PBA Legends Asia Tour set in Singapore

FOUR-TIME PBA Most Valuable Player Alvin Patrimonio heads the Philippine basketball greats that will bring their acts to Singapore when the PBA Legends Asia Tour kicks off this October.

“There are a lot of Filipino workers in Singapore, so this is the chance for us to give them some fun,” said Benjie Paras, the PBA’s only rookie MVP, who will join the star-studded crew.

More than just a goodwill game, the event slated from Oct. 10 to 12 at Pasir Ris Sports Hall in Singapore will also feature a basketball clinic, a meet-and-greet session with fans and a gala dinner. Game tickets are priced at S$50.

“It’s a treat for the Filipinos, especially those who left Manila for more than 10 years,” said Jerry Codiñera, the former 6-foot-6 star nicknamed as “The Defense Minister.”  “We’ll have interactions with them.”

The PBA Legends, which also includes Nelson Asaytono, Vince Hizon, Atoy Co, Ronnie Magsanoc, Marlou Aquino, Bal David and Noli Locsin, will go up against a team formed by Singapore’s basketball association.

“Singapore has a strong Filipino community, but we also have plans to take this beyond Singapore,” R. Sasikumar, managing director of Red Card Sports and Entertainment, said in a press conference yesterday at Gerry’s Grill in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Although no longer in their prime, the Legends are still in good shape to play competitive hoops as the group had seen action in the United States, Australia, the New Zealand, Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the last two years.