A highly anticipated rematch is officially on between content creator Cong TV’s Anbilibabol Basketball team and Star Magic’s Team Shooting Stars at the Star Magic All-Star Games 2025 this July 20 at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Quezon City.
On Star Magic’s official social media page, it was announced that Cong, alongside his brother Junnie Boy and fellow content creators, will go head-to-head in a basketball game against Kapamilya stars led by Gerald Anderson and Donny Pangilinan.
“If it’s a rematch you want, then it’s an INTENSE REMATCH you will get! 🔥 Let’s get it on, Cong! 🏀The Star Magic Shooting Stars are more than ready for another ball battle at this year’s ALL - STAR GAMES!," they said in a post.
According to the official poster, Lincoln “Cong” Velasquez will serve as playing coach, with his brother Marlon “Junnie Boy” Velasquez Jr. as team captain. The rest of the Anbilibabol Basketball lineup includes their brother-in-law Boss Keng (Christian Gaspar), Dudut (Jaime Marino De Guzman), Burong (Aaron Macacua), Yoh (Anthony Andrada), Carding Magsino, Bok (Carlos Magnata), Steve Wijayawickrama, JM Macariola, Nelson Mendoza, singer Matthaios, Cris and Patrick.
In a recent vlog, Cong teased the rematch while on a trip to Thailand. He pretended to call Donny Pangilinan but actually was talking to content creator Albert Nicolas also known as "Asian Cutie."
“Donny. Ang sa akin lang, bakit takot ka lumaban sa akin sa Star Magic? Kaya ako hindi nanalo sa inyo dahil may LBM ako at may sakit kami. Ano? Takot ka ba? Gusto mo ba kami maglaro ng basketball?” he asked.
Albert, pretending to be Donny, replied: "Tara! Ako pa hinamon mo.”
At the end of the vlog, Cong officially confirmed the rematch, revealing the venue, date and logo of the event.
Fans were quick to react to the announcement in the comment section.
“Ay pa gwapuhan na lng ng Team Captain hahaha syempre Donny ako 🔥🔥,” a fan quipped.
Another one said, referring to professional basketball players that Cong previously tried negotiate to join his team, “Sana may plot twist ipasok mo Yung mga inimport mo sa team boss Cong TV HAHA.”
Star Magic first unveiled the official lineup for Team Shooting Stars, with Gerald Anderson as coach and Donny Pangilinan as team captain. Their roster includes Seth Fedelin, JM Ibarra, BGYO Mikki, Joao Constancia, Emilio Daez, River Joseph, Elyson De Dios, Argel Saycon, Kobie Brown, JV Kapunan, Diego Gutierrez, Ashton Salvador, Marc Nanninga, and Tristan Ramirez.
In last year’s game, Donny’s team won 88–76 in a thrilling and competitive match against Cong. Ronnie Alonte was named MVP, scoring 27 points with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. The Mythical Five included Donny Pangilinan, Ronnie Alonte, Isaiah Dela Cruz (Team Shooting Stars), and Nelson Mendoza and Chris Lagudas (Team Anbilibabol).
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Aside from basketball, the Star Magic All-Star Games 2025 will feature men’s and women’s volleyball matches.
For the women’s division, Team Lady Setters is composed of BINI’s Mikha Lim, Anji Salvacion, Rain Celmar, Rans Rifol, Jas Dudley-Scales, Reign Parani, Isabel Laohoo, and Janah Zaplan. The team will also be reinforced by professional volleyball players Angel Canino and Erin Navarro.
Their opponents, Team Lady Spikers consisted of Loisa Andalio, Vivoree, Fyang Smith, Ai Dela Cruz, Analain Salvador, Carmella Ford, and Angela Ken. They, too, will be joined by pro players Bella Belen and Gel Cayuna, adding strength and experience to the lineup.
Meanwhile, in the men’s volleyball competition, Team Aces will include BGYO members Akira and JL, along with Zach Guerrero, PJ Endrinal, Dingdong Bahan, and Bong Gonzales. They will be supported by professional players Rex Intal and Eco Adajar.
Facing them will be Team Smashers, composed of Dylan Yturralde, Patrick Ramirez, Binsoy Namoca, Marc Santiago, Sky Quizon, and Jude Hinumdum. Their team will also feature guest pro players JM Ronquillo and Kiel Castillo.
Tickets are already available via TicketNet website. Here are the full prices below:
Courtside (with limited seats) - ₱10,000
Patron A - ₱5,000
Patron B - ₱4,000
Lowerbox - ₱2,000
Upperbox - ₱800
General Admission - ₱250
Live performances are also expected, including Tawag ng Tanghalan's Carmelle Collado and the Nation’s Girl Group BINI.