_{^{By Alyanna Baga}}

Team Korea’s Rising Eagles were brimming up with passion as they geared up for the much-anticipated showdown against Team Philippines’ Kuys Showtime in the BENCH/ Shoot of Asia exhibition game that happened at the Mall Of Asia Arena last October 26, 2025.

Before the all-star showdown, South Korea’s Rising Eagles were able to share their sentiments and excitement on the upcoming game day as they held an exclusive press conference at Lanson Place Manila.

The team comprised of famous Korean personalities who are also talented basketball players starting off with SHINee’s Minho, NCT’s Johnny, Su-in, Eun-seok, Kim Taek, Dae-hee, Tae Jin, Seung-hoon, 2AM’s Jinwoon, Chan-woong, and Kyu-min. Seo Jang-hoon, former basketball player and variety show host served as the special team’s coach alongside Chon Tae-poong as the assistant coach. Rising Eagle’s team manager, Sandara Park, expressed their energy into words and shared how eager they are to let the game day crowd feel their A-game from stage to court. 

To kick-off the press conference, Coach Seo Jang-hoon conveyed how warmly they’ve been welcomed in the Philippines, noting that the team has dedicated much time to practice for this exhibition game. He added that they were eager to see how Team Kuys Showtime will perform, knowing that both Korea and the Philippines share a mutual love and passion for the sport. Assistant Coach Chon Tae-poong also praised the team’s strong passion for basketball, even fondly describing them as a special group that shares the same deep love for the sport. 

Sandara Park, knowing Filipinos by heart, was also asked to share her thoughts on the upcoming game between Korea and the Philippines. She admitted feeling a bit of a dilemma, since some of the players from Team Kuys Showtime are her dear friends. But, as the Rising Eagles manager, she expressed how she’s ready to give her full support to her talented team. 

We also had the opportunity to personally ask a question to two of Rising Eagles’ promising players Moon Su-in and Park Chan-woong:
“If you could achieve one highlight play in this exhibition, what would it be? Would you prefer a game-winning shot, a massive dunk, or a crucial defensive steal? Which play would be your signature move on the international court?”

Right off the bat, Moon Su-in recalled how they call the “paint area” the Moon Su-in area and that’s how confident he is when it comes to playing inside the paint. “Whether it’s rebounds, blocks, or shots, anything that happens there feels like my signature play.”

Meanwhile, earning giggles and admiration from the team, Park Chan-woong confidently introduced himself as the Stephen Curry of the Rising Eagles, describing how his forte is his three-point shooting, regardless of his position or distance, he has the strength and accuracy to show it off. Adding a playful comment with a grin, he stated-”I also want to warn Team Philippines to bring their best defense against me. As a guard, I’ve got solid fundamentals. I can apply strong defensive pressure or break through with a dribble rise, and once the defense loosens up, I can quickly finish with a three-point shot. So, you better watch out! Thank you so much — I can’t wait. Let’s get to work!”

With such confidence, camaraderie, and passion radiating from the Rising Eagles, game day at the Mall Of Asia Arena proves to be an electrifying game showcasing energy, friendship and talent.

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The showdown at the MOA  Arena court kicked off with Sandara Park’s lively introduction of each team’s members, allowing them to take up the crowd’s wild energy as they made their way into the heart of the court. Before tip-off, in the spirit of true friendship and camaraderie, both teams exchanged tokens as a gesture of goodwill. This was followed by each teams captains leading a pledge of sportsmanship, setting the tone for an exciting, intense yet playful game ahead.

As the game tipped off, the first shot came from none other than the “paint area” himself, Moon Su-in. His strong presence inside the paint area set the pace for the Rising Eagles, ultimately earning him the title of the Most Valuable Player (MVP). The game was a true testament on how both Korea and the Philippines are deeply passionate about basketball. It was an intense back-and-forth match, and the crowd could hardly afford to look away as every play, shot and steal drew excitement and cheers from fans all around the Arena.

To ease the game’s intensity, a special guest player was introduced — none other than Ryan Bang, who made his way into Minho’s heart—este, onto the court! He joked that having him on the team would be an advantage, as he could secretly spy on the opponents’ tactics. Kidding aside, Ryan brought laughter and lighthearted energy to the game as he enjoyed himself in the court.

Halftime performances were nothing short of spectacular with Filipino boy group HORI7ON hyping up the crowd with their hit songs, followed by Korea’s very own Billie, who brought their signature charm and charisma into the area. 

As the intense game reached its final buzzer, Team Korea came conquered both the scoreboard and the crowd’s hearts after an intense showdown with Kuys Showtime. Commending the players, BENCH also announced the game’s mythical five, consisting of Rising Eagle’s Moon Su-in, Jeong Jin-woon, Seung-hoon and Kuys’ Showtime Johannes Rissler and David Licauco. 

As the electrifying night neared its end, the ageless Sandara Park took the stage for a special performance that brought the crowd to its feet, belting out a series of fan-favorite hits, “I Am The Best” and even surprising the crowd with one of her OG classic, “In or Out”. Nonetheless, everyone jammed along to the music, it was the perfect ending to a truly special and unforgettable night, a celebration filled with friendship, fun, energy, and a shared love for basketball.

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This event wouldn’t have been possible without BENCH/, whose vision of merging the worlds of fashion and sports brought to life an unforgettable experience unlike any other. Ultimately, #BenchShootForAsia was one for the books. Thank you, BENCH/!