Former PBA superstars lauded UNTV Cup for giving them the opportunity to not just play the sports they love, but also to become instruments for UNTV Cup’s charity initiatives.

“We, the veteran PBA players, are very thankful for the opportunity to play once more,” said former PBA player and current Phoenix Fuel Masters assistant coach Arturo Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz also thanked UNTV Cup for the P1-Million seed money to fund the newly-established Samahan ng mga Dating Propesyonal na Basketbolista sa Pilipinas Foundation.

“From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank UNTV for the donation they gave to our foundation. Kuya Daniel, thank you so much. The donation you gave will greatly help former PBA players in need,” he said.

Olsen Racela, who used to play for Purefoods and San Miguel, expressed his excitement before getting into the play-off.

“I would like to give thanks to UNTV for giving us the chance to play again. We miss playing basketball – and now we’re going to play at the Araneta Coliseum! I’m looking forward to more projects with UNTV and other former PBA players,” said Racela in an interview.

“I’m 100% behind the cause and I’m happy that UNTV is doing this. I’m very honored to be a part of UNTV Cup. You can never go wrong with doing good things,” PBA legend Vince Hizon shared his similar sentiments.

Reunion of Ex-PBA Players

Since its first season in 2013, Kuya Daniel Razon-helmed UNTV Cup has become an avenue of former professional basketball players to get the chance to play again in the hardcourt.

The finals night of the UNTV Cup Executive Face-off last July 10 seemed like another reunion of former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players as they joined an exhibition game against the UNTV Cup Executive Selection prior to the AFP-PNP match.

The team of PBA legends won the game, scoring 117-85.

For camaraderie and public service

Government officials of the UNTV Cup Executive Selection who played against the team of PBA legends in the exhibition game likewise commended the event.

“UNTV Cup is a big deal and is very popular among us, government officials and workers. This league is something we really look forward to!” said court administrator Midas Marquez.

Marquez also expressed his gratitude towards UNTV Cup founder Kuya Daniel Razon: “We thank Kuya Daniel because this is really his brainchild, and we would like to congratulate him for making this league as successful as it is now.”

Meanwhile, Sen. Sonny Angara, who is a regular participant of the league, shared: “UNTV Cup is a very commendable effort. It is such a beautiful event because first, it is for charity, and second, this is an opportunity for us public servants and officials to come together for a good cause. UNTV Cup is a very wholesome activity that promotes camaraderie.”

After his memorable appearance during the Season 5 finals, PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa was present again in Smart-Araneta Coliseum as part of the executive selection and to support his team, PNP Responders.

He expressed his gratitude, saying, “UNTV’s support is unwavering. Kuya Daniel, thank you so much for your tireless support for the PNP and the AFP. The kindness you have shown us is just hard to repay. Thank you so much!”

Written by Elizabeth Borromeo