Max's Restaurant Supports Gilas Pilipinas National Basketball Team to World FIBA 2014: #PusoToTheMax

Max's Restaurant had always been proud to be a global Filipino brand and therefore has shown its full support towards Filipinos' excellence in every field there is. Selected bloggers were invited last May 19 for a surprise meet up Max's Restaurant had for them. So there we were, we felt like grade school kids on a huge bus awaiting whatever surprise the much-loved restaurant had in store for us all. But it is obvious from the looks on our faces how excited we were. Some were even anticipating, could it be a special meet up Max's Restaurant has arranged with its brand ambassador and endorser Coco Martin? But then, why do we have to go to the Meralco compound in Ortigas? 

The biggest reveal came when we stepped on the bus in front of the Meralco gym where we were welcomed by Max's Restaurant Brand Manager Mr. Bobby Simborio. We were immediately given the official Max's Restaurant's #PusoToTheMax shirt--with the National Team Gilas Pilipinas players' signatures on the said shirt's back. Max's Restaurant is one of the official sponsors of Gilas Pilipinas National Team as they compete in the World FIBA Cup 2014 in Spain. 

It was an opportunity for us to get to know the players of the national team before they practice. We were given a few minutes to take photos with them, and to be honest, it really felt like everyone seemed to be in a #fangirl mode. We've met popular basketball coaches Norman Black and Chot Reyes. I've seen Norman Black before when my beloved Kyle attended Batang PBA Basketball Sessions before. But it's my first time to have a photo taken with him. We also got to meet other members of the Gilas Pilipinas National Team such as Barangay Ginebra's Japeth Aguilar and L.A. Tenorio, Rain or Shine's Paul Lee and Beau Belga, Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan, Meralco Bolts' Gary David, Talk n' Text's Larry Fonacier and  Jayson

Castro, etc...

The Ateneo De Manila High School Basketball Team

Too bad, according to the organizers, one of the more popular players Marc Pingris has sore eyes so he was not present during that night. But hopefully, we could have another opportunity perhaps to see him in person soon in the future. Even the entire Ateneo De Manila High School Basketball campers were there to give the team the support that they need.

Towering basketball guy, Japeth Aguilar made me look like a fat dwarf. 

The Purple Plum Fairy with Coach Norman Black

The entire Max's Restaurant executives, officers and personnel came to show their support to the entire members of Gilas Pilipinas National Team as they make their bout and carry the country's colors in the upcoming World FIBA Cup in Spain. With the official Max's Restaurant hashtag #PusoToTheMax, it really takes a lot of fighting heart to go forth and shine in the World FIBA, but with companies like Max's Restaurant at the helm, ready to support the Philippine National Team who call themselves "Gilas Pilipinas", win or lose, they will still be winners in the eyes of many simply by making it there--qualifying for the World FIBA Championship in Spain alone already makes them winners in their own rights. 

So go forth, Team Philippines! Good luck in your future games. May you guys bring home the bacon! 

Special thanks to Max's Restaurant for the opportunity to meet the Gilas Pilipinas coaches and team members. 

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own.

Basketball Fans Alert: NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 in July!

NBA Philippines 2011 Presented by Sprite

The first-ever NBA 3-on-3 Philippines presented by Sprite will be held in Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from July 1-3, 2011. The event combines exciting on-court competition with authentic NBA entertainment and experiences for Filipino basketball fans.

The NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 will provide youngsters with an opportunity to hone their skills and compete amongst their peers.  The competition is open to boys and girls ages 11 to 19, with an open division for men. Basketball fanatics are in for a treat as boys and girls of all skill levels from those specific ages participate and vie for the top honors and bragging rights. The event will be based on the FIBA 3on3 format and rules, and provide participants and fans the total NBA experience with entertainment and unique interactive elements. Registration is on-going on a first come first served basis and will run until June 28. 

The host talked about the upcoming NBA event presented by Sprite.

To enhance fan experience, NBA Legend Horace Grant, a four-time NBA Champion (1990-91, 1991-1992, 1992-1993 with Chicago; 2000-01 with L.A. Lakers) and an NBA All-Star in 1994, will make appearances and interact with fans through clinics and community events.  “I’m really looking forward to my trip to the Philippines. I’ve heard that it’s a nation that loves basketball and I can’t wait to meet the participants of the NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 tournament. I have never been to Manila before but look forward to participating in the NBA cares event and helping teach the great sports of basketball. See you all in July!” said Horace Grant in a statement on his involvement in the first ever NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 Presented by Sprite.

Basketball fanatics and sports enthusiasts trooped to National Sports Grill to watch Dallas vs. Miami game.

Other NBA-style events over the three days include a Sprite Slam Dunk contest and Energen Skills Challenge where participants can compete and showcase their abilities in front of a home crowd. There will also be an authentic NBA half-time show featuring performances by the Knicks City Dancers, NBA merchandise giveaways and live music to keep fans entertained. Entry to watch the tournament and soak in the festivities is FREE of CHARGE. 

Mr. Scott Levy, Senior Vice President and managing Director of NBA Asia welcomes guests and media.

NBA Cares, the league’s global social responsibility program, will also conduct a variety of community events in conjunction with the NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 presented by Sprite.

All participants of the NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 will receive a jersey and NBA sling bag, with early registrants (those who sign up before June 10) receiving a signed photograph of NBA Legend Horace Grant. There will also be prizes for the winner of each division. 

Along with Sprite, SOLARtv Network Incorporated (Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV) has joined the NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 as official media partner together with Studio 23. Supporting partners also include Energen and Spalding. Venue partner is SM Mall of Asia.

Team registration fees are payable by cash only and are as follows:

Age divisions—800Php per team

Open division—1,200Php per team

VIP Division—By Invitation Only

Registration Form and details are available via the NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 Presented by Sprite event website. Registration and payment will not be available online.

Registration Locations:

Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia

Date: June 3-June 17

Time: 10AM-10PM

E-Ventologist Event Office

Date: June 3-June 28

Time: 10AM-10PM

Address: Unit 203 ALCCO Bldg. Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan

Proline Sports Center/Spalding-Greenbelt 1

Dates: June 3-June 28

Time: 10Am-10PM

Address: Ground Floor, Greenbelt 1, Ayala Center, Makati City

KFC Jupiter

Dates: June 4-June 28

Time: 10Am-10PM

Address: 104 Jupiter Street corner Makati Avenue, Makati City

Some of the bloggers who attended the event: Den Marco, Ruth Dela Cruz, the author, and Bedalyn Aguas. 

For inquiries and other details, please call their hotline number: 565-0685

For more information about the NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 presented by Sprite plus chances to win daily quiz prizes, please log onto www.nba3on3.com/Philippines. Fans can also get updates on the event by following the NBA twitter at www.twitter.com/NBA_Philippines and through Facebook at www.facebook.com/nba. 

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Pepi De Leon for the invites.