The Philippine Basketball Association’s grassroots program crossed a historic threshold after staging its first overseas Batang PBA league in Doha, Qatar, opening competitive play to Filipino youth athletes in the Middle East who hold Philippine passports. The tournament marked a significant step in bringing structured PBA-backed development outside the Philippines, with multiple Gulf-based teams competing under the Batang PBA banner.
Among the standout performers was Roces Basketball from Dubai, whose U12 team competed under the Meralco Bolts name and emerged as champions of the age-group division. The Dubai-based squad navigated a demanding field, recording victories against three teams from Qatar, one from Saudi Arabia, and another representing Abu Dhabi to secure the championship.
The overseas league was overseen by Batang PBA officials and supported by prominent figures from the professional ranks. The competition was led by Richard Del Rosario, an assistant coach of Barangay Ginebra and the league’s commissioner, alongside guest appearances and support from former PBA stars Johnny Abarrientos and LA Tenorio, lending visibility and credibility to the Middle East edition of the program.
For families behind the young athletes, the title carried weight beyond the scoreboard. Joel Mabini, a parent and supporter of Roces Basketball, described the team’s response to the achievement in personal terms. “The Meralco Bolts U12 from Roces Basketball Dubai, UAE truly felt accomplished and proud as they etched their names in history—becoming the U12 Champions of the 1st Overseas Batang PBA Liga,” he shared with TGFM. “Representing the UAE on an international stage and bringing home the trophy made every sacrifice, every early practice, every expense, and every challenge along the way completely worth it.”
Mabini also pointed to the collective foundation that carried the team through the competition. “God First!” he said when asked about the factors behind the title. “The Meralco Bolts U12 showed that faith and teamwork go hand in hand. The team prayed together before and after every game—putting God at the center of their journey.” He added that familiarity played a key role, noting that most of the players had been together for several years, allowing trust and on-court understanding to develop naturally.
Coaching stability was another pillar cited by the team’s supporters. Under head coach Jeremiah Roces and assistant coach Jonathan Panes, the squad emphasized disciplined execution and shared responsibility. Mabini highlighted what he described as unselfish decision-making, defensive trust, and belief among teammates as decisive elements during the tournament run.
Roces Basketball traces its roots in Dubai back nearly three decades. Mabini shared that the program began in 1997, when Coach Ricardo Roces started teaching basketball in the emirate. The team formally entered organized leagues in July 2016, complete with jerseys and regular competition, before leadership transitioned to Jeremiah Roces, who continued the program’s emphasis on structure, faith, and athlete development.
The Meralco Bolts U12 opened their tournament campaign strongly, winning all three of their games on February 6 to post a 3-0 record on the opening day. The team continued its unbeaten run the following day, adding two more victories on February 7 to finish the day with a 2-0 sweep, keeping their momentum intact heading into the final stage of the competition.
The championship path included moments of intense pressure, particularly in the closing stages. Mabini recalled the finals against Phoenix Fuel Smasher U12 as a contest that demanded sustained focus and composure, while also identifying the San Miguel Beermen as one of the most physically challenging opponents in the field due to their size and depth.
Their tournament journey reached its peak on February 8, when the Dubai-based squad played in the finals and secured the championship victory to complete their title run in Doha.
Beyond the title, Mabini used the moment to reflect on the role of families and mentors in youth sports across the region. “For us parents here in the Middle East, we play a very important role in our kids’ sports journey. Let’s guide them, support them, and not pressure them,” he said. Addressing coaches, he added, “Trust your team—every single player. You are like a second parent to these kids.”
The U12 championship roster for Roces Basketball included Nathan Panes, Jayson Camero, Brix Eslabon, Cloud Mabini, Lorenzo Rosal, Hans Dandan, Lucas Dizon, Ranleigh Celeste, Rafael Enzo Baylosis, and John Dela Cruz, with Jeremiah Roces serving as head coach and Jonathan Panes as assistant coach.
