The Philippines lacrosse team is looking to prepare for the 2023 World Lacrosse Men's Championship as they will play in San Diego this summer. 11 of the 23 players on the team looks to build off its 2018 Men's Championship performance in Israel, where they finished 10th out of 46 teams in its debut.
The team finished in the top four spots to qualify for a spot in the championship when they played in South Korea. According to World Lacrosse Sport, “We’re not a big program, so we kind of know who we have and what their skillsets are, on and off the field,” said Ron Garcia, president of the Philippines Lacrosse Association.
It’s not just how good they are on the field, we want to take some quality men and really represent the Philippines as well as we can.
PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES LACROSSE ASSOCIATION, RON GARCIA
“No one believed that we were going to be competitive, let alone finish 10th in the world, leading up to that championship,” said 2018 team captain Justin Rodis, who will once again represent the Philippines in 2023. “It was just an unbelievable ride.” To get ready, they look to put a camp together and scrimmages before the tournament. As for now, the team looks to solidify their relationship as a unit.
Players on the team coming from the United States, Canada, and Australia all come together and prepare for the challenge. San Diego will be an opportunity for the team to gain more of a following and bring buzz to the men's national team. This isn't the Philippines' only team however, they will also have a men’s open team, a women’s open team and a youth team to participate in the World Lacrosse Festival that coincides with the championship.
“Our mission as an organization is to grow the game back home in the Philippines,” Rodis said. “But it takes a village, and these are part of the grassroots steps that we take. We want to engage with the Filipino community around the country because ultimately if we don’t get support in the U.S., it becomes more difficult to generate awareness and equipment donations back home.” - World Lacrosse Sport
The tournament against Israel begins on June 23 and the league wants to continue and bring lacrosse to the Philippines and inspire a generation to take on a new sport.
To help support the team, check out what expenses are listed on their fundraiser page.
Cover Photo Credit: World Lacrosse Sport
Carmelo Anthony visited the Smart Araneta Coliseum officially as the ambassador for the FIBA World Cup. The world championship is in August and he joined Spain's Pau Gasol and Argentina's Luis Scola in promoting the event which will be held in Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia.
According to Inquirier.net, Anthony shares, “It’s a full circle. I’ve been a part of FIBA basketball since the early 2000s and to come back full circle now and be the ambassador for the World Cup. This is definitely an honor, it’s a blessing. It’s been a long time coming. But for me is just about being able to build nations together.”
“Bring people together and bring countries together through one common theme, which is basketball. That’s why I love to build, with the kids and the next generation, but also globally, internationally getting a chance to really make an imprint and put an imprint. Put an imprint on a global diversity of basketball.”
CARMELO ANTHONY
He also shares how now he's glad to be sharing the game of basketball globally. “I’m glad we’re not competing no more. We’re actually on the same side. We’re on the same team now. We are representing the global game of basketball. So I don’t have to worry about going up against Pau and then thinking about him and the gold medal game... I don’t have to think about that now we can come together we could band together like brothers and really grow this game of basketball the way that it needs to be.” While on his trip to Manila, he caught the Gilas-Lebanon game at Philippine Arena to present the Naismith trophy.
Cover Photo Credit: Carmelo Anthony Instagram
The Minnesota Vikings won against the New York Jets in a recent game and safety, Cam Bynum stood in front of U.S. Bank Stadium with a Philippines flag draped over his shoulders. The Fil-Am NFL player has been representing his roots proudly in the locker room, on the field, and even as part of his team uniform.
“Representation. Just being able to put my flag on the map and hopefully get some more eyes to see what we’re doing in the Philippines to raise money there...I’m half Filipino, so I rep my roots heavy. We do a lot of work in the Philippines trying to raise awareness.”
MINNESOTA VIKINGS SAFETY CAM BYNUM
He part takes in the My Cause My Cleats campaign, an initiative where NFL players wear customized cleats to support an organization of their choice. Bynum chose Keys to Freedom Ministries which helps support victims of the recent typhoon that struck the Philippines.
