WATCH: Highlights of Ricky Rubio in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio kicked off his international tour in Manila with a bang on Friday, August 21. 

The Spanish national team member held a press conference at the Adidas store in Bonifacio Global City where he entertained questions from the media and his followers on Twitter, and had a meet-and-greet session with some of his fans.

Later in the afternoon, Rubio stopped by the a street court near the San Andres church in Intramuros, where he participated in a free throw shooting contest while receiving adoration from the many fans who came out to see him.

media day and meet some fans @adidasph store. Love for bball is crazy here. #TakeOnManila #RR9Tour @adidashoops pic.twitter.com/SAqDHfVhKX

— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) August 21, 2015

Later in the afternoon, Rubio stopped by the a street court near the San Andres church in Intramuros, where he participated in a free throw shooting contest while receiving adoration from the many fans who came out to see him.

Also present for the Adidas-sponsored event were PBA player Chris Tiu and his brother Charles, actress Solenn Heussaff, Ana Karylle, and the Boys Night Out trio.

Current and former collegiate players like Aljon Mariano, Roi Sumang, and Gelo Alolino were also present.

It’s the first visit to the Philippines for Rubio, who thanked Adidas during the press conference for bringing him to the country for the first time.

“It’s been great. Like I said, I love being part of the family,” he said about the global shoe brand. “They treat everybody like a family and since day one, I felt like I belonged to that brand.”

Rubio is scheduled to drop by the practice of football stars the Younghusband Brothers on Saturday morning, August 21, before stopping by the Gatorade Hoops center later that afternoon. – Rappler.com