Martin David

It’s February once again and my did January breeze by so quickly!February’s been known to be Happy Hearts’ Month (which I am not fond of). But what  I look forward to this cheesy month is the NBA’s Midseason Classic, the NBA All-Star Weekend. On it’s 59th year, the NBA brings together some of the best basketball players to participate in a weekend full of fun, excitement, and ofcourse basketball.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of this wonderful weekend a couple of times before. I still remember vividly the first time I went to the All-Stars.  It was in Denver and the cold nor the altitude bothered me one bit! I was like a kid in the candy store, wanting to try every single event at Jam Session, wanting to take a pic of all the players/celebs within the vicinity. Working for the network that brings the NBA has its perks. Our broadcast seats were right smack at the center-  a row behind Charles, Kenny and EJ, and a few seats away from David Stern. I tells ya, it was a surreal experience.

That was the first All-Star game of LeBron and DWade, AI showing the world he still mattered, the Birdman flubbed almost all his dunk attempts, and a bagful of other memories. This year, the weekend will be hosted by Mark Cuban and the Mavs in Dallas. Unfortunately, I won’t make the trip this time around. It’s cool (who am I kidding, it sucks!), but it’s always great to have others experience the wonder that is the All-Star Weekend. What’s special about this year is that they are playing at the brand-spanking new Coliseum of the Cowboys (yes, the same venue where Pacman will face Clottey a month from now).  We can still enjoy All-Star action from our homes as Solar TV and Basketball TV broadcast the weekend’s events.

Solar TV will only air the main events per day, while BTV will have all-access coverage of the whole weekend. Basketball TV gets exclusive coverage of the day’s events from Media Availablity, Team Practices (where Shaq breakdanced his ass off), HOF announcements, HORSE, d-League All-Star Game and many others. BTV’s All-Star coverage starts Saturday, February 13 at 130am onwards.

If you want to play like the All-Stars, BTV also has its annual event, the All-Star Festival. This year, the event will be at the MOA Music Hall. From 11 onwards, partake in all the All-Star Type events (Shooting Stars, 3-Point Shootout, Slam Dunk and Skills Challenge) with other basketball fans. PBA Players will also make an appearance to make this event a memorable one. The All-Star Festival will be on the 14th.

For the main events, here’s the TV schedule:

February 13, Saturday- Rookie Challenge

1pm Solar TV (delayed)

10am BTV (live)

February 14, Sunday- All-Star Saturday Night

9am Solar TV/BTV (live)

February 15, Monday- All-Star Game

9am Solar TV/BTV (live)

For BTV’s All-Access All-Star coverage, log on to www.btv.com.ph or check back here in a couple of days before the event.