BY ALEX ALAGON
Manila — The Philippines’ top three-on-three teams have spent months grinding through regional qualifiers. On June 13, they find out who among them is built for the world.
The Red Bull Half Court Philippines National Finals takes over Bigger Pictures, Mandaluyong in a single-day, winner-takes-all showdown where speed, skill, and offensive power determine everything. Following a series of qualifiers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the country’s best streetball teams now converge for a single goal: to earn the right to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court World Finals in Manila.
Red Bull Half Court delivers the fastest version of three-on-three basketball, where games are capped at 10 minutes, and the first team to reach 21 points wins. What sets it apart from any other 3-on-3 format are the two unique rules that keep the pressure rising. First, the Own the Court Bonus, where six points are awarded to the highest-scoring squad in a cumulative team tally. In some cases, this bonus makes all the difference in the teams’ final standings.
Next is the three-point shots rule. Introduced in 2024, this rule features two three-point spots marked by circles drawn two metres behind the arc. Once a player takes a shot with their foot on the circle, it counts for three points.
Spotlighting the Philippines’ Rich Basketball Culture
More than a championship, the National Finals is a collision of stories, styles, and stakes. Emerging victorious from their respective regional qualifiers, the following regional teams now face off for one women’s slot and one men’s slot at the global court:
- Manila
- Uratex Tibay (Women’s Team)
- Lady Maroons (Women’s Team)
- SGF Kings (Men’s Team)
- Filipino Mixtape (Men’s Team)
- Cebu
- Gimcuad-Ninz (Women’s Team)
- Team BOKKI (Men’s Team)
- Davao
- Three-time winner Coaches Corner (Women’s Team)
- Two-time winner Davao Agilas (Men’s Team)
Some arrive with established reputations, others as rising contenders who fought through tightly contested brackets, but all teams have earned their place through decisive performances under pressure.
“Earning a chance at the World Final isn’t only about winning games. It’s about proving that the path from local community courts to the international stage is possible through discipline, resilience, and belief in the team,” said Mart Redyn Arellano of Davao Agilas.
During the regional qualifiers, each winning team brought a distinct brand of play shaped by its local basketball culture. Manila’s game was fast and calculated with reads and reactions built on years of urban court culture. Cebu brought relentless offensive energy, a high-scoring mentality that thrives in the format’s pace. Davao arrived with confidence, grit, and chemistry, turning their regional qualifier into a showcase of total dominance.
Having dominated on home courts, teams must now adapt to a format where scoring output is just as critical as winning, pushing them to balance control with agility in every possession.
“Getting a spot at the World Finals means the world to us. As players from the province, we’ve spent years dreaming of sharing the court with the stars we look up to—the ones who inspire us every day to elevate our game. This opportunity is more than just a tournament; it is a moment we will carry with us forever,” expressed Lorelaine Pulido Gestopa of Coaches Corner.
The Road to the World Stage
“It’s about time to bring the Red Bull Half Court World Finals here. Filipinos have improved and have been preparing for this kind of platform. 3-on-3 Basketball is well represented here in every street and every corner. As long as we can shoot a hoop, Filipinos will play basketball. All I’m saying is, welcome to the Philippines, where basketball is a part of being a Filipino,” said Nathan Heinrich Egea of Filipino Mixtape.
The National Finals marks a defining moment for the competing teams and for the continued rise of streetball in the Philippines. Since 2021, Red Bull Half Court has built a platform that has taken streetball athletes across the globe from local courts to iconic international stages. Two Filipino teams will once again wear their country’s pride as they perform on home court.
“If our team makes it to the World Finals, I would want the world to see that we, Filipinos, not only play with so much heart and passion, but we also play with great sportsmanship and integrity,” expressed LJ Miranda of Uratex Tibay.
“If there’s one thing that I’d want the world to see as they watch Filipino streetball, it’s our heart. Everyone here in the Philippines plays with their whole heart,” shared Mary Angela Abejar Alcos of Gimcuad-Ninz.
