October 18, 2007 -- Nike reaches into the heart and soul of local basketball with the premiere of a unique documentary that chronicles the lives of both professional and college basketball players before they gained prominence as hardcourt heroes. Helmed by Cannes award-winning director-producer Carlo Ledesma and Mel Lozano, "My Game" traces the heart-warming journey of six local ballers as they pursue their dreams.
"Nike Philippines is proud to embark on this special journey with local ballers. Telling their stories like never before, we hope that "My Game" will inspire our youths to reach for their hoop dreams. The creative depth and rich perspective by Carlo and Mel have brought to life what Nike has always believed in. That basketball may have originated from the West, but the Philippines has totally redefined it as their own," said Nike Philippines Country Marketing Manager Melissa Crucillo.
"This film will tell the stories of how (these) ballers got to where they are today," explained "My Game" director Carlo Ledesma. "The film has a rich, colorful look to emphasize the Philippines' diverse cultural influences. It was great to come home to the Philippines and work on this project which has a huge importance to the Filipino youth. It's been a privilege to be part of this collaboration and I certainly hope you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed making it," Ledesma said.
Featured Players in "My Game"
For James Yap of Escalante, Negros Occidental and Don Don Hontiveros of Cebu, the sweltering heat and crude conditions of their respective village basketball courts did not dampen their resolve to reach for their hardcourt dreams. They eventually represented the country in the sport that they love.
Young Jobe Nkemakolam and Rico Maierhofer recalled how they would take 100 jump shots after a rigorous scrimmage with their neighborhood buddies. Both eventually took the college basketball scene by storm.
Arwind Santos stood in awe as he set foot in Manila, for it meant finally realizing his dream of playing hoops in the big city. After a few years, he became Far Eastern University's King Tamaraw and led FEU to its first championship in six years in 2003.
Ren-Ren Ritualo would practice his basketball religiously every afternoon to live up to the expectations, given his family's basketball heritage. He eventually represented the flag and country as part of the national team.
These stories lie at the core of "My Game" which took its inspiration from the Philippines' street basketball scene where the youth spend hours sharpening their basketball skills, sustained by their dream of one day playing in the professional league. It is within those neighborhood courts where athletes like the film's featured players develop their skills and lifelong love for the game.
"My Game" was premiered in an exclusive screening at Powerplant Cinema among athletes, celebrities and media representatives. From October to November, "My Game" will go on a road show to different schools and universities. Screenings will be scheduled in the featured players' alma mater: De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, Far Eastern University, and University of the East.
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