Basketball stars, celebrities to play in benefit game for 'Sendong' victims

The event titled "Fastbreak" is the brainchild of Ateneo's prized rookie Kiefer Ravena. Coming off a three-peat in the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, Ravena helped the Blue Eagles win their fourth straight UAAP men's basketball title. His individual talent shone even in his rookie year averaging 13.1 points per game. He was named the 74th UAAP's Rookie of the Year and joined Ateneo teammate Greg Slaughter in the Mythical Five Selection. All proceeds of the benefit game will be donated to the victims of typhoon Sendong, which devastated the Northern Mindanao cities of Cagayan De Oro and Iligan on December 16. Flash floods brought by the heavy downpour left over 1,200 people dead and around 1,100 still missing.

While a lot of sectors have already extended their help, rehabilitation of the affected areas are expected to continue next year. UAAP and NCAA standouts Chris Tiu, Nico Salva, David Webb, Baser Amer and Kevin Alas are among the confirmed players. Cagayan De Oro natives Joseph Marata and JP Erram are also playing. Actor Xian Lim, singer Rico Blanco and Eat Bulaga host Jose Manalo are the celebrities who volunteered for the fundraising event.

 

"Sabi ni Jose di daw siya makakapaglaro kasi injured siya pero nag-volunteer siya mag-coach,” shares the second generation Ravena.

Aside from the basketball game, there will also be a "dougie" dancing contest and a three-point shootout which will be led by PBA legend Allan Caidic.

Ticket prices are P50, P100 and P300. Reservations may be made by emailing fastbreakcharity@gmail.com. Fans are also encouraged to bring cash or in kind donations at the San Juan Arena. — Mav C. Gonzales/JVP, GMA News