MPBL Aspirant: Austin S. Meralles Wants To Play In The MPBL Like His Idol Richard Albo

 

Austin S. Meralles is just one of the thousands of young pinoy hoopers who is aspiring to play in the Palarong Pambansa hoping to be recruited in the competitive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Needless to say, he also dreams of setting foot in the Philippine Basketball Associaton (PBA) and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

A journey begins with a single step. For the 5'7 Austin S. Meralles, his basketball journey began when he was  a grade three (3) student at SA Tañong Elementary School where he grew up idolizing Lebron James and Richard Albo.

Just like other kids, Austin Meralles had to start from the very fundamentals of basketball. It was his uncle who diligently taught him how to dribble.

MPBL Aspirant: VJ Vegamora Wants To Prove Doubters Wrong

In our past articles, most of the young basketball players that we featured acquired their basketball skills from their father or other family members. Vin Jolo Vegamora, however, discovered basketball on his own.

While his grandfather built him a basketball ring in their residence in Sta. Maria Laguna to practice, he was practically left on his own to learn the game. It might not have been the best method as Vin Jolo Vegamora didn't have much confidence on his game when he first joined a ligang labas at the age of twelve (12). As a result, he was benched by his coach in his very first league game.

"Nagsimula ako maglaro noong six (6) years old ako dahil ipinagawa ako ng lolo ko ng sariling ring sa aming bakuran. Hanggang sa ako'y natuto na sa sarili kong pamamaraan dahil ayaw nila akong turuan kasi gusto nila matuto ako sa sarili ko lang. So ayun, nagtuloy-tuloy na hanggang sa natuto ako nang tuluyan. Dumating ang edad kong 12 at nagsimula akong maglaro ng ligang labas napaka-kabadohin ko at mahiyain dahil natatakot pa akong maglaro sa maraming tao hanggang sa binangko lang ako ng coach ko dahil sa pinapakita kong laro, shared Vin Jolo Vegamora in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy."

MPBL Aspirant: Prinze Ivan Interno Keeps The Faith

   

Playing professional basketball is the biggest dream for almost every young hooper in the Philippines. Who doesn't want to when you get paid for playing the game that you love?

Getting into a professional league or a professional team, however, is very tough and challenging. Thousands apply every year in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) but there are only limited teams who can accomodate them all.

In spite of the uncertainties of getting accepted in a professional basketball team, many young ballers are determined to improve their game. They are hoping that coaches from top-level collegiate basketball programs will notice their talent and invite them for a tryout.

MPBL Aspirant: Harvey Joaquinn Medrana Waits For His Time To Shine

  

Harvey Joaquinn Medrana's basketball journey started off on the wrong foot. While he immediately fell in love with basketball at a young age, even to the point that he was using voleyball to practice his shooting, his peers wouldn't let him join their games.

"Kadalasan hindi ako sinasali kasi ang tingin nila sa akin ay mahina. Minsan nga napapaiyak na lang ako kasi nga hindi ako napapasali at ramdam ko na hindi ako belong," explained Harvey Joaquinn Medrana in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy.

On most occasion, he spent his time in the basketball court waiting just to be invited for a pickup game. Worse, his peers would just borrow his basketball without even letting play for a minute or two.

Despite his unfortunate experiences early in his basketball journey, Harvey Joaquinn Medrana still wanted to further his basketball skills so he joined the tryouts for the varsity team of Rosario East Central School. It didn't, however, turn out as expected.

MPBL Aspirant: Jommel Parquez Thinks A Degree Is Bigger Than Basketball

 

Jommel Parquez may be lacking in height to be a superstar player in any team, but nobody can deny his love for the game of basketball. He began playing basketball at the age of ten (10) when he was a grade four (4) student at Cataning Elementary School in Balanga, Bataan. 

Because of basketball, he was able to gain new friends who eventually became his teammates. Just like most of the pinoy kids at their age, he and his friends enjoyed playing basketball right after their classes.

"Sampung taon (10) gulang pa lamang ako noon, sobrang nahilig ako sa Basketball hanggang sa makasali ako sa team ng aming paaralan. Dahil po sa basketball nagkaroon ako ng mga tunay na kaibigan. Araw-araw ko po silang kasama at lagi kaming naglalaro ng basketball kaya naisip po namin na sumali sa liga sa aming baranggay tuwing summer,  said Jommel Parquez in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy."

