Rain or Shine vs Alaska set Nov. 17 at Usep Gym

IT’S all systems go for the holding of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Filipino Cup opening game pitting Rain or Shine Elasto Painters against Commissioner’s Cup champion Alaska Aces on Nov. 17 at the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) Gym and Recreation Center.

Architect Jose Alvarado, guesting with architects Rommy Birrey, event chair Hector Magno and Alfredo Suarez Jr. at the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at Dexter’s Pizza Stadium in Matina yesterday, said: “It’s a simultaneous opening in three venues. Smart Ara- neta Coliseum will host the Metro Manila game while Cebu City Coliseum will be the venue for the Visayas game.”

Governor’s Cup champion San Mig Coffee will play against Barangay Ginebra while defending Philippine Cup champion Talk ‘N Text will collide with Meralco in Cebu.

Suarez said preliminary events starting at 12 noon will spice up the event with an exhibition game featuring Dewalt and Cisa Marketing, three-point shootout from the audience and slam dunk contest for varsity players with PBA players as judges.

“After the game, fans seating at the lower box may avail of photo opportunity and autograph signing with the PBA players. This is a great opportunity for Dabawenyos to watch a live PBA game without going to the cities of Digos or Tagum,” Suarez said.

Lower box t i cket is pegged at P1,200 while upper box ticket costs P600.

Magno said PBA fans may buy tickets fronting Usep Gym, Iconarts at Gaisano Mall of Davao, NCCC Mall activity center and Montaña Gym.

Birrey, meanwhile, said proceeds of the event will benefit the halfway house for children in Brgy. Datu Salumay in Marilog District where students walk two to three hours going to reach their school. A portion will also be donated for earthquake victims in Bohol.

For ticket reservations, contact mobile numbers (0920)-9228863 or 09224571929.

The Ginebra-SMC game will be televised live while the TNT-Meralco encounter will be shown on a delayed basis at 10 p.m. The Davao City game will be aired live over TV5 at 5 p.m.