Villanueva was immediately informed of his All-Star stint after Sta. Lucia alternate governor Atty. Ariel Magno advised the Commissioner’s Office of Espino’s health problem yesterday.
"Mr. Espino’s low back pain syndrome has recurred during our practices and has been advised by our doctor, Dr. Floro Makalinaw Jr., to rest and undergo therapy," said Magno in a letter to league commissioner Noli Eala.
Espino’s injury denied him an eighth All-Star stint and left Kenneth Duremdes as the only Realtor in the mid-year PBA spectacle.
For Villanueva, this development opened the door for his second All-Star Game appearance. He was a member of the Rookies-Sophomores-Juniors team which lost to the Veterans last year.
"He (Villanueva) was very happy when he was advised he made it to the game. He was so honored and excited to play," said Red Bull team manager Tony Chua.