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| UAAP Season 84 3x3 basketball champions University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers (men's) and National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs (women's) (Image Source: GMA Network/UAAP) |
More than creating unconventional experiences for leisure travelers, Millennial Resorts Corporation (MRC), Landco’s hospitality arm in its BeachTowns, has established itself as a premier sports tourism advocate. MRC recently hosted the first official 3×3 men’s and women’s basketball competition of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP)'s 84th season at Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBe). Apart from temporarily setting up an international standard 3×3 hardcourt, the newly constructed and permanent event space called Canopy served as the venue of the three-day intense games that resulted in National University (NU) capturing the women’s title and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) winning the men’s championship.
“Landco supports the efforts of Millennial Resorts to partner with UAAP in order to help boost sports tourism in the country. We also target to have additional facilities which can host various lifestyle events in our BeachTowns so that more people can immerse in sustainable and balanced beach living in our premium developments for residential and commercial spaces,” stated Landco president and CEO Erickson Manzano. Landco senior consultant for hospitality and former Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) chairman Patrick Gregorio said, “We want the UAAP to experience the world-class resort and sports facilities of Millennial Resorts at CaSoBe.”
“The paradise-like setting at CaSoBe was provided for the UAAP 3×3 players without compromising bubble conditions. Stringent measures were taken to ensure the health and safety of all participants. Each team was assigned one of the Crusoe Cabins for the two-night duration of the tournament. Canopy, the newly-opened event space was set up as a recovery area with a halfcourt for players to practice just before their games on an alternating schedule. Swimming, riding a bike, and enjoying the beach were some of the activities they engaged in to prepare and energize for the games. The venue is perfect for their well-being,” Gregorio added.
UAAP president and Season 84 host De La Salle University (DLSU) sports director Emmanuel Calanog said that the inaugural 3×3 game will continue to be part of the league’s calendar. SBP director for 3×3 Ronnie Magsanoc and UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag were present to oversee the games. Ateneo de Manila’s Em Fernandez, University of the Philippines (UP) Dean of Human Kinetics Kiko Diaz, Far East University’s Mark Molina, and National University’s Nilo Ocampo were among the UAAP officials together with Calatagan Mayor Oliver Palacio who witnessed the intense hardcourt action. Landco is an upscale real estate developer known for pioneering premium landscapes for more than 30 years.
