Do you know that this is an epic day for all the basketball fans and all the Filipinos in the world? Why? Because Smart Gilas Pilipinas -- Philippine Men's National Basketball Team -- clinched one of the 4 spots for the national teams who will advance to the semi-finals of the FIBA Asia 2011 as we ditched Chinese Taipei off the competition via a 17-point-lead, 95-78. Yes, Philippines is back, baby!! :)
After 24 looong years, (1987 was the last time we booked a spot in the semi-finals of FIBA Asia) Philippines reached again the semis of one of the most important league/tournament in the world of basketball, FIBA Championship. The overwhelming surge of joy, gratitude and Filipino pride just rushed through me when the final buzzer was heard and the clock stopped; indicating we survived and won the crucial game (we are down on the first quarter and keeping up with Taipei at the second) that I actually teared up. Most especially, when I heard Mico Halili, one of the commentators said that Philippines is now one of the top four teams in Asia. :') Finally, all the hard work of Gilas boys has paid off! I can't help but feel so proud of Smart Gilas!
You might probably won't understand why I reacted the way I did (but for some of you, basketball fanatics and sports freaks, you probably know and feel the same thing), that's just because I've been a big supporter of the team since they started playing for our country and since no tv networks would wish to televise their games. ;) I've been a long-time fan that I've seen their dedication, hard work, and improvements just to bring honor to our country. Not only that, throughout the years they're playing, I've also seen how skeptics have doubted (some of em still do, btw :| ) their abilities to compete against other national teams in Asia, how haters have flooded their fanpages on social networking sites with insults, pointless criticisms and other 'words of discouragement'. But they proved em wrong everytime they go out on that court and play; all out, all heart.
And now, seeing Smart Gilas winning against tough teams in Asia, I wish and pray that these doubters will start to believe and support our national team. After all, it's our flag that they're sporting, right? :)
As for the players and staff of Team Pilipinas, congratulations! You deserve to be where you at now. The whole nation is so proud of you! The dream to qualify for the Olympics is still alive and I believe in you guys! We believe.
Keep the spirit up. Seize every opportunity. Never surrender. Focus. Eyes on the prize and that is to bring pride and honor to the Philippines. Laban para sa bayan! Go Gilas!!
Mabuhay ang Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! :)
PS. Watch Smart Gilas' semi-finals game tomorrow against Jordan* live at 8pm (Philippine time) on AKTV IBC 13 on free tv and BTV on cable and support our national team! :)
PPS. *Note: Philippines had already beaten Jordan a numerous times before; including the recently concluded Jones Cup 2011 and even in the first round of the FIBA ASIA 2011. So, I'm pretty confident that we can beat them again and book a seat to the finals. :D But it won't hurt if we will pray for their victory, right? Right! Lezdudiz! We're in this together! :)
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