
AS one of the festivities of the OFW Party List for our migrant workers in celebration of the Christmas season, OFW Party List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino organized the first-ever “Bida sa Kapaskuhan: A Friendly Basketball Match between Celebrities and OFW Families” yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
TEAM OFW, a formidable team made up of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and family members, emerged victorious in the basketball match, showcasing not only their athletic prowess, but also the resilience and strength that define the Filipino spirit as they strived to catch up with the celebrity team despite a tight race all throughout the four quarters. Final score of the friendly match was 80-82.
TEAM BIDA had a star-studded lineup of celebrities including Joross Gamboa, Joseph Bitangcol, Mark Herras, Matt Evans, Joko Diaz, Onyok Velasco, JC Tiuseco, RJ Martinez, JR Cawiling, and Paul Salas. Their participation drew cheers from the crowd comprised of around 1,000 OFWs and their family members from all over Luzon.
The OFW Party List also provided 400 raffle items during the event. Rep. Magsino said the party list wanted to recognize the hard work and dedication of our OFWs to uplift their families’ economic conditions, often sacrificing special holidays, such as Christmas just to be able to work and earn more.
“Ang selebrasyong ito ay higit pa sa isang simpleng sports event — ito ay pagpapalalim ng pagkakaisa ng OFW Party List at mga kasaping OFW at mga kapamilya nila sa adbokasiya natin para sa sektor. Sa ginanap na basketball match at pagtitipon, nakapaghatid din tayo ng saya sa ating mga OFWs sa gitna ng mga hamon sa buhay. ” said Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann also graced the opening ceremony.
The Offices of Senator Francis Tolentino and Senator Bong Go were also present to show their support for the sector, as both senators are actively pushing for policies and programs for the benefit of our OFWs and their families.