Westports Malaysia take Game 1 of ABL semis

c/o Norman Goh

Westports Malaysia Dragons took Game 1 of their best-of-three ASEAN Basketball League semifinal matchup, defeating the Saigon Heat, 84-68, last Saturday.

The Heat were without Moses Morgan in this matchup, as he was still suffering from the ill effects of an inadvertent elbow from Qingde Wu during their 100-73 loss to the Singapore Slingers a week earlier. Already suffering a broken nose as a result, he also had been experiencing headaches during practices in the run-up to the semis, which forced him to sit out the game.

His absence was felt initially, with Malaysia scoring the first eight points of the match. However, that did not deter the team, with David Arnold, Paul Williams, and Lenny Daniel keeping Saigon within striking distance, eventually whittling down the deficit to just three after one quarter, 21-18. They would even take the lead on Daniel's triple just before the midway mark of the 2nd quarter, 26-24.

It wold eventually finish with a slim 35-33 halftime lead for the Dragons.

Ariel Vanguardia made the necessary adjustments during the break for the third period, as the Dragons began to go to Reggie Johnson in the post, scoring ten points. However, Saigon remained within striking distance by the end of the quarter, thanks to Daniel and Han Minh Trieu, as they still trail, 57-52.

The Heat finally wilted in the fourth quarter, as Johnson continued his rampage in the final quarter, while Shee Fai Loh began to make his shots and Jason Brickman's playmaking took its toll on the visitors.

Johnson finished with 29 points on 10/17 shooting, 23 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.

Matthew Wright added eighteen markers, while Loh contributed 13 points off the bench.

The halftime adjustments "opened up everything," according to Vanguardia, noting that they "got away from what we're doing." He added they that "buckled down defensively," highlighting that they limited them to under 70 points. Ariel also cited the absence of Morgan as a factor in the slow start, as it threw them off-guard with their preparations.

Johnson also shared that same opinion with Vanguardia, saying that they were taking too much jumpers, pointing out that if they make "bring the ball inside out, they gotta help down and it opens threes."

Daniel finished with 29 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks to lead the Heat. Arnold and Williams each scored 13 markers.

Game 2 of this semifinal match-up will be on March 4 at Saigon's CIS Stadium. The Heat will have to win to force a winner-take-all or else Westports Malaysia will secure a finals berth.

The Barangay Ginebra 3-on-3 tournament set to launch

Barangay Ginebra 3-on-3 Tournament

The 3-on-3 phenomenon continues with its growth.

The latest campaign to join in this campaign is this project from Ginebra San Miguel.

The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will take place across the country for those who are over the age of 18.

Participants just need to collect either GSM Blue caps or Ginebra San Miguel seals.

Champions will be determined within the barangays, with the winners to receive PhP 3,000 and GSMI products. They would then get a crack to be a national champion, as the top sixteen teams across the country will participate in a knockout tournament.


The inaugural qualifier will happen on March 12 at Santolan, Pasig City. Teams from Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan Laguna, Quezon Province, Cavite, Bulacan, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Paranaque, Rizal, Pasay City, Cebu, Davao and Bacolod will have their respective qualifiers until May 7.

More details about this can be seen on the Ginebra San Miguel Facebook page.

Tennis Clinic with Coca-Cola IPTL stars through PLDT HOME Fibr

The lucky tennis clinic participants

The Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) just had their second stop in Manila, and with broadband provider PLDT HOME Fibr being one of the tournament presenters, they kicked off the Manila festivities with an exclusive tennis clinic with some young Pinoy athletes, as well as lucky Fibr subscribers.

The clinic featured three players from the defending champion Indian Aces (team skipper Fabrice Santoro, Rohan Bopanna, and newcomer Ivan Dodig) serving as mentors for these lucky participants, who had the chance to have warm-ups and exhibition matches, alongside teaching moments that will be of help for these kids as they grow into the sport.

Indian Aces stalwarts Rohan Bopanna, Fabrice Santoro, and Ivan Dodig
with the lucky participants of the PLDT HOME Fibr tennis clinic.

