Six schools enter Nike 3-on-3 finals

Philippine College of Criminology, Xavier School, Jose Abad Santos Memorial School and St. Francis of Assisi Las Piñas dished out superlative performances to top their respective groupings in the Nike 3- on-3 Metro Manila Finals at the groovy Dr. Funk’s Playground in the Glorietta Activity Center.

The four teams, together with San Beda College and International Christian School, gained automatic berths in the national finals to be held on Sept. 1 at the Alabang Town Center.

San Beda and ICS, both second-placers in their divisions, qualified after beating heavily-favored Letran and St. Francis of Assisi Bacoor, respectively, in a knock-out match.

The Metro Manila leg was held simultaneously with the various activities inside Dr. Funk’s Playground, a replica of 1970s Harlem, New York based on the Nike Rucker Park Commercial.

The audience, including the kids, participated in side-events such as the Nike Hoopla Trick and Trivia, High Endurance Confuse-a-ball, Dazzling Duo, Kiddo Court and Dare Factor. Nike’s other treats included face-painting, makeover booth and mime shows.

Nike athletes who graced the event were national team players Asi Taulava, Eric Menk, brothers Danny and Andy Seigle, Olsen Racela, Jeffrey Cariaso, Purefoods TJ Hotdog team captain Alvin Patrimonio, Shell Turbocharger shooting guard Chris Calaguio and MBA superstar Alex Compton. Red Bull Thunder’s Willie Miller, meanwhile, played the role of Dr. Funk in a special number.

"We thank the public for supporting Nike’s Dr. Funk’s Playground and the Nike 3-on-3 Metro Manila Finals. It has been a fantastic show, in general, and we hope everybody joins us again in the National Finals," said Nike Philippines marketing manager Colo Ventosa.