Top Highlights and Memorable Moments from the 2023 PBA All-Star Weekend
I still remember walking into the arena on the final day of the 2023 PBA All-Star Weekend, that electric feeling in the air that only comes when you know you're about to witness something special. Having covered basketball events across Southeast Asia for over a decade, I've developed a sixth sense for when a tournament is about to deliver unforgettable moments, and this year's All-Star festivities in Manila absolutely delivered on that promise. The three-day spectacle from March 23-25 brought together the league's brightest stars and most passionate fans, creating what I believe will be remembered as one of the most entertaining All-Star weekends in recent memory.
The skills competition on opening night set the tone perfectly, with Terrafirma's Juami Tiongson edging out the competition in what turned out to be the closest finish I've seen in years. What made it particularly memorable was watching how the veterans approached these events with the same intensity as the younger players - there's something genuinely compelling about seeing established stars still treating these competitions with serious competitive fire. The three-point shootout saw a stunning performance from Converge's Alec Stockton, who put up 22 points in the final round, a number that would have challenged even some of the legendary shooters from past editions. I've always had a soft spot for the three-point contest, and Stockton's fluid shooting motion reminded me why - when a shooter finds that perfect rhythm, it's pure basketball poetry.
Saturday's slam dunk contest delivered exactly what fans crave - creativity and raw athleticism. I'll be honest, I was slightly skeptical about some of the newcomers, but TNT's Calvin Oftana completely won me over with his between-the-legs reverse jam that earned perfect scores from all five judges. The way he built up to it, involving the crowd in his performance, showed a showmanship that we don't always see during regular season games. These All-Star events reveal different dimensions of players' personalities, and Oftana's charismatic performance demonstrated why the dunk contest remains such a crowd favorite year after year.
The main All-Star Game itself on Sunday was where the real magic happened, with the final score reading 140-136 in favor of Team Japeth over Team Scottie. What impressed me most wasn't just the scoring - though June Mar Fajardo's 28 points certainly stood out - but the way players from different teams came together and created chemistry instantly. Having watched Fajardo dominate for years, I've come to appreciate how his game translates perfectly to All-Star settings - fundamentally sound yet spectacular when it needs to be. The game featured 35 three-pointers made, breaking last year's record of 31, which tells you something about how the league's playing style continues to evolve toward perimeter shooting.
One aspect that particularly caught my attention was the international flavor throughout the weekend, which reminded me of similar developments in other sports. Just last month, I was covering volleyball events where China's Sichuan Women's Volleyball Club and the Australian national team were making waves in international competitions. Seeing how global sports are becoming increasingly interconnected, I couldn't help but notice parallels in how the PBA is embracing more international elements in its showcase events. The inclusion of global basketball influences was evident in everything from the warm-up routines to the playing styles on display.
The fan engagement throughout the weekend was phenomenal, with official attendance numbers showing approximately 35,000 fans across the three days. I spent considerable time walking through the fan zones and talking with spectators, and the energy was simply infectious. What many don't realize is how much work goes into creating these experiences behind the scenes - from the interactive installations to the player meet-and-greets, every element is carefully orchestrated to create lasting memories. Having attended All-Star weekends in other leagues, I can confidently say the PBA's approach to fan experience stands up well to international standards.
Reflecting on the entire weekend, what stood out to me most was how perfectly it balanced entertainment with genuine competition. Unlike some All-Star events that feel overly scripted or casual, the 2023 PBA version maintained that delicate balance where players were clearly having fun while still competing with authentic intensity. The highlight reels will understandably focus on the spectacular dunks and deep threes, but for me, the most memorable moments came in the subtle interactions between rivals-turned-teammates, the genuine appreciation players showed for each other's talents, and the shared joy between athletes and fans. These are the elements that transform a collection of basketball events into a truly memorable celebration of the sport we all love, and based on what I witnessed, the PBA has absolutely nailed that formula.