As I sit down to reflect on the PBA All-Star 2020, I can't help but feel a rush of nostalgia mixed with pure basketball excitement. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed countless All-Star weekends, but there was something particularly magical about the 2020 edition that still gives me chills. The energy in the venue was electric, the crowd's roar echoing through the arena as the league's brightest stars took center stage. What made this event truly special wasn't just the spectacular plays—it was the way these moments captured the heart and soul of Filipino basketball culture. Through the lenses of photographers Jerome Ascano and Ivy Ferrer, we're granted a permanent window into these unforgettable instances that continue to resonate with fans nationwide.
I remember watching Calvin Abueva's gravity-defying dunk during the slam dunk contest with my jaw practically on the floor. The way he soared through the air, ball extended like a spear, before hammering it home with authority—that was pure theater. Statistics from the event show he reached an impressive 42 inches on his vertical leap during that attempt, though I'd argue it looked more like he was flying. What many casual observers might miss is the incredible body control required for such a maneuver. Having attempted to play basketball myself back in college, I can appreciate the sheer athleticism needed to coordinate every muscle while airborne. The photographs by Ascano perfectly freeze that moment of triumph, capturing not just the dunk but the raw emotion on Abueva's face—a mixture of determination and exhilaration that defines what All-Star weekend is all about.
Then there was June Mar Fajardo's dominant performance in the big men's challenge, where he showcased why he's considered a once-in-a-generation talent. Watching him maneuver his 6'10" frame with such grace against other elite centers was like observing a master craftsman at work. The numbers from that game showed him shooting an incredible 85% from the field, though my memory might be adding a couple percentage points to make it even more legendary. What struck me most was his humility despite his dominance—a trait that makes him beloved by fans across team affiliations. Ferrer's photographs captured this duality perfectly: the fierce competitor during play, and the gentle giant interacting with young fans afterward. This contrast is what makes the PBA special—these aren't just athletes performing, they're role models connecting with their community.
The three-point shootout provided another highlight that still gets basketball enthusiasts talking. RR Pogoy's shooting display was nothing short of spectacular, with his quick release and flawless form resulting in a record-breaking 25 points in the final round. I've always been partial to shooters—there's something beautiful about the arc of a perfect shot—and Pogoy's performance was pure poetry. The rhythm of his shots, the swish of the net, the crowd counting along with each make—it created this incredible symphony of basketball perfection. Ascano's sequence photographs of Pogoy's shooting form should be studied by aspiring players everywhere; they capture the textbook mechanics that make great shooters.
One moment that particularly resonated with me was seeing the veterans mix it up with the younger stars during the main game. When 40-year-old Asi Taulava threw down that surprising dunk in transition, the entire arena erupted. Here was a player from a different generation reminding everyone that class is permanent. Having watched Taulava since his early days in the league, witnessing his longevity and sustained passion gave me a renewed appreciation for the veterans who paved the way. The statistical sheets might show he played only 15 minutes that game, but his impact transcended numbers. Ferrer's photograph of Taulava embracing younger players after the game speaks volumes about the continuity and camaraderie that makes the PBA family unique.
The highlight reels don't always capture the smaller moments that truly define these events. I distinctly remember the interaction between rivals turned teammates during the All-Star draft, the good-natured trash talking that Filipino basketball is famous for, and the way players from different teams genuinely seemed to enjoy each other's company. These human elements, beautifully documented by both Ascano and Ferrer, remind us that beyond the statistics and athletic feats, basketball at its core is about connection. The laughter shared between competitors, the respectful nods after great plays, the way players signed autographs for hours after the game—these are the memories that endure.
Looking back at the PBA All-Star 2020 through these photographic memories, I'm struck by how the event successfully blended high-level competition with genuine entertainment. The league got the formula just right—enough seriousness to satisfy purists like myself, but sufficient spectacle to captivate casual viewers. The reported attendance of 12,347 fans (though I suspect there were more based on the deafening cheers) created an atmosphere that elevated every moment. What makes these highlights truly unforgettable isn't just the athletic brilliance on display, but how they represent the continuing evolution of Philippine basketball. The PBA has this incredible ability to honor its rich history while constantly pushing forward, and the 2020 All-Star weekend perfectly encapsulated this duality. These moments live on not just in highlight reels and photographs, but in the collective memory of basketball fans who witnessed magic unfold on the court.
