Spalding Summer Camp 2017 Schedule

If you are looking for an activity that will train your kid or kids 6 to 17 years of age, enrol him/her or them at Spalding Summer Camp 2017. 

Spalding Summer Camp is run by The Hoops School. The Hoops School was established in year 2002 to teach kids the correct way of playing basketball, from physical skills and drills and the mental aspects as well. They started at Meralco Gym, but now conducts its camps and clinics in more than 70 venues nationwide, including schools, malls and company gyms.

Hoops School was founded by former PBL Commissioner and PBA Team Manager Charlie Favis and was ably assisted by the PBA’s only 7-time Best Import Bobby Parks.

Why enrol at Spalding Basketball Camp under Hoops School? Well, The Hoops School was the first to introduce the "FREE EVERYTHING PROGRAM FOR KIDS", FIRST  to introduce AV Presentations and Video Viewing of Basketball Drills and US Clinics, FIRST  to introduce New Basketball Technology and the latest in Training Aids, FIRST  to introduce the Ben Wallace Inflatable Defender to help shooters, FIRST  in Asia to introduce the NOAH Select Computerized Shooting Analyzer, FIRST  to introduce the BRITEN  Passing Toss Back, FIRST  to introduce the Rite Flight Ball and the Rite Way Balls. Plus, their freebies, venues, to up-to-date instructionals, to fantastic coaches and trainors. are deinitely better than other basketball clinics. 

Most of their instructors have been carefully selected – many are former team trainers and coaches, most of whom have BS-Education degrees in Physical Education. This is on purpose because they are more patient with kids. Other coaches who have trained abroad, like one Coach who attended several coaching clinics in Europe, another who attended a coaching clinic in South Korea, a third coach who is presently teaching basketball at the 5-Star Camps in the US. Most of their coaches play basketball and understand basketball.

Spalding Basketball Camp 2017 will be in these following venues: 

STA. LUCIA EAST GRAND MALL

YNARES SPORTS ARENA /GATORADE SPORTS CENTER COMBINED

LOTUS MALL IMUS CAVITE

DIVINE LIGHT ACADEMY

LAS PINAS CITY

ST. VINCENTS SEMINARY (QC)

MARIKINA SPORTS CENTER

DOMINICAN SCHOOL MANILA

PORTAL MALL, GMA CAVITE

AQUINAS SCHOOL (San Juan)

ASSUMPTION ANTIPOLO

Spalding Basketball Camp 2017 Schedules:

ABOUT CHARLIE  FAVIS, Founder: 

Graduated from Ateneo De Manila High School and De La Salle University in  College. Was always into sports, becoming Captain of the De La Salle's Track & Field Team and Gold Medalist in the NCAA 400 M Hurdles.  After working for Procter & Gamble and Shell for a number of years (at Shell, he was the Team Manager of Shell's professional basketball team in the PBA, helping in Shell's winning  a number of championship and runners-up finishes), he then became the Commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League.  In the PBL, he changed all the rules, logos, offices, marketing style, formats, and introduced countless innovations.  He was instrumental in introducing Fil-Ams into the league, and sent teams to several international tournaments, winning the 6th and 7th Fiba Champions Cup in Kuala Lumpur and Manila, and the Guam Friendship Cup. Even ahead of the PBA, he was the First Commissioner of any league to have an official game held in Brunei.  He was also the first PBL Commissioner  to come out with the first PBL Annual.    Today, he is the CEO/President of HOOPS SCHOOL.

ABOUT BOBBY PARKS, Camp Director (Emeritus): 

Graduated at Memphis State University with the degree BS in Athletic Administration. Drafted in the second round by the NBA's Atlanta Hawks team, he opted to play in Manila, Jakarta, France, Switzerland and the other basketball leagues in the US, such as the CBA, the USBL, GBL, and the WBL.  Today, he is considered the best American player to play in the Philippines, having won the  Best Import Award, a total of seven times.  Nicknamed the "Iceman," he  never lost his cool, inspite of so many rugged plays levelled against him. Today, Bobby is active with National University where his sone Ray Ray plays, and he is likewise Assistant Coach of Petron Boosters in the PBA and Head Coach of the San Miguel Team in the Asean Basketball League. 

Anawangin and Capones Island Getaway

It is no longer a secret haven because I heard it from friends,  watched on documentary show and  read in travel blogs.  The place I call paradise,  Anawangin Cove and Capones Island.

Summer is almost over  when we finally  decided to spend  our  annual  getaway in Zambales.  I read a lot  from people who  have been there  and witnessed the beauty of nature.   I got amazed when I see the island myself.   Heaven, just heaven! 


