After facing Team Star Magic in the first SEA-bling basketball showdown at the Star Magic All-Star Games 2026, Team GMMMTV expressed their gratitude to Filipino fans and shared their hopes of returning to the country for another game.
During the team’s closing remarks, the stars, led by Joss Way-Ar, thanked the Filipino crowd for the warm welcome and overwhelming support throughout the international match.
“This is such a surreal experience, and we and I am lost for words honestly,” Joss said. “You guys are so amazing. You guys are so lovely, passionate, and energetic. Such an amazing event. Hope you guys had fun like we did.”
For Joss, the game was particularly memorable. He revealed that it could also be his last basketball game for a while as he and co-star Gawin Caskey prepare for their upcoming series, Round One. “Actually, this might be the last time I’ll play basketball for a while. So, I’m so happy that I get to play basketball here in the Philippines.”
“We have to stop playing basketball a little bit because we have to do MMA because our series Round One is coming very soon. So, stay tuned for that and hopefully we see you guys very soon. Salamat and mabuhay!” he added.
Gawin, meanwhile, said he was touched by the reception from Filipino fans, calling the country his home. “Again, thanks for having us. This is my second time here in the Philippines, but it already feels like home. So, thank you again.”
The warm reception also prompted several members of Team GMMTV to express their desire to return to the country.
AJ Jutamas thanked Filipino fans for making the team feel welcome, while Ryu Phudtripart praised the energy of the crowd and even expressed his love for Filipino food and people.
“I’m so happy right now to see you guys here. You guys (gave) a warm welcome to me and all of my team and I love you guys so much. I hope you guys enjoy this game today and I think we will see you next time, for sure,” AJ said.
Ryu added, “Thank you for coming, everyone. I see everyone of you from the top aisle. I see you! We love you! We love the food. We love the people, the energy and the crowd. We’ll definitely will comeback!”
Aston Luengvoraphan also shared his appreciation for the opportunity to play in front of Filipino fans. “Hi everyone! I just wanna say, ‘mahal kita’, everyone. Thank you very much for the opportunity to play here and it’s an absolute honor to be able to entertain you guys and I hope you guys had fun. Hopefully, we will see you again soon!”
Neo, for his part, said: “Mabuhay, Philippine fans! Thank you for your support. Mahal ko kayo! See you next year!”
Members JJ Jutamas, Marc Natarit, Ping Krittanun and Teshow Promsaka Na Sakolnakorn also extended their love for the crowd who made the arena roar in loud cheer.
“We just wanna say thank you for all your support. We appreciate your kindness and we will remember this forever. Thank you so much!” JJ said.
Marc, who enjoyed the game, also said: “Thank you for watching today. I’m so happy to play basketball in the Philippines.”
For Ping Krittanun, experiencing the Filipino crowd for the first time was a memorable experience, saying: “Thank you for your warm welcome. You guys are so amazing and it’s my first time to come to the Philippines and I’m very happy. Love you all so much everyone!”
Teshow likewise described the game as a moment he would remember for years to come: “I’m really excited right now. First, thank you for supporting everything. I’ll remember this game for life. We enjoyed the game. I love you, Philippines fans. Thank you for coming.”
Team GMMTV went head-to-head with Team Star Magic, which was led by captain-coach Gerald Anderson and featured Ronnie Alonte, Emilio Daez, JM Ibarra, River Joseph, Young JV, Tristan Ramirez, Argel Saycon, Jeremiah Lisbo, Ashton Salvador and Elyson De Dios.
Team Star Magic ultimately secured the victory at 83-53.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Gerald described the matchup as a learning experience for both sides and highlighted the heart shown by Team GMMTV.
“It’s a good learning experience for both teams and even the players, nagenjoy sila. Ang mas nakakatuwa doon kahit malayo yung score, hindi nag-give up yung kabila. Ayon yung puso,” Gerald said, praising the Thai team for continuing to fight until the final buzzer.
LOOK: GMMTV actors express gratitude towards Filipino fans after Star Magic All-Star Games
“First time ko sila makita (kanina) sa court. Nagulat ako na ang lalaki nila pero mababait sila and I’m sure super hard working sila. Sa GMMTV, our brothers, SEA-blings from Thailand, maraming salamat! Thank you and sa uulitin. Let’s do this again!” Gerald added.