Only for men?

When will women's hoops ring

the bell in PH?

If the Philippines is a hoops-crazy country, then why doesn't it have a women's league?
Basketball writer Levi Verora explores the possibility of giving ladies a league of their own
MANILA, Philippines - Is the Philippines’ obsession with basketball exclusive to men’s hoops, or
is there a place for the women’s game.

The South East Asian archipelago is hailed as a basketball-crazy country. We have seen how
thousands of rabid fans chant “Gi-ne-bra!” or “Pu-so!” over the years in support of their
favorite teams. We were witnesses to historic rivalries and clashes, like the fabled Crispa-
Toyota wars of the 70s and the endless battle between Ateneo-La Salle. People endure the
scorching heat and long lines as they line up, call ticketing offices, and sometimes even
purchase from scalpers just to be among the thousands who’ll see James Yap, Mark Caguioa or
Marc Pingris represent their domestic teams.

Our gentlemen have braved international competition, putting the Philippines on the world
map of basketball; we’re the highest-placed Asian country in Olympics history, and we have
been to the World Championships numerous times with greats like Chito Loyzaga, Robert
Jaworski, Allan Caidic, Ramon Fernandez, Jimmy Mariano, and most recently Jimmy Alapag,
Jayson Castro, and Marcus Douthit. Let’s simplify it this way: as far as basketball in concerned,
our accomplishments are skyrocketing.

There’s the PBA, D-League, UAAP, NCAA, Filoil Cup, and an endless list of leagues nationwide.
In every corner of the country, you’ll find makeshift basketball courts as youngsters or tambays
mimic the moves of their favorite stars, imagining they’re playing in front of a packed arena.

Tricycle terminals, karinderias, and other places stop as they witness the Manila Clasico or the
FIBA Asia Championship. All you need is a cheap rubber basketball to find yourself hooked on
the nation’s collective passion. But for women aspiring to be the next basketball stars, it seems
the Philippines isn’t the place for them to get a big break.

No love for women’s basketball?

Let’s face it: more people would rather watch the local inter-color barangay leagues than
attend a visit by WNBA star Candace Parker. That’s the status quo in Philippine basketball.
Cassandra Tioseco and Melissa Jacob are part of the latest national women’s basketball team,
the Perlas Pilipinas. Backed by Discovery Suites, the national team is their only exposure past
the collegiate ranks, where there are a few leagues like the WNCAA, Filoil Premier Cup, and Fr.
Martin’s Cup aside from their ‘mother leagues.’ Tioseco, a two-time UAAP Most Valuable
Player, has played in three South East Asian Games already, winning two silvers and a bronze.
She says it was her biggest disappointment that there are no pro leagues in the country for
women to showcase their talents and skills past the amateur ranks.
“It's one of my biggest frustrations as a female athlete. I feel like the right term is a country
crazy for men's basketball rather than a basketball-crazy country,” the Perlas Pilipinas
mainstay said.

“If it was the sport people were crazy about, then I would expect an equal opportunity for a
women's league which sadly isn't the case.” Jacob shares the same frustration.

“I think it's sad that there isn't a women's basketball league, but I think our team has done a
good job promoting the sport by our results as well as our grassroots efforts,” she told Rappler.
“Hopefully sometime in the near future a sustainable women's league will come to life.”

Jacob spent her college years in the United States before looking for career options in Europe.
She ended up donning the Pilipinas uniform. Sadly, that is the only exposure she could get.

“I don't think I was good enough to make the WNBA realistically speaking. It's really tight
talent-wise, with limited spots. I had tried to go play in Europe instead. There are more
options; each country has their own league with up to 3-4 divisions but nothing ever pushed
through,” said the 30-year-old Fil-American.

Camille Sambile meanwhile, the newly-minted UAAP co-Athlete of the Year, chose basketball,
having been influenced by her family friends who are also indulged in the sport. “I chose
basketball because I always had the passion for this sport since I was a child. The competition
has been very challenging,” she said. She says playing women’s basketball is like a war that
keeps her going.

“I have met players that have more skills and this has given me the push I need in order to
work harder and strive for excellence,” said the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraw.

Audience: The main audience for this text is athletes, mostly women athletes. This because
this text talks about how there is no female basketball in the Philippines and how its unfair. It
also refers he point that people prefer to watch male basketball and how its still not an excuse
for not having a women league.

Purpose: The purpose of this text is to inform people how male chauvinist people can be.
Plus, how unfair and inappropriate it is for women not being able to play basketball
professionally in the Philippines.

Text type: Informative online article