The highly anticipated and sold-out Star Magic All-Star Games last June 2, 2024, held at “the Big Dome” Smart Araneta Coliseum, showcased the athletic talents of Star Magic artists in thrilling volleyball and basketball matches.
With Gerald Anderson as the playing coach, Shooting Stars Red ended the two-year winning streak of Team It’s Showtime, and Young JV was named the match’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). “Tough love si Ge and good thing naman ‘yun. He’s been a leader to us, talagang pinupush niya kami,” Young JV said regarding Gerald’s coaching style.
Ending the dominance of Team It’s Showtime was no easy feat for the team, but Young JV shared his team’s strategy that allowed them to maneuver their way to victory. “Strategy namin was to stop them from shooting inside. ‘Yun yung strong suit ng Showtime ngayon. We tried not to give that to them,” he said.
Meanwhile, for volleyball, the Lady Spikers took on the Lady Setters in a sweep three-set match, defending their crown with Analain Salvador winning her fourth MVP award. But it was not an easy feat for the four-time MVP to go against the Lady Setters. “Nung lumabas yung team nila Mikha, everyone was shouting so loud. Medyo may pressure pero ang mindset lang namin lahat ay enjoy-in lang, it’s just a game and we’ll just have fun,” Analain shared.
On the other hand, Star Magic’s Shooting Stars Blue, led by Donny Pangilinan and Ronnie Alonte, brought home the victory against Cong and Team Payaman’s Anbilibabol Basketball Team, with Alonte scoring the coveted MVP award.
Facing a team of YouTube vloggers renowned for their comedic antics, Alonte initially doubted whether they would take the game seriously. “Nung una, sinabi ko baka dogshow-in tayo nito. Pero nung first quarter, nagulat ako kung gaano sila kaseryoso. Ang gagaling nila, mga nagbabasketball pala talaga. Lumalaban yung Team Payaman kaya lumaban talaga kami,” Alonte said.
The Star Magic All-Star Games provide artists with the opportunity to showcase their talents and skills beyond the camera while fostering camaraderie and friendship among teammates. Asked about the importance of the Star Magic All Star Games, Analain said, “It creates friendship with artists na hindi mo naman nakaka-trabaho araw-araw. Binigyan kami ng opportunity na mag-usap sa court, mag-bonding.”
“Nakakatulong ‘to sa akin para mas makilala pa talaga, kasi maraming tao na ang alam lang na acting lang ‘tong mga to or pa-pogi lang. Napapakita namin, si [Young] JV, ang galing pala mag-basketball. Malaking tulong siya makilala talaga sa ginagawa mo,” Alonte added.
Following the games, Young JV continuously works behind the scenes, making music for some Star Magic artists. Analain is slated to co-star in an upcoming project where she will be joined by Anji Salvacion, BGYO’s Gelo Rivera, and Brent Manalo. Ronnie is set to reunite with real-life partner Loisa Andalio in a movie, with the release date yet to be announced. Along with this, Young JV and Ronnie Alonte can still be seen in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
Star Magic All-Star Games MVPs Young JV, Analain Salvador, and Ronnie Alonte promise to give their best not just on camera but also on the hardcourt in the next Star Magic All-Star Games.
