CANDON CITY, ILOCOS SUR — The Solid North All-Stars secured a hard-fought 147-142 victory over their Southern counterparts in the 2026 PBA All-Star Game on Sunday night, marking a triumphant return for the league’s traditional geographical rivalry. In a captivating display before a fervent crowd at the Candon City Arena, Ginebra veteran Japeth Aguilar, at 39 years old, etched his name into the league’s history books by earning his third career All-Star Most Valuable Player award.
This high-stakes exhibition match, revitalizing the classic North-versus-South format for the first time since 2019, underscored the enduring cultural resonance of professional basketball across the Philippine archipelago. The outcome, while symbolic, offered a vibrant showcase of the league’s current talent pool, provided a stage for both emerging stars and established legends, and reinforced the deep regional pride that fuels the nation’s most beloved sport.
The atmosphere in Candon City was electric from the moment fans began filling the arena, a testament to the enduring appeal of the PBA All-Star festivities. Confetti rained down on the victorious Solid North squad as celebrations erupted, capping a weekend that brought together the league’s brightest stars for a high-octane spectacle. This year’s edition, eagerly anticipated by fans and players alike, delivered a thrilling back-and-forth affair that kept the capacity crowd on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
From tip-off, both squads showcased their offensive firepower, trading baskets with a relentless pace. While All-Star games are sometimes noted for their relaxed defensive intensity, this particular contest was an undeniable showcase of the incredible talent permeating the Philippine Basketball Association. Players unleashed highlight-reel dunks, audacious long-range bombs, and intricate playmaking, turning the exhibition into a testament to their skills and showmanship.
Solid North, guided by veteran coach Leo Austria, entered the contest with a perceived advantage on paper, a promise they ultimately delivered upon. This victory pushed their all-time record against Solid South to an impressive 10-4. Despite being without key players Calvin Abueva and Zavier Lucero due to injuries — though both were present for the weekend’s festivities — the North squad demonstrated remarkable depth and cohesion. Gian Mamuyac stepped in effectively for Lucero, providing valuable minutes and energy off the bench. Their roster, a potent mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, managed to overcome a resilient South team that battled valiantly despite facing significant personnel challenges.
The Solid South All-Stars, led by coach Chot Reyes, were severely hampered by injuries to key players like RR Pogoy, Scottie Thompson, and Jericho Cruz. This forced Coach Reyes to operate with a limited nine-man rotation, placing immense pressure on his available stars to shoulder a heavier load. Despite these setbacks, the South squad, anchored by nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, refused to capitulate easily. Their determination transformed what could have been a one-sided affair into a competitive and memorable contest, pushing the North to their limits throughout all four quarters.
Japeth Aguilar's performance was nothing short of spectacular, proving that age is merely a number for the high-flying big man. He finished the game with an impressive stat line of 29 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. His rim-rocking dunks and crucial baskets in the decisive moments were instrumental in stemming the South's rallies and maintaining North's momentum. Becoming the oldest player to win the All-Star MVP award represents a significant milestone in his decorated career, underscoring his longevity and continued impact on the league. After the game, a visibly pleased Aguilar downplayed his individual heroics, emphasizing the collective joy of the event. "Enjoy lang talaga, both North and South sa event na 'to. Bihira lang 'to," Aguilar remarked, highlighting the camaraderie and unique experience of the All-Star Game. He added, with a characteristic smile, "Nagkataon lang. Mindset ko lang kanina give back to the fans," showcasing his humility and dedication to the supporters who packed the arena.
While Aguilar shone brightest, the North's victory was truly a team effort, reflecting the depth of talent on their roster. Cjay Perez led all North scorers with a phenomenal 32 points, showcasing his relentless attacking prowess and efficiency throughout the game. Juan Gomez de Liaño, making a significant impact in his first All-Star appearance, contributed a well-rounded performance with 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, demonstrating his versatility and promising future in the league. Crucial to the North's late-game surge was Justin Arana, who imposed his presence in the paint, scoring back-to-back points that helped regain the lead for Solid North after they found themselves trailing heading into the fourth quarter. These clutch plays underscored the team's ability to execute under pressure.
On the other side, Solid South’s short-handed squad fought admirably, making every possession count. Alec Stockton was a standout, sinking an incredible nine triples on his way to 29 points, along with 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals, and a block, showcasing his remarkable all-around brilliance despite the losing effort. RJ Abarrientos added 26 points, and Calvin Oftana chipped in with 23 points, demonstrating the offensive firepower that the South still commanded despite their depleted ranks. Their individual performances captivated the audience and proved that even with fewer players, the South had plenty of fight.
The final sequence of the game saw Aguilar fittingly capping the match with a thunderous jam, extending the North's lead just enough to secure the victory. The North All-Stars then held strong on defense, stopping RJ Abarrientos on the final play to seal their triumph. This victory marks another chapter in the storied rivalry between the North and South, a competition that, despite its exhibition nature, still carries immense pride for the players and their respective regions. The return of this format has been a resounding success, reminding everyone of the classic appeal and excitement it brings to the PBA’s annual mid-season showcase.
Beyond the scores and statistics, the 2026 PBA All-Star Game was a profound celebration of Philippine basketball, offering fans a unique opportunity to witness their heroes in a more relaxed yet still fiercely competitive environment. It provided a significant platform for both established legends and emerging talents to shine, offering a compelling glimpse into the league's past, present, and future. The vibrant atmosphere in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, coupled with the high-caliber play, underscored the PBA's enduring place in the hearts of Filipino sports enthusiasts.
The return of the North-versus-South format itself represented a strategic move by the league, aiming to rekindle the intense regional pride that has historically energized Philippine basketball. Its success here, marked by competitive play and fan engagement, reaffirmed the format's relevance and potential to elevate future All-Star spectacles. For a league deeply embedded in the national consciousness, such events serve not just as entertainment but as unifying cultural touchstones, drawing communities together through shared passion for the sport.
The memory of Aguilar's dominant performance and the Solid North's hard-earned victory will surely resonate for some time across the archipelago. Their triumph sets a high bar for future All-Star encounters, further cementing the PBA’s role as a vibrant showcase of Filipino athletic prowess and competitive spirit.