MANILA, Philippines -- A fearless Calvin Abueva went for a tear drop against New Zealand's Wellington Saints big men and it was good. He did that repeatedly over towering big men almost one foot more than his 6-foot-1 frame.
Wilfred Uytengsu was among the thousand of crowd in attendance wildly cheering for "The Beast".
But this time, Abueva was not just playing for Uytengsu's team in the PBA. It was not the Alaska Aces that was in front of his jersey.
"I'm proud of the whole Gilas Pilipinas team. Obviously, I'm very proud to have three of our players there. They're playing well. It's good to see them come through and contribute," Uytengsu told Philstar.com.
The Aces did not have a single representative in the last Gilas team that went all the way to the FIBA World Cup. Injuries to Thoss and Abueva at that time held them back from joining Chot Reyes' Gilas pool.
This time, with a clean bill of health, they were included in the final Gilas roster of coach Tab Baldwin alongside another Alaska veteran Dondon Hontiveros. The Aces were able to lend three players plus their head coach Alex Compton making Uytengsu's franchise next to Talk 'n Text with the most contribution to the national team in terms of personnel.
"Anytime you get to represent the country, it's a proud moment and they're gonna really play hard and hope for the best in China. I think they'd come back tired in the first conference but that's part of the job when you serve the country," Uytengsu said.
The boyish-looking team owner also noted that Compton and his players will benefit his PBA team in the long run.
"Alex is learning a lot. He's very honored to be part of the coaching staff and he said this is a great education for him," Uytengsu said.
Watching them play live for the first time since their formation, Uytengsu is convinced that this present Gilas has what it takes to bring the country back to the Olympics next year.
"I think coach Tab (Baldwin) is doing a great job with the team and all the players are really playing with their heart and doing the best they can," Uytengsu said.
As one of the most animated and passionate PBA team owners, Uytengsu said he would love travel to Changsa-Hunan, China to cheer for the national team at courtside.
"I don't know if I can get away from work. If I can get away and watch them live in China, I'd like to to do that," Uytengsu said.