MANILA, Philippines — Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and MelMac Sports, led by founder Mel Macasaquit, the architect behind the trailblazing 3×3 league, took a big step to revive the sport.

The federation and key stakeholders held the soft launch of Pilipinas 3×3, gathering for a friendly tournament on Monday at Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong.

MelMac and SBP have united to reignite the passion for 3×3 basketball, embarking on a new journey toward Olympic qualification for the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

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SBP Executive Director Erika Dy expressed enthusiasm over the event’s success, emphasizing how the vibrant 3×3 community has remained active despite the league’s hiatus as Macasaquit seeks to pick up from where they left off when the Philippines earned a spot in the Fiba 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in 2019.

“Back in 2019, from October 11 to October 31, we held two seasons of the MelMac Cup as our final push to secure the country’s spot in the first-ever Fiba 3×3 OQT. Then, on November 1, it was officially announced—the Philippines had made it to the OQT. At the time, it was uncharted territory, but with the support of Fiba and SBP, we made it happen. The rest is history,” Macasaquit said.

“That’s why we’re back to where it all began. Together with SBP, SGA, and Smart, Philippine 3×3 is in good hands.”

SBP Gilas Boys, a team composed of utility members from PBA finalists Ginebra and TNT, ruled the 16-team tournament, featuring squads from the federation, Smart, Strong Group Athletics, and media representatives, bringing home a P100,000 cash prize along with four sacks of rice from Jillian Rice Mill and P20,000 worth of shoes from Premium Outlets of former Philippine men’s football team player Misagh Bahadoran, who also participated.

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SGA, bannered by the firm’s president Jacob Lao, wound up second. In a generous gesture, Lao donated the P30,000 prize money to the event staff. SBP Elite copped third place and received P20,000. The squad was composed of cage body official Ryan Gregorio, Gilas Women’s 3×3 team manager Larry Fonacier, and Bacon Austria.

PLDT/Smart First Vice President – Head of Sports Jude Turcuato underscored the importance of sports in uniting communities and fostering national pride.

“In a study conducted by Smart, we found that sports have a unique power to bring people together, regardless of background. This tournament is proof of that. Through collaboration and a shared goal, we are hopeful that we can propel the Philippines back into the Olympic basketball stage,” Turcuato said.