Witness Manila, Cebu, and Davao’s best streetballers battle it out at the Red Bull Half Court Philippines National Finals on June 13 at Bigger Pictures, Mandaluyong. Doors open at 3PM.
Red Bull Photos
BY CARLA KRISTINE VIA, RHUELLA SALDUA & ANDRE MARCO AMPIG/UM INTERNS
SECOND District Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr. shot down the idea of supplying water to the Island Garden City of Samal until the Davao City Water District can ensure sustainability and resiliency of its services to its Davaoeño customers.
During the 21st City Council regular session on May 26, Mahipus submitted a resolution arguing that distribution to neighboring areas must not be pursued unless the DCWD can secure a long-term supply, including emergency contingencies.
The resolution also noted that exporting water could compromise the city’s emergency preparedness, reserve capacity, and overall water security if implemented without a comprehensive study.
It also underscored the need to protect local watersheds and maintain sustainable extraction levels, warning that increased allocation to areas outside Davao City may lead to depletion of groundwater, heightened vulnerability during disasters or supply disruptions, and strain the infrastructure.
“In times of prolonged drought, contamination events, system failures, earthquakes, climate-related emergencies, or critical infrastructure disruptions, who ultimately answers to the people if supply becomes insufficient? It will not be LWUA. It will not be the NWRB. It will not be distant agencies in Manila. It will be the local government of Davao City,” he said.
“It will be the city government. It will be this Sanggunian, and it will be the leaders elected by the people of Davao City who will answer for the consequences. And therefore, the city has every right, indeed every duty to evaluate these risks under its police power mandate,” Mahipus said in his privilege speech.
The proposed resolution was also backed by 1st District Councilor Temujin Ocampo, who stated that there is a significant decrease in surface water levels due to El Niño, and Councilor Louie John Bonguyan.
To recall, during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps Press Conference in The Royal Mandaya Hotel on May 6, 2026, DCWD spokesperson JC Duhaylungsod said the utility firm is open to supplying water to Samal Island.
CONTINUING poor weather conditions have claimed the lives of three individuals in separate disaster incidents across the city, following the successful recovery of their bodies by emergency response teams over the last 48 hours.
Early Wednesday morning, May 27, 2026, search and retrieval teams recovered the bodies of a 38-year-old man and his 8-year-old son who were swept away by a sudden surge of floodwaters the previous day.
A progress report from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) identified the victims as Gerry, 38, and his son, 8, both residents of Purok 6, Feria Street, Barangay Calinan Poblacion.
A joint team composed of local police, the Barangay Calinan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and community volunteers located the two victims at approximately 6:30 a.m. inside a National Irrigation Authority (NIA) dam canal, downstream from where they were initially carried off. Their bodies were brought to the Freedom Life Chapels in Calinan.
Meanwhile, in Tugbok District, a grueling six-day search came to a close on Tuesday afternoon, May 26, after retrieving the body of a 78-year-old woman buried in a trash slide.
Authorities identified the victim as Luisa, a resident of Purok 8, Barangay New Carmen.
Personnel from the Ma-a Police Station, under the direct supervision of station commander Maj Philip Dave Uddin, responded to the New Carmen Sanitary Landfill after rescuers located Felame’s body at around 4:32 p.m.
Investigators believe the victim was buried alive at the height of a massive landfill slide that occurred on May 20, 2026.
Her remains were transferred to the Angel Funeral Home on F. Torres Street for proper examination.
As of this writing, the search and retrieval operation continues to recover one remaining senior believed to be buried in the landfill.
THE PHILIPPINE Navy and the Indonesian Navy staged a series of bilateral at-sea maneuvers along the two nations’ maritime boundary to strengthen border security and counter shared maritime threats, according to the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM).
The naval drills, held on May 25, 2026, marked the second day of the Coordinated Border Patrol Philippines-Indonesia (CORPAT PHILINDO-40-2026), according to the NFEM.
Commodore Ireneo D. Battung, commander of NFEM, said the bilateral patrol aims to enhance tactical interoperability and foster closer maritime security cooperation between the two neighboring Southeast Asian countries.
