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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Now at 39, Aguilar simply relishing the All-Star experience

Now at 39, Aguilar simply relishing the All-Star experience

Published Mar 9, 2026 01:39 pm

At A Glance

  • The 39-year-old Aguilar is aging like a fine wine as he soared and entertained the fans with high-flying acts with the three-point dunks to help the North defeat the South, 147-142, in the All-Star Games at the Candon City Arena.

Japeth Aguilar is just relishing every opportunity now that he’s already at the twilight of his playing career.


The 39-year-old Aguilar is aging like a fine wine as he soared and entertained the fans with high-flying acts with the three-point dunks to help the North defeat the South, 147-142, in the All-Star Games at the Candon City Arena.

“Inenjoy lang talaga namin to. Itong event na to. Bihira lang,” said Aguilar.

The veteran forward, however, clarified that he did not really seek winning the All-Star Game MVP award, insisting that all he did was simply to entertain the good-sized Candon crowd inside the venue.

“Nagkataon lang. Mindset ko lang talaga kanina mag-enjoy. Give back to the fans. Yan lang talaga. Do some stuff na hindi ko ginagawa usually. Kunyari, titira ng 4 points. Yan lang talaga. For the fans,” he added.

Whatever it is, the motivation certainly helped Aguilar create history, becoming the oldest player to win the award after finishing with 29 points including a 7-of-7 clip on three-point dunks.

Aguilar said he’s just simply coming off a long rest, allowing him to still have the energy and athleticism to go for the dunks.

“Nagkataon talaga itong All-Star na galing kami sa break. So, actually, noong break na yun, nag-workout lang ako. Yung workout ko puro plyometrics, ganyan. So, yun. Nagkataon na exhibition game. Nakipakita ko na medyo fresh pa. Hindi ko pagod,” explained Aguilar.

“Thankful ako mo kay God para sa event na to. Hindi ko alam eh. Yung mga first timers, magkakaroon pa siya ng madaming chance. Samantalang ako, hindi mo alam. Kunti na lang. Kanina, sinasabi ko sa kanila, You guys are gonna be here for a while,” he added.

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