Title: “Ja Morant Brings the ‘Celly’ to Manila 🇵🇭: NBA Star’s Electrifying Visit Sparks Filipino Fan Frenzy”
Manila just got a jolt of energy it won’t forget anytime soon. NBA superstar Ja Morant brought his signature swagger—and his viral on-court celebrations, affectionately dubbed “the celly”—to the Philippines, instantly setting off a cultural firestorm of joy, pride, and pure basketball euphoria.
Landing in the capital as part of his “Rise Above” global tour, Morant didn’t just show up—he showed out. His arrival was met with thousands of screaming fans at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, some wearing his No. 12 Memphis Grizzlies jersey, others holding hand-painted signs that read “Ja is the Jawo of Today!”—a nod to Filipino basketball icon Robert Jaworski. But it was what happened next that made headlines around the world.
At a packed youth basketball clinic held at the famed Tenement Court in Taguig City, Morant broke out into his iconic celebration—arms stretched wide, head tilted back, stomping with confidence—after hitting a deep, no-look three-pointer during a scrimmage with local teens. The crowd erupted, instantly mimicking the move, which soon flooded social media under the trending hashtag #JaCellyPH.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said 16-year-old Paolo Reyes, who got to guard Morant for one unforgettable possession. “He hit that shot, did the celly, and it was like the whole court exploded. We all did it with him—it was surreal.”
What started as a spontaneous celebration became a nationwide moment. Ja took his signature move to every stop—from charity events in Tondo to a halftime appearance at a PBA game, where he even joined Barangay Ginebra’s bench for a quick courtside photo session. The crowd, thousands strong, began chanting in unison: “Ja! Ja! Ja!” as he stood and led them in a synchronized “celly.”
Morant’s influence extended beyond the court. He collaborated with local artist Kris Abrigo to design limited-edition shirts featuring him mid-celly, surrounded by Filipino motifs like jeepneys, sampaguita flowers, and rising suns. Proceeds from sales are going toward rebuilding community basketball courts damaged by recent typhoons.
“It’s more than basketball here,” Morant told ABS-CBN in an exclusive interview. “It’s spirit. It’s community. Y’all play with so much heart—everybody here’s got a little bit of that underdog energy. That’s how I play too.”
The NBA star also visited several schools in the Metro Manila area, where he spoke about his journey from a small-town kid in South Carolina to global icon. He encouraged students to embrace their identity, stay grounded, and celebrate small victories—because, as he put it, “Every time you rise, you should celly like it matters.”
By the time Morant boarded his flight out of the country, his imprint was undeniable. Filipino youth were practicing “the celly” on every neighborhood court. Murals were being painted. And local basketball leagues had already named a new award—the “Ja Morant Celebration Award”—for the player who best balances flair, effort, and sportsmanship.
In bringing the ‘celly’ to Manila, Ja Morant did more than share a gesture. He brought a piece of his soul—and in return, found a country ready to match his fire with love, pride, and passion.
