P3 million, China stint staked in Vivo HoopBattle 3x3

MANILA, Philippines — Ayala Malls Synergies Inc. and ABS-CBN Sports are bringing the HoopBattle Championship (HBC) 3x3 to the Philippines to be held at various malls starting on July 1 at Glorietta in Makati and ending on July 29 at the Market Market in Taguig City.

Dubbed as “the Vivo HoopBattle Championship Philippines,” the tournament will select a total of 48 teams through a screening process to compete in the tournament that is open to players aged 18 years old and above, including women, resident foreigners, professionals and amateurs.

“We’re excited to hold the HoopBattle Championship here in the Philippines and we’re looking forward to a competitive event,” said HBC general manager Temple Deng of China in yesterday’s press launch at the Japan Town in Vertiz North Ayala in Quezon City.

Dino Laurena, head of ABS-CBN’s Integrated Sports, said a total of P3 million will be staked in the event with the top two teams earning spots to represent the country in the HBC Final set in October this year in China.

“3x3 basketball is now part of the Olympic calendar and holding tournaments like this one should be a step in the right direction for a country like us where basketball is a religion,” said Lurena.

Also present in the launch were AMSIE general manager Gabby Katigbak and president Rowena Tomeldan and Vivo VP sales’ Hazel Bascon and director Annie Lim.