From Davao to Glory: Michael Canete’s Journey to the MPBL 1000 Points Club

 

In the heart of Barangay Leon Garcia, Davao City, a young Michael Mirafeuntes Canete picked up a basketball at the age of 17, unaware that this moment would spark a remarkable journey. Today, he stands tall as the 55th player to join the prestigious 1000 Points Club in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), a testament to his grit, faith, and unrelenting passion for the game.

Canete’s basketball career began at Saint John Paul College of Davao City, where he honed his skills on the court while pursuing academic excellence. His talent and determination earned him a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Marketing Management in 2020. But his ambition stretched beyond Davao. Taking a bold leap, Canete moved to Manila to play for Arellano University in the NCAA. Over three years, he not only showcased his athletic prowess but also graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Education, Major in Sports and Wellness Management in 2019.

His professional career took flight when he was drafted by the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in 2019 and 2020. Canete later joined the San Miguel Beermen, playing for the storied franchise in 2021 and 2022. Now, as a key player for the Rizal Coolers in the MPBL, he has etched his name in history by reaching the 1000-point milestone, a rare feat that highlights his consistency and skill.

Reflecting on his achievement, Canete remains grounded, attributing his success to a higher power and his support system. “I will never stop thanking You, Lord, for the strength You give me every game. I couldn’t have achieved this without You, my teammates, coaches, utilities, and the entire management and also my family. Maraming salamat po,” he said with heartfelt gratitude.

Michael Canete’s journey from a barangay court in Davao to the MPBL’s elite 1000 Points Club is more than a story of athletic triumph—it’s a narrative of perseverance, faith, and community. As he continues to inspire on and off the court, Canete’s legacy is a reminder that dreams, no matter where they begin, can soar to extraordinary heights.(Bob Braceros)

Davao Occidental Tigers extend winning streak to 5 with 120-115 win vs. San Juan Go for Gold

Photo: Filbasket FB page

DAVAO CITY---The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) champion Davao Occidental Tigers has extended their winning streak to five games after beating rival San Juan Go for Gold 120-115 on November 8 in the Filbasket Subic Championship at the Subic Bay Gymnasium.

Former pro-Robby Celiz scored 26 points to carry the Tigers to victory.

With the win, the Tigers improved to a 6-1 win-loss record in the tournament.

Aside from the Tigers and Go for Gold, some of the top commercial leagues in the Philippines outside the PBA are also joining Filbasket such as MPBL teams Pasig City Realtors and Muntinlupa Defenders.

The former head coach of the Tigers Don Dulay earlier resigned from his post to focus on his family in the United States.

Three professional basketball players from Davao City are part of the Davao Occidental Tigers team this year.

Leading the way for the three Davaoenos is point-guard Joe Presbitero, a former varsity player of Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) who was recently drafted by the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2021 PBA draft.

Also part of the Tigers roster this year is 6’4 big man Darryl Bayla, a former player of Arellano University in the NCAA and former Perpetual Help University Altas varsity player Gab Dagangon, who previously played for the Basilan Steel.

The Tigers who are the defending MPBL champion decided to change their roster in order for them to be more competitive and have a better chance of defending their title this year. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)

Digos City native carry San Juan to victory vs. FSD Makati Army 83-81 in Filbasket

Photo: San Juan Knights - Go for Gold FB page

DAVAO CITY---A 25-year-old player from Digos City, Davao del Sur carried the San Juan Go for Gold to a nail-biting 83-81 victory against FSD Makati Army on November 5 in the Filbasket Subic Championship at the Subic Bay Gymnasium.

Jhonard Clarito scored 22 points to help San Juan beat Makati in Filbasket.

Clarito who went to Metro Manila to pursue his basketball dream was a man on a mission in the game as he also grabbed 12 rebounds in their win.

With the win, San Juan improved to a 4-1 win-loss record in Filbasket.

San Juan is set to face on November 8 its MPBL rival Davao Occidental Tigers.

The face-off of the two teams is one of the marquee match-ups in Filbasket this year.

Like San Juan, the Tigers are also doing well in Filbasket with a record of 5-1.

