PSA Awards: MVP cites Gilas Pilipinas for unifying PH

MANILA, Philippines — Businessman Manny V. Pangilinan reiterated Saturday night the value of achieving unity through sports as proven by Gilas Pilipinas when it stirred the nation’s passion for basketball with its silver medal finish in the 2013 FIba-Asia Championship.

Speaking at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night at Centennial Hall of Manila Hotel, Pangilinan cited Gilas Pilipinas as a tremendous unifying factor while giving pride to a country that considers basketball the sport closest to its heart.

“There is no other event—other than a Manny Pacquiao fight—that can unify our people, bring tears to our eyes, hoarseness to our throats, memories to our lives, than Gilas,” said Pangilinan.

“Yet above all the noise and cheers and everything else, the voice of a united nation rose to tell the world—puso, laban.”

Pangilinan added: “That’s the essential story of Gilas—One team together, one nation united.”

The man they call “MVP” was honored as PSA Executive of the Year for his role in bringing the Fiba Asia Championship to Manila for the first time in three decades, which eventually paved the way for Gilas Pilipinas’ return to the world basketball stage.

Much like the run of Gilas Pilipinas to the world championship, Pangilinan stressed that success in basketball did not come overnight.

“Remember, excellence is not a destination which can be reached with just one step,” he said. “Rather, excellence is achieved brick by brick, bit by bit, step by step. What’s important is to show improvement gradually but consistently.”

Pangilinan also paid tribute to the country’s sportswriters, who he said have served the nation by capturing and telling the story and glory of sports.

“You’ve helped shaped lives and value,” said Pangilinan. “You’ve found heroes for all of us.”

Gilas Pilipinas, led by coach Chot Reyes, was formally awarded the Athlete of the Year honor for its exploits in those 11 magical days last August when it clinched a spot in the World Championship to end a 35-year wait.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, which Pangilinan also heads, was hailed as National Sports Association of the Year, while the Sixth Man award was given to the Gilas supporters, represented by the PBA, for packing the venues and cheering for the country.

Basketball great Carlos “Caloy” Loyzaga, who was named to the Mythical Five of the 1954 Fiba World Championship, was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award, along with longtime Philippine sports officials Frank Elizalde and Moying Martelino.

World champions Rubilen Amit, Dennis Orcollo and Lee Vann Corteza of billiards and Mikeala Calamba of taekwondo all receive the President’s Award.

A total of 123 personalities and entities were honored last night.

“We thank the PSA for the recognition,” said Amit. “It inspires us to work hard and bring more glory to the country.”