Photo credit: PBA

All roads are leading north this week as the Philippine Basketball Association brings its much-awaited All-Star festivities to the lively city of Candon.

The PBA ArenaPlus All-Star Weekend returns in grand fashion as part of the league’s 50th anniversary celebration, promising several days of basketball action, fan activities, and community events.

PBA Caravan Heads North

A massive delegation of around 160 members, including 59 players, will leave Manila late Wednesday night for the roughly seven-hour trip to Ilocos Sur.

Leading the group is PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, together with league staff and players participating in the North vs. South All-Star Game, the Rookies/Sophomores vs. Juniors showdown, and the Skills Challenge competitions.

Also expected to join the festivities over the weekend are members of the league’s Board of Governors led by Chairman Ricky Vargas, along with several team officials.

This marks the first PBA All-Star event since the 2024 edition held in Bacolod.

North vs South Showdown

Fans will also get to see some of the league’s biggest names divided into two powerhouse squads.

The North All-Stars, coached by Leo Austria, will feature stars like Japeth Aguilar, Calvin Abueva, rookie Juan Gomez De Liano, CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, Justine Baltazar, Adrian Nocum, Justin Arana, Don Trollano, Stephen Holt, CJ Cansino, and Gian Mamuyac.

Meanwhile, the South All-Stars will be handled by coach Chot Reyes and bannered by MVP big man June Mar Fajardo along with Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, Calvin Oftana, Robert Bolick, Roger Pogoy, Leonard Santillan, Alec Stockton, Caelan Tiongson, Rey Nambatac, Jericho Cruz, and JB Bahio.

Packed Weekend of Events

The celebration officially kicks off Friday at the Candon City Arena, starting with the Skills Challenge at 5:30 p.m., followed by the ArenaPlus Rookies/Sophomores vs. Juniors game at 7 p.m.

The festivities continue on Sunday, beginning with the Daily Fantasy Shooting Star contest at 5:30 p.m., before the highly anticipated PBA ArenaPlus All-Star Game at 7:30 p.m.

More Than Just Basketball

Beyond the games, the PBA will also hold several community activities throughout its four-day stay in Ilocos Sur. These include a motorcade and parade, school visits, tree planting activities, meet-and-greet sessions with fans, court turnover ceremonies, and clinics for referees and coaches.

For the league celebrating five decades of professional basketball, the All-Star weekend in Candon is shaping up to be more than just a showcase of talent — it’s also a chance to bring the PBA closer to fans in the provinces.