To raise that awareness, Bynum played a top notch game where he finished with a game-ending interception, a pass deflection, and tackles on the field. He had a huge reason to celebrate with not only his team winning, but also having a game marked as one for the books.
Cover Photo Credit: Cam Bynum Instagram
The NBA just dropped brand new city edition jerseys for all teams and the Golden State Warriors had theirs designed by Fil-Am graffiti artist, Allison Human. The Oakland native was honored to be asked to design this year's women's suffrage-themed edition. Excited is an understatement for the artist as she checks this off as one of the coolest things she's ever done. "This is arguably the biggest thing I've ever done," Hueman says. "I have butterflies every time I think about it."
The result is among the most radical jerseys in NBA history, centered around a photorealistic yellow-gold rose -- one of the symbols of the women's suffrage movement -- that stretches from just under the center logo to the bottom edge of the jersey. ESPN also reported that the team in "conjunction with the jersey launch, the Warriors and the sponsor, Rakuten are donating $25,000 to the Women's Sports Foundation."
According to her socials, each aspect of the jersey represents both the city and women empowerment:
Cover Photo Credit: Allison Human Instagram
To counter the loss against Lebanon earlier this week, Gilas Pilipinas took it as motivation to turn their game around against Saudi Arabia. In a 84-46 win at the Mall of Asia Arena, the victory gives way to a 3-3 record in the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers. The Philippines recovered from a slow start that saw them score a paltry 11 points in the first quarter, and came away with an 84-46 demolition of the visiting Saudi Arabians. Jordan Clarkson was sensational in his home debut, with 23 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
The team morale increased with this win and players are confident that they are building "something special" within the team. "I think we did a good job. The emphasis that we put on ourselves from the last game, I think we accomplished that," Clarkson said after the game. "We came out here and we executed and everybody played well, everybody played hard, and you know, gave their best effort."
"The chemistry is definitely there, I think the athleticism is there. You can see we're very athletic, and we have a lot of potential."
Chris Newsome
To get out of their slow start at the beginning, Gilas came to play in the third quarter out-scoring the opponent in a 24-8 run. The 20,000 people crowd supported the team and cheered them on during their high-energy dunks and layups. Gilas hopes to keep the momentum going and building on the pieces to continue to the FIBA Asian World Cup.
Cover Photo Credit: Gilas Pilipinas Instagram
NBA player and Utah Jazz guard, Jordan Clarkson arrived in Manila just in time for Gilas Pilipinas' first practice. The national team is gearing up to to face Lebanon and Saudi Arabia in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. He made the long flight overseas and we get to tag along the journey in his latest vlog, titled "Manila Man."
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios shared how much pride Clarkson has to be playing for Pilipinas and embraces the interactions around him. The executive director acknowledged Clarkson's high basketball IQ and his quick turn around on learning the team's plays.
“He is not just one cut above the rest – if I may say without downplaying the ability of our other players – but Jordan moves differently.”
Sonny Barrios, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director
Meshing and blending with the team hasn't been a problem for Clarkson as he's made the effort of interacting with his teammates like Kai Sotto and Kiefer Ravena, but especially the fans. To help create a camaraderie, the basketball star participates on sidelines conversations and fun half-court shooting contest post-practice. Barrios continues,“Aside from the high energy that I notice that is prevailing in the whole team, as far as Jordan is concerned, he is very comfortable during side interactions with the people around him.”
The former Sixth Man of the Year will take on Lebanon on the road on August 25th and then host Saudi Arabia at the Mall of Asia Arena on August 25th.
Cover Photo Credit: Jordan Clarkson Instagram
Formula racing is almost half way through its 2022 season and the driver standings are getting interesting. F3 Filipino driver, Bianca Bustamante is in Hungary with the W series, which pioneers women's racing, for this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix. This was her first back-to-back race weekend before the summer break. Representing the W series, not only did Bianca get to race but also have a Formula 1 experience where she met drivers like Lewis Hamilton.
