Marawi-focused 'Musikaramay' hoops a rousing success

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite 2people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.” – Nelson Mandela

MANILA, Philippines – The very words of Nelson Mandela summarize  “Musikaramay Basketball 3x3 Para sa Marawi” — an official 3x3 FIBA-endorsed event, organized by Triple Threat Manila — which happened at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City last November 6.

The event was attended by over 250 people; renowned musicians and bands from the music industry like South Border, Climax, Rocksteddy, Jason Fernandez, Aikee, Davey Langit, Nyoy Volante, The Juans and Mike Swift, spectators and event partners, to help our displaced brothers and sisters rebuild Marawi City through Alagang Kapatid Foundation.

Musilaramay, founded by Stanley Seludo, is a community of people in the music industry that aims to create a new league of real life superheroes by using their talents as musicians in bringing difference to people’s lives. It sought to turn to sports to relive the spirit of modern “bayanihan”.

The tip-off was graced by PBA star Danny Seigle together with this writer, the founder of Musikaramay. This writer then explained how the FIBA-endorsed event would have an effect on the Philippines’ presence in the world 3x3 scene. It was followed by the welcome remarks of Paulo Legaspi, president and CEO of Healthwell Nutraceuticals Inc., one of the event’s major partners. He started by admiring the cause, most especially believing on the people behind the event.  Menchie Silvestre also spoke about the partnership of Musikaramay and Alagang Kapatid Foundation leading the crowd to chant “Bangon Marawi!”

The teams that took part were:

Pool A: Escalera, Globe Musikaramay, MOF, and Radyo5,

Pool B: AOC/Philips, Cross, Globe Merchandising, and HSM

Pool C: Kosa, Mucho, SB and Three Deep

Pool D: ByahengLangit, Globe Climax, Puwetmalu, and Suplados

Pool E: Kaloob, Nyoy Volante, Thunders, and Warner Brothers

Pool F: Ding Santos, Rocksteddy, Studio Z, and The Juans

Pool G: Office of Sen. Angara, PhilHealth, Royal MNL Athletics, and Royal MNL Fitness

The side events brought the house down as Globe 3-point shoot-out and the Kambi Slam Dunk Contest powered by Wilson started.  The lowered-rim slam dunk edition, being the highlight of the tournament, was made more exciting being judged by basketball icons such as Coach Pido Jarencio, former PBA player Richard del Rosario, and active players Mac Baracael and Bradwyn Guinto.

Jergen Millena bagged the Globe 3-point shootout title, while Roy Cayanan reigned as the champion of the Kambi Slam Dunk Contest.

In the quarterfinals, Byaheng Langit and Warner battled to for the right to face Globe Musikaramay. SB and The Juans played for the right to take on the winner between Cross and Royal MNL Fitness. During the semifinals, Globe Musikaramay won over Warner Brothers, setting up a final duel with Royal MNL Fitness.

Royal MNL Fitness finished as champion, defeating eventual runner-up Globe Musikaramay by three points. In the battle for third, SB defeated Warner Brothers.

Stanley Seludo was awarded as Musician’s MVP garnering 24 points, 9 rebounds and 1 assist. The MVP award went to Roy Cayanan, who finished with 45 points, 15 rebounds and 1 assist.

One of the musician players, Matt Villanueva, said: “What I like most is that we helped our brothers and sisters in Marawi at the same time we did enjoy the camaraderie [among participants]”.

Organizers would like to send their heartfelt gratitude to their partners for making the tournament a success. This event was co-presented by Globe, the office of Senator Angara, Pasay City Mayor Tony Calixto, Vice Mayor Boyet del Rosario, Congresswoman Emi-Calixto Rubiano, Councilor Ding Santos and members of the Sangguniang Panlunsod.

The event was also made possible with the help of Royal MNL, GlutaMAX MEN, Meister Philippines, RAKISTA and Rakista Radio and in cooperation with (Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-Aawit), Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino (AMP), TV5, Radyo Singko 92.3 News FM, MYX Philippines, INQUIRER.net, Inquirerpop, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin Sports, Powcast.net, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Billboard Philippines and Kambi Rallos.

Other sponsors include Wilson Sports PH, Audiophile Components, Converga Asia, Inc., Frappe La Rue Philippines, Studio Z Audio Productions and Recording Studios, Nice Day Coffee, Maynilad, AOC, Royal Thee, Bed and Breakfast (Thai and Filipino Cuisine), Philips Monitors and Foldable Kahon by KahoniStan.

Philstar.com is a media partner.

Catch the post-event highlights here:

https://www.facebook.com/triplethreatmanila/videos/906514269506785/