Dwight Howard, Mu Real, Nadine Jamal inspire Filipino basketball hopefuls in LBDL charity camp

Photos courtesy of: Vence Gallego

The youth of Los Baños were treated to basketball tutelage, shoes, jerseys, games, and inspirational messages from their idols during a fun and educational LBDL camp held this week in Laguna.

The event was organized by sports agent Nadine Jamal, NBA legend Dwight Howard, musician Mu Real, and coach Hekel Quilloy as a way to give back to a community in the Philippines. Also present were collegiate basketball standouts Earl Abadam and Bright Nwankwo of La Salle plus AJ Benson of CSB, players under the developmental program of Phenom Championshp Clinic, which contributed to the event’s festivities.

Nadine aids in the career progression of Filipino basketball athletes in the country, among others, while Howard earned the awe of Filipino basketball fans during his stint with SGA early this year. In addition to working in the music industry, Mu Real is also Howard’s brand manager, a business CEO, and both the marketing head plus chief recruiter of The Asian Tournament, where Howard currently plays.

A charity camp consisting of more than 220 kids were provided apparel to further hone their interest in growing as basketball standouts. Basketball-related trivia and guessing games took place for entertainment in addition to learning the fundamentals of the game.

Arguably the highlight of the afternoon was when the kids were treated to a video greeting from Howard which was met to a roaring applause.

“I heard you guys are great fans and soon-to-be future pro athletes of the world. Keep up the great, hard work, Philippines. I love you guys. Have an awesome day!” the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year said.

PBA star Mikey Williams also spoke to the kids via video call despite the late hours in the United States, much to the campers’ admiration.

Both campers and adults found joy in the festivities. The proceedings also focused on building the confidence of female basketball players. Some of them defeated the boys’ team in scrimmages, much to the delight of onlookers.

Nadine and Mu Real are planning similar camps scheduled to take place in the future in different parts of the Philippines with the possibility of a nationwide tour with for the goal of connecting kids to their favorite basketball stars and turning their dreams into real possibilities.