Saskatchewan

Basketball popular with Regina Filipino community

Basketball is a national pastime in the Philippines. The sport is gaining popularity in Regina as immigration grows.

Filipinos bring love of basketball to Regina

Basketball is more than just a game for members of Regina's Filipino community. It's a passion. 

More than 170 players meet every Saturday to play in the Fil Can Sport league.

"Every now and then we see a new face. People that were born here, people that have been here for more than 20 years," Dennis Argamosa, the chair of the league, said. "Basketball for Filipinos is part of their life. It's the most popular sport in the Philippines."

Basketball for Filipinos is part of their life- Dennis Argamosa, chair of Fil Can Sport

Venome Bihag, 46, brings his passion for the sport to his church in Regina. He's played with professional players in the Philippines, now he coaches and plays in the Filipino league.   

As the pastor of the Regina Filipino Christian Fellowship, he uses the game to connect with his congregation. 

Venome Bihag is pastor at the Regina Filipino Christian Fellowship and an avid Regina basketball player. (Nichole Huck/CBC)

"They say 'Oh, the pastor is good in basketball,' so I receive more respect from the church and the members," said Bihag.

Most of the players balance their Saturday league play with full-time jobs. 

The Senior Basketball Championship game well be held on Saturday, Feb. 28 at Thom Collegiate.