Joy and pride as Philippines wins basketball gold again, at last

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos roared in joy and relief as their men’s basketball team ended decades of heartbreak in winning their first Asian Games gold medal in 61 years.

Many in the basketball-crazy nation of 110 million people were glued to television and mobile phone screens as the Gilas, which translates to panache, eked out a 70-60 victory over Jordan in the final in Hangzhou, China.

At a watch party at a university hostel in northern Manila, the crowd erupted as the last Jordanian rally flamed out.

“I’m very happy. Proud, proud, proud Pinoy (Filipino),” sound engineer and basketball enthusiast Martin Andrew Guevara, 45, told AFP.

He and others said the victory made up for the disappointment of the FIBA World Cup co-hosted by the Philippines last month.

The Philippine team, ranked 40th in the world at the time, lost all three of their matches in the group phase and finished in 24th place in the 32-team tournament.

“It means a lot of course coming from the heartache from FIBA. This win is different. At least we have proven that we can do it,” Guevara added.

Francesca Gomez, a 25-year-old account manager for sports-related products, told AFP: “It’s very exciting because it’s the first time we’ve won in six decades... It feels like it’s been a long time.”

Few Filipinos are still alive who remember when a Filipino team led by the local legend Carlos “The Big Difference” Loyzaga, a 6’3” center, took the Asian Games basketball gold in Jakarta in 1962.

Many on social media even had trouble with the exact date.

“51 years in the making,” tweeted one fan, falling short by a decade.

BBM proud

President Marcos expressed pride over the gold medal finish, describing Gilas Pilipinas team’s performance as an incredible feat.

“I know every Filipino is proud to be called one today. Congratulations, Gilas Pilipinas, on this incredible feat,” Marcos said in a post on his official X account on Friday night.

“Your hard work continues to elevate Filipino athleticism and sportsmanship to the global arena,” the President added.

The Philippines defeated Jordan, 70-60, at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center on Friday night. It was the country’s fourth gold medal in the 2023 Asian Games.

At the House of Representatives, Speaker Martin Romualdez also led his colleagues in congratulating Gilas Pilipinas, saying the team has accomplished “something truly extraordinary” that leaves “an indelible mark in the annals of sports history.”

“With immense pride and joy, we stand united with the entire Filipino nation in celebrating this historic moment,” Romualdez said.

He added that “this landmark victory is a testament to the unwavering spirit and dedication of our national athletes who have displayed remarkable skill, teamwork and resilience throughout this journey.”

Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan underscored that the Gilas victory is “proof that nothing is impossible with determination and hard work.”

“Know that a proud and grateful nation awaits your return because your triumph is also the triumph of all Filipinos. Mabuhay kayo!” Yamsuan said in English and Filipino.

Marcos also congratulated Annie Ramirez on Friday for securing a gold medal in the ju-jitsu competition. Ramirez beat Galina Duvanova of Kazakhstan in the final of the women’s 57-kilogram division.

“Your (Ramirez) dedication and triumph exemplify the Filipino spirit of excellence,” Marcos also posted on X.

According to Romualdez, Ramirez’s outstanding achievement in the Asian Games is a testament of her “dedication, hard work and exceptional skills in jiu-jitsu (that) have made us all proud.”

“Annie’s victory is a testament to the resilience and talent of Filipino athletes, bringing honor not only to herself but to the entire nation, for which we are truly grateful,” Romualdez said.

Asian pole vault king EJ Obiena and Ramirez’s ju-jitsu teammate, Meggie Ochoa, earlier bagged gold medals for the Philippines.

The country is currently 18th in the medal tally with four golds, two silvers and 12 bronzes. – AFP