunteer Program Launch for the Subic-Clark cluster, as hundreds of volunteers trooped to the ASEAN Convention Center in Clark to show their unwavering support for the 30th SEA games.

The resonating loud chants and cheers from the audience saying “I Volunteer” captured the strong passion and power of the volunteers present during the event.

With less than 100 days to go before the main event, the Philippine South East Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) gets additional boost from twenty five (25) partner institutions, consisting of universities and colleges, provincial government and business group.

Philippine Sports Commission Chair William “Butch” Ramirez, Senator Francis Tolentino, Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda and Zambales Representative Cheryl Deloso-Montalla (2nd district), Capas Tarlac Mayor Rey Catacutan, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator for Support Services Mon Agregado and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Noel Manankil were present to show their support and motivate the volunteers.

The partner institutions that declared support for the SEA games volunteer program include: Columban College Inc, Mondriaan Aura College, Lyceum of Subic Bay, Gordon College, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, Subic Bay Colleges Inc, President Ramon Magsaysay State University, St Joseph College, City College of Angeles, Clark College of Science & Technology, Gentry International School, Jocson College, Mabalacat City College, Our Lady of Fatima, Philippine State College of Aeronautics, Ifugao State University, Pangasinan State University, Holy Angel University, Angeles University Foundation, Systems Plus College Foundation, Tarlac State University, Colegio De Sebastian,Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Provincial Government of Tarlac.

The Philippine Sports Commission Chair William “Butch” Ramirez and Senator Francis Tolentino gave inspiring words to commend the volunteers as well as the partner institutions for showing their commitment and support for the success of the SEA games.

During the launch, Senator Tolentino asserted, “Regardless of gender, race, or religion, we will uphold the virtue of unity and nationalism for us to come together as one.”

“We must work together for us to win as one. I VOLUNTEER!” Tolentino said as he joined the PHISGOC team and volunteers on stage during the reciting of the manifesto of support.

Chris Tiu, Deputy Director of Volunteer Program and former PBA player, led hundreds of volunteers from different parts of Luzon, as they recited their pledge of support for the SEA games and to serve the country as well.

“I believe in the power of unity and camaraderie, in unity there is greater strength and bigger potential to succeed,” the manifesto reads.

“I know that We is bigger than I. Together we can overcome the challenges. We will win as one.” the volunteers recited.

The Subic and Clark volunteers will begin their volunteers’ program training at the ASEAN Convention Center after their cluster launch.

Over 1,000 volunteers from partner institutions and online applicants are expected to join the first ever training to prepare them for the biggest, most-viewed, and best hosted SEA Games.

The Volunteers Program has provided a once-in-a lifetime opportunity for students, teachers, persons with disabilities, professionals and even retirees to share their time and talent for a worthy cause –to ensure the success of the SEA games and to serve the country and make Filipinos proud.

Pasig set for plunge at Xiongan Challenger

Pasig Chooks headed to Xiong An

The Xiongan Challenger scheduled today and tomorrow will feature a slightly different Pasig Chooks side.

Troy Rike returns to the team he first played for, as the current Basilan Steel stalwart replaces Taylor Statham in the quartet for Pasig, joining Joshua Munzon, Dylan Ababou, and Nikola Pavlovic.

Both Rike and Ababou acknowledge that the team will have a different feel with Taylor's absence.

The former shares, "Team is gonna be a lot different without Taylor and missing him is a huge loss. We’re gonna be missing a strong physical presence who’s been a leader for Pasig since the beginning." He adds, "Our style of play is going to have to be different without him, so we’ll put our best game plan out there and just do our best to compete without him.

The latter says, "Taylor is really a big loss for the team. He is one of our best players and an exceptional athlete, but we have been together since January so we can easily make do with what we have." The UST alumnus also adds, "Here’s always pressure and it's normal. We are very hungry considering the fact that our team hasn’t proven anything yet in international tournaments."

Slotted into the main draw, they face off against Beijing at 540pm and against a qualifier at 910pm. Said qualifier involving the trio of The Hague, Calgary, and Xiongan will take place later today. Survive this, and they proceed to the knockout rounds the next day.

