Over 100 members of the local Filipino community in Adelaide came out to welcome newly arrived kababayan, Kai Sotto at Apex Park, West Beach in Adelaide.
The Adelaide 36ers newest recruit was greeted like the global sensation he is with selfies and signing, just over a week since he arrived in Adelaide.
Filipinos who attended stated that he was ‘very generous’ with his time, as groups arrived and lined up to meet him.
The 19-year-old basketball sensation from Las Pinas in the Philippines also enjoyed some Filipino delicacies with lechon, pansit, empanadas, ube cake and much more prepared by the Filipinos in attendance.
He was seen contacting his mother and father back in the Philippines via Facetime to show them the great Filipino welcome he received.
Kai addressed the crowd in mother tongue Tagalog, thanking everyone for attending and welcoming him in Adelaide. He stated, “It’s always a great feeling seeing and meeting my Filipinos everywhere I go, and I am just happy that a lot of them are here in Australia.”
State Assistant Minister Hon Jing Lee also welcomed Kai on behalf of the Premier of South Australia. Mayor of West Torrens, Michael Coxton was also present, as well as Honorary Philippine Consul to South Australia, Darryl Johnson.
National President of the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA), Carmen Garcia thanked everyone for coming and alongside state council chair, Carlotta Mendoza who co-hosted the special community event. The Filipino Settlement Coordinating Council of SA (FSCCSA) also played a part in organising the event.
Kai Sotto is 7’3 and still growing. He will be training ahead of the highly anticipated National Basketball League 2021-2022 season on November 18.
Special deals will be offered to Filipinos for discounted tickets. Follow the The Philippine Times on Facebook, as further announcements will be made in the weeks to come.
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