By REYNALD MAGALLON
BACOLOD CITY – The PBA All-Star delegation was welcomed warmly by the city that is known for its people’s radiant smiles and hospitality on Thursday, March 21 here.
Marked by the colorful and lively MassKara performances, the host city for the 2024 edition of the all-star festivities treated the PBA officials, all-star team coaches and players to a glimpse of the famous festival during a courtesy call to Mayor Albee Benitez at the Bacolod City Hall.
“Welcome sa lahat ng mga PBA All Stars, lahat po ng mga basketball players. Welcome sa City of Bacolod. And not only will you bring smiles in the City, I’m sure you’ll bring a very exciting game that we will be anticipating this Saturday and Sunday”, said Benitez as the delegation not only experienced Bacolodnon’s unique culture and hospitality but also the good and delicious food.
The amiable mayor also expressed elation to finally have the PBA All-Star back in their city after 16 years or since the festivities were last held here in 2008.
“Very, very happy dahil alam naman natin na sports was the most sought after activity na we are trying to push,” said Benitez
“Itong mga games na dinadala dito sa City of Bacolod, makakatulong ‘to na maka-encourage lalo na mga bata, for our youth na they’ll be able to at least focus more on sports rather than other things na hindi dapat nila pasukin,” he added.
The feeling was mutual for the part of the PBA according to Commissioner Willie Marcial as the league very much appreciated the warm welcome by the City of Smiles.
“Maraming salamat po na tinanggap ulit kami ni Mayor dito at ng mga taga-Bacolod, second time na po ng All-Star dito sa Bacolod so masaya po kami sa mga pag-anyaya at pag-imbita niyo sa PBA dito,” said Marcial.
To return the warm welcome, the weekend events are promised to be exciting and thrilling with activities like basketball and referee clinics, school visit at Negros Occidental High School and a fan zone event at the Ayala Mall in store for PBA fans here in Bacolod and nearby cities.
Of course, there will be the skills challenge on Saturday that featured the traditional three-point shootout and the obstacle course and three-point shootout for the league’s big men.
Providing the highlight to the weekend celebration are the anticipated to be competitive games between the Team Stalwarts and Team Greats in the RSJ game and dance off and collision between Team Japeth and Team Barroca to cap the activities on Sunday, March 24.
