Pampanga is an early bird in the historic Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Sixth Season National Finals against Quezon in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
All players, led by reigning MPBL MVP Justine Baltazar, along with some members of the Giant Lanterns’ coaching staff, departed on Wednesday ahead of Game One of the best-of-five title series, which will begin at 7 p.m. (11 p.m. in Manila) on Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Al Basr Club Rashid Bin Hamdan Indoor Hall.
For their convenience, the team boarded an Emirates Airlines night flight from Clark International Airport in Angeles City, Pampanga, to Dubai International Airport, where they are scheduled to arrive early Thursday (Dubai time).
The rest of the Giant Lanterns’ management, including head coach Gov. Dennis Pineda, and supporters led by local officials, will leave on Friday, followed by team owner AG Gonzales of AMG3 Construction and his family members on Saturday.
Team manager Ronald Nulud mentioned that Deputy House Speaker Cong. Dong Gonzales is also expected to join the 500-strong Pampanga delegation to the first-ever Philippine basketball league championship series abroad, depending on his schedule.
After retaining the North Division crown, the Giant Lanterns, also powered by Archie Concepcion, Encho Serrano, and MJ Garcia, are aiming to become the MPBL’s first back-to-back champions.
According to Quezon team manager Atty. Dhon Kapunan, the Huskers are set to fly out on Friday.
Game Two will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the same venue.
The series will return to the Philippines for Game Three on Dec. 7 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Promoter David John of DJMC Events has also scheduled an exhibition game on Monday, Dec. 2, featuring MPBL Founder and CEO Manny Pacquiao’s team against a Dubai selection led by content creator and international influencer Kris Fade.
MPBL officials, including Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes, will support Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion.
Ticket prices start at 200 AED, around P3,200, for the MPBL’s return to Dubai after a successful event in 2019.