We  always spend our annual summer getaway  in Batangas or Laguna hot springs  or just somewhere near around.    Our   kids then  enjoyed  our  vacation  as long as there is water   they never mind if  we chose the same destinations over and over again.  Since they're all grown ups now,  we let them organized and planned the trip and we just followed and agreed  to what they have set in.  Originally,  we rented a coaster van and it could have been more fun together  but the resort owner told us  that it's wasn't  available so  we ended up to  two vans  instead.  Our  driver also served as our tour guide in our  two-day trip.

So there, off we went to Zambales.   We  stayed in one of the dormitory rooms in  Sir William's Cottage with a capacity of 20 pax.  We left Manila at 5am and reached the destination at around 10am.  As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed  by the owner himself,  Mr. William and showed us the room where we would  stay.     The dormitory type room  has 3 double size beds and 2 double size double deck beds with pull-out, split type air-con, cable T.V. and a comfort room.

After we settled ourselves we then asked  the boatmen   for island tour package.  We were given the following options:  P450/head Anawangin Cove, Camara Island, Nagsasa and Capones.   P300/head Anawangin Cove, Capones Island and that  includes entrance fee of P50 to Anawangin Cove.   400/head Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove.   The   rate  depends upon the size of the boat and how many  islands to visit.

Because we only have little time,  we  settled for two islands  and charged us P300/head including the entrance fee  to Anawangin  then off we went  island hopping.    I suggest to waterproof  a gadget especially if  one  is  going to take a small boat.

It took us more or less thirty minutes on the boat to reach  Anawangin  cove.  We rode  a  mega boat   that can accomodate 35 pax. We were only about  20 or less  and the rest were left in the cottage.  I chose to stay up on the deck  and had a smooth sailing all the way to Anawangin.  I captured the  better view from the second deck.   Though  there were some waves,  it was a calm  boat ride  because  our  boat  was big and  didn't easily  sway in.

The view  on our way to Anawangin was just so wonderful.  I  am running out of  words to describe it.  I was quite entertained on the  boat ride  and did not notice the time.  It was the shortest boat ride I've ever had in my life.  I used to be always in panicky state when taking a boat ride,   not this time.   I can't help myself but be amazed  and  behold  of  the beauty of  Anawangin.   Magnificent paradise, wonderful! 

Just perfect.  I took this shot just before we landed the shoreline in Anawangin. We did not  go up  hill but it could be  more breathtaking  to take a photo from  above.  I never knew there is such place in the Philippines like this,  so beautiful.  I hope that this  little piece of paradise be spared  from commercialization  and  stays this way forever.  I've read in some blogs and saw the photos years ago.  If  I may compare, the place is already far different.  It is no longer a secret  paradise and is is being  discovered slowly by many beach goers and campers.

This is Queen  Josephine boat,  owned by Sir William Cottage that we used in island hopping.  A mega boat that  can accommodate 35 pax.

This is mandatory.  Haha.  In all the places we've been, they need to jump shot for me.  Hurrah!

It  was my first time to see Singkamas this white. I  may sound like a fool   because  I even  asked the local what he was selling.   He said that  singkamas is white when freshly harvest and  just  turns brown  when delivered to Manila.

Because it was weekend,  there were a lot of campers as expected. I could imagine a more serene view on a weekday  where  there are  lesser people on the island.

Btw, there are  no faucets,  electricity,  network signal and  hotels here.  When you need to wash the salt and sand from your body,  you need a little effort  to get some water from the  pump.

I took more shots before we left Anawangin Cove with high  hopes that the scene I captured today would still be the same  tomorrow.   It was so beautiful but I wasn't really  convinced with my  photos. I have no view from  top  and panoramic view of Anawangin. The photos here were  captured along the way and  viewed  just  a  few meters from our picnic hut.  I could  have   taken  more beautiful shots if not  because of   hot  temperature  that   added up to my pms-ing mood that day.


See more photos..



The sky was blue and perfect to sail when we went to Capones.   I was glad that   my lens  captured  this beautiful sight.   The  color of the sky reflects in the  sea that turned so blue as we sail the boat.   Just wonderful!


Off  to Capones Island

Capones Island is just about twenty minutes away from the mainland.  I asked the boatmen about the place and   gave me a few information.   The island is owned by the government and maintained by navy forces. There's an old ruin on the western part of the island, unfortunately we did not see it and the abandoned lighthouse.  I  just  took some photos from where I was seated  and did not explore the island anymore  because    I traveled with  a group and I  have to look after my two children and two nieces.   We  just enjoyed the fine white sand and clear blue water at Capones Island.

The view as get closer to the island. Breathtaking!

and more beautiful as we get closer...

There were some foreign and local  tourists  who just set up their tent in the island. There is no entrance fee here.  You just need to find a place and  set yourself where you  want to. We have no tent so we just stayed near the rock that gave us a  temporary shade.