IPTL set to take place

The International Premier Tennis League had packed 30,000 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena for three days last year, and gave them a spectacular showcase involving some of the most iconic names in tennis.

This time, PLDT HOME Fibr is honored to bring that experience back with this year's edition, with the Philippine Mavericks set to lead the way. PLDT VP and Home Marketing Head Gary Dujali is expecting more this year, especially with the larger roster of tennis stars. He adds that it continues to "commit to bringing optimal world-class experiences to its customers."

The rebranded Philippine Mavericks will be led by the top-ranked woman in the world, Serena Williams, with Richard Gasquet, Sabine Lisicki, Jarmila Gajdosova, Borna Coric, and Filipino tennis icon Treat Huey. Serving as the team skipper is Mark Philippoussis.

The Philippines is the second leg of the IPTL's 5-stop tour, with Kobe kicking off this year's edition. Stops in Delhi, Dubai, and Singapore complete the tour.

Gatorade launches White Lightning

Pepsico's Tony Atayde with the Gatorade Ambassadors Mika Reyes, Chris Banchero, and Alyssa Valdez

To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Gatorade has officially beefed up its roster with the launch of its latest variant, the orange-and-grapefruit-flavor based White Lightning.

To help with the launch, Gatorade enlisted a powerhouse lineup of ambassadors, namely volleybelles Alyssa Valdez and Mika Reyes, as well as noted ballers Jeron Teng and Chris Banchero.

Pepsico Philippines Marketing Manager for Hydration Tony Atayde says, “Coming from our 50th anniversary wherein we celebrated Gatorade's legacy of fueling local international sports' greatest moments, we now want to focus on empowering a new breed of athletes and game-changers.” He adds, “Alyssa, Mika, Chris, and Jeron are top athletes who know the value of working hard to stay in peak form and understand that games aren't won on the court but in the gym and practice venues. We're excited to see them inspire more people to pursue active lifestyles and understand the value of proper hydration.

With White Lightning, Gatorade aims to help one's path towards greatness. It believes that the road begins with relentless hard work, one without shortcuts. The key to winning on game day, whether that is either going on a long marathon or climbing a mountain peak, or even as simple as just feeling stronger overall, lies in just preparing yourself in the gym and constantly working to improve your game.

With this kind of hard work, it is important to have the proper hydration to be able to push forward and grow stronger, thus the entry of Gatorade, and with this latest product.

White Lightning is formulated by a combination of non-carbonated water (does not cause stomach discomfort), six percent carbohydrates (according to research is the optimal level in promoting absorption and providing energy to working muscles), electrolytes (for rapid rehydration), and minerals (helps prevent cramps).

Atayde adds, “You don't have to be a pro athlete to benefit from proper hydration. For as long as you move and you sweat, your body needs to be properly hydrated so you continue to work towards achieving your full potential. We're confident that our new variant and our new ambassadors will help reinforce that message.”

Loro Football Cup this October

If this interests you, contact the number you see on this graphic.

NBA x Project Runway crossover

This past Sunday, an interesting crossover between two properties that Solar Entertainment Corporation have rights to took place.

On the latest episode of Project Runway Philippines, the competing Pinoy fashion designers went to the NBA Store in Glorietta for their latest challenge: to create a fashion look out of the items available at the said store.

Overseeing the festivities in that episode is NBA Philippines country manager Carlo Singson, who also gave his own sense of fashion with his suggestions and tips for the designers. Acting as one of the guest judges for this episode is Rain or Shine's versatile swingman Gabe Norwood.

Replays of this NBA crossover edition for Project Runway: Philippines are as follows:

August 19: 10pm
August 20: 3am, 10am, 5pm
August 22 1pm
August 23 8am

The concept of basketball players becoming fashionable was an offshoot from David Stern instituting a dress code a decade ago in 2005. The then-commissioner noted that players should be wearing a "business casual" attire in all "team or league activities." In addition, certain players have decided to create their own unique style, like a Dwyane Wade or a Russell Westbrook. In fact, LeBron James designated Rachel Johnson back in 2006.

