Aces spread love on Holiday Season as Secret Santa

MANILA, Philippines -- While Alaska is busy fighting for one of the two disputed automatic semifinals spots in the Philippine Cup, the Aces took the time to distribute Christmas goodies to by-standers, security guards and ordinary workers, bringing smile on their faces one week before Christmas Day.

Aces lead guard JV Casio said the early Christmas gift-giving was dubbed Alaska Secret Santa.

"Nagbigay kami ng mga gifts sa mga simpleng tao na tingin namin nangangailangan so we go around Manila," Casio told Philstar.com on Friday shortly after the team's practice.

The 5-foot-10 veteran guard said ordinary folks who received an early Christmas present composed of Alaska products, were surprised upon seeing their PBA idols were the ones bringing the goods.

"Nakakatuwa kasi una nagugulat sila pagbigay namin ng gifts sa kanila. Makikita mo yung smile nila. Sana marami pang gumawa ng ganun," added the former La Salle playmaker.

Alaska players were led by Calvin Abueva, Cyrus Baguio and Dondon Hontiveros where they wore hoodies to disguise.

"We were hoping that people won't recognize they're us," shared Alaska coach Alex Compton.

"We just wanna go out and be able to show kindness this Christmas."

Casio said he and his wife Jackie already made their rounds in some parts of Manila to also share Christmas blessings to the less fortunate.

"Para sa akin, it's one way to give back and share the blessings we have," he said."Actually wife ko Ang may idea nun (their own gift-giving) para makatulong din ngayong Pasko."

The Aces return to action on Saturday to close their elimination round schedule against Barako Bull at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, needing a win to keep their top 2 hopes alive.