BENCH's "Shoot of Asia" celebrated sports, entertainment, and connection between Philippines and Korea

The most-awaited basketball exhibition game between Korea and the Philippines has finally happened through “Shoot of Asia” presented by BENCH, held last October 26, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Both countries showed off a strong lineup of celebrities who are also involved in the sport of basketball.

Team Korea’s Rising Eagles featured K-Pop idols like SHINee’s Choi Min Ho, NCT’s Johnny, and 2AM’s Jeong Jin Woon, K-drama actors like Eun Seok and Kim Taek, and other skilled players like Moon Su In, Lee Dae Hee, Son Tae Jin, Oh Seung Hoon, Park Chan Woong, and Jung Kyu Min from EXchange 2. Headed by coach Seo Jang Hoon and assistant coach Chon Tae Poong, Team Korea was also joined by team manager Sandara Park from 2NE1.

Competing against them was Team Philippines’ Kuys Showtime, composed of Filipino entertainers Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, and Ion Perez, singers Adie Garcia, Arthur Nery, and Billy Crawford, actors EA de Guzman, Wendell Ramos, David Licauco, JC De Vera, Ronnie Alonte, Johannes Rissler, River Joseph, Dustin Yu, and influencer Baileys Acot.

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Unifying the Filipino and Korean crowd, Sandara Park started the event by introducing the players of the night from each team, who were welcomed by loud cheers. Before the game proper, captains Choi Min Ho and Vhong Navarro led the Oath of Sportsmanship as the teams’ representatives. The teams also prepared gifts for each other, traditional fans from Korea, and plushies from the Philippines.

When the game started, the audience was presented with an exciting show of impressive basketball skills, brilliant team plays, and intense competition that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The thrill and amusement brought by the players and the game itself were remarkable, producing rare moments that you can’t witness anywhere else.

The fans’ show of support for their favorite celebrities was endearing, evident by their passionate cheers, creative hand banners, and enthusiastic reactions to every moment of the game. During timeouts, basketballs signed by the players were given to fans randomly in the seated areas.

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The event continued to be full of energy thanks to the special performances of Filipino boy group HORI7ON and K-pop girl group BILLLIE. HORI7ON’s “Meteor” and “Hit Me” were high-powered, while BILLLIE’s “Flipping A Coin” and “Ring Ma Bell” captivated the audience.

To end the night on a high note, Sandara Park delivered the final performances with her song “Kiss,” an exciting medley of 2NE1 songs like “I Am The Best,” “Come Back Home,” and “Go Away,” and her nostalgic track “In or Out,” which was highly enjoyed by the Filipino and Korean crowd alike.

Ultimately, “Shoot of Asia” was a momentous event that showed the deep relationship and connection between Korea and the Philippines through our shared love for music, culture, entertainment, and even sports.

All images courtesy of BENCH