More than a court: Tenement

From a distance, the Fort Bonifacio Tenement may appear like a forgotten relic, overshadowed by BGC’s glossy high-rises and modern conveniences. But beneath its cracked walls and aging concrete lies a living, breathing community built on grit, basketball, and hope. At its heart is the now-iconic Tenement court, an open-air battleground of dreams, transformed over time into a global symbol of resilience. Here, neighbors become family and the game of basketball becomes more than just a pastime—it’s a lifeline, a language, and a form of resistance.

Basketball is woven into the fabric of Filipino culture, and the Tenement is a proud testament to that. When Filipino-American artist Mike Swift first stepped onto the court in 2014, he was instantly drawn to its raw energy, reminiscent of the streetball scenes from his Brooklyn upbringing. Reeling from personal losses, including the financial downfall after his Araneta Dreams concert, Swift found healing in the very place others had forgotten. A single Instagram post in his account as Mr. Pinoy Hoops found him into a new purpose, eventually becoming a Nike Global ambassador and forging an unbreakable bond with the Tenement and its people.

In 2014 Swift witnessed residents faced an eviction threat in from the National Housing Authority, citing safety issues. In response, Swift created the Picnic Games—a celebration of music, hoops, and solidarity. Proceeds went toward building repairs and community aid, and secondhand sneakers were donated to local kids.

The court, once ignored, caught international attention and was soon hailed as one of the most iconic in the world when NBA star LeBron James visited in 2015. Through the years, Swift has become part of the community. He continues to live among the residents, not as a savior, but as a friend. In 2020, Picnic Games paused after Kobe Bryant's death and eventually with COVID-19 pandemic but continued to wow its visitors with its mural every now and then.

The 2025 return of the Picnic Games after a four-year hiatus marked its 10th year with the theme “Freedom,” in honor of the Philippines’ 127th Independence Day. It wasn’t just a nostalgic revival. With neighbors cheering from balconies, DJs spinning tracks, and artists painting murals, the court once again became a space for joy, self-expression, and defiance in the face of hardship.

Yet amid the celebration, Swift didn’t shy away from hard truths. Water shortages, neglected repairs, and the looming threat of relocation continue to plague the Tenement. The residents are well aware of their reality—the Tenement’s structure would not meet the safety standards. To many of them, it feels as though the government has turned a blind eye to their plight. While there have been retrofitting efforts over the years, these have done little to address the day-to-day hardships—such as water shortages and persistent leaks. For Mike Swift, the question is simple: shouldn't the government first address these basic needs before deciding the community’s fate? “If we can’t even get clean water for the most famous basketball court in the country, what hope does the rest of the Philippines have?” Swift asked.

For him, the Tenement is not just a building, it’s a mirror of the nation, and with enough care, it too can thrive. As long as the Picnic Games continues, so does the Tenement’s defiant spirit — a sanctuary where art, basketball, and bayanihan keep the fight alive.