8 young Pinoy players earn chance to train in Japan

MANILA — Eight young Filipino basketball players have earned an opportunity to train in Japan after impressing during a program conducted by a sports drink in Cebu City recently.

A total of 32 players competed for the eight spots at stake in the third season of “Live Your Dream with Pocari Sweat: Basketball Dream Project” at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation.

At the end of the program, the following secured their tickets to Japan:

• Charles Nino Garcia, 15 (Cebu)

• Jose Victorio Suico, 14 (Cebu)

• Chazz Anthone Lesiguez, 15 (Iloilo)

• John Miel Lachica, 15 (Iloilo)

• Zulcarnain Datumanong, 13 (Cotabato)

• Jerruz Clinx Domingo, 14 (Cotabato)

• Dexter Jacob Dandoy, 15 (Davao)

• Jhun Lee Ibuos, 14 (Davao)

The eight players will travel to Japan in April 2027 for a week-long intensive training program alongside professional B. League players and coaches.

The program, launched in 2024, aims to empower young Filipino athletes through structured training, expert coaching, and opportunities to develop their basketball skills and pursue their dreams of playing competitive basketball from high school to college, and eventually as professional players.

Season 3 expanded its reach across Visayas and Mindanao, conducting nine regional tryouts in Cebu, Iloilo, Cotabato, and Davao, with a total of 652 aspiring players.

The program was facilitated by Youth Development Coaches, including Rommel Rasmo (Cebu), Raffy Ynion (Iloilo), Phil Tuvieron (Cotabato), and Jess Evangelio (Davao), under the guidance of Dream Project Facilitator Coach Noli Ayo.

“Pocari Sweat has always believed in supporting the youth by investing in programs that help them grow, achieve, and dream without limits,” said Ken Saito, the President and Managing Director of Otsuka-Solar Philippines, Inc. (OSPI). “This initiative is our commitment to creating pathways for young athletes to succeed.”

The final tryout was graced by key leaders in Philippine sports, including PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, who encouraged the young athletes to pursue excellence, SBP Zone Director for Zone 8 Popoy Navarro and Cebu City Sports Commission Executive Director Dr. Rhoel Dejano.