In celebration of the 56th founding anniversary of the Municipality of Bataraza, an all-star basketball friendship game with selected Filipino celebrities and local basketball players is set on January 25, 8 PM at the Bataraza Gymnasium.
The stars who are confirmed to play are Joross Gamboa, Jason Abalos, Jordan Herrera, Gab Lagman, Onyok Velasco, Joseph Bitangcol, JC Tiuseco, Marco Alcaraz, Matt Evans, and Mark Herras, while the local players pre-selected will be composed of some officials of Bataraza and star players such as Daryl Timbancaya, Macmac Rebato, Steve Lacanilao, Jayson Sapitula, and Jayben Morana, plus some players from the winning team of the ongoing 15th Mayor Abraham Ibba Open Basketball Tournament.
According to Executive Assistant Dan Ibba, the said tournament this year is participated by 6 teams coming all the way from Quezon City, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Bulacan, with the participation of some players from Maharlika Basketball League of Senator Manny Pacquiao. The winning team will receive P130, 000 cash and the tournament started last January 13 up to January 23.
Ibba said this is the first time that Bataraza will host and hold an all-star basketball game, and due to some funds issue this is not free to the public. A minimal fee of P100 for adults and P50 for the children will be collected as an entrance fee for those who wish to watch.
Ibba assures that it will be a fun game and worth to watch because the selection of local players are all superstars in the south Palawan with a huge following in their towns. Tickets will be available in the venue on the day of the game.