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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider PBA treats fans with meet-and-greet event

PBA treats fans with meet-and-greet event

Published Oct 2, 2025 03:20 pm

At A Glance

  • A grand party kicks off a season-long celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Philippine Basketball Association.
A grand party kicks off a season-long celebration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Philippine Basketball Association.
The league gets the ball rolling at the green gate of the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Oct. 4, where it will hold a four-hour fans day in honor of what the PBA considers as its lifeblood.
Players will be interacting with the different fans club in a meet-and-greet event that also features performances by the PBA’s All-Star band.
Various PBA merchandises are also on sale in the venue.
From the Araneta Center, the festivity then shifts in Ortigas later in the night when the league hosts a first-ever fellowship that traces the 50-year history of Asia’s pioneering pro league.
Former and current players have been invited in the celebration at the Meralco Theater along with officials, managers, team staff, members of the press, and PBA employees – all past and present.
Entertainment will be provided by Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, APO hiking, Bituin Escalante and a host of others as they serenade the guests with songs from 1975 onwards – representing five decades of the PBA’s existence.
Members of the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players and Hall of Famers will also be recognized during the program, according to Commissioner Willie Marcial.
“Iniimbitahan namin kayong lahat sa PBA 50th year reunion dahil paparangalan natin lahat ng mga naging bahagi ng liga sa loob ng limang dekada,” said Marcial as he urged everyone to extend the invitation in behalf of the league.
The celebration continues the following day (Oct. 5) when the league holds the annual Leo Awards at the Novotel Manila, to be followed later in the day by the ushering of Season 50 at the Big Dome, and capped by the lone opening game between long-time rivals Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia.
Marcial said more former players are expected to attend the Sunday gathering.
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