PASSI CITY — From the Sweet City to the City of Smiles.
After a successful staging in front of the Ilonggo fans following a three-year hiatus, the PBA All-Star is now looking to bring joy to Negrense as it is set to come back to the Visayas for the 2024 edition, this time in the City of Bacolod.
*CJ Perez dazzles with his array of moves during the PBA All-Star game in Passi City. (PBA Images)*
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial made the announcement after the All-Star weekend which was capped by a thrilling 140-136 victory for Team Japeth over Team Scottie. Marcial said he had met with Bacolod City Mayor Albie Benitez and discussed the initial plans for the event eyed to be held in a playing venue that is under construction. The decision also marked the return of the league to the City of Smiles after it hosted the 2008 edition of the All-Star festivities. Marcial, along with the local government officials, are elated with how this year's edition turned out with legions of fans storming the City of Passi Arena while a good-sized crowd settled for the live viewing outside the venue. Magnolia players emerged as big winners in this year's event with Paul Lee winning the All-Star MVP honors while Hotshots backup gunner Adrian Wong was adjudged as RSJ game MVP after Team Greats defeated Team Stalwarts, 158-138. Lee also emerged as the three-point king while Dave Marcelo dethroned two-time champion Beau Belga in the obstacle challenge. David Murrell won the slam dunk crown while Team Red, composed of TV5 courtside reporter Apple David, Inquirer's Jonas Terrado, a fan and Senator Bong Go, ruled the Shooting Stars event. Aside from the usual skills challenge and all-star games, PBA also went out to schools for its Alagang PBA program, held basketball clinics for kids and coaches and hosted a local 3x3 tournament.
*CJ Perez dazzles with his array of moves during the PBA All-Star game in Passi City. (PBA Images)*
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial made the announcement after the All-Star weekend which was capped by a thrilling 140-136 victory for Team Japeth over Team Scottie. Marcial said he had met with Bacolod City Mayor Albie Benitez and discussed the initial plans for the event eyed to be held in a playing venue that is under construction. The decision also marked the return of the league to the City of Smiles after it hosted the 2008 edition of the All-Star festivities. Marcial, along with the local government officials, are elated with how this year's edition turned out with legions of fans storming the City of Passi Arena while a good-sized crowd settled for the live viewing outside the venue. Magnolia players emerged as big winners in this year's event with Paul Lee winning the All-Star MVP honors while Hotshots backup gunner Adrian Wong was adjudged as RSJ game MVP after Team Greats defeated Team Stalwarts, 158-138. Lee also emerged as the three-point king while Dave Marcelo dethroned two-time champion Beau Belga in the obstacle challenge. David Murrell won the slam dunk crown while Team Red, composed of TV5 courtside reporter Apple David, Inquirer's Jonas Terrado, a fan and Senator Bong Go, ruled the Shooting Stars event. Aside from the usual skills challenge and all-star games, PBA also went out to schools for its Alagang PBA program, held basketball clinics for kids and coaches and hosted a local 3x3 tournament.