The Philippine Basketball Association is bringing the spectacle back to the provinces as the highly anticipated All-Star Weekend returns, this time turning the city of Candon in Ilocos Sur into the center of Philippine basketball for the league’s golden season celebration.
More than just a game, the PBA ArenaPlus All-Star festivities are expected to transform the bustling Ilocos city into a basketball carnival as the league marks its historic 50th anniversary. A massive PBA delegation of around 160 people — including 59 players — is set to travel north from Manila late Wednesday for the seven-hour journey to Candon.
Commissioner Willie Marcial will lead the league officials, staff, and players heading to Ilocos Sur for the multi-day event. Joining the All-Star teams are the participants from the Rookies/Sophomores and Juniors squads, along with competitors in the weekend’s crowd-favorite Skills Challenge events.
Top officials from the PBA Board are also expected to arrive in the province in the coming days. Chairman Ricky Vargas and several team governors will be present to witness the league’s first All-Star showcase since the 2024 edition held in Bacolod City.
The festivities will begin with a formal press conference on Thursday at the Vahn Gogh Hotel, where members of the North and South All-Star teams will face the media and share what fans can expect from the much-awaited celebration.
Coaching the North All-Stars is veteran mentor Leo Austria, who will be fielding a star-studded lineup composed of Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Abueva, rookie Juan Gomez De Liano, CJ Perez, Stephen Holt, Justine Baltazar, Adrian Nocum, Chris Newsome, CJ Cansino, Gian Mamuyac, Justin Arana, and Don Trollano.
Facing them is the South squad under coach Chot Reyes, bannered by some of the league’s biggest names including June Mar Fajardo, RJ Abarrientos, Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, Robert Bolick, Roger Pogoy, JB Bahio, Leonard Santillan, Alec Stockton, Caelan Tiongson, Rey Nambatac, and Jericho Cruz.
The All-Star weekend officially begins Friday at the Candon City Arena with the Skills Event scheduled at 5:30 p.m., followed by the PBA ArenaPlus Rookies/Sophomores versus Juniors showdown at 7 p.m., giving fans an early look at the league’s rising stars.
The main attraction arrives on Sunday night when the festivities resume with the Daily Fantasy Shooting Star contest at 5:30 p.m., leading into the much-awaited PBA ArenaPlus All-Star Game at 7:30 p.m.
Beyond the games, the league has lined up several community activities throughout its four-day stay in Ilocos Sur. Players and officials will participate in a motorcade and parade around the city, conduct school visits, lead tree-planting initiatives, meet fans during autograph sessions, and turn over basketball courts to local communities.
Coaching and refereeing clinics will also be held as part of the PBA’s grassroots development efforts.
With the league celebrating five decades of professional basketball, the All-Star Weekend in Candon promises not only thrilling on-court action but also a meaningful celebration connecting the PBA with fans across the region.