Nowadays, the pre-game and post-game scenes could be a witness to a fashion innovation or even a fashion faux pas.

LeBron James in Manila for the Rise Beyond Belief tour

In line with its Rise campaign, LeBron James will be making his return to the highly-anticipated Philippines next week.

James will be tasked to mentor the Rise players and serve as their inspiration. His backstory is a good illustration of perseverance and overcoming adversity. After all, he has been the subject of scrutiny since high school, and his relentless drive and desire for greatness provides a template for these youngsters to follow, as they make the attempt to rise above it all.

LeBron will also make the announcement as to who will make the final cut. Those who were selected will comprise Team Rise for their final task.

Team Rise ain't the only ones who would have the chance to "Witness Greatness." Just like his previous visit here, the Mall of Asia Arena will serve as a venue for one of his activities. This time, it will be on August 20, and fans, much like the that time back in 2013, will have the chance to be in attendance. How?

1. Fans will have to visit http://gonike.me/LebronJamesRiseTour starting August 14 at 9am.

2. Follow the instructions on the site in registering, and if successful, they will be receiving a confirmation e-mail.
3. Fans will need to present that e-mail and a valid ID to a Nike store at the designated date and time from August 15-18 to claim the tickets.

In addition, a "Rise Beyond Belief" photo booth will be set up at the Fort branch of Nike Park, in which fans could have the chance to be part of a special photo mosaic of James.

Fans can watch Nike Rise on all Sundays of August, 6pm, on TV5. In case you want to relive the episodes, you can head to Sports5.ph or on Nike Philippines' YouTube page.

NBA and Under Armour expand current partnership

The NBA announced on Monday that it is expanding its partnership with Under Armour (UA).

The up-and-coming American sporting apparel brand, which has had a relationship with the NBA since 2011, earned the nod of becoming the title partner of the NBA Draft Combine (starting in 2018). This specific agreement means that upcoming NBA Draft prospects will be in UA gear during the entirety of its event. UA will also develop a retail apparel line based from the combine for the fans to purchase.

As a presenting partner for the US-based Jr. NBA program, UA will help the league with its expanded efforts to get the youth out to play. Through basketball clinics, skills challenges, and regional tournaments conducted with the assistance of youth basketball organizations, the NBA aims to reach out to five million kids aged 6-14 y/o and develop within them a lifelong passion with the sport.

It is also important to stress out that the Jr. NBA Program not only teaches them the fundamentals of the sport, but also them the STAR values (sportsmanship, teamwork, a positive attitude, and respect) that would serve them well outside of the court.

In addition to the two programs, the NBA will utilize Under Armour's Connected Fitness platform as the basis for its NBA FIT App, which fits the league's thrust in encouraging people to have a healthy and active lifestyle. The application will have training tips and fitness-related content, among other things.

UA also secured a global content partnership with the league, which will come in handy particularly with marketing and promoting its athlete endorsers (i.e. Stephen Curry, Kemba Walker, Brandon Jennings, Greivis Vasquez and Emmanuel Mudiay). It will also be make its presence felt at some of the NBA events, like the All-Star Game, for instance.

Under Armour EVP for Global Marketing Adam Peake expressed pride in having this expanded partnership with the NBA, noting that this will allow them to "leverage our leadership in athletic performance innovation and Connected Fitness to foster the worldwide growth of basketball." He adds that this shared commitment will help basketball players everywhere realize their potential both on and off the court.

NBA EVP for Global Markerting Partnerships Emilio Collins says that both the NBA and UA have a shared commitment to basketball, fitness, and healthy living. This latest alliance, allows them to not just teach the values of the game to millions of kids though the Jr. NBA Program, but a chance to educate the fans with the latest on exercise know-how and wellness information via the NBA Fit app.

No details have been made available as to how the Philippines will be affected by this partnership. When asked for comment on Twitter, NBA Philippines' Carlos Singson is excited about this collaboration and sees UA as a "very cool brand."

