Basketball arrived in the Philippines from America over a hundred years ago, and the country loved it instantly. Today there are hoops everywhere: nailed to telephone poles, painted on walls, mounted on bamboo poles in playgrounds. If there is a flat space, there is almost certainly a hoop nearby.
Filipino players are famous for being quick, clever and very accurate from long distance. They often play against much taller teams - the average Filipino player is shorter than players from many other countries - and rely on speed, teamwork and brilliant passing to make up the difference.
The professional league is called the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association). It is one of the oldest professional basketball leagues in the world, after America's NBA. Filipino kids grow up watching PBA games on TV with their families and arguing about which team is the best.
But the real heart of Filipino basketball is the street game. Every afternoon, when school is over, neighbourhood kids gather at the local court for pickup games. Older kids team up with younger ones. Sisters play with brothers. Sometimes whole streets stop traffic for a sunset match. The hoop is at the centre of community life.

