PBA Legends USA News > PBA Legends in Action

The PBA Legends Grand Reunion Tour and Dream Series was a smash hit among Filipino fans in 
Northern California over the weekend. Hundreds of fans had to be turned away from the Union City
 venue because of fire code regulations. Organizers are expecting a heavier
 fan turnout in LA and San Diego.

 Fans were clapping, stomping their feet and cheering at the top of their voices at the mere sight of 
their basketball idols. Every dribble, pass and shot was met with unbelievable ogle, unending screams and high passion. 
It was drama all over for the PBA Legends superstars.  

 The highlight of the event was the nostalgic Crispa versus Toyota dream match.  It was Ramon Fernandez 
against Abet Guidaben, Abe King versus Philip Cezar, Francis Arnaiz manning Bernie Fabiosa, Atoy Co 
against Tim Coloso, Bogs Adornado facing Bong Alvarez  who replaced the Living  Legend, Senator 
Robert Jaworski who cannot play because of an injury to his shoulder. Jaworski coached the 
Ohana Harbor Coffee team while Cris Calilan coached the Martin Purefoods team. 

 It was an Araneta Coliseum and ULTRA atmosphere combined. Every time Fernandez held the ball, fans screamed. 
When Atoy Co shot the  ball from 3-point country, fans held their breath. “Cezar”, “Abe”, “Guidaben”, they yelled.

 Easy fan favorites among the younger legends were “the face”, “the captain” , four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio, 
“aerial voyager” Vergel Meneses, “triggerman” Allan Caidic, Olsen Racela, “point laureate” Ronnie Magsanoc, 
Jojo Lastimosa (Jolas, legs) Jerry Codinera (defense minister), Gerry Esplana, “the director” Hector Calma and 
indefatigable Sonny Cabatu.

 In Union City, Ohana Harbor Coffee beat Martin Purefoods. The next day, Martin Purefoods won against 
Ohana Harbor Coffee at the ARCO Arena in Sacramento.

 In the one-on-one battles, Bernie Fabiosa edged Francis Arnaiz in Union City but Arnaiz turn the tables on Fabiosa 
in Sacramento. Don Ramon Fernandez  beat Prince Philip Cezar, Cezar outgunned Chairman of the Boards Abe King 
but King beat Fernandez in Union City. Fernandex outclassed King in Sacramento. “Hindi pa tapos ang laban,” 
Abe King told Fernandez. “See you in LA and San Diego, Abe and Philip,” the franchise, 
Ramon Fernandez remarked.

 In the 3-point shoot out contest in Northern California, no basketball fan could beat the Triggerman Allan Caidic. 
“There will still be a 3 point shootout contest in LA and San Diego,” organizer Roland Abilo said. 
“We will limit it to 20 contestants. This time, fans will challenge Ronnie Magsanoc, “he added.

 Delirious fans spilled over to the hardcourt to pose for souvenir pictures and get the autographs of their idols.
 The Big J, Robert Jaworski  was mobbed by fans while they chanted “Ja-wor-ski”. The fans had to be led back
 to their seats so that  the basketball game will continue. Those in attendance were touched by the former senator’s 
inspirational speech. Most of them heard him  publicly speak for the first time. “He is better than most politicians. 
He cares for the people. We need someone like JAWO in public service,” Roger Sarmiento, a Fil-Am from Tarlac 
emphasized.

 “Bogs Adornado is so good-looking” and Abet Guidaben is co cute said an avid Crispanatic. “Ay, tumaba si Abe King”, 
Toyota fan Lenlen Umali stated. “I love you Alvin”, shouted one young lady fan while somebody yelled 
“Marry me, Sonny Cabatu”.

 Bong Alvarez and Vergel Meneses showed fans that they can still slam dunk the basketball. 
Atoy Co and Bogs Adornado can still give the young ones a run for their money with their accuracy 
shooting the ball.

Former PBA players Dindo Pumaren (the bullet), Yves Dignadice (kilabot ng mga kolehiyala), Yoyoy Villamin (Bicolano superman), Onchie dela Cruz (enforcer), Art dela Cruz, Romy dela Rosa, Naning Valenciano, Django Rivera, Elmer Lago, Dwight Lago, Boyet Francisco, Boy Valera, Cris Bade, Jun Jabar, Allan delos Reyes, Oni Padilla, Jun Paguinto, and Peter Aguilar will play in the exhibition games in LA and San Diego.

Ricardo Brown, Estoy Estrada, Rino Salazar, Marte Saldana, Bokyo Lauchengco, Anthony Dasalla , Etok Lobo,  Noni Robles, Alex Marquez, Ramon Dizon,  and Tony Torrente have also confirmed their attendance. 

On Saturday, March 15, the PBA Legends Grand Tour will be at the Cal State University - 
Dominguez Hills Gym in Carson. On March 16, Sunday, they will be at the San Diego State University-
Petersen Gym in San Diego. Gates will open at 10:30 am in both venues. Tickets are pegged at $20 and $40. 

 Kababayan LA Channel 18 hosted by Janelle So will have Alvin Patrimonio and 
Jojo Lastimosa as guests on March 11, Atoy Co, Philip Cezar, Ramon Fernandez and 
Tim Coloso on March 12, Ronnie Magsanoc, Hector Calma, Dindo Pumaren and Olsen Racela on March 13 
and Bogs Adornado, Bong Alvarez and Jerry Codinera on March 14. 

 The above-named PBA players will have their personal appearances at the Island Pacific Supermarkets 
at 5 pm on March 11 (Los Angeles), March 12 (Van Nuys) and March 13 (West Covina).

Proceeds of the events will benefit the many civic projects of the PBA Legends, Inc. and former basketball players in dire need of assistance.

Major sponsors are Martin Purefoods, Ohana Harbor Coffee, San Miguel Corporation, Balita and Philippine News.

Fans can take pictures of their idols and ask for their autographs.

For more information, please call Roland (Los Angeles) at 714-398-7171 and, April dela Rosa (San Diego) at 858-637-6464. You may also visit the website at www.pbalegendsusa.com for more details