At 39-years-old, Japeth Aguilar is the oldest among the 2026 PBA All-Stars in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
CANDON CITY, ILOCOS SUR — Japeth Aguilar is embracing his “Tito Japeth” tag in the 2026 PBA All-Star Weekend here.
At 39-years-old, Aguilar is the oldest among the stars who made the trip up north to provide entertainment for the fans at the Candon City Arena here.
The 10-time All-Star doesn’t mind.
“Oo nga (tawag nila sa’kin Tito Japeth). Kasi di lang 10 years tanda ko e, minsan 12 years so iba talaga,” Aguilar said after Solid North’s practice on Saturday, March 7.
Right now, the eight-time PBA champion is relishing his time, knowing his years in the league are numbered.
“Every time makakakuha ako ng ganitong opportunity, very grateful ako. Thankful ako sa mga fans na sumusuporta,” Aguilar said.
But perhaps the most meaningful thing Japeth does now is guiding the up-and-coming stars as he looks to leave the PBA in their good and capable hands.
“Sila yung magiging future ng PBA. Enjoy lang nila moment na to in the future sila naman maga-guide sa mga paparating na players,” he said.
Aguilar and Solid North will look to reimpose their dominance over South when the two teams take the floor Sunday, March 8.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.