Francis Ablan went to the San Francisco Del Monte Sports Complex in Bulacan on April 27, 2026, to watch the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season games. He left an instant millionaire.
Chosen as a contestant for the SportsPlus P1 Million Clutch Time Challenge, Ablan delivered a performance even pro cagers would find hard to match.
Ablan, who hails from Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, and resides in Barangay Gumaoc West, San Jose Del Monte City, needed one attempt to make his layup, two tries for the free throw, one for the triple, and one for the halfcourt shot to bag the P1 million prize—the biggest for a side event in local basketball.
That money was well spent, as it went toward house repairs and expenses while he pursued a hospitality management course at La Concepcion College in San Jose Del Monte.
Jeffrey Ching became the next major winner on May 9, 2026, snaring P350,000 with a buzzer-beater from halfcourt at the One Arena in Cainta.
Up to now, Ching still watches the video of his feat and wonders how he accomplished it.
Ching was just walking by the SportsPlus booth when he was chosen to be the day’s contestant. A resident of Barangay San Juan in Cainta, Ching made the layup on his first attempt, the free throw on his second, and needed three tries to drill the triple. With the clock winding down, Ching had to fire the shot right away, and it went in.
“I prayed. It was a blessing,” said Ching, who made the sign of the cross after his prayer was answered.
For Raniel Decosto, May 22, 2026, will always be special.
A collector for a lending firm, Decosto took one attempt to nail the first three shots but needed two tries to connect from halfcourt and pocket the P400,000 purse.
“I only played in inter-purok tournaments,” said Decosto. “Maybe I was just lucky.”
Decosto, who lives in Barangay Banaba Ibaba, Batangas City, bought a motorcycle that he now uses for his job and as a means of transportation for his wife, Rhona, and daughter, Zashna.
Arvie Medillo delivered the most dramatic shot in the SportsPlus Clutch Time Challenge on May 13 at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
After completing the first three shots in 29 seconds, Medillo had plenty of time to go for the P200,000 pot.
His first two attempts, however, went short, and Medillo barely had enough time to let the ball fly. The shot swished through the net at the buzzer.
“I wasn’t expecting it. I had no choice but to shoot the ball,” said Medillo of Bagong Silang, Caloocan. “That I made the last shot was a gift from the Lord.”
SportsPlus, the Official League Title Partner of the MPBL and the Official Gaming Partner of the Philippine Olympic Committee, has shelled out more than P2 million in prizes as of August 15, 2026.
SportsPlus doesn’t only focus on athletes, leagues, and sports development. It also gives spectators and fans the opportunity to win money that can help improve their lives.
