A pair of charity games has been organized this week for the victims of tropical storm Sendong, providing an opportunity for sports fans to enjoy and, at the same time, help those who have been affected by the deadly cyclone.
Slated on Friday at the Fil Oil Flying V Arena is an all-star basketball event featuring collegiate stars and celebrities dubbed as “Fastbreak,” which was organized by Ateneo Blue Eagle and 2011 UAAP Rookie of the Year Kiefer Ravena.
The game starts at 3 p.m,, with Ravena and Smart Gilas member Chris Tiu leading the Red Team, which also includes Rico Blanco, Jhong Hilario, Xian Lim, Jason Abalos, Marco Alcaraz, Champ Lui Pio, Joross Gamboa, Baser Amer, Terrence Romeo and Anton Altamirano.
Former UAAP MVP RR Garcia, meanwhile, spearhead the White Team together with Nico Salva, Gab Valenciano, Jon Hall, Luis Alandy, Joshua Webb, Kevin Alas, Young JV, Dan Sara, Thirdy Ravena, Rafael Melocoton JP Erram and Sam Marata.
PBA legend Allan Caidic and former MVP James Yap also grace the event as they lead the cast competing in the three-point shootout contest.
“I’m happy to be part of a worthy cause,” said Caidic, who is known as the greatest shooter of all time in the PBA.
Meanwhile, Spanish football club Internacional de Madrid squares off against a Philippine selection in a friendly match titled “Dili kamo nag-iisa” 4 p.m. Saturday at the Rizal Football Memorial Stadium.
Led by Azkals striker Phil Younghusband, the Azkals-Alyansa squad also include other Azkals members and United Football League stars such as Chieffy Caligdong, Anton Del Rosario, Ian Araneta, Nate Burkey and Angel Guirado.
“It is important that during times like these we pool our resources together for a common goal which is to aid and show community spirit,” UFL chairman and event organizer Santi Araneta said.
“It will be the most meaningful match we’ve ever organized.”
Fans are encouraged to bring donations in the venues of both of the games. Ticket earnings of both of the events will be donated to the victims of tropical storm Sendong, which hit Northern Mindanao and left over a thousand people dead.
