GAB chief Mitra on Chooks 3×3 test run: ‘It’s something that everybody will look up to’

Games and Amusement Board chairman Baham Mitra was in awe after Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 held its test run for the resumption of its tournament, Monday afternoon.

For the first time, the league — led by owner Ronald Mascariñas and commissioner Eric Altamirano — showed GAB the process for its return to play inside Inspire Academy in Calamba, Laguna.

Helping present were Family’s Brand Sardines-Zamboanga City Chooks players Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Santi Santillan, and Troy Rike; and Uling Roasters-Butuan City’s Karl Dehesa, Franky Johnson, Chris De Chavez, JR Alabanza, and Chico Lanete.

“I’m impressed with the preparations being done by Chooks-to-Go,” said Mitra about the country’s first-ever professional 3×3 basketball league.

“They did not just meet the requirements but also improved on their submitted safety protocols.”

Mascariñas responded, “We would like to thank Chairman Baham for the kind words. It’s our job to keep our players safe first and foremost as this is their livelihoods.

“Definitely, this is a huge step forward not only for us but for Philippine sports as well in this time of a pandemic.”

The process of entering the bubble for the President’s Cup, powered by TM, is strict.

Players must undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test two days before each leg of the tournament, ranked seven by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

Once they arrive, players, coaches, and league staff must present the GET Philippines’ tracing app to league officials before having their mandatory disinfection and temperature checks.

The players will then undergo an antigen test before heading into their respective rooms in the state-of-the-art facility.

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 also showed how players will enter and exit the playing court, and what the waiting room looks like.

“I’m very confident with the success that will come Chooks-to-Go 3×3’s way. It will be something that everybody will look up to,” continued Mitra.

Officials from the league, GAB, and Inspire Academy then discussed the broadcast test run, which they have scheduled for Thursday.

The five-legged President’s Cup is tentatively scheduled to open on October 2.