Harden, Gordon impressed with young basketball talents at NBA 3X Philippines 2013 presented by Sprite

James Harden and Eric Gordon got a taste of Filipino streetball at its finest yesterday (July 28) at the Finals of NBA3X Philippines 2013 presented by Sprite at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Tent.

The ultimate competitions of the three-day three-on-three basketball tournament – which drew 60,000 fans over three days at the double venue -- was moved to the PICC from the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall Sunday afternoon on account of the rain.

Little boys not quite five feet who were members of the RP Team Thirteen Under and wowed the NBA stars as they heaved shots from two-point country in the U13 division. The very young players of the RP Team were only good for a runner up finish, but their ease with the basketball impressed the NBA talents and the avid basketball crowd.

From the tipoff last Friday until Sunday, NBA players James Harden of the Houston Rockets and Eric Gordon of the New Orleans Pelicans graced the events and interacted with Pinoy basketball fans together with the Indiana Pacemates and Grizz, the mascot of the Memphis Grizzlies. Harden and Gordon signed giveaways and threw them to the crowd, getting squeals of delight from the basketball-loving Pinoys.

Games featuring media and entertainment celebrities kicked off the Sunday event at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, with SM MOA fans liking the basketball grit and savvy of stars they only see on TV. Team Alcaraz, made up of GMA players Marco Alcaraz, Ervic Vijandre, Jose Sarasola and Jack Corpuz ruled the Celebrity division. 

The Women's Under-16 division meanwhile was won by Team CAYS composed of Alexis Aguirre, Leezah Sorallo, Mae Ann Herradura and Jeivie Nama. The National University Lady Bulldogs quartet of Nica Villegas, Jack Danielle Animam, Ana Del Rosario and Kimberly Illut won the U18 division over the JASMS Patriots who failed to show up for the match. The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws -- Mary Angeli Cabochan, Allana May Lim, Marilourd Borja and Karen Columna -- prevailed over Team Mickey, made up mostly of former UP Lady Maroons, in the Girls’ Open, 8-4. 

The most exciting game in the Boys' division was the U-13 Finals game won by Escuela de Sophia-1 composed of Saymond Male, Andrei Cariato, Nelle Suminig and Christopher Perio. Their match against RP Thirteen Under went into overtime, as the littlest RP Thirteen Under player connected on a long distance 2-pointer, sending James Harden to his feet due to the excitement.

In the Under-16 division, the triumvirate of former Jr. NBA standout Jan Gabriel Sobrevega, Peter John Rabor and Astrolave Vista of University of Saint La Salle Bacolod dominated the Conquerors, 18-13.

AMA JRS dominated CKSC Blazing Dragons in convincing fashion,  20-7. to take home the Under-18 division crown. The champion team is composed of Clark Quijano, Jayson David, Russel Fuentes and Michael Perez. Besides their prizes for winning the division, the group earned a slot in the Adidas D-Rose Tour series of events on Septmber 15-16 including the D-Rose Tour 3-on-3 Frand Finals. The players will be given Adidas apparel and D-Rose footwear as part of their participation in the D-Rose Tour 3-on-3 Grand Finals. 

The Men's Open division finals meanwhile was played between amateur basketball players who were former teammates during their college days. The underdogs EGS Elite pulled a stunner on the favored Blackwater Elite, 21-18. EGS, composed of former NCAA players Rocky Acidre, Mark Doligon and Acidre's younger brother Rutger, overcame Blackwater, the recently crowned champions of the 2013 PBA Developmental League Foundation Cup (D League) composed of Gio Ciriacruz, Robby Celiz, Bacon Austria and Louie Vigil. 

NBA 3X 2013 Philippines presented by Sprite was also highlighted by an NBA Cares Activity for Special Olympic Athletes. Eric Gordon, Jr. NBA Head Coach Sefu Bernard and the Indiana Pacemates treated the kids to fun basketball games and drills. Jr. NBA All Stars Alumni dropped by and got the chance to meet Harden and Gordon up close and personal.

Fan activities at the event like the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest; the Sprite Basketball Clinic; the KFC Bucket 3-point Shootout; the Phoenix Fast Feet Challenge and NBA Half Time enabled fans to join in the fun as well. The PBA’s Tower of Power and only Rookie-MVP Benjie Paras and becoming-just-as-illustrious son Kobe Paras dropped by and caused a happy commotion.

A lucky division champion will win tickets to the 2013 NBA Global Games on October 10, featuring the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers in a preseason match at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The identity of the winning division champions will be announced later.

