Stephon Marbury set for 4th Manila visit

MANILA, Philippines -- Former two-time NBA All-Star Stephon Marbury may be calling China his second home, but there is no doubt the Philippines has a big, soft spot for the Philippines in his heart.

He loves the Filipinos so much that he is due to arrive in Manila for the fourth time on July 25 for another fundraising project as well as formally launch his Starbury shoe and apparel line in the country. He will be in town for three days.

“I can’t wait to be back,” the 37-year-old Marbury said in an e-mail to his agent, Sheryl Reyes. “The Philippines has always shown me love, and I truly appreciate that. I’ll be there soon.”

Marbury, a former NBA first rounder, will be working with Jersey Haven for his “Jersey For A Cause” project where part of the proceeds will go children under the care of Ahon Pamilyang Lansangan Foundation afflicted with the liver disease Biliary Atresia as well as the National Press Club of the Philippines for the medical and educational assistance it gives to its members and their immediate families.

The final design and price of the limited edition jersey will be available in the coming days.

“I’ve been abundantly blessed and I want to be a blessing to others. A lot of people, especially the sick children, need help. I’m just doing what I can to make their lives a little better,” said Marbury who steered the Beijing Ducks to its second title in the Chinese Basketball Association last March.

Besides the fundraising project for Ahon and the NPC, Marbury will also have a shoe drive with Sen. Sonny Angara in select areas.