News & Updates

Manila Hustle 3×3 returns fiercer in its 3rd season

Photo source: Vyn Radovan

The Manila Hustle 3×3: Philippine Women’s 3×3 International Invitational returns for its third season. Games will happen at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on February 8-9, 2025 at 10:00 AM. 

Tournament Director Peachy Medina differentiated this upcoming Season 3 as a fiercer competition with more spectacular plays. 

“In season 1, just after COVID, some players had to activate just for the tournament, and after the tournament, they deactivate,” she remembered. “Now, there’s so many opportunities for the women players to develop themselves, to hone their skills, to be more competitive.”

“So, I think this season 3, expect more spectacular play and fiercer competition,” said Peachy Medina.  

Photo credits: Vyn Radovan

PLDT-Smart Vice President Jude Turcuato talked about women greatly impacting Philippine sports, “Our first gold medalist [from the Olympics] was a woman. We had our Philippine Women’s National Football Team who made the World Cup, and a couple of bronze medals in the last Olympics from Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.”

He added, “Women’s Basketball has grown, with a couple of personalities from the U.S. that have really made it known to the rest of the world. We’re very happy in Smart to be able to support something like this. Especially sports that have a lot of innovation and growth potential, and Manila Hustle is exactly that.”

The participating teams have collectively acknowledged that the tournament brought exposure to the potential of Philippine Women’s Basketball. 

Photo credits: Vyn Radovan

Uratex Tibay and Uratex Dream coach Kat Quimpo said, “We’re very excited to represent our country [and] showcase what Philippine Women’s Basketball is.”

She added: “At the same time, we’re very excited to have this opportunity to compete against the best of the best. It’s not usual for all of us to get this opportunity, so we appreciate even just the clubs for getting us this exposure.”

Uratex Dream member, Philippines’ No. 1-ranked player, and World No. 58 Kaye Pingol joked, “I don’t feel any pressure right now.” 

Photo credits: Vyn Radovan

She admitted that the pressure is always there, but she is also excited to face the challenge of competing against elite teams. 

“Malaking bagay kasi maraming mga elite teams eh. Sa season 3, may mga narinig pa kami na Olympian na players. Malaking experience ‘yon sa’min, and I’m very excited din na ma-challenge and maexperience namin sila [makalaban],” said Pingol.

The tournament will also be live-streamed on Manila Hustle 3×3’s official Facebook page and Smart Sports and Puso Pilipinas pages.