NBA host first Iconic shots challenge in the Philippines

“We’re excited for the return of in-person NBA events with our first NBA Iconic Shots Challenge. Thanks to the support of our partners, the NBA Iconic Shots Challenge will allow passionate Filipino fans to celebrate the players and moments that made our 75th Anniversary Season so memorable.” ~Mae Dichupa, Senior Director of Global Marketing Partnerships, NBA Philippines 

A lot of NBA fans head over to SM Megamall on June 25 and June 26 for the first ever NBA Iconic Shots Challenge at the Mega Fashion Hall Activity Center. NBA Fans Attempts Select Signature Shots from the 2021-22 Season. With a simulated authentic NBA arena atmosphere to showcase your offensive skills in completing a variety of shooting challenges! 

The National Basketball Association (NBA) hosted the first “NBA Iconic Shots Challenge” on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 at the Mega Fashion Hall activity center, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. The NBA Iconic Shots Challenge is an immersive basketball experience for fans to attempt select signature shots from the league’s landmark 75th Anniversary Season, which concluded with the Golden State Warriors winning their fourth NBA championship in eight years and seventh championship overall.  

Simulating an authentic NBA arena atmosphere, the challenge took place on a half-court in front of a virtual audience displayed on a curved LED panel.  Each player had 60 seconds to score from five different spots on the court, ranging from four feet to 24 feet, and complete the shooting challenge in the following order: layup, floater, midrange jump shot and three-pointers from the wing and the top of the arc.  Each made basket had a corresponding prize from a selection of premium partner items, NBA Store gift vouchers and official NBA merchandise.  The on-ground activation will also feature a pop-up NBA Store and interactive booths from partners.

Mallgoers played through the NBA Iconic Shots Challenge, which allowed participants to test their shooting skills from five different locations on the court. 

Hundreds of fans visited the NBA Iconic Shots Challenge event to get their chance to play and win prizes.

In addition to the shooting challenge, the NBA activation featured partner booths from Energen Champion and Gatorade, which offered various interactive activities, including puzzle games, pop-a-shot and photobooth. The Energen Champion shooting challenge and Gatorade #FUELIT challenge gave NBA fans a chance to win premium items.

The NBA Iconic Shots Challenge is supported by official partners AXA Philippines, Energen Champion and Gatorade and official media partners Cignal, Globe, Smart, and PLDT.  Official NBA merchandise are available through the NBA Store and NBAStore.com.ph, the official online NBA Store in the Philippines.

For all the latest NBA news and updates, fans in the Philippines can visit www.nba.com and follow the NBA on Facebook and Twitter.  

About the NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  Built around five professional sports leagues:  the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2021-22 season featured a record 121 international players from 40 countries.  NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 2.1 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms.  Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.

Taiwan Excellence 3x3 Hoops Challenge with Andre and Kobe Paras

“We want this to be an avenue to inspire young Filipinos to always strive to reach their very best, in the same way Taiwan Excellence pushes its brands to always innovate and upgrade. The products from Taiwan Excellence are made to comply with our strictest standards, making sure they elevate the quality of life of every consumer worldwide.” ~Chun Tse Wu, director of the Strategic Marketing Department of Taiwan External Trade Development Council

Taiwan Excellence, an award-giving body that recognizes only the best Taiwanese brands and products, mounted the tournament anew to find the best up and coming Filipino talents. Athletic prowess and technological innovation were on full display once again as close to 800 young athletes competed for court supremacy at the Taiwan Excellence 3x3 Hoop Challenge 2019. 

Expanded into two age-based divisions – 16 - 18-year-old and 19-year-old and up – this year’s tournament boasted a whopping total of 192 teams amounting to 768 players altogether. 

The winning team for the Open Category of the Taiwan Excellence 3on3 Hoop Challenge 2019 poses with the Director Clement Chen of Taiwan Trade Center Manila and the tournament ambassadors Kobe and Andre Paras. 

Is there a better face off than one rooted in sibling rivalry? The Paras brothers – Andre and Kobe – battle it out in a game of ball, who got the same passion for basketball. To provide some much-needed inspiration, the brother duo of UP Fighting Maroons’ Kobe and Imus Bandera’s Andre Paras also took part in the action.

CLEMENT CHEN, Director of Taiwan Trade Center Manila, speaks about Taiwan Excellence and how it champions only the best in innovative technology. 

Hoops brothers Andre and Kobe Paras

The Paras brothers with Director Clement Chen of Taiwan Trade Center Manila and Coach Eric Altamirano. 

After the rigorous qualifying rounds completed a week ago, the action reached its climax at the finals round featuring the top 8 players per division battling it out against each other at the SM Megamall Event Center last June 29 – 30. 

Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone
Apart from the fiery competition, the event also showcased an array of award-winning products from proudly Taiwanese brands. 

All Taiwan Excellence awardees must satisfy stringent criteria in terms of design, quality, marketing, R&D, and lastly, it should be made in Taiwan. With such high standards, the symbol of Taiwan Excellence is now recognized in 102 countries. A total of 11 brands exhibited some of their best products. Spread across the Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone, Filipinos were able to get up close and personal with the brands and products.

“Moving around the busy Metro is now more rewarding with the bikes from Tern.” ~Kobe Paras

For the tech-savvy Filipinos, ZYXEL showcased the Multy U which provides seamless home WiFi connection. INWIN also displayed powerful gaming gadgets that prove why they are at the top of their game.

Sports brands also did not disappoint. BEKER showed off its water-proof music player for swimmers. JOHNSON FITNESS offered several fitness machines that adapt to everyone’s lifestyle. Meanwhile, sportswear manufacturer U.CR+ displayed their intelligent and adaptive clothing technology.

“Even at first glance, you know you have a dependable companion with Kymco.” ~Andre Paras

Sprucing up homes everywhere, Taiwan Excellence also has a host of products that make the everyday truly excellent. FECA has a line of reliable suction cup solutions for homes. DEPARTURE has its sturdy travel bags for the family. TOKUYA displayed exquisite massage machines for that perfect rest and relaxation session. And lastly, ANNIE’S WAY offered everyone a perfect pampering with their selection of effective skincare products.

From health and lifestyle to electronics, the top-notch products of Taiwan Excellence prove they can help one improve the many facets of everyday life.

To catch more of Taiwan Excellence, they have several events lined up that will surely excite more Filipinos.  For e-gamers, the Taiwan Excellence E-sports Cup will be held in Manila on October 4-6. They will also join the Internet-of-Things Business Platform at Marriott Manila taking place July 24-25, as well as the Taiwan Expo in Davao happening this November 8-9.