FIBA World Cup Basketball 2023 Mascot Launch

Another sports lifestyle assignment for me under ABS-CBN Sports which is to cover the official launch to the public of the FIBA World Cup Basketball 2023 mascot "JIP" which was held on July 31 at SM Mall of Asia Atrium.

The name JIP is combination of the starting letters of the three countries who will be hosting the FIBA World Basketball 2023 which are Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. 

The event was hosted by Eric "Eruption" Tai and PBA courtside Denise Tan.

The event started with the performance from Hype Streetball as they showcased their dribbling skills.

Then JIP was called on-stage and was introduced to the crowd watching the event. JIP looks like Baymax in some ways as he is a robot with a basketball at his back. He also has different programmed emotions.

After JIP's photo-ops on-stage, he then went to the photo booth where everyone can have a photo with JIP.

Filipino rock band Spongecola then performed on-stage with their hit songs Tuliro, Pag-ibig, Bitiw, Jeepney and Puso.

Actress/host and Yael's wife Karylle also joined the band when they played the sing song Pag-ibig.

It was my first time to watch a live band performed since before the pandemic and I can't help but to sing along while Spongecola are playing their hits. Yael also went near the crowd. It was also nice to see my fellow Moonstareros Gabby who is there watching Spongecola.

After the Spongecola performance we interviewed FIBA Executive Director David Crocker and SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios.

DJ Patty Tiu also played the beats after Spongecola and too bad as I wasn't able to have a selfie as I am a fan of her.

Tagged her in Instagram and my IG story and I got a follow back :)

Together with the other media people, me and my co-worker for the day Mariz who is working as our mobile sports journalist had an early dinner at Lugang Cafe which also located inside Mall of Asia. 

We would like to say thank you to TeamAsia PH for inviting us in the event and for the dinner and strawberry coated in chocolates. It was also nice meeting the team and the founders Ms. Bea Lim and Mam Monette Hamlin. 

Photos taken using Nikon D750 for ABS-CBN Sports