My daughter  was amazed by the fine sand. I put a life vest for my niece just in case a heavy waves sway her in the deep.  She enjoyed the water a lot.

I should  have explored more of the island.  I couldn't believe it that I have no single photo here.  I honestly got overwhelmed with the view.

On the next day, on the shore of Pundaquit,  we spent our remaining hours  doing  other activities like  swimming and playing volleyball. 

I know I missed a lot in this travel like  trekking,  going up hill in Anawangin Cove,  camping out in one of the islands,  exploring Capones,  Nagsasa Cove,  Camara and Magalawa island and more.  There could be other reasons why.   The nature  may  have some explanation for me and so  I'll just   wait  for that answer  to come.  teehee.

I documented the fun and uploaded  the  photos  here.   The rest of the photos are on my  mind stored to last forever,   memories.





How to get to Anawangin Cove

By private vehicle.  Anawangin is located in Pundaquit Zambales. It will take about  three or four hours from Manila. You may opt to stay in a resort in Pundaquit  or just go directly to  Anawangin cove where you can set up a tent.   Head to end of  NLEX  and pass  DAO exit. Follow the signs to SCTEX then   Subic which is heading to the right.  Exit  Subic.  Turn left when you reach Olongapo Public Cemetery.  Towns  to pass by:  Subic Town, Castillejos, the San Marcelino.  There is an intersection at  the public market in  San Marcelino.  Turn left to San Antonio.  Follow the signs to Pundaquit.


By public transportation.   Take Victory Liner  from Pasay or  Cubao Stations  going to San Antonio, Zambales.  From San Antonio, take a tricycle ride  and ask the driver to bring you  to Pundaquit.  From Pundaquit, get a boat that will take you to Anawangin or any islands.  I heard that there is a standard boat fare now  so you wouldn't need a good negotiation skill  to haggle for a lower  price.

Camp out in Anawangin

For those who want some kind of adventure, Anawangin  cove is one of the best places to visit.  Experience  no network signal, electricity,  nothing but beautiful nature day and night.   When we roam around the cove,  we  thought we were alone in the island but when we saw the tent city,  we can't help but be amazed with the view of those who camp out in Anawangin cove.  We stayed in the other side, a  private area with an entrance fee of P50.   We did not set up a tent in the woods  because we chose to just  island  hop for  few hours. We stayed  in mainland and booked ourselves in cottage,  spent  overnight in  a  dormitory room with a capacity of 20 pax.

It looks  like there is a paradise out there with the colorful tent set up. 

Dive and Trek - My Under the Sea Adventure

The experience of  swimming with fishes  close to me was overwhelming. I thought I would only see these creatures only at  Ocean Park or Ocean Adventure.  The trip was unplanned.   I actually wasn't  prepared for this trip and only  had a  few  hours  to buy  rash guards for my kids. I exempted myself because I planned to just take photos and document the fun. Fate had its way to get me. I don't swim and  hardly did in our trips.  All I wanted to do is  click my camera  here and everywhere until memory  gets  no space to take.

I always want to conquer the fear that I had when I was a kid, having drowned several times that brought me to this phobia. But this  never stops me because  I love the sea. I don’t  want to regret not seeing the wonders underwater.  I  just never ride a boat without wearing a life vest.  My children know how to swim and  I know their survival instinct would kick in  because they know the basic swimming skills  and and know how to float. Next time I do this adventure again, I will make sure to spend more time at the sea,  playing with fishes,  Nemo perhaps or  whale shark that was featured and documented  in  other website.

And this is our adventure.

Our way to Dive and Trek

We passed by at Ligpo Island.  How strange  it was for me not discovering  Dive and Trek earlier  when  I would  frequent this  island many years ago and I  just lived a town away from this Marine Sanctuary.

and the views I captured from  the boat a bit after sunrise..

We reached Dive and Trek at about 7am and we were all in awe  with  the beautiful view. All the houses are facing the sea.

Just behind my daughter is a pool where would-be divers  take lesson before going down the deep.

And now,  preparing herself, getting ready to snorkel.

And we're all ready..

All geared-up  in rash guards, aqua shoes and snorkel gears..

 My two children giving each other support. Where else could  they get?     Thanks  to Joy and her husband John for the support to my kids, including me.  :)   Of course, first is always first, we really don't know what to expect underneath.

And I was the last one to reach  the raft.  I was still looking for some excuses to just stay in the shoreline, oh! not a shoreline, there is no shoreline but a   pier.  Of course, I should be strong.  My children were watching so I shouldn't just stay  there in the corner.  So there you go, I went my way  to the float.  I think I need to learn how to perfectly push  myself up  to the raft.  My body was badly sore the next morning with going up and down the floating platform.

