User:Allen Ocampo/sandbox

Allen Ocampo History of the Filipino Basketball Association in Shanghai (FILBAS)

What started as an off-shoot of a sports committee under the Filipino Community in Shanghai (Filcomsha) is now a full-fledged league comprising more than 100 Filipinos playing the country’s most beloved sport… BASKETBALL.

In 2004, four groups of teams were formed to play in the inaugural of FILBAS in Xuhui High School located in Xujiahui, Shanghai. The players represented Filipinos based in Shanghai from various backgrounds including musicians, engineers, architects, executives, factory workers and hospitality service staff. It was a venue to not only enjoy weekends of exciting basketball action but sharing stories and “Pinoy” foods with the friends and families of the players. A total of 12 tournaments have been played since its inauguration in 2004.

Today, the FILBAS now plays its regular games in Gonghexin Road/ Guangfu Road, whom the players affectionately refer to the basketball grounds as “Quaipo Ilalim”. 12 tournaments later, the same Filipino camaraderie exists as players, friends and families still gather to enjoy the same exciting games and in addition, offer various products for sale after games such as longganisa, puto, kucinta, palabok and even balut! The excitement not only engulfs the Filipino community during the games but also before and after each tournament.

For 2015, the FILBAS will have 8 teams in its 13th tournament. Although no elections are made for officers, the team captains are automatically part of the committee of officers who run the league. Moises Sumile, Jr. heads the group being one of the founding members of the 2004 inaugural tournament and also currently is the President of the Philippines Musicians Association in Shanghai (PMAS). The officers for 2015 include: Dhon Godinez, Aldrine Bae, Venny Espina, Darwin Silaroy, Richard Villanueva, Herbie Recato and Anthony Serida.