Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3, the first-ever professional 3×3 league in the country, set the ball rolling for its planned return.
Since Monday, a total of seven teams have undergone their first polymerase chain reaction (PRC) tests, held at Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City.
Zamboanga City Family’s Brand Sardines, Zamboanga Peninsula Valientes, Gapan Chooks, and Bacolod Master Sardines had their testing last Monday. Meanwhile, Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors, Palayan City Capitols, and Porac-Big Boss Cement Green Gorillas had it Wednesday.
The remaining teams, Bicol Volcanoes, Sarangani Marlins, Val City Classic, and a special select team, will have theirs on Friday and Monday next week.
“Nagkaroon kami ng staggered testing. Yesterday, four teams tested then today we had another four teams. So staggered din ‘yung pag-practice ng teams,” said league commissioner Eric Altamirano.
Except for the Valientes, the first batch who had their tests Monday was able to hold their first practice, Wednesday at the UP Epsilon Chi Gymnasium also in Quezon City.
Bacolod’s Alfred Batino, Anton Asistio, Chris Lalata, Robin Rono, and Choi Ignacio began the day at 8:00 AM before Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines’ Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Santi Santillan, and Troy Rike took the floor at 10:00 AM.
Gapan Chooks’ Franky Johnson, Chris De Chavez, Karl Dehesa, JR Alabanza, and Chico Lanete then closed out the day at 12:00NN.
Supervising the sessions were Altamirano and Games and Amusement Board chairman Baham Mitra.
Before they could get inside the venue, each athlete was given a rapid test, with everyone testing negative.
Then they signed up for GET Philippines’ contact-tracing app.
“We would like to thank my alma mater, University of the Philippines, for offering their venue to us and, of course, GET Philippines,” said league owner Ronald Mascariñas.
“It’s during this first week where we will see if there are things that we can adjust with our system before we get back to the games itself.”
The league is also looking at one more practice facility once all teams have been tested.
Currently, the league is on pace for an October 2 opening for its curtain-raiser President’s Cup, which will be held at Inspire Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
But it will still depend on the Inter-Agency Task Force whether the plan will push through.
“It will still depend on the IATF. Na-delay lang tayo ng one week so the target date is to start on October 2,” said Altamirano.
For now, the players are just glad to be doing what they love once more.
