World’s first NBA Cafe to open in Manila today

MANILA, Philippines – The National Basketball Association (NBA) on Friday announced that the first NBA Cafe in the world will officially open on April 25 at the SM Aura at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

NBA Cafe Manila is a first-of-its-kind NBA destination that features a unique dining and entertainment experience that captures the energy and feel of the NBA. Managed and operated locally by Haute Couture F&B Concepts, Inc., NBA Cafe Manila will feature larger than life NBA displays, unique memorabilia, and basketball-themed accents and fixtures, all complemented with an exciting menu.

It is the first sports bar and restaurant in Manila catering specifically to basketball fans where patrons will enjoy quintessential American bar and grill favorites.

“Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines and it makes sense that the first NBA Cafe anywhere in the world would open for our passionate fans in Manila,” said Carlo Singson, NBA Country Manager, Philippines.

“NBA Cafe Manila is a unique one-stop destination for casual and avid sports fans alike and is another great way for them to experience the NBA first-hand,” Singson added.

Gordon Hayward of the Utah Jazz and WNBA Legend Tina Thompson will be the featured guests at the grand opening of NBA Cafe Manila. Hayward was selected 9th overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2010 NBA Draft and  Thompson was a four-time WNBA champion, nine-time WNBA All-Star, and was the first-ever draft pick in WNBA history.

Gordon and Thompson will also be in Manila to participate in the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2014 National Training Camp presented by Alaska.

NBA Cafe Manila’s menu is inspired by classic American cuisine, offering a wide selection of dishes with an emphasis on nutrition and flavor. Only the finest products and ingredients are used, and the top priority is having the food prepared and served promptly by skilled chefs and servers.

“The concept of NBA Cafe Manila takes all aspects of the NBA into play,” said Nian Rigor, Assistant Vice President, NBA Cafe Manila/Haute Couture F&B Concepts, Inc.  “From the team visuals to the use of the colors red, white and blue, everything will make our fans feel right at home with the authentic NBA surroundings we’ve recreated. NBA Cafe Manila will be the metro’s default destination for all things sports, all things NBA, providing fans with the ultimate sports, entertainment and dining experience.”

For more information please visit www.nba.com/nbacafe and follow NBA Cafe Manila on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nbacafemanila) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/nbacafemanila). To learn more about Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2014 presented by Alaska, visit www.jrnba.asia/philippines. For all things NBA, visit www.nba.com and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/philsnba) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/nba_philipines) for all the latest news and updates.

Editor’s note: NBA Cafe Manila will be closed until 7 p.m. on April 25 for the private official opening event. The restaurant will re-open to the public immediately thereafter.