Japeth Aguilar copped his third PBA All-Star MVP as he led North in a win against the South in the 2026 PBA All-Star Game in Candon City.
CANDON CITY, ILOCOS SUR — In true Japeth Aguilar fashion, the Ginebra star dazzled in the 2026 PBA All-Star Game on Sunday, March 8.
Aguilar put up several rim-rocking baskets to steer Solid North to a 147-142 win over Solid South at the Candon City Arena here.
"Enjoy lang talaga, both North and South sa event na 'to. Bihira lang 'to," said Aguilar after the match.
Aguilar wound up with 29 points, six rebounds, two assists, and a steal in a tour-de-force performance that earned him the All-Star MVP award, the third of his career.
At 39, Japeth also became the oldest player to win All-Star MVP.
But while he emerged as the biggest winner, it was Cjay Perez who topscored for the North team with 32 points, while Juan Gomez de Liaño had 23 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists in his first All-Star experience.
Quiet for most stretches, Justin Arana imposed his size inside the paint and scored back-to-back points down the stretch to regain the lead for the North after they found themselves trailing entering the fourth, 144-142.
The 6-foot-9 Aguilar then fittingly capped the match with a jam before the North All-Stars stopped RJ Abarrientos in the final play.
"Nagkataon lang. Mindset ko lang kanina give back to the fans," Aguilar said with a smile.
Meanwhile, Alec Stockton shot nine triples on his way to 29 points four rebounds, six assists, five steals, and a block for the South.
RJ Abarrientos and Calvin Oftana added 26 and 23 points, respectively, in a losing effort.
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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.