The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
CANDON CITY – Before hitting the court for the main events, the PBA ArenaPlus All-Star Weekend participants enthusiastically participated in worthwhile and fan-interaction activities.
Early Friday, the players trooped to the Candon Eco-Tourism Park in Barangay Palacapac to join Mayor Eric Singson and PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial in a tree-planting activity.
The All Stars led by Barangay Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar, NLEX’ Robert Bolick, Converge’s Juan Gomez de Liano, Alec Stockton and Justin Arana, Rain or Shine’s Caelan Tiongson and Andrei Caracut, San Miguel’s Marcio Lassiter, TNT’s Calvin Oftana did their part and planted and watered small plantings at the park.
Marcial said this activity highlighted the PBA’s commitment to community engagement and environmental awareness.
The tree-planting served as one of the many community events lined up for the Season 50 All-Star festivities that will culminate with the North versus South game on Sunday at the Candon City Arena.
From the Eco Park, the All Stars proceeded to a Meet and Greet with SPED kids in the city known as the “Tobacco Capital of the Philippines” supported by ArenaSocial, Pocari Sweat, Molten, LGR and Tinapayan Festival.
The revived mid-season spectacle kicked off Thursday with a visit to Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College and a parade/motorcade, where they excitedly mingled with Ilocano fans.
THE PBA in partnership with ArenaPlus donated P 300, 000 to Candon South High School and P 200,000 to Ilocos Sur Polytechnic College.
A dazzling drone and fireworks show at night in front of the Hotel Van Gogh near the Arena officially opened the four-day gig.