Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players and UNTV hosts and personalities will play for charity during UNTV Cup Season 3 Finals on April 28 this year at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

PBA legend Tito Varela tries to block Kuya Daniel Razon’s jumpshot during the exhibition game of PBA Legends vs. Team All Stars on Game 2 of UNTV Cup Season 1 Finals last November 5, 2013. PBA Legends wins by one point, 75-74. (Photo courtesy of Photoville International)

BMPI-UNTV CEO and Chairman Daniel Razon initiated the exhibition game between PBA Legends and UNTV Cup Selection. The charity match is aimed at raising funds for the medical expenses of local basketball legend Samboy “Skywalker” Lim.

UNTV Grants 1 Million Pesos

Kuya Daniel disclosed that UNTV is donating one million pesos outright, apart from the cash that will be generated from the game.

Lim suffered a massive stroke and fell into coma after a six-minute participation in the first quarter of their PBA Legends Exhibition game against Resorts World Team at the Ynares Center in Pasig City on November 28, 2014.

The retired PBA player for San Miguel was rushed to the Medical City, where he was brought to intensive care unit and confined for over one month.

Discharged in January and now out of coma, Lim has been undergoing physical therapy and recuperating at home. According to a report from PEP News, Lim’s hospitalization left him and his family in 2.8 million pesos debt.

PBA Legends for Team Skywalker

“What we are doing is for public service and we know by heart how Samboy helped make basketball as the country’s No. 1 sport,” Kuya Daniel said, further expressing his joy after hearing that some of the retired legends are joining in the event.

Atoy Co tries to penetrate while Jerry Codiñera assists him during the exhibition game of PBA Legends vs. Team All Stars on Game 2 of UNTV Cup Season 1 Finals last November 5, 2013. (Photo courtesy of Photoville International)

Playing for Team Skywalker is four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio along with former MVPs Atoy Co, Jojo Lastimosa, Pido Jarencio, and Hector Calma.

Other former PBA cagers joining the charity match include Allan Caidic, Franz Pumaren, Olsen Racela, Bong Ravena, and Ato Agustin.

Art dela Cruz, Freddie Abuda, Alvin Teng, Ronnie Magsanoc, and Tonichi Yturri will also join the lineup to help a friend.

The PBA Legends has previously met UNTV’s Barangay Hoopsters in a charity game that benefitted the hundreds scholars of La Verdad Christian College.

Written by Ma. Therese Quita