Tag: Pilipinas

Romualdez praises Gilas Pilipinas after Fiba OQT campaign

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Gilas Pilipinas ends its Fiba OQT run and dreams of making it to the Paris Olympics with a loss to Brazil in the semifinals. –FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed admiration for Gilas Pilipinas for demonstrating “unparalleled determination, skill and heart” despite losing to Brazil in the semifinals of the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia.

“The journey of Gilas Pilipinas in this tournament has been nothing short of inspirational. Their victory against Latvia, a European team, was a historic moment for Philippine basketball and a testament to the team’s resilience and capability,” Romualdez said in a statement on Sunday.

READ: Marcos proud of Gilas despite loss to Brazil

“Although our bid for the Olympics ended, our players have proven their mettle by going toe-to-toe with world-class athletes and making every Filipino proud,” he added.

Gilas Pilipinas’ dream of reaching the Paris Olympics ended after a 71-60 loss to world No. 12 Brazil in the semifinals of the Fiba OQT.

Romualdez also commended Gilas coach Tim Cone and his coaching staff “for their exemplary leadership and dedication.”

READ: Tim Cone on Gilas’ Fiba OQT campaign: Now we know we can compete

“Their guidance and strategies have been pivotal in the team’s performance, bringing out the best in our players and instilling a sense of pride and confidence. The discipline and hard work that went into each game are truly commendable,” the lawmaker said.

“To the players of Gilas Pilipinas, your courage, sportsmanship, and passion have inspired countless Filipinos. You have shown heart and determination. Your journey has sparked a renewed sense of hope and pride in our nation, and for that, we are eternally grateful,” he added.

Aside from Romualdez, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also congratulated the team.

“It was a great fight, Gilas Pilipinas! You have made us Filipinos proud and made history! We will always stand behind you in support. Bida ang bayaning manlalaro! ” Marcos said in a social media post.



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Jia De Guzman stresses on continuity for Alas Pilipinas

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Jia De Guzman and Alas Pilipinas during a game against Vietnam in the FIVB Challenger Cup in Manila.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Jia De Guzman emphasized the value of continuity for the Alas Pilipinas’ program after Vietnam reasserted its mastery of the Philippine squad in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup.

The new breed of national players couldn’t stop Vietnam as it ended the host’s world stint in just one game with a 25-14, 25-22, 25-21 win on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Losing eight in their last eight meetings just showed how the Vietnamese built a formidable team through its continuity and the commitment of its national team members. 

READ: Vietnam star T4 all praises for Jia De Guzman, Alas Pilipinas

And for De Guzman,  it’s what Alas needs to reach greater heights and match the level of Vietnam and other Southeast Asian rivals.

“We’re going against the teams who grew up together inside the national team. That’s also our goal, to grow old together in the national team. That’s how you build longevity, that’s how you build chemistry, that’s how you build a strong team, in the long run,” said the Alas team captain in Filipino. “We can’t expect that one loss or one adversity would lead to changes. Keep the same people, add new people, and reinforce the team. That’s how you make a team strong. Hopefully, we will be able to do that.”

Ahead of their road to the Volleyball Nations League qualifiers, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation added Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen, Jema Galanza, and Tots Carlos. But only Galanza and Belen joined the squad with Solomon still recovering, while Carlos was ruled out of the tournament.

The Philippines put up a gallant stand against the SEA Games silver medalist and AVC Challenge Cup champion Vietnam but it wasn’t enough to extend its Challenger Cup campaign to the semifinal as the eight-time PVL Best Setter stressed the point of improvements for their squad.

“We still have a lot to improve individually and as a team. Coach has always told us many times to be patient with ourselves and with the team. With Vietnam and more experienced teams, we’ll go through this. It’s just they really stuck together all throughout these years so that’s what we need to do,” she said. 

READ: Alas Pilipinas loses to Vietnam, bows out of FIVB Challenger Cup

De Guzman, who led Alas to a historic bronze in the AVC Challenge Cup last May, remained proud of her team for standing their ground against the SEA powerhouse, led by Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen’s 30-point explosion.

“I’m very proud of the girls because they fought for every point, and until the end. We gave our best and In terms of experience, we still lack but we know that eventually, we will reach that level,” said the Creamline Cool Smasher, who played in Japan V.League with the Denso AiryBees. “We have to take all the learnings from every game, win or lose.” 

