Harlem Globetrotters to entertain Pinoy fans with basketball tricks, antics

In a basketball-loving country such as the Philippines, it is only fitting that the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will kick off their Asia tour in Manila on Nov. 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Timothy Ho of global live entertainment, ticketing and technology business TEG Asia remarked that it was “natural” for them to bring the sports team to the Philippines because of the Filipinos’ fondness for sports.

“When we started planning, (we) examined the Asia region and you know Manila, Philippines was definitely one of our utmost priorities because for one thing, basketball is (a famous) sport (and it is) the No. 1 most followed sport in the Philippines,” Timothy pointed out during a presscon held recently at the Novotel Manila in Araneta City.

“So, it was just natural for us to bring the Harlem Globetrotters here and (also), the Smart Araneta Coliseum (holds a) special place in Philippines basketball. So, it was a natural and very easy decision for us to stop the tour here,” he continued.

The Harlem Globetrotters will head to Malaysia on Nov. 14, Indonesia on Nov. 16 and 17, and Singapore on Nov. 23 and 24, after their Manila show. The last time that they were here was in 2009.

“It’s been way too long,” commented Harlem Globetrotters star Alex “Moose” Weekes who was also at the presscon. “One thing that we know is that Asia has some of the most passionate fans all over the globe. We’re really excited to get back out here and connect with these fans. And the Philippines is a great place to start because they have such a passion for basketball and the Globetrotters, we love to party and we’re gonna invite them to our party.”

Moose, who’s thrilled to be in the country, shared what Filipino basketball enthusiasts can expect from the show.

“We’ve heard so much about the passion for basketball. So, what can the fans expect is not only get entertained by amazing basketball skills, but you’re gonna see the dunks, sharpshooter from all points of the court, trick shots from the stand.

“The only person that might not be smiling, it might be the referee. But that’s whole another story. You’ll have to come to see and find out. But it’s one of those that we really pride