Photos by Art Dalumpines (@artfdalumpines)
The Philippine NBA chapter recently celebrated NBA Filipino Heritage week. Along with the celebrations in Miami and the Bay Area, NBA Philippines set up a live viewing of the scheduled matches in BGC Central where the Heat took on the Timberwolves, and the Bucks visited the bay to play against the Warriors (which later on, Glen Rice will put his bet in). The day was filled with fun as Nikko Ramos and Bea Fabregas hosted games inspired by what really goes down during NBA games—shirt spree, gold basketballs, and shootouts!
READ: These NBA Filipino Heritage Week Shirts Scream of Pinoy Pride
NBA Filipino Heritage Week Logo
The viewing party didn’t really start until Glen Rice took the stage. The court roared with cheers as the 3 time NBA All Star player graced the stage, returning to the Philippine court after 7 years.
The Philippine hospitality was reciprocated when Glen showed his fondness of Filipino fans. This fondness even reached new levels as he participated in some good ‘ole challenge where he had to dominate Filipino Basketball Slang 101.
Glen also visited some parts of our country and really immersing himself in the culture.
At one part, when he landed and got out of the airport, he remembers being curious about the jeepneys roaming around (although he has yet to talk about our amazing food!).
Glen Rice, Nikko Ramos, Bea Fabregas (Left to Right)
The star also recalled having to play with Allan Caidic, where the PBA legend dropped 54 points that left Glen in awe. That game assured how the game really is different in the Philippines. Glen describes it to be ‘fire’ and the love for the game here in our country, displayed by the Filipino kids, is at an all-time high.
NBA Legend @glenrice41 was surprised to see an old friend, The Triggerman himself, Allan Caidic! #FilipinoHeritageWeek pic.twitter.com/bTbPi7B20p
— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) March 19, 2017
READ: Glen Rice Finally Gets his Wish to Reunite with Allan Caidic
It has always been the kids in the streets that is the eyeball for Philippine basketball, and also where Glen Rice noticed the “Filipino flare” when it comes to playing the game. It’s the drive to play even though they’re wearing slippers, and even on uneven cemented ground. With that, here’s a special message from the basketball legend himself (and he’s counting on you, waiting for that ‘Filipino flare’ to stage the NBA court):
Isn’t he the sweetest thing? What are your thoughts?