NBACares visits Project Pearls

NBACares in Bocaue first went to the Project Pearls Learning Center to do some painting.

One of the things that Alec Burks conducted when he was here was a NBACares activity.

The guard from the Utah Jazz, alongside SE Asia Director for NBA Basketball Operations Craig Brown visited Bocaue, Bulacan on Thursday morning. Whilst many in Manila were focused on the scheduled Metro Manila Shake Drill; Burks, Brown, NBA Country Manager Carlos Singson, and PBA players Ranidel de Ocampo and Jayson Castro of Talk 'N Text, as well as Beau Belga of Rain or Shine painted murals at the Project Pearls Learning Center.

They then headed to the nearby PNP Covered Court to conduct a short basketball clinic for the kids. as part of NBA Fit Week PH.

NBACares capped off their activity with Project Pearls with a basketball clinic

Those who are interested with the advocacy of Project Pearls can check out their website.

Debut of Nike: Rise tomorrow

The much-anticipated Nike: Rise reality sports documentary will be telecast tomorrow night, 6pm on TV5.

The first episode sees Chot Reyes meeting the 24 kids selected from the tryouts that took place across the country, with NBA star Paul George dropping by to kick off the training at the House of Rise in Mandaluyong City.

It also serves as a means to share the background of some of these kids, a background filled with non-believers in their skill and talent. Some have their own kind of warts. In addition, they didn't exactly have the perfect kind of training that other athletes have secured, and as such, they will be coming in raw.

George will assist Reyes in teaching the kids during this episode. He is familiar with having to deal with a meteoric rise, from being an unknown and mysterious entity to becoming the Most Improved Player to becoming a superstar. His story is also about determination, as he still continues to comeback stronger from his injury.


The trailer for the first episode can be seen below.

Khris Middleton and Alec Burks to come to the Philippines for NBA Fit Week

A couple more NBA players have been confirmed to participate in the Pinoy version of NBA FIT Week, which aims to highlight the importance of healthy living through these three pillars: being active, eating healthy, and playing together.

Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks and Alec Burks of the Utah Jazz will be joining current NBA TV analyst Brian Shaw to kick off the festivities with the Gatorade NBA Training Center on July 29.

Middleton averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 rebs, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in 79 games for Milwaukee this past season, numbers that netted him a $70M extension in the offseason.

Burks was limited to just 27 games this past season due to a shoulder injury that necessitated surgery, averaging 13.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3 assists. He said in the team website that he is "honored to have been asked" to come here and "be able to represent the Jazz for NBA Fit Week." He adds, "This is a great way to share the game of basketball and to give back to these elite athletes."

Set to take place at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong, the Gatorade NBA Training Center gathers elite instructors in the fields of basketball, fitness, conditioning, and nutrition to share the latest techniques and know-how to Filipino athletes and coaches.

This is the second-ever iteration of the event, with then-Trailblazers Robin Lopez and Wes Matthews accompanying then-ESPN NBA analyst Avery Johnson last year.

Aside from the Gatorade NBA Training Center, there will be a few more stuff lined up for NBA FIT Week, including a NBA Cares activity with Project Pearls in Bocaue, Bulacan, as well as the NBA FIT Adi Nation Skills Camp for 9-13 y/o varsity kids at the end of the month.

Brian Shaw set to train Pinoys on NBA Fit Week

To kick off the NBA Fit Week in the Philippines, current NBATV analyst Brian Shaw will be headed to the country to provide instructions for its upcoming activities, in accordance with the NBA FIT's three pillars of healthy living (being active, eating healthy, and staying together).

Shaw will be present for the 2nd-ever Gatorade NBA Training Center at the Gatorade Hoops Center on July 29. He'll also participate in a NBA Cares activity with Project Pearls (with 40 kids) on July 30 at Bocaue, Bulacan, as well as the NBA FIT Adi Nation Skills Camp (with youth varsity players aged 9-13) on July 31.

The former coach of the Denver Nuggets will also share his personal drills and training techniques with the likes of LA Tenorio, Jeron Teng, Gelo Alolino, Von Pessumal, Mike Tolomia and Kevin Ferrer, while also teaching coaching philosophies to professional and collegiate tacticians in a special session.

