The concrete courts of Tondo might be tough, but the basketball over the weekend was tougher.
That’s what happens when some of the country’s best streetball talent comes together in one place, battling it out to be crowned DAYO23 champions. It was a celebration of streetball at its most competitive, most creative, and most alive. Teams—locals and “dayo” alike—stepped onto the court with something to prove, carrying a palpable sense of hometown pride.
Nothing was left on the floor.
Earlier this year, floods left the Barangay Paraiso court unplayable, silencing a space that had long been central to the community.
This weekend, it came back to life—once again hosting some of the best of streetball culture on and off the court as part of the third DAYO23 tournament.
(C) Slam
Restored by Jordan Brand for the community, the court once again became the stage for the kind of basketball that defines Pinoy hoops: fast, fearless, and deeply personal. And as crowds filled the stands with team flags, Michael Jordan posters, and DAYO23 merch, the atmosphere felt exactly that—personal and meaningful.
After 20 hours of fierce streetball action spread across two days, Chase Tower Runs in the men’s division and Team Hustle in the women’s division emerged as champions. Both completed a three-peat, winning back-to-back-to-back titles since the tournament’s inception in 2023.
Carl Tamayo sealed the win for Chase Tower Runs, 23–18, knocking down both the go-ahead two-pointer and a crucial three-pointer to break an 18-all deadlock against Tikas Kapampangan—drawing parallels to JD Cagulangan, who also delivered the game-winner last year.
(C) Slam
In the women’s division, Team Hustle rose to the occasion, rallying from an 0–8 start to edge out Hoop Jeep Aguilas, 24–21. In a tightly contested finale that drew loud cheers from the crowd, Hustle’s comeback reinforced the growing impact and visibility of women’s streetball in the Philippines.
The “First Five,” the tournament’s standout performers selected by officials based on in-game impact, were also named. On the women’s side, the honorees were Tantoy Ferrer, Beth Peitingil, Angel Surada, Mar Prado, and Ali Lim. For the men’s division, the selections were Mark Belmonte, Harold Alarcon, Greg Cunanan, Genmar Bragais, and Carl Tamayo.
Beyond the final scores, DAYO23 was also defined by what happened between games and along the sidelines—the moments that continue to shape basketball culture in Manila. Big-name Nike athletes such as Paul Lee, Ricci Rivero, Evan Nelle, Vanie Gandler, Kiefer Ravena, and DAYO23 2025 champion JD Cagulangan were present, engaging with fans, playing with local kids, and connecting with the community.
Outside the main court, the event pulsed with energy as locals and visiting ballers took turns shooting at Jeepney by Hoopjeep, competed in 1-on-1 mini games, and joined shootout challenges with the pros.
Music was also central to the atmosphere, with DJs Butta B and Sky Dominique keeping the energy high throughout the action. Performances from Third Flo and Nik Makino—both homegrown Tondo artists returning to their homecourt—added another layer to the event, underscoring the intersection of streetball and culture that DAYO23 continues to represent.