The Xiongan Challenger has a $32,000 prize pool and a spot at the Los Angeles Masters is at stake.

Pasig managed to participate in this tournament thanks to a technicality from FIBA 3x3. The tour did not allow Basilan into the Jeddah Masters given the complication of Rike still being registered to Pasig for this season's activities. The spot had been one of the rewards for the Steel copping the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Patriot's Cup.

As such, Balanga, who finished runner-up to Basilan, will be making the trip to Jeddah, while Pasig gets to play in Xiongan.

Basilan will still get to play in the international stage, as they were rewarded a spot in the Sukhbaatar Challenger on September 13-14 as well as the Manila Challenger on September 7-8 where they are already expected to participate.

UCSAA set for 9th season

UCSAA

A brighter bolder and better Ninth Universities, Colleges and Schools Athletic Association (UCSAA) will open its doors this August 30 at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City with seven varsities battling for athletic supremacy in Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Chess and Table Tennis.  League officials and coaches bared their sentiments on the coming season at last Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Amelie Hotel Manila.

Newly-appointed Executive Director Harlem Ruiz said that the UCSAA is currently in a stage of rebranding and strengthening its base with the addition of new schools.  Season host Saint Dominic Savio College will be joined by returnees First City Providential College and Don Bosco Technical College-Mandaluyong but newcomers AMA University, World Citi College-Aeronautical and Technological College, STI College and Saint Felicity College will not be far behind in crowding for honors.

Also attending the weekly forum were athletic directors and coaches Rhayzor Catris and Carlo Tomacas of WCC-Aerotech, Cicero Cruz of STI, John Andrew Duano of Saint Dominic and Mel Patco and EJay delos Santos of Saint Felicity.  All coaches have agreed that the Saint Dominic Savio Unicorns and AMA Titans are the early favorites to rule the main event of Seniors Basketball due to their experience in the PBA D-League but STI looms as a contender owing to the Olympians’ height advantage while First City hopes to translate its recent success in the Juniors Division into the Seniors Division.

The Titans has listed Andre Paras in its roster and the 6’4” center-forward and television personality is seen as the face of UCSAA.  However, there are a lot more unheralded names just waiting to show their skills and be discovered which is just what UCSAA is all about.

The newcomer schools just hope to compete, have fun and learn from the more established squads.  Miss Patco of Pateros-based Saint Felicity put it best by saying “We want our students to experience what students of other schools experience when they join leagues like this.”

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairperson William “Butch” Ramirez has been invited to grace the opening rites.  A surprise sports personality has also been tapped to provide inspiration to the student athletes.

Tournament format calls of a single round elimination with schools taking turns at hosting the games.  The top four will make it to the knockout semifinals and the winners will go on to the best of three championship series.

Chooks-to-Go set to host Manila Challenger

BAVI head honcho and Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 owner Ronald Mascarinas with the core of the national 3x3 pool:
Dylan Ababou (Pasig), Alvin Pasaol and Karl Dehesa (Balanga), and Troy Rike (Basilan)

With the deadline locking in the FIBA 3x3 World Rankings creeping ever closer, Chooks-to-Go is set to host the first-ever Challenger tournament this coming September 7-8.

A level nine tournament on the FIBA 3x3 hiearchy, the Chooks-to-Go Manila Challenger kicks off FIBA 3x3 World Tour action in the month of September and will take place at the SM Fairview Events Center. Do well here and a spot at the Jeddah Masters scheduled this coming October is at stake.

In addition, Bounty Agro Ventures Incorporated turns 22 that month, and BAVI is using the Chooks-to-Go Challenger as their way of giving back to the Filipino people.

BAVI General Manager and Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 owner Ronald Mascariñas shares, "We are celebrating our 22nd anniversary and what better way for our company to give back than by making one last push for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics."

He adds, "We want to bring a quality tournament to the Filipino people."

