James Yap expressed his gratitude to fans who voted for him to be part of the Philippine Basketball Association All-Star Game on 12 March in Passi, Iloilo.

Yap, a two-time PBA Most Valuable Player, was surprisingly voted to make his 17th All-Star Game appearance despite being away from action for than a year.

He will be with Team Scottie — a squad that would be skippered by Scottie Thompson and coached by Yeng Guiao, his mentor at Rain or Shine and, previously, at the national squad.

"I'm surprised, but thankful for the love shown by the fans through the years. I just can't believe that even after being out of action for more than a year, the fans still remember me," Yap told Daily Tribune in a telephone conversation.

But Yap will only join Team Scottie in the actual game and not in other festivities starting 9 March.

"From 9 to 11 March, there will be a big convention, a gathering of all Councilors in the Philippines, which will be held in Manila, so it's a three-day convention and we have to be there, but we'll be there on the final day. We will make the fans happy because All-Star Game is definitely for the fans., We don't want to let down those people who voted for our inclusion," Yap, who was elected councilor of San Juan City in the previous national elections.

A two-time three-point shootout champion, Yap said he won't vie for a third title which will put him second overall behind Mark Macapagal, a four-time titlist.

"It's Gian Mamuyac who will join in the contest," Yap said.

"We have to give it to the younger guys."

Yap said he is thrilled to participate in the All-Star Game as he studied at the Iloilo Central Commercial High School in Iloilo City, which is just an hour away from Passi.

Being included in the All-Star will also give him an opportunity to reconnect with the province that also became a big part of his discovery in Manila where he started playing in big leagues.

"Iloilo has a soft spot in my heart as I also went to school there and now, I have a chance to reconnect with some of the people who helped and supported me there," he said.