Hala Bola! The 2011 PBA All-Star Weekend in Boracay

(image from pba.ph)

This year’s PBA All-Star Weekend promises to be extra unique as the PBA stars invade the island paradise of Boracay from May 18-22, 2011.

Aside from the North vs. South All-Star Game, which is the main attraction of the 22^nd edition of the spectacle, there are a host of skills events and the Rookies vs. Sophomores Blitz Game that should enthrall fans and tourists alike.

In last year’s All-Star Game, the North stars escaped the South’s challenge, 133-130, and I’m sure the Southerners will want some payback.

Gabe Norwood leads the North All-Stars
(image from pba.ph)

The All-Star MVP then, Gabe Norwood (Rain or Shine), is once again expected to give a great all-around performance. Out to help him are the following:

North Starters: Marc Pingris (Derby Ace), Kerby Raymundo (Derby Ace), Mark

Caguioa (Ginebra) and Willie Miller (Ginebra).

North Reserves: LA Tenorio (Alaska), Mark Cardona (Meralco),

Ranidel de Ocampo (Talk n Text), Harvey Carey (Talk n Text), Rabeh Al-Hussaini (San Miguel Beer), Arwind Santos (San Miguel Beer) and Alex Cabagnot (San Miguel Beer).

North Coach: Ato Agustin (San Miguel Beer).

And leading the Southern push is James Yap (Derby Ace), who garnered the most fan votes. Aiding him are:

South Starters: Jay Washington (San Miguel Beer), Kelly Williams (Talk n Text), Eric Menk (Ginebra) and Cyrus Baguio (Alaska).

James Yap leads the South All-Stars
(image from johnbmarine.blogspot.com)

South Reserves: Jimmy Alapag (Talk n Text), PJ Simon (Derby Ace), Asi Taulava (Meralco), Dondon Hontiveros (Air21), Danny Seigle (Air21), Joe Devance (Alaska) and Sonny Thoss (Alaska).

South Coach: Chot Reyes (Talk n Text).

Skills Events Participants:

Slam Dunk Contest: Kelly Williams, Gabe Norwood, Jay Washington, JC Intal, Ronald Tubid, Elmer Espiritu, and Rey Guevarra.

3-Point Shootout: Mark Macapagal, Jimmy Alapag, Dondon Hontiveros, James Yap, Mark Cardona, Joe Devance, Ronald Tubid, Ronjay Buenafe and Sunday Salvacion.

Coke's Mark Macapagal will try
to defend his shooting crown
(image from gmanews.tv)

*There is also a special side-event shootout involving the top three finishers and PBA greats Alvin Patrimonio, Ato Agustin and Allan Caidic.

Obstacle Challenge: Jonas Villanueva, Jimmy Alapag, Ronjay Buenafe, Alex Cabagnot, Willie Miller, LA Tenorio, Chris Ross, Josh Urbiztondo and Sean Anthony.

It seems like the PBA brass are pulling no punches and sparing no expense to make this year’s staging of the All-Star Weekend really distinct and memorable. It should bolster the already bursting-at-the-seams tourism industry in Boracay, and expose the PBA players to foreign presence. It also seems apt that the All-Star Weekend is only a few weeks removed from the end of the Commissioner’s Cup, securing attention for the league in-between conferences.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your beach suits, camera, and book that ticket! Time to go to Bora, enjoy the beach, and be spellbound by the 22^nd PBA All-Star Weekend! Hala Bora!