Aside from San Juan and the Tigers, some of the top commercial leagues in the Philippines outside the PBA are also joining Filbasket such as MPBL teams Pasig City Realtors and  Muntinlupa Defenders. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)

Davao Occidental Tigers notches 5th win in Filbasket

DAVAO CITY – The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) champion Davao Occidental Tigers extended their winning streak to three with an 86-83 win against Primus 7A on November 8 in the Filbasket Subic Championship at the Subic Bay Gymnasium.

Former pro-Robby Celiz scored 21 points to carry the Tigers to victory.

With the win, the Tigers improved to a 5-1 win-loss record in the tournament.

Aside from the Tigers, some of the top commercial leagues in the Philippines outside the PBA are also joining Filbasket such as MPBL teams Pasig City Realtors, Muntinlupa Defenders, and San Juan Knights.

The former head coach of the Tigers Don Dulay earlier resigned from his post to focus on his family in the United States.

Three professional basketball players from Davao City are part of the Davao Occidental Tigers team this year.

Leading the way for the three Davaoenos is point-guard Joe Presbitero, a former varsity player of Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) who was recently drafted by the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2021 PBA draft.

Also part of the Tigers roster this year is 6’4 big man Darryl Bayla, a former player of Arellano University in the NCAA and former Perpetual Help University Altas varsity player Gab Dagangon, who previously played for the Basilan Steel.

The Tigers who are the defending MPBL champion decided to change their roster in order for them to be more competitive and have a better chance of defending their title this year. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)

Davao Occidental Tigers extends winning streak to 2 after 82-69 win vs. FSD Makati Army

DAVAO CITY – The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) champion Davao Occidental Tigers extended their winning streak to two with an 82-69 win against FSD Makati Army on Wednesday in the Filbasket Subic Championship at the Subic Bay Gymnasium.

Davaoeno cager Gab Dagangon and Chris Lalata scored 10 points apiece to carry the Tigers to victory against the Army.

With the win, the Tigers improved to 2-1 in the ongoing Filbasket tournament.

Last November 1, the Tigers beat  Medical Depo 70-58.

Peppery point guard Alwin Alday scored 19 points to carry the Tigers to victory against the tough Depo team.

The win is a morale boost for the team after they suffered a 74-73 upset loss against Nueva Ecija on Saturday at the same venue.

Aside from the Tigers, some of the top commercial leagues in the Philippines outside the PBA are also joining Filbasket such as MPBL teams Pasig City Realtors, Muntinlupa Defenders, and San Juan Knights.

The former head coach of the Tigers Don Dulay earlier resigned from his post to focus on his family in the United States.

Three professional basketball players from Davao City are part of the Davao Occidental Tigers team this year.

Leading the way for the three Davaoenos is point-guard Joe Presbitero, a former varsity player of Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) who was recently drafted by the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2021 PBA draft.

Also part of the Tigers roster this year is 6’4 big man Darryl Bayla, a former player of Arellano University in the NCAA and former Perpetual Help University Altas varsity player Gab Dagangon, who previously played for the Basilan Steel.

The Tigers who are the defending MPBL champion decided to change their roster in order for them to be more competitive and have a better chance of defending their title this year. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)

Davao Occidental Tigers improves to 2-1 after 70-58 win vs. Medical Depo in Filbasket

Filbasket FB page

DAVAO CITY – The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) champion Davao Occidental Tigers has improved to two wins and one defeat record after they beat Medical Depo 70-58  in Filbasket Subic Championship at the Subic Gymnasiumon on November 1.

Peppery point guard Alwin Alday scored 19 points to carry the Tigers to victory against the tough Depo team

The win is a morale boost for the team after they suffered a 74-73 upset loss against Nueva Ecija on Saturday at the same venue.

Former pro-veteran point guard James Martinez scored 14 points to carry his team to victory against the Tigers.

Down by eight Martinez and his teammates played with more heart to rally and eventually beat the team of head coach Matt Makalintal.

Aside from the Tigers, some of the top commercial leagues in the Philippines outside the PBA are also joining Filbasket such as MPBL teams Pasig City Realtors, Muntinlupa Defenders, and San Juan Knights.