Mascariñas also appreciates the assistance from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, and notes, "To put it quite simply, it's very crucial for us to host a level-nine tournament especially in this stage in the race for the FIBA 3X3 OQT. Last April, we hosted the world's first-ever Super Quest which is a level eight tournament. I would like to thank FIBA for granting us this new opportunity. Even if they already have 27 Challengers in their calendar and still they allowed us to host this one. Also, the SBP has been a huge help in this endeavor."

In order to make the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the country needs to make it to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which comprises of teams ranked in the top 24 by the end of October 31, 2019. As of August 16, the Philippines is currently 27th overall in the men's rankings with 6,748,080 points.

Five teams have already been ticketed to participate in the Chooks-to-Go Manila Challenger thanks to their FIBA 3x3 club rankings:

Riga Ghetto (Latvia)
Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Gagarin (Russia)
Kranj (Slovenia)
Humpolec Bernard (Czech Republic)

A sixth team, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy, is also set to participate, leaving three more mystery teams as three local sides are set to provide Filipino pride in this tournament.

Already assured of a berth in Jeddah after clinching the Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 Patriot's Cup presented by Coca-Cola, Basilan as Isabela City is joined by President's Cup champions Pasig and two-time runners-up Balanga.

Karl Dehesa says, "For me, this tournament has been a long time coming for our country. The fans will definitely give us a huge boost." The Balanga shooter was part of the 2015 Manila Masters with Manila North.

Dylan Ababou adds, "For the past year, we've been traveling a lot. Though it's not an excuse, having to travel is very tiring in itself. This time around, we could play our game."

Three Pinoys partake of Allianz football camp

From L-R: FC Bayern International Coach Thomas Döllner, James Carl Tuazon, Keanne Maicah Alamo, FC Bayern Official Mascot Berni, Fred Angelo dela Peña, and FC Bayern legend and former Croatian international Ivica Olic

43 lucky teenage footballers from across Asia recently got the chance to learn and develop their skills at The Arena in Singapore during The Allianz Explorer Camp Football Edition Asia 2019.

These kids aged between 14-16 were considered as the standouts of their respective qualifiers that took place in China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. They had the privilege to be trained over four days under the tutleage of FC Bayern Munich ambassador and former Croatian international Ivica Olic.

The camp and the presence of the German champions is in line with their long-term partnership, one that has been in place since 2000 and enhanced by the presence of their home stadium, the Allianz Arena, since 2005.

For the Philippines, the two boys and a girl that were selected for this camp came from the Allianz National Youth Futsal Invitational, which took place at various location across the country a few months ago. Fred Angelo dela Pena came via Dipolog, James Tuazon is a product of Central Philippines University in Iloilo, while Keanne Alamo is a youth standout who represented the country in the AFC Under-16 Girls Qualifiers last year. 

Outstanding participants from this Explorer Camp will be given the opportunity to represent Asia at the Allianz Global Football Camp in Munich. The chosen eighteen will get to experience training sessions with the FC Bayern Munich youth coaches and potentially have an opportunity to meet select first team players.

Considered as part of the Allianz Global Explorer Program, the camp is designed to empower promising Generation Z youngsters through exposure to football-focused fitness workshops, footwork techniques, technical and tactical skills, and competitive play.

Allianz Asia-Pacific Head of Market Management Center of Excellence Gino Riola shares, "We are proud to play our part in creating an environment for young children across Asia to learn new skills, explore new places, and collaborate with new friends.  Our Allianz regional initiative provides a great foundation for youngsters to enhance their football and team building talents, while gaining new skills and experiences with the technologies of the future.  It goes without saying that the future is bright for the young participants and we look forward to watching them grow."

With Allianz serving as a global sponsor for the Drone Racing League with the Allianz World Championship Season, the camp also features drone racing as part of the global financial services provider's thrust towards embracing future technologies. Three-time world champion Dunkan Bossion will be demonstrating why he is one of the best in his field, and will oversee a hands-on drone-making workshop that would expose the participants to advanced technology.

The Explorer Camp also included presentations on the final day, for high achievers who showed outstanding performance across the four days.

