A new era for Philippine sports has dawned in the south. MelMac Sports, a state-of-the-art 3,500-square-meter facility, has opened its doors at Vista Mall Imus in Cavite, offering world-class amenities for athletes and casual players alike. Built by veteran sports marketer Mel Macasaquit, the hub is designed to elevate Philippine sports and provide a home for everyone who believes in the power of sports.
A Vision Realized: Decades of Experience in One Facility
The facility opened quietly this week, already drawing athletes, enthusiasts, and industry insiders eager to experience what could become Cavite's premier sporting hub. At the center of it all is Macasaquit, whose decades-long journey in sports marketing laid the foundation for MelMac Sports. His résumé stretches across some of the Philippines' most recognizable sports programs, including collaborations with Gilas Pilipinas, the Azkals, and the country's 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament campaign.
"Two decades ago, I started MelMac Sports—probably the first sports marketing agency in the Philippines," Macasaquit said during the facility's soft opening. "We humbled ourselves: studying, listening to veterans, and gaining experience." "From a business standpoint, yes, it's flashy and maybe profitable. But to us? This is life. We live and breathe sports."
World-Class Facilities for Every Sport
Designed with both elite athletes and everyday players in mind, the facility blends professional-grade infrastructure with a welcoming atmosphere. Key features include a FIBA-approved full 5-on-5 basketball court and a FIBA 3x3-approved halfcourt, with the 3x3 court set to have the exact flooring used in the Paris Olympics. The facility also features three professional pickleball courts currently operational, with three more and a standard tennis court expected soon. A sports-specific gym, drawing from Macasaquit's past collaboration with Gold's Gym, and the on-site Planet MelMac restaurant for post-game recovery round out the amenities. A football field is also set for construction in Dasmariñas by June.
Still, MelMac Sports is not positioning itself as an exclusive training ground. "This is more than just a place to play," Macasaquit said. "MelMac Sports is not just built for hardcore athletes. It's also for casuals—people who want to move, play, and enjoy sports in a world-class environment." The partnership with the Sports360 booking app allows any player to play even without a team, fostering camaraderie and making sports more accessible and affordable.
A Growing Sports Ecosystem and Future Plans
Beyond the facility itself, MelMac Sports is already building a community. International 3x3 teams like Liman, Shanghai, and Toronto have used the facility as their training base ahead of the Manila Challenger. Olympian Mihailo Vasic of Liman expressed his admiration: "I can say that we're a little bit jealous because we don't get something like this back home, and we wish we had this type of court at home."
The facility also houses Planet MelMac, a Singapore-based fried chicken restaurant that serves as a lifestyle and recovery hub for athletes. Plans for additional MelMac Sports facilities in key Villar Group locations are expected to begin within weeks. For Macasaquit, however, the mission goes deeper than bricks and courts. "This is bigger than just facilities," he said. "It's about building a home—for athletes, for dreamers, for everyone who believes in the power of sports."