MPBL: Bling Murillo Gives Back

 

The Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has finally allowed the resumption of training by college student athletes in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) and Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ). However, the specific guidelines from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is yet to be released.

This is a very good news for student athletes who have been unable to play basketball, much less train, in the past seven (7) months. It means that they can now play scrimmages in preparation for their respective tournaments. As we all know it's very important for athletes to maintain a high level of conditioning and be in top shape to remain competitive.

The recent pronouncement by the IATF-EID is likewise timely since college basketball has been put in the limelight lately, although for the wrong reasons. To recall, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers held a bubble training in Sorsogon in spite of the prohibitions against basketball training. 

MPBL: Choi Ignacio Wants To Prove His Worth

 

Choi Ignacio's basketball journey started when he was a 10-year old kid at his hometown in Kasanyangan, Zamboanga City. He developed his love for basketball as he regularly played after his classes in a half basketball court near their house.

It didn't take long for him to try his luck by joining basketball try-outs. When he was in first year high school, he was asked to try out for his school's varsity team while he was watching the practice session of a college varsity team.

While the timing might not have been perfect, he did try out but only for a day. He found the training difficult so he didn't return in the succeeding sessions.

MPBL Aspirant: Jahzeell Fresco Believes Hard Work Is Key

Jahzeell Fresco started playing basketball at the tender age of three (3) after his father made him a ring at their house. As young as he was, he practically spent his free time playing basketball.

He was a grade four (4) student when he had his first taste of competitive basketball, although he was only subbed in during garbage time. He fondly remembers that her mother becomes angry whenever he gets rough treatment from older and bulkier players.

His early exposure, nonetheless, helped in his development. When he reached the sixth (6th) grade, he was selected to represent his batch in the intramurals. His basketball journey was stalled, however, when he struggled in his first three (3) years high school to crack the lineup of his varsity team.

MPBL Aspirant: Edison Macua Wants To Play Pro

Edison Macua is a 25-year old 5'9 guard from Nueva Estrella, Bien Unido, Bohol. His basketball journey started at the age of seven (7) in his neighborhood where he often play for "ice tubig" against other kids, be it 5x5 or 3x3.

It didn't take long before his skills were noticed. While in grade six (6), he was selected as a member of his school's basketball varsity team which won the District Meet championship. The team advanced to the Provincial Meet but they eventually lost. Consequently, he was not selected to represent the province of Bohol in the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA), a step away from the Palarong Pambansa.

Edison Macua did not find much success in his early years of secondary education. Unfortunately, he was not selected as varsity in his first (1st) and second (2nd) year at Carlos P. Garcia National High School supposedly because of his height and body built.

MPBL Aspirant: Jhon Allan Ondoy Wants To Inspire

Jhon Allan Ondoy is a 19-year old guard from Sto. tomas, Davao Del Norte. He started playing basketball when he was attending grade 3 at Marsman Elementary School although he was a bit hesitant to play with other kids owing to his lack of confidence in his skills.

"Sa una, ay naiilang akong makipag laro sa mga kaibigan ko dahil nag do-doubt ako sa kakayahan ko dahil baka pagtawanan lang ako. Pero bata palang ako gustong gusto ko nang maka paglaro ng basketball, said Jhon Allan Ondoy in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy."

At first, Jhon Allan Ondoy was contented just dribbling the ball at the sidelines while watching other kids play basketball inside the court. Little by little, he  practiced his shooting in order to gain confidence.

Upon reaching grade six (6), he became more confident of his basketball skills so he participated in pickup games even against older high school students. Sometimes, he plays for twenty (20) peso bets just for the sake of competing. Such experience ignited Jhon Allan Ondoy's desire to play competitive basketball.

MPBL Aspirant: Raeuly Dan Tolentino Wants To Prove Doubters Wrong

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is about to start its playoff matches. In the Philippines, however, basketball remains in the doldrums since the Covid-19 pandemic is showing no signs of stopping.

The Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) status over Metro Manila and nearby provinces is about to end on 18 August 2020. According to the initial study of some experts based on the data gathered during the first week of the MECQ, they observed a reduction in the R-naught from 1.4 prior to the MECQ to around 1.18 after the first week of the MECQ. This shows that the lockdown helped in curbing the rate of transmission. We truly hope that they are right so that businesses will return to their pre-Covid operations.

For basketball, there's still no words from the Philippine Bastketball Association (PBA) or the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as to when they can resume their matches. To recall, there are only four (4) teams remaining in the MPBL who are disputing the National Championship Trophy. Hopefully, the situation in our country improves so that the champion of the Lakan Cup season can already be determined.

On another note, we feature another aspirant who wants to become an MPBL player someday. If you are new to our blog, please like our Facebook and Twitter page.

MPBL Aspirant: John Cedric Lagrosa Does Not Want To Stop Chasing His Dream

Metro Manila and some nearby provinces were reverted to a Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) status last August 04, 2020. This means that public transportation, except for tricycles and pedicabs, will no longer be allowed to operate. Some businesses such as dine-in restaurants will also not be allowed.

With the way things are going, the pandemic appears to be far from over. Our country continues to log more than 3,000 cases daily and we have recently overtaken Indonesia as the country with the highest number of reported cases in Southeast Asia.

But as we have repeatedly said in our past articles, basketball never stops. Amid the bleak situation brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, we continue to feature the stories of hoopers and dreamers who are looking forward to make a name in the local basketball scene.

If you are new to our blog, please don't forget to like our facebook page MPBL RESULTS.

MPBL Aspirant: Anjo Gutierrez

Basketball is finally back! It's the National Basketball Association (NBA) though and not the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

Be that as it may, it is still good news for the millions of basketball fans not only in the Philippines but in the whole world who have been deprived of basketball action over the last five (5) months. We now have something to look forward in this difficult time of a pandemic.

In the local scene, basketball leagues have not returned yet. The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) teams were only allowed to resume practices and scrimmages and It remains to be seen as to when it proceed with televised basketball games. It may not occur anytime soon as COVID-19 cases continues to grow. 

MPBL: Basketball Helps Rocky Acidre Cope With Challenges

There seems to be no sign of the Corona Virus slowing down. As of this writing, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 2,019 additional cases which brings the total cases in the Philippines to 78,412 since Covid-19 reached our country.

As it appears, basketball is nowhere near from returning. While the Philippine Basketball Association  (PBA) has been able to get the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) and the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) for the resumption of team practices, it remains to be seen if full contact 5-on-5 games will be allowed.

It may also take some time before a vaccine becomes commercially available. Many countries are currently engaged in a frenetic race to develop an effective vaccine against the Corona Virus but it seems the very first vial may only be rolled out late this year or early 2021.

MPBL Aspirant: Mark Allan Duarte

It has been four (4) grueling months already since the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) last played its game of the Lakan Cup on March 13, 2020. To date, the Southern and Northern Division Champions is yet to be determined with the San Juan Knights, Makati Supercrunch, Basilan Steel, and the Davao Occidental Tigers patiently waiting for the resumption of the games.

During that lull, we have featured several young players who are aspiring to be MPBL players someday. Last week we focused the spotlight on the story of Mr. Alvin Cabaluna who, despite his height, has pursued his passion of playing basketball.

This time, we highlight Mark Allan Duarte who is a promising high school player from the established basketball program of the Mapua Red Robins.

MPBL Aspirant: Alvin Georpe Cabaluna

"God blessed me with a lot of HEART and no height, and I’ll take that any day- Nate Robinson”

For this week's featured MPBL aspirant, we share the story of Mr. Alvin Georpe Cabaluna who was not gifted with much height but was given much determination and focus to succeed. In spite of his height, he has proven to be a worthy teammate in the basketball court as well as off the court.

He currently works in Macau and hopes that by sharing his story, he will be able to inspire the next generation of basketball players to continue to work hard in order to achieve their dreams. Here is his story.

