RELAUNCH. Milo Philippines presents a commemorative frame to the family of BEST Center Sports, Inc. founder Nicanor Jorge during the relaunch of the Small Basketeers Philippines (SBP) - Passerelle Twin Tournament at The City Club Alphaland in Makati on Friday (Sept. 20, 2024). In attendance were (from left) Milo brand manager Audrey Azcarraga, Milo Sports head Carlo Sampan, Nestlé Philippines SVP and business executive officer for beverages and confectionery Veronica Cruz, BEST Center Sports, Inc. executive director Monica Jorge, vice president Veronica Jorge, and president Nick Jorge. (Contributed photo)
MANILA – The Small Basketeers Philippines (SBP) - Passerelle twin tournament returns after a four-year hiatus.
The 35th edition of the competition organized by the Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training (BEST) Center Sports, Inc., founded by the late Nicanor "Nic" Jorge in 1972 and supported by Milo, is one of the longest-running basketball programs in the country.
The three-month tournament featuring age groups 9 years to 11 years old under the SBP division, and 12 years to 15 years old in the Passerelle division, will take place in 11 major cities across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, with regional games starting in Roxas City on Oct. 12 and concluding in General Santos City on Dec. 27.
“After a four-year hiatus, we are thrilled to be raising the SBP-Passerelle banner in 2024. Philippine basketball is bursting with promising new talent, and now, they once again have a stage where they can stand out and be inspired by their peers,” Nestlé Philippines SVP and business executive officer for beverages and confectionery Veronica Cruz said during a press conference at The City Club Alphaland in Makati City on Friday.
“We have seen how this program has been instrumental in giving Filipino youth a chance at greatness – not just by giving them solid fundamentals for future careers in basketball, but more importantly, by giving them values like grit and determination to pursue excellence and success in life.”
The SBP-Passerelle, backed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, aims to elevate the athletic skills of children in their formative years.
“The SBP-Passerelle program plays a crucial role in the development of young cagers by providing them with invaluable experience in competing against teams from various schools across different regions. Beyond the court, our program fosters discipline, and instills values that players can carry into their everyday lives,” said BEST Center Sports, Inc. executive director Monica Jorge.
The SBP-Passerelle promotes a positive and supportive environment for the players.
Its "no benchwarmers" concept gives every player the chance to experience competitive play, allowing them to develop not only their athletic abilities but also character-forming values such as grit, discipline, and teamwork – qualities that make them champions in their everyday lives.
Among the graduates of the SBP-Passerelle are Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Jeron Teng, Kai Sotto, Kib Montalbo, and Juan and Javi Gomez De Liano.
“I am thankful between the partnership of BEST Center and Milo because we now understand that there is no secret to success but hard work,” said former De La Salle Green Archer BJ Manalo, who attended the event launch with Wesley Gonzales and Danny Ildefonso.
Milo, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in the Philippines, is promoting grassroots development nationwide by holding clinics in various sports every summer. (PNA)