However, the weekend didn't go as planned under wet conditions as Bianca finished with a DNF. She made huge improvements from the qualifying round into race day, but the wet roads were unforgiving. Bianca shared that she caught water on the drying track and lost the rear of her car causing her to retire early in this GP.
Bianca keeps her head help high going into this 2-month break until the next race in Singapore. The street circuit is one of the most exciting courses with the coolest views, but she'll have to get ready for the heat and humidity that increases while in the cock pit. It looks like Bianca will be working with her team from now until October to raise sponsor funding for four days of track testing. We're excited for Bianca's next race and second half of the season to start!
Cover Photo Credit: Bianca Bustamante Instagram
Huge congratulations are in order for the Philippine National Women's Football team for winning the AFF Women's Championship title. The ladies beat out the regional powerhouse team of Thailand in the final with a score of 3-0. Philippines' defense helped with locking the opponents to a nil score in the premier football competition.
The national champs clinched the win in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at Rizal Memorial Stadium. The battle for the regional title was a long time coming for the home team as previously they were eliminated by Thailand in the semifinals of the 31st Southeast Asian Games. Scorers of the game included Centerback Jessika Cowart, Katrina Guillou, and striker Sarina Bolden
They are now even a step closer to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Cover Photo Credit: @pilipinaswnt
The 2022 AFF Women's Championship took place at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium which featured Philippines Women's National Football team versus Team Australia. The opposing team consisted of youthful players that matched the energy of Team Philippines. Scoring the only and winning goal of the match was Sarina Bolden who put the Philippines up a goal in the hour-mark on the lock.
The winning goal, a header from an assist by Eva Madarang just surpassed the hands of Aussie goal-keeper, Jada Mathyssen-Whyman. Coach Alen Stajcic called the win an "amazing result" and describing the performance from the players, "first class."
The last time the ladies played at Rizal Memorial Stadium was in 2019 against Myanmar, suffering a bronze medal loss in the Southeast Asian Games. This win marks redemption from that loss and shows the progress the team has made since then. With a close call towards the end of the match with Australia almost equalizing the match in the 70th minute, the Filipinas held on to their lead with their defense.
The win was witnessed by over 1,400 fans and all celebrated alongside the team. It's been the first time a crowd was invited back to the stadium since the team qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and winning bronze in the 31st SEA Games.
Cover Photo Credit: Pilipinas WNFT Twitter
The NBA dream is coming closer for Filipino basketball player, Kai Sotto. The young seven-foot-two center previously played in the Australian National Basketball League for the the Adelaide 36ers and was part of the Ateneo Blue Eaglets in the Philippines. This year the Las Piñas native is looking to hopefully be a second-round draft pick in this year's NBA Draft.
Kai Sotto joins two other Fil-Am collegiate players, Kentucky Jayhawks point guard Remy Martin, and Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Ron Harper Jr. who also declared for the 2022 Draft. Sotto aims to be the first Philippine-born basketball player in the League, but he's not putting too much pressure on himself. Yahoo! Sports reports, although he carries the Philippine flag on his back, he enjoys what he's doing.
“Ever since I’ve played basketball a lot of people have been watching me, especially from the Philippines back home...I don’t really feel pressure anymore, it’s more having fun through the journey. I love my job; this is what I love to do, so there’s not much pressure. I enjoy it.”
Besides working out with the New York Knicks, Sotto has at least eleven other work outs with NBA teams. NBA Draft work outs are important because teams get their first impressions on NBA prospects. In Sotto's case, he's there to show everyone what he's got as this is their first glimpse especially if he hasn't been fact to face with an NBA scout. Work outs and scout interactions gauge how well a player's style will fit with the team dynamic and if the prospect is ready to take their career to the next level.
The draft will be held on June 23 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Best of luck to all three Filipino players entering the draft!
