EASL Presents 'Basketball For Cebu': Charity Game For Disaster Relief Tips Off On Saturday At Cebu Coliseum
(Press Release)
Ahead of Nov. 15, EASL hosted a pregame press conference and a Future Champions camp to launch relief efforts in Cebu.
Hong Kong SAR — The East Asia Super League (EASL) held a pregame press conference ahead of tomorrow’s charity game at Cebu Coliseum, where the Meralco Bolts meet the Macau Black Bears to raise funds for disaster relief following recent earthquakes and typhoons in Cebu.
The press conference featured Dominic Tang, Senior Vice President and Head of Operations, Councilor Jose Abellanosa, Paolo Trillo, Team Manager of the Meralco Bolts and Dr. Rhoel O. Dejaño, Chair of the Cebu City Sports Commission. Speakers detailed EASL’s collaboration with the Cebu government to host the November 15 event and explained how proceeds will be allocated to relief programs.
“Today is about partnership. Working with the Cebu government and local partners, we have set up clear donation channels and reporting, so we can help reach families quickly and directly, while delivering a smooth, safe event and a great experience for fans and media,” said Dominic Tang, Senior Vice President and Head of Operations at EASL. “Our job is to make sure all proceeds tomorrow get where they are needed most.”
During the press conference, Paolo Trillo, Team Manager of the Meralco Bolts, surprised attendees by announcing the team’s contribution to Cebu’s relief efforts.
“The other day in practice, some of the players got together,” Trillo said. “It was very touching because they wanted to raise a fund on their own to contribute to the donations. We’re going to vouch and commit ₱500,000 to the City of Cebu.”
Cebu has been part of EASL’s identity since the league’s inaugural 2023–24 season, when a sold-out Lapu-Lapu Hoops Dome welcomed stars from Asian powerhouse clubs, including Japan’s Chiba Jets, Korea’s Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters and Seoul SK Knights, and Chinese Taipei’s back-to-back champions New Taipei Kings, the club where Jeremy Lin finished his career. That response showed EASL that Cebu should not be a one-off stop but a continuing destination for top Asian basketball.
This season, EASL expanded its Philippine footprint beyond Manila to reach more basketball communities. Last week’s matchup in Ilagan City, Isabela delivered strong teams, a high-level game, and passionate fans. The league expects the same tomorrow when Meralco faces Macau. Cebu is the perfect place to build this pathway, and EASL looks forward to bringing more games to the Queen City.
Later in the day, EASL hosted a Future Champions Camp, the league’s youth initiative designed to elevate grassroots and elite-level basketball across Asia. EASL Future Champions Head Coach Michael Olson and staff led 50 local kids through fundamentals and skills sessions, connecting local talent with EASL’s international platform.
On Saturday, November 15, EASL returns to Cebu in support of a cause larger than the game. The league is grateful to be back and committed to making a meaningful impact on a city that has elevated our platform.
“Tomorrow will be a time for a celebration of the premier basketball league in Asia coming to Cebu, and also of us helping this city recover from these tragedies,” EASL Chief Executive Officer Henry Kerins said. “We look forward to seeing a packed Cebu Coliseum come together for a great show and an even better cause.”
About East Asia Super League
East Asia Super League (EASL) is the Champions League of Asian basketball, uniting top clubs from the region’s premier leagues with world-class production to crown the region’s champion. Recognized as one of the world's top professional basketball leagues, EASL is dedicated to elevating the sport across the Asia-Pacific region.
EASL operates under an exclusive long-term partnership with FIBA, the global governing body for basketball, and is officially recognized by FIBA Asia. In addition, the league has agreements with the region's leading domestic basketball leagues, with the participation of their best teams.
For more information about East Asia Super League, please visitwww.EASL.basketballor any of the social media channels:
GLOBAL – ENGLISH LANGUAGE: