The Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Invitational will run for just 12 days starting on Dec. 11.
But the winner of the final day of competition will enjoy quite the holiday season.
The winner of the 22-team tournament that ends on Dec. 23 will get a P2-million bonus from organizers as the regional basketball league returns to action after a pandemic-forced hiatus.
The teams were split into four groups, with the San Juan Knights and Jumbo Plastics-Basilan seeded as top teams in Group C and B, respectively.
Joining the Go for Gold-backed Knights, the Datu Cup champions, are the Marc Pingris-led Nueva Ecija Vanguards, Sarangani Marlins, Valenzuela and Muntinlupa.
Bracketed with Basilan, winner of the first conference of the Vis-Min Super Cup, are Laguna Krah Asia, Marikina Shoe City, Makati and Bicol.
In Group A are Caloocan Excellence, Pasig and neighbor teams Bacolod, Iloilo, and league newcomer Negros Muscovados.
Completing the field are Manila Stars, Rizal Xentromall, Imus Bandera, GenSan Warriors, Mindoro EOG Sports and Bulacan in Group D.
MPBL chief Kenneth Duremdres presided over the drawing of lots on Friday.
The cash prize was put up by Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. president Ronald Mascariñas and MPBL COO and founder Sen. Manny Pacquiao
“This is not just a simple restart; we wanted our league to be at par with the best of the world,” said Mascariñas.