Palace lauds Gilas’ ‘bravery, heart’ in Fiba Asia silver win

Gilas Pilipinas winds up with the silver medal in the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship after losing to host China Saturday night. Photo from Fiba.com

Malacañang on Sunday praised the performance of Gilas Pilipinas basketball team who had a second place finish after falling to China, 67-78 in the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship in Changsa City, China Saturday night.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that the team’s bravery and determination were admirable.

“Nakikiisa ang buong pamahalaan sa ating mga mamamayan sa pagpapaabot ng pagbati sa mga miyembro ng Gilas Pilipinas sa kanilang kahanga-hangang paglalaro sa 2015 FIBA Asia Championship na idinaos sa Changsha, China. Sila ay isa sa dalawang pinakamahusay na koponan at nagwagi sila ng pilak na medalya,” Coloma said in a statement.

(We extend our congratulations to the members of Gilas Pilipinas on their admirable game play in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship held in Changsha, China. They are one of the two best teams, and they won the silver medal.)

The Palace official said that throughout Gilas’ campaign for the championship, the team has gained the respect of its opponents because they played with heart.

“Sa kabuuan ng kanilang paglalaro, ipinakita ng Gilas Pilipinas ang kanilang tapang at determinasyon, at hinarap nila ang lahat ng mga pagsubok. Hindi sila nagpatinag at nagpasindak at nakipagsabayan sa kanilang mga katunggali sa lahat ng aspekto ng laro. Ipinakita nila ang natatanging uri ng paglalaro ng mga Pilipino na magiting, marubdob, at puno ng puso na siyang dahilan upang umani ng paghanga at respeto mula sa mga pinakamagagaling na koponan sa Asya,” he said.

(Throughout the tournament, the Gilas Pilipinas showed their bravery and determination, and they faced all the trials. They refused to be daunted or frightened, and they kept up with the competition in every aspect of the game. They showed the unique, Filipino way of playing–heroic, intense, and full of heart–which is the reason why they earned the admiration and respect of the best teams in Asia.)

He said that the silver finish for the team should not deter them from pursuing the country’s desire to have the country’s basketball team qualify for the Olympics.

While failing to have a sure slot in the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Philippines can still have a shot for an Olympic ticket in a qualifying tournament which will happen a month before the Games. JE