Basketball, showbiz personalities attract huge crowd in Marikina
CELEBRITIES will always be a come-on in every event. And basketball is no exception.
Over the weekend, teacher Stella Quimbo, who is running for mayor in Marikina, gathered hardcourt and showbiz celebrities to attract a large crowd at Calumpang Gym for an all-star friendly match last Saturday .
James Yap led the Kilos Pagbabago team, with Jayson Gainza, Matt Evans, Eric Fructuoso, Mark Herras and Gerald Acao. They went against the Bagong Marikina team.
Before the game started, teenage kids swarmed on James for photos and even requested him to sign their balls and even their shirts.
At half-time, the “Kokote Basketball Challenge” was held with Senator Koko Pimentel and Teacher Stella, as they enjoined basketball enthusiasts to participate in one-minute challenges of doing lay-up, free throw, three point shot and half-court shot.
Winner in each challenge took home P10,000.
“Sana masiyahan ang mga taga Marikina,” said James before the game. “Salamat sa suporta. Sumusuporta din kami kay ‘mayor’ Stella. That’s why na-invite kami para maglaro dito.”
The game was well received by Calumpang residents, who cheered on their respective idols.
BTS for Marikina
AQUILINO “Koko” Pimentel III plans for BTS for Marikina. Nope, that has nothing to do with the popular South Korean boy band BTS.
Pimentel, who is running for Congress in the first district of Marikina following his senatorial term, will push for stronger livelihood programs to ensure job stability in the city.
The Senate minority leader has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening livelihood programs and ensuring long-term employment opportunities for Filipinos, particularly in Marikina, where industries like shoemaking play a crucial role in the local economy.
“Hindi sapat na may trabaho lang pansamantala,” Pimentel said. “Kailangan may pangmatagalang hanapbuhay na kayang bumuhay ng pamilya. We need sustainable livelihood programs that protect industries and provide job stability for workers.”
As part of his advocacy, Pimentel continues to champion the Baha, Trabaho, Sapatos (BTS) Program, which focuses on flood control, job creation, and strengthening Marikina’s shoemaking industry.
He emphasized that improving flood control infrastructure is essential not just for safety but also for economic security.
“Kapag baha nang baha, paano ang kabuhayan ng mga taga-Marikina?,” Pimentel explained. “Hindi lang ito tungkol sa disaster response; this is about protecting jobs, businesses, and the local economy.”
Pimentel has supported various livelihood and employment initiatives, including assistance for displaced workers, digital skills training for improved employability, medical support for healthcare workers, and increased government aid for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to encourage local investments.
“We have to make sure that our workforce is competitive, that local businesses are thriving, and that policies encourage investment in industries that matter,” Pimentel stressed.
He called on the government to accelerate job-generating projects, such as infrastructure development and digital upskilling programs, which will help Filipinos secure long-term employment.
“Ang solusyon sa kawalan ng trabaho ay hindi dapat laging short-term. The government should focus on policies that create lasting employment opportunities by improving business incentives, supporting SMEs, and ensuring that workers are well-trained and competitive,” he added.
Pimentel assured that he will continue to advocate for laws and programs that provide job security, fair wages, and better working conditions.
“Trabaho, hindi lang pang ngayon, kundi pangmatagalan. That is what we need to prioritize,” he concluded.
