Manila Chooks TM leaves for Doha

Off to make history again. Manila Chooks TM.

Manila Chooks TM departed from Manila on Sunday night, hoping a return trip to Doha would allow them to make history once again.

The quartet of Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Troy Rike, and Leonard Santillan left the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 1130pm aboard Qatar Airways flight QR929, with the team expected to arrive at the Hamad International Airport at around 430am on Monday.

The team did survive some minor hiccups to ensure their participation in the 2020 FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters, as the visas for the team only arrived hours before their departure.

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 league owner Ronald Mascariñas expressed his appreciation for those who ensured that Manila Chooks TM's campaign will be smooth heading into the competition. "The spirit of bayanihan was truly alive," he bared, whilst adding, "FIBA 3X3's senior manager Ignacio Soriano and 3x3  Events and Partners Associate Valentina Mattioli -- both of whom are in Spain -- and the Qatar ministry moved heaven and earth just to get the visas for the players."

Upon the team's arrival in Doha, the team will be quarantined in their hotel room and will only be allowed to leave once their PCR test results are given.

US $40,000 are at stake for the Doha Masters champion, with the likes of Liman, NY Harlem, Princeton, Utana, and Lausanne serving as top opposition for the competition.

Team captain Pasaol, who during the 2019 edition of the tournament steered Balanga to the quarterfinals, believes that they are more mature now compared to then.

"Born-ready kami. We’re confident naman eh dahil doon sa pinakita namin doon sa Calambubble sobrang laki ng inimprove ng team namin lalo na sa tiyaga," said the Davao-native as the President's Cup powered by TM two weeks ago was the perfect training ground for this tournament.

"Hindi kami naiinip or nasisiraan man ng kumpyansa dahil malakas ang kalaban. Yun yung pinakamaganda sa amin ngayon kasi yun nga parang kalmado lang, hindi masyadong nagpapanic, yun yung good side doon."

Manny Pacquiao sends off Manila Chooks

Manila Chooks TM with Manny Pacquiao

Before departing for Doha, Manila Chooks TM had the opportunity to meet with Senator Manny Pacquiao.

The fighting senator wished the quartet of Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Troy Rike, and Leonard Santillan the best of luck in their journey on Friday night.

"Manila Chooks TM, good luck sa inyong lahat," expressed Pacquiao. He adds, "Ipaglaban niyo ang ating bansa. Dalhin niyo ang karangalan sa ating bansa. Proud kami at nakasuporta kami sa inyo."

Reacting to the message, Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. president and noted 3x3 patron Ronald Mascarinas shares, "Nagpapasalamat kami sa inyo, Sen. Pacquiao, for your support. Malaking bagay ito sa ating players, yung motivation na binigay ninyo."

Fresh from clinching the 2020 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup powered by TM as Family's Brand Sardines-Zamboanga City Chooks, Manila Chooks TM is looking to at least match the achievements of Pasig Chooks and Balanga Chooks at the same World Tour event last year. 

RunRio to hold virtual final leg of Trilogy Run

Even though the world is going through a pandemic, there are always opportunities for runners to be able to compete and complete their desired lengths, even as long as a marathon.

This is what is being proposed by the RunRio Trilogy Run Asia Virtual Run.

The RunRio Trilogy Run is considered as the country's premier running series. Established in 2010, it is designed for runners who want to complete a marathon via a progression running program. In progression running, participants run at a slower pace until their speed and distance gradually increase at each virtual leg. From 21K in the first leg, it becomes 32K on the second leg, and caps off with a 42K on the final leg.

For the final leg of this year's edition, it is scheduled between November 28 to December 12. Virtual runners can pick and choose their desired length to run, accomplish to do that whether via treadmill or by an actual run in a specific location. They just need to use a GPS-tracking app and a timing mechanism to monitor their run.

Once accomplished, they just need to take a photo of their race results and send them to info@runrio.com within a couple of weeks of completion.

To help with one's preparations for the virtual run, there will be pre-recorded workout sessions on November 15 and 27 on SKY Community Channel 955 and on the social media platforms of RunRio. 