Humble Beginnings

I am Alvin Cabaluna, a 5'2 guard from the Qeen City of the South, Cebu City. I started to play at the age of seven (7) at the slum area in Cebu city. Together with my childhood peers, we participated in various mosquito and midget basketball leagues. My passion for basketball continued to grow as I grew older. When I was 13 years old, I was given a chance to represent my barangay back in 2001 for a municipal mini-Olympics where I was even selected as a “ KAUGMARAN: BASKETBALL SCHOLAR”. 

MPBL: Garexx Puerto Keeps On Grinding To Achieve Goals

"Goal ko na maging champion ng slamdunk contest sa MPBL at makatulong sa team ko para maging National Champion."

Watch out! the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) may soon have a new Slamdunk champion. Garexx Puerto, a high-leaping forward from Pagadian City, is setting his sight on the Slamdunk crown while staying focused on helping his new team capture the National Championship Trophy.

While he made a name in the CeSAFI as an athletic dunker, the 6'3 forward definitely wants to prove that he is more than just dunks. Unfortunately, he was not yet given the break he needed as he was barely used by the Cebu City Sharks during his rookie year in the MPBL, the fastest growing basketball league in the country.

Looking for a team where he can hone his skills while contributing at the same time, Garexx Puerto tried out for the Caloocan Supremos who eventually signed him. His debut with his new team was derailed, however, when the Covid-19 pandemic forced the MPBL to cancel its 2020-2021 season.

MPBL Aspirant: Albert Philip Paciente

Starting today,  we will be featuring young hoopers who are aspiring to play someday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). It's not a secret that there's no shortage of basketball players in the Philippines where basketball is a religion.

Be that as it may,  not all players are given the same opportunity or exposure to show their skills and talents. Let's be frank.  If you don't come from the big universities and high school programs,  your chance of getting into the professional rank is somehow slimmer. 

Even then,  there are many players who are equally deserving of opportunities but are not scouted. This is why we are using our facebook page as a platform to feature young aspirants, especially those from little-known schools or provinces, who are dreaming of playing professional basketball someday. In our own little way,  we get to be part of their journey. 

MPBL: Ricky Maurillo Prays Basketball Will Return

In the Lakan Season, Ricky Maurillo played only four (4) games with the disbanded Socksargen Marlins in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) before he tranferred to the Community Basketball Association (CBA) Pilipinas to represent the City of Palayan,  Nueva Ecija. He now wants to return to the MPBL.

As basketball has been sidelined by the covid-19 pandemic, Ricky is raring to go back to the basketball court. Just like thousands of hoopers all over the Philippines, he feels incomplete without the sport he is most passionate of. 

"Malungkot kasi hindi ako sanay ng walang basketball, pero alam ko may plano ang Panginoon para sa atin. Pagsubok lang to, walang impossible sa kanya, samahan lang natin ng dasal, said Ricky Maurillo in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy."

MPBL: Aaron Jeruta Is Thankful To Play For Hometown Iloilo

Every year, a select few of amateur basketball players get to fulfill their dream of playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Many Other young hopefuls,  unfortunately, would eventually end up as practice players while waiting for their breaks or they play somewhere else to further hone their skills.

A number of them will totally give up on pursuing their basketball dreams and take a different career path. Some will stick it out and fight for their dreams. 

For Aaron Jeruta, he chose to use his failed bid in the PBA draft as a motivation to pursue his passion. 

"2016 nung nag-apply ako sa PBA draft. Undrafted ako noong year na yun pero hindi yung nag-stop sa akin para abutin pa din mga pangarap ko sa basketball career ko, said Aaron Jeruta in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy."

MPBL: Eric Bangcoyan Dreams Big

Eric Bangcoyan is supposed to suit up for the Caloocan Supremos basketball squad in the fourth season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) starting this June 2020. His debut, however, in the upstart league will need to wait a little longer as the MPBL announced the cancellation of its 2020-2021 season. 

Although the cancellation of the entire season hurts since he has been diligently preparing and conditioning himself in preparation for the upcoming season, he understands the decision as it is for the safety of everyone. He just hopes and prays that everything will return to normal.

"Sobrang sakit kasi first time ko sanang maglaro ng MPBL kaso ganito ang nangyari. Pinaghahandaan ko pa naman ito. Araw-araw akong nagpapa-kondisyon para sa susunod na season na ito. Pero may plano yung nasa itaas para sa ating lahat. Ang magagawa natin ngayon, just pray na makabalik na sa normal ang lahat, said  Eric Bangcoyan in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy."

