Gilas gets new backer in Chooks-to-Go

MANILA, Philippines – The Gilas Pilipinas program got a big boost as a new backer in Chooks-to-Go came on board to give Smart Communications a helping hand in the united endeavor of supporting the Pinoy dribblers in their quest for international glory.

Gilas patron Manny V. Pangilinan personally welcomed Chooks-to-Go as Smart’s partner in looking after the needs of Phl five as it embarks on a journey to a targeted stint in the 2020 Olympics.

 “It’s a wonderful brand for sports to be associated with and we’re happy they’re supporting the Gilas program all the way to 2020 when the Olympics will be held,” said Pangilinan during Monday night’s launch dubbed “#ManokNgBayan“ at Makati Shangri-La.

“I think we want to demonstrate as well that we’re open to support (from other companies), that it should not be limited to our group of companies. They came in and it’s a wonderful show of support and solidarity,” he added.

Pangilinan and officials of Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc., the company that operates Chooks-to-Go, headed by president and general manager Ronald Mascariñas and chairman Tennyson Chen, and Gilas coach and TV5 president Chot Reyes sealed the partnership.

“We are extremely honored to be given the chance to participate in the glorious quest of MVP and Smart to regain Philippine basketball supremacy in Asia. We’re optimistic Gilas Pilipinas will qualify for the 2020 Olympics, wow the world with the Filipino brand of basketball and instill pride among the Filipino people,” said Mascariñas.

“The amount that Chooks-to-Go is extending is a significant amount that will go a long way in paying for the expenses of Gilas for the next three years,” said MVP.

Gilas will tackle a busy calendar in 2017, beginning with the SEABA championship which will serve as qualifying tournament for the succeeding Fiba Asia Championship. After that, the Pinoy cagers will compete in the home-and-away qualifiers for the 2019 Fiba World Cup.

Members of the Gilas pool, led by veterans Terrence Romeo, Ranidel de Ocampo, Gabe Norwood, and cadets led by Mac Belo and Kevin Ferrer were presented in the affair which was also graced by SBP president Al Panlilio, executive director Sonny Barrios, and Smart Sports head Epok Quimpo.

“I think the message to the players and the team is that this is an entirely unified endeavor, not just Smart-MVP Group of Companies but really buong Pilipinas, buong bansa,” said Reyes.

“Chooks-to-Go is coming in, a local brand that’s gotten big and they’re now expanding to the Southeast Asian region, they’re now competing globally. That’s exactly the Gilas story. In 2007 we were not participating as we were suspended but in 2014 we were one possession away from beating Argentina and Croatia. We feel bagay na bagay, swak na swak chook na chook itong partnership,” he added.