“We want to have an atmosphere of the Olympics, a jamboree or a fair,” said Carlo Quevada of Cre8 Events Asia.

“Aside from the traditional All-Star events, we will also have fashion shows, an amazing race with the PBA players and candidates of Mutya ng Pilipinas.”

“It’s a great honor and privilege partnering with the PBA. We are very excited and we want this All-Star Game to be the most talked-about All-Star,” said Quevada. “We’re thanking the PBA for giving us this opportunity.”

Rain or Shine is also the partner of the All-Star extravaganza. PBA commissioner Chito Salud is pleased the All-Star weekend will be held in Boracay, noting that the players are very excited.

“We are extremely excited and very proud to be part of this purpose. I can tell you our players are really looking forward for this event,” said Salud, who is also hoping for a memorable and meaningful All-Star week in his first year as commissioner of the league. Besides the usual Skills Challenge, Rookies versus Sophomores and the main dish—North against South—the organizers added several side events that would make this year’s All-Star event unforgettable.

There will also be a tour from Pucca Beach to Carabao Island in Romblon, which, according to the organizers, is three times bigger than Boracay.

Also part of event are the Alagang PBA projects like coastal cleanups, hospital visits, basketball clinics and mangrove planting, which will be covered by Discovery Channel, according to Quevada.

“We expect our top and highly skilled players to be there. They will be representing the PBA and they will promote tourism for the country and basketball for the PBA and fans,” said Salud.

Voting is ongoing and the PBA will announce the composition of the North and South teams by April 15.

Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes will handle the South while San Miguel Beer’s Ato Agustin will call the shots for the North. The North team is defending champion after beating the South five, 133-130, last year in Palawan.

Joel Orellana, Business Mirror