As the season will not open until June 12, 2021, Eric Bangcoyan plans to return to his hometown in Pagadian City to be with his family and look for a new job that can support his living expenses. On the bright side,  returning home will also allow him to continue his workout where his basketball journey began nine (9) years ago. 

MPBL: Richard Albo Is Always Ready

Thousands of young hoopers are dreaming of playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). It's not surprising since the allure of getting paid much money while playing the sport you love the most is irresistible.

The sad truth,  however,  is that only a few players gets drafted, much less signed each year by PBA teams. For those who missed the cut,  they either shift careers or hone their skills further in minor leagues such as the PBA D-League or the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

Needless to say,  the salary in the semi-pro leagues pale in comparison to the PBA. To compensate, many players accept invites to play as imports in as many tournaments or "panalays" they can join in order to earn a living.  The pay might not be guaranteed but at least they get to earn a decent sum. 

Alwin Alday Thanks "Ligang Labas" For Paving Way To MPBL

Alwin Alday already made a reputation in various recreational basketball tournaments before he joined the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) which is the fastest growing league in the country today. He is now making a name for himself as one of the reliable playmakers in his three (3) seasons so far of playing in the MPBL.

His basketball journey started when his father taught him to  play basketball at the age of 10. He actually didn't like the game at first but he eventually fell in love with the sport, as he had no choice but to play with his classmates in elementary school.

"Mga classmate ko elementary mahilig sila maglaro. So no choice ako makipaglaro kahit di ko pa naman hilig noon. Pero nung tumagal,  nagustuhan ko na. Tas ayun,  tuloy tuloy na, recalled Alwin Alday in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy."

He then became a basketball varsity starting from his second year of secondary education at the Holy Child Catholic School which is located near his home in Tondo,  Manila. His passion for basketball grew further in his college years at La Consolacion where he was discovered by current Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors head coach Bong Dela Cruz during an intramural basketball game. 

MPBL: Jhonard Clarito Is San Juan's X-Factor

More than a year has already passed since the San Juan Knights hoisted the  Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Datu Cup but the sweet memories remain fresh in the mind of Jhonard Clarito. It's quite understandable since he was the guy who played the hero after he scored the last six (6) points for the Knights including the game-winner.

Jhonard Clarito and the San Juan Knights are on track for a second (2nd) consecutive crown after eliminating the Pasay Voyagers and the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the first (1st) and second (2nd) round of the playoffs respectively.

They just need to vanquish the resilient Makati Supercrunch who handed them their first ever loss in the playoffs during game 2 of the North Division Finals last March 11, 2020. In spite of the setback, Jhonard Clarito is confident that the San Juan Knights will defend the crown.  As the saying goes,  never underestimate the heart of a champion. 

MPBL: Val Acuña's Mindset Is To Keep Winning

"Lahat naman gusto mag-champion,  basta ang mindset ko lang every game is to win  and to make my teammates look good sa laro."

This is Val Acuña's mentality every time he steps inside the court. It was the same philosophy which brought him so many titles and individual achievements in different leagues. 

He could possibly be the winningest active player in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) in terms of the number of championship trophies won in different basketball leagues. He bagged four (4) championship trophies in the PBA which includes the 2012 Commissioner's Cup,  2013 Governor's Cup, 2013-2014 Philippine Cup,  and the 2014 Commissioner's Cup. On top of that,  he also secured two championship crowns during his 2010 (Philippine Patriots)  and 2013 (San Miguel Beermen) stint in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL). 

In addition,  he made history as the inaugural Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP)  of the MPBL in its first ever season known as the Rajah Cup. During the said season, he averaged 13.47 points, 2.88 rebounds and 1.24 assists per game. 

MPBL: Jayboy Solis Wants To Leave UCBL As Champion

Jayboy Solis made quite an impression as a rookie in the Lakan Season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) after he ranked second among the top shot blockers with an average of 2.07 denials per game. However, he still has an unfinished business in the Universities and Colleges Basketball League (UCBL) which he wants to accomplish before he waves goodbye to his collegiate playing years.

