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.

Taiwan Excellence 3-on-3 Hoop Challenge and Products Showcase

“Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp is an exemplary showcase of excellence from both countries: the fighting spirit of the Filipinos further empowered by the products of Taiwan.” ~Alfred Wang, Director of the Economic Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO)

(L-R) PBA Player JC Intal, Taiwan Trade Center Manila Director Clement Chen, PBA Player Doug Kramer

A partnership between Taiwan Excellence and legendary PBA star Coach Eric Altamirano, the two-day Camp aimed to promote sportsmanship as it brought together some of the Metro’s most promising basketball players while highlighting the incredible products awarded with the Taiwan Excellence Seal.

(L-R) PBA Player JC Intal, Taiwan Trade Center Manila Director Clement Chen, PBA Player Doug Kramer

Boasting participation of 192 amateur Pinoy ballers, the Camp put their skills to the test in a rigorous 3-on-3 match while 3 PBA stars are on the sidelines showing support. Combining the Filipino passion for basketball and the Taiwanese drive for innovation, the first-ever Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp recently filled the Mall of Asia Music Hall with an intense 3-on-3 Hoop Challenge, top-notch innovations from Taiwan Excellence, and PBA stars.

Alongside Coach E of Alaska Aces, local court heroes JC Intal and Doug Kramer of Phoenix Fuel Masters also gave their support to the budding ballers. The two celebrity players look forward to using the products themselves. 

“I am really excited about the bikes from Tern. They make biking and going around the city a much more fun experience.”  ~JC Intal, PBA Player

As for Kramer, he has his sights on the Paper Shoot, compact digital cameras with cases made out of eco-friendly paper. 

“I really feel that the whole family will fall in love with it. It is so simple and sophisticated, I know my kids will love using Paper Shoot.” ~Doug Kramer, PBA Player

Combining the Filipino passion for basketball and the Taiwanese drive for innovation, the first-ever Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp recently filled the Mall of Asia Music Hall with an intense 3-on-3 Hoop Challenge, top-notch innovations from Taiwan Excellence, and PBA stars.

With its aim of promoting the leading products, Taiwan Excellence shares with the world a variety of truly innovative brands. Initiated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Taiwan, R.O.C., in 1992, the symbol of Taiwan Excellence is continuously recognized by 102 countries.

Mr. Clement Chen, Taiwan Trade Center Manila Director

The symbol of Taiwan Excellence, according to Wang, honors Taiwan’s most innovative products “that provide tremendous value to users worldwide.” Each product has been selected for a specific Taiwan Excellence Award based on their excellence in the following categories: design, quality, marketing, Taiwanese R&D, and manufacturing.

Boasting participation of 192 amateur Pinoy ballers, the Camp put their skills to the test in a rigorous 3-on-3 match while 3 PBA stars are on the sidelines showing support.

The 192 players of the Taiwan Excellence 3-on-3 Hoop Challenge pose for the official group photograph at the SM Mall of Asia Entertainment Music Hall, Pasay City last July 21, 2018. Headed by Taiwan Excellence and Coach Eric Altamirano, this is a 2-day event that celebrates Filipinos love for basketball.

Also integral to the whole Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp set up is the Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone which exhibits the top-of-the-line products of Taiwan.

Taiwan showcased their different products

With products from tech giant Asus, fitness company Johnson, and bike manufacturer Tern, among others, the Taiwan Excellence Zone got everyone up close and personal with impressive products championed by Taiwan.

“They did a great job in showcasing the best products that Taiwan can offer. The quality can go head to head with other global brands.” ~Christian Ramos, one of the players for the Camp

Wang hopes these superior products from Taiwan will boost the way of life and strengthen the love of Filipinos for basketball and sports in general.

For updates about Taiwan Excellence, visit their website https://www.taiwanexcellence.org/ph and follow their Facebook page at facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph.