I still remember the buzz in the air during the 2012 PBA All-Star Weekend like it was yesterday. As someone who's covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say that particular All-Star celebration had a special kind of magic. What made it truly unforgettable wasn't just the star power of the main roster players, but the incredible performances from the Rain or Shine contingent - Team C-3 as they were designated. That group of relatively unknown players delivered some of the most memorable moments in All-Star history, and today I want to walk you through exactly why their performances still resonate with fans a decade later.
Let me start with what I consider the single most spectacular play of the entire weekend - John Matthew Manalang's between-the-legs dunk during the slam dunk contest. Now, I've seen countless dunk contests over the years, but Manalang's creativity that night was something else entirely. He didn't just jump high - he incorporated genuine artistry into his dunk, catching the ball off the backboard before threading it between his legs mid-air. The crowd at the Iloilo Sports Complex absolutely erupted, and honestly, so did I from my press seat. What many people don't realize is that Manalang was competing against established stars, yet he managed to score a perfect 50 points from the judges with that single dunk. Statistics from that event show he achieved a vertical leap of approximately 42 inches during that attempt, which is remarkable for someone who wasn't even a regular dunker in competitions.
Then there was Ethan Galang's performance in the three-point shootout that still gives me chills thinking about it. Galang entered as a complete dark horse with betting odds at 15-to-1 against him winning, yet he systematically dismantled every favorite in the competition. His shooting form was so pure - quick release, perfect rotation, and that beautiful swish sound that just kept repeating. He finished with 24 points in the final round, which at the time was the second-highest score in PBA All-Star three-point contest history. I remember turning to my colleague and saying, "This kid's going places," and while his professional career took a different path, that night he was absolutely legendary.
The obstacle challenge provided another highlight when John Bravo navigated the course in what I clocked at approximately 28.7 seconds - one of the fastest times I've ever witnessed in person. His ball handling through the cones was so fluid it looked like the basketball was glued to his hand, and that behind-the-back dribble he executed around the final obstacle was pure instinct. What impressed me most was how he maintained his speed throughout while keeping perfect control - most players sacrifice one for the other, but Bravo found that sweet spot that separates good from great.
But the real story for me was how the entire Rain or Shine group dominated the rookie-sophomore-juniors game. Alfred Sedillo's court vision that night was something to behold - he dished out what I counted as 14 assists, though official stats recorded 12. Still, watching him thread needles with passes I wouldn't have attempted even in empty gym practice was breathtaking. Jack Cruz-Dumont provided the defensive backbone with 3 steals and 2 blocks that completely changed the game's momentum at crucial moments. And let's not forget Gab Gomez coming off the bench to score 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting - the efficiency was just insane for an All-Star setting where players typically force shots.
I have to give special mention to Vincent Cunanan's performance too because it represents what I love most about All-Star games - unexpected heroes emerging. Cunanan was the last substitute off the bench, yet he finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds in just 18 minutes of play. His energy completely transformed the game whenever he stepped on the court, and that putback dunk off a missed three-pointer still lives in my mind rent-free. The man played with so much heart you'd think it was Game 7 of the finals rather than an exhibition match.
What made Team C-3's collective performance so memorable was how they complemented each other. Kenny Rocacurva's perimeter defense created transition opportunities that John Edcel Rojas converted with athletic finishes. Mitchelle Maynes, while not filling the stat sheet, made what I consider the smartest basketball plays of the night - the kind that don't show up in box scores but win games. His defensive positioning forced at least four turnovers that directly led to fast break points. These players understood their roles perfectly and executed with a synergy you rarely see in All-Star settings where everyone typically plays for highlights.
Looking back, I believe the 2012 PBA All-Star Weekend represented a turning point in how we view these exhibitions. It proved that beyond the established stars, there's incredible depth of talent in the league waiting for their moment to shine. The Rain or Shine players seized that moment with both hands and delivered performances that still get talked about in basketball circles today. They reminded us that All-Star games aren't just about entertainment - they're opportunities for players to showcase skills that might not get enough attention during the regular season. Every time I rewatch highlights from that weekend, I'm struck by the pure joy these players exhibited while competing, and that's ultimately what makes basketball the beautiful sport it is.
