SBP and Chooks-to-Go hold 3x3 caging in Cebu
THE FIRST of the two-day 3x3 basketball fiesta of Chooks-to-Go and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas was a rousing success.
The Manok ng Bayan-SBP 3X3 notched the FIBA-record for most kids playing in a 3x3 game, Saturday afternoon at the Sisters of Mary School Boystown in Minglanilla, Cebu.
A grand total of 1,380 kids signed up in the FIBA 3X3 Play app and played in the eight-hour, SBP-sanctioned under-18 tourney. This shattered the previousFIBA record of 1,114.
“We at Chooks-to-Go are really elated with the turnout. But this victory is not ours alone. It’s the country’s achievement,” beamed Chooks-to-Go President Ronald Mascariñas. “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the SBP and the sisters from SMS for making all of this possible.”
Gracing the event together with the sports patron were SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio, Batang Gilas team manager Andrew Teh, and former youth team stars Kobe Paras and Thirdy Ravena.
This project by the SBP that was played across 50 courts was headed by SBP’s Mark Solano, Ryan Betia, Xander Gubat, Region XIII director Jerry Abuyabor, and SMS athletic director Van Parmis.
“I’ll put some religious context to this when I say this is divine intervention. This is divine providence. God works in mysterious ways because it was by accident that the SBP learned there were these number of courts. And we’re glad that we’re making history with these young kids,” said Mr. Barrios.
“It’s very overwhelming and heartwarming that we got into this partnership with Chooks-to-Go and the Sisters of Mary nuns to make this happen.”
The champions of Leg 4, composed of Joeffrey Ramiso, Argie Basaya, Dennis Gantaloa, and Alunar Escraman ruled day one of the tournament, beating Leg 3 champions, made up of Jayar Tigle, Junel Mainit, Alexander Respito, and Bretneil Zamoria in the champion of champions battle in front of their Alloysian peers.
Leg 2 was won by John Vincent Valenzona, Jimboy Roxas, Ralph Kendrick Delposo, and Mark Anthony Gidayawan of B46. Topping Leg 1 were the B32 quartet of John Louie Lechedo, Archie Samonte, John Rey Ichon, and Adrian Cacaldo.
But there is one more record still standing — the most number of participants in a tournament which is set at 1,898. And yesterday, the SBP was looking to topple this record as well at Girlstown in Talisay.
“We are not yet done,” declared Mr. Mascariñas.