PBA All-Star games to highlight Panaad Festival in Bacolod

MANILA, Philippines - The Smart -PBA All-Star weekend games will be part of the annual Panaad Festival in Bacolod City. Negros Occidental residents are all looking forward to the double celebration, a first in the history of the 238-year old city, according to Mayor Evelio Leonardia in a statement issued by the PBA on Tuesday. The SMART PBA All-Star weekend is scheduled from April 24-27 at the West Negros College while the Panaad Festival celebrates its 15th year from April 26 to May 3. "It is with great pride and honor for the City of Bacolod to be this year's host of the PBA All-Star weekend," Leonardia said. Leonardia added that hosting the All-Star drives up enthusiasm among the local folks in the Panaad celebration, which includes charity programs, tree planting, and promoting environmental causes. Purefoods superstar James Yap will lead the South All-Star squad, which also has for starters Kelly Williams, Danny Seigle, Asi Taulava, and Jimmy Alapag. The other South All-stars players are Cyrus Baguio, Dondon Hontiveros, Reynel Hugnatan, Peter Simon, Sonny Thoss, and Junthy Valenzuela. The North team has in its roster starters Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Marc Pingris, Kerby Raymundo, and Lordy Tugade – with the reserves made up of Nic Belasco, Mac Cardona, Ranidel de Ocampo, Willie Miller, Ryan Reyes, Arwind Santos, and Rico Villanueva. - GMANews.TV