Argel Saycon dominates the court, wins Basketball MVP at Star Magic All-Star Games 2025

Leveling up the excitement at the Star Magic All-Star Games 2025 on Sunday, July 20, was the much-anticipated basketball rematch between the Star Magic Shooting Stars and Team Payaman’s ANBILIBABOL, which first clashed on the All-Star court in 2023, with Star Magic emerging victorious.

Team Payaman served up ‘pogi’ vibe and confidence during the parade of players. Cong TV suited up as the playing coach for Team ANBILIBABOL, with his brother Junnie Boy in the roster, together with their friends Boss Keng, Dudut, Burring, Yoh, Carding, Bok, Steve, Nelson, Matthaios, Igme, Chris, and Patrick.

Meanwhile, Gerald Anderson returned to the sidelines as head coach of the Shooting Stars, with Donny Pangilinan leading the charge as team captain. The lineup was a solid mix of veterans and rising players, including River Joseph, Elyson de Dios, JV Kapunan, and Argel Saycon, who were all previous Mythical 5 members, along with former MVP Ashton Salvador.

Adding more muscle and momentum were Joao Constancia, Kobie Brown, Emilio Daez, Diego Gutierrez, Argel Saycon, BGYO Mikki, and Seth Fedelin, who’ve all become familiar faces on the All-Star hardcourt. Rookies JM Ibarra and Marc Nanninga also joined the roster.

Over at thee Shooting Stars' camp, first to enter the court were the Shooting Stars’ dazzling muses, Kolette Madelo and Kai Montinola. Then came a dance performance from "Pilipinas Got Talent" Season 7 finalist Fuego Eterno, known for their explosive hip-hop routines and eye-catching costumes. Just when the crowd thought the number was over, the real surprise kicked in as the other masked dancers in matching outfits revealed themselves as the Shooting Stars players in full disguise. The arena erupted in cheers, stunned and hyped by the unexpected, show-stopping entrance.

But before the game tipped off, things heated up with a classic trash talk exchange that brought out the swagger from both sides. Donny carried the confidence of a reigning champ, telling Team Payaman, “Galingan n’yo na lang." He said they've been watching vlogs where Cong's squad was seen getting "pa-pogi" touch-ups from beauty clinics. So, Donny dropped the line of the day: “Sana mamaya, pogi rin ‘yong score n’yo.”

Coach Gerald could only shake his head and laugh, saying, “Lahat ng yabang napunta na kay Donny.”

Team Payaman’s Cong stayed quiet at first, but his brother Junnie Boy stepped in, saying, “Ipakita na lang sa laro," when asked why they didn't prepare a special number like they did in 2023. Junie Boy insisted they're focused on the scoreboard. “’Yong performance, sa kanila na ‘yan,” he added.

When asked for their final message before the game, Cong grabbed the microphone and had the Shooting Stars line up, then signaled for the lights to go off. Suddenly, a video montage played, flashing highlights from their 2023 match, followed by a surprise performance from Team Payaman themselves. The court turned into a stage for a full-on, musical-style showdown themed “Katapusan n’yo na,” drawing laughter and cheers from the crowd.

The basketball showdown between the Star Magic Shooting Stars and Team Payaman’s ANBILIBABOL lived up to the hype.

The game opened with Boss Keng, Nelson, Carding, Chris, and Cong TV as the starting five for ANBILIBABOL, while Diego, Ashton, Elyson, Argel, and Donny kicked things off for the Shooting Stars. Although the first possession went to the Shooting Stars, it was Team Payaman who drew first blood, thanks to Chris scoring the game’s opening basket.

The score remained close early on, with both teams tying at 4-4 during the first timeout. It was clear that ANBILIBABOL came prepared, running the court with relentless stamina and strong defensive plays. But it didn’t take long before the Shooting Stars found their rhythm. As their shots started sinking in one after another, ANBILIBABOL got stuck at 9 points while the Shooting Stars pulled ahead to 20. Burong broke the dry spell for Team Payaman and also nailed the game’s first three-pointer. By the end of the first quarter, the Shooting Stars led, 21-14.

In the second quarter, the Shooting Stars rotated in a fresh lineup—Marc, Joao, BGYO Mikki, JM, and Seth —giving their first-string players a breather. ANBILIBABOL took advantage, tightening their defense and capitalizing on their opponents’ "less experienced" lineup. Although the tide shifted once more as River and Ashton re-entered the court for the Shooting Stars, still, ANBILIBABOL’s intensity was undeniable. The second quarter ended with a closer margin, 39-31, still in favor of the Shooting Stars.

Entering the third quarter, Team Payaman was down by eight. The game started to get more physical as both teams fought harder for every possession. Young JV, last year’s MVP, stepped up and turned more aggressive in scoring, helping the Shooting Stars widen the gap. Teamwork became the Shooting Stars’ weapon, with commentators Migs Bustos and Ricci Rivero praising River’s slick assist to Kobie, who completed the play with a clean basket. By the end of the third quarter, the Shooting Stars were ahead, 63-50.

The fourth quarter opened with Team Payaman trailing by 13, but they weren’t going down without a fight. They slowly chipped away at the lead, cutting it down to four with just over six minutes left. Fueled by crowd energy and clutch plays, they managed to bring the game to a tie at 65 with under four minutes on the clock. That’s when both teams brought in their “energy guys” to shift the momentum. The Shooting Stars, whose offense had turned stagnant, needed a reset, while ANBILIBABOL found their groove and continued to push.

With just two minutes left and only two points separating the teams, the intensity hit fever pitch. Young JV pushed the Shooting Stars forward, while Nelson became the go-to guy for Team Payaman. Nelson nearly turned the tides with a potential game-tying three, but the shot missed its mark, plus an offensive foul was called right after. Team Payaman still went for the win, attempting another three amid a chaotic scramble, but the Shooting Stars held their ground.

With just 31 seconds left and a slim three-point lead, the pressure was on. Nelson once again tried to even the score with a deep shot, but it didn’t connect. That final miss gave the Shooting Stars what they needed to seal the deal as the Star Magic All-Star Games 2025 Champions.

The Star Magic Shooting Stars were crowned Grand Champions of the Star Magic All-Star Games 2025. Meanwhile, Cong’s ANBILIBABOL team proudly accepted their 1st runner-up trophy, which was a well-deserved recognition for their never-say-die spirit and thrilling effort.

Argel Saycon was hailed as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), while JM Ibarra earned the Rookie of the Year title. The Mythical 5 honors went to Shooting Stars' Argel, Young JV, and Donny Pangilinan, and from Team ANBILIBABOL, Nelson Mendoza and Patrick.

TEAM BAHAY and TEAM ABROAD! You can still have access to Star Magic All Star Games 2025! Watch the exclusive LIVESTREAM and FANCAM via SUPER KAPAMILYA! Just go to ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel and click ‘join’!