In a basketball-loving country such as the Philippines, it is only fitting that the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will kick off their Asia tour in Manila on Nov. 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Timothy Ho of global live entertainment, ticketing and technology business TEG Asia remarked that it was “natural” for them to bring the sports team to the Philippines because of the Filipinos’ fondness for sports.
Harlem Globetrotters stars Alex ‘Moose’ Weekes and Rock ‘Wham’ Middleton give a sneak peek of what to expect from their Manila show on Nov. 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“When we started planning, (we) examined the Asia region and you know Manila, Philippines was definitely one of our utmost priorities because for one thing, basketball is (a famous) sport (and it is) the No. 1 most followed sport in the Philippines,” Timothy pointed out during a presscon held recently at the Novotel Manila in Araneta City.
“So, it was just natural for us to bring the Harlem Globetrotters here and (also), the Smart Araneta Coliseum (holds a) special place in Philippines basketball. So, it was a natural and very easy decision for us to stop the tour here,” he continued.
The Harlem Globetrotters will head to Malaysia on Nov. 14, Indonesia on Nov. 16 and 17, and Singapore on Nov. 23 and 24, after their Manila show. The last time that they were here was in 2009.
“It’s been way too long,” commented Harlem Globetrotters star Alex “Moose” Weekes who was also at the presscon. “One thing that we know is that Asia has some of the most passionate fans all over the globe. We’re really excited to get back out here and connect with these fans. And the Philippines is a great place to start because they have such a passion for basketball and the Globetrotters, we love to party and we’re gonna invite them to our party.”
Moose, who’s thrilled to be in the country, shared what Filipino basketball enthusiasts can expect from the show.
“We’ve heard so much about the passion for basketball. So, what can the fans expect is not only get entertained by amazing basketball skills, but you’re gonna see the dunks, sharpshooter from all points of the court, trick shots from the stand.
“The only person that might not be smiling, it might be the referee. But that’s whole another story. You’ll have to come to see and find out. But it’s one of those that we really pride ourselves on being able to entertain our fans like nobody else can. So, you’re gonna see a lot of flair, charisma that only Globetrotters bring to the court.”
Moose played college ball at Middle Tennessee State, where he led the Blue Raiders in the number of blocks as a freshman. He surpassed the school record for most blocked shots in a game.
He also appeared on television, such as, on NBC’s “TODAY,” “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” Disney’s “Dog with a Blog,” ABC’s “The Goldbergs,” Food Network’s “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen,” HBO’s “Vice,” Nickelodeon’s “Mutt & Stuff,” ABC’s “Good Morning America,” The Weather Channel, NBA TV’s “The Starters,” and “Gametime.”
“Almost 15 years later, 50 plus countries, I’m able to travel the world and live out my dreams, so it’s just one crazy ride and I’m blessed,” declared Moose.
Another Harlem Globetrotters star is Rock “Wham” Middleton who always dreamed of playing basketball as a profession growing up.
He recalled, “When the Globetrotters gave me a call in 2018, it was like a dream come true because (I get to do) four of my favorite things — I get to travel, I get to play basketball, I get to go all around the world and making people laugh and make lifelong memories.
“And I get to try different food everywhere, the culture is amazing everywhere you go… And now, I’m living out that dream.”
He is, as well, elated to be entertaining the Filipinos with his basketball skills and antics in November.
“I know that the basketball culture here is outstanding and immaculate. We are trying to fill up the stadium. I believe that we can do that because of the passion that you have guys here.
“And I know that us, we love to play basketball and I know you, guys, too, so when you come out, you’ll never gonna know what to expect in our game. Like he (Moose) said, it is a party. We might bring one of you, guys, to come play with us, come dance with us. But I don’t wanna say too much, I can’t reveal so much. You just have to come and watch on Nov. 12.”
Dubbed the “world’s fastest dribbler,” Wham holds nine Guinness World Records titles for the Most Dribbles in One Minute and earned Top Rookie Player during his debut season with the team. He is the cousin of actor-comedian Chris Tucker.
On their “celebrity status,” Moose said they handle their fame with humility.”
“I think we don’t want to (be) around like celebrities,” maintained Moose. “If you know my teammates, myself included, we like to move with humility. I think that’s what also makes us also approachable than other athletes at times.
“And we’re always gracious. It’s always a privilege to do what we do to be able to travel the world you know people following and watching all your stuff on social media. And then when they get to meet you, you don’t wanna be somebody that lets them down. So, you wanna share that same joy inside, so you just kind turn it on when people interact with you in the airport.
“I tried to have fun with it sometimes, see people sneaking their cameras, while I’m eating. So, I put my phone out and make sure the camera is on and I’m gonna press that button and we can exchange photos.”
He stressed that being part of the Harlem Globetrotters is something that they “take with pride and responsibility.”
The entertainment brand Harlem Globetrotters was founded in 1926 and has been touring the world since then to showcase their iconic brand of basketball.
(Fans can sign up for an account on TicketWorld for the latest information and sign up for the waitlist to get pre-sale access. For details on the event, please visit www.harlemglobetrotters.asia).
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