Legends join hands to help peers in need

The Samahan ng mga Dating Propesyonal na Basketbolista ng Pilipinas in cooperation with the Philippine Basketball Association will hold the Legends showcase in September pitting the old champion teams of San Miguel Beer and Alaska Milk, and the original Barangay Ginebra and Purefoods squads.

“We have sought the PBA’s support and they gave us a warm reception especially because this in an event for a cause,” said former Crispa superstar Atoy Co, the president of a newly formed foundation hoping to raise funds to support former PBA players who had gone into hard times.

Set either Sept. 9 or Sept. 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the legends games serve as the initial project of SDPBP.

Another former Crispa star Philip Cezar is the vice president, while former Toyota player Ed Cordero will act as secretary, Allan Caidic, treasurer while Alvin Patrimonio, Kenneth Duremdes, Jojo Lastimosa, Pido Jarencio and Art dela Cruz will compose the foundation’s board,

“They put up a foundation that will be ready to help their peers. We’re cooperating with them and we’re giving them all-out support,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.

“For the initial project featuring former stars of Ginebra, Purefoods, San Miguel Beer and Alaska, they will take care of the players while the PBA takes care of the operation and promotions. The proceeds go to the foundation,” Marcial also said.

This bill would feature big stars including Fernandez, Caidic, Lastimosa, Patrimonio, Duremdes, Ato Agustin, Hector Calma, Johnny Abarrientos, Bong Hawkins, Jeffrey Cariaso, Jerry Codiñera, Chito Loyzaga, Vince Hizon, Marlou Aquino, Noli Locsin, Bal David and many others.

“We’ll be inviting all former PBA players to be there,” said Co.

Two classic legends games have been held in the past, including the Crispa-Toyota reunion game in 2003 then a showdown among the 25 PBA greatest players.