Philippines set for AFF Women's Championships

Team Photo

The Philippines' Senior Women's National Team is set to participate in the 2019 AFF Women's Championship, which will start later today in Chonburi, Thailand.

The country is drawn into Group A, alongside hosts Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Timor-Leste, with the quartet of Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia comprising Group B.

Preparations for this tournament took place at the Moro Lorenzo Football Field inside the campus of Ateneo de Manila in Quezon City. This camp made recent Philippine football history as it included a FIFA friendly, an 11-0 victory over Macau last August 3 at the PFF National Training Center.

The Philippine Football Federation called up 23 players to assemble this team and tapped Marnelli Dimzon to once again handle head coaching duties. Assisting her are Gerald Orcullo and goalkeeping coach Melo Sabacan.

Supporting the team in its preparations are the Philippines Sports Commission and the MVP Sports Foundation.

The team is using this tournament as part of its preparations for the 30th Southeast Asian Games that the country will host later this year.

PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes shares, "The Philippine Women’s National Team has continuously set the bar in recent times. We wish them luck as they look for a podium finish in the AFF Women’s Championship 2019 which serves as a preview for the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games."

The 23 players called up are as follows:

BERNAL, Mea (DF, Outkast FC)
CAPARROS, Mari Rianne (GK, Stallion Hiraya FC)
CASTAÑEDA, Sara Isobel (MF, De La Salle University)
CAVILL, Stacey Janet Margery (GK, Perth Glory (Australia))
DEL CAMPO, Alisha Clare (FW, De La Salle University)
DOLINO, Alesa (DF, Outkast FC)
FAGSAO, Eloiza (MF, University of the Philippines)
HODGES, Chelo Marie (DF, Green Archers United FC)
IMPELIDO, Patrice Mae (MF, Stallion Hiraya FC)
INQUIG, Kyla Jan (MF, Green Archers United FC)
LAM, Mary Harriette (DF, Far Eastern University)
LEMORAN, Charisa Marie (MF, University of Santo Tomas)
LIM, Claire Elisabeth (DF, UC Santa Cruz (USA))
LONG, Hali Moriah (DF, Green Archers United FC)
LUSTAN, Hazel (MF, University of Santo Tomas)
MENDAÑO, Rocelle Maria (MF, De La Salle University)
NAVAJA, Irish (MF, Green Archers United FC)
PALACIOS, Inna Kristianne (GK, Green Archers United FC)
QUEZADA, Quinley Mirielle (FW, UC Riverside (USA))
RODRIGUEZ, Kathleen Camille (MF, Stallion Hiraya FC)
SHELTON, Tara Allison (DF, De La Salle University)
SIMARAGO, Calah Lilinoeokalani (DF, UC Santa Barbara (USA))
TOLENTIN, Dionesa (MF, Far Eastern University)

Robinsons Retail Group / Universal Robina Corporation Agro Industrial Group reaffirm UP commitment

(Standing L-R: TGP AVP-Supply Chain Abet Liuson, TGP General Manager Agnes Rafinan, UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan, UP MBT Head Coach Bo Perasol, UP President Danilo Concepcion, Daiso General Manager Katherine Yu)
(Sitting L-R: Robinsons Supermarket Managing Director Jody Gadia, Handyman Vice Chairman Willy Co, Robinsons Retail Group President & CEO Robina Gokongwei-Pe, nowheretogobutUP Chairman and UP MBT Manager Atty. Agaton Uvero, Handyman Group General Manager Stanley Co)

Student-athletes from the University of the Philippines will still get to enjoy valuable support and commitment from one of their biggest and most loyal supporters.

The Robinsons Retail Group and Universal Robina Corporation's Agro Industrial Group (URC-AIG) renewed their partnership with the school recently, in line with the build-up for the upcoming 82nd season of the UAAP and beyond.

Officials from both organizations as well as from the school and the Nowhere to Go but UP Foundation were also present for the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement at the UP Executive House in Diliman, Quezon City. Representing RRG and URC-AIG as signatories are Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. President and CEO Robina Gokongwei-Pe and URC-AIG Group Business Unit General Manager Vincent Henry Go, alongside NTGBUP's Agaton Uvero and UP Men's Basketball Team Head Coach Bo Perasol. The ceremony took place while the team was fresh from claiming the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Cup in Taiwan.

