Boracay hosts PBA’s All-Star Week

Boracay becomes a basketball haven on May 18 to 23 when the Philippine Basketball Association holds the 2011 Hala Bora! All-Star Weekend.

The center of action is the Boracay Convention Center, where the All-Star Game is set May 22, ushered in by the All-Star side events and the Rookies vs Sophomore Blitz Game on May 20.

“One word that could describe both the island paradise of Boracay and the Philippine Basketball Association is excitement. One can only imagine how much heat and passion can be generated when these two come together,” said PBA board chairman Rene Pardo.

“Just about everybody who hears that it’s going to be in Boracay is excited to be there,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

“Emphasis is on outreach program. We’ll also hold a beach party where our players will mingle with the local and foreign tourists. This is one way of helping promote the country’s tourism program,” added Salud.

The All-Star Game pitting the North stars and the South stars highlights the festivities, with the former looking to repeat their 133-132 decision in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last year.

Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood, the All-Star MVP in Puerto, is back to lead North’s repeat quest.
The other North starters are Derby Ace’s Marc Pingris and Kerby Raymundo and Ginebra’s Mark Caguioa and Willie Miller. The reserves are Alaska’s LA Tenorio, Meralco’s Mark Cardona, Talk ‘N Text’s Ranidel de Ocampo and Harvey Carey and San Miguel Beer’s Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot.

Calling the shots for the North squad is Ato Agustin.

Derby Ace’s James Yap, the player who drew the largest number of fan votes, banners the South team along with Jay Washington of SMB, Kelly Williams of TNT, Eric Menk of Ginebra and Cyrus Baguio of Alaska.

Coming off the bench for the South team of coach Chot Reyes are TNT’s Jimmy Alapag, Derby Ace’s PJ Simon, Meralco’s Asi Taulava, Air21’s Dondon Hontiveros and Danny Seigle, and Alaska’s Joe Devance and Sonny Thoss.

Williams, Norwood and Washington will also show their stuffs in the slam-dunk contest versus JC Intal, Ronald Tubid, Elmer Espiritu and Rey Guevarra, while Mark Macapagal takes a shot at a second straight three-point shootout title against a crack field including former winners Alapag, Hontiveros and Yap. (Reuel Vidal)