Passion and Play: Filipino Youth Experience Basketball Brilliance at NBTC Finals Through PlayTime Cares

“Yung ingay ng mga bata na nanonood, na-appreciate nila yung laro. Para sa kanila, this is something that gives them hope and inspiration,” (“The uproar of the kids who were watching, they appreciate the game. For them, this is something that gives them hope and inspiration.) We want to develop skills, build character, and by doing this, we raise future leaders. I believe in PlayTime CARES because they truly care. NBTC and PlayTime CARES share the same vision—we believe in the power of the youth. They are the future of our nation.” ~Coach Eric Altamirano, National Program Director of NBTC

1,500 young women from the Sisters of Mary School in Silang, Cavite were invited by PlayTime Cares and the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) to the Mall of Asia Arena to watch this year’s NBTC finals.

Thanks to the empowering initiative PlayTime CARES (Community, Action, Relief, Empowerment, Sustainability), more than 1,500 young men and 1,500 young women from the Sisters of Mary School in Silang, Cavite, roared with excitement as they witnessed firsthand the future of Filipino basketball at the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) Finals held on April 5 and 6, 2025. The atmosphere was electric at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

These youngsters were more than simply spectators; many of them were attending their first-ever live basketball game.  Every single one of the nanonood's batas is appreciated.  

Young Filipino players from the Philippines and outside demonstrated their talent and heart at the NBTC Finals, which featured thrilling action from Division 1, Division 2, and 19-under teams.  The games told tales of tenacity, solidarity, and dreams in motion; they were more than just athletic contests.

Taking home the championships: Fil-Am Nation Select defeated Phenom Blue Fire-Pasay in Division 1; St. Jude Cavite defeated Top Flight Sports-Canada in Division 2; NU Nazareth School defeated Fil-Am Nation Select in 19U Men's 71-65; and NU Lady Bulldogs defeated Fil-Am Jo Koy in 19U Women's 77-75.

The performance of Samantha Medina, a big 6-foot-1 Filipino-American who finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds, was one of the highlights. She has now committed to play collegiate basketball for National University as a result of her outstanding play, demonstrating the genuineness of the opportunities that arise when young athletes are given the proper support.

Jo Koy, the Filipino-American Famous Comedian who sponsored the Fil-Am Jo Koy women's team and flew in to support them, made one of the event's most touching appearances.

“If you have an opportunity to shine the light, do it. There are so many talented, beautiful women athletes out there who just need that little extra. Let’s keep knocking more doors down for these women.” ~Jo Koy, the Filipino-American Famous Comedian

This year's NBTC Finals were more than just a sporting event because to the strong partnership of PlayTime CARES.

“We at PlayTime CARES see sports not just a show of skill and talent but a space where futures are built. We want to bring into the communities we work with a meaningful transformation that empowers every individual, for each to realize their potential, and be on the relentless pursuit of turning dreams into reality. Collaborating with NBTC and Sisters of Mary is a testament to our commitment to revolutionize not only to the landscape we occupy, but to extend the same vigor and unyielding passion to our partners’ spaces as well.” ~Krizia Cortez, Director of Public Relations of PlayTime CARES

Beyond just helping the league, this collaboration brought the young people of Boy's Town and Girl's Town to the arena and gave them life-changing experiences, demonstrating to them that their dreams can come true with perseverance and passion.

The NBTC Finals this year were a movement of hope, solidarity, and potential realized, not just a basketball celebration.  And the message was plain to all the young aspirants in the crowd that day: this is what it means to believe in the youth.

About PlayTime

PlayTime is an online entertainment platform licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). It boasts over 2,500 games to more than 30 million subscribers and offers the highest daily cashback of up to 2% and fastest withdrawals guaranteed within 10mins. Visit www.playtime.ph to access a revolutionary entertainment experience.