NBA Philippines launches NBA Rising Stars Invitational Qualifiers for the Philippines

c/o NBA, NBA Philippines

The NBA launched a new initiative on Wednesday, with the start of the Philippines Qualifiers for the NBA Rising Stars Invitational at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

In collaboration with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, seven teams made history as its inaugural participants. Four teams comprise the boys' division, while the remaining three teams are in the distaff side.

Teams will be going through a round robin for the next three days, before the two best teams tangle in the finals on Saturday, May 10, at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. The best teams on that day will get to represent the country for the competition proper of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational next month in Singapore.

Opening up action on that day is National University-Nazareth School's 70-30 demolition of St. Paul College-Pasig.

The Lady Bullpups opened the game by scoring the first 22 points, before Stephie Contreras converted a triple at the 3:36 mark of the opening period for the Paulinians.

NUNS would cruise on towards finish, relying on their dynamic duo of Aubrey Lapasaran and Zaydhen Rosano to secure the victory. The latter finished with a double-double of twelve points and fourteen rebounds, while also dishing five assists. The former also scored twelve points, while also grabbing seven rebounds and a couple of assists.

Head Coach Camille Escoto shared afterwards, "We’re trying to prepare din kasi yung mga kalaban namin, nag-prepare din. Actually, may practice pa kami later kasi ayaw namin ma-take for granted yung ganitong opportunity."

SPC-P head coach Edsel del Rosario highlighted the experience having his players are having, "Na-excite yung mga bata nung nag-invite yung NBA Philippines. Actually, first time nila ma-experience yung mag-huddle in sa hotel, sama-sama sila as a team, kakain sabay-sabay, yung parang nasa Olympics. Ganun experience nila."

SPC-P will have a final chance of making the finals if they can defeat the third team in the division, La Salle College-Antipolo.

Meanwhile on the boys' side, UAAP sides UST and NUNS took care of things against their provincial opposition.

The Tiger Cubs rode on the hot shooting of John Canapi and Joaquin Ludovice to secure a 93-64 victory over Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu.

Both guards made more three pointers by themselves compared to the Magis Eagles as a team, as Canapi went 7/16 from deep to finish with a game-high 24 points. Ludovice made four triples on his way to fourteen markers.

Lawrence Cinco complemented the two with a near double-double shift, scoring 23 and grabbing nine rebounds.

Canapi says about the importance of being invited to this competition, "Mahalaga po itong liga sa mga batang gustong mangarap na maka-laro sa malaking liga."

Even with the defeat, Magis Eagles head coach Rommel Rasmo remains unfazed. He says, "We really prepared for this, going back to Cebu. We really do our best to compete. We just have to keep going. Now, we still have other games, so we hope that we can survive that. At least, I’m confident that after this first game, I’m sure that we’re settled down now."

Capping off the tripleheader is the Bullpups emerging as 67-52 winners over Ateneo de Davao.

In a tightly contest affair, it took a strong fourth quarter for the UAAP squad to dispatch their Mindanao counterparts.

Ahead by just six heading into the start of the final period, NUNS would break the game open by scoring the first six points of the period to double their lead to twelve, 54-42.

A Jhon Pellegrino triple would somehow stem the bleeding for the Blue Knights, but the Bullpups responded with buckets from Shawn Lucido and Andre Mann to make it 59-45 midway in the fourth as it cruised into the finish with the victory.

Lucido credited their coaching staff for their strong performance, saying, "Every day kami nag-eensayo and syempre, sumunod lang kami sa sistema ng NU at kay coach Kevin."

Ateneo de Davao head coach Jess Evangelio says about their experience, "We will use this as our preparation for us to blend more, have more chemistry, and improve our individual skills and as a team."

Gatorade, in its capacity as the presenting partner of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, ensures that both the participating players and coaches are very much hydrated. Also supporting the competition as official partners are Energen Champion and vivo, while in its capacity as the official broadcaster, Cignal will be showing the finals of both divisions this weekend on One Sports, NBA TV Philippines, and Pilipinas Live.

Gatorade No Sugar set to address Rehydration in a healthier way

Gatorade No Sugar is available in Citrus Quench & Blue Bolt variants at SRP PHP 40.00 for 500 ml bottles.

As Filipinos become more health-conscious, so have their desire for a better hydration fit to their quest to have a healthy lifestyle. It is already trending towards that direction, with the rise of runners and cycling enthusiasts, as well as the increasing number of exercise session participants tailored towards dance or Zumba, whether outdoors or indoors through a variety of fitness facilities strewn all across the metro.

