Dannyka Manangan

LOOK: 10 unforgettable moments from the Star Magic All-Star Games 2026

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>The first-ever SEA-bling Showdown at the Star Magic All-Star Games 2026 between the Star Magic Shooting Stars and Thailand’s Team GMMTV brought together two entertainment powerhouses for a friendly basketball rivalry that had fans cheering from start to finish. </p><p>Held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on August 23, the main basketball game served as the highlight of the event, which also featured the Women’s Volleyball and Junior Basketball divisions. </p><p>Team Star Magic was led by captain-ball Gerald Anderson, alongside Ronnie Alonte, JM Ibarra, Emilio Daez, River Joseph, Jeremiah Lisbo, Ashton Salvador, Argel Saycon, Elyson De Dios, Young JV, and Tristan Ramirez. </p><p>Representing Thailand’s Team GMMTV were Neo Trai, AJ Chayapol, JJ Chayakorn, Joss Way-Ar, Gawin Caskey, Ryu Phudtripart, Aston Ratipat, Marc Natarit, Ping Krittanun, and Teshow. </p><p>With the historic matchup ending in an 83-53 victory for Team Star Magic, here are 10 of the best moments from the first-ever SEA-bling Showdown: </p><div>  </div><div><strong>1. Team Star Magic and Team GMMTV light up the arena during the Parade of Stars </strong></div><p>The SEA-bling Showdown kicked off with both teams making an energetic entrance as they were welcomed by fans and fellow celebrities at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. </p><p>Accompanied by drummers and supporters, Team Star Magic entered the arena first, led by captain-ball Gerald. Their team was also represented by their muse, Jane De Leon. </p><p>Team GMMTV followed, receiving an equally enthusiastic welcome from their Filipino fans, who proudly waved banners and cheered as the Thai stars made their way into the arena. </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-11" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcbB8brlNIM/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A11%2C%22os%22%3A6682767.899999976%2C%22ls%22%3A6062671.599999964%2C%22le%22%3A6063245.299999952%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="548" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-11" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>2. Filipino and Thai stars exchange friendship tokens </strong></div><p>Before the competition began, the event highlighted the friendship between the Philippines and Thailand. </p><p>Fans and players stood for the national anthems of both countries, followed by the players exchanging “friendship tokens” as a gesture of camaraderie. </p><p>  The two teams also greeted and shook hands with one another, setting the tone for a friendly but exciting matchup. </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-12" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcbDPRrFBgJ/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A12%2C%22os%22%3A6682799.599999964%2C%22ls%22%3A6062671.599999964%2C%22le%22%3A6063245.299999952%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="548" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-12" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>3. Team GMMTV scores the first points of the SEA-bling Showdown </strong></div><p>The opening moments of the game immediately had fans on the edge of their seats as both teams battled to score first. </p><p>Team Star Magic won the opening possession, but Team GMMTV quickly turned the tables, with Marc scoring the first basket of the historic matchup. </p><p>The Thai stars showed strong ball movement early in the game, while the Star Magic Shooting Stars answered with solid defense. </p><p>Captain-ball Gerald then put Team Star Magic on the board with his own basket, scoring the first point for the Filipino team.  </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-13" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcbHmcjlGSr/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A13%2C%22os%22%3A6682826.799999952%2C%22ls%22%3A6062671.599999964%2C%22le%22%3A6063245.299999952%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="581" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-13" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div>  </div><div><strong>4. JM and Fyang named Fan-Fave Duo </strong></div><p>The basketball action was not the only thing giving fans something to cheer about. </p><p>Star Magic love team JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith, popularly known as JMFyang, were named the Star Magic All-Star Games 2026’s Fan-Fave Duo. </p><p>The pair received their trophies on the courtside, with Fyang expressing her gratitude for the recognition. </p><p>“Syempre, thankful kami, of course. Super thankful kami,” Fyang said. </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-14" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcc9_XfmI81/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A14%2C%22os%22%3A6684036%2C%22ls%22%3A6062671.599999964%2C%22le%22%3A6063245.299999952%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="889" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-14" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>5. Halftime turns into an OPM party </strong></div><p>While the players took a breather at halftime, the entertainment continued on the court. Aces of P-Pop performed their single “Fresh,” bringing an energetic performance to the arena. </p><p><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/itsshowtime"><em><strong>It’s Showtime</strong></em><strong>’s </strong></a>Baby Dolls then took the stage with their hit “Oooh Lala Baby.” </p><p>Soon after, Jarren Garcia, Kai Montinola, and P-pop groups WRIVE, DNA, and BGYO joined Baby Dolls for the halftime spectacle. </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-15" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcavxselOxj/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A15%2C%22os%22%3A6684090.799999952%2C%22ls%22%3A6062671.599999964%2C%22le%22%3A6063245.299999952%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="552" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-15" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>  </strong><strong>6. Team Star Magic wins the historic SEA-bling Showdown </strong></div><p>The much-anticipated first-ever matchup between Team Star Magic and Team GMMTV ended with the Kapamilya stars taking a commanding 83-53 victory. </p><p>Team Star Magic took home the championship trophy, while Team GMMTV received the first-runner-up trophy following the friendly international matchup. </p><p>The 30-point lead capped an unforgettable first SEA-bling Showdown and gave the Filipino stars bragging rights in the inaugural game. </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-16" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcci3wXmbu7/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A16%2C%22os%22%3A6684323%2C%22ls%22%3A6062671.599999964%2C%22le%22%3A6063245.299999952%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="552" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-16" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div> <strong>7. Individual standouts earn Mythical 5 and MVP recognition </strong></div><p>The individual awards added another highlight to the historic matchup. </p><p>GMMTV’s Neo, a former competitive player and bronze medalist at the 2018 ASEAN School Games, together with Aston, earned spots in the Mythical 5.  </p><p>They were joined by Team Star Magic’s Gerald, Argel, and Ronnie. </p><p>Gerald ultimately emerged as the game&#x27;s biggest individual winner, taking home the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.  </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-17" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DccoP11mYc3/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A17%2C%22os%22%3A6685060%2C%22ls%22%3A6062671.599999964%2C%22le%22%3A6063245.299999952%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="548" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-17" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div> <strong>8. JossGawin brings <em>kilig </em>to the court </strong></div><p>The basketball game may have ended, but the <em>kilig </em>continued. </p><p>Joss and Gawin, who are known to fans as the BL pairing JossGawin, took the stage after the game for a special musical moment. </p><p>Emilio initially invited Gawin to perform a solo, but the Thai star instead asked Joss to join him. </p><p>The two then sang a duet, sending fans in the arena into a frenzy. </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-18" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcYotCqs9yT/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A18%2C%22os%22%3A6685270.799999952%2C%22ls%22%3A6062671.599999964%2C%22le%22%3A6063245.299999952%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="847" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-18" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>The duo had already been receiving plenty of attention throughout the game, particularly when the camera showed them sitting beside each other on the courtside. </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-19" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcZI3lnvyDZ/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A19%2C%22os%22%3A6685347.5%2C%22ls%22%3A6062671.599999964%2C%22le%22%3A6063245.299999952%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="847" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-19" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>  </strong></div><div><strong>9. GMMTV stars thank Filipino fans </strong></div><p>The warmth between the two countries continued during the Thai stars’ closing remarks, as the GMMTV team expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming reception from Filipino fans. </p><p>Joss described the experience as surreal and praised the crowd for being “lovely, passionate, and energetic.” </p><p>Gawin, meanwhile, said: “Again, thanks for having us. This is my second time here in the Philippines, but it already feels like home. So, thank you again.” </p><p>“I’m so happy right now to see you guys here. You guys (gave) a warm welcome to me and all of my team and I love you guys so much,” AJ maintained. </p><p>Ryu added, “Thank you for coming, everyone. I see everyone of you from the top aisle. I see you! We love you! We love the food. We love the people, the energy and the crowd. We’ll definitely will comeback!” </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-20" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcbobYDn18j/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A20%2C%22os%22%3A6686069.199999988%2C%22ls%22%3A6062671.599999964%2C%22le%22%3A6063245.299999952%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="548" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-20" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>Aston shared his appreciation with a “mahal kita”: “Hi everyone! I just wanna say, ‘mahal kita’, everyone. Thank you very much for the opportunity to play here and it’s an absolute honor to be able to entertain you guys and I hope you guys had fun. Hopefully, we will see you again soon!” </p><p>Neo greeted Filipino fans with “Mabuhay, Philippine fans!” and added, “Thank you for your support. Mahal ko kayo! See you next year!” </p><p>JJ also thanked fans for their support and kindness, saying they would remember the experience forever. </p><p>Marc shared how happy he was to play basketball in the Philippines, while Ping thanked fans for their warm welcome and shared his happiness over visiting the country for the first time. </p><p>Teshow, meanwhile, described the game as a memory he would keep for life. “I’ll remember this game for life. We enjoyed the game. I love you, Philippines fans. Thank you for coming.”</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-21" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DcY_3ohDw6P/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A21%2C%22os%22%3A6686330.899999976%2C%22ls%22%3A6062671.599999964%2C%22le%22%3A6063245.299999952%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="495" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-21" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>10. GMMTV stars hope to return for another SEA-bling Showdown </strong></div><p>The first SEA-bling Showdown may have ended, but it looks like this could be just the beginning. </p><p>During the closing remarks, Joss said the GMMTV team already hopes to return to the Philippines after experiencing the energy of the Filipino crowd. </p><p>“Man, what a night! Definitely, [we enjoyed it]... We definitely got to come back. Shoutout to all the fans. Everybody was cheering for us so hard. I couldn’t stop smiling. We&#x27;re so happy to be here,” he said, describing the Philippines as “amazing.” </p><p>When asked if fans could expect a rematch, Joss gave a clear answer: “Definitely.” </p><p>Gerald, meanwhile, thanked the Filipino fans for making the event special and even floated the possibility of bringing the matchup to Thailand. </p><p>“Maraming salamat. Thank you very much. You made so many people happy. Maybe we can do this when we go to Thailand... From the bottom of our hearts, maraming salamat,” he said. </p><p>Joss echoed the sentiment, adding, “We are so happy to be here and we hope to come back next year.” </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-22" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcc7vdwlCKa/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A22%2C%22os%22%3A6686465.199999988%2C%22ls%22%3A6062671.599999964%2C%22le%22%3A6063245.299999952%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="549" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-22" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>From the first basket to the championship celebration, the historic SEA-bling Showdown delivered more than just a friendly basketball game but also became a celebration of Filipino-Thai friendship, sportsmanship, music, and fandom.  </p><p>With both Team Star Magic and Team GMMTV expressing their desire to do it again, fans can only hope that this memorable Filipino-Thai showdown is just the first of many more to come. </p><p>Relive all the action and catch the #StarMagicAllStarGames2026 replay for free on Star Magic’s YouTube channel, available worldwide. </p>

<p>Here are 10 unforgettable moments from the Star Magic All-Star Games 2026. </p>