Always at the forefront, Hennessy V.S held an event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Dallas Mavericks player Charlie Villanueva – one of two currently active NBA Dominican players. The evening consisted of unlimited cocktails, a sneak peek at Villanueva’s biopic “Season X,” followed by an enlightening Q&A with the player, filmmakers, and Moet Hennessy USA Senior Multicultural Director, Manny Gonzalez.

In addition to his athletic prowess, Villanueva’s story is quite inspirational. Born in Queens, NY to Dominican parents Villanueva has been playing in the NBA for 11 years. He was ranked #3 in high school (Class of 2003) behind then teammate Luol Deng (Miami Heat) and LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers). He won a NCAA National Championship in 2004 and was the 7th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. The fact that he is battling Alopecia never proved to be an obstacle. He explains that though his achievements he hopes to inspire today’s youth to realize anything is possible.

As Villanueva prepares for the current season he’s determined to reach another championship season.

Villanueva’s story is the subject of a moving biopic which documents his journey overcoming the challenges of living with Alopecia and joining the NBA. “Season X,” will premiere in full length during NBA All-Star weekend in Toronto. Hennessy V.S prides itself in collaborating with inspiring and dedicated athletes such as Villanueva who, Never stop. Never settle.

Charlie Villanueva, film producers, Robert Elias Villanueva, Burton Chawla, and Robert Carlos Villanueva
and Moet Hennessy USA Senior Multicultural Director, Manny Gonzalez

At the age of 10, Villanueva was diagnosed with Alopecia, an autoimmune condition that results in hair loss. During those formative years he had to overcome mental and psychological hurdles to achieve his goals of playing in the NBA. It took over 6 years to realize his life ambition…to help people. Through his platform, being a professional athlete, he has devoted his life to helping those with Alopecia and is a strong advocate for anti-bullying programs. Villanueva has found that as basketball served as his “therapist” growing up with Alopecia, it is helping others. It is a story of triumph, overcoming obstacles, and finding yourself, with basketball and making the NBA serving as the framework.

Charlie Villanueva with music manager Johnny Marines

September not only marked the start of Hispanic Heritage but was also national Alopecia Areata Awareness Month, a cause that Villanueva fiercely champions and works daily to bring more awareness to.

Chandler Parsons and Charlie Villanueva

Friends and family, including teammate Chandler Parsons along with girlfriend, model Toni Garrn, turned out to support the film. Villanueva introduced a  kick-starter that will fund the movie’s completion for a full-length premiere during the 2016 NBA All-Star weekend in Toronto.

Appropriately the evening’s favored Hennessy V.S cocktail was the Classic Man.

Hennessy V.S Classic Man
Hennessy V.S
Passion Fruit Syrup
Carribean Bitters