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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Candon City raises curtain to PBA All-Star celebration

Candon City raises curtain to PBA All-Star celebration

Published Mar 5, 2026 03:33 pm

At A Glance

  • CANDON CITY — The red carpet has finally been rolled out as the city that serves as gateway to beautiful beaches and scenic views of the Ilocandia and Cordilleras put up a festive welcome to the contingent of the PBA Season 50 ArenaPlus All-Star Games on Thursday, March 5 here.
(PBA Images)
(PBA Images)

CANDON CITY — The red carpet has finally been rolled out as the city that serves as gateway to beautiful beaches and scenic views of the Ilocandia and Cordilleras put up a festive welcome to the contingent of the PBA Season 50 ArenaPlus All-Star Games on Thursday, March 5 here.

A colorful parade that toured around the bustling streets, with the fans getting the chance to see and interact with the league’s biggest stars, became a preview of what’s in store in the three-day festivities.

“Maraming salamat po at naging bahagi kami sa selebrasyon ng 50th anniversary ng PBA. Iyon ang the most very notable part of this occasion kasi kami ay kasama sa pag-celebrate ng 50th anniversary ng PBA,” said Candon City Mayor Eric D. Singson during the press conference at the Hotel Van Gogh.

The celebration of the All-Stars in the league’s golden season is only fitting to happen at Candon City which is also celebrating its silver anniversary of cityhood. 

“Ito na po yung pangako ni mayor na natupad na eksakto na 50th anniversary natin. Unang una nagpapasalamat ako kay mayor sa mga tao dito sa Candon, sa mga fans. At sa mga players, nagpapasalamat, sinasabi ko na ito ay para sa mga fans,” said league commissioner Willie Marcial.

 They were also joined by All-Star players Stephen Holt and Japeth Aguilar for the North All-Stars and Leonard Santillan and Rey Nambatac for the South All Stars.

“Masayang masaya kami na nandito kami sa Candon ngayon. I-eenjoy lang namin yung experience na ito and create memories. Nagpapasalamat rin kami sa mga fans at sana makapag give back kami sa inyo,” said Aguilar.

Aside from the parade, PBA stars also participated in campus visits before the celebration formally begins on Friday, March 6, with the Skills Challenge raising the curtain at 5:30 p.m. before the RSJ Game at 7:30 p.m.

The skill challenges include the three-point shootout, and obstacle challenges for guard and big men.

Adding a new flavor to the RSJ game, PBA legends Ranidel de Ocampo and Marc Pringris are set to bolster the Rookie-Sophomore team while Arwind Santos and Willie Miller will be joining the Juniors team.

Aside from that, the ‘blitz’ rule shall be applied when a player manages to score the ball within the first seven seconds after gaining possession.

Of course, all eyes are on the North and South All-Stars Games which will feature the traditional dance battle between two teams on Sunday, March 8.

Mayor Singson and commissioner Willie Marcial also sweetened the pot for the winning team which will take home P250,000 cash prize while the losing team is getting P125,000.

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