Mang Richard Amahit is among those who have willingly jumped at the opportunity to help build a basketball court in his barangay, in Taclobo, Dumaguete. Along with his neighbors, he spends a few hours each day to shovel sand, rocks, and concrete together and lay out the mix on the ground that will serve as the floor for their much-awaited edifice.
“I believe this is good for our barangay. It will help keep the kids away from vices,” says Mang Richard when asked why he volunteered to help build the basketball court. “It’s a place where we can practice so I’m looking forward to the time when my sons and I can play here together.”
Alaxan FR’s Aray Natin, Galing Natin campaign is first and foremost about encouraging the people to take pride in their body pain, because it is a testament to the hard work they have given in creating something that will greatly benefit their community. For this purpose, the company has partnered with locals to build something they can be truly proud of through their own sweat and pain–the Courts of Inspiration.
“Not even the rainy season could dampen the spirit of the community members who have committed to building the Court of Inspiration. Rain or shine, they keep on coming back, having a bit of fun and encouraging each other a lot. It’s very moving to watch them at work,” shares Barangay Captain Gregorio Suasin, citing the locals’ dedication while encouraging more to join the efforts. “So far, everything is on schedule. We’ve laid the foundations, and we’re almost done with the concrete. We’re still working within the 21-day construction period,” he adds.
What sets the Court of Inspiration apart from ordinary hardcourts are the things referred to as Legend Markers–powerful motivational messages about the accomplishments of Filipino basketball legends, put in place to inspire locals to achieve the same greatness. In effect, the volunteers won’t just construct something that fosters the community, but also builds character as well.
Ten Courts of Inspiration are currently in the works in various parts of the country. These are in Iloilo, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Tacloban, and Cebu for Visayas; and Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Butuan, Davao, and Sarangani for Mindanao. Upon completion, basketball legends like Benjie Paras, Alvin Patrimonio, and Ronnie Magsanoc to name a few–who started their careers in similar neighborhood courts–will grace the unveiling of these courts. To top it all off, they will even play a friendly exhibition game with locals before turning the court over to the community.
“Although we think this is just an added bonus to what the folks in our communities have already accomplished, their noble efforts deserve to be rewarded,” explains Kristine Martinez, Product Director of Alaxan FR. “Seeing their basketball idols in person is something that will make them happy and inspire them to emulate their heroes.”
When we look at monuments like the basketball court, we seldom think about the men and women who have dedicated precious hours toiling under the heat and rain to complete the structure. Through the Courts of Inspiration rising up in the communities being built by common folks, we are constantly reminded of the greatness waiting to be awakened within each person. (PR)
