MANILA -- The Cavite Tol Patriots hope to make an immediate impact when they compete in the inaugural tournament of the Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) that starts in January.
Over a hundred female players tried out for slots in the lineup last November 23 and 24 in Tagaytay City, with Coach Norman Manguinao Coach Angelica Valera of Cavite State University leading the activities.
John Kallos, an official from the WMPBL, gave the hopefuls a pep talk to encourage them to continue developing their skills in pursuit of their basketball dream.
The tryouts of the Cavite Tol Patriots for the first season of the Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. Handout photoThe squad is backed by Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, who hopes to build up the nation's grassroots and women's sports programs to fuel national pride.
"The formation of the team signals a new era for women's sports in the country," said Tolentino of the Patriots.
A total of 14 teams will compete in the inaugural tournament of the WMPBL -- an invitational conference that starts on January 19. Another tournament in June will be fully professional.
Aside from Cavite, the WMPBL will also feature: Relentless EZ Jersey; Discovery Perlas; Imus Lady Magdalo; PSY Gymers; San Juan Lady Knights; Solar Home Suns; University of Santo Tomas; Centro Escolar University; Far Eastern University; Adamson Pilipinas Aguilas; New Zealand Blue Fire; Galeries Tower Manila; and the Philippine Navy Lady Sailors.
"This league isn't just about basketball, it's about women empowerment. It is about creating a space where women can grow, where we can show what they're capable of and where they can have a platform to be seen and celebrated," said WMPBL Commissioner Haydee Ong during the league's official launch.
"Together, we are proving something that will not only change the future of basketball for women in the Philippines, but also open the doors for future generations," she added. "This league is for every Filipina, every woman who loves basketball, and every woman who dreams of making her mark in this world. Let's make this something we can all be proud of. Let's show the world that the future of basketball is female."