Other officials who witnessed the ceremony include: Handyman Group Vice Chairman Willy Co and General Manager Stanley Co, Robinsons Supermarket Managing Director Jody Gadia, Daiso General Manager Katherine Yu, TGP General Manager Agnes Rafinan and AVP - Supply Chain Abet Liuson, and Robina Farms Farm Operations Director Dr. Florante Palabrica.

Gokongwei-Pe is one of the longest backers of the Fighting Maroons, having supported them since 2010. She and her group have stuck it out this decade with the lows and the highs of UP's quest for sporting relevancy.

(Standing L-R: UP CHK Dean Francis Diaz, UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan, UP MBT Head Coach Bo Perasol, Robina Farms Marketing Director Jonathan Dino)
(Sitting L-R: nowheretogobutUP Chairman and UP MBT Manager Atty. Agaton Uvero, Robina Farms Business Unit General Manager Vincent Henry Go, UP President Danilo Concepcion, Robina Farms Farm Directo Dr. Dante Palabric, Robinsons Retail Group President & CEO Robina Gokongwei-Pe)

Among the units within URC-AIG is its premium farm products unit Robina Farms, which only recently became one of the newer supporters. In line with their backing, Go says, "We firmly believe that the UP Fighting Maroons shares the same values as us, such as passion for excellence and loyalty to our stakeholders. As we renew our official support for the men’s basketball team, we want them to continue to imbibe the same things that our company lives by as they seek to surpass last year’s achievement. This upcoming UAAP Season 82, it would be another great privilege to stand by this team together with the whole UP community. Hoping to exemplify ISKOs values of honor and excellence in every endeavor."

URC-AIG Marketing Director Jonathan Diño adds, "UP’s run last year is proof that everything is possible. Hopefully, this year’s team will build on what Batch 81 started and bring home the UAAP Championship for the first time since ’86. It’s UP’s time! They should take it. They deserve it."

Perasol shares, "We’re always grateful for all the support we have received from our alumni, especially from Ms. Gokongwei and her group of companies, who have been with us through our ups and downs. This team knows what it’s like to be at the bottom, to lack basic necessities like food and allowances. We are thankful for the faith and loyalty of the Robinsons Retail Group."

The Fighting Maroons are currently in Japan for the final phase of their overseas preparations for the upcoming campaign.

NBA 3X Philippines holds successful 2019 edition

Celebrity Divsion action. Donny Pangilinan trying to guard Dominic Uy

Not even the weather can prevent a return to dominance.

EGS Elite reclaimed their title in the Men's Open Division of the 2019 NBA 3X Philippines presented by AXA, defeating TVL Cavs, 21-14 in the final for their fifth championship in the last six seasons.

The quartet of Mark Anthony Doligon, Arnel Fillon, John Vincent Cabrera, and Jay Bren Motol completed a seven-game sweep in the process of two days of competition.

In the women's Open Division, National University showcased why they are the best in women's basketball. They fielded four teams, with three eventually making the semifinals. NU-Uno, composed of Jack Animam, Camille Clarin, Angelica Surada, and Lamina Kapinga, dispatched NU-Dos in the final, 15-10.

The by-invite-only Celebrity Division saw Team Uy Uy Uy successfully defend their title, defeating Team Calyx of Nikko Ramos, Jutt Sulit, Xavy Nunag, and Marxx Monterola, 21-7.

Weather conditions forced the activities to be moved from the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall to the PICC Forum Tent, but nevertheless, the ninth consecutive edition of the NBA 3X Philippines was a successful one, with 260 teams spread across eight divisions (U-13, U-16, U-18, Open for boys, U-18 and Open for girls, by-invite Celebrity Division, and a specific division tailored for AXA Philippines employees) participating this past weekend, totalling over a thousand participants.

The NBA invited Denver Nuggets guard Monte Morris and NBA legend Muggsy Bogues for the event, as well the mascot of the reigning NBA champions Toronto Raptors, the Raptor.

Also gracing the occassion are officials of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, led by its head for 3x3, Ronnie Magsanoc. He shared that this event will produce points for the SBP in its quest to assure themselves a spot in the Top 24 of the FIBA 3x3 rankings by the start of November in both the men's and women's division.

Here are the complete list of winners at NBA 3X Philippines 2019

In the age group divisions, here are the winners:

Under-13 Boys: SKAPRO

Sizco Jeane Roquid (Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, Laguna)
Prince Redd Tristan League and Dwyne Infante (St. Michael's College of Laguna)
Khean Gabriel Tacneng (Colegio de San Agustin - Laguna)

Under-16 Boys: Caloocan Supremos - 1 (all from Systems Plus Computer College)

John Vincent Reyes
John Paul Lopez
Carl John Yu
Jolan Christian Amatosa

Under-18 Boys: Caloocan Supremos (all from Systems Plus Computer College)

Karlo Jeremiah Baranda
Andrei Christian Marte
Nickos Andrei Santos
Adrian Jemmuel Rafael

Men's Open: EGS Elite

Mark Anthony Doligon
Arnel Fillon
John Vincent Cabrera
Jay Bren Motol

Under-18 Girls: First City Providential College

Julia Rose Saysay
Alecxia Nicole Rillera Garcia
Jerose Monteleyola
Karen De Mesa Francisco

Women's Open: National University-Uno

Jack Danielle Animam
Angelica Surada
Camille Clarin
Lamama Kapinga

AXA Division (restricted to AXA Philippines employees): Bank Assure: Born Ballers

James Kenneth Giron
Christian Antonio delos Santos
Arnold delos Santos
Virgilio Guinto

Celebrity Division: Team Uy Uy Uy

Dominic Uy
Vince Hizon
Yuri Escueta
Mikko Abello

NBA 3X Philippines 2019 presented by AXA Philippines also has Gatorade, Nike, PLDT-SMART, and Vivo serving as its official partners, with ABS-CBN S+A, Basketball TV, and NBA Premium TV acting as official broadcasters.

One can check out www.nba3x.com/philippines and follow on Facebook and Twitter for more details about NBA 3X Philippines.

UAAP set for high school girls basketball

UAAP Deputy Commissioner Edith Bolicario

The University Athletics Association of the Philippines is set to include HS Girls basketball as a demonstration sport for the upcoming 82nd season, a first for the league.

According to sub-host National University, the event will begin on either October 26 or 27. It will be a four-team tournament between Ateneo de Manila, La Salle-Zobel, University of Santo Tomas, and Adamson.

UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag shares, "It's long overdue for the UAAP to have a basketball tournament for the girls." The ED has background in that aspect of the sport as a coach for Assumption High School earlier this century.

The league hopes that the other schools would be able to develop their own Girls Basketball program, so that the transition student-athletes make from high school to college would be seamless.

Board of Managing Directors Representative for Ateneo de Manila Erika Dy says, "This is very important for the development of our women's players. Schools want to recruit girls out of high school who are already fundamentally sound. Without a Girls' Division, there is not much interest from young dreamers to begin with at that level." Dy was a student-athlete at La Salle-Zobel in high school before playing for the Lady Eagles in college. She also coached the team earlier this decade, with the team managing to make the finals in 2015.

Dy adds, "Having a Girls’ Division is consistent with the UAAP’s mission to provide a training ground for our future national athletes. As much as the college teams will benefit from this, it’s really our Gilas Women’s Team that will reap fruits from it in the future."

The UAAP also believes that having a tournament like this will help the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas identify and discover future prospects for Gilas Women, whether in the youth or in the senior set-up.

UAAP Commissioner for Basketball Jensen Ilagan adds, "It's a big step forward for women's basketball. In the ASEAN region, we really need the exposure sa women's side."

The UAAP also revealed that they also appointed its first-ever female deputy commissioner in Edith Boticario, who will assist Ilagan in all basketball tournaments this season.

