Valenzuelano basketball fanatics and enthusiasts gathered last Sunday night, December 2, at the newly-renovated Valenzuela City Astrodome to witness the historic inaugural exhibition game between the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Legends and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)’s new bloods of hardcourt heroes, the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals.

1^st District Councilor Gerry Esplana steered the lineup of PBA Legends composed of Atoy Co, Bal David, Bonel Balingit, Bong Hawkins, Jerry Codiñera, Kenneth Duremdes, Marlou Aquino, Philip Cezar, Vergel Meneses, Vince Hizon and Jimmy Santos who entertained the crowd of thousands with his funny playing antics.

There was a fierce tag-of-war for the lead between the two teams, but in the end, the invincible PBA idols proved that they are still ‘The Kings of the Hardcourt’ with the final score 122-120.

The newly-renovated 2,158-seater Valenzuela City Astrodome, which is the city’s biggest sports venue was blessed last month during the city’s foundation day celebration.  It was renovated to US college sports stadium standards under the helm of Councilor Esplana who is also the Officer-in-Charge of the City Sports Development Office.

“This is just one of the sports venues we intend to build for Valenzuelanos,” City Mayor WIN Gatchalian told the media.  “We also plan to build facilities to support other sports, like taekwondo and swimming.”

He also reiterated that the local government shall provide a holistic sports program that would cater, not only to the youth, but to all sectors.  “I believe that everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from sports to develop physically and emotionally,” he concluded.