Gilas Pilipinas gives back to 'Maring' victims

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes has started a fund relief drive for the victims of the Tropical Storm “Maring” and Habagat (southwest monsoon).

Reyes requested all the Gilas players and the fans to lend a help.

“Our brothers came out for us, now it’s time to give back. Dating gawi (same old way),” Reyes (@coachot) tweeted the Gilas Pilipinas team members late Tuesday night.

Reyes further said that cash donations of any amount can be coursed through Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. BDO Account No. 00-5310-41016-4 or BPI Account No. 1443-0533-32. Donations in kind may be dropped off at the Meralco compound in Ortigas or at the Alagang Kapatid Foundation office at 730 Quirino Highway, San Bartolome, Quezon City. 

“Just deposit with the note #GilasPilipinasMaringFund. Invite all your followers to do the same. LPP (Laban Pilipinas! Puso!),” said Reyes, who coached the national team to a silver medal finish in the FIBA Asia Championship.

Members of the Gilas Pilipinas team that punched a ticket to the FIBA World Cup for the first time since 1978 are captain Jimmy Alapag, FIBA Asia Mythical Five member Jayson Castro, LA Tenorio, Marc Pingris, Ranidel de Ocampo, Gabe Norwood, Gary David, Jeff Chan, Larry Fonacier, Japeth Aguilar, Junemar Fajardo,  naturalized center Marcus Douthit and reserve Beau Belga. 

Gilas players together with MVP-bankrolled teams Talk n Text Tropang Texters, Meralco Bolts and Ateneo Blue Eagles will join the relief operations Wednesday 4pm at Meralco compound in Ortigas while the San Beda Red Lions will visit at the evacuation center in Baseco compound in Manila.