PBA All-Star Festivities Make Highly Anticipated Return

"The PBAAll-Star extravaganza is back with a bang in Candon, Ilocos Sur, kicking off today after a year-long hiatus. The break was unplanned, as the event was originally slated for Davao last May, but security concerns led to its cancellation. An attempt to relocate the event to the Visayas was also thwarted by scheduling conflicts, making this return all the more exciting.

Candon is rolling out the red carpet for the PBA delegation, and the league is ready to deliver. Last night, six 25-passenger buses, each equipped with toilets, departed from the PBA office in Libis for the five to six-hour journey to Candon. The passengers enjoyed a comfortable ride with food provided and luxury seats featuring adjustable backrests. The expected arrival time was around 3 a.m. An advance party of PBA staff had already left the day before, with an eight-hour travel time due to the longer daytime trip. Traveling at night significantly reduced the travel time thanks to lighter traffic.

PBA

Commissioner Willie Marcial mentioned that the Gilas players were excused from the bus trip and will make their own way to Candon. Although Jericho Cruz and Zavier Lucero are both nursing injuries, they still made the journey, though they will be unable to play. South All-Stars coach Chot Reyes will arrive later due to a death in the family.

“Everyone is excited for this event,” said Marcial. “We’re bringing back the North-South format for the All-Star Game, and in the Rookies/Sophomores vs. Juniors game, four legends—Willie Miller, Marc Pingris, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Arwind Santos—will play.” He also expressed gratitude to Candon Mayor Eric Singson for hosting the event and to Rain or Shine, particularly Boss Terry Que, Boss Raymond Yu, and Gov. Atty. Mert Mondragon, for providing the paint for the court turnover in Barangay San Isidro and Calao-an. Rain or Shine has been supplying paint for several courts across Metro Manila and three provinces as part of the league’s community initiative.

This year’s event will feature a few innovations, including a fun Shooting Stars competition before the North-South All-Star Game on Sunday. Participants will include LGU representatives, TV5, fans, media, and PBA players. Additionally, the players in the Rookies/Sophomores vs. Juniors game will compete in a dance contest, similar to the one seen in the All-Star Game. Stay tuned for more All-Star updates in tomorrow’s column."

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