WORDS BY GAVIN ARCEO // PHOTOS BY JAI NEBRADA
The SLAM Rising Stars are back with the heat and a bag full of surprises for this year’s Classic. This event showcases young talented athletes all over the country, bringing both the boys and the girls on the hard court to battle it all out. This exhibition game features the elite, the best of the best that will show fans a glimpse of what the future holds for Philippine basketball.
What better way to kick off this event with a welcome lunch, at Amare La Cucina in Pasig, where all eyes are on the ones who are next in line. While SLAM Rising Stars will always be for the future, the Class of 2026 was also given the chance to talk to some of the program’s alumni and revisit their roots from where it all started.
UP legends JD Cagulangan, Diego Dario, and Gelo Vito graced the venue with their presence and knowledge during a special episode of Holy Grail. The three talked about their personal experiences all throughout their basketball career, while the two SLAM Rising Stars alums JD and Diego also shared their own moments playing in the Classic.
“It’s great to see how the SLAM Rising Stars program has evolved from the first year. Being one of the speakers and resource persons for them to learn from is such an honor because it’s always great to give back and also for the next generation to learn from us,” Diego shared.
“To the next batch of SLAM Rising Stars, continue to love the game. It’s where it all starts. If you love the game, the game will love you back. Stick with the process,” he added.
Another surprise out of the bag for the Class of 2026 is an empowering episode of Take A Seat with Ponggay and CC, who had their special guests all the way from España: UST’s Kent Pastrana and Karylle Sierba. The four of them shared valuable lessons for the girls inside the venue to take note of and for them to be able to make their own herstory.
“You have to sacrifice yourself. Struggle is part of the journey. Always believe in yourself, trust the process and stay consistent. Always be humble and just enjoy while you focus on what your goal is,” Kent shared with the aspiring girls out there.
After the special live recording of the two podcasts and some quick eats, the Rising Stars stepped inside the photobooth where all the clicks and flashes were beaming. SLAM Philippines also got to catch up with some of the players to ask what it feels like to be a SLAM Rising Star.
“I’m so happy kasi ang dami mga bagong potential na mapasama sa SLAM Rising Stars and isa ako sa napasama. Proud lang kasi dati nangangarap lang din ako na maging part dito,” Alfia Dulay of Team Buckets shared.
“For me, it’s like celebrating hard work in a way. I’m just very grateful for the opportunity talaga. Out of everyone in the Philippines who plays basketball I was chosen to play for it so I was very grateful,” Noah Banal of Team Punks expressed.
The other players also shared what it means to be a part of this event and the things that they will be looking forward to in this tournament.
“Masaya kasi isa ako sa mga napili tsaka thankful din sa opportunity na binigay sakin. Excited tsaka nagbibigay din ng boost sa confidence ko na galingan ko pa para sa susunod ng mga opportunity na bibigay sakin,” Ruiza Jhane Olmos of Team Stars said.
“Butterflies in my stomach just flew out. Just being able to get this opportunity really means a lot. It’s my first time being a SLAM Rising Star, just taking advantage of every opportunity and to just showcase what I’ve got,” said Maco Dabao of Team Hype.
The SLAM Rising Stars Classic is more than a game. It is where bridges are gapped and connections are built with one another. It puts the spotlight on what’s in store for the generations to come.
The SLAM Rising Stars Classic 2026 is presented by Clear Men and in partnership with Pilipinas Live, Gatorade, and TITAN.
