All news tagged RendellDelaRea

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, welcomed the Masters Pinoy Pilipinas 45-Up Basketball Team to the Senate last Monday, August 4, following their gold medal victory at the 2025 World Masters Games in Taiwan.

Known for his unwavering support for Filipino athletes, Senator Go personally congratulated the team for bringing pride and honor to the country.

He recognized team officials—Team Manager Reynaldo Punongbayan, Assistant Manager Dick Victor Carmona, Head Coach Arlene Rodriguez, and Assistant Coaches Dann Michael Caneba, Albert Valbuena, and Diego Padua—as well as the players, including Justice Midas Marquez, Gilbert Malabanan, Roger Yap, Estong Ballesteros, Oliver Agapito, Rendell dela Rea, Romel David, Guiness Nabung, Milo Bonifacio, Edwin Manabat, Ricky Ricafuente, Arvin Aguila, Paul Reguera, and Marlon Basco.

The senator’s interaction with the athletes was warm and sincere, as he shared anecdotes and checked on their well-being.

“Congratulations to our Pilipinas 45-Up Basketball Team for winning the 2025 World Masters Games in Taiwan. Victories like this bring national pride that money can’t buy. You carry the honor of our country—thank you for your dedication,” Go said.

The Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball squad emerged victorious in the 45-up division at the World Masters Games, clinching the gold medal after a hard-fought 103-92 win over Mongolia on Monday, May 26, at the Fujen Catholic University Gymnasium in Xinzhuang, New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Veteran leadership and experience powered the Filipinos to the top. 

Team captain Gilbert Malabanan led by example, putting up an impressive stat line of 25 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. His all-around performance and court command anchored the team throughout the championship game.

Sharp-shooting guard Rendell Dela Rea added firepower from the perimeter, knocking down four three-pointers on his way to 24 markers, providing a steady offensive boost and keeping the defense on their heels.

Inside the paint, Marlon Basco delivered a commanding performance with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds, along with four assists, two steals, and a block. His physical presence and relentless effort on both ends of the floor were key in fending off Mongolia’s inside attacks.

Guiness Nabung also made valuable contributions in the starting rotation, finishing with four points, two rebounds, and two assists, adding balance to both ends of the court.

The steady hand of Roger Yap proved vital in the gold medal game. The veteran guard served as the team’s stabilizer, orchestrating plays and maintaining composure under pressure. Yap flirted with a triple-double, tallying nine points, seven rebounds, and a game-high 13 assists. His floor leadership was instrumental in guiding the team from a nine-point deficit to a decisive 11-point win.

Renowned for his sharpshooting from beyond the arc, Rendell Dela Rea aims to fuel Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball's campaign in the upcoming World Masters Tournament, set for May 17-30 in Taiwan.

In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Dela Rea shared on what he can bring to the table when this Philippine team composed of 45 years old and above basketball players face the battle in Taipei.

The sharpshooter out of Jose Rizal University (JRU) emphasized the team’s steady improvement as they familiarize themselves with Coach Arlene Rodriguez’s system.

“Our camaraderie and teamwork are strengthening every day. We encourage each other and embrace our roles. We’re like brothers here—that’s our team’s advantage,” Dela Rea said in Filipino.

“These practices are crucial. When we step onto the court in Taiwan, we need to be fully prepared. It would be tough to compete without proper preparation,” he added.