AFTER three years, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League is finally turning pro.
With Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas now running the league’s operations, MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said they are embracing drastic changes in the league founded by Sen. and presidential aspirant Manny Pacquiao.
“Unang-una, nagpapasalamat kami sa lahat ng team owners na dumalo and, of course, sa Chooks-to-Go na nagkaroon tayo ng panibagong partnership. We both have a common goal which is to help our players reach their potential,” Duremdes said last Tuesday in a press conference at the Prestige Tower in Ortigas, Pasig.
“May mga players na nag-struggle talaga this pandemic. Patience is a virtue at naghintay ng tamang panahon ang MPBL para ma-reignite ang ating liga. This is the best time na matagal ng hinihintay ng ating mga fans at ng ating mga players,” he added.
Thirteen teams have confirmed their participation for the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational tournament set from Dec.11 to 21 at either the Caloocan Sports Complex, the Ynares Sports Arena in Antipolo, or Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.
Bannering the stacked field are Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan season champions Davao Occidental Tigers.
Also joining are the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, the Makati Super Crunch, the GenSan Warriors, the Caloocan Supremos, the Sarangani Marlins, the Rizal Golden Coolers-Xentro Mall, the Marikina Shoemasters, the Laguna Heroes, the Bicol Volcanoes, the Imus Bandera, the Negros Mascuvados, and a team from Bacolod.
“Ang involvement po ng Chooks-to-Go is a little bit more expanded coming from a title sponsorship. Now, ang hawak na po ng Chooks-to-Go ay ang operations of the league,” Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas spokesperson Mark Zambrano said.
“This will still be done in cooperation and partnership with both our league founder Sen. Manny Pacquiao and the office of Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes.”
Team officials and coaches are elated on the return of the MPBL.
“We are very, very happy na makakapag-start na ang league with the partnership of Chooks and the MPBL,”Makati team owner Paolo Orbeta said.
“We would like to let everyone know that we are aligned with the goals of Chooks-to-Go MPBL. We needed this start para magtuloy-tuloy na for everyone. Maganda na we will have something to end the year on a positive note.”
Marikina coach Elvis Tolentino shared the sentiments.
“Kanina nga nabanggit ni Commissioner na ang tagal ng nawala iyong MPBL,” Tolentino said.
“Iyong invitational tournament natin is our window to start the new normal.”
Added Rizal team manager Angie Azores: “We are excited sa balik bola ng Chooks-to-Go and MPBL. It’s been two long years.”
“Sobrang dami naming natatanggap ng inquiries from the players. We are happy to be able to help them again and bring them back to the sport that they love.”
