Pinoy fans make Gilas feel at home in Spain
MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas are getting mobbed by adoring Filipino fans wherever they go. It's that world-class Filipino's hospitality which helps Gilas battle homesickness as they try to defy the odds and put up a solid showing in the FIBA World Cup after 36 years of absence.
2 hours before tip-off & this is the scene here at Guadalajara. Sarap maging Pilipino! #LabanPilipinasPUSO pic.twitter.com/qvKNZgd9zb
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) August 24, 2014
A huge Filipino contingent recreated the Mall of Asia atmosphere at the Palacio Multiusos de Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Spain when Gilas stunned the FIBA Africa silver medalist Egypt, 74-65, on Sunday night (Monday Manila time).
@s9rgio Wow, it's almost like a home game for @smartgilasph! We hereby confer an honorary citizenship on you. :-)
— Voltaire Alcantara (@VoltAlcantara) August 24, 2014
The Gilas Pilipinas dished out an inspired performance to finally snap a five-game losing streak, a good momentum heading into their final tuneup against Dominican Republic, just four days before the FIBA World Cup tips off on Saturday.
Gilas coach Chot Reyes and the whole team were thrilled to see Manila-esque crowd in Spain, which they hope will spill over in Seville where they will be looking for at least two wins to advance to the Round of 16.
Gilas actually enjoyed good crowd in all their games abroad as overseas Filipino workers and migrants came out to show the Phl’s unbridled passion for basketball that even foreigners can't help but to admire.
Unbelievable fans from Philippines NT. More than 3500 people watching the team dominating Egypt 53-46 after 3 quarters
— Sergio García-Ronrás (@s9rgio) August 24, 2014
I'm not sure if thia isn't Manila. Really noisy and hot insiste. 70-61. 2.38 remaining
— Sergio García-Ronrás (@s9rgio) August 24, 2014
— Sergio García-Ronrás (@s9rgio) August 24, 2014
Gilas party in Guadalajara !!! pic.twitter.com/EQwH6kvXha
— Sergio García-Ronrás (@s9rgio) August 24, 2014
The huge Filipino crowd numbering to more than 3,500 even made it to Spain’s most popular basketball website.
We made it to the most popular basketball website in Spain. #GilasPilipinas http://t.co/K1wVKl1648
— Josh Reyes (@josh_reyes) August 24, 2014
With more than 20,000 home fans every game last year, Gilas won silver in the FIBA Asia Men’s Championship in Manila and punched a ticket to the FIBA World Cup after 36 years of absence.
Gilas will wrap up their series of tuneup games against Dominican Republic with another huge crowd expected to cheer them on Monday night.
Bukas uli! RT @JAlapag3: Amazed by all our kabayans who came out to support us 2nyt here in Guada.We appreciate all of u!TY! #LabanPilipinas
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) August 24, 2014
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