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LA Lakers Forward Wesley Johnson and Toronto Raptors Guard DeMar DeRozan with their lovely wives are now in the Philippines for NBA 3X 201. Photo credits to NBA Philippines Facebook page.
An awesome day just happened at the Mall of Asia Arena when a local soft drink brand, in cooperation with the country's biggest network SMART Communications just held the NBA 3X 2014 Philippines. It caters to athletes in different age groups with male and female divisions but the best part is, they are holding Basketball Clinics, a Slam Dunk Contest, a Skills Challenge, a 3-Point Shootout, a Fast Feet Challenge, Autograph Session with the NBA greats LA Lakers Forward Wesley Johnson and Toronto Raptors Guard DeMar DeRozan and live performances.
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A touching sight, special kids were taught the sport of basketball. Credits to Flow Galindez of angsawariko.com for this photo. |
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NBA players Wesley Johnson and DeMar DeRozan together with Toronto Raptors Cheer Squad with Atty. Adel Tamano and the special kids showing that NBA Cares. |
A celebrity match was also done this afternoon where teams made up of Marco Alcaraz, Derek Ramsey, Ervic Vijandre, Rovilson Fernandez, Will DeVaughn, Jinno Rufino, Mong Alcaraz of Spongecola, Mark Zambrano, Bobby Yan, Robin DaRoza, Fabio Ide, Jose Sarasola, Eric Tai, Andy Smith, Luis Alandy, Coach Rio Dela Cruz, JayR, Vince Hizon, DJ Emel Rowe, Coach Alan Gregorio, Marco Benitez, Anton Roxas and Aljur Abrenica played for charity along with a small clinic for special children in the Philippines. Other celebrities like the Sacramento Kings mascot Slamson the Lion, Toronto Raptors cheer squad and the Raptors Dance Pak also joined in for this cause headed by NBA Cares.
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DeMar DeRozan huddles with players from different age groups, giving them support to feed their love for the game of basketball. Photo from NBA 3X Asia page. |
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Team Alcaraz won the Championship for the Celebrity Challenge. It was a really tough round but these guys did great! Photo credits to NBA Philippines Facebook Page. |
Smart Communications will surely be supporting all sports related activities in the country especially those which that have a cause. The kids were undoubtedly all smiles before and after the games and the NBA players had the pleasure of spending quality time with them. I hope I get to see the next ones soon. In the meantime I'll enjoy streaming my future NBA games through the NBA League Pass and Smart because they are the official partner in the Philippines. No matter where I am or whatever I'm doing, it'll save me and give HD quality videos through my smart phone. Awesome!
Oh and before I forget, according to the NBA 3X 2014 organizers, some of the games will be moved to the PICC instead of the MOA Music Hall because of the weather and unforseen circumstances. Please like their Facebook page for more details about that.
I'm so glad NBA and Smart Cares!
For more information about their promos: