MPBL secures GAB nod as a professional league

Chooks-to-Go Sports and Marketing Director Mel Macasaquit, Games and Amusements Board Chairman Abraham Mitra, and Chooks-to-Go MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes

The Games and Amusements Board has given its approval on Thursday for the newest professional league in the country, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

GAB Chairman Abraham Mitra says, "It's such an honor for all of us to have you. Madaming nangyari sa GAB over the past few years pero this is one of the biggest. Madami nagsasabi na masarap sa pakiramdam na magpropro na kami. Maraming nananaginip na maging professional players at makakamit na nila ito sa MPBL."

The league had maintained an amateur status since its inception in 2017, but with the recent decision by GAB and the Philippine Sports Commission regarding the status of professional and amateur leagues, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced it to rethink its position.

League commissioner Kenneth Duremdes shares, "Over the last two years, the players have been praying for the league to resume. During those two years, the league had a time to re-assess our direction. Through perseverence and patience, nandito na tayo. We are back with the help of our partner Chooks-to-Go and the guidance of GAB."

With the announcement, the upcoming Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational Tournament this coming December 11-23 will be its first as a professional.

In the run-up towards the start of the competition on  December 11, the 22 participating teams also secured their accreditation as professional teams, which came with the refresher on what the benefits are available in holding a GAB professional license.

They were also reminded of the efforts GAB has in place against game-fixing and point-shaving.

Mitra shares, "Because of Chooks-to-Go, the MPBL is turning professional. GAB will be here in making this tough path of restarting in a pandemic with you. We always believe in self-regulation. Kung ano yung pangangalakad nila, we will respect that." He continues, "We just want to remind everybody that we will not allow any game-fixing. Alam natin na yan nakakasira sa ating laro. Sa ating code of conduct, nakalagay dun na you have to disassociate yourself from game-fixing and point-shaving."

Duremdes adds, "We are now a pro league. With GAB with us, yung mga players na may binabalak, magisip-isip na sila. Once na magkaroon kayo ng bad image, it will be hard to get back."

Mitra impressed with Chooks-to-Go 3x3 test run

Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra at the Chooks 3x3 test run at INSPIRE Academy.

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 held its test run for the upcoming President's Cup on Monday afternoon at the INSPIRE Sports Academy in Calamba, with a special guest observing its proceedings.

Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra was present for the test run and was impressed with how the league intends to conduct the tournament. Among the aspects that was demonstrated included how the players will enter and exit the playing court, as well as the state of the waiting rooms.

Helping with test run are members of the Zamboanga City-Family's Brand Sardines-Chooks (Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Leonard Santillan, Troy Rike) and Butuan City-Uling Roasters (Karl Dehesa, Franky Johnson, Chris de Chavez, JR Alabanza, and Chico Lanete).

Mitra says, "I'm impressed with the preparations being done by Chooks-to-Go." He adds, "They did not just meet the requirements but also improved on their submitted safety protocols."

League owner Ronald Mascariñas responds, "We would like to thank Chairman Baham for the kind words. It's our job to keep our players safe first and foremost as this is their livelihoods." He adds, "... this is a huge step forward not only for us but for Philippine sports as well in this time of a pandemic."

Mitra continues, "I'm very confident with the success that will come Chooks-to-Go 3x3's way. It will be something that everybody will look up to."

Guidelines regarding entry into the President's Cup bubble can be described as strict.

Players will need to undergo polymerase chain reaction testing two days before each leg of the tournament. They, along with the coaches and league staff will also need to present their GET Philippines tracing app before they undergo mandatory disinfection and temperature checks. They also will undergo antigen testing before proceeding to their respective rooms inside the INSPIRE Academy.

The test run is set to continue on Thursday with regards to the broadcast aspect of the tournament, which is tentatively scheduled to open on October 2.