Words by: Miko Insame
Photos and Research by: Danielle Capuyon
If you are reading this, this means that basketball, as it does with a lot of other Filipinos, holds a special place in your heart. I can’t blame you, the game is exciting, fast-paced, and incredibly entertaining. When the itch calls for it, there’s nothing stopping a Filipino from making anything basketball-related.
One of the problems of being a hoops fan is that aside from the streetball hoops set up on streets (you know, the ones where every time a car passes by, it’s a timeout?), it can be pretty difficult for someone to find a good court to play on, let alone a serviceable court to play at with your squad.
That’s why we here at the WIM team decided to find and list different courts around the Metro so you don’t have to worry anymore about where to go when you need to throw on the jersey and start dribbling. Keep in mind that this is aside from the usual spots people would know of, like university gyms or ones found on local church grounds. In no particular order, here are 10 courts in the Metro you need to check out right now.
10. Golden Panda Dormtel
Photo from: Express Hoops PH
A hardwood court with practice facility vibes, Golden Panda is situated on the bustling corner of E. Rodriguez and Banawe. A high-rise court, it’s situated on the 10th floor of the building. Aside from the court hoops, there are two additional hoops to the side of the court that can act as practice hoops when you’re waiting to be subbed in (just don’t lose control of the ball and disrupt the actual playing going on).
Price: Php1,200/hr
Location: 10/F Golden Panda Building, 447 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue corner Banawe Street, Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City, Philippines
Contact No.: (02) 353 0888
9. Kerry Sports Arena
Photo from: Trip Advisor
For those who want a little more premium and luxury for their hooping matters, look no further than the court found in Kerry Sports Arena. A sleek and modern hardwood court that is situated right in the heart of Shangri-La at The Fort, it comes equipped with all the bells and whistles. Aside from the court itself, a fitness center is available if you need to work on conditioning and a pool for if you and your buddies need to cool off after a particularly hard game among other luxurious amenities. A caveat though, it is recommended that you get a membership to make the most out of it, as non-members who wish to rent the court need a minimum amount of games to be played in order to rent. Fun fact: Kobe Bryant played on this court when visited Manila in 2016.
Price: Php5,000/hr (Mondays – Thursdays), Php7,500/hr (Fridays – Sundays) (non-members are required to play 5 games in order to rent, while members have no minimum)
Additional Optional Expenses: Php400 (scoreboard), Php400 (ball rental), Php500 (referee)
Location: Levels 5 and 6, Shangri-La at the Fort Manila 30th Street, cor 5th Ave, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila
Contact No.: (02) 820 0888
8. Gold’s Gym Athletics
Photo from: bobguerreroph
More than just one of the worlds most recognizable gyms, Gold’s Gym has gotten themselves a spacious warehouse gym, one that houses two different courts: one hardwood and one taraflex. Located in Sheridan, Mandaluyong, the place is all you can ask for if you’re the hard knocks, gritty type that enjoys no frills and hardcore balling out. Of course, there’s a gym right next to it where you can work on your biceps right after working on your shot.
Price: Wooden Court: Php1,800 (day) & Php2,200 (night) per hour with endorsement from a Gold’s Gym member, Php2,200 (day) & Php2,600 (night) without; Taraflex Court: Php1,600 per hour with endorsement from a Gold’s Gym member and Php2,000 without
Location: Warehouse 3, Greenfield District, Sheridan, Mandaluyong, Kalakhang Maynila
Contact No. (02) 998 2635
7. Upper Deck
Photo from: Express Hoops PH
Another court that just so happens to come paired with a luxury experience and facilities, Upper Deck is located in the heart of Pasig. Two courts that are complemented by (get this), seven badminton courts, a rock climbing wall, a fitness gym, a dive pool, a recovery spa, and a resto-bar. There’s little stopping you and your squad from wagering an all-terrain, all fitness challenge to see who’s the best baller/climber/diver/lifter. We here at the WIM team actually visited Upper Deck and you can read all about that here.
Price: Php2,200/hr (6am-4pm), Php2,300/hr (peak hours: 4pm-12mn)
Additional Optional Expenses: Php2,000
Location: 6/F, Ortigas Technopoint Building, 1 Doña Julia Vargas Ave, Pasig
Contact No.: (02) 942-4585
6. Ronac Art Center
Photo from: CV Project
For the times you never knew you needed to look at modern art to be inspired to play ball, Ronac Art Center houses a modern art gallery to go along with its court. Four stories that house its court, its gallery, a number of handpicked boutiques and restaurants, it’s a lifestyle center for those who find themselves in San Juan. Need to find some fresh clothes with your buddies right after the game? Or get something really good to fuel up right after? Head to Ronac.
Price: Php1,800/hr
Location: Ortigas Ave, San Juan, 1504 Metro Manila
Contact No.: (02) 570 9815
