Candon ASG: North, South fight for pride

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur , Philippines — It’s essentially a fun event but expect the competitive nature of the PBA All Stars to come out when they hit the Candon Arena for the North versus South Game this weekend.

“Magiging competitive kami, kailangan namin manalo,” said Leonard Santillan of the South team during yesterday’s presscon at the Hotel Van Gogh here.

The North and South format returns for the Season 50 edition after giving way to Team Japeth versus Team Scottie and Team Japeth versus Team Mark in the last two All-Star Weekends held in 2023 and 2024.

The most recent ASG prior to the gig in this city known as the “Tobacco Capital of the Philippines” saw Robert Bolick of Team Mark forcing a 140-140 tie against Team Japeth after hitting a four-point shot and converting his bonus free throw.

“Noong nakaraang All-Star Game nagka-tabla and everyone was happy. Ngayon try namin mas mahigitan ito,” said Japeth Aguilar, who banners Team North against the June Mar Fajardo-led Team South in the main event here on Sunday.

This year’s mid-season extravaganza backed by ArenaPlus features not only the return of the regional format but also the “blitz game” pitting the Rookies and Sophomores against the Juniors set for tonight.

And it will have a twist – four PBA legends will be in the fold, two for each side.

Willie Miller and Arwind Santos will join the Rookies and Sophomores while Ranidel de Ocampo and Marc Pingris will bolster the Juniors’ crew.

“Matanda ka o hindi, ayaw mo patalo,” said Miller, joking about worrying about pulled muscles in the activity.

More than the winning mentality, the All Stars carry a responsibility to give back to fans by treating them to an entertaining game.

“Main goal talaga namin, bigyan namin ng magandang laban itong PBA All-Star Game para sa mga fans. Kasi syempre mga fans ang bumoto sa amin, nag-effort din sila para mapabilang kami sa All Stars. So dapat mag-effort din kami,” said Rey Nambatac of the South squad.

The All Stars expressed their excitement in a media gab also attended by Mayor Eric Singson of host Candon, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, North assistant coach Dayong Mendoza and player Stephen Holt, and South assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga.

“Very meaningful na napunta dito ang PBA All-Stars. We're very much grateful kasi it will be marked in the history na nag-celebrate dito sa Candon ang PBA ng 50th anniversary. Nagkataon we’re celebrating our silver anniversary as a city kaya parang double celebration sa amin ito,” said Singson.

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Notes: The South All Stars will miss three key players in Scottie Thompson and Jericho Cruz due to injuries and RR Pogoy due to a family matter. Commissioner Willie Marcial said the league has granted the trio’s request to be excused from playing the ASG, though Cruz promised to join the entourage in Candon.