Gilas Pilipinas national team sing the national anthem. Photo from Fiba.com
Gilas Pilipinas may be a long way from home, but Filipinos in Lebanon have not failed to make the national team feel it was still playing on its home floor.
READ: Philippines stuns China to open 2017 Fiba Asia Cup bid
The support for Gilas Pilipinas from overseas Filipinos has been overwhelming so far in the 2017 Fiba Asia Cup. For the past two games, we’ve seen and heard them cheer their hearts out—something you can’t miss when you’re watching on your television here in the Philippines—and shower the players with love.
READ: Players, coaches turn into fans after Gilas’ big win over China
With games scheduled on weekdays, most of them must’ve taken a day off work just to watch at Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex in Beirut. They may have not been able to fill the entire stadium, but they were loud enough to make it feel like they did.
READ: Gilas sews up QF berth
It’s no surprise that the undermanned Gilas Pilipinas has been playing with full of heart of in the continental championships, already taking out powerhouse China and a taller Iraq side to clinch the top seed in Group B.
Photographers from Fiba.com were able to capture the heartwarming sight of Gilas Pilipinas’ cheering squad in action.
Cheering hard for Gilas Pilipinas. Photo from Fiba.com
Filipinos in Lebanon let our cheers in support of Gilas Pilipinas. Photo from Fiba.com
Terrence Romeo gets some love from Filipino fans after the game vs Iran. Photo from Fiba.com
Romeo, who has been starring for Gilas Pilipinas, take photos with fans. Photo from Fiba.com
Japeth Aguilar mingles with Filipino fans.
Gilas Pilipinas wave to Filipino fans in the gallery. Photo from Fiba.com
Filipino fans react after a play. Photo from Fiba.com
Matthew Wright nails a triple—and Filipino fans explode in cheers. Photo from Fiba.com
With game all but decided against Iraq, Filipino fans take photos with Gabe Norwood and Jayson Castro. Photo from Fiba.com
The Filipino gallery at Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex. Photo from Fiba.com
Rising star Christian Standhardinger takes fun photos with Filipino fans. Photo from Fiba.com
Gilas Pilipinas bids the crowd goodbye after the big win over China. Photo from Fiba.com
More FIlipino fans in the gallery. Photo from Fiba.com
Armed with banners and flags, Filipino fans in Beirut cheer for Gilas Pilipinas. Photo from Fiba.com