Laro unifies hoops

It may be not be so surprising that there are thousands of basketball courts just in massive Metro Manila. But despite the proliferation of basketball tournaments, one of the biggest challenges facing casual players and tournament organizers alike is finding courts that are available when they need it, and how to contact. And if you’re a recreational baller, how do you get to join other groups that could accommodate those who don’t have a complete set of at least 10 players?

The app Laro (laro.com.ph) is, for lack of a better term, a one-stop shop to get your hoop fix. Initially targeted at getting customers for basketball gym owners, it has broadened into an open market to find where one could play, when you want to. Now, they have also organized their own pick-up games which are open to anyone.

“We saw the opportunity, and hopefully, we can unify the communities so that everyone can use the app,” says Laro creator Yuri Go. “The players can have access and everything becomes easier.”

With a background in IT, Go was able to fuse his desire to keep on playing and pulling together like-minded people with his technological expertise. From its launch in 2024, Laro has expanded into more and more areas, adding more and more members. Those who avail of the app get to choose where and when to play, and who they get to play with. There are strict rules on behavior: no fighting will be tolerated. In addition, everyone gets to play, as games are designed to be long enough to get some good exercise, but not too long as to induce stress.

“We are a booking venue, but we want to make sure everyone enjoys, as well,” Yuri adds. “As a business, we will also be doing sports management events for companies.”

Selecting locations in business districts gives the app a consistent stream of clients among office workers. Their latest partnership is with PBA Motoclub. Now, regular people have the chance to join pick-up games with retired professional players. But more than that, people get to be among like-minded individuals who share an undying passion for the sport, and find their own place in an accepting community. And they are legion.

In the future, Laro also intends to incorporate other sports to widen its reach and serve all other sports lovers. There have been a few attempts to do this in the past, but Laro is by far better and more professionally-run. Not everyone can be an all-star, but everyone can find their happy place on the basketball court.