Former NBA superstar Yao Ming, Shanghai Sharks in Manila for friendly visit

Former National Basketball Association superstar Yao Ming and his Shanghai Sharks basketball team are in Manila for a friendly visit as part of the Years of Friendly Exchanges between the Philippines and China.

Yao flew into Manila Friday, a day after his Shanghai Sharks arrived in the country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday.

"Organized by the Philippine Sports Commssion (PSC), the visit will be highlighted by a basketball clinic and a couple of exhibition games with Philippine teams," the DFA said in a news release.

Yao and the Sharks will pay a courtesy call on Vice President Jejomar Binay at the Coconut Palace before leaving May 9, Thursday.

On Sunday, May 5, the Sharks will hold a basketball clinic for less fortunate children at the Multi-Purpose Arena of PSC-Philsports in Pasig City.

They will face the Smart Gilas Team on Monday and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Selection on Tuesday in "friendship games."

The Years of Friendly Exchanges stemmed from an agreement in 2011 between President Benigno Aquino III and then Chinese President Hu Jintao.

YFE is a joint initiative by the Philippines and China to encourage more people-to-people exchanges to strengthen understanding and mutual trust. - VVP, GMA News