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From star athletes to recording artists, these Filipino acts have showed up courtside in the NBA.
With the Philippines being considered a basketball country, it’s hardly surprising that it’s biggest celebrities and athletes are also avid fans of the NBA. Over the years, we’ve had these stars posting photos in storied venues, getting close enough to watch their favorite stars live.
From athletes like Manny Pacquiao, to showbiz figures like Donny Pangilinan and BINI, here’s five Filipino stars that have been spotted in the NBA’s so-called celebrity row.
Manny Pacquiao
Pacman has often been spotted at NBA games, especially those involving the Los Angeles Lakers. As part of his recent US trip, though, Pacquiao was at Madison Square Garden during the New York Knicks’ 112-95 win over the Toronto Raptors. The boxing icon even linked up with Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson after the game.
Apart from the NBA, Pacquiao has made high-profile appearances in other American sports leagues like the MLB, MLS, and the NHL.
BINI
As the first all-Filipino group to perform in Coachella, BINI was recently invited to the Intuit Dome during the LA Clippers’ Filipino Heritage Night. But while it was their first time watching live, their hit song Cherry on Top was already performed at a Clippers halftime show.
Donny Pangilinan
Filipino actor Donny Pangilinan’s love for the NBA is well-documented. Just recently, he was invited to catch the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles with his sister, Hannah. The fan-favorite star also played in a celebrity exhibition game held in Macao two years ago, where he shared the court with icons like Tracy McGrady and Tony Parker.
Liza Soberano
Now in the United States, you’re likely to catch Liza Soberano in another NBA game soon. Just last March, Liza was spotted courtside at the Crypto.com Arena during the Los Angeles Lakers’ 110-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Though she’s keeping a low profile these days, Liza’s appearance on the NBA social media feeds certainly attracted a lot of attention.
Denise Julia
Last but not least is Filipina R&B singer Denise Julia, who like Pacquiao, was at the Garden during the Knicks-Raptors bout. DJ’s courtside appearance was likely part of a promotional run as she prepares to release new music.
Safe to say, Denise enjoyed her time at the iconic venue, making sure to pose for photos after the game.
Banner images from MediaWorks on Instagram.