Andwelle Cabanero. Handout photo.MANILA — Andwelle Cabanero and KJ Guada Badajos emerged as the champions of Jordan Brand's The One Manila on Saturday, earning the right to represent the Philippines in the global finals in Shanghai, China later this month.
Cabanero topped a 16-player boys' field, while Badajos prevailed over nine other contenders in the girls' division to book their spots in the international tournament set for August 29.
Originally scheduled at the Jordan Flight Deck in Bonifacio Global City, the tournament was forced indoors to the Kerry Sports Arena at Shangri-La The Fort after heavy rain disrupted the event.
Despite the venue change, the country's top young basketball prospects battled through knockout rounds before Cabanero and Badajos emerged victorious.
The boys' championship featured an all-UST Senior High School showdown, with 17-year-old Cabanero defeating fellow Tiger Cub Sean Bohol, 13-9.
Cabanero overcame a shoulder injury sustained during the quarterfinals, winning two more matches despite the pain to secure the championship and a ticket to Shanghai.
“I thought to myself, ‘Why would I waste the opportunity to go to Shanghai?’” said Cabanero.
“My motto is whenever I’m tired or even when I’m hurt with an injury, I don’t give up because the fight isn’t over. Never say die.”
Meanwhile, National University-Nazareth School standout Badajos dominated the girls' final, defeating Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball Developmental League campaigner Jenny Paguipo, 17-6.
After the match was tied at 6-all, the Bukidnon native knocked down consecutive three-pointers before burying another triple in the closing seconds to seal the victory.
“I’m so happy because I worked really hard for all of this. I learned a lot, and I hope that more people will get to see just what we can do as athletes,” said Badajos.
“Everything happens for a reason, and we don’t know what’s in store for us in our future, so I believe that we should always put in the work to reach our dreams.”
Before competing in the global finals, Cabanero and Badajos will undergo a training program organized by Jordan Brand, which includes sessions with Philippine Jordan athlete Kiefer Ravena, as well as strength and conditioning coaches and Jordan trainers.
The One Global Finals will be held in Shanghai on August 29, where the Philippine representatives will compete against top young players from North America, Europe, and the rest of Asia for a chance to win a cash prize, become Jordan Brand ambassadors, and be featured in a global campaign.