Sarah Geronimo, Ben&Ben, and more headline the 2023 FIBA World Cup opening ceremony
The most-awaited basketball tournament has begun!
After four years of waiting, basketball fans and experts can gather again for the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Apart from the players, the much-awaited event put a spotlight on P-pop stars during its opening ceremony held tonight, at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
The event kicked off with Alamat's performance of their 2022 track Maharani. After the event, the P-pop boy group took to Facebook to thank FIBA World Cup for allowing them to headline the event.
Alamat's opening number was followed by the Parade of Colors, with all the 32 participating teams being represented by one flagbearer on the court.
Ben&Ben later hyped the crowd with their performance of Ride Home, while Filipino rock band The Dawn exuded strong team spirit with their performance of Iisang Bangka.
Ben & Ben during the 'Ride Home' performance.
Jett Pangan of The Dawn.
Sarah Geronimo performed her song, 'Alam' at the opening ceremony.
Sarah Geronimo performed her song, 'Alam' with John Roa at the opening ceremony.
Ben & Ben during the 'Ride Home' performance.
Jett Pangan of The Dawn.
Sarah Geronimo performed her song, 'Alam' at the opening ceremony.
Sarah Geronimo performed her song, 'Alam' with John Roa at the opening ceremony.
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Pop star royalty Sarah Geronimo showed off her swag moves in her performance of Alam with John Roa.
All P-pop stars concluded the ceremony by singing The Dawn's Salamat altogether.
Apart from the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia are serving as hosts for the games, marking this year as the first time that the FIBA Basketball World Cup will have multiple countries as hosts.
A total of 32 teams, including the country’s very own Gilas Pilipinas will vie for the coveted Naismith Trophy. They are set to play 92 games in 16 days, where only one can be hailed as the grand winner.
Gilas Pilipinas will have their first game against the Dominican Republic at 8 p.m. in Philippine Arena. Check out the schedule of games here.