In the Philippines, Christmas isn't just a season—it's a way of life.
From September through January, the holiday spirit fills the air with carolers, twinkling street lights, and of course, Jose Mari Chan's Christmas in Our Hearts playing non-stop on the radio.
But for Filipino basketball fans, Christmas means something even more special.
It’s the return of the Christmas Clasico—now a beloved holiday tradition where powerhouse teams Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots face off in a rivalry that has been thrilling fans for years, more so every Christmas for a decade now.
The energy, the passion, the drama—it’s what makes every showdown feel like a celebration.
This Christmas, the much-anticipated Manila Clasico is back at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, bringing all the holiday excitement and joy we’ve missed.
Before we gear up for this year’s epic showdown, let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some unforgettable moments from past Christmas Clasico games that have become a part of our holiday tradition.
Kumukutikutitap ang Manila (2015-2017)
In 2015, the Manila Clasico on Christmas Day wasn’t just a game—it was the gift every Filipino basketball fan looked forward to! The festive atmosphere was buzzing as Ginebra and Purefoods (now Magnolia) clashed in a thrilling showdown, unwrapping the season’s best rivalry.
Families gathered, stockings were hung (and probably some shoes thrown in excitement), and basketball took center stage as the holiday's ultimate basketball attraction.
It was also Tim Cone’s first year as head coach for the Gin Kings, and the roar of the Ginebra crowd was like a jingle bell symphony ringing in his ears, giving him all the motivation to lead his team to victory.
The perfect mix of fierce competition, passionate fans, and Christmas cheer made it the ultimate holiday treat. From 2015 to 2017, Ginebra and the Purefoods franchise delivered Christmas Day classics, making sure the only thing more exciting than Christmas presents was their annual matchup.
Manila Clasico Christmas Break (2018-2020)
However, in 2018 and 2019, the PBA decided to take a break from the tradition of a Christmas game, choosing instead to give the players time with their families during the holiday season.
It was a well-needed pause for rest and reflection, but fans surely missed the thrill of the festive hoops.
Then, in 2020, the pandemic struck, and with it came the natural absence of a Christmas Day game. The season may have been different, but the Christmas spirit still found its way into the PBA.
Inside the Philippine Cup bubble, league commissioner Willie Marcial and Quest Hotel general manager Michael Gapin brought some cheer to the fans with a Christmas Lighting Event, helping brighten the season despite the challenges.
While the game itself was missed, the heart of Christmas in the PBA never faded.
Sana ngayong Pasko ay maalala mo pa rin ako
It was 2021 when the Manila Clasico rivalry made its long-awaited return for Christmas. The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots made sure Santa was on their side with a dominant win over their old rivals, the Gin Kings, rekindling the fiery passion fans had missed.
It was a Christmas Day to remember for the Hotshots, as legends Marc Pingris and Peter June Simon also saw their jerseys retired, adding a sentimental touch to the already emotional holiday showdown.
That Christmas brought back the cherished memories of past battles and the hope of rekindling that special connection with the fans.
The Clasico wasn’t just a game; it was a reminder of the unforgettable moments that have defined Christmas basketball for Filipino fans.
The Christmas Manila Clasico tradition was put on hold for a time, with Ginebra matching up against Bay Area Dragons in the PBA Season 47 Commissioner’s Cup Finals in 2022, followed by their showdown against TNT in last year’s Commissioner’s Cup.
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Wish Ko Sa Pasko, Manila Clasico
But now, the tradition is back in full swing, with the PBA announcing the return of the Christmas game day.
This year, the long-time rivals, Ginebra and Magnolia, will once again headline the main event of the double-header, bringing back the excitement and the holiday magic that fans have been eagerly waiting for.
As the PBA ushers in this much-anticipated return of the Manila Clasico on Christmas Day, it marks not just a game, but a revival of a tradition that unites families, ignites passions, and celebrates the holiday season.
The rivalry that has become synonymous with Christmas is finally back, and with it comes the joy of basketball, the spirit of competition, and the heartwarming memories of past holidays.