Overwhelmed Derrick Rose receives his flowers from Cebuanos

FILE–Former Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose speaks to the audience during a ceremony retiring his #1 Chicago Bulls jersey at the United Center on January 24, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images/AFP

CEBU CITY—Derrick Rose received a massive reception from local fans who couldn’t get enough of the NBA legend on Wednesday to wrap up his two-day tour here.

Chants of “MVP!” resonated throughout SM Seaside City Cebu once the Chicago Bulls great came out for the event dubbed “Rose Meets the Queen.”

“You only get this for giving your love [to the game],” Rose said. “I didn’t think people would show up. I didn’t think people over here knew my name or even watched me play.

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

Cebuano fans go crazy as Derrick Rose wraps up his press conference at SM Seaside Cebu @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/0JnQVYPXgD

— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) August 26, 2026

“So for me to come here and get this reception, it means a lot,” he added.

Fans continued to go gaga during Rose’s press conference at a restaurant before following him as he headed toward the exit to conclude the event.

Some of them came in wearing replica Rose jerseys, mostly from his days with the Bulls, while others brought pictures and signature shoes in hopes of getting those signed by the 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player.

During the event, Rose got to meet some of the local players invited to take part in a 3×3 tournament.

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

Derrick Rose gets a warm reception at SM Seaside Cebu for his “Rose Meets the Queen” event @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/y2Ys0ISCPJ

— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) August 26, 2026

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Among them was former PBA veteran JR Quinahan, who later got a moment with Rose.

The mall visit concluded Rose’s first visit to this historic province after spending his previous two as a brand ambassador in Manila.

His trip began with a tour of the famed Mactan Shrine before gracing VIPs and reporters at a private event held at Shangri-La in Lapu-Lapu City.