Filipino amateur basketball league at Capital Park, Abu Dhabi – in pictures

  • Darwin Valeriano takes a jump shot during a game. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
    Darwin Valeriano takes a jump shot during a game. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
  • A player prepares to step on to the court.
    A player prepares to step on to the court.
  • Basketball players regularly gather at Capital Park in downtown Abu Dhabi to play.
    Basketball players regularly gather at Capital Park in downtown Abu Dhabi to play.
  • Justin Sertimo, left, and Jayectin Apipe fight for the rebound.
    Justin Sertimo, left, and Jayectin Apipe fight for the rebound.
  • Marco De Castro, a die-hard fan of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, proudly shows off his shirt.
    Marco De Castro, a die-hard fan of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, proudly shows off his shirt.
  • Wherever I lay my hat ... the court fence doubles as a hat and bag rack.
    Wherever I lay my hat ... the court fence doubles as a hat and bag rack.
  • The basketball court is surrounded by fencing, to prevent stray balls disturbing other park visitors.
    The basketball court is surrounded by fencing, to prevent stray balls disturbing other park visitors.
  • Friends hang out waiting for their turn on court.
    Friends hang out waiting for their turn on court.
  • Darwin Valeriano prepare to make a shot.
    Darwin Valeriano prepare to make a shot.
  • Wives and girlfriends enjoy the park while waiting for their partners to finish playing.
    Wives and girlfriends enjoy the park while waiting for their partners to finish playing.
  • Players take a breather after the game.
    Players take a breather after the game.
  • Many of the players say that making new friendships is their favourite thing about playing in the amateur league.
    Many of the players say that making new friendships is their favourite thing about playing in the amateur league.
  • Everyone is welcome to join the league, no matter their skill level or familiarity with basketball.
    Everyone is welcome to join the league, no matter their skill level or familiarity with basketball.