Boxing champ-turned-senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao makes his appearance at this year’s PBA All-Star Weekend slated from today, Aug. 4, until Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Araneta Center. With various skills challenges and all-star games scheduled at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, this weekend promises exciting activities for basketball fans.
Pacquiao, who is listed as Mahindra’s playing coach, will join PBA Legends Alvin Patrimonio, Ronnie Magsanoc, and Nick Belasco in the Stalwarts team, whose line up also includes current PBA stars Chris Banchero, David Semerad, and LA Revilla, among others. They will go up against Team Greats in the Blitz Game, pitting their wits against Legends Johnny Abarrientos, Noli Locsin, Richard del Rosario and Bong Ravena, along with youngsters Maverick Ahanmisi, Kevin Alas, and Anthony Semerad, to name a few.
It has been months since Pacquiao has played pro basketball, following his stint on court in the Philippine Cup last year.
The Blitz Game is a highlight on All-Star Friday, along with skills challenges like the 3-Point Shoot Out, and the Slam Dunk Competition. The PBA All-Star Weekend will finish on a high with the All-Star Game between the North and South. Led by Coach Yeng Guiao, the North will have Mark Caguioa, Terrence Romeo, Marc Pingris, Calvin Abueva and Japeth Aguilar as its first five; while the South, led by Coach Leo Austria, has James Yap, Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, Joe Devance and Asi Taulava.
PBA fans and basketball aficionados can expect encounters with their hard court heroes in various activities with Araneta Center like the meet-and-greet sessions at Farmers Plaza on Thursday, Aug. 4; Ali Mall on Friday, Aug. 5; and at the Food Park outside the Big Dome on Aug. 6. A Basketball Fair will also be held at the same area with performances, autograph signing sessions with the PBA Stars, basketball game booths, and even a chance to do rock-a-oke with their idols. A thrilling pool party at Novotel caps off the entire weekend on Sunday.
Presented by the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the PBA All-Star Weekend happens from Aug 4 to 7 at the Araneta Center. Tickets to the All-Star games and various challenges are still available at Ticketnet. Call 911-5555 or visit ticketnet.com.ph.