During the joint operations, the Philippine Navy’s offshore patrol vessel BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37) maneuvered alongside the Indonesian Navy vessel KRI Selar (879) to execute various high-readiness sea serials.
According to Lieutenant Commander Reynante L. Villela, NFEM public affairs officer, the participating naval crews successfully completed coordinated communication exercises, Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAP), and semaphore signaling exercises (SEMAPHOREX).
The drills are designed to streamline operational communication and tactical readiness during real-world border security contingencies.
The maritime operations were heavily supported from the air, with a Philippine Air Force C-208B aircraft conducting an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission over the shared borders to provide real-time situational awareness to the surface vessels.
Military officials emphasized that the CORPAT PHILINDO framework remains a vital mechanism in promoting mutual trust while reinforcing both Manila and Jakarta’s commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and maritime order in their volatile southern waters.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) on Wednesday expressed readiness to coordinate with national law enforcement agencies and enforce directives regarding Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, as a fierce legal battle erupted over the cancellation of the lawmaker’s firearms licenses.
Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security Press Briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Caballero confirmed that local police are prepared to assist the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) if formal coordination takes place.
“Per instructions from our city director, Police Colonel Peter Baunzon Madria, we will coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation and provide personnel support if they need the Davao City Police Office to implement orders just in case,” Caballero said.
The firearms dispute
The briefing came amid rising tensions after national authorities moved to cancel Dela Rosa’s 118 firearms licenses, citing pending legal developments.
Addressing the issue, Caballero warned that carrying the weapons would become a criminal offense if the revocation is finalized.
“If revoked, [the firearms] can no longer be used anywhere—whether inside or outside your premises,” Caballero explained. “Failure to comply will constitute illegal possession of firearms.”
Caballero added that the local police command is awaiting official documents from the Philippine National Police (PNP) national headquarters under Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. regarding the senator’s status.
“We have instructions coming from our National Headquarters, especially from the Chief PNP, regarding our situation with Senator Ronald Dela Rosa. Once the Davao City Police Office receives the proper documents—especially if the licenses are officially revoked—we will follow and implement those instructions,” she stated.
However, Caballero declined to comment on the NBI’s recent classification of the former PNP chief turned lawmaker as “armed and dangerous.”
“Many here respect him and we know his personality. We have no comment on the statement of the NBI, but the Davao City Police Office will strictly execute whatever instructions come from the Chief PNP, our Regional Director, and our City Director, Colonel Madria,” Caballero said.
Defense slams ‘constitutional crisis’
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa’s legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon fiercely contested the weapon license cancellations, describing the executive branch’s aggressive posture as a “constitutional crisis executed in stages.”
In a statement posted on Facebook, Torreon argued that the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) committed a fundamental legal error by citing Section 4(g) of Republic Act 10591 to cancel the licenses.
“Section 4 is titled ‘Standards and Requisites for Issuance and Obtaining a License.’ It tells you who can get a license. Section 39—separately titled ‘Grounds for Revocation’—tells you when you can lose one,” Torreon pointed out, adding that a pending criminal case is not a ground for revocation unless there is a final conviction or a direct order from a Philippine court.
Torreon also rejected the NBI’s invocation of the Doctrine of Incorporation to validate the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant, arguing that international treaties do not automatically turn foreign tribunals into domestic Philippine courts.
He further distinguished Dela Rosa’s situation from that of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, noting that Quiboloy faced charges filed unambiguously within domestic courts.
The defense counsel raised alarms over the security implications of the government’s simultaneous moves.
“The NBI has classified Senator Dela Rosa as ‘armed and dangerous’—activating protocols that authorize lethal approach—while stripping him of his legal authority to be armed,” Torreon said, pointing out that the Supreme Court has yet to resolve the actual enforceability of the ICC warrant.
“The Executive’s answer to those open questions is not to wait for the Court. It is to act before the Court can answer. That is not law enforcement. That is a constitutional crisis,” Torreon concluded.