"I look forward to visiting Manila and witnessing first-hand the passion of the Filipino players and coaches. The Philippines has produced great basketball talent, and I’m excited to share my knowledge with the participants to help them take that next step." - Brian Shaw

The Gatorade NBA Training Center gathers elite instructors in basketball, fitness and conditioning, and nutrition and have them share their techniques and other know-how to Pinoy athletes and coaches. The first edition took place last year, with then Portland Trailblazers Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews and then ESPN analyst Avery Johnson visiting.

Details on the Gatorade NBA Training Center can be seen on Gatorade Philippines' Facebook page.

Cebu takes Tatluhan title, earns Manila Masters slot

MEMBERS of Pura- Cebu pose, along with SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, 3rd left, SBP administrative and legal consultants Moying Martelino, 2nd left, and Atty. Edgar Francisco, left, and SBP deputy executive director Bernie Atienza, right, after ruling the SBP-Talk 'N Text U18 Tatluhan National Finals at Robinson’s Place Manila in Ermita.

A group of Cebuanos claimed the recently-concluded SBP-Talk 'N Text U18 Tatluhan National Finals at the Robinson's Place Ermita.

Composed of Carlo Cesar Ortega, Jaur Edrel Ignam, Lucky Ecarma and Errol Pastor; Pura of Cebu defeated Olongapo (composed of Allen Fomera, Edler Tirona, Renz San Luis, and Mark Macatlang, who are all from Lyceum-Subic), 21-12 to rule the nationwide tournament.

To gain entry in the finals, Cebu defeated Bacolod, 13-12, while Olongapo defeated Ateneo de Naga, 16-15. Naga then defeated Bacolod, 17-14, to claim third in this tournanent.

In taking home the championship, Cebu gets a slot in the FIBA 3x3 Manila Masters on August 1-2, as one of the three Pinoy teams, with the other two being PBA selections.

In the previous edition of the Manila Masters, Manila West (composed of Terrence Romeo, Aldrech Ramos, Rey Guevarra, and KG Canaleta, with Eric Altamirano and John Flores as head coaches) secured the title over Qatar to gain entry into the finals in Sendai, Japan.

For the 2015 edition, which will be held at Robinson's Place Manila, the top two teams will make it to the finals in Abu Dhabi on October 15 and 16. Joining them will be the outstanding teams from the other stops in the FIBA 3x3 scene for this year: Prague, Beijing, Lausanne, Mexico City, and Rio de Janeiro.

Pinoys set for FIBA U18 3x3

The 2015 FIBA Under-18 3x3 World Championships will kick off tomorrow in Debrecen, Hungary; with the Philippines seeking to make an impact in the global scene in this novel version of the sport of basketball.

The Pinoy quartet of Kobe Paras (LA Cathedral HS), Mike Nieto (Ateneo de Manila University), Ricci Rivero (La Salle-Greenhills), and Richard Escoto (Far Eastern University) are seeded into Group A, alongside hosts Hungary, Kazakhstan, Russia, Poland, and Uruguay. Accompanying the players are LSGH head coach John Flores and Philippine basketball legend Benjie Paras, with SBP legal consultant Atty. Edgar Francisco set to join them later on. Francisco will be attending the FIBA 3x3 World Congress that will be held at Kossuth Square.

Their pool schedule is as follows (Manila time):

June 4 vs Poland 10:50pm
June 5 vs Hungary 1:20am
June 5 vs Kazakhstan 11:10pm
June 6 vs Russia 1:40am
June 6 vs Uruguay 8:10pm

Here are the other groups:

Pool B: Andorra, Egypt, Germany, Guatemala, Lithuania, Romania
Pool C: Brazil, Estonia, France, New Zealand, Turkey, Vietnam
Pool D: Argentina, Georgia, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, Spain, United States

There is also a women's version ongoing.

