Chooks 3x3 fires off in Calamba
THE Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President’s Cup unfolds Wednesday with 12 teams competing under strict health and safety protocols at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
League commissioner Eric Altamirano said organizers left no stone unturned making sure that the bubble meets all government guidelines in staging such a sports event.
Action begins at 1 p.m. with teams playing a maximum of five games for today’s leg. Three more legs are scheduled in the days leading to the grand finals on Oct. 30.
“We will finish the entire conference in one bubble, including all five legs in nine days. So far, so good,” said Altamirano in Tuesday’s online edition of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.
A juicy prize of P1 million courtesy of Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas awaits the champion in the country’s newest professional league.
Altamirano told the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Go For Gold, MILO, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and powered by Smart that games will be aired live on BEAM Channel 31.
The competing teams are Bacolod–Masters Sardines, Bicol Paxful SMDC, Butuan City-Uling Roasters, Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, Palayan City Capitals, Pagadian City-Rocky Sports, Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors, Petra Cement-Roxas City Rockies, Big Boss Cement-Porac MSC Green Gorillas, Sarangani Marlins, Family's Brand Sardines-Zamboanga City, and Zamboanga Peninsula Valientes MLV.
Nueva Ecija playing-coach Jai Reyes also graced the forum, which has Upstream Media as webcast partner. He noted the high level of physicality in the games during Monday’s pre-season, and pointed to Zamboanga and Bacolod as the teams to beat.
“But any team can score an upset here. That’s the beauty of 3x3,” said the former Ateneo Blue Eagle.
To ensure the integrity of the bubble and the safety of the 185-strong delegation, Altamirano said everybody underwent swab testing five days before entry, and another one upon entry. Random swab testing will be part of the protocols inside the bubble aside from the basic wearing of masks, temperature checks, social distancing, and proper hygiene.
Representatives from the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and doctors are inside the bubble to make sure all protocols are observed.
“Everybody has been very cooperative. We want to make sure this bubble is successful,” said Altamirano.