When the Philippine Basketball Association announced its partnership with the Bahrain Basketball Association to host two Philippine Cup games in Isa Town this December, one special guest was on hand for the momentous occasion — former De La Salle Green Archer Bader Malabes.
Bader’s brother, Abdulla Malabes, alongside former PBA chairman Buddy Encarnado, played a key role in bringing the PBA to Bahrain.
And for Bader, it’s a proud and exciting moment — not just for him, but for both his fellow Bahrainis and the overseas Filipino workers based in the kingdom.
(C) FIBA.basketball
“Very exciting! When my dad brought me the news, we were all thrilled. We’ll finally get to watch PBA games here. Filipinos are lucky to have that,” the 37-year-old shared.
“We’ll see Filipino fans coming not just from Bahrain but also from Eastern Saudi Arabia. They’ll definitely be there to watch the games.”
Looking back, Bader credits his time at De La Salle University for helping him build a successful professional career in Bahrain.
During his three-year UAAP stint, he played a vital role in helping the Green Archers capture the Season 70 championship and a silver medal the following year. Though his final season did not end as he hoped, the lessons he learned from coach Franz Pumaren made a lasting impact.
“My time in the Philippines was unforgettable. I learned a lot, especially under Coach Franz Pumaren,” he shared.
“What I learned there, I carried with me to Bahrain.”
(C) Bader Malabes
Bader has since brought that experience to his club team, Muharraq Club, and to the Bahrain national team, where he has continued to thrive as a veteran leader.
Though he dreamed of playing in the PBA during his stay in the Philippines, he remains grateful for the path he’s taken.
The Fil-Bahraini often returns to the Philippines during the off-season, as his wife hails from Iloilo. He also stays connected with his former teammates, including PJ Barua, James Mangahas, Marko Batricevic, and Rico Maierhofer.
And while the Philippines remains a powerhouse in Asian basketball, Bader sees promising growth in Bahrain’s basketball program.
“Bahrain basketball is really developing. We have good young players, and they performed well in the Jones Cup,” he said, referring to the country’s third-place finish in the prestigious tournament.
“I think the future is bright for Bahrain basketball.”
#WATCH: Muharraq Club skipper and former DLSU Green Archer Bader Malabes shares his excitement as #PBA50 heads to Bahrain! 🇧🇭🏀
🎥 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/W5YJEx0rbA
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 23, 2025