He wants to win a UCBL championship. Frankly, he almost did last December 2019 but his team squandered a golden opportunity to bag the basketball crown.

In the finals opener, Jayboy Solis  drained 21 points on top of five (5) rebounds and two (2) assists to lead Olivarez College Sea Lions to a 64-62 squeaker past the Diliman Colleges Blue Dragons. It was also on the same game where he received his award as the season's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Paul Sanga Finds Love In The MPBL

Paul Sanga has not won yet a Championship ring in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) but he will soon get a more important one- a wedding ring.

The 33-year old sniper is set to marry her fiance, Ms. Kryzler Kate Yebra, this coming December barring any further extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). It will be an exciting new chapter for the couple who started dating sometime in 2018.

How did the two end up together? It was rather unexpected. They were schoolmates back in the Far Eastern University (FEU) but were not close. It didn't help that Kate was not into basketball players as she thinks they are just fooling around.

Alfred Ryan Batino Thinks The MPBL Needs More Bigmen

Alfred Ryan Batino is arguably one of the most effective bigmen in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). As an imposing 6'5 center for the Bataan Risers, he is possibly one of the top 10 leading rebounders in the MPBL with an average of 8.1 boards a game, just .05 below Mon Mabayo who ranks fifth (5th) with 8.6 rebounds per match.

He is also the Bataan Riser's third leading scorer in the Lakan Season with an output of 9.5 points while dishing out 1.8 dimes and blocking almost a shot per outing. With such production, it's not surprising why Ryan Batino commands much premium in the MPBL because of the lack of legitimate bigs in the league.

From all angles, a 6'5 center is too small by international standard. In fact, a 6'5 height is good enough for a shooting guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and in Federacion Internacionale de Basketball (FIBA) tournaments where seven (7) footers dominate the shaded lanes.

MPBL Elevates Ato Ular's Game

The Marikina Shoemaster's campaign in the past two (2) seasons of  the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League has been disastrous to say the least. They simply became one of the whipping boys during the Lakan Season as they managed to win only eight (8) games out of 30 elimination matches which is good enough for 13th place in the North Division.

Nevertheless, all is not lost for the Marikina Shoemasters as the emergence of Ato Ular as a reliable rebounder and finisher gives the embattled franchise something to look forward to next season. When Ato Ular joined the Marikina Shoemasters midway through the season after winning a championship with the Letran Knights, he immediately made an impact.

Game after game, he posted monster numbers which made him the  De facto leader for the struggling Shoemasters. The 6'4 forward averaged 21.8 points and 16 rebounds in a span of 12 games while adding 1.2 steals and 1.8 dimes per outing.

MPBL: Mon Mabayo Fulfills His Dream To Play For Hometown Caloocan

"Home is where the heart is." As cliche as it may sound, that phrase rings true for Mon Mabayo as he is set to play for his hometown team Caloocan Supremos in the upcoming season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

The 34-year old bruiser will finally get to live his dream of playing for his hometown since he learned to play basketball at the age of seven (7) with his friends at the court fronting their house. It will also be an opportunity for him to show what he can do in front of his beloved mother who happens to be a Barangay Captain at their place.

"It's my dream to play sa hometown ko. I guess lahat naman siguro, kung bigyan ng chance, gusto maglaro sa hometown nila. Like the saying "there's no place like home". Sabi ko nga, I was borned and raised sa Caloocan, kilala ako lahat ng mga tao dito and syempre gusto ko sa hometown ko naman ipapakita yung paglalaro ko. And for sure, matutuwa Mama ko neto kasi kapitan siya actually ng barangay namin so mas masisi pormahan niya ako this time, Mon Mabayo shared to Ligang Pinoy in a chat interview." 

MPBL: Eman Calo Believes Defense Does Not Depend On Luck

"Walang malas sa depensa!" That has always been the mantra for 30-year old guard Eman Calo of the Davao Occidental Tigers.

The 6'0 shooting guard is the third (3rd) leading scorer for the Tigers behind Mark Yee and Billy Robles as he is dropping 9.2 points each game. But inspite of such distinction, Eman Calo thinks his defense is his biggest contribution to the team.

