11th January 2023
As one of the Philippines’ national sports, basketball is a massive institution in the Philippines and has been since it was introduced by the US when they colonised the Philippines (1902 – 1935) and it took off in a big way after it was introduced into the public school system in 1910. There’s a lot of interesting history to it, too! My partner, being Filipino was brought up with the passion for basketball and used to play and coach, so we thought it would be extra fun to go and see a game whilst we were here.
Getting tickets
The PBA website – www.pba.ph – is a handy website that can tell you what is on, and tickets can be purchased from here but only if you have a Philippines based bank card. I couldn’t understand why my cards kept being rejected! If you don’t happen to have a Philippines bank card, tickets are available to buy from ticket offices dotted around Metro Manila. We got ours from SM Megamall, in the SM store on the third floor, tucked at the back where there are counters for people to pay bills, pay for entertainment like theatre tickets and basketball tickets. There is a list of other offices here.
We bought tour tickets on the day of the game, there were only general admission tickets left, the tickets only cost around 50 PHP each – at time of writing approximately €0.83.
The Game
Smart Araneta Coliseum, General Roxas Ave, Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila
The game we were there for happened to be a very exciting time in the PBA (Philippine’s Basketball Association) Commissioner’s Cup between Barangay Ginebra and Bay Area Dragons. It was the 6th of 7 games of the finals and was taking place in Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, the home of Barangay Ginebra, just on the edge of Quezon City. It was very easy to get to though as there is an MRT stop – Araneta Center-Cubao Station – about a ten minute walk to the arena.
Smart Araneta Coliseum is one of the largest clear span domes in the world and has a capacity for 14,429 spectators for basketball events. As we neared the stadium, we could see the crowds and the atmosphere was electric on this humid evening. Waiting to enter the stadium we were serenaded by a talented, jolly, dancing brass band.
The general admission tickets allowed for non-specific seating right at the back and top of the coliseum. It was like concrete steps, but it was comfortable enough, with the excitement of the game to distract you, and they were an absolute bargain. The view was great and unobstructed too. We were in and amongst the fans of Barangay Ginebra, so of course, we joined in the chants of ‘GINEBRA! GINEBRA!’ and cheered for our team.
The announcements pointed out famous celebrities in the audience, and at break times there was entertainment and throwing of t shirts into the crowd. It was a really fun game. Admittedly, I’m not hugely knowledgeable about basketball, though I have watched it over the shoulder of my partner and watched him play, so I’ve picked up some things. Even to a layperson like me, this was super fun and a brilliant way to immerse yourself in another aspect of the culture of the Philippines. Would highly recommend, and I would go again in a heartbeat! Perfect way to spend an evening. And although Barangay Ginebra lost that game, they went on the following week to beat the Bay Area Dragons, thus winning the Commissioner’s Cup!
Follow The Greedy Herbivore on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with my latest blog posts, reviews and ramblings, or follow through WordPress to receive notifications of new posts direct to your inbox.
The Greedy Herbivore 