The latest addition to the PBA 50 Greatest List during an anniversary gala on Friday. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The PBA rolled out the red carpet for some of the league’s most prolific names on Friday night at Solaire North in Quezon City.
More importantly, the league formally welcomed the newest additions to the prestigious PBA 50 Greatest Players list.
READ: Nelson Asaytono, high-profile snubs make PBA Greatest list
Current PBA stars Scottie Thompson of Ginebra and San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo arrived in style for the historic event, where they were hailed as some of the best to ever play in the league’s rich 50-year history.
Also recognized was Nelson Asaytono, who grew his legend in a Purefoods jersey during his heyday, as he joined the elite group of fellow legends.
READ: Newest batch of PBA greats deserve honor, says panel
Alaska legends Jeffrey Cariaso and Bong Hawkins, meanwhile, arrived at the venue with fellow Milkmen Johnny Abarrientos personally welcoming them into the golden list.
The members of the PBA 40 Greatest List during an anniversary gala on Friday. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
But it was Danny Seigle who received perhaps the warmest welcome of the night, greeted by longtime friend, teammate and occasional rival Danny Ildefonso.
Other PBA greats honored were Abe King, Manny Victorino, Yoyoy Villamin, and Arnie Tuadles.
The program opened with a performance by actress Maja Salvador and was capped off with a high-energy musical performance from Filipino rock icon Bamboo.
“The Bull” Nelson Asaytono is also here tonight. #PBA50 | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/AZKsR69Kxu
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 11, 2025
The event was also attended by former and current PBA players, as well as the rest of the living greats previously named to the league’s all-time list.
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PBA legends Ronnie Magsanoc and Benjie Paras hosted the festivities, which were part of the league’s grand celebration of its golden year.
Earlier in the week, the PBA held a double-header at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum—one of the league’s earliest venues—featuring the San Miguel Beermen and Meralco Bolts in throwback jerseys.