In addition, there will be a LIVE pre-run work-out on November 21 at 4pm. The "SKY Rise and Grind" workout will be shown on the FYE Channel on Kumu. On November 28, the pre-run warm-up program "Kick Off to T3" will be shown on the aforementioned channels. That event will also have the ceremonial gun start of the virtual marathon.

Meanwhile, Coach Rio will have a live Zoom session on December 5, called "Huddle with Coach Rio," where fifty lucky participants will have the chance to interact with him. They will also have the chance to win special prizes during that experience.

For further details about the Trilogy Run, one can check runrio.com or on the official Facebook and Instagram profiles of RunRio Events, Inc. 

On December 6, there will be a special charity event involving SKY and ABS-CBN Foundation.

Called the 100 Steps Challenge, it calls on interested participants to upload an actual video of themselves completing a hundred steps, then attaching the hashtag #100Hakbang1Pamilya. The first three hundred runners to complete the challenge will receive a commemorative shirt.

SKY will also make a charitable donation to the ABS-CBN Foundation's "Pantawid ng Pag-ibig: Isang Daan. Isang Pamilya" campaign on behalf of the 100 Steps Challenge participants.

Philippines set for second FIBA Esports Open

Laban eGilas Pilipinas!

The Philippines is looking for more success in the eSports realm, as the country is set to participate again in the FIBA eSports Open this weekend.

The first edition of the FIBA eSports Open saw the Philippines winning its regional, defeating Indonesia in their five-match, two-nation Southeast Asia regional conference.

This time, however, it will be three-team conference, as Oceania champions Australia join the two to rename the conference as Southeast Asia-Oceania. The merged region joins five other conferences (Africa, North and Central America, South America, Europe, and the Middle East). The groupings were based on geography and server distributions, with the field expanding to 38 national teams.

In addition, game will be played on the PS4 version of the NBA 2K21, still using the Pro-Am mode, which allows for each member of the team to control an individual player character. Teams still retain the ability to fully customize avatars, uniforms, and arena designs. Each team will have the nominal five starters and two reserves.

Once again answering the call for the Philippines is Playbook Laus eSports. All players have had experience in the NBA 2K scene:

Angelico Cruzin (Shintarou)

Aminolah Polog Jr (Rial) - Two-time NBA 2K Asia champion

Custer Galas (Custer) - NBA 2K17 Asia champion

Philippe Alcaraz Herrero IV (IzzoIV) - NBA 2K18 Asia champion

Clark Banzon (Clark)

Arnie Sison (ELChapO)

Rocky Brana (Rak)

Nite Alparas has been named as the coach of this crack squad.

Team Manager Richard Brojan shares, "We are thrilled to once again represent the nation in the FIBA Esports Open II. Being invited back is both an honor and a challenge to Team Pilipinas, which we'll meet with passion and sportsmanship in the true spirit of Philippine Basketball."

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio adds, "The FIBA Esports Open II gives the nation another opportunity to celebrate our passion for basketball through friendly competition with our peers from around the world. I’m confident that Team Pilipinas will once again show the best of what our country has to offer in the sport that we Filipinos love - whether it's on the hardcourt or online."

The team has secured backing from telecom giants PLDT and SMART.

SMART SVP and Consumer Wireless Business Head Jane J. Basas shared the brand's commitment towards eSports, "Our support for Filipino esports athletes through the years is rooted in our firm belief that our players have the skills, talent, and dedication to be at par with the best players in the world. We hope Team Pilipinas can serve as an inspiration to all casual players and fans to aim high and pursue their passions."

eGilas Pilipinas' matches in the tournament will be shown on the Facebook page of the SBP, as well as on FIBA's YouTube and Twitch platforms.

Manila Chooks TM gets Moreno's seal of approval

Mascarinas and Moreno

Even before making their way to Qatar for the upcoming FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters, the quartet of Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Troy Rike, and Leonard Santillan as Manila Chooks TM has already won the hearts of the residents of the City of Manila.

According to mayor Isko Moreno, "The mere fact that we are being represented is an honor for every 'Batang Maynila."

He adds, "By using Manila, you're bringing honor to us. Dun pa lang, nanalo na kami."

The quartet, along with new head coach Aldin Ayo and Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 owner Ronald Mascariñas, met with Moreno at his office inside City Hall on Monday.

