Worlds collided in the said celebrity exhibition match.
On Sunday, August 23, seats at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City were filled not just by fans of Filipino actors under ABS-CBN’s talent management arm Star Magic, but also supporters of Thai boys’ love (BL) stars from GMMTV.
This, as both companies set up squads that competed against each other on the court for the highlight men’s basketball game.
The Star Magic group was led by Gerald Anderson, who teamed up with Emilio Daez, River Joseph, JM Ibarra, Ronnie Alonte, Young JV, Tristan Ramirez, Argel Saycon, Jeremiah Lisbo, Ashton Salvador, and Elyson De Dios.
Playing for GMMTV were AJ-Chayapol Jutamas, Neo-Trai Nimtawat, Joss-Wayar Sangngern, Gawin-Caskey, JJ-Chayakorn Jutamas, Ryu-Phudtripart Bhudthonamochai, Aston-Ratiphat Luengvoraphan, Marc-Natarit Worakornlertsith, Ping-Krittanun Aunchananun, and Teshow-Promsakha Na Sakonnakhon.
While the Thai leading men have advantages such as height and even regional tournament exposure, with Neo having been part of the bronze medal-yielding national team of Thailand in the 2018 ASEAN school games, the Pinoy squad showed their power.
In the end, Star Magic defeated Team GMMTV with a sizeable lead, 83-53.
Meanwhile, Blue Team featuring Diego Gutierrez, Iñigo Jose, Dylan Ytturalde, Josh Worsley, Rave Victoria, Dustine Mayores, Jan Silva, Binsoy Namoca, Rocky Labayen, Marc Nanninga, and Wakin won in the Junior’s Basketball league.
They defeated Team Red—composed of Seth Fedelin, Robbie Jaworski, BGYO Mikki Claver, Joaquin Arce, Fred Moser, Marc Santiago, Andrez Del Rosario, Lance Lucido, Ice Almeria, Russu Laurente, and JP Cabrera—with the final score reading 55-35.
The Lady Spikers Red Team—led by 5-time MVP Analain Salvador, Lella Ford, and Fyang Smith, alongside Vivoree, Magui Ford, Janah Zaplan, Ai Dela Cruz, Isabel Laohoo, and Sophie Reyes—won in the women’s volleyball game.
They went opposite the Lady Warriors Blue Team headed by Captain Ball Reign Parani together with Rans Rifol, Gillian Vicencio, Jas Dudley-Scales, Rain Celmar, Kolette Madelo, and Leona Andalio.
