MANILA, Philippines — No less than the top of two leaders of the Philippines were in attendance in Smart Gilas Pilipinas’ 27th Fiba Asia Championships gold medal showdown against Iran on Sunday.
President Benigno Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay were seated at different sections at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Binay sat just a few seats away from Sarangani representative and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, who came with his wife Jinkee, at the patron section.
Aquino, meanwhile, was seated at the one of the suites in the VIP gallery.
Pacquiao, a known basketball fan, arrived just before the opening tip.
Binay, whose presence was acknowledged by the coliseum barker during the bronze medal match, was wearing a white Philippine team jacket.