JAMES HARDEN, ERIC GORDON, THE INDIANA PACEMATES AND GRIZZ TOPBILL NBA 3X PHILIPPINES 2013 PRESENTED BY SPRITE

-One lucky 3-on-3 division champion to win tickets to NBA Global games Philippines 2013 between the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers n October –

MANILA, JULY 25, 2013 – NBA 3x Philippines 2013 presented by Sprite returns to Manila for the third consecutive year and takes NBA action a new to the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from July 26 – 28. A second venue, the Philippines International Convention Center, has been also added to accommodate more teams this year.

The event tips off 3 pm at Center Court of SM Mall of Asia Music Hall (by the Bay), with NBA players James Harden of the Houston Rockets and Eric Gordon of the New Orleans Pelicans lending theirs star presence to the high-energy event alongside the Indiana Pacemates of Indiana Pacers and Grizz, the Memphis Grizzlies team mascot.

The highly successful NBA 3X event follows through on its growing success every year, bring exciting on-court competition with authentic NBA entertainment and experiences for fan of all ages.

NBA 3X Philippines 2013 presented by Sprite features a 3-on-3 tournament that provides players with an opportunity to hone their skills and compete amonst their peers. Following the success of Pinoy street ballers Kobe Paras, Thirdy Ravena, Arvin Tolentino and Rashleigh Rivero in the recent FIBA Asia U18 3-on-3 championships, this faster, shorter and more intense basketball format is gaining unprecedented popularity in the country and around the world.

There are seven division to compete in, 4 for boys and three for girls. For boys division to join are U13 (10-12 years old), U16 (13-15 years old), U18 (16-17 years old) and the Open Division (18 years old and above). For females, completion groups are U16 (13-15 years old), U18 (16-17 years old) and the Open Division (18 years old and above). There is also a Celebrity Division which will feature media and entertainment personalities.

Adding to the excitement of the event, division winners will be entered into a special raffle whereby one lucky team will come away with four (4) tickets to NBA Global Games Philippines 2013 – the first-ever NBA pre season games in the Philippines – between the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers at the Mall of Asia Arena on October 10.

Photos of Press Conference & Interview Session at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

James harden of the Houston Rockets

Eric Gordon of the New Orleans Pelican

The Indiana Pacemates

Grizz, the Memphis Grizzlies team mascot

Krok meets Garlik: Krazy Garlik’s latest exotic dishes

                                           

Crocodiles are on the loose!!!  And they are here to bring a different kind of culinary excitement. It may not seem like it, but did you know that Crocodiles provide the healthiest meat around? Considered as one of the cleanest source of lean protein, croc meat is also low in cholesterol and has minimal fat content. In fact, crocodile dishes are popular in countries such as Australia, China and Thailand. And with its tender meat and health benefits, no wonder crocodiles are such a hit.

Here in the Philippines, crocodile dishes, although not new to our ears, are quite rare. And who else is daring enough to give you this extraordinary offer, but the kraziest dining place out there? Let Krazy Garlik guide you into this exotic gastronomic journey. Guaranteed to be tasty and exciting, Krazy Garlik’s Krok dishes are made from farm-raised crocodiles. Choose from four mouthwatering treats, which will definitely take you to a whole new place with every bite and will leave you wanting more.

Twists, you say? Tempting Pasta (P425) gives you the most unexpected rendition of the boring old pasta as the creamy sauce is balanced out by lean crocodile meat. If you’re digging ribs and steaks, sink your teeth into the wildest ribs around with the sweet and tangy Rappin’ Ribs (P695) sans the guilt.

Or if you want the comfort of Filipino food, add some kick with their take on two Filipino classics. A few years ago, many would consider sisig exotic. Ever since then, it has become the go-to dish of many. Krazy Garlik is bringing the exotic back to this sizzling favorite with our Rockin’ Sisig (P375). 

And for a dining place who prides itself of the most garlicky dishes, Salpicao should never be out of the list. Krok Salpicao (P435) is not only garlik-y and exotic, it is most definitely delicious.

So catch this Krokodile Kraze and bite into the wild side and discover the exotic crocodile meat through familiar and comforting dishes we all know and love.

Tempting Pasta

Rappin' Ribs

Rockin' Sisig

Krok Salpica

Krazy Garlik is located at the 2/F of Glorietta 5

For more information, like Krazy Garlik on Facebook, and follow @KrazyGarlikPh on Twitter and Instagram.