MANILA, Philippines—At least 10 teams have confirmed their participation in the revived Women’s Philippine Basketball League, which is viewed by its organizers as the springboard for the country’s bid for a gold medal in the 2009 Southeast Asian Games in Laos.

PBL chair Mikee Romero and commissioner Chino Trinidad made the announcement Sunday, even as top companies as well as colleges and universities also expressed interest in joining the league.

“We’re happy that various sectors have come to support us in the revival of the women’s competition,” said Romero.

Trinidad said regular teams in the PBL are also committed to help the women’s league.

The league will hold a tryout on Oct. 19 at the Joze Rizal University gym in Mandaluyong City from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

Dioceldo Sy’s Ever Bilena, the champion when the WPBL was last held in 1999, is eyeing another partnership with University of the Philippines while Harbour Centre will have Far Eastern University.

Also eyeing possible school tie-ups are Smart Sports, Godiva, Discovery Suite Hotel, Burger King, Bacchus and Pharex and San Miguel.