By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Gilas Pilipinas Legends brought star power to this year’s MassKaralympics as they headlined the Legends Rise: MassKara Gugma All-Star Exhibition Game, one of the centerpiece events of the ongoing MassKara Festival 2025.

Former Gilas sharpshooter Jeffrei Chan returned to action before his hometown crowd, joining a star-studded cast that included Marc Pingris, Dondon Hontiveros, Gary David, Arwind Santos, Ranidel de Ocampo, Cyrus Baguio, Willie Miller, Ryan Reyes, and Asi Taulava.

The Gilas Legends pulled off a 93-90 win against Pinoy basketball icons in the exhibition showcase last Saturday, October 4, giving Bacolodnons a memorable highlight during the festival’s weeklong sporting program.

Festival director Rodney Ascalon said the presence of Chan and other basketball greats brought excitement and pride to the city’s celebration.

“It’s not just about competition; it’s about celebrating community, unity and the enduring Bacolodnon spirit of resilience and joy,” Ascalon said.

The all-star clash headlined the 28 sporting events of the MassKaralympics, which also features the 1st Mayor Greg Gasataya MassKara Volleyball Cup; the 4th MassKara Tchoukball Tournament; the MassKaRun, Bike and Zumba; the 1st Mayor Greg Gasataya MassKara Pickleball Tournament; and the 1st MassKara 3×3 Basketball Tournament.

Other highlights include the inaugural Mayor Greg Gasataya MassKara Football Cup, the BMX and Skateboard Competitions starring rising talents Motic Panugalinog and Guetler Mariano, and the City of Smiles International Marathon.

Competitions are being staged in various venues across the city, including the USLS Coliseum, Montalbo Gym, Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, Bacolod Skate Park, and the Provincial Capitol Lagoon.

With local athletes sharing the spotlight with national icons, the MassKaralympics 2025 continues to cement its place as one of the most anticipated features of Bacolod’s MassKara Festival./ASC, WDJ