Four nations set for inaugural Asia 7s

Fresh from the success of the AIA Vitality Women's Kampeon Cup, the 7s Football League is set to ride the wave of seven-a-side with inaugural continental competition this weekend.

The BPI AIA Asia 7s brings together four nations for three days of intense action at the McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig, as hosts the Philippines faces off against Brunei, India, and Japan.

The tournament will feature a round robin on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, that would determine the semifinal matchups to be played that day, with the winners coming back on Sunday to determine the first-ever-champion.

Anton del Rosario, who founded the 7s Football League, declares, "This tournament is about building dreams. Who doesn’t want to represent their country through sports competition? The Asia 7s platform provides these communities to represent their country through seven-a-side football. I can’t wait to grow these dreams."

Accompanying del Rosario in this endeavor is AIA Philippines, supporting the tournament through BPI AIA.

Head of Branding and Communications Bernadette Chincuanco shares, "We’re very happy to extend the partnership across the AIA Philippines Group. This time around BPI AIA—our bancassurance arm—will come in and sponsor the Asia 7s international football tournament, bringing together the best of football not just from the Philippines but also from other countries to battle it out in the pitch. Through this sponsorship, football becomes the platform through which we bring to life our Purpose of helping people live healthier, longer, better lives."

BPI AIA's Partnership Marketing Principal Mika Calixterio adds, "The recent years have made people more aware and realize the importance of their health and many have started to make better choices to improve their lifestyles. We’ve seen more and more people reigniting their love for sports or even trying out new ones. By partnering with Anton and his team, we hope that we can emphasize our advocacy and commitment to help Filipinos live healthier, longer, better lives; and further localize the AIA group’s support for football through BPI AIA’s participation as the newest member of the AIA and 7s partnership family."

All three visiting teams expressed optimism in becoming the inaugural champion of the tournament, which is supported by 7x7, TapGo TV, Blaze Athletics, and Mansion Sports Bar & Lounge.

India's playing coach Aniketh Kesarkar notes that this is not their first go-round, as he bares, "We took part in a tournament in Guatemala six years ago and this will be our second." He also shares, "We currently have a national league with 24 teams associated with us. In fact, we have more talent in 7s football than 11-a-side."

Japan's head coach Keller Costa admits, "Expectations for the team are high." The Brazilian acknowledges, "We are here to win it."

Brunei coach Rashid Zakaria says, "This is a great opportunity for us to represent ourselves and our country. We might have a new team, but we will give it our all."

Unilab enters into FIBA World Cup partnership

From L-R: Sunshine Aquino – Assistant Vice President, Unilab, Kathrine Margaret Claire Martinez – Division Vice President, Unilab, Jose Antonio Evangelista – Operating Vice President, Unilab, JIP – FBWC23 official mascot, John Lucas – Head of Operations, JMC PH, Joseph Barrios – Head of Marketing, JMC PH

The 2023 iteration of the FIBA World Cup gets another partner, as the leading pharmaceutical healthcare company in the Philippines, Unilab, has stepped in to be a major local sponsor of the event.

To mark this occasion, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan and President Alfredo S. Panlilio welcomed the organization, represented by Assistant Vice President Sunshine Aquino, Division Vice President Kathrine Margaret Claire Martinez, and Operating Vice President Jose Antonio Evangelista, with a simple ceremony.

MVP shares, "We welcome UNILAB to this prestigious event that will be followed by nations throughout the world. This partnership will go a long way in ensuring the success of our country’s efforts to co-host this grand event, a national endeavor if ever there was one since this marks only the second time in our history that we will be staging a world basketball championship."

Panlilio adds, "We thank UNILAB for agreeing to be part of this once in a lifetime experience, and to share in this global activity, this journey which in a sense is truly a merger of world caliber sports and big business. We at SBP stand proudly with UNILAB in declaring our steadfast commitment to the Filipino people and to our national players in forging one of the most successful FIBA World Cups ever." He also paid tribute to UNILAB’S sense patriotism and generosity in coming to the aid of the national team and of the overall effort to promote the country to the whole world as a shining example of leadership, organization and hospitality.

From Unilab's perspective, Corporate Vice President Alexander S. Panlilio says, "partnering with the FBWC23, and being able to support our local athletes as they go up to compete against the best in the world, is an irresistible call. Who better to support our Filipino athletes than fellow Filipinos like UNILAB? Our mission is to care for them — as manifested in our company slogan Alagang UNILAB — and this is one way to do that."

FIBA World Cup Executive Director David Crocker notes, "In order for something as huge as the FIBA Basketball World Cup to be successful, it must have great partnerships such as this. We welcome UNILAB on board and look forward to working closely with them in the lead up to basketball’s biggest international event."

To commemorate the partnership, Unilab's Alaxan brand has been designated as the Official Body Pain Reliever of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Trusted by Filipinos for over fifty years, [Ibuprofen + Paracetamol] Alaxan has been championing Filipino athletes and everyday warriors. For the FIBA World Cup, Alaxan will enable the athletes to perform at maximum level during the games, reaching up to their full potential and rallying behind them to success.

