La Salle guard Kean Baclaan has always been known for his heart on the court, but now he’s showing his heart for the nation.
In the wake of Typhoons Dante and Emong and the devastating habagat rains that submerged communities and displaced countless Filipinos last week, Baclaan took matters into his own hands.
He is helping organize a fundraising basketball event aimed at bringing hope and help to those affected.
The event — set for August 3 at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna — is more than just an exhibition match.
“Actually, may mga lumapit sa’kin na mga boss kung puwede raw gumawa ng exhibition game na basketball for a cause, kung saan yung kikitain ng event ay ido-donate namin sa mga kababayan natin,” Baclaan shared.
“Kaya nag-usap-usap kami kung ano ang puwedeng gawin. Ayun, sa una, nag-imbita kami ng mga celebrity, influencer, college stars, at mga basketball pros. Sobrang nakakataba lang ng puso kasi nung nalaman nila na for charity yung event, hindi na sila nagdalawang-isip na sumama.”
Some of the biggest names in local hoops and pop culture answered Baclaan’s call.
Among those joining the game are fellow collegiate stars like Jacob Cortez and Rey Remogat, the Gomez De Liaño brothers — Javi, Juan, and Joe — Jolo Manansala, as well as former PBA MVP Jayjay Helterbrand and ex-pro Rico Maierhofer.
3×3 stars David Carlos and Mac Tallo are also joining the event.
Content creators, rappers, and entertainers led by Joel “Malupiton” Ravanera, along with Pricetagg, Chogchog Moral, Lebwrong James, Jonah Jacob, Poypoy Actub, Nedned, and Jasper “Mr. UBTG” Reyes also committed their time to the cause.
“Sobrang special nito kasi alam ko naman na hindi biro yung pinagdadaanan natin ngayon — lalo na yung mga kababayan natin na hindi maayos ang sitwasyon,” Baclaan continued.
“Sobrang thankful din ako sa mga gumawa ng event na ‘to para maging successful — kina Boss Rannie Samson, Boss MGM Sports, sa Filipino Indian Commerce & Welfare Society Inc., at kay Mayor Gel Alonte sa pagpayag na sa Alonte Sports Arena ganapin yung event.”
Also helping bring them are Rannie Samson, Tam Panganiban, Tito Tonio, Mak Teves, and Tristan Kumar, all of whom worked closely with Biñan Mayor Gel Alonte and Senator Bong Go to ensure the event’s success.
For Baclaan, the event is not about basking in the spotlight or scoring baskets. It’s about lifting spirits and extending help to those who need it most.
He hopes that the game can bring joy, even temporarily, to those who are currently struggling, while also generating enough proceeds to make a real impact on the ground.
“Ang goal talaga namin dito ay magpasaya ng mga tao, at makatulong sa mga kababayan natin,” he said.