So there, I tried. I asked Joy's husband  how deep  the water is and said,  it's only  about   12 meters  and deeper depth if you go beyond the raft.  He added that if anything happens, just don't panic because I won't get drowned,  I  have a life  vest and I will float.  But how could I be so crazy  thinking about other  negative thoughts like what if the water snakes come over me or the corals suck me in.  That was really funny!.

And swimming from the pier to the raft was  surprising!  So wow that I forgot everything in my mind.

So I thought I  would be lucky to see at least one  fish but I saw one, two, three.. and hundreds of different species.  Wonderful!

Joy and I  were mesmerized as we watched  the fishes  coming over to us.  It was really wonderful.   It was peaceful  and we just  let  ourselves  float and watched the marine life below.  We don't need to be good swimmers to snorkel  but  at least we  should  know how to kick in our feet to reach the raft.  But of course swimming skills count.

 

 

I could just imagine then how I was being pacified with the Koi fishes in my aquarium  and I would just stare with them the whole day to destress my mind.  The feeling of seeing them, touching them and swimming with them was  just  so surreal.

Clown fish aka Nemo or anemone fish hiding in magnificent sea anemone. There you are,  Nemo, I thought I would only see you at the movie.  

This is funny.  At one time, I drank at least one glass of  sea water and the water entered my nose down to my  throat as I forgot my snorkel tube and  took a deep  breath  while snorkeling. Now you know why I always get drowned.  Lol.  Now laugh at me.  Seriously,  it was not a senior moment but excitement  pushed  me to dive without  the gear.. Huh.

After snorkeling,   lunch was served to us.  Kinilaw na Isda, Inihaw na Liempo, Vegetable Salad, Fried Chicken await us at the buffet table.

You could tell how happy our tummies were after that sumptuous meal.

After a heavy lunch,   would it  be nice to take a nap at 1:00pm?  Just perfect!  And because the two didn't get to sleep that night, they easily fell asleep. And oh,  yup in synchronize sleeping position, to the left, to the right.

And finally went back to snorkeling again..and it was already low tide and the current became strong.  I suggest  that if  you're planning to snorkel, do it early  morning  when the sea is calm and in high tide line.

The  staff  prepared a light snack for us but turned heavy because it was yummy and we ate a lot of  Turon and Suman along  with a cup of hot chocolate drink. Truly Batangueño snack. I love it!

 

Photo op with Max.. My daughter had  an instant connection with Max,  like he was with him and knew him for many years.  Oh Max, you have no idea  how we felt  when we left the place.  It was hard for us to leave you.   Thank you, you just made our stay in the resort  happier and safe.

And time  to say goodbye..

And the view just before the sun finally sets at 5:30pm

Another stop over to say goodbye once again..

 

 and another  stopover  for  photo op..

 

Taking the remaining minutes at the resort  to capture the beautiful sunset.

We all went home in happy faces, full of beautiful memories to keep. Even Bogart and Max waved us goodbye and it was really a very emotional moment as Max swam himself  into the water and wanted to go  with us.  I could almost hear  him  shouting, "please come back, we will miss you guys".  And we all waved our hands and  said, "Bye Max, Bye.."   Please follow the story in  my upcoming post.. 



And there we were,  boarded on a boat  that will transfer us to San Luis, Batangas where we chose to  park. Dive and Trek  has  two parking  options,  Anilao and  San Luis Batangas.

Magnificent view of sunset at Dive and Trek

Ok. Fine. And I was the only one with the vest. I just save myself from distress. :)

I swear I will be going back here.  We'll do snorkeling seriously next time in deeper depth,  touch the sea floor,

do  Kayaking  perhaps or

Scuba Diving. Whew!

or  help  clam seeding like that of   Miss Earth. :)

 I took this photo on our way back home while at the boat. Truly an amazing sight to enjoy.

 

All underwater shots  are from Joy's  husband, John,   and some photos I used in this post  are  from Joy.  Thank you so much.  Truly amazing!     I bet  if  have an underwater camera, I would have a thousand photos more  to upload.  Maybe I should take diving and snorkeling seriously next time because I wouldn't  be able to do so without these skills.  

You may view more photos here.  Watch the video with audio on so you'll enjoy more with the music  from Colbie Caillat's,  Brighter than the Sun.


Dive and  Trek offers an amazing experience you would truly remember  for the rest of your life.
Please check the website I provided below for more  information and other features and stories.

So how would I rate the experience?   I would give not just perfect 10 but  over 10  perhaps.  It exceeded my expectation. The resort is in excellent condition and the facilities are well maintained. The staff are all friendly.    What else could I ask for?  Laughter is  unlimited.  Thank you so much Mendiolables.  It's  more fun   in  Dive  and Trek.


Dive and Trek Resort and Marine Sanctuary
Website: diveandtrek.com
San Pablo, Bauan Batangas, Philippines
email: Sales & Information:  sales@diveandtrek.com