“Everyone’s really communicating and adjusting in-game. So you can see the improvement in our chemistry. All we have to do is retain the team, keep playing together, and hopefully, next time we face Vietnam, we’ll play better.”



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De Guzman and the Filipino Spikers fly to Japan next week for a training camp before seeing action in the SEA V.League in August.

“In the SEA V.League, we will face the teams from SEA Games.  After today’s game, we go back to the drawing board, we go back to training, improve what we can from this game, individually and as a team,” she said.

Courageous Alas Pilipinas runs smack into brick Vietnam wall to bow out

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Sisi Rondina leads Alas Pilipinas in scoring in the loss. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Alas Pilipinas gave it a gallant go on Friday night but still fell to powerhouse and world No. 34 Vietnam, 25-14, 25-22, 25-21, to bow out of contention after just one game in the FIVB Challenger Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen demolished the Philippine defense and came away with 30 points, all but three of them on attacks as the Vietnamese closed the doors on the Filipinos while advancing to another knockout game opposite the Czech Republic slated Saturday.

Sisi Rondina had 15 points, Angel Canino contributed 12 and the Filipinos played their hearts out defensively but still couldn’t solve the Vietnamese puzzle. Vietnam, the recent AVC Challenge Cup champion where Alas finished an all-time best third place, has beaten the Philippines in all of their matches for the last three years running.

“During a huddle, Jia (de Guzman) told us to not think of anything else and just show what we can do,” Rondina said in Filipino as the squad bowed out with its head held high. “Even if we fell short, our fight was still there and we gave it our best until the end.”

Still a good fight

The 24-year-old Nguyen was a one-woman wrecking machine that the Filipinos had no answer to as she drilled the cross court kill that put the Vietnamese at match point.

Still, it was a good fight that the Philippines put up, as it even led by a point late in the third set with De Guzman orchestrating the offense well and Fifi Sharma and Thea Gagate manning the net with some authority.

The loss ended Alas Pilipinas’ bid to qualify for the Volleyball Nations League next year, even as the Czechs will have a chance to keep on playing after scoring a 25-15, 25-22, 25-16 win over Argentina in the first game.

Belgium and Puerto Rico will battle it out in the other semifinal pairing after sweeping their respective opponents on opening day.

Canino looks at the loss in a different way.

“Like what I always say, we really didn’t lose,” said Canino, the AVC Challenge Cup Best opposite spiker. “We won’t be going home defeated because we always learn something, especially now that we fought Vietnam [hard].

“So we feel like we know where we are at and what else we can improve on as a team.”

Alas’ next tournament will be the Southeast Asia V.League in August where it would be looking to bounce back.



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“We really wanted [to continue playing in the next few days] because we were given time to prepare even though it was [still] short,” Canino added. “You may not see it, but the dedication of everyone was there so we really wanted to play in this tournament longer.”

Alas Pilipinas loses to Vietnam, bows out of FIVB Challenger Cup

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Alas Pilipinas against Vietnam in the FIVB Challenger Cup quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen and Vietnam shut the doors on Alas Pilipinas’ hopes of qualifying for the Volleyball Nations League next year after a 25-14, 25-22, 25-21 victory Friday night in the FIVB Challenger Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Tuyen peppered the Filipinas with 30 points built on 27 attack points and three blocks to show Alas the exit after just one game in the knockout quarterfinals.

“We are very grateful that we faced Vietnam. We learned a lot, realized many things we still need to improve on, and of course, we are very happy because many people watched, especially our fellow Filipinos here in the Philippines. So, I am thankful for all the support,” Sisi Rondina said.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

Rondina led the hometown bets with 15 points, all from attacks, with Canino backing her up with 12 points, all but one from kills.

Middle blockers Fifi Sharma and Thea Gagate added six and five points respectively for the world No. 55 hosts.

Sisi Rondina leads Alas Pilipinas in scoring in the loss.

Sisi Rondina leads Alas Pilipinas in scoring in the loss. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“Earlier during the huddle, Ate Jia [de Guzman] just said that we shouldn’t think about anything else, just show what we can do. We know we have abilities that they don’t have, and even if we fell short, the fight is still there. Of course, it’s about not giving