Terrence Romeo and top local talents are set to represent the Philippines when the country hosts the Manila Challenger 3×3 on September 20-21 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. At stake is a coveted slot in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour 2025 Macau Masters.
“Para sa bayan, maglalaro ako,” said Romeo, a PBA free agent. “‘Di ko kailangan ng kahit ano, basta para sa bayan, I’m available ‘pag kailangan ako. Never nawala yung pag welcome sa akin ng mga tao, kaya lagi akong grateful.”
Romeo will team up with Mac Tallo for Manila, while Mandaluyong’s Jeff Manday and Joseph Sedurifa join the field. They will be tested against the world’s best, including top-ranked Serbians Strahinja Stojacic and Marko Brankovic of Ub, as well as 2020 Olympic gold medalists Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis, now playing for China’s Chongming.
The competition also features squads from Mongolia, China, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Taipei, Bahrain, Singapore, and Indonesia.
SBP President Al Panlilio said hosting the tournament benefits both the national federation and its athletes. “It’s an Olympic sport so we need to keep investing in 3×3 with the hopes of making it to that stage in the near future. Hosting the Manila Challenger helps because it allows our players to earn ranking points while also testing themselves against the world’s best.”
SBP Executive Director Erika Dy added that the event proves the Philippines’ capability to stage high-level 3×3 tournaments. “We’re excited to showcase our Filipino talents and see how well they can compete at this level,” she said.