Cover Photo Credit: Kai Sotto Instagram
Houston guard Jalen Green had an impressive rookie season. As the highest drafted Asian-American and Filipino in the NBA, Toronto gave him a warm welcome when the Rockets dropped by the 6ix for a matchup against the Raptors before the end of regular season play. Toronto went big when Jalen came through by forming a collaboration between Adidas Canada and sneaker artist Jack the Ripper to create personalized Adidas Crazy BYWs.
The design focuses on Jalen's Filipino heritage where Jack the Ripper incorporates the colors of the Philippines flag along with the iconic 3 stars and sun symbol. Other details include the number 4, which will be Jalen's new jersey number going into next season along with the area code of 559 which represents his hometown of Fresno, California. Complex shared that Jack the Ripper also added his own flare to the design with the black trim to wrap all the colors together in a cohesive look. He channeled Jalen's play style of playful and exciting into the look of the shoe.
“After hearing about the idea of creating a shoe that celebrates Jalen’s Filipino heritage, I immediately began collecting as much information I could on the people and culture. While I learned a lot, what I struggled with was not knowing the parts of his heritage that Jalen connected with specifically...I decided that the idea should be very simplistic, and that Jalen could find his own meaning in the design...”
JACK THE RIPPER ON JALEN GREEN'S CRAZY BYW SHOE
To make the event more special, Jalen along with Adidas donated $10,000 to the Rise Tribe organization, a Toronto-based non-profit dedicated to celebrating and empowering the next generation of Filipino-Canadian youth. Jalen has been vocal about wanting to help make a path for the next generation of Fil-Am ballers and show them their dreams of making it to the League are possible.
Cover Photo: Rise Tribe Instagram
Remy Macaspac Martin is now a National Champion, the California born and raised super senior won the national championship as a member of the Kansas Jayhawks in a historic come from behind win over the North Carolina Tar Heels in the National Championship Game.
The Jayhawks trailed by as much as 16 points, with Martin held to 3 points in the first half. However the Jayhawks came back, with Martin scoring 11 of his 14 points in the second half including a three pointer that gave Kansas its first lead.
Also on the Jayhawks staff is Filipino American assistant coach Kurtis Townsend, the brother of the NBA’s first Fil-Am Raymond Townsend. Martin is the third Filipino to win a National Championship.
Despite struggling during the regular season, the former Arizona Sun Devil shined bright during March Madness, he was named regional tournament MVP. In his first four years of college, Martin, who traces his roots to Pampanga, was a highly decorated guard at Arizona. After the COVID 19 pandemic allowed college players an extra year of eligibility, he took his talents to the hoops powerhouse.
Remy has posted a link on his instagram where you can purchase unique merch on his website, remy11.com.
Watch the interview below with Remy and his mom detailing his passion and pride for being a representative for his community. He sends basketball shoes and gear to communities in need in the Philippines.
ABOUT REMY MARTIN:
Remy Martin is an American college basketball player at the University of Kansas. They are the 2022 NCAA Championship winners, He previously played at Arizona State University. After attending Sierra Canyon School, Martin committed to Arizona State. As a freshman, Martin averaged 9.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game and earned Sixth-Man of the Year honors in the Pac-12. He scored 21 points in an upset of Kansas. As a sophomore, Martin struggled with injuries which forced him to miss a few games but still averaged 12.9 points, 5.0 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. He was named second-team All-Pac-12.
Martin had a career-high 31 points to go with eight assists in a 95–88 overtime win over Arizona on January 31, 2019. At the conclusion of the regular season, Martin was named first-team All-Pac-12. He averaged 19.1 points (second in conference), 4.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game as a junior, and he led the Pac-12 with a 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio. Following the season, Martin declared for the 2020 NBA draft. On August 2, he announced he was withdrawing from the draft and returning for his senior season. On April 6, 2021, he declared for the 2021 NBA draft. He maintained his college eligibility and entered the transfer portal.
