Legends suit up for PBA charity games

MANILA, Philippines — A doubleheader, pitting the old stars of Barangay Ginebra versus Purefoods and San Miguel Beer against Alaska Milk, is being worked out as a fund-raising projec supported by PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.

 “The projects hope to raise funds for the benefit of former players who hit hard times,” said Marcial.

Former PBA stars Atoy Co, Ramon Fernandez and Philip Cezar lead a stellar cast of retired players that will sit down in a meeting with Marcial on Tuesday.

The legends set the meeting with the PBA top honcho after their own brainstorming session last Tuesday also attended by Alvin Patrimonio, Allan Caidic, Kenneth Duremdes, Jojo Lastimosa, Pido Jarencio, Ed Cordero and Art dela Cruz.

The elite list has a combined collection of 12 MVP trophies, 11 from five players – Fernandez, Patrimonio, Co, Cezar and Caidic – who are also PBA Hall of Fame inductees.

Co, the 1979 MVP winner, initiated the brainstorming meeting where numerous inputs were put on the table.

High on the list of possible projects is a doubleheader among the best rivalries in the 90s.

The game would feature big stars including Fernandez, Caidic, Lastimosa, Patrimonio, Duremdes, Ato Agustin, Hector Calma, Johnny Abarrientos, Bong Hawkins, Jeffrey Cariaso, Jerry Codiñera, Chito Loyzaga, Vince Hizon, Marlou Aquino, Noli Locsin, Bal David and many others.

Two classic legends games have been held in the past, including the Crispa-Toyota reunion game in 2003 then a showdown among the 25 PBA greatest players.