THE RECORD 16th PBA All-Star appearance of NLEX Road Warriors center Paul Asi Taulava this year could be the last in his career as he contemplates on retiring at the end of the season.
The 45-year-old Taulava said he is thankful for the trust of the PBA fans and voting for him to be part of the Visayas All-Star team in the Visayas leg of the 2018 PBA All-Stars on Sunday at the University of San Agustin Gym in lloilo City.
“It’s always an honor to be part of the All-Star weekend. The All-Star has always been an outreach program for us players to give back to the fans,” said Taulava, who was All-Star MVP twice in 2004 and 2006.
“Some people take it for granted but throughout my whole career, I always appreciate it. This means a lot,” added the Filipino-Tongan center. “It’s like second best to winning a championship.”
For the record, Taulava also missed being in the All-Star thrice in his career – in 2000 (Iloilo), 2013 (Digos) and 2014 (Mall of Asia Arena) but he’ll be back this year for a fourth straight appearance as part of coach Chito Victolero’s unit.
PSL ALL STAR IN BACOLOD
Philippine Superliga All Star Team A and B split their matches during the two-day PSL All-Star Weekend on May 18 and 19 at the Natalio G. Velez Sports and Cultural Center in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
PSL All-Star Team A drew first blood after defeating PSL All-Star Team B in five sets on Friday evening behind the impressive showing of Ilonggas Abigail Marano and Michelle Laborte, Kim Fajardo Mika Reyes and Frances Molina.
Also showing their wares for PSL All-Star Team A are Carmina Aganon, Mikaela Lopez, Rossell Urriza, Carol Cervesa, Dennise Lazaro and Negrense players Marite Espina, Cassie Carballo, and Erjane Magdato.
“It is a surreal feeling to be able to share the court with the PSL players,” Carballo told Panay News. “I am really nervous at the start but they say that I just play my game so I was able to get my game going.”
PSL All Star Team B, meanwhile, was able to bounce back on Saturday evening after drubbing PSL All Star Team A in four sets with De La Salle Zobel standout Angel Canino displaying her hitting prowess.
Backing up the Negrense Canino are PSL veterans Mary Joy Baron, Cha Cruz, Rhea Dimaculangan, Rubie de Leon, Victorinara Galang, Maika Ortiz, Mary Remy Palma, Aeriel Patnongon, Maureen Penetrante, Angelique Dionela, and Alexa Polidario.
“I am glad that I was given an opportunity to play here in my hometown,” said Canino, who was named MVP in the just-concluded Palarong Pambansa. “I am glad to be able to help my team win a game here.”
In the preliminary game, Pontevedra selection squad eked out a come-from-behind 15-25, 25-18, 26-24 victory over St. John’s Institute, which was reinforced by Negrenses Carballo and Krisha Cordero./PN
