Local gaming platform OKBet delivered its “proudly Pinoy” brand of sports entertainment to thousands of basketball fans in Soccsksargen, through its partnership with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
“OKBet Goes to GenSan and Sarangani” is part of the sportsbook’s nationwide campaign to promote the MPBL’s ongoing fourth regular season, while celebrating the cultural identities of different provinces.
The first part of the event was held on September 5 to 6 at the Lagao Gymnasium in General Santos City, just in time to coincide with the city’s Tuna Festival celebration. Among the teams that played were the Bacoor City Strikers, Quezon City MG Cars, Bacolod Bingo Plus, and the home team GenSan Warriors OKBet.
After a two-day break, the basketball action continued at the Sarangani Provincial Capitol Gymnasium in Alabel, Sarangani, taking place from September 9 to 10. The second part featured games among the returning teams of Bacolod and QC, the Muntinlupa Cagers, and the province’s very own Sarangani Marlins OKBet.
Boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquaio, founder of the MPBL, was present at the event, initiating the ceremonial toss in every game.
The Sarangani Marlins OKBet channeled their home court advantage against the Quezon City MG Cars last September 9 at the Sarangani Provincial Capital Gymnasium in Alabel, Sarangani.
Back-to-back basketball action
Games kicked off on September 5 at the Lagao Gymnasium in GenSan, with the Bacoor City Strikers dominating the Quezon City MG Cars in the opening match, 96-77.
The GenSan Warriors, meanwhile, clinched a very crucial victory against fellow South Division team Bacolod Bingo Plus, 76-73.
On the following day, Bacolod and QC faced each other off, with both trying to recover from their respective losses. The former came out victorious in a convincing 79-64 finish.
Winners from the previous night also squared off, with GenSan still capitalizing on their home court advantage and beating Bacoor by a single point in a nail-biting conclusion, 75-74.
The OKBet-MPBL action continued at the Sarangani Provincial Capital Gymnasium in Alabel, Sarangani on September 9. Riding the momentum from their last game, Bacolod bagged another win against the Muntinlupa Cagers, 93-83.
OKBet-sponsored Sarangani Marlins did not let their home crowd down, coming out triumphant with a huge lead against QC, 90-67.
The next day, QC finally got a much-needed win to regain their morale, defeating the embattled Muntinlupa in a close fight, 79-77.
Meanwhile, it was a different story for Sarangani on Day 4, which failed to stop the snowballing Bacolod in their bout. The visitors scored 89 points against the home team’s 74.
More than entertainment
Going beyond sports entertainment, OKBet continued its string of corporate social responsibility initiatives during the two-day period between matches.
The company donated ten wheelchairs to the city government of GenSan, in support of the LGU’s inclusivity program for persons with disabilities, especially differently-abled youths. The turnover ceremony was held on September 7 at the General Santos City Hall, with City Councilor Orlando Acharon representing GenSan City Mayor Lorelie Geronimo-Pacquiao.
OKBet, with the provincial government of Sarangani, also organized a youth basketball clinic at the Sarangani Provincial Capitol Gymnasium. The home team’s head coach John Kallos was among those who trained the participants.
These initiatives are part of OKBet’s goal to “P(l)ay It Forward”, its way of giving back to the community and supporting Filipino athletes.