BY REYNALD MAGALLON
PASSI CITY — From the Sweet City to the City of Smiles.
After a successful staging in front of the enthralled Ilonggo fans following a three-year hiatus, the PBA is looking to bring its annual spectacle to the City of Bacolod and give the Negrenses a total entertainment.
Commissioner Willie Marcial made the announcement after a successful 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 venue that is still being built in the city.
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 the City of Passi Arena jampacked with fans, with a good sized crowd even settling for the live viewing for the fans just outside the playing 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 slamdunk crown while Team Red composed of TV5 courtside reporter Apple David, Inquirer’s Jonas Terrado, a fan and senator Bong Go rules 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 3×3 tournament.