Boticario, who completed her degree in Physical Wellness at the University of Makati, is a FIBA-licensed official and a former PBA referee.

The hire "is a testament to the league's commitment to inclusiveness," according to Saguisag.

Ilagan proposes post-match review sessions for officials

Jensen Ilagan

With the mandate given to him thanks to his appointment as UAAP Commissioner for Basketball this season, Jensen Ilagan has already taken steps to the league and its officials ready for the campaign.

One of the initiatives he is pushing for this season is the introduction of a "Video Review Initiative," where every member of the officiating pool will be mandated to review the games just played after every game day.

Regarding this initiative, Ilagan says, "If it's a good game, it will be the standard. If it's a bad game then it will serve as a lesson for the officials as well."

He is also in the midst of establishing said officiating pool. From 174 referees from twelve different officiating groups that attended the July 22-23 tryouts, the field has since been reduced to 73, who are now currently being trained at the ongoing Referees Academy at the Phenom Center in Makati.

According to Ilagan, the final composition of said pool will be revealed by the third week of August.

In line with these measures, UAAP Executive Director and concurrent head of the Academy of Referees under the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Atty. Rebo Saguisag shares, "He appears to be tech-savvy and is aligned with the UAAP's vision of using data to hold officials accountable."

Jensen Ilagan named as UAAP Season 82 Basketball Commissioner

From the ABL to the UAAP.

For the upcoming 82nd season of the UAAP, the league has tapped current ASEAN Basketball League Technical Director Jensen Ilagan as its commissioner for basketball, serving as the chief administrator for the UAAP's basketball tournaments.

In a statement released by the league, Ilagan says, "I'm humbled to be the new UAAP Commissioner. I will do my best to uphold the league's integrity through fair competition."

An alumnus of Asia Pacific College with a degree in Commerce, Ilagan has a wealth of experience under his belt. He has been the ABL Technical Director for the last four years, and is a FIBA-certified table official.

UAAP President Emmanuel Fernandez shares, "His experience working in the ABL made us decide to tap him as our Commissioner. His youth will bring more technological advancements to our league this season."

UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag says, "I commend the UAAP's choice, spearheaded by this season's host, as we continue to open our doors to candidates other than the traditional names in basketball. But such a risk, if it may even be called such, is not without calculation."

Saguisag adds, "We have very high expectations and we will continue to watch him. I wish Mr. Ilagan luck in leading his office with pride and honor -- his success is our success."

The league has also named LA Mumar as this season's Technical Director to assist Ilagan. Mumar, who played for Ateneo while completing his degree in Development Studies, was the former Athletics Director of Lyceum-Cavite.

The UAAP also revealed that the first set of basketball matches will be held on September 4 this year.

Charcos snags Player of the Week nod

The latest to be selected as Player of the Week. Photo c/o Gelay Davocol.

With the seconds winding down and the game tied at 73, the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta looked set to play five more minutes of overtime against Arellano.

Edgar Charcos had other ideas, though.

The floor general prevented the Altas from having to deal with this situation, nailing the game-winning floater with 3.4 seconds left to secure a 75-73 victory last Tuesday.

The win snapped a three-game losing streak in the NCAA Season 95 Men's Basketball Tournament, and allowed the Altas to regain their bearings as they remain within striking distance of the league leaders this season.

The University of the East transfer finished with fifteen points, a couple of rebounds, and five assists in the victory, with six points coming in the final quarter.

Head coach Frankie Lim shared after the game about that sequence, "Sa kanya talaga yun," acknowledging the faith he has in his point guard.

Charcos' feat not only rewarded Perpetual with the win, but also got the attention of the Collegiate Press Corps, who selected him as the latest Chooks-to-Go Collegiate Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week.
He beat out Larry Muyang of Letran, Jimboy Pasturan of College of Saint Benilde, and Chester Jungco of Jose Rizal University for the weekly plum.

Even with the win, Lim added that the Altas still has a long way to go from being a playoff contender. The former San Beda head coach says, "I still think this team needs to be smarter on playing defense. We just have to stop people if we want to win games."