Chooks 3×3 league undergoes test run ahead of resumption

Chooks to Go 3×3 League test run inside Inspire Academy in Calamba, Laguna. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 on Monday underwent a successful test run ahead of its tournament resumption tentatively scheduled on October 2.

The President’s Cup, which will have five legs, will be staged in a bubble environment at Inspire Academy in Calamba, Laguna.

To ensure everyone’s safety, players are required to undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test two days before each leg of the tournament.

Players, coaches, and league staff also need to present the GET Philippines’ tracing app to league officials upon arrival before having their mandatory disinfection and temperature checks.

As part of the procedure, players are to undergo an antigen test before heading into their respective rooms.

Present during the walkthrough were league founder Ronald Mascariñas, commissioner Eric Altamirano and Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chair Baham Mitra.

“I’m impressed with the preparations being done by Chooks-to-Go,” said Mitra on the country’s first-ever professional 3×3 basketball league.

“They did not just meet the requirements but also improved on their submitted safety protocols.”

Players Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, Santi Santillan, and Troy Rike of Family’s Brand Sardines-Zamboanga City Chooks and Karl Dehesa, Franky Johnson, Chris De Chavez, JR Alabanza, and Chico Lanete of Uling Roasters-Butuan City’s also helped during the test run.

“We would like to thank Chairman Baham for the kind words. It’s our job to keep our players safe first and foremost as this is their livelihoods,” said Mascariñas.

“Definitely, this is a huge step forward not only for us but for Philippine sports as well in this time of a pandemic.”

The league is also scheduled to hold a broadcast test run on Thursday.