How did it feel to play and compete for our country?
The 27th Fiba Asia Championship brought our nation together as we all prayed and cheered for Gilas Pilipinas. It was memorable because everyone crossed lines — from the players who were from different teams; La Sallites who were cheering for coach Chot Reyes, who is an Atenean; to politicans and rival business people who were all united behind the Philippine team.
Read on as the Gilas Pilipinas team led by coach Chot shares with us how they felt playing for our country.
Junmar Fajardo
First of all, I would like to thank God for the great opportunity. I’m happy and proud to be part of Gilas team. I will remember that moment for the rest of my life.
Chot Reyes, Gilas coach
I’m honored by the opportunity, for there’s nothing more important than fighting for my country. I’m not a politician with thousands of constituents or a big businessman giving employment to many. Coaching the national team is my own little way of doing something for my kababayans!
Larry Fonacier
I’ve never felt more proud to sing our national anthem, wear a basketball uniform, and play a basketball game than when I played for the team.
Marc Pingris
I felt proud and was very excited to represent our country. Kakaibang experience dahil malalakas na team ang nakalaban namin. (It’s a unique experience because the other teams were strong.)
Gary David
Masaya sobra. Kasi kahit papaano nakpagsilbi ka sa bansa natin gamit mo yung talent sa larangan ng basketball. (I am so happy. Because in my own way I was able to serve the country with my talent, which is playing basketball.)
LA Tenorio
Playing for our country is a dream come true for me. That is why I am very happy and fortunate to be part of Gilas Pilipinas Team.
Gabe Norwood
The ultimate sense of pride! And playing in front of our home crowd made the honor that much more special.
Jeff Chan
Playing for the country made me feel so many things: happy, blessed, excited, a bit overwhelmed. It gave me such a sense of pride especially playing in front of a huge crowd who were all supporting us. It was amazing and unforgettable.
Ranidel De Ocampo
Proud. Walang katumbas ang karangalan na ipaglaban ang bansang Pilipinas. Ang pusong Pinoy ang nagtaas sa bandila ng Pilipinas sa buong mundo patungo sa España. (There is nothing like pride and playing for the country. Filipinos carried the Philippine flag proudly en route to Spain.)