All of these efforts have a singular end-goal, a improved well-being both physically and mentally.

To reach that level of aesthetic, hydration serves as an essential element. Gatorade has been one of the major industry leaders at this aspect, and they have introduced a new electrolyte drink that would be a game-changer.

Called Gatorade No Sugar, it provides all the electrolytes of a normal Gatorade, but without sugar or calories, instead relying on Stevia. This is ideal for individuals who casually exercise just enough to meet daily needs and fitness goals within the current fast-paced environment, compared to competitive athletes that have rigorous and extensive routines.

Gatorade No Sugar comes in Citrus Quench and Blue Bolt, and is already available in the market for Filipinos to partake, guilt-free.

Gatorade introduces Scottie Thompson as latest brand ambassador

Scottie as Gatorade Ambassador

Earlier this week, the world's number one sports drink welcomed a new member to its family, as Barangay Ginebra guard Earl Scottie Thompson was introduced as the latest Gatorade Ambassador, joining his teammate LA Tenorio.

On bestowing the honor to Thompson, Pepsico Philippines Marketing Manager for Hydration Irvin Sta. Maria shares, "Since the beginning of his pro basketball career, Scottie has shown remarkable skill and exemplified grit and passion. As a global brand that has fueled the world’s best athletes, Gatorade has always been at the forefront of supporting up and coming talents like Scottie who are ready to take their games to the next level." He adds, "We’re excited to see Scottie inspire more people, especially aspiring athletes, to always put in the hard work and understand the value of proper hydration in fueling sports greatness."

From L-R: Pepsico Philippines Marketing Director Mikey Rosales, Gatorade Ambassadors Ricci Rivero, Scottie Thompson, LA Tenorio, and Pepsico Philippines Marketing Manager for Gatorade IC Santa Maria

Thompson was a former NCAA MVP during his stint at Perpetual Help System DALTA back in 2014, and helped Hapee claim their only PBA D-League title the following year. Picked fifth overall by Barangay Ginebra, he has impressed PBA fans, pundits, and most importantly, his teammates and coaches with his tenacity on the court. That effort reflects the Gin Kings' "never say die" mantra.

Tenorio and Rivero "Gatorade Dunk" Thompson

To celebrate his entry as the newest Gatorade Ambassador, Thompson was doused with Gatorade by fellow ambassadors Ricci Rivero and Tenorio.

Reggie Theus graces 2017 Gatorade NBA Training Center

Group Photo at the Gatorade National Training Center

NBA Philippines and Gatorade recently held their 4th Gatorade National Training Center at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong, with NBA Legend (and current Cal State Northridge head coach) Reggie Theus as this year's guest of honor.

The Gatorade NBA Training Center is part of the NBA Fit program, which highlights the importance of healthy and active lifestyles through three pillars: be active, eat healthy, and play together. It is specifically an exclusive basketball clinic that provides discussions, demonstrations, and expert guidance on mechanics, fitness, and conditioning, as well as proper nutrition and hydration for top-level athletic performance.

This year's edition brings in Theus to impart his basketball acumen and coaching philosophies to a select group of Filipino players and coaches. According to the first-time Philippine visitor, "I can't wait to experience the passion Filipinos have for basketball. I am eager to work with the athletes and coaches on fitness and conditioning, and share my coaching expertise on the game."

Afterwards, he shares, "I didn't expect this kind of excitement for basketball here in the Philippines, but it has been a really welcoming and heartening experience. I watched the body language of the players as well as their ability to listen and understand the drills, and it showed in the outstanding work they have put in the program."

Pepsico Philippines Marketing Manager for Hydration Tony Atayde adds, "As the world leader in sports hydration, Gatorade will always actively support initiatives to empower the Philippines' next generation of basketball superstars. We are grateful to work with the NBA on this campaign, and we look forward to spreading our message of hydration to more athletes nationwide.

SLAM Philippines and Gatorade tie up for 2017 SLAM Rising Stars Classic

The 2017 SLAM Rising Stars Classic participants, powered by Gatorade

Gatorade is tying up with the SLAM Philippines for the SLAM Rising Stars Classic, considered as the premier high school All-Star basketball game that showcases 24 of the best young ballers in the country.

The SLAM Rising Stars Classic since its establishment in 2014 seeks to cultivate and elevate the level of play in the Philippines, doing so by providing promising athletes with exclusive access to elite training sessions as well as exposure to top sports industry professionals. Having Gatorade in this partnership allows these athletes to strengthen this foundation through reinforcement of basics, as well as highlighting the value of hydration in order for them to dominate in the sport.

