Some of the biggest names from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) electrified the fully packed AFAB Sports Complex in an exhibition game hosted by the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), serving as the entrée to the championship match of the Freeport’s League of Locators. The match attracted an enthusiastic crowd of FAB workers, fans, and local residents from the community, all eager to witness a high-stakes battle on the basketball court.
Also Read: 2nd AFAB HPP Cup – Golf Tournament: Forging Partnerships on the Fairway
PBA veterans James Yap, Arwind Santos, Kenneth Duremdes, Ronald Tubid, Jeff Chan, Paul Artadi, and Mark Isip bannered AFAB’s Team HPP, which was led by none other than Administrator and CEO Hussein Pangandaman. The team faced off against Team Pusong Pinoy, a selection of Bataeño basketball circuit players and local officials, led by ex-pro Gary David, Mariveles Mayor AJ Concepcion and former varsity standout Congressman Jet Nisay. Both teams went head-to-head in an exciting display of basketball skill, with the local players managing to align their game play to match the legendary expertise of the PBA stars.
Also Read: AFAB Strengthens Data Privacy Compliance – Holds Annual Data Privacy Orientation
Despite the fierce competition, it was clear that the experience and skills of the PBA Legends were the highlight of the match. Their superior playmaking, rebounds, assists, and impeccable shots left the audience in awe.
Crowd favorite “Big Game” James Yap and certified long-range marksman “The Negros Sniper” Jeff Chan led the Team HPP charge. The duo combined for a shooting masterclass in Mariveles, keeping their opponents at bay with a barrage of baskets reminiscent of their halcyon days. The highlight of the evening was Yap resurrecting his iconic one-handed pump floater, to the delight of the crowd. The signature move was captured on social media by his fellow San Juan councilor Artadi. Not to be outdone, the 6’4” “Spiderman” Arwind Santos regaled the crowd with back-to-back long range bombers, while “The Mind” Mark Isip also threw down an exclamation point of a dunk.
As the match progressed, it was clear that the players’ experience was the driving force behind the game’s energy. Team HPP exhibited outstanding teamwork, which was key in securing a victory in this friendly but competitive exhibition game. The atmosphere inside the sports complex was electric, with high-flying dunks, slick passes, and strategic plays, leaving the crowd shouting in excitement and admiration.
Speaking to the crowd late in the game, Administrator and CEO Pangandaman – who, amidst the plethora of pro player points, also earned for himself two baskets – spoke of more sports, entertainment and tourism activities to come in his term. Prior to the basketball exhibition match, AFAB had also hosted golf tournaments and a shooting competition. Later in the year, a follow-up to last year’s triathlon reconnaissance race is already being planned.
The CEO went on to underscore that AFAB’s push into these areas is not merely for entertainment value but serves a strategic purpose. By organizing high-quality events in sports, entertainment, and tourism, the agency aims to enhance the Freeport’s visibility and are helpful to the Agency’s investment promotion efforts.