Street Basketball hits SM Novaliches

Allan Tamparong wins Street Basketball Title

Newbie upsets favorites.

First-timer Allan Tamparong was crowned 2011 Street Basketball champion after slipping past defending champ Eliz Lintingco in the semis, and defeating last year's runner-up Dan dela Cruz in the finals.

The said event, organized by Quantum Amusement Corporation and held in SM Novaliches earlier this afternoon, saw the gathering of the country's best pop-a-shot players. The tourney participants were selected during the try-outs last April 17 and 30. The try outs were held in designated try-out arenas at Quantum Amusement Centers in SM Bacoor, SM Sucat, SM Manila, SM Calamba and SM Novaliches, and at Club Synergy in SM Megamall. After the try-outs, the top 10 scorers from each of the designated try-out arenas earned a slot to the national tournament in SM Novaliches.

2011 Street Basketball champ
Allan Tamparong

The rules of the tournament is to have a player make as many shots as possible within a time limit. During the first stage, players must score at least 40 points in 50 seconds in order to make it to the next stage wherein they must score at least 150 in 40 seconds for them to make it to the third stage. Then, they have to score at least 250 points in 30 seconds for them to make it to the final stage where players are given 20 seconds to make a final push in order to finish with a high score. Scores from each stage are automatically carried over to the next by the pop-a-shot machine. The players with the highest score in their respective brackets move on to the next round.

During the elimination phase of the national tournament, all eyes were on Lintingco as many perceive she will repeat as champion. She didn't fail to wow spectators as she finished her rack with 603 points and worked her magic to the semi-finals. The magic didn't last for long though, as Lintingco only mustered 567 points and saw her reign end in the semis. Her struggles paved the way for a finals match-up between Tamparong and dela Cruz who both closed out the semis with 600+ scores.

The shootout between Tamparong and dela Cruz went down the wire as both players finished the first three stages with just a few points separating them. However, Tamparong managed to pull away in the dying seconds of stage four, finishing the game in his favor to the tune of 581-572.

The tallest player in the tournament, the 6'3" Tamparong used his length to overcome his opponents. Even though it's his first time joining the Street Basketball Tournament, his long limbs gave him an edge because it allowed him to reach the rim closer than any of the competition, and this made shooting a bit easier for him. Tamparong also plays competitive basketball which allows him to hone his shooting form.

As champion, Tamparong received the Php 3,000 prize money, a trophy, Php 2,000 worth of gift certificates from Quantum, a special gift pack from event sponsor Rebisco, and a special edition ball from Saint-Fun. But more importantly, he will be representing the Philippines in the upcoming 6th China Cup where he will face off against the world's best pop-a-shot players.

Old Sport

While the 2011 Street Basketball Tournament was dominated by young people, one participant defied Father Time and embodied the adage: age doesn't matter.

Avelino Rongavilla, who will be turning 70 this November, was among those who shot hoops at SM Novaliches.

Avelino Rongavilla in an interview with Marlone Viardo

In an interview with the Muntinlupa City resident, Rongavilla claims (in Filipino) that he's been playing pop-a-shot since his 50s. Along with his friends, they scour Metro Manila to try out all sorts of pop-a-shot machines, and sometimes, to participate in tournaments.

Rongavilla admits that pop-a-shot has turned into his vice but his family supports him because it's a good form of exercise. He added that he will continue playing the game for as long as he can.

His inability to make it past the elimination round can't downplay the fact that Rongavilla finished his rack with 300+ points, and for someone his age, that feat remains impressive.

Other Winners

Though Tamparong bagged the major prize, two other participants notched victories in the side events of the 2011 Street Basketball Tournament.

Bernard Loriaga walked away with Php 1,000 worth of gift certificates from Quantum after he outscored his opponents in a challenge that had players shooting balls in the pop-a-shot machine while sitting down.

Meanwhile, Gilbert Ochongco won himself a Pioneer DVD player and a special gift pack from Rebisco after he top scored the challenge that had players shooting hoops while blindfolded. Ochongco heavily relied on muscle memory to finish his rack with 222 points.

Mascot Mania

Quantum took the Street Basketball tournament as an opportunity to introduce the newest member of its family, Zap.

Zap is the new mascot of said company and dons a blue outfit with a lightning on the center. His (though I'm not really sure about Zap's gender) mouth is like a deformed geometric figure that resembles the rotting flesh of a zombie, and he has a a pair of large emotionless yet intimidating eyes. He's like something you pull out from a Teletubby's nightmare. But don't take my word for it. Refer to the picture below.

IT'S ZAP! SAVE THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN!

  
All photos were taken by, and used with the consent of, John Andrew Delos Santos a.k.a. Siopao.