NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton returns to Manila, will headline Vivo meet & greet on September 12 

NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, better known to basketball fans around the world as “The Glove” for his defensive brilliance, is set to return to the Philippines for an exclusive Meet & Greet presented by Vivo. The event will take place at the Vivo Concept Store, SM Megamall, on September 12 at 4:00 p.m. 

A 2006 NBA champion with the Miami Heat and a 2013 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Payton carved out a 17-year NBA career with the Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat. 

He is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in league history, noted for his unmatched defensive skill set, playmaking ability, and fiery competitiveness.

This will not be Payton’s first time in the Philippines, a country known for its passionate love of basketball. In 2010, he took part in the NBA Asia Challenge in Manila, suiting up alongside fellow legends Glen Rice, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Webber in a special exhibition with top stars from the Philippine Basketball Association. 

He later made his way back in 2016, this time for the grand opening of the NBA’s fourth official store in the country, located in Cebu City. 

The LEGEND is here!

Get the chance to WIN a seat at the vivo NBA Meet & Greet with none other than Gary Payton!

To join:
Comment “Gary Payton at the vivo Stage!”
Add the hashtags #vivoxNBA #vivoV60

We’re giving away 10 seats to lucky fans! Winners will be… pic.twitter.com/CKivE6BxzN

— vivo Philippines (@Vivo_Phil) September 8, 2025

During that trip, Payton went beyond ceremonial duties by engaging in NBA Cares activities, including a heartfelt visit to Abellana National School where he interacted with students, signed autographs, and shared words of encouragement about education, hard work, and perseverance.

Now, nearly a decade later, Payton’s return is once again generating excitement among Filipino fans. To celebrate, Vivo has launched an online giveaway campaign, offering 10 lucky supporters the chance to secure exclusive seats at the meet & greet.

Fans can join by commenting “Gary Payton at the vivo Stage!” along with the hashtags #vivoxNBA and #vivoV60. The winners will be officially announced on September 11, 2025, a day before the event.

Payton’s presence not only highlights Vivo’s continued partnership with the NBA, but also reaffirms the enduring relationship between the league and its Filipino fan base. 

As anticipation builds, the September 12 event promises to be more than just a fan meet—it will be another memorable chapter in the story of how the NBA and its legends continue to inspire Filipino basketball culture.

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