LOOK: China player Andray Blatche joins in singing of Philippine anthem

MANILA, Philippines — You can take Andray Blatche away from the Philippines, but you can't take the Philippines away from Andray Blatche.

While the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas squad was singing the national anthem prior to their game against PetroChimi of Iran Tuesday night, a familiar face joined them from the sideline.

Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Blatche was seen with his right hand on his left chest when the Philippine national anthem was played.

Andray Blatche sings the Philippine national anthem with the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas | Screengrab from TV5

The Filipinos, however, ended up losing to the Iranian club team, 66-87.

Blatche, a naturalized Filipino, is currently playing for China Kashgar in the 2017 FIBA Asia Champions Cup in Chenzou, China.

He saw action for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship and the the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

The Philippines found another reinforcement, Isaiah Austin, who is also working on his naturalization.

Ironically, Blatche and his China Kashgar team will face Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas in the quarterfinals on Thursday.