Ahead of “Rose meets the Queen”: Derrick Rose receives warm welcome upon Cebu arrival

CEBU, Philippines — Derrick Rose received a warm welcome as the former NBA star set foot on Cebu soil for the first time in his storied basketball journey.

The ArenaPlus ambassador is in town for a pair of events, bringing him closer to Cebuano fans.

Rose, who made history in 2011 as the youngest player ever to win the NBA Most Valuable Player award at just 22 years old with the Chicago Bulls, will headline the Champion’s Circle Appreciation Dinner today (Tuesday, August 25).

During his first major engagement, select ArenaPlus VIPs from Cebu, influencers, and members of the media will be given an exclusive opportunity to spend an evening with the hoop legend.

“I’m so pumped to finally be here and meet the fans in Cebu over the next few days,” Rose said after landing at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

“I already felt the warm welcome from the moment I arrived, and I’m excited to experience more of the city.”

The 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star will meet more fans who have followed his career from thousands of kilometers away  for “Rose Meets the Queen: Derrick Rose in Cebu” on Wednesday, August 26 at SM Seaside City Cebu.

“I feel the love, and it’s always special to see how basketball can bring communities together no matter where you are in the world,” said Rose, who retired from the NBA in 2024 after a 16-year pro career. He averaged 17.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game over 723 regular season games with the Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves,  Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies.

For the 37-year-old Rose, the trip also offers something new:the chance to discover Cebu for himself and meet fans who have followed the highs, setbacks, and resurgence of his career from afar.