Pool A: Hungary, Spain, Israel, Venezuela, Germany, Slovakia
Pool B: Poland, China, New Zealand, France, Estonia, Guam
Pool C: United States, Italy, Egypt, Switzerland, Romania, Andorra
Pool D: Netherlands, Brazil, Belgium, Czech Republic, Turkey, Indonesia

Side events include a shootout (Qualifiers: June 6 2:10am; Final: June 8, 1:10am), a women's skills competition (Qualifiers: June 5, 11:40pm; Knockout Rounds: June 6, 9pm), and a slam dunk contest (Qualifiers: June 6, 11pm; Semifinal and Final: June 8, 2:10am). Many people remember Kobe's efforts in the previous edition.



Escoto and Nieto will represent the country in the shootout category.

***

In local 3x3-related news, qualifiers for the SBP-Talk 'N Text U18 Tatluhan National Championships are ongoing in 16 municipalities, with the capper to be held at Robinson's Place Ermita on June 21. The champion earns a slot in the 3-team Filipino delegation for the Asia-Pacific FIBA 3x3 World Masters set to take place at the same venue this coming August, joining two PBA selections.

The Philippines seeks to recreate the magic made by the Manila West team of Terrence Romeo, Rey Guevarra, KG Canaleta and Aldrech Ramos, who topped the Manila leg and made it to the FIBA 3x3 World Masters in Japan.

The SBP sees the continued participation of the country in the 3x3 championships as a "high point" for its centerpiece grassroots development program. It already has yielded immediate success, and it is to culminate in the hosting of the World Tour Finals in 2017.

IPTL set to return to Manila later this year

From L-R: Chris Quimpo (SMART Sports Marketing), Gary Dujali (PLDT VP and HOME Marketing head)
Edgar Tejerero (SM Lifestyle Entertainment President), Abishek Ponia (IPTL VP for Operations)
Jean Henri Lhullier, Kevin Belmonte, and Haresh Hiranand (Philippine Mavericks co-owners)

The Mavericks are seeking to be better in the second iteration of the International Premier Tennis League.

Known last year as the Manila Mavericks, they rebranded themselves as the Philippine Mavericks to be consistent with the other teams (UAE Royals, Singapore Slammers, Indian Aces, and the newly-established Japan Warriors) who are national in scope, according to tennis patron Jean Henri Lhullier.

Lhullier co-owns the team, alongside Kevin Belmonte, Haresh Hiranand, and SM's Hans Sy.

The squad will have some changes from last year's edition, with just three holdovers in Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Mark Philippousis, and Treat Huey. Leading the cast of newcomers are women's world number 1 Serena Williams, Richard Gasquet, Sabine Lisicki, Jarmila Gajdosova and Borna Coric.

The Mall of Asia Arena served as the host for the inaugural leg of the first IPTL season last year, with the venue virtually sold out for all three days in late November.

Fans were intrigued with the league's novel concepts not seen in conventional tournaments, as well as the presence of well-known tennis stars and legends.

The same venue will host the 2015 edition. This time, it would cap off the season, serving as the final leg on December 6-8 after it kicks off in September. Tickets for the Manila leg will be available starting July 15.

PLDT HOME Fibr will once again serve as a presenter for the IPTL Manila leg, alongside sister company SMART Communications, in a move the highlights the desire to bring only the best (in this case, world class sporting events and entertainment) for Filipinos.

PLDT VP and HOME Marketing Head Gary Dujali expressed pride, noting that "Last year was a great experience for everybody, seeing the best tennis athletes in the world in one venue playing right before your eyes is indeed a spectacle."

Year 2 for the Ambassadors Cup slated for Saturday

On Saturday, May 16, the campus of the University of Asia and the Pacific in Pasig will host the Ambassadors Cup, the only grassroots indoor futsal tournament in the country.

UA&P, in collaboration with The Henry V. Moran Foundation and UFL side Team Socceroo, established the Ambassadors Cup as a means to foster values formation and belief towards children, with the sport of football being the means to espouse.

This year's edition is sponsored by ABS-CBN Sports+Action, The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, and Bootcamp.

