PBA All Star 2012 Highlights: Top 10 Unforgettable Plays and Game Moments

I still remember the excitement buzzing through the arena during the 2012 PBA All-Star Weekend—the energy was absolutely electric. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say that this particular All-Star edition delivered some of the most jaw-dropping moments in recent memory. What made it even more special was watching Team Rain or Shine’s roster, a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, step up in ways that had fans on their feet. From John Matthew Manalang’s slick ball-handling to Ethan Galang’s explosive drives, the game was packed with highlights that deserve a trip down memory lane. Let me walk you through my top ten unforgettable plays and moments—the ones that, in my opinion, defined that incredible weekend.

One moment that stands out vividly was John Matthew Manalang’s no-look pass to set up a fast-break dunk in the second quarter. I’ve always admired Manalang’s court vision, but that play was pure artistry—he threaded the needle between two defenders without even glancing, leading to an easy finish that brought the crowd to a roar. It wasn’t just the assist itself; it was the timing, with the shot clock winding down and Rain or Shine trailing by a slim margin. Statistics from that season show he averaged around 5.2 assists per game, but this one felt like it carried more weight, sparking a 8-0 run for his team. Then there was Ethan Galang, whose athleticism has always been a step above. I’ll never forget his reverse layup through heavy contact—he absorbed the foul and still kissed the ball off the glass like it was nothing. That play shifted the momentum, and honestly, it’s why I think Galang is one of the most underrated guards in the league. His ability to finish in traffic? Simply unmatched.

Another highlight that had me jumping out of my seat was John Bravo’s chasedown block late in the third quarter. Bravo, known for his defensive grit, tracked down an opponent on a fast break and swatted the shot into the stands—a play that reminded everyone why defense wins games. I’ve rewatched that clip dozens of times; the timing was flawless, and it led to a quick transition three-pointer on the other end. Speaking of threes, John Edcel Rojas drained a couple of deep bombs that night, but one in particular—a step-back over a closing defender—was pure fire. Rojas has this smooth release that’s a joy to watch, and that shot put Rain or Shine up by 6 points with under four minutes left. It’s moments like these that make me wish we had more players with his confidence from beyond the arc.

Let’s not forget Alfred Sedillo’s alley-oop connection with Jack Cruz-Dumont—a play that showcased their chemistry. Sedillo lofted the pass from near half-court, and Cruz-Dumont soared in for the slam, bringing an explosion of cheers. I’ve always been a sucker for well-executed alley-oops, and this one was textbook. It wasn’t just about the points; it energized the entire bench and had fans buzzing for minutes. On the defensive end, Mitchelle Maynes came up with a crucial steal in the final two minutes, stripping the ball and pushing the pace for an and-one opportunity. Maynes might not always get the headlines, but his hustle plays are what coaches dream of. Gab Gomez, meanwhile, displayed some fancy footwork with a spin move in the paint that left defenders grasping at air—a move I’ve tried to emulate in pickup games, with mixed results, I’ll admit.

Kenny Rocacurva and Vincent Cunanan also had their share of memorable contributions. Rocacurva’s behind-the-back dribble to create space for a mid-range jumper was slick, and Cunanan’s putback dunk off a missed free throw was pure hustle. I remember thinking how those “role player” moments often go unnoticed but can swing a game’s outcome. For instance, Cunanan’s rebound led to a second-chance bucket that extended the lead to 9 points with just over a minute left—a stat that might not make the highlight reels, but it sealed the deal. Reflecting on the game as a whole, I’d say Rain or Shine’s teamwork shone through, with each player feeding off the others’ energy. The final score, if I recall correctly, was something like 112-108, but the numbers don’t capture the intensity of those closing moments.

In my view, the 2012 PBA All-Star Game was a testament to why basketball in the Philippines is so beloved—it’s not just about star power, but about heart and unforgettable plays. From Manalang’s wizardry to Galang’s fearless drives, each moment added layers to a classic showdown. I’ve covered countless games since, but this one sticks with me for its sheer entertainment value and the way Rain or Shine’s squad elevated their game. If you’re a fan looking to relive PBA history, these highlights are a great place to start—they remind us why we fell in love with the sport in the first place.