Results

Philippines MPBL 09/03 08:00 - Manila Batang Quiapo v Bacolod Tubo Slashers L 58-102
Philippines MPBL 08/21 12:00 - Batangas City v Manila Batang Quiapo L 103-59
Philippines MPBL 08/14 08:00 - Manila Batang Quiapo v Bataan Risers L 82-144
Philippines MPBL 08/04 08:00 - Abra Weavers v Manila Batang Quiapo L 117-63
Philippines MPBL 07/17 12:00 - San Juan Knights v Manila Batang Quiapo L 88-61
Philippines MPBL 07/14 10:00 - Manila Batang Quiapo v Basilan L 84-117
Philippines MPBL 07/08 08:00 - Manila Batang Quiapo v Binan Tatak Gel L 62-99
Philippines MPBL 07/01 08:00 - Manila Batang Quiapo v Pasig City W 92-89
Philippines MPBL 06/23 08:00 - [13] Manila Batang Quiapo v Nurizwan/Toh [7] L 92-110
Philippines MPBL 06/16 08:00 - [11] GenSan Warriors v Manila Batang Quiapo [13] L 99-45
Philippines MPBL 06/09 12:00 - [13] Manila Batang Quiapo v Ilagan Isabela Cowboys [8] L 87-123
Philippines MPBL 06/02 08:00 - Manila Batang Quiapo v Davao Occ. Tigers - View

Wikipedia - Manila Batang Quiapo

The Manila Batang Quiapo are a Filipino professional basketball team based in Manila and representing the district of Quiapo. The team competes in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as a member of the league's North Division. The team splits its home games between San Andres Sports Complex in Malate and Paco Arena in Paco.

The Manila franchise was founded as an expansion team for the 2018–19 MPBL season as the Manila Stars and saw early success in its first two seasons with Chris Bitoon and Aris Dionisio leading the team, making the division finals in 2019. The team is also noted for its acquisition of Greg Slaughter in 2024, during which the team gained the backing of businessman Sam Verzosa and the Strong Group Athletics organization and were renamed the Manila SV Batang Sampaloc. The team also competed in the Pilipinas Super League from 2022 to 2024 as the Manila CityStars.

The Batang Quiapo are currently the only team based in the Capital District of Metro Manila.

History

Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League

2019–2020: The Bitoon–Dionisio era

The nation's capital joined the MPBL for the 2018–19 season, and in its first season, made an instant impact. Led by the duo of Chris Bitoon and Aris Dionisio, the team finished 20–5, tying with San Juan and Davao Occidental for the league's third-best record, as the Stars clinch the fourth seed in the 2019 playoffs. After getting past Caloocan in the First Round, they met with the league-leading Bataan Risers in the North Division Semifinals. Although Bataan won game 1, Manila pushed through the next two games to finish the upset and advance to the North Division Finals against San Juan. The series went in a similar way but in the opposite manner, as Manila won game 1 but with San Juan winning the next two to advance to the National Finals and eventually win the championship. At the end of the season, Dionisio won MPBL Defensive Player of the Year. He and Bitoon were also selected to the All-MPBL First Team and declared all-stars.

Manila came back stronger for the 2019–20 season, finishing 25–5, clinching the second seed in the 2020 playoffs. The team first beat Pasig in the First Round, but feel short in the Division Semifinals against Makati. Once again, Manila won game 1, yet Makati won the rest of the series. Dionisio became a two-time all-star while he and Bitoon both made the All-MPBL Second Team.

2021–2023: Out of contention

For the 2021 Invitational, Manila tapped Pocholo Villanueva as their head coach, but only finished third in Group D, failing to make the playoffs. Villanueva would later depart for the Batangas City Embassy Chill. Following the departures of both Bitoon and Dionisio, Manila spent the next two seasons missing the playoffs, finishing 6–15 and 4–23 in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, respectively.

2024–present: Return to form

Logo used in 2024 under the backing of Sam Verzosa and Strong Group Athletics.

In the 2024 season, the team gained the backing of the Strong Group Athletics organization, and would later be renamed as the Manila Batang Sampaloc, or officially, the Manila SV Batang Sampaloc SGA. Their 2024 campaign is noted for their acquisition of four-time PBA champion Greg Slaughter among other ex-PBA players. With their new acquisitions, the team finished the season 20–8 for their best output since 2020 and once again claiming a top-4 position. Slaughter and Rabeh Al-Hussaini were declared all-stars in the 2024 MPBL All-Star Game.

However, despite that, Manila fell short in the playoffs, losing to the Caloocan Batang Kankaloo in a division quarterfinals sweep, with both games being separated by one point. After the series, the organization stated that they are unsure if they will return for the 2025 MPBL season, citing financial difficulties and "uneven officiating".

Pilipinas Super League

The Stars came to the PSL for the 2022 DUMPER Cup during the MPBL's off-season. Finishing 9–6 in the conference, Manila tied with Boracay and Bulacan for seventh. The team managed to settle for eighth but lost to the San Juan Kings in the quarterfinals.

The Manila Batang Quiapo is a dynamic and spirited basketball team that represents the vibrant community of Quiapo in Manila, Philippines. Known for their tenacity and skill on the court, the Batang Quiapo embodies the rich cultural heritage and passion for basketball that is deeply ingrained in Filipino society.

With a roster of talented players who showcase a blend of agility, teamwork, and strategic play, the team has become a formidable force in local leagues and tournaments. Their distinctive colors and emblem reflect the pride of Quiapo, a district known for its bustling markets, historical landmarks, and diverse population.

The Batang Quiapo not only aims for victory but also strives to inspire the youth of their community, promoting sportsmanship, discipline, and a love for the game. Through community outreach programs and basketball clinics, they engage with fans and aspiring athletes, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.

As they take to the court, the Manila Batang Quiapo brings an electrifying energy that captivates audiences, making every game an unforgettable experience. With a commitment to excellence and a deep-rooted connection to their community, the Batang Quiapo continues to rise as a symbol of hope and determination in Philippine basketball.