As noted by its name, 12 embassies (Chile, Argentina, Timor Leste, Spain, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Germany, Canada, Mexico, United States, South Africa, and ANZ Pilipinas) will lend their names (and bragging rights) to a particular charitable institution (San Ildefonso Paris, GK Tatalon, GK Pinagsama, GK Barangka, GK Sampaloc II, Western Bicutan Football Club, GK Concepcion, Immaculate Conception Cathedral Soup Kitchen, Birhen ng Lujan Parish, Fundacion Santiago, and Dream Big Pilipinas).

San Ildefonso and GK Tatalon are the first-ever Ambassadors Cup champions and both are raring to defend their titles in this tournament composed of 11-13 y/o futsal players.

The one-day tournament in UA&P will begin as early as 7:30 am, with matches to take place simultaneously at its Multipurpose Court, as well as the Olympic-size futsal pitch at its Parking and Sports Building. Championship matches are set to take place at 3:00 pm. UA&P President Dr. Jose Maria Mariano and UA&P co-founder (and football enthusiast) Dr. Bernardo Villegas will lead the awarding ceremonies for the winners.

2nd Ambassadors Cup coming this month

The Ambassadors Cup is a grassroots outreach project aimed at fostering in children from underprivileged communities a love for virtues and values through futsal (indoor football) training and competition. It is organized by the University of Asia and the Pacific, Team Socceroo Football Club, and The Henry V. Moran Foundation.

Alpha Keepers Academy set to kick off May summer camp

Alpha Keepers Academy

Kaya FC and Philippines U-23 national team goalkeeper Nick O'Donnell has plans of sharing his passion and talent to those who aspire to be the next great netminder.

The Season 75 Most Valuable Player established the Alpha Keepers Academy, aimed to develop and hone the skills of aspiring goalkeepers.

The first AKA camp will be a summer camp from May 4-15 at the football grounds of the Ateneo de Manila University. There are two sets of programs, a Junior level (8-12 y/o) and an Elite level (13+ y/o).

Details on AKA and on the camp can be read below. Interested parties can contact this number (0917-525-7630) or email alphakeepersacademy@yahoo.com.

Jr. NBA Alumni Game to form part of the National Training Camp this weekend

One of the highlights for the upcoming Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA National Training Camp this weekend is an alumni game composed of graduates from the Jr. NBA program.

Slated to take place on April 26, the alumni game features ballers who have cut their teeth in the top-tier basketball competitions locally and even internationally.

Among those in the game include La Salle's Kib Montalbo, Ateneo's Hubert Cani, recent SLAM Rising Stars participants Enzo Navarro, Ricci Rivero, Tyler Tio and Aljun Jay Melecio, as well as current NU Bullpup and recent U-16 standout Rhayyan Amsali.

Other alums who will take part are Patrick Ramirez (San Sebastian), Ichie Altamirano (Letran), Thristan Laman (UST), Justin Serrano (Mapua), Regille Kent Ilagan (NU), Henry Asilum, Jarrell Lim and Janjan Jaboneta (UP), Miguel Competente and Mahloney Tarranza (Ateneo de Davao), as well as Carlo Escalambre (San Sebastian?).

Current high school standouts taking part in the alumni game include Vince Ferrer, Vince Dolendo and Jan Cyril Narvasa (UST), Marvin Sario (La Salle-Zobel), Luigi Velasco (La Salle-Greenhills), and Paul Manalang (NU).

Sixers rookie Nerlens Noel and WNBA legend Ruth Riley will serve as the coaches for the Jr. NBA All-Stars Alumni Game.

Slated to attend are Arielle Lanot (La Salle-Zobel), as well as Kreecie Binaohan and Roxanne Salvador (Perpetual Help - System Dalta), who are the first alumnae of the Jr. WNBA program.

The match serves as an appetizer for the announcement of the 2015 Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA All-Stars slated to take place in the afternoon. From over 80,000 students, parents, and coaches, ten boys and five girls will be named as the All-Stars for this year.

Details on the Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA program can be seen here, or on their Facebook page.