Smart subscribers can still win free tickets to FIBA games
Smart Communications continues to support Gilas Pilipinas’ Rio Olympic campaign as the national team battles France at 9 p.m., July 5, in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament at Mall of
Smart Communications continues to support Gilas Pilipinas’ Rio Olympic campaign as the national team battles France at 9 p.m., July 5, in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament at Mall of
It was a match against Puerto Rico. Up on the bleachers, on the aisle seat, a scrawny, 70-ish Filipino in blue shirt and faded jeans yelled his lungs out: “Gilaaaaaas!” A young Puerto Rican seated on the opposite aisle saw him, heard him, planted himself across the old man, and yelled: “Vamoooos!”
One might hesitate to call it seduction, but that was exactly what happened when the Ayala Group feted delegates of the World Economic Forum (WEF) for East Asia and the Asean Business Club to a welcome reception on the eve of hard-nosed talks on current regional affairs.
It was a step towards greatness. On Aug. 10, 2013, the Philippines rejoined the ranks of the world’s basketball elite, an achievement that resonated in a nation addicted to basketball. To do so, the team, known as Gilas Pilipinas, had to overcome the team that had emerged as its nemesis in international play through the years: Korea. Bucking the odds and in front of a frenzied home crowd, Gilas did just that, winning 86-79, ensuring the team of at least a second place finish and one of three slots to the basketball World Cup in Spain in 2014.
Friends remember how, four years ago, Karyn Cecilia “Chibby” Velez abruptly bid goodbye to them to leave for an elite badminton camp overseas.
FIRST OF ALL, congratulations to Gilas-Pilipinas for a silver-medal finish in the Fiba-Asia Championship held Aug. 1-11.
Always behind the scenes, but always behind the team—this would probably be the best description for the steadfast young men and women who have been drumming and cheering to support the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team in the Fiba Asia campaign, which started last Aug. 1 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Philippines has the privilege of hosting this year’s Federation International Basketball Association (Fiba) Asia tournament.
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