SINGAPORE -- Amanda Alejandrino of the Philippines might be one of the few people who doesn't play basketball in a country that adores the sport but that will not stop her from loving the game.

"In the Philippines, basketball is the most popular sport and I grew up watching basketball, but I never played it and my friends tease me that I'm the only in the country who doesn't play the game," said Alejandrino.

"But I love the game. When I was in college I was a cheerleader and loved performing during halftime breaks and watching the games was a blast," she added.

Despite her lack of basketball experience on the court, Alejandrino did her internship with Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas, the basketball national federation of the Philippines.

"I wanted to learn from one of the best federations in the country. Being an athlete before, I know how hard it is to find your purpose or motivation in doing other things," shared Alejandrino, who represented the Philippines in the 2011 SEA Games as a gymnast.

"It has always been my passion to empower athletes like myself. I want fellow athletes to know that they can still work for in the sport that they love through other things," she shared.

The IBF Youth Leadership Seminar was the perfect setting for the National University alum. Alejandrino applied for the seminar and was fortunately selected to participate in the program.

The Sports Management graduate was in her element during the activities and her experience manifested itself in the way she would push herself and her co-youth leaders during the duration of the seminar.

"I am really grateful for this opportunity because it really helped me grow. I felt like this journey prepared everyone for the future challenges that we will all face," shared Alejandrino.

“I also learned a lot from my colleagues, it was an eye-opening experience to hear the challenges they have to face in their respective countries to run a tournament. Some have to go through strict religious beliefs or gender limitations,” she added.

Alejandrino admitted she wasn't familiar with the Basketball For Good program before participating in the seminar but after learning about the program. she genuinely wanted get involved and help spread the awareness of the program.

"Basketball for Good is a wonderful program. The way it can make a difference in the communities is a great way to help other people. The program can give the youth better health opportunities, education and even purpose in life; I am so excited to be part of that movement when I get back home," she says.

FIBA Oceania Executive Director, David Crocker praised Alejandrino for her exemplary performance during the seminar.

"She is a very impressive young woman who has great leadership capabilities. I am looking forward to her making a difference in her country and I hope she continues to get involved in basketball," said Crocker.

Despite her confident demeanor and hands-on attitude, Alejandrino can still show her humility by admitting her nervousness for the tournament back home.

"I wasn't ready to run the tournament alone but I learned during the seminar that being a good leader is not doing everything alone but helping others realize their own potential," said Alejandrino.

The IBF Youth Leadership tournament organized by Alejandrino in the Philippines was a tremendous success featuring 18 teams while also partnering with a charity foundation, Hope Afloat.

"I thought I'd have a hard time gathering 16 teams, but thanks to SBP we had 18. More people wanted to register but we kept it limited for now as we will have to extend costs if the tournament is prolonged," said Alehandrino.

"We were able to raise 11,000 pesos. It will be enough for Hope Afloat to supply one classroom with waterproof bags," she proudly added.

The youth leader's vision does not stop there and with the cooperation of SBP, they are planning for the four winners that will travel to Bali to have their own leadership seminar and turn them into 3x3 organizers.

"We want to run four more tournaments, one for each leader and all the proceeds will be going to Hope Afloat," said Alejandrino.

IBF and SBP chose the right youth leader for the IBF Youth Leadership Seminar and the future of 3x3 and Basketball for Good in the Philippines looks bright with Alejandrino leading the way.

 FIBA