Donaire, cage stars clash in charity game

MANILA, Philippines - World champion Nonito Donaire Jr. and some of the country’s basketball superstars will play in a charity exhibition game for the benefit of Barangay Kapasigan in Pasig City.

Dubbed “All-Star Exhibition Game,” the match will be held on Sept. 25 at the Pasig Sports Complex.

Former Barangay Ginebra guard Rob Johnson is the man behind the basketball game for a cause, which he put up in cooperation with Real Life Foundation, an educational advocacy organization dedicated to serving the poor and improving their lives through educational assistance, leadership development and community service.

Johnson asked 20 of his friends from the PBA to see action in the exhibition game, mentioning the likes of Kelly Williams, Jimmy Alapag, Harvey Carey, Jeff Cariaso, Nic Belasco, Asi Taulava, Brandon Cablay, Kerby Raymundo, Gabe Norwood, Mike Burscher, Joe DeVance, Lamont Waters, Alex Crisano and cage greats Samboy Lim, Ronnie Magsanoc and Alvin Patrimonio.

 “It’s a fun game for a good cause,” said the soft-spoken Johnson at the PSA Forum yesterday at the Shakey’s UN Avenue.

Aside from Donaire, another boxing figure in Bobby Pacquiao is also suiting up for the game.

 “They (Donaire and Pacquiao) are very excited to play alongside these basketball superstars, added Johnson.

Gates open at 5 p.m. followed by an autograph-signing and photo ops with the players prior to the game.

Proceeds of the match will be used to renovate the warehouse in Barangay Kapasigan to be transformed into the Real Life Community Center.