Gilas enjoys ‘homecourt advantage’

SEVILLE – This ancient Andalusian city, keeping a distinct personality with the passing of time, will be like a home away from home for Gilas Pilipinas with the number of Filipinos keeping the team company in its FIBA World Cup journey.

With a heavy hotel booking by Filipinos from all over Europe, Gilas Pilipinas will be the virtual home team at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes San Pablo, enjoying the home court advantage over Group B rivals Croatia, Greece, Argentina, Puerto Rico and Senegal.

“This is once-in-a-lifetime experience for us Filipinos. As a Filipino basketball fan, I will not let this opportunity pass,” said Pangasinan native Manuel Tan, an accountant working in France.

“Traveling in Europe is not a hassle. It’s weekend so why not throw support to our national basketball team here. We know it’s the country’s first participation in the world championship in decades. We want to be part of the experience,” said Carlos Tolentino, also traveling from France.

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Madrid is notorious for pickpockets that’s why travel master Andrew Teh keeps reminding his group to be careful of their things.

Sampled upon by these petty thieves was SBP deputy executive director for international affairs Butch Antonio, who lost a hand phone while spending some time at a coffee shop.

“Four hours into Spain and my cell phone got stolen by two kids/gypsies while having coffee,” said Antonio.

“They were asking for a way to somewhere with a map laid down on our table. When they got the map, kasama na yung cell phone ko,” Antonio said.

To the other Filipinos going here, beware!