Sports 5 shows Pingris, French dad reunion in France

MANILA, Philippines – Marc Pingris, like the rest of the Gilas Pilipinas, is battling homesickness. But the presence of his French father has somehow eased off the pain of being away from his wife and children.

Sports 5’s Kuwentong Gilas crew has captured the poignant moment when Pingris was finally reunited with his father, whom he had not seen for two years due to his commitment with the national team.

Jean Marc, Sr. along with Pingris’ stepmother Francoise, drove all the way from Normandy in France to see his son Marc, who played for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2014 Antibes International Basketball tournament.

“I drove eight hours [today] to come here. I feel many, many joy because I’m here with you,” Jean Marc, Sr. said during their initial meeting last week. 

They went to Cannes for a dinner and drove back to Antibes on the eve of their game against France, which Gilas lost by eight, 75-67. 

Pingris has been blessed in the past two years winning a Grandslam with his PBA team San Mig Coffee and also a silver medal with Gilas in the last FIBA Asia Championship that paved the way for their trip here in Europe to play in the world championships.

Jean Marc, Sr. has all figured it out upon learning that Gilas has punched a ticket to the FIBA World Cup. As early as first quarter of the year, he has already made reservations for a house in Seville, Spain for their family.  

Marc’s wife Danica and their two kids, along with his mother-in-law Dina Bonnvie, will follow in Seville, Spain on Aug. 27 to throw their support.  

“Ano pa bang masasabi ko sa buhay ko? Mayroon akong asawang napakabait, may daddy akong napakabait, may nanay akong nakapabait pati mga kaibigan ko. Wala na akong mahihiling pa kay Lord eh kundi i-surrender ang buhay ko sa kaniya,” Pingris said. “Yun na lang naman ang kabayaran sa lahat ng ito eh.”

The full story of the Pingris’ reunion will be shown in the Kuwentong Gilas’ weekly documentary series produced by TV5 focusing on the national team’s quest for basketball glory. This Thursday, the weekly show will feature Gilas team captain Jimmy Alapag, who is on his final tour of duty for the national team. 

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