One of the greatest joys of putting up events is the opportunity to work with — and be surrounded by — people at the top of their game. Stratminds was fortunate to have this experience when we organized the Hall of Fame Dinner.

More than Fancy.

More than just the formal social highlight of the congress, the Hall of Fame Dinner also served as an induction ceremony for special individuals who have made invaluable contributions to the sport — or, as they put it, for “those who made the game.”

For 2023, twelve individuals were inducted, including Filipino basketball legend Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga.

Compared to the Welcome Cocktails, the Dinner was decidedly more upscale in terms of setup.

It featured all the necessary razzle-dazzle expected of an awards ceremony: a red carpet entrance, a plated four-course dinner, and a glambot.

But like the Welcome Cocktails, culture was at the heart of the Hall of Fame design.

From the get-go, as guests made their way to the venue, they were led through a pathway lined with installation panels featuring the proud history of FIBA.

Turning a corner, they then encountered a special gallery showcasing this year’s twelve inductees.

Inside the Main Hall, delegates could marvel at iconic memorabilia — from player jerseys to autographed shoes and winning balls.

In addition, a Basketball for Good booth was also set up for guests who wanted to take home a special souvenir from their trip.

To further distinguish the Dinner from the other congress socials, we enlisted the help of award-winning designer Robert Blancaflor, who created a stunning tablescape and ceiling treatment — an eclectic fusion of tropical flair and urban cool.

Robert incorporated mini-Molten balls into the lush fauna motif, topped off with artisanal solihiya weave.

As the program began, our host, international sports journalist and news reporter Ari Chambers, took the stage to welcome everyone to the Hall of Fame Dinner.

She then called on-stage the then-FIBA President Hamane Niang and SBP Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan, respectively, to deliver their opening speeches and formally open the banquet.

The dinner featured a full four-course meal, showcasing some of the best and most famous delicacies from across the archipelago.

Once the main course was served, the program continued with the awarding of the inductees.

Careful attention was paid to the timing for each honoree, ensuring they each received their well-deserved moment in the limelight, while still keeping to the schedule.

Of course, no Filipino event is complete without world-class talent.

For this occasion, we were fortunate to secure world-renowned singer Jed Madela and international theater actress Tanya Manalang, who serenaded the crowd with showstopping vocals.

Finally, as the last inductee was awarded, Manny V. Pangilinan took the stage one last time to congratulate all the awardees and to thank everyone for their stellar support throughout the congress.

He closed his speech with a reminder of the transformative power of basketball — and the hope that we all continue to build our own legends.

At every step, Stratminds was committed to delivering not just an event, but an experience worthy of the legends it sought to honor. From thoughtful creative direction to precise execution, every detail was meticulously crafted to celebrate the spirit of basketball on a world-class stage. Working hand-in-hand with the best talents in the industry, Stratminds proved that Filipino ingenuity, passion, and professionalism can stand tall on the global court — creating moments that were not only memorable, but truly legendary.

Celebrating Greatness

Through vision, heart, and relentless dedication, Stratminds transformed a moment into a milestone. Every detail, every decision, and every collaboration was driven by the belief that world-class excellence knows no borders — and that with passion and purpose, we can create experiences that leave a lasting legacy. As the world watched, Stratminds stood proud, proving that when creativity meets commitment, we don’t just celebrate greatness — we inspire it for generations to come.

Have a great event in mind and in need of a collaborator? Reach out at [email protected] or DM us on Facebook and Instagram.

Let’s make it happen.