Basketball fans in Bacolod will have an opportunity to cheer and meet their idols as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will bring in the Meralco Bolts and Rain or Shine as part of the highlights of the MassKara Festival 2023 on October 19 at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum, Bacolod.
The match, entitled PBA Pasiklaban sa Supercity, is expected to be exciting as both teams have seen close matches in the past, among which was the final games in the PBA Governors’ Cup where Meralco won against Rain or Shine but was defeated by the latter in late last year’s match in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Following the recent win of Gilas Pilipinas in the Asian Games, basketball enthusiasts in the City of Smiles are expected to come in droves for this exhibition game which will start at 6:00 PM.
Patrons are advised to come in early though as there will be a pre-show featuring games and entertainment from MassKara sponsors who will give away exciting prizes.
Meralco Bolts is one of three PBA teams owned by businessman Manny Pangilinan and coached by Norman Black.
Members include Kj Mc Daniels, Clifford Hodge, Chris Newsome, Christopher Banchero, Aaron Black, Ray Belo, Nonoy Baclao, Raymond Almazan, Reynel Hugnatan, Kier Quinto, Allein Maliksi, Raymar Jose, Kyle Pascual, Diego Miguel Dario, Jansen Rios, Franky Johnson, Alvin Pasaol and Antonio Jose Caram.
Rain or Shine on the other hand is coached by Yeng Guiao and managed by Mamerto Mondradon and Jireh Ibanes.
Their players are Anton Asistio, Beau Belga, Mark Borboran, Andrei Caracut, Jhonard Clarito, Nick Demusis, Bradwyn Guinto, Shaun Ildefonso, Trevis Jackson, Gian Robert Mamuyac, Rey Nambatac, Michael Joseph Nieto, Gabe Norwood, Ryan Pearson, Jewel Ponferada, Michael Qualls, Leonard Santillan, Greg Smith, Steve Taylor, Jr., Vincent Tolentino, Norberto Torres and our very own Bacolodnon, James Yap.
Ticket prices are P200 for General Admission, P500 for Patron A and P700 for Patron VIP. Ticket outlets are all Imart stores, Quan, and the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation Office.
