MANILA, Philippines (Jul 2026) — Years of sacrifice and grit finally paid off for local ballers as two teams rose above the rest to claim the title at the vivo 3×3 Basketball Challenge Year 4. After months of intense qualifying rounds, the tournament reached its peak at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on July 11 and 12, 2026, showcasing the best campus talent in the country.
Hoops dreams and smartphone prizes
The two-day grand finals brought together 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams who fought their way through four qualifying legs. While the glory of the title was the main goal, the stakes were high as the top four teams in each category walked away with brand-new vivo smartphones, cash prizes, and trophies.
Sports create opportunities for people to challenge themselves, build discipline, and grow together as a community, according to Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines. Liu noted that the tournament serves as a platform for athletes to demonstrate teamwork and perseverance while inspiring others.
The search for the next Gen V icons
The basketball court was not the only place where stars were born. Alongside the games, the tech brand concluded its first-ever Campus Ambassador Program with 15 student finalists from various universities across Metro Manila. These finalists, coming from schools like UP Diliman, Adamson University, and De La Salle University, presented their ideas to a panel of judges for a spot in the inaugural GEN V ambassador program.
Five students were chosen to become the first GEN V ambassadors, starting their journey on August 1, 2026. Their reward includes a year-long mentorship with marketing pros, hands-on experience in brand campaigns, and a monthly cash incentive of PHP 5,000 (approx. $86) for one year. Outstanding ambassadors might even land an internship or a full-time job with the company after they graduate.
More than just a game
The event turned the mall into a massive celebration of youth and sports, where visitors joined interactive activities and won exclusive prizes. For the Pinoy ballers and students involved, the weekend was a testament to how far belief and hard work can take a team.
