On February 23, music lovers and sports enthusiasts gathered at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to witness the first-ever Wish Olympics.

The event, organized by Wish 107.5, featured volleyball and basketball exhibition games participated in by OPM acts, local celebrities, and sports figures including notable PBA legends and UNTV Cup players. The proceeds will go to the affected families of the Taal volcano eruption, which happened on January 12.

The Wish Olympics was first announced by BMPI-Wish 107.5 President and CEO Kuya Daniel Razon during the 5th Wish Music Awards, held a week after the eruption took place.

“Perhaps, you’ve heard about the recent Taal volcano eruption, wherein it affected many of our fellowmen there. That’s the reason why I would like to take this opportunity to invite all artists. We will be coming up with a Wish Olympic and the proceed of this event will be donated to [them]… Let us join hands to help our fellow Filipinos,” he stated during his WMA speech.

“More than anything, it’s all about camaraderie and appreciating volleyball and bringing the game to Wish fans,” Gretchen Ho of the winning volleyball team, Team Black, shared in an interview.

Her team went up against Team Orange, with celebrity player Claudia Barretto as the captain. They clinched the championship tilt after winning three of five sets (26-24, 17-25, 25-18, 10-25, 15-09).

The said volleyball match reunited known names from the said sport, including Ho, Kathy Bersola, Che Sindayen, Roma Joy Doromal, Jem Ferrer, and Heather Guino-o among others. Other celebrity players were Aya Fernandez and Gwen Zamora.

Meanwhile, the much-awaited basketball game saw an adrenaline-inducing match between the teams of PBA legends (Team White) and celebrities (Team Black). The latter won, 102-101.

“I am thankful to Kuya Daniel because of this opportunity to help the Taal eruption victims,” Allan “The Triggerman” Caidic of Team White said, sharing his insights about the charitable event.

His team comprised Jayjay Helterbrand, Johnny Abarientos, Chris Calaguio, and Willie Miller, together with UNTV Cup players Anton Tolentino Jr. and Carlo Gonzalez.

The celebrity players included King of R&B Jay R, Young JV, Rayver Cruz, Mark Herras, Ejay Falcon, James Blanco, and Albie Casino among others. 

“Thank you so much Kuya Daniel for inviting me and my fellow celebrities to the Wish Olympics. It’s a wonderful idea to bring everyone together for a meaningful purpose,” singer Young JV said. 

The charitable event also featured performances from Morissette, Clara Benin, Jayda, Imago, The Juans, The Wishfuls, and Rhea Basco.