Assistant Coach Cholo Villanueva gives instructions to Ramon Magsaysay HS students before the training started (Photo by JM Albelda/Griffin Sports)

By Josiah Israel Albelda

In the midst of what many consider a dismal season, the Shopinas.com Clickers took time off to give back.

The Clickers kicked off its school tour by holding a basketball clinic for 50 high school hoopsters at the Ramon Magsaysay High School in Cubao, Quezon City last Monday.

Spearheaded by skipper Ren Ren Ritualo, Shopinas.com players and coaches conducted a two-hour activity that helped students develop their skills in dribbling, passing, shooting and defending.

“Gusto namin ma-inspire ang mga bata na maglaro ng basketball,” team manager Jovie Saddul told teachers assembled at the school with one of the largest populations in the Philippines. “Sana mapasaya namin kayo kahit kaunti.”

Conditioning coach Dan Rose, assistant mentors Cholo Villanueva and Jojo Villapando and Clickers Pong Escobal, Magi Sison and Paolo Hubalde participated in the tour that will be brought to other schools in Metro Manila.

“Sobrang saya namin dahil naturuan kami ng mga idol namin, lalo na si Ritualo,” a fourth year student said. “Lalo ko nagustuhan maging basketball player dahil sa kanila.”