Published April 9, 2026 4:38pm

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After a silver-medal finish at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 women’s team is set to compete next in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier, which will be held this weekend in Singapore.

The team will be composed of Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, Kacey dela Rosa, and Tantoy Ferrer.

The Philippines will face host country Singapore and Brazil in the pool stage and must finish in the top two to advance to the semifinals.

The other group consists of Hungary, Lithuania, and Egypt.

The country needs to place in the top three overall to secure a spot in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, where the Philippines last participated in 2018 in the women’s division.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, meanwhile, congratulated the Gilas 3×3 teams for their achievements during the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup.

“To be the best Asian team in the Asia Cup is certainly a big honor,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Ricky Vargas in a release. “They competed with skill, but you could really feel the passion in their game. This is a big boost to SBP’s hopes of making it to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028,” said SBP president Ricky Vargas.

The women’s team is composed of Cheska Apag, Bernardino, Cacho, and Dela Rosa.

On the other hand, the men’s team composed of Jerrick Ahanmisi, Sean Alter, Chris Koon, and Ralph Cu, reached the quarterfinals before falling to South Korea in that round.

“We’re looking at this event as a watershed moment for SBP’s 3×3 Program. The Women’s team has developed into a medal contender, and the Men’s team has shown potential in only their first tournament together,” said SBP Program Director Ryan Gregorio. “The key was the commitment from our partners in the professional and collegiate ranks in opening their doors to us, along with the support of our sponsors, who believe in the program and our hopes of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”

—JKC, GMA News

Get ready for world-class basketball at OCBC Square, The Kallang.

This April, Singapore hosts the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier 2026 on 11–12 April 2026, bringing the intensity and global spotlight of 3×3 basketball to The Kallang. 

As part of the Qualifiers, twelve national teams from Europe, South America, Africa and Asia will compete for the final six spots of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026! As hosts of the Qualifiers, Team Singapore will participate in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifiers for the first time in its history. 

Don’t miss the action, get your tickets now!

Season Pass – Early Bird Promotion only for 8 days! 

Enjoy a hassle-free pass to all sessions and experience every moment of the excitement. Get 30% off during the Early Bird period!

Your Season Pass includes access to all 8 sessions of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 and 3 sessions of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier 2026! All in one unbeatable bundle. 

[Add-on] In for individual sessions – If you would like to add a hospitality package to your Season Pass, please contact SISTIC via hotline or email for assistance.

Infinity Club – Elevate your game day experience with exclusive privileges! 

Exclusive Lounge Access – Relax in a premium hospitality lounge with a comfortable, private setting away from the crowds.

Curated Culinary Experience – Indulge in specially curated dishes, complemented by free-flow wine and beer throughout the session.

Premium Match Seating – Enjoy one Courtside or Standard ticket for your selected session, bringing you right into the heart of the action.

Published April 12, 2026 12:17am

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The Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 Women’s team booked a slot in the knockout phase of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier on Saturday in Singapore.

The Philippines, composed of Kacey dela Rosa, Mikka Cacho, Afril Bernardino, and Tantoy Ferrer, opened the tournament with a 13-16 loss to Brazil before escaping Singapore with a 21-19 victory.

After posting a 1-1 record, the Philippines needed to wait for the result of the Singapore vs. Brazil match, which went in favor of the host country, 15-13, in overtime.

With the said result, Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 set up a date against Lithuania in the semifinals. A win against Lithuania will put them through to the finals and assure Gilas Pilipinas a slot in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup. A loss, however, will put them in a battle for third, with the winner advancing to the World Cup.

Gilas and Lithuania will face off on Sunday at 6:25 p.m.

—JKC, GMA News

SINGAPORE – New Zealand, Czechia and Brazil secured their places at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026, with Leonardo Branquinho leading the Men’s Team of the Tournament after an outstanding showing at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifier 2026.

The Brazilian star delivered when it mattered most, guiding his team through high-pressure moments as they booked their ticket to Warsaw, Poland.

MVP: Leonardo Branquinho (Brazil)

Branquinho once again proved why he is one of the most dangerous players in 3×3 basketball, combining scoring ability, experience and composure to lead Brazil to qualification.

Throughout the tournament, he was a constant offensive threat, capable of taking over games with his shot-making and one-on-one ability. His presence was especially crucial in tight contests, where his leadership and decision-making helped Brazil stay in control.

In the crucial last chance game, Branquinho’s influence extended beyond scoring, as he anchored Brazil’s offense and set the tone for their final push to secure a FIBA 3×3 World Cup berth. His all-around impact and consistency made him the strong choice for MVP.

Team of the Tournament

Leonardo Branquinho (Brazil)
The tournament’s standout performer, Branquinho led Brazil with his scoring, leadership and ability to deliver in clutch moments.

Filip Novotny (Czechia)
A dominant inside presence, Novotny powered Czechia with his physicality and efficient scoring, including a key 11-point performance in their qualification win.

Chris Martin (New Zealand)
A clutch performer, Martin played a decisive role in New Zealand’s campaign, including hitting the game-winning shot in their overtime victory to secure qualification.

FIBA