BGC named inaugural Kampeon Cup champions

Team BGC

Hosts Bonifacio Global City topped the inaugural AIA Vitality Women's Kampeon Cup after a couple of impressive shutout at the McKinley Hill Stadium.

BGC plastered Palawan in their semifinal matchup, 7-0, then dispatched Muntinlupa in a rematch, 5-0, on Sunday afternoon.

The latter forced a rematch after they pulled off a 5-1 victory over Cebu in their semifinal matchup, buoyed by the presence of Philippines international Camille Rodriguez.

In the final, however, BGC showed the mettle that merited their tags as favorites.

They would break the ice after four minutes, as Joyce Semacio raced down the right flank and drew four defenders. Displaying that deft touch, the do-it-all player sent a cross that blew past the remaining Muntinlupa players and found an unmarked Shelah Cadag who blasted the ball past the keeper.

The second goal did not take long, as Dai Dolino's long clearance somehow found the right top corner of the net.

Maegan Alforque made it 3-0 for BGC before ten minutes has even elapsed in the final.

Semacio would make it 4-0 thanks to a penalty in the 19th minute.

Muntinlupa would managed to keep the scoreline there until halftime, but Cadag's second goal eventually came in the second half to cap off an impressive scoring spree in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Semacio did double duty as well with Charisa Lemoran by also keeping Rodriguez in check all game long.

The former UST standout finished with nine goals overall, still showing her scoring prowess.

Head coach Shane Cosgrove shares, "I am happy for the girls. Every week in the 7s, they go hard against each other but in this team, they found a common cause to collectively take home a championship."

The Nomads mentor adds, "They knew that Muntinlupa had great quality but we stuck to our game plan of stopping their playmakers and it worked for us."

The third place game saw Cebu win, 2-1, but not before being tested by Palawan's keeper Desiree Juan.

BGC, Cebu top Women's Kampeon Cup group stage action

Team Cebu

Cebu and Bonifacio Global City topped Group Stage action after Day 1 of the inaugural AIA Vitality Women's Kampeon Cup on Saturday, April 15, at the McKinley Hill Stadium.

BGC romped their way to the semifinals with a 12-1 demolition of Pampanga and a 5-1 victory over Muntinlupa to top Group A.

Team was led by the best of the best in the 7s Football League in Shelah Cadag, Maegan Alforque, Charisa Lemoran, and Joyce Semacio, with Nomads' Shane Cosgrove utilizing an uptempo game with their quick diagonal passing and pressure making it difficult for their opponents.

Muntinlupa earned a 3-0 shutout of Pampanga in the opener to finish runner-up in the group.

Coached by former UP men's football stalwart Ryan Fermin, they rode on their go-to-options Hazel Lustan, Danielle Tanjangco, Nicole Ramores, and Mai Martinez, focing Pampanga keeper Bim Capuno to make at least a dozen saves in the first half.

Capuno was forced to the sidelines after an inadvertent knee to the right side of her face, forcing Kate Herrera into action.

The reserve keeper would manage to deny Muntinlupa thrice before conceding a couple in two minutes.

Capuno would manage to return into action, but Mary Loise Defante clinched the win with an insurance goal for the final score.

In Group B, Cebu escaped with a 5-3 victory over Batangas, while putting forth a 6-0 shutout of Palawan.

Joining the Queen City in the next round is Palawan, as they held on to a 2-1 win over Batangas,

With the results now in the books, the semifinal matchups are now confirmed for this afternoon, as BGC faces Palawan and Cebu going up against Muntinlupa. The winners will then face off for the championship and the losers for the third place game.

The first ever AIA Vitality Women’s Kampeon Cup is also sponsored by TapGo TV, the official broadcaster of the tournament, 7x7, Palaro, Blaze Athletics, and Mansion Sports Bar and Lounge.

Tottenham coaches present for AIA Philippines Here to Play

Flanking Ethan Lee and Anton del Rosario are the representatives of the six teams in the inaugural Women's Kampeon Cup.

Aligned with the AIA Vitality Women's Kampeon Cup, the 7s Football League will also conduct grassroots activities at the McKinley Hill Stadium this weekend.

To help in this endeavour, league partner AIA Philippines is tapping a couple of coaches from Tottenham Hotspur, which the firm is a Global Principal Partner, for the AIA Philippines Here to Play program, a pilot campaign that takes place in AIA countries.

Shannon Moloney and Tegan Burling were introduced to the media on Friday night, as the International Development Coaches will assist in the training sessions and also partake of the Women's Kampeon Cup activities.

The former was a midfielder in her playing days, having played for the Spurs in the FA Women's Super League back in 2016-2019. The 34-year-old shares, "Both Coach Tegan and I are excited to finally be here. We first got involved back in 2020 but the lockdown happened due to the pandemic. Our interaction was done through online meetings."