"Ang mahalagang contribution ko siguro sa team is my energy, much more on the defensive side. Wala kasing malas sa depensa, Eman Calo told Ligang Pinoy in a chat interview." 

MPBL: Basketball Is A Way Of Life For Dhon Reverente

Basketball may just be a hobby for some. But for Dhon Reverente, it's a way of life.

Dhon Reverente learned to play basketball at the age of 14. While he was born in Bicol, he grew up in Metro Manila where his older brothers introduced him to basketball, which eventually became his passion. And just like any other kids growing up in the 90's, Dhon Reverente idolized Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls who is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time. He also looked up to high-flying Vince Carter and rebounding legend Dennis Rodman who influenced his playing style.

Unknown to Dhon Reverente, his puppy love and passion for playing basketball would someday become his ticket to a college education. He was supposed to defer his tertiary education due to financial difficulties but he somehow found a way through basketball.

MPBL: Allyn Bulanadi Misses Playing In Front of Basileños

It may feel an eternity for some but more than a month has already passed since Allyn Bulanadi last stepped on the court for a Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) game on March 11, 2020. On that day, the Basilan Steel fumbled an opportunity to knock off the defending South Division champions Davao Occidental Tigers right in front of their raucous homecrowd at the Lamitan City Gym.

Instead, the do-or-die game three will head to Davao where Bulanadi and the Basilan Steel will need to endure a hostile crowd if they want to advance to the National Finals. As it stands, however, both the North and South Division Finals remain suspended since the entire island of Luzon was placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) by President Rodrigo Duterte to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.

Locked out somewhere in Metro Manila, Allyn is doing home workouts following the fitness programs recommended by his friends in order to maintain his physical fitness and condition. And if the barangay tanods are not on their posts, he also do some runs around the block.

MPBL: Migs Gomez Finds Fulfillment In Sharing Basketball Stories

"Bombs away!" and "magic in the air!" are just some of the familar catchphrases we hear whenever a player hits a triple or  each time an acrobatic shot is converted in a televised Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) game. Can you guess who is the man behind those lines?

If you are a solid MPBL fan, you may have already guessed it right. Yes, it's Migs Gomez- the young man who uses said expressions in order to make his play-by-play accounts of MPBL games more engaging to viewers.

At just 23 years old, Migs is already making a name for himself commentating for the MPBL, a fledgling basketball league founded by Senator Manny Pacquiao. It was not, however, something that Migs dreamt of doing when he was a kid nor was it  part of any plan.

MPBL: Shaq Taganas Is Happy To Make Fans Happy

Jay-ar Taganas almost gave up playing basketball after he was not selected in the 2010 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Draft. But as fate would have it, he is enjoying right now a revival of his basketball career playing for the Bulacan Kuyas of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).

Nicknamed "Baby Shaq" by his high school coach, Taganas showed glimpse of his basketball potential as early as his Junior years. Playing for the San Beda Red Cubs, he won the NCAA Juniors MVP in 2003 while leading his team to the championship in the same year.

He found even more success in the collegiate ranks playing for the Men's Basketball Team of San Beda College Red Lions. Together with Sam Ekwe,  a hulking 6'8 center from Nigeria, the Red Lions ended a 28-year Basketball title drought for Mendiola in 2006 after edging the powerhouse PCU dolphins led by Jayson Castro, Gabby Espinas and Beau Belga, 2-1, in a nail-biting championship series. In the dying seconds of the game, Beau Belga missed what could have been a game winner as the final buzzer sounded.

MPBL Stars Urge Public to Stay Home and Stay Safe

The world is currently battling an invisible enemy- a virus causing a global pandemic that has been affecting more than a million people worldwide. As of April 07, 2020 (1:34 GMT), there are already 1,346,566 people who are infected by the disease known as COVID-19 while 74,697 of them lost their lives.

To slow down the spread of the virus, the World Health Organization recommended the practice of frequent handwashing and social distancing since the virus is transmitted through aerosol droplets from talking, sneezing, or coughing. This is the reason why governments around the world prohibited mass gatherings.

