This is where the Big Game started.
While his game has waned a bit, James Yap remains one of PBA’s biggest stars.
Being voted into the All-Star for the 17th straight time or since his rookie year in 2004 is a testament to the popularity of the league's two-time MVP.
But this one in Passi City, Iloilo is going to be special for the 41-year-old cager, who will play for Team Scottie in the All-Star game.
That’s because it’s going to be a homecoming of sorts for Yap, who grew up in Escalante, Negros Occidental but spent the latter part of his high school years in Iloilo Central Commercial High School.
“Nung nalaman ko sa Passi, Iloilo 'yung ginawa na All-Star, sobrang excited,” he said. “And sobrang iba na 'yung Iloilo ngayon. Ang dami ng development. Ako mawawala na ako dito ngayon kasi hindi ko na alam kung saan 'yung mga lugar kasi ang dami nang nakatayo na buildings.”
This is where it all started, according to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters ace.
“Actually, dito talaga ako nag-start ng talagang serious basketball. Dito na-develop 'yun lahat ng talent. So sobrang maraming kaibigan. Mga teammates before na nakita ko papunta dito,” he said.
But this weekend is not about taking a trip down memory lane. As someone who’s not missed this spectacle, Yap knows they’re doing this one for the fans.
“Para talaga sa mga fans to. I’m sure lahat ng mga all-stars ngayon, ang mindset lang is to enjoy yun mga manonood ngayon ng all-star game,” he said.
(With reports from News5’s Martie Bautista)