Pepsico Philippines Marketing Manager for Hydration Tony Atayde says, "Putting the world’s number 1 sports drink together with the country’s premier showcase of basketball’s stars of tomorrow is always a perfect match. Exposing these young players to high level coaching and, more importantly, the crucial role that proper hydration will play in their basketball careers, will pave the way for them to reach new heights. We look forward to fueling their basketball journeys through the Slam Rising Stars Classic and beyond."

Tony dela Cruz, who is coaching Team Hype in this matchup, adds, "We’re honored to have Gatorade on our team. When you’ve got the best sports drink in the world backing you up, you know these rising stars are definitely in good hands."

The 2017 edition of the SLAM Rising Stars Classic is set for March 26 at the Gatorade Hoops Center, and on the road to that matchup, the 24 selected participants undergo tests, training, and pre-game preparations. Check out Gatorade Philippines' official Facebook (facebook.com/GatoradePH) and Instagram (@gatoradeph) accounts for the updates on the SLAM Rising Stars Classic.

2nd Gatorade Run launched

Gatorade Run is back!

After a successful launch late last year, the world's number one sports drink will enter into a partnership with RunRio to set up the 2016 Gatorade Run.

Slated to take place on November 27 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City, runners will once again have the option to either go 11km or 22km.

Over six thousand runners registered in the inaugural edition, where Immuel Camino topped the 11k edition at over 36.5 minutes and Jackson Chirchir topped the 22k edition at over 73.5 minutes.

There were hydration stations that were dotted all across the route, where participants got pre-race hydration drinks, a post-race hydration test area where finishers can instantly learn their hydration status. In addition, a warm-up area was established for those who want to prepare themselves for the run or to cool down after it.

Gracing the occasion last year to support the runners were select Gatorade Ambassadors like Jeron Teng, Jaja Santiago, Chris Banchero, Jett Manuel, and Ara Galang.

The 2016 edition promises to be more exciting, while still emphasizing the important of hydration before and after the race. Pepsico Philippines Marketing Manager for Hydration Tony Atayde says, "Gatorade is a global leader in sports performance and we'll definitely bring that expertise to the run. Learning the benefits of proper hydration is crucial for runners and we look forward to reinforcing that message through the Gatorade Run." He adds, "We're excited to show runners how, whether in sports hydration or a unique consumer experience, NOTHING BEATS GATORADE."

Registration for the 2016 Gatorade Run already started last September 12, with the details already available here.

Gatorade and NBA promote proper athlete training at NBA FIT Week 2016

From L-R: Pepsico Marketing Manager for Hydration Tony Atayde, Von Pessumal, Mike Tolomia, Brandon Knight, Kevin Ferrer, and Chris Javier.

Gatorade, the world's number one sports league, and the NBA, the world's premier basketball league, have once again forged an alliance to set up the Gatorade NBA Training Center for the third straight year.

The Center is a platform that provides elite Filipino athletes and coaches advanced basketball instructions, as well as best practices with regards to fitness and nutrition.

Held at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong, this year's edition had Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight and LA Clippers pro personnel scout Dee Brown to conduct the one-day training session.

Gatorade Run set for November

This month, Gatorade is set to join the fray of the Philippine running scene, as it is set to launch its own running event this month.

Dubbed the Gatorade Run, it will take place at the Seaside Boulevard at vicinity of the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on November 22.

According to Pepsico Philippines Marketing Manager for Hydration Tony Atayde, the Gatorade Run "will cap off what has been a historic year for us." He adds that this event serves as a platform to "reinforce our message of proper hydration," given its role as a global leader in sports performance and with its sports science expertise.

At the event proper, Gatorade will feature a hydration station where runners can get pre-race hydration drinks, a warm-up area where those who would like a full-on warm-up activity before the running proper can do so, and a post-run hydration test area where they can learn about their hydration status instantly.


Participants can opt to run in two distances:

11km: 5am gun-start with PhP 1,100 registration fee
22km: 4am gun-start with PhP 1,500 registration fee

Registration is currently ongoing at runrio.com/gatorade-run-1122 until November 13. Runners who have registered can claim their pre-race kits (containing an Adidas race tee, a race bib, and a timing chip) from November 16 to 19. Participants who are able to finish the race will also receive a finishers tee from Adidas.

2015 had been a special year for Gatorade even before the establishment of the Gatorade Run, with the brand celebrating its 50th birthday, the launch of a new variant dubbed as "White Lightning," and the introduction of a powerhouse cast of brand ambassadors.