PBA Legends to show wares in Singapore Tour

MANILA, Philippines – The PBA Legends, composed mostly of the who's who of Philippine basketball, will bring their act to Singapore with several exhibition games in the event dubbed the Asia Tour Singapore set from Oct. 10-12 at Pasir Ris Sports Hall.

No less than four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio, Benjie Paras, Jerry "The Defense Minister" Codinera and Nelson "The Bull" Asaytono are headlining the event organized by Singapore-based Red Card Sports & Entertainment.

Atoy Co, Ronnie Magsanoc, Marlou Aquino, Bal David, Noli Locsin and Vince Hizon, a last-minute replacement of Johnny Abarrientos, will also take part in the traveling team which will do clinics for kids, a media and fan meet and greet, and a gala dinner where fans will have a chance to dine with the players.

"This is our first time to venture in basketball and we're excited to bring in some of the Philippines' basketball legends," said Red Card Sports & Entertainment managing director R. Sasikumar in Friday's event launch at Gerry's Grill in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Chino Trinidad will join the team as host.

Patrimonio, Codinera, Paras, Asaytono and Hizon, who graced the presser, all vowed to make the event a memorable and fun-filled moment.

"We're going to Singapore to entertain the fans as well as bring back to them what we've achieved through basketball by teaching kids there," said Codinera, who is now coaching the Arellano U Chiefs in the NCAA.

"We're going to play definitely, but be ready with the ambulance," joked Paras.

"It's a golden opportunity for us to interact with our countrymen in Singapore and I'm personally excited to go there," said Patrimonio.

The event is being bankrolled by official restaurant partner O'Leary's, official apparel Team Sure Win, official hotel Park Royal, Gerry's Grill, Lechonation, Gilas Sports and official media support partner S3P.

The PBA Legends have been touring the world for the past two years and have visited places like Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the US and Qatar.

If the Singapore tilt succeeds, Sasikumar said they plan to bring the PBA Legends to other countries like Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Macau, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan and Chinese Taipei.

"That's part of the plan and we're confident our Singapore event will be a resounding success," said Sasikumar.