PBA legends to play, raise funds for buddy Samboy

MANILA, Philippines - Four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio and Allan Caidic will reunite as they lead a host of PBA legends in a fund-raiser for former teammate Samboy Lim against the UNTV All-Star squad on April 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The exhibition game, initiated by UNTV CEO and chairman Daniel Razon and vice president for administration Gerry Panghulan, is aimed at helping Lim, who fell into a coma after playing briefly in an exhibition game last Nov. 28. The Skywalker is now being taken care of in a condominium near The Medical City.

The country’s public service channel, according to Razon, is donating P1 million to help Lim’s family pay his medical expenses that reportedly reached close to P3 million.

“What we are doing is for public service and we know by heart how Samboy helped make basketball as the country’s No. 1 sport,” said Razon. “And we are glad that some legends are coming back after their retirement to help raise funds for Samboy.”

Caidic, who shared many happy moments with Lim during their stints in the Philippine team, said he was grateful for the support of Lim’s former PBA teammates who readily accepted their invitation to play for Team Skywalker.

Former MVP Atoy Co and Ed Cordero – two of the main figures during the celebrated rivalry of Crispa and Toyota in the 70s – are also playing for Team Skywalker along with Jojo Lastimosa, Pido Jarencio and Hector Calma.

The exhibition game will be held in Game 2 of the UNTV Cup finals where the P1 million will also be given to Lim’s immediate family.

Other members of Team Skywalker are Franz Pumaren, Olsen Racela, Bong Ravena, Ato Agustin, Art dela Cruz, Freddie Abuda, Alvin Teng, Ronnie Magsanoc and Tonichi Yturri.

“It’s one way of showing how much we care and love Samboy. We’ll be playing for him,” said Pumaren.