The former head coach of the Tigers Don Dulay earlier resigned from his post to focus on his family in the United States.

Three professional basketball players from Davao City are part of the Davao Occidental Tigers team this year.

Leading the way for the three Davaoenos is point-guard Joe Presbitero, a former varsity player of Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) who was recently drafted by the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2021 PBA draft.

Also part of the Tigers roster this year is 6’4 big man Darryl Bayla, a former player of Arellano University in the NCAA and former Perpetual Help University Altas varsity player Gab Dagangon, who previously played for the Basilan Steel.

The Tigers who are the defending MPBL champion decided to change their roster in order for them to be more competitive and have a better chance of defending their title this year. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)

Nueva Ecija stun Davao Occidental Tigers 74-73 on Saturday in Filbasket

  

Photo: Filbasket FB page

 

DAVAO CITY – The dream of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) champion Davao Occidental Tigers to score a back-to-back victory has ended in a nightmare on Saturday evening.

This scenario developed after Nueva Ecija scored a 74-73 upset win against the heavily favored Tigers in Filbasket Subic Championship at the Subic Gymnasium.

Former pro-veteran point guard James Martinez scored 14 points to carry his team to victory against the Tigers.

Down by eight Martinez and his teammates played with more heart to rally and eventually beat the team of head coach Matt Makalintal.

With the defeat, the Tigers dropped to 1-1 in the ongoing Filbasket season.

Aside from the Tigers, some of the top commercial leagues in the Philippines outside the PBA are also joining Filbasket such as MPBL teams Pasig City Realtors, Muntinlupa Defenders, and San Juan Knights.

The former head coach of the Tigers Don Dulay earlier resigned from his post to focus on his family in the United States.

Three professional basketball players from Davao City are part of the Davao Occidental Tigers team this year.

Leading the way for the three Davaoenos is point-guard Joe Presbitero, a former varsity player of Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) who was recently drafted by the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2021 PBA draft.

Also part of the Tigers roster this year is 6’4 big man Darryl Bayla, a former player of Arellano University in the NCAA and former Perpetual Help University Altas varsity player Gab Dagangon, who previously played for the Basilan Steel.

The Tigers who are the defending MPBL champion decided to change their roster in order for them to be more competitive and have a better chance of defending their title this year. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)

MPBL request IATF to resume suspended playoff games

 

DAVAO CITY---The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League has put into writing its appeal to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to allow them to resume its suspended playoff games.

MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes sent a letter to IATF co-chairman Davaoeno Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles that the semi-professional basketball league is allowed to its postseason games in the Nothern and Southern divisions of the MPBL.

Duremdes said with just six games remaining in their playoff games, they intend to finish the MPBL season before the end of 2020.

The Mindanao Commissioner who hails from Marbel, South Cotabato said the MPBL is willing to adhere to the strict health protocols to be imposed by IATF so that they can finish the MPBL playoffs and have a champion for 2020.

Duremdes said they are willing to have a similar set-up just like the ongoing PBA bubble.

The MPBL playoff series was suspended last March 16 due to COVID-19. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)

Davao Occidental Tigers star Mark Yee takes centerstage in MPBL Halloween poster

 

DAVAO CITY---The main star of the Davao Occidental Tigers is one of the players featured in a Halloween promotional poster posted by the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on its Facebook page.

Tigers scoring power-forward Mark Yee wore the iconic Hannibal Lecter of the Silence of the Lambs costume in the poster which also featured San Juan Knights main gunner John Wilson.

Yee earlier carried the Tigers to the MPBL Southern Division Finals after sweeping the determined Zamboanga Family Brand Sardines 62-58 to sweep their best 

of three 2020 Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup playoffs two games to none.

The victory allowed the Tigers to return to the MPBL Southern division playoffs for the second straight year.

The Tigers are facing the Basilan  Steel in the division finals when their best of five playoff series was suspended last March.

Their playoff battle is tied at two games apiece.

The MPBL is set to resume the suspended playoff games once the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Allows them. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)