MANILA, Philippines – Stars of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) are excited to play in front of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the Al-Shabab Sports Center in Dubai.

For the third time in the last five years, the PBA will be playing two games in Dubai, with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters featured in both contests. They will take on the Barako Bull Energy on Thursday and the Barangay Ginebra Kings on Friday.

Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao told PBA.ph that it is a "privilege" to play in front of the Filipinos abroad. 

"We love to play before our kababayans who long for PBA action. We're playing two games, and so we’re leaving more marks," he said.

Ginebra head coach Siot Tanquingcen agreed with Guiao, but added that he is hoping to come home with a win “to make this trip extra special.”

Ginebra's top gun Mark Caguioa will be playing in Dubai for the second time, and he is eager to once again show his skills in front of OFWs.

"We have to give something back," Caguioa said.

Barako Bull's Willie Miller, for his part, is expecting to see familiar faces in the Dubai crowd.

"Marami akong kababayan sa Olongapo at kasama sa Letran na manonood," he said. "Kasama sila sa magiging inspirasyon ko sa laro."

"Iba pakiramdam maglaro sa harap ng mga kababayan mo na alam mong sabik sa ganitong pagkakataon," Miller added.

Both games will be crucial for the three squads, who are all coming off losses in the ongoing PBA Commissioners’ Cup. Rain or Shine is especially eager to get a win after a 0-2 start.

"It's already desperation period for us," Guiao admitted. "We're on the verge of being on a panic mode."

Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi said his team also needs a victory in Dubai or risk missing the playoffs.

"It's so short a tourney, that each game is magnified," added Tanquingcen.

PBA Commissioner Chito Salud heads the 95-man delegation.

"Mahirap para sa mga ball clubs ang bumyahe ng malayo to play an official game, but these three teams sacrificed to help make our kababayans happy," Salud said.