The latter adds, "We’re going to be going around the pitch tomorrow for the festival where we will be playing games that involve the kids as well as our guests and sponsors. While we like to work with the young to teach them to play the right way, it is never too late to fall in love with the game of football."

AIA Philippines Head of Brand and Communications Bernadette Chincuanco notes, "It’s the first time that we’re having a special sponsorship for women, and it is high time that we shine the spotlight on these strong players in a male-dominated sport. And this tournament is part of a whole-day and weekend event of football, dance, music, and good food brought to you by AIA Philippines and BPI AIA."

The Women's Kampeon Cup brings together outstanding seven-a-side footballers from its different locations. The inaugural iteration is bringing six teams: Batangas, BGC, Cebu, Muntinlupa, Palawan, and Pampanga.

For Palawan's head coach Matt Gol-lod, he can relate to his team's excitement. "We’re very happy to be a part of this prestigious tournament and for the girls to meet the Tottenham coaches will surely inspire them."

Fans can watch the AIA Vitality Women's Kampeon Cup through the streaming application TapGO TV. By using the code TGTVAIA, one can not only watch the the tournament, but also partake of the exclusive access available on the app for the next month.

Also sponsoring the competition are Palaro, 7x7, and Blaze Athletics.

7s Football League set for inaugural Women’s Kampeon Cup

7s Pampanga

The Kampeon Cup is getting its female flavor this weekend.

Considered as the showcase event to best show seven-a-side football in the country, the first-ever AIA Vitality Kampeon Cup for women is scheduled this weekend, April 15-16, at the McKinley Hill Stadium in Taguig.

Six sides will comprise the inaugural cast: Batangas, Bonifacio Global City, Cebu, Muntinlupa, Palawan, and Pampanga, with the draw earlier this splitting them into two teams: Group A will have Pampanga, Muntinlupa, and BGC, while Batangas, Cebu, and Palawan will be in Group B.

Saturday action will see round robin pool play, while Sunday is devoted to the postseason. The semifinal is slated at 3pm, with the third place game at 5pm and the championship to be determined one hour later.

League founder Anton del Rosario shares, "I’m really excited for the first Women’s Kampeon Cup. Women need a pathway for the sport and more local role models. This is where I believe that these ladies representing their cities will be able to step up and be that heroine."

The former Philippines international adds, "We’re happy to have six cities participating, but the goal is to get all the major cities from all over the Philippines to participate. That will not only help the women but also the sport of seven-a-side football grow."

AIA Philippines Head of Health and Wellness Kats Cajucom says, "AIA Vitality is excited to not just sponsor one but two Kampeon cups this year! We’re dedicating the first one specifically for women. Personally, I believe that women deserve their time to shine in a male-dominated sport, and the AIA Vitality Women’s Kampeon Cup happening this April 15th will showcase some of the best female teams the country has to offer. This will be the third time we’re having a Kampeon cup under AIA Vitality, and it’s a fitting continuation because not only does it help us promote our brand purpose of helping people live healthier, longer, and better, but it also highlights AIA Vitality’s dedication to espousing an active lifestyle."

AIA Philippines Head of Branding and Communications Bernadette Chincuanco adds, "Our partnership with 7s founded by Anton, has grown stronger since we first kicked off in 2019. It has given us an additional platform to promote our brand purpose of helping people live healthier, longer, better lives through sports. This year, our fifth with 7s Football League, brings about even more exciting games for Filipino football fans: the weekly 7s during the weekends brings together football players of all ages, and with the two AIA Vitality Kampeon Cups with the women’s cup this April 15, we’re once again gathering the best of the best. The newest one, BPI AIA Asia 7s, brings to the Philippines international teams. So watch out for those!"

Former UAAP collegiate football standouts are among those set to participate in the competition, both on the field and on the sidelines, led by BGC's stellar group that includes the likes Charisa Lemoran. Shelah Cadag, Dai Dolino, and Irish Navaja.

Aside from the AIA Vitality Women's Kampeon Cup, the 7s Football League is also set to host its AIA Vitality Youth Kampeons One Day Festival at the same venue. U5, U9, U15, and U17 matches take place on Saturday and the U11 and U13 matches on Sunday.

The tournament is sponsored by 7x7, TapGo TV, Palaro, and Blaze Athletics.

Filoil preseason set for May

Preseason basketball is about to get underway in May, with the sixteenth edition of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup set to take place on May 6.

The defending champions of both the UAAP and the NCAA spearhead the field, as well as this tournament's titleholder National University, who clinched the title thanks to its Most Valuable Player John Lloyd Clemente.

It also serves as a major field test for schools who recently installed new head coaches to their posts, including the likes of Topex Robinson for DLSU, Denok Miranda for FEU, Chico Manabat for Arellano, John Kallos for San Sebastian, and Jerson Cabiltes for EAC.

The complete field is still set to be finalized, as well as the tournament format.

Overseeing the Preseason Cup will be chairman Rey Gamboa, commissioners Joe Lipa and Bert Dela Rosa, tournament director Bennett Palad, media head and consultant Virgil Villavicencio, and marketing and finance head Diana Layug.