2023 was a good year for Stratminds, but among its crowning achievements was the honor of organizing the FIBA Congress 2023.

Held every two years, the congress brings all FIBA delegates under one roof to discuss the future of the sport. For the first time ever on Philippine shores, it was staged at the Sofitel Hotel in August 2023.

It was a huge undertaking that was almost a year in the making. Pre-production work began as early as September 2022, immediately after the project was awarded — assembling the team, finalizing designs, securing approvals, and culminating in the final months leading up to the event.

Part of the main brief was to ground the event in a uniquely Filipino concept—an experience delegates wouldn’t get if the congress were held elsewhere. Stratminds explored different creative directions, intentionally steering away from more typical themes like Pista sa Nayon. Eventually, the team zeroed in on street basketball, specifically the liga experience, as the main creative handle for the congress. The goal was to create something young, fun, and contemporary.

Welcome to our Homecourt

The congress was divided into four main components: the Welcome Dinner, Welcome Cocktails, Plenary, and Awards Night, along with a number of smaller breakout sessions.

The Welcome Dinner, Plenary, and Awards Night followed the typical congress format.

It was the Welcome Cocktails that allowed for creativity and dynamism, breaking away from the traditional conference formula.

The Welcome Cocktails made full use of a classic liga experience. It began with a marching band greeting delegates at the Sunset Pavilion Tent. Their colorful costumes, familiar pounding melodies, and shimmying majorettes set a jovial and bombastic tone.

Inside, the pavilion was transformed into a makeshift indoor plaza—decorated with FIBA- and SBP-themed banderitasand lined with leveled-up versions of classic Filipino street food and palamigs, created in collaboration with the hotel.

Pop-A-Shot machines and other games were also installed for entertainment.

The idea was to transform the venue into a compact, elevated pa-liga sa plaza.

Like in any local liga, entertainment was essential.

The main program opened with a fun, spirited performance featuring the award-winning Philippine All-Stars. Their number, inspired by the concept and choreography of Stomp, made creative use of basketball paraphernalia—from balls to drums to water jugs.

Following a spirited speech from both then FIBA President, Hamane Niang, and SBP Chairman, Al Panlilio, the night went on with the usual fanfare.

Following a spirited speech from then FIBA President Hamane Niang and SBP Chairman Al Panlilio, the night continued with the usual fanfare.

Of course, no liga is complete without a cultural showcase.

One of the main highlights was a performance led by the Balangay Dance Troupe and a Rondalla ensemble. Later joined by the Philippine All-Stars, they presented a modern interpretation of the tinikling.

As the number ended, they invited delegates to try the dance themselves—and many gamely joined in.

Overall, the night ended on a lively, spirited note, as delegates danced and bantered the night away— refreshed and energized for the sessions ahead.

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