PBA Legends Attending the RP Independence Day Celebration in New York City
5/28/2008
 
 
The Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDC) of New York City has invited the PBA Legends USA Foundation, through Chairperson Abe King, Jr., to the 110th Anniversary Commemoration of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. In particular, according to Raul Estrellado, President of PIDC, and Consul General Cecilia Rebong in New York , the PBA legend athletes are invited to grace with their presence the Grand Parade on June 1, Sunday at noon, starting at Madison and 41st Street .
 
 
According to Estrellado and Rebong, the Parade will be attended by thousands of Filipino Americans and Americans from New York as well as neighboring states.
 
 
The Parade will end at 27th Street and will be followed by a street fair and cultural program at Madison Park, corner 23rd Street . Show personalities Randy Santiago, Fe Reyes and the young diva Charice Pempengco and other artists will provide entertainment.
 
 
According the PIDC, the celebration aims to highlight the heritage of Filipino Americans. It is one day that Filams remember their shared past and to impart the positive aspects of the culture, traditions and history of the motherland Philippines to the next generation. It focuses on the accomplishments and contributions of Filipinos in all aspects of life in America . To many, the Grand Parade is considered the biggest celebration of Philippine Independence outside the Philippines .  The former athletes of the Philippine Basketball Association, represented by their Foundation, are honorees in the celebration.
 
 
On May 31, Saturday, at 6:30 PM, still in line with the RP Independence Day celebration, the Philippine Inter-city Basketball League of North America, under its Sports Challenge Ministry, invites the PBA Legends to an exhibition game to raise funds for the Foundation medical mission and scholarship program for the poor in the Philippines . The fellowship game will be held at the Queens College Fitzgerald Gym, at 65-30  Kissena Blvd , Flushing , NY 11367 , phone  718-997-5000. There is donation of $ 10 for adults and $ 5 for kids at the gate. For details, call Jojo Corupuz (631-790-6511); Toto Egasan (201-983-7876); Fermin Tobias (718-850-5955).
 
 
It is highly possible that the greatest PBA Legend Robert “Sonny” Jaworski will grace the celebration. Sonny sent an email to Abe King that he will try his best to come to New York .  As of this date, the PBA Legends attending the festivities are Abe King, Jr; Francis Arnaiz; Alberto Guidaben; Yoyoy Villamin; Manny Victorino; Estoy Estrada; Tim Coloso; Federico Bokyo Lauchengco; Anthony Dasalla; Rey Lazaro; Danny Manalastas; Marte Saldana; Eric Leano; Rino Salazar; Etok Lobo; Roberto Jabar; Toby Poblador; Louie Brill; 
Denis Abbatuan ; Egay Gomez; Danilo Florencio; Ricric Marata,and Ricky Relosa.The legendary sportscaster Caloy Prieto will attend the celebration.
 
 
Ramon Fernandez; Atoy Co; Philip Cezar; Alfredo Hubalde; Bogs Adornado;Manny Paner;
Alvin Patrimonio; Allan Caidic: Hector Calma; Ato Agustin; Samboy Lim; Art de la Cruz;
Jerry Codinera; Vergel Meneses; Gerry Esplana; Ronnie Magsanoc; Jojo
Lastimosa; Johnny Abarrientos; Ed Cordero; Bernard Fabiosa, and Sonny Cabatu, were all
invited and have yet to confirm their attendance as of this writing