Melo reconnects with Pinoy pals

MANILA, Philippines — Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony took the opportunity to reconnect with his Filipino friends – boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and St. Benilde juniors’ player Santi Romero – during his Manila visit.

Anthony is in town for his unveiling as ambassador for the FIBA World Cup that the country is co-hosting.

As he attended official functions, the three-time Olympic gold medalist took time to visit young La Salle guard Romero in their house at a posh Makati subdivision.

Anthony and the son of Rep. Mikee Romero shared the same conditioning coach in New York and stayed in the same apartments in 2021 and early 2022.

He stayed for seven hours in Romero’s home, talking about basketball.

Romero’s friends, including La Salle-Zobel’s Champ Arejola and father Erick, were glad to personally see and greet one of NBA’s certified stars.

Through Santi’s father, Anthony reached Pacquiao on the phone.

The future NBA Hall of Famer and the boxing icon are good pals with the Filipino pride even receiving a signed game ball from Anthony when he watched one of his games at the Madison Square Garden in New York in 2014.

“Manny, I’ve been looking for four days straight and I heard you’re on a basketball court. Hope you put up some buckets man. I see you next time I get out here, when you’re in America you know where to find me. Talk to you soon, brother,” said Anthony in a video message to Pacquiao which was taken by Romero.