Excitement and energy were high at the Ateneo College Covered Courts as hundreds
of young basketeers gathered together for
the first BEST Center-FIBA 3-on-3 Tournament. Sponsored by Milo Ready-to-Drink
and supported by Freego and Rain or Shine, the tourney was structured by
Fédération Internationale de Basket-ball (FIBA), which organizes the annual
FIBA 3X3 World Tour.
“We’ve been
planning the BEST Center-FIBA 3-on-3 Tournament for a long time and we are glad
that we were able to successfully hold the tourney, thanks to the sponsors,
supporters and parents who continue to trust BEST Center. We are already
looking forward to our next 3-on-3 event,” said BEST Center founder Nicanor
Jorge.
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Kiefer Ravena and BEST
Center
founder Coach Nic
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L-R: Nestle
Business Executive Manager of Liquid Beverages and Dairy Culinary
Business Unit Joey Uy, Freego president Edward Tio, BEST Center founder Coach
Nic Jorge, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Jeff Chan and Milo Ready-To-Drink VP
for Consumer Marketing Caron Cruz
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Gracing the event
were Rain or Shine Elasto Painters players Jeff Chan and Allan
Salangsang and former PBA player and current head coach of Arellano Chiefs Jerry
Codiñera. Also in attendance were BEST Center graduates Chris Tiu and Kiefer
and Thirdy Ravena.
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| Chris Tiu and Marilyn Jorge, Center
founder Coach Nic |
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| Rain or Shine forward Allan Salangsang with son, Liam |
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Former PBA player
Jerry Cordiñera (right) with son Manu
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Over five hundred
players forming 128 teams from Metro Manila, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Baguio, and
Lucena joined in the competition. The teams were divided into two categories—15
years old and under and 12 years and under.
At the end of the thrilling
and sweat-soaking tourney, amazing prizes awaited the winning teams—Giants from
Saint Louis University Baguio and Sharks from Quezon City.
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12-under Division Champs Quezon City Sharks
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“Filipinos love
basketball. We don’t just love watching basketball; we actually play it in the
courts or on the streets. It’s the go-to sport for many. The BEST Center-FIBA
3-on-3 Tournament is an avenue for the youths to challenge their knowledge of
basketball and heighten their passion for the game,” said Tiu.
