Derrick Rose ‘surprised’ by local love in Cebu, dances tinikling

FILE–Derrick Rose, former NBA MVP with the Chicago Bulls, speaks to the media during a press conference prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 165 at Chicago Street Course on July 06, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Logan Riely/Getty Images/AFP

LAPU-LAPU CITY—NBA legend Derrick Rose kicked off his tour of Cebu with a private event held Tuesday night in this city.

Rose graced an appreciation dinner hosted by a licensed online sportsbook at Shangri-La Mactan before VIPs and reporters.

“That’s why I retired, to be able to have these types of moments, being able to see people face-to-face, being intimate and to grow connections,” Rose said.

READ: NBA legend Derrick Rose back in PH for the fifth time

Derrick Rose dances the tinikling during tonight’s Champion’s Circle here in Lapu-Lapu #ChampionCircle #BeyondTheGame #WhereChampionsPlay @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/riH4pAh453

— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) August 25, 2026

It was Rose’s first trip down south after spending his last two visits as brand ambassador in Manila.

During the event, the 2011 NBA MVP got to pose for pictures with fans while a cultural performance was held in Rose’s honor.

The Chicago Bulls great even got to dance the tinikling to wrap up the event, before granting selfies and autographs to almost everyone who attended the gathering.

More fans will get a chance to see Rose in person on Wednesday when his tour concludes with a public event at SM Seaside Cebu.

Before the evening festivities, Rose was spotted touring the famed Mactan Shrine where some locals got a chance encounter with him.

“It’s been nothing but love,” Rose said. “I didn’t know if all the people were going to know me here. But I’m surprised with the way I’ve been accepted.”