#Philippines #Manila #Smokey Mountain #NB.ACADEMY #Kudo Kiyoshi

Highlights from Smokey Mountain Baseball Project 2026

The Smokey Mountain Baseball Project 2026, which marks the 15th anniversary of this noble initiative, was successfully held from May 29 to May 31, 2026. Organized by NB.ACADEMY, a nonprofit based in Shibuya, Tokyo, this year's event took place in Manila, Philippines. With the attendance of around 85 participants, including legendary baseball coach Kiyoshi Kudo, former professional players, popular YouTubers, corporate sponsors, and volunteers, the project gathered approximately 120 children from the local community for a day filled with dreams and challenges through the medium of baseball.

Event Overview

• - Dates: May 29-31, 2026
• - Venue: Smokey Mountain, Tondo, Manila
• - Details of Activities:

- Visit to Slums: May 29
- Baseball Clinic: May 30 at Felino Marcelino Sr Baseball Stadium

• - Organizer: NB.ACADEMY
• - Co-organizers: JCI Manila, Japanese Professional Baseball Hall of Fame
• - Main Sponsor: All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• - Total Participants: 85 from Japan, 120 local children

Sharing Dreams Through Baseball

On May 30, the Felino Marcelino Sr Baseball Stadium was brimming with about 120 eager children. Throughout the day, they participated passionately in baseball activities. The skill clinics were tailored to different proficiencies, where guest instructors provided one-on-one support and advice to the children. The interaction among the participants was filled with joyful laughter, with revitalizing energy permeating every corner of the field.

As the day progressed, the children formed four teams for mini-games, culminating with a match between Team Philippines and Team Japan. This encounter exemplified the project's ethos of fostering friendships and challenges through baseball, cutting across age and nationality. The ceremony concluded with children receiving baseball equipment, symbolizing a step forward towards achieving their dreams.

Notable Attendance of Baseball Legend Kiyoshi Kudo

A significant highlight of SMBP 2026 was the participation of Kiyoshi Kudo, a member of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame and former manager of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. Kudo led skill development sessions focusing on pitching mechanics, offering tailored guidance to each child on body movement, arm technique, and balance. The attentive faces of the children during his coaching illustrated the profound impact of this year's event.

Kudo's Insights

Kudo shared, “What impressed me beyond the techniques was the children's eagerness and determination to improve. I want them to learn injury-free techniques first, ensuring they can continue playing baseball for years. It’s crucial for us adults to guide them towards a future where they can envision playing baseball in Southeast Asia.”

Acknowledgments to Supporters

Special thanks are due to our main sponsor, All Nippon Airways, and our partner enterprises for their unwavering support that made SMBP 2026 a success. Their collaborative efforts over the years have linked Japan and the Philippines, fostering cultural exchange and community building through sports.

Community Quotes

David Ramos, Community Development Director for JCI Manila, expressed, “Smokey Mountain has faced many challenges, but it is home to talented and ambitious youth awaiting an opportunity to shine. Our goal is to provide them with a path to a brighter future through world-class baseball instruction and intrinsic values.”

Conclusion

NB.ACADEMY’s representative director, Shogo Shibata, shared his personal experiences of overcoming hardships through baseball. He emphasized the significance of nurturing dreams and enabling children, regardless of their backgrounds, to achieve their aspirations. The collective mission of SMBP is to broaden the horizons for children from the Smokey Mountain area and empower them to pursue greater challenges.

Together, we aspire to elevate not only their baseball skills but to build a foundation for a promising future that transcends borders.