Before becoming Manila Chooks TM, the quartet is fresh from a dominant performance at the 2020 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup powered by TM, doing so as Zamboanga City and repping Family's Brand Sardines.

Bearing such confidence, Chooks 3x3 believes that it is the right time that the club side has earned the right to be connected with nation's capital.

Mascariñas says, "This time, we believed the Philippines should carry Manila, the capital, in international competition. We're confident we've gathered the best players that will represent the ideals of every Manileño."

The man affectionately called Yorme expressed gratitude to the team, already sending his advanced congratulations on behalf of the city.

"Maraming-maraming salamat sa inyo. Of course, winning the competition will be better, but we are already grateful you are representing the City of Manila in an international setting," reiterated Moreno.

Aldin Ayo named as Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 head coach

Aldin Ayo with Ronald Mascarinas

3x3 basketball is in for some "mayhem."

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas officially named Aldin Ayo as their head coach for their FIBA competitions, officially unveiling him on Monday afternoon at the Manila City Hall with members of Manila Chooks TM and Isko Moreno.

He shares, "I'm very grateful because, for me, this will bring another dimension to my coaching career."

Ayo adds, "Throughout my coaching career, it was the full-length of the court, but this time will be different. I can't wait to try out new schemes for half-court."

3x3 patron Ronald Mascariñas says the decision was a "personal choice," and adds, "He is the most decorated coach in college right now and we are excited that he is now here with us."

The 43-year-old replaces Eric Altamirano, who stepped down on November 1 after overseeing the ascent of the Philippines in the 3x3 scene.

When asked about the departure, Bounty Agro-Ventures Inc.'s Sports and Marketing Director Mel Macasaquit says, "Both parties are on good terms. We will still be working with Coach Eric in the future."

Even if this will be his first foray into 3x3 basketball, Ayo comes in with a proven track record of on-court success in 5x5 basketball, having led Letran and La Salle to championships in their respective leagues.

He spent last year rejuvenating a University of Santo Tomas side, bringing them back to the Finals for the first time in four seasons.

Ayo will not be with Manila Chooks TM when they participate in the Doha Masters later this month, but is expected to pencil in some training sessions before the year ends.

He already is familiar with the players comprising the team, having coached Leonard Santillan in DLSU, tried to recruit Alvin Pasaol and Troy Rike to join his program when they were still in college, and coached in the PBA D-League with Ironcon-UST when Joshua Munzon scored 46 points against them when he played for AMA.

FIBA set for second eSports Open

eSports time with NBA2K21

The success of the first FIBA eSports Open back in June yielded immediate dividends for the International Basketball Federation. As such, FIBA has decided to set up a second edition of the tournament, this time with an expanded global field.

Still to be produced at FIBA's eSports Studio in Riga, Latvia, the second eSports Open will have an expanded field of 38 national teams spread across seven regional conferences across three weekends. This is compared to the first one that involved seventeen sides encompassing one weekend.

The competition will be played remotely in the Pro-Am mode of NBA 2K21 on the PS4, with teams consisting of five starters and two substitutes. Squads have full customization at their disposal for player avatars, uniforms, and arena designs. A champion in each conference will be crowned via a best-of-three final.

The conference breakdown goes as follows (first edition champions in italics):

November 14-15

Africa: Cote d'Ivoire and Gabon 

Middle East: Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia

Southeast Asia: Australia, Indonesia, Pilipinas

December 12-13

Europe: Austria, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine

December 19-20

North and Central America: Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Puerto Rico, United States

South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela

FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis shares, "The first-ever FIBA Esports Open was an important milestone. The growing interest received from our National Federations is additional motivation for FIBA to further develop esports, and we are very enthusiastic for this second edition."

Fans who want to watch the FIBA eSports Open can do so through the federation's platforms on Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube. There will be 54 hours of live content available with English commentary, as well as a daily show that could feature up to twelve matches.

For the Philippines, the schedule of eGilas Pilipinas initially will be as follows:

November 14

530pm vs Indonesia

630pm vs Australia

7pm vs Indonesia

820pm vs Australia

November 15

530pm vs Indonesia

630pm Australia