TWO VEHICLES under active nationwide alarms for failing to return to their owner in Metro Manila were tracked down and successfully recovered by highway patrol operatives in Toril district on Tuesday evening, May 26, 2026.
The Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU) XI, through its Special Operations Team and Investigation Section, intercepted a Toyota Avanza and an Isuzu Travis that were flagged on the PNP’s nationwide hold order list.
According to RHPU-XI, the operation was initiated after a complainant from the National Capital Region (NCR) filed an official request for assistance.
The vehicles had been flagged as “failed to return”—a technical classification where a vehicle is legally rented or borrowed but is intentionally misappropriated or hidden by the possessor instead of returned to the rightful owner.
Following strategic coordination by the RHPU XI team, the current possessor in Toril voluntarily surrendered both vehicles to the authorities upon learning of the active alarms.
Verification of the engine and chassis numbers confirmed that both units matched the active nationwide law enforcement alerts.
A formal criminal case for violation of Republic Act 10883 (New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016) has already been filed against the primary suspects before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Taguig City.
The RHPU XI, under Lt Col Jed Clamor, reiterated its commitment to tightening the screws on inter-regional car theft and rental scams, warning that the region will not serve as a safe haven for misappropriated vehicles smuggled out of Luzon.
- P200-M earmarked under SB 1 to purchase additional DC buses
THE CITY government is set to procure an additional 20 units under the Davao Interim Bus Service, with funds sourced from the proposed Supplemental Budget 1 for fiscal year 2026.
Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang revealed on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, that the budget for the procurement of buses is allocated at P200 million, particularly under the City Administrator’s Office’s social development fund.
Along with the additional units, the city will also develop a digital platform that will provide the updated location of the public buses to reduce waiting time for more efficient travel
“Our population is two million, so therefore, I think the mayor decided to purchase an additional 20 buses,” the councilor said during the Pulong-pulong sa Dabawenyo, May 26.
He clarified that the allocated P200 million is the general amount for the additional 20 buses, but will still undergo a bidding process, and the digitalization of the bus operations will also be coming from this bulk.
Dayanghirang added that the city government also aims to establish its own electric charging centers.
Under the development fund for the City Engineer’s Office is the construction of the DC Interim Bus service depot with drainage system and other land improvements at Davao City Coastal Road, amounting to P54.7 million.
The 21st City Council approved in second reading on Tuesday’s regular session the ₱1.25-B Supplemental Budget 1 for 2026.
The committee on finance, ways & means, and appropriations recommended approval of the FY 2026 Proposed Supplemental Budget No. 1 amounting to ₱1,253,541,058.86.
Dayanghirang said the city has allocated the SB1 for social services to ensure it will best serve the residents.
AEV’s rating from the Japan Credit Rating Agency reflects the strength of Aboitiz Group’s diversified portfolio and underscores its long-term approach to resilience, disciplined growth and value creation
Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV), the active portfolio manager of the Aboitiz Group, has secured an “A-” foreign currency long-term issuer rating with a “Stable” outlook from Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. (JCR), reinforcing the Group’s investment-grade profile and reflecting the strength of its diversified portfolio, disciplined capital allocation strategy, and resilient earnings base.
In its assessment, JCR highlighted AEV’s “strong and stable business base and cash flow generation,” while recognizing the Group’s continued diversification beyond power. Non-power businesses accounted for 42 percent of AEV’s beneficial EBITDA in 2025, reflecting the Group’s long-term strategy of building a more balanced and resilient earnings portfolio.
The agency cited the continued strength of AboitizPower as the Group’s core earnings platform while noting the growing contribution of Union Bank of the Philippines, Aboitiz InfraCapital, and Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines in broadening AEV’s exposure to infrastructure and consumer-driven sectors.
JCR also recognized AEV’s investments in renewable energy, LNG, airports, water infrastructure, and digital infrastructure as supportive of its long-term growth strategy. The report referenced the planned strategic partnership between Aboitiz InfraCapital and Global Infrastructure Partners as a positive development for the Group’s infrastructure platform.
