Filipino fans give Gilas Pilipinas the warmest welcome
Screengrab from Gabe Norwood’s Instagram post.
Gilas Pilipinas settled for the silver medal in China, but went home to the Philippines like it won the gold.
The national Philippine team got a warm and loud welcome from the Filipinos like the were champions of the recent 2015 Fiba Asia Championship.
Members of Gilas Pilipinas posted photos and videos of the Filipino fans who trooped to the airport just to catch a glimpse of them when they arrived Monday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
“We didn’t win the gold in China but at home! It definitely feels like winning one. You guys are amazing!!! Thank you MVP and Boss Fred (Uytengsu) and Coach Tab (Baldwin) for making me a part of this wonderful journey, to the coaches, staff and brothers, we have formed a bond that can’t be broken. And to the best fans in the World, daghang salamat!! Mabuhay!! #GilasPilipinas #Puso,” said Dondon Hontiveros on his Instagram account. Norwood also documented the heart-warming scene at the airport and posted a video clip on his Instagram account.
A video posted by Gabe Norwood (@gnorwood5) on Oct 4, 2015 at 9:31pm PDT
“Welcomes like this make you appreciate the opportunity to represent the country! #LabanPilipinas.”
Gilas reserve Troy Rosario, who is set to make his PBA debut on Oct. 18, said what everyone from the squad probably felt: “Feels good to be home.”
The support for the national team through out the two-week competition from the fans back home have been enormous, as evidenced by posts on social media.
The Filipinos’ efforts in the Fiba Asia Championship are also set to be recognized in the Senate, with a resolution filed to recognize their “outstanding representation of the country” and for “boosting” the status of Philippine basketball worldwide.
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