HISTORY UNFOLDS
In grand festivities marking a big milestone, an all-time high 12 PBA ball clubs including three newcomers, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, Gilas Pilipinas, the league think tanks, a bevy of beauties and an expected record crowd gather together under one giant roof in Bocaue, Bulacan to celebrate life.
It’s the celebration of the 40-year existence of the Philippine Basketball Association that has become a way of life for the Filipino nation.
As the league’s documentary film is fittingly entitled – “The PBA: A Nation’s Passion.”
Amidst a blaze of lights, sounds and colors, the PBA makes a big toast as it raises curtains for its Season 40 at the 55,000-seater Philippine Arena in Bocaue Sunday.
It’s a must-see event marked by several “firsts.”
For one, Pacquiao, a Philippine treasure, finally lives a long cherished dream of playing in the pro hard court, bannering the Kia Motors team versus Blackwater in the season-opening game at 3 p.m.
Crowd darling Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and MVP Group flagship team Talk n Text clash in the main game at 5:15 p.m.
Some 150 dancers perform amidst a spectacle of lights and sounds and the league walks down memory lane in a special video presentation during the elaborate rites starting at 1:30 p.m.
Another big highlight is the presentation of the national team that made the nation proud in its remarkable showing in the FIBA World Cup.
Then PBA Board chairman Patrick Gregorio declares the season open.
Pacquiao has promised to take a break from his training for his coming fight with Chris Alieri to play in this particular event and finally live his dream of competing as a PBA player.
The entry of Kia Motors and Blackwater, and NLEX’s takeover of Air21 have made the PBA a 12-team league, adding importance to the league’s milestone season.
The NLEX Road Warriors, a dominant franchise in the PBA D-League, make their own PBA debut against the GlobalPort Batang Pier on Tuesday over at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Special arrangements have been made to avoid traffic problem in going to the Philippine Arena located between the Marilao and Bocaue NLEX exits going to Baguio.
Kia, in coordination with Jam Liners, offers free rides to the playing venue and back to Manila. (SB)
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