Bonn Daja and Rhiane Perez stood tallest under pressure as they conquered the Jordan Brand “The One” Manila Qualifier last Saturday at the Jordan Manila Flight Deck in BGC, Taguig City — earning the right to represent the Philippines on the global stage in New York this August.
Daja of De La Salle-Zobel and Perez of University of Santo Tomas bested a field of 12 boys and 12 girls from across the country in a day filled with high-level one-on-one basketball action.
With clutch plays, ice-cold composure, and undeniable swagger, both players proved they were built for the big moment.
Their victory secured them a ticket to The One Global Finals, where they’ll test their skills against elite hoopers from over 15 cities worldwide — including basketball hotbeds like Chicago, Tokyo, Paris, and Belgrade.
“Today’s Manila qualifier truly showcased the incredible talent and competitive spirit of young Filipino athletes,” said Nike country marketing head Jino Ferrer.
“These winners embody ‘The One’ mentality, and we’re thrilled to support them as they continue their journey to chase greatness in New York. We’re all eager to see them bring the Pinoy brand of basketball to the global stage.”
Throughout the competition, the spirit of the Jumpman brand was alive and thriving. Spectators were treated to an all-out showcase of speed, skill, and swagger as players battled it out in the purest form of the game: 1-on-1.
And in the end, Daja and Perez rose above, demonstrating a relentless hunger and the composure of seasoned pros.
The celebration of culture didn’t stop on the hardwood. The event also featured a one-on-one DJ battle that spotlighted the city’s hottest musical talents.
After an intense battle of beats, DJ Sky Dominique emerged victorious, adding another layer of authenticity and energy to a day that celebrated not just basketball — but the lifestyle and rhythm that come with it.
“In this year’s The One, not just young ballers will compete in NYC. We are also excited to provide one Filipino DJ the chance to battle it out and showcase his musical creativity and talent against the best DJs in the world,” Ferrer added.
As the global qualifiers wrap up in the coming weeks, Daja and Perez will continue their preparations — honing their craft and staying locked in.
For them, New York isn’t just another competition — it’s the biggest stage of their young careers. And they’re ready to show the world why Filipinos belong at the top.
