Japeth Aguilar of Barangay Ginebra captured his third Most Valuable Player award as the North team edged the South, 147–142, in the return of the PBA All-Star Game at Candon City Arena.
Aguilar sealed the victory with a two-handed, three-point dunk, finishing with 29 points and six rebounds. He previously won MVP honors in 2019 (Calasiao, Pangasinan) and 2024 (Bacolod City).
At 39 years old, Aguilar is now the oldest MVP in the All-Star exhibition and claimed the award solo, after sharing it in past editions with June Mar Fajardo and Robert Bolick.
The win marked the North’s sixth straight victory since the regional format’s return. Converge’s Justin Arana delivered a late surge, scoring 12 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, including clutch baskets that put the North ahead after trailing 142–140. CJ Perez of San Miguel Beer led all scorers for the North with 32 points.
For the South, Converge’s Alec Stockton tallied 29 points, keeping his squad competitive despite Aguilar’s early dunking spree.
Meanwhile, veteran beat writer Justine Bacnis won the Shooting Stars event for the second consecutive year, teaming up with Adrian Nocum and courtside reporter Jamie Lim to lead the blue team past squads featuring Santi Santillan, JB Bahio, and CJ Cansino.
The 50th PBA Commissioner’s Cup tips off on Wednesday, March 11, with live coverage on RPTV, Pilipinas Live, PBA Rush, and One Sports on YouTube.