For the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte imposed an enhanced community quarantine over the entire island of Luzon, initially until April 12, 2020 but extended until April 30, 2020, to stop the virus from infecting many provinces or to at least "flatten the curve" and prevent a potential breakdown of the country's healthcare system. The lockdown unfortunately resulted to the suspension of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and other sports league such as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) volleyball tournament.

The Rim Protectors: Top 5 Blockers of MPBL's Lakan Season

In our previous article, we discussed the five (5) playmakers who topped the  Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) in dishing out the most assists per game. This time, we will focus on another set of players who are instrumental in anchoring their team's interior defense, an often overlooked aspect of the game but is equally important as scoring.

These are the players who will be the last line of defense when the team's perimeter defense breaks down.  They will gladly deny entry whenever an opponent sneaks into the ring,

Take a look at the five (5) players who deserve recognition as the best blockers in the league.

The Court Generals: Top 5 Passers in MPBL's Lakan Season

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), including other professional basketball leagues such as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and National Basketball Association (NBA), remains suspended indefinitely as the world is currently battling a serious global pandemic that threatens the life, safety, livelihood of everyone. With the way things are unfolding at this very moment, the fate of the MPBL Lakan Season hangs in the balance.

There are still four (4) teams fighting for the National championship trophy when the season was suspended. Up north, the best-of-three series between the defending champions San Juan Knights and the Makati Supercrunch is tied at 1-1 while the battle for Southern Division supremacy is likewise knotted at 1-1.

While the National Champion is yet to be determined, we take a look at the top five (5) passers of the MPBL Lakan Season elimination round.

Mark Yee Should be the MVP. Here's why.

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League was on the thick of the playoffs when the matches were indefinitely suspended due to the pandemic brought about by the COVID-19. At that time, both the North and South Division Finals were tied at 1-1. The do-or-die game 3 in the South will return to Davao while the rubber match up North will be decided in San Juan on a soon to be announced schedule.

Be that as it may, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the regular season can already be decided based on the performance of the players during the elimination rounds. As we already know, the MVP Award is the highest individual recognition which a player can get in the sport of basketball. But how do we choose who should be the MVP?

Mission Possible: Can Basilan Complete A Cinderella Run?

Basilan was just a win away from a historic appearance in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) National Championship but the Davao Occidental Tigers had another thing on their mind. In the crucial seconds of their game two (2) encounter, the Ilonggo Superman, Billy Ray Robles, unleashed a booming triple which hit nothing but net to give the Davao Occidental Tigers a three (3) point cushion, 77-74 with less than a minute remaining in the game.

In the succeeding possession, Alyn Bulanadi responded with a floater to pull Basilan to within a point but Bon Bon Custodio calmly retaliated with a soft bank shot to restore the Tiger’s lead to three (3), 79-76. Basilan had a chance to tie the game or cut the lead in their next possession but Bulanadi airballed a three point shot as the ball slipped off his hands. Mark Yee then put the game beyond reach after he sunk both of his free throws after he was intentionally fouled, 81-76.

With the win, the Davao Occidental Tigers tied the best of three series, 1-1, and the series will return to Davao where the Tigers will have a chance to knock out Basilan in front of their home crowd. But they should not take the Steels lightly. To recall, Basilan pulled off a tough upset win against the Bacoor Strikers in front of the latter’s hostile crowd and followed it up with an inspired showing in the Tigers’ own lair in game one.

Can MPBL Stars Succeed In the PBA?

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is proving to be a launchpad for Non-UAAP and Non-NCAA players who are aspiring of making it big into the professional ranks, particularly the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Every year, young basketball talents from renowned collegiate leagues all over the country such as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) among others submits their application to be drafted into the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Given the limited number of teams competing in the PBA, getting drafted early during draft night is very challenging to say the least especially with the influx of Filipino-Foreigners trained abroad.

There are currently twelve (12) teams that are participating in the PBA which hosts a three (3) conference format annually. With only around fifteen (15) players that can officially be lined up each team, getting drafted, much less receiving playing time, is very competitive. There are also very few players who retire every year; thus, there are very limited roster spot up for grabs.

Teams need to draft young players for various reasons. First and foremost is that they need talents who can bring trophies to the team. Thus, teams are aiming to get the number one (1) pick in order to snatch the best talent in the draft pool who can be their franchise player for several years to come.