Siargao Island witnessed a dynamic fusion of sports and entertainment as September rolled in at the Ang Probinsyano Party List (APPL) Cup Siargao League. 

Held at the Dapa Gym, the event attracted 18 basketball teams from various parts of the island in friendly competition. The multi-day event showcased youth empowerment through sports, key advocacy of APPL led by Representative Alfred "Apid" Delos Santos.

Joining the league as a special guest was GMA Sparkle Artist Center talent Shuvee Etrata, a rising TV star and TikTok sensation known as "smilingshuvee." Famous for her captivating presence on social media and role in the hit GMA series "Hearts On Ice," Etrata shares APPL's commitment to inspiring the youth to engage in meaningful activities. Her participation brought an added excitement to the event, reflecting her alignment with APPL's sports development initiatives, which have always been aimed at channeling young people's energy into productive outlets.  

Now in its third edition, following similar tournaments in Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City earlier this year, it was "Cong. Apid," as the young players affectionately call the equally young congressman, who spearheaded the Siargao leg once again. The event was made possible with the assistance of Surigao del Norte 1st District Representative Jose Francisco "Bingo" Matugas, whose support reflected his shared passion with Delos Santos for youth engagement and grassroots sports development, both believing in its transformative power to build strong, healthy communities.

"This tournament is part of our continuing advocacy to promote sports among the youth, giving them an avenue to showcase their talents and encouraging them to stay away from harmful vices," said Delos Santos. He further emphasized that the league serves as a way to unite different communities across Siargao, fostering camaraderie and teamwork.

He gratefully welcomed Etrata into the growing number of celebrity volunteers of APPL, which already includes Piolo Pascual and JM de Guzman, among others. Though these stars had never imagined volunteering for a political party, they found that their ideals and hopes for the country aligned with the work being carried out by APPL.

Etrata echoed this sentiment: "I'm so happy to connect with a young congressman like Cong. Apid, who truly supports and empowers the youth. When I first heard about APPL's projects, I was eager to get involved because they provide amazing opportunities that genuinely uplift young people."

With Etrata’s star power and APPL’s unwavering commitment to support the Filipino youth, the APPL Cup Siargao League wrapped up successfully as all 18 teams expressed excitement for the league's next round in their island.