Yao Ming to lead his Sharks in Philippines  

姚明将率篮球队访问菲律宾 原定去年未能成行

菲律宾体育委员会主席加西亚2日向媒体透露，中国篮球巨星姚明即将率领上海东方大鲨鱼篮球队访问菲律宾。

Manila (CNS) -- Retired NBA player Yao Ming will lead the Shanghai Sharks on a visit to the Philippines, sports commission chairman Richie Garcia said Thursday.

The basketball team is to arrive in Manila on Friday, while the team's owner Yao Ming is to follow the next day, Garcia said. Two exhibition games will be held, he added.

Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay said he would rearrange his schedule to welcome Yao at his Coconut Palace office.

Pan Feng, cultural attaché of the Chinese embassy in the Philippines, told reporters that the visit is a big event for non-governmental communication between China and the Philippines, and that he hopes the Philippine people will feel the friendship and goodwill of the Chinese people.