Miami Heat Erik Spoelstra returns

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra arrived in the country today, excited to share with his fellow Filipinos his recent triumph in the 2012 NBA Finals.

Spoelstra touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Paranaque via Philippine Airlines flight PR502, which was delayed by about 30 minutes. He flew in from Singapore, the first destination in his Asian tour.

Wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt, Spoelstra greeted the handful of media members and fans who waited for his arrival. He was received by NBA's country manager for the Philippines Carlo Singson.

Fans greeted Spoelstra upon his arrival, with some bringing out their video cameras and cellphones to capture the Filipino-American coach’s return. Spoelstra even stopped briefly to sign some autographs.

“I’m always excited to return,” the soft-spoken Miami Heat mentor told mediamen before being whisked away by security personnel who led him to his coaster.

Spoelstra is scheduled to attend Game 5 of the PBA finals between B-Meg and Rain or Shine at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight, where he will be a special guest.

It was Spoelstra's third trip to the country.

Spoelstra’s trip, backed by Gatorade, has been dubbed the “NBA Trophy Tour,” as the coach brought with him the Larry O’ Brien trophy given to NBA champions.

He will grace a press conference tomorrow afternoon at Marriott Manila, followed by an NBA 3X Clinic for teen boys and girls at the Jose Rizal University on August 4 in the morning. This is in preparation for NBA 3X that will take place at the SM MOA from August 17-19.

During his visit, Spoelstra will also have stops at The Block Atrium of SM North Edsa from 2-3 p.m. on August 4; and SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on the same day from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

He will likewise host an interactive viewing party at the SM MOA Center Stage, where the NBA will air an NBA Finals game and fans will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience. The game will be shown on the large movie screen while Spoelstra provides his personal commentary, insights and inside information about the game.

Spoelstra, who traces his roots from San Pablo, Laguna, led the Miami Heat to the 2012 NBA Championship and became the first ever head coach of Asian descent or heritage to win an NBA title. - With report from Aldo Avinante