It's no secret that the Philippines is a basketball-crazy nation. Everywhere you go, there's a huge chance you'll see a basketball court or a makeshift hoop.
Filipinos of all ages have come to love the sport of basketball, and a new children's book titled The ABC’s of Pinoy Basketball, which officially becomes available today, hopes to further ignite that passion in young readers.
This one-of-a-kind alphabet book is written by Anvil awardee and Palanca award-winning writer Ceej Tantengco-Malolos and SLAM Philippines’ Senior Content Manager Jon Carlos Rodriguez which features legendary local basketball icons and terms and concepts that have shaped and influenced the hoops culture here in the country. Kids will definitely resonate with the book, especially with the colorful illustrations done by SLAM Philippines’ Design Lead Melvin Rodas.
Notable sports personalities featured in The ABC's of Pinoy Basketball are Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson and Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra. Both Filipino-Americans are currently in Manila for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Clarkson is suiting up as Gilas Pilipinas' naturalized player while Spoelstra is one of the assistant coaches for Team USA. Well-recognized host and reporter Cassidy Hubbarth also gets a special shoutout.
Carlos "Caloy" Loyzaga, who was recently inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame, is mentioned in the book, as well as local stars such as Jojo Lastimosa, June Mar Fajardo, and the NU Lady Bulldogs.
A part of the proceeds from the book sales will be donated to Girls Got Game, a non-profit organization that provides underprivileged girls mobile sports camps and mentorship.
The ABC’s of Pinoy Basketball is now available starting August 25 at TITAN Fort, Kadopublishing.com, Frankie & Friends, Lazada, Shopee, Mt. Cloud, Fully Booked, and internationally via Barnes & Noble, Amazon Paperback & eBook.
