Ilocos Sur hosts PBA All-Stars for first time

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – Ilocano hospitality and warmth were in full display as Candon City rolled out the red carpet for the All-Star festivities of the PBA’s 50th season.

Adoring fans waited on the sidewalks to catch a glimpse of their favorite PBA players, who toured the city on Thursday, March 5, before they plunge into action for the skills events and the Rookies-Sophomores vs. Juniors Game on Friday, March 6, and the All-Star Game on Sunday, March 8.

Some even gave the players Ilocano specialties such as empanada and kilawin in exchange for tickets at the games to be held at the Candon City Arena.

The city also arranged a drone show and a fireworks display for the welcome dinner at Hotel Van Gogh.

“We’re very much grateful that we’re part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the PBA,” said Candon City Mayor Eric Singson.

Hosting the All-Star is a milestone for Candon City as it is the first time the annual event is being staged in Ilocos Sur.

The Ilocos Region has hosted the All-Star thrice overall, with the 2005 and 2012 editions both held in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

It is also a double celebration for Candon City, which is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its cityhood.

“We want this celebration to be memorable for all the players and the family of PBA. We’ll do everything we can to fulfill our duties as host,” said Singson.

On Friday, the best shooters in the league test their mettle in the Three-Point Shootout, where TNT ace Calvin Oftana will defend his throne against the likes of San Miguel’s Marcio Lassiter, Converge’s Juan Gomez de Liaño, and Meralco’s CJ Cansino.

Two separate Obstacle Challenges for bigs and guards will also be contested, with Friday to be capped by the Rookies-Sophomores vs. Juniors Game.

Then, on Sunday, the PBA hopes to put on a show in the main event as the North team, bannered by Barangay Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar, and the South squad led by San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo, lock horns in the All-Star Game.

Gomez de Liaño and Converge teammate Calvin Abueva, Ginebra’s Stephen Holt, and San Miguel’s CJ Perez join Aguilar as North starters, while Oftana, Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos and Scottie Thompson, and NLEX’s Robert Bolick make up the South starters together with Fajardo. – Rappler.com