Romwel Anzures

Taho Story A’s David Licauco in the Pilipinas United 3x3 League. Photo from Facebook/PUL.

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ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756033889738IMG_8079.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Taho Story A’s David Licauco in the Pilipinas United 3x3 League. Photo from Facebook/PUL."/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Taho Story A’s David Licauco in the Pilipinas United 3x3 League. <em>Photo from Facebook/PUL.</em></span></span></span>MANILA — Celebrity heartthrob David Licauco has made his return to playing competitive basketball.</div><p>The 5-foot-11 actor and businessman took some time off from being in front of the camera, instead lacing up his kicks to play for Taho Story A in the Pilipinas United 3x3 League in Parañaque this weekend.</p><p>“I’m really happy that I was able to join a league of this caliber,” said Licauco on Sunday, the last of the two-day halfcourt tourney at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.</p><p>Licauco previously played for College of Saint Benilde from 2012 to 2013, back when the likes of former Blazers Jonathan Grey and Paolo Taha were still headlining them in the NCAA.</p><p>But while Licauco has experience going up against tenured players, he admitted that returning to the hardcourt can be overwhelming.</p><p>“I played in college sa CSB for two years, then after that, nag artistra na ako. Pero never naman ako nag stop,” he shared. “But for me, kung gusto ko talagang makasali ulit, I have to give more time sa practice and training with the team.”</p><div>“First game ko, medyo na-culture shock ako. Ang bilis ng laro, yung skill level nila is very different from where I play, pero masaya. Hindi naman ako masyadong nag mukhang t*nga, I think, hopefully,” added Licauco, who also spoke on his experience of the half-court game.<br/><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1756033995310IMG_8078.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Taho Story A’s David Licauco in the Pilipinas United 3x3 League. Photo from Facebook/PUL."/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Taho Story A’s David Licauco in the Pilipinas United 3x3 League. <em>Photo from Facebook/PUL.</em></span></span></span>“There is a huge difference. Yung 5-on-5, you get to rest, you get to think. Choice mo kung fast-paced or slow-paced. Dito, ang bilis ng laro, and iba talaga yung concept. Iba yung training at iba yung hangin na kailangan mo,” he said.</div><p>Licauco and Taho Story A&#x27;s campaign ended in the quarterfinals stage, where they lost to Halfcourt Group, 21-14.</p><p>However, while the 31-year-old’s stint in this year’s edition of the PUL has come to an end, he assured his fans that this will not be the last time they see him play again.</p><p>“Definitely [this would not be the last time]. Ito naman yung pangarap ko eh,” he said. “Nagkataon lang na medyo, at this point of my career sa showbiz, medyo nagkakaroon na tayo ng time na sabihin sa management ko na: ‘I wanna do this.’”</p><p>“Pangarap ko naman talaga ‘to eh,” stressed Licauco, who acknowledged that he has to keep working to remain competitive in his next appearances on the court.</p><p>“More skills training, and sa mental side of it, kasi mental talaga yung kalaban eh. Iniisip ko na ‘di ko kaya, pero it was a good learning experience,” said David, who also has siblings playing volleyball in the UAAP, James and Jean Licauso of Ateneo de Manila University.</p><p>“You really have to be on top of your game, and your mind has to be there,” he added.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=ABfVb7T4cNQuaMfw"></script></div>

<p>Celebrity heartthrob David Licauco has made his return to playing competitive basketball.</p>

Celebrity heartthrob David Licauco has made his return to playing competitive basketball.

David Licauco on returning to basketball: ‘Pangarap ko naman talaga ‘to’

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David Licauco on returning to basketball: ‘Pangarap ko naman talaga ‘to’

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published Aug 24, 2025 07:30 PM PHT

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Updated Aug 24, 2025 07:47 PM PHT

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Basketball

ABSSports

David Licauco

Pilipinas United 3x3 League

PUL

Taho Story A

FIBA 3x3

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