MILO-BEST Center renewed partnership for basketball development

By Edwin Rollon

The legacy of the grassroots basketball program lives on.

The Small Basketeers Philippines-Passerelle was shelved for four years. It made its grandiose comeback this year in 11 provinces starting October 19 under familiar organizers Basketball Efficiency Scientific Training (BEST) and trusted partnership MILO Philippines.

The return of the country’s foremost basketball camp for kids was officially sealed during the MILO-BEST relaunch signing of an agreement on Friday at the City Club of Alphaland in Makati City.

 “We are very thankful for the support of MILO. Napakaimportante po ng programa ito sa aming pamilya kung kaya’t ang pagbabalik nito ay tunay namang nagbigay sa amin ng walang hanggang kaligayahan. I’m sure, happy din ang parents ko,” said a teary-eyed Veronica Jorge, referring to her late mother Marilyn and father Nic Jorge.

‘Maraming nagtatanong sa amin, lalona sa mga probinsiya kung kailkan daw uli magkakaroon ng BEST Clinics. Nagbabalik na po kami at ipagpapatuloy natin ang nasimulan ng aking parents at yung misyon na mag-produced ng basketball stars,” she added.

The late Nic Jorge, a former basketball official and coach of the National Team, founded the BEST Center in 1978. He died in 2020 while his wife Marilyn passed away two years ago.

The BEST Center produced some of the country’s basketball millionaires such as Benjie Paras, Gerry Codinera Zandro Limpot, and siblings Keifer and Thirdy Ravena.

Several alumni such as Joel Cagulangan, Jan Felicilda, Larry Fonacier, BJ Manalo, Wesley Gonzales, Bacon Austria, and Andrei Caracut were present during the program where they relived their fond memories and shared their experiences in training.

Sports couple Mozzy and Bong Ravena and Danny Ildefonso expressed their gratitude and appreciation for MILO-BEST Center which transformed their children from raw to stardom.  Ravena was the father of Thirdy and Kiefer, while Ildefonso’s son Shaun and Dave also made their name in basketball.

“As we look to the future, we are dedicated to helping develop champions for life. And continuing the legacy of excellence,” said MILO Sports Executive Carlo Sampan

On its return, the first stop is in Cagayan de Oro and Pagadian City on October 19 and the final act will be in General Santos City on Dec. 27.

The other clinics and competitions will be held in Bacolod, Baguio, Davao, Iloilo, Lucena, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Roxas and Zamboanga.