Filipino basketball fans got a taste of one-on-one basketball action as SportsPlus, the country’s premier PAGCOR-licensed sportsbook, hosted an event featuring content creator Matt “MK” Kiatipis on Wednesday, October 28, at SportsPlus Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City.
Held in partnership with Serious Player Only, the event drew hundreds of fans eager to watch Kiatipis take on familiar figures in the local basketball scene, including reigning MPBL Slam Dunk champion Joe Gomez de Liaño and basketball impersonators Stepping Curry and Lebwrong James.
Known for his brash on-court personality and aggressive playing style, Kiatipis brought his competitive brand of basketball to the Philippines, giving fans a firsthand look at the growing appeal of one-on-one basketball.
“Every place is electric nowadays, but I was very surprised by Asia. We have been to Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and now the Philippines, all of them. Asia is just so passionate about basketball. They love it,” said Kiatipis, who has more than nine million followers on social media.
“I was not expecting this many people to show up, this many people to be excited, this culture to be so deep; it is an amazing surprise. So much passion and so much skill,” he continued.
“The Philippines, they love basketball, and I love basketball, but I got to love it as much as them.”
(C) Sportsplus
Beyond the on-court action, SportsPlus also treated attendees to merchandise giveaways, adding to the event’s interactive atmosphere.
For Gomez de Liaño, initiatives like these provide an opportunity to bring basketball enthusiasts together and strengthen connections within the local basketball community.
“It was very nice putting the community together; it is good for the crowd they loved watching it. SportsPlus, keep continuing to grow and have more events. You guys are doing well, and for MK, keep up your vlogging. It is a hit everywhere in the world,” said Gomez de Liaño.
The event forms part of SportsPlus’ broader efforts to bring fans closer to the sport through live experiences, interactive activities, and community-driven initiatives.
SportsPlus head of brand marketing Paul Macalindong said fans can look forward to more activities aimed at engaging local sports communities.
“Fans can always look forward to more exciting and engaging sports from SportsPlus,” Macalindong said.
“We are committed to delivering fun and memorable live experiences for Filipino sports fans in the years to come.”
