Fastbreak, a fast-paced charity basketball match held at the Fil Oil Flying V San Juan Arena last January 6, united athletes and celebrities in providing excitement and comedy for a just cause.
UAAP Season 74 Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Year Kiefer Ravena and Ignite Media organized a basketball charity game that collected more than P400,000 for victims of the tropical storm Sendong in Northern Mindanao, specifically in the cities of Cagayan De Oro and Iligan.
The charity game featured UAAP and NCAA cage stars like DLSU Green Archers stalwarts Joshua Webb and Cagayan de Oro natives Samuel Joseph Marata and Dan Sara together withAteneo’sRavena, NicoSalva and Chris Tiu.Former UAAP Most Valuable Players RR Garcia, Kevin Alas, Baser Amer and Jake Pascual also joined the game.
Local celebrities, musicians and comedians also supported the cause, including Jhong Hilario, Xian Lim, Marco Alcaraz, Luis Alandy, Jon Hall, Gerald Anderson, Rico Blanco, Champ LuiPio, Arvin “Tado” Jimenez and Jose Manalo.
The pool of athletes and celebrities was divided into two teams, namely the Meralco Red and Smart White team with the latter edging the former, 118-107, led by Hilario and Blue Eagle Justin Chua with 16 points apiece, while event organizer Ravena chipped in 14 markers.
DLSU sharp shooter Marata drained four out of the six triple attempts plus three rebounds to bring the Meralco White team to victory. Former National Youth team playmaker Sara bucketed in two points and one steal, while Webb chalked up three points.
Over at the Meralco Red side, Young JV scored 22 points alongside Salva’s 14 baskets.
The one-day fund raising basketball game turned into a playful exhibition match, to the delight of the audience.
From the sidelines, the organizers held a dougie-dancing contest where Webb joined fellow Lasallian Gab Valenciano to keep the audience entertained during the half-time break. The sidelines also featured a two-ball challenge and a three-point shootout that pitted PBA Legend Allan Caidic with BMEG’s James Yapto complete the light gala event.
