Eight young Filipino basketball players will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train in Japan after Pocari Sweat successfully concluded Season 3 of its “Live Your Dream with Pocari Sweat: Basketball Dream Project” at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation in Cebu City recently.
A total of 32 hopefuls competed for the eight coveted spots in the program, which was launched in 2024 by Otsuka-Solar Philippines, Inc. (OSPI), led by its President and Managing Director, Ken Saito.
The eight players are Charles Nino Garcia, 15, and Jose Victorio Suico, 14, from Cebu; Chazz Anthone Lesiguez, 15, and John Miel Lachica, 15, from Iloilo; Zulcarnain Datumanong, 13, and Jerruz Clinx Domingo, 14, from Cotabato; and Dexter Jacob Dandoy, 15, and Jhun Lee Ibuos, 14, from Davao.
The initiative aims to empower young Filipino athletes through structured training, expert coaching, and opportunities to develop their basketball skills. It also seeks to help them pursue their dreams of competing at the high school and collegiate levels, with the ultimate goal of becoming professional players.
Season 3 expanded the program’s reach across the Visayas and Mindanao, holding nine regional tryouts in Cebu, Iloilo, Cotabato, and Davao that drew a total of 652 aspiring players.
The tryouts were facilitated by youth development coaches Rommel Rasmo in Cebu, Raffy Ynion in Iloilo, Phil Tuvieron in Cotabato, and Jess Evangelio in Davao, under the guidance of Dream Project Facilitator Coach Noli Ayo.
“Pocari Sweat has always believed in supporting the youth by investing in programs that help them grow, achieve, and dream without limits,” said Saito.
“This initiative is our commitment to creating pathways for young athletes to succeed.”
The final tryout was attended by key figures in Philippine sports, including PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, who encouraged the young athletes to pursue excellence; Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Zone 8 Director Popoy Navarro; and Cebu City Sports Commission Executive Director Dr. Rhoel Dejano.
The eight finalists will travel to Japan in April 2027 for a week-long intensive training program alongside professional B. League players and coaches. The experience will expose them to advanced training methods, professional coaching, and the discipline required to compete at a higher level.
Through the Live Your Dream Basketball Dream Project, Pocari Sweat continues to strengthen its commitment to grassroots sports development by creating meaningful opportunities for young Filipino athletes.
As Season 3 comes to a close, these eight young dreamers are taking another step toward realizing their basketball ambitions, carrying the hopes of their communities as they pursue opportunities beyond the country’s borders.