The “A-” rating reflects JCR’s expectation that AEV will continue to maintain a sound financial position despite global market volatility, elevated fuel prices, and geopolitical uncertainty. According to the agency, the Group’s earnings stability is supported by long-term contracted power sales, diversified operating platforms, and disciplined financial policies.
JCR likewise recognized the Group’s ongoing transition toward a more diversified energy portfolio. The agency noted that new investments are increasingly focused on renewable energy and LNG, in-line with the Philippines’ long-term energy transition roadmap.
The rating affirms AEV’s position as one of the Philippines’ leading conglomerates, supported by stable cash flow generation from its power business and the growing contribution of its infrastructure, banking, food and beverage, and real estate platforms. JCR cited the Group’s prudent financial management, sound liquidity profile, and conservative leverage strategy as key factors underpinning the rating.
JCR, one of Japan’s leading credit rating agencies, is internationally recognized by investors and financial institutions as an independent assessor of corporate creditworthiness and financial resilience.
“This rating reflects the strength of our diversified portfolio, the resilience of our operating businesses, and the discipline of our long-term approach to growth,” said Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz.
“As we continue to scale our businesses, we remain focused on creating sustainable long-term value while maintaining financial prudence and operational discipline,” he added.
The rating strengthens AEV’s position in global capital markets as the Group continues to expand its portfolio. With a more diversified earnings base and disciplined capital management, AEV is well positioned for long-term value creation amid an evolving economic landscape.
As many Filipinos rethink where they work, gather, and find support, Ayala Malls introduces Our Common Place—a shared space initiative that makes malls more useful, accessible, and responsive to today’s realities.
Across the metro, work arrangements are evolving, with many navigating improvised remote or flexible setups—yet not all homes are equipped for comfort or productivity. At the same time, rising costs are reshaping how households manage everyday expenses, with people seeking practical, accessible ways to meet daily needs or support one another within their communities.
Rolling out across One Ayala, Greenbelt, and Glorietta this May, Our Common Place is designed around these everyday needs, with shared spaces that serve as everyday forms of support—one offering space to work, rest, and connect, the other providing a simple way to share resources—making the mall not just a destination, but a place people can return to, rely on, and belong.
Across participating malls, visitors will find flexible spaces that provide accessible environments for remote work, casual meetings, creative pursuits, or simply taking a pause. With features such as open tables, charging stations, small-group seating, and quieter corners for rest, these areas are designed to accommodate a range of needs throughout the day.
Complementing these are community pantries that give mallgoers an easy way to donate essential goods, creating quiet, practical opportunities to give as part of everyday routines. The pantry becomes a natural extension of each visit—present, but not imposed. Collected contributions support the Makati PUV community, with donations going to PUV workers. The pantry also remains open to anyone who may need it—simple, accessible, and without barriers.
“Today, people are looking for places that support how they live day to day,” said Mae Dichupa, Ayala Malls’ Head of Marketing and Consumer Experience. “With Our Common Place, we’re opening up spaces where people can work, pause, or spend time with others—while making it easy to help one another. It makes the mall more meaningful in everyday life.”
Find Our Common Place at these malls:
- Pause with a Purpose at One Ayala
At the fourth level, The Stacks offers a communal reading nook in a relaxed setting, while The Hobby Hub provides board games and hands-on activities for those looking to unplug. The community pantry is located at the upper ground level of the main mall, with satellite donation points at The Stacks and The Hobby Hub.
- Focus and Create at Greenbelt
Our Common Place at Greenbelt 5 is designed for creative exploration, focused work, or a simple pause –with lounge seating, work desks, and a coffee pop-up. A donation corner within the space allows for easy participation in giving. - Connect and Stay at Glorietta
Located at the Palm Drive lobby, Our Common Place at Glorietta features communal tables, a coffee pop-up, a dedicated area for children, a community board, and productivity essentials. Glorietta’s community pantry is also located within the space.
With Our Common Place, Ayala Malls is part of everyday life—where people can work, rest, connect, and support one another in simple, practical ways.
