Vancouver Bandits first-ever Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) game Broadcast in Tagalog

By Rosette Correa

The Vancouver Bandits  delivered its  first-ever Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) game broadcast in Tagalog during their second-annual Filipino Celebration Game, taking place on Saturday, June 28 at Langley Events Centre (LEC).

This historic broadcast was available to fans around the world for free via the league’s streaming platform, CEBL+.

Providing play-by-play and commentary for the game were Renz Cadang and Harold Abejo, co-founders of the Batang Pinoy Basketball League, a prominent Filipino men’s recreational basketball league based in Surrey, B.C. This league is one of the largest of its kind in Vancouver’s Lower Mainland.

According to Statistics Canada, as of 2021, 2.7 per cent of British Columbia’s population speaks Tagalog. Nationally, Tagalog represents 6.7 per cent of all non-official language speakers in Canada.

“I am honoured to be part of this historic night for the Bandits and the CEBL! It’s more than just a game for me, it is a chance to represent and honour not only my culture, but also the ‘pamilya’ and community who have always lifted me up and inspired me every step of the way,” said Cadang, who  served as the play-by-play commentator.

“I am truly excited to represent the Filipino community by commentating in Tagalog. This opportunity brings pride to our language and culture, and reflects our deep love for the sport of basketball. It is a significant achievement and I am grateful to be part of it,” added Abejo, who  served as the other commentator.

Now in its seventh season, the CEBL has already seen record attendance across multiple venues since launching in May. The league features 10 teams across six provinces, stretching from Montréal in the east to Vancouver—the westernmost franchise. The Bandits are currently tied for first place in the standings with an 8-3 record.

“Basketball is a unifying force and today, we’re proud to speak the language of one of Canada’s most passionate communities. Launching the first-ever Tagalog broadcast in CEBL history is a celebration of culture, connection, and belonging,” said Dylan Kular, president of the Vancouver Bandits. “The Filipino community has been part of our Bandits family since day one, and this milestone is our way of saying salamat po for their unwavering support.”

The June 28 game also featured special in-game entertainment and production elements highlighting Filipino music, fashion, culture, and cuisine. A standout of the celebration was the debut of a commemorative jersey and logo designed by fashion designer Edmond Santelices. 

For its entertainment, PhilCas of BC and Mikey Jose, Vancouver’s upcoming singer and songwriter entertained the crowds pre-game and haf-time. Himig Kabataan Cultural Society opened the events with the singing of the Phlippine National Anthem and the Canadian anthem. 

Proceeds from each jersey and t-shirt sold will benefit two causes: the United Way BC KAPWA STRONG Fund and the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Vancouver Lapu Lapu Festival Appeal. Both adult and youth sizes are available exclusively online and in-store at ATO Basketball Merchants.