GMMTV STARS HAVE ARRIVED IN MANILA — BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY FINALLY FACE STAR MAGIC ON THE COURT?
MANILA, Philippines — The much-anticipated Philippine–Thailand celebrity showdown is officially getting closer as stars from GMMTV have arrived in Manila ahead of the Star Magic All-Star Games 2026 on Sunday, August 23.
The arrival of the Thai actors on Saturday, August 22, adds another layer of excitement to an event that is shaping up to be one of the biggest entertainment-sports crossovers of the year.
The GMMTV stars are in the Philippines to represent Team GMMTV Thailand, which will face the Team Star Magic Shooting Stars in a special basketball exhibition at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
GMMTV Stars Ready for Manila Showdown
The Thai delegation includes AJ Jutamas, JJ Jutamas, Neo, Joss, Gawin, Ryu, Aston, Marc, Ping, and Teshow.
The group had previously expressed excitement about the matchup, with twins AJ and JJ Jutamas joining a Star Magic media conference virtually from Bangkok in July as preparations for the historic game were underway.
Their arrival now puts the highly anticipated matchup within hours of tipping off.
The event marks a major international expansion of the Star Magic All-Star Games, which traditionally featured friendly competition among Filipino entertainment personalities. This year, the concept has been transformed into a cross-border sports and entertainment spectacle involving stars from the Philippines and Thailand.
Gerald Anderson Leads Team Star Magic
Waiting on the other side of the court will be Team Star Magic Shooting Stars, led by playing coach Gerald Anderson.
The Philippine team includes Ronnie Alonte, Jeremiah Lisbo, Emilio Daez, River Joseph, Ashton Salvador, Argel Saycon, Elyson De Dios, JV Kapunan, Tristan Ramirez, and reigning Rookie of the Year JM Ibarra.
Anderson has described the event as more than just a basketball game, emphasizing its role in bringing Filipino and Thai entertainment communities together.
The matchup is expected to combine celebrity fandom, basketball competition and cultural exchange—with both sides looking to make an impression once they step onto the court.
It's Bigger Than One Basketball Game
The 2026 edition will not be limited to the headline Philippines-versus-Thailand matchup.
The program also features a Junior Basketball Game and a women's volleyball competition, bringing more Star Magic talents into the spotlight.
The expanded format is part of Star Magic's effort to turn its annual All-Star Games into a larger entertainment and sports event.
This year's international component has also generated considerable online attention, with the event's official promotional campaign building anticipation around the hashtag #AllStarMagicGames2026.
Fans Can Watch the Star Magic All-Star Games 2026 Online
For fans unable to attend the event at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the games will also be available through ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube membership and iWant Tickets.
According to Philstar's August 17 report, the livestream is scheduled for August 23 at 1 p.m., with access priced at P79. Fans can also participate in voting for selected fan-favorite categories through ABS-CBN's YouTube Super Chat.
That means fans will have more than just the basketball games to watch, with additional opportunities to support their favorite Star Magic personalities.
The Philippine-Thai Celebrity Rivalry Is About to Get Real
What began as an ambitious crossover between two entertainment industries is now just hours away from becoming reality.
With the GMMTV stars already in Manila and Team Star Magic preparing for the hardcourt battle, attention is now shifting to one question:
Who will dominate when the Philippines and Thailand finally meet on the court?
The answer will come Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
And with some of Thailand's most recognizable young television stars facing Filipino celebrity athletes, the result could become one of the most talked-about moments of the 2026 Star Magic All-Star Games.