HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES, basketball is a way of life.
Wherever you go, from the mountain ranges, the slum areas, subdivisions, and even on the streets, there will always be a group of individuals shooting hoops, and screaming 'CURRY!'
And there are even local basketball leagues happening around the country to accommodate the community's passion for the game.
One of those communities is Laro Basketball Community, a Facebook group founded by Yuri Go, and while it may seem like they follow the traditional route of building their scene, Laro is currently developing a project that would enhance the local basketball community.
Introducing the Laro app
Being basketball enthusiasts, Yuri Go and Marika realized the need for an app that would smoothen the process for organizers, players, and court owners.
"Para matulungan yung mga organizers and community na mas mapadali yung pagbo-book ng players, naisip nila na gumawa ng app para sa mga players na gustong maglaro sa mga courts na mahal yung renta," started Jay Landingin, one of the organizers of the Laro app, in an exclusive with SPIN.ph.
With the Laro app, organizers can look for a basketball court to rent and organize community tournaments. Players will then select where they can play. This method also addresses some of the problems that are normally associated with community basketball ligas.
For organizers, renting a basketball court can be an expensive endeavor and oftentimes they rely on players to pay a portion of the fees. However not every player will appear in the event, which would add burden to the organizer to pay the court.
"Sa mga organizers kasi hindi maiiwasan yung, for example yung required sa isang game is around 25 players and minsan hindi nila nakukuha yung kumpletong 25 players, minsan 20 players lang dumadating. Minsan cash payment pa," reflected Landingin.
However the Laro app has a way of dealing with this issue.
"Dito sa Laro app, may option din dito na pwedeng gawin ni organizer is ilagay niya na online payment lang talaga. Kumbaga bayad na agad yung mga players bago maglaro," Landingin added.
Alternatively there is a cash payment option that organizers can use, which could be risky since players who do not appear will never pay their dues. However the app has a countermeasure for this.
"Meron din cash payment option kung gusto nila sa venue magbayad, pero sa app namin meron kaming iwas flaker feature. Kunwari kung isa or dalawang beses kang hindi pumunta sa isang game, possible na hindi ka makakalaro sa ibang game."
Basketball for everyone
Besides organizers, players might also encounter some problems as well. For those who recently fell in love with basketball, where can they begin to hone their craft?
Then there are those with no access to nearby basketball courts, plus there are players who could be intimidated to join local leagues for fear of getting judged or ridiculed by their teammates.
"Ako hindi naman ako marunong mag-basketball. Dati takot akong lumabas or pumunta sa courts namin kasi syempre yung mga naglalaro doon magagaling tapos kapag sumali ka at hindi ka marunong, baka mapahiya ka," revealed Landingin.
The Laro app allows players to decide on which basketball tournament to join, where if they want a challenge, they can go for the hardcore leagues, or if they prefer a more laid-back approach, they can sign up to those chill and friendly encounters.
These features would surely be an attraction to basketball enthusiasts in the country. As of now Laro has yet to fully release to the public and is still at the development phase.
However Go and the rest of his team would slowly build their community in Facebook where they would constantly organize events and tournaments around Manila.
For more information, feel free to visit the official website, where you can also join basketball games. Everyone is welcome regardless of age or gender.
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