Cayetano, UAAP, PBA stars play for Zambo

MANILA, Philippines - As a gesture of support for Zamboanga City residents who were displaced by the ongoing conflict,  Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano has agreed to play in the exhibition match dubbed Smart Friendly Game: Ayuda Zamboanga on Sunday at the Astrodome in Pasay.

Cayetano will suit up for the Zamboanga team against Skyforce of team owner Nestor Luego in the one-day exhibition game for the benefit of Zamboanga City residents.

Gametime is at 6 p.m.

Joining Cayetano in the Zamboanga team are Ateneo star Kiefer Ravena, former PBA player Chester Tolomia, Petron Blazer mainstay Chico Lanete and brother Garvo Lanete and Zamboanga-based player Darwin Cordero.

Ravena, a good friend of Chester’s younger brother Michael of the FEU Tamaraws, agreed to play to also lend his support to his fellow UAAP star.

The Skyforce team, on the other hand, will be bannered by last year’s Asean Basketball League MVP Leo Avenido and former PBA players Al Vergara and Ervin Sotto   

“The Zamboangueños playing in the event are dedicating this game to the city.  We are hoping and praying that our beloved city will rise again,” said game organizer Rolando Navarro, who also thanked sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan for his support.

To spice up the game, organizers will also hold a slamdunk contest among the players, to be led by the high-flying Cordero and 6-7 Fil-American Bryan Organ of the Zamboanga team.

Movie and television actress Empress Shuck, whose father is from Zamboanga City, will be the muse of the Zamboanga squad.

Other backers of the event are Omega Pain Killer, Skyforce and ZC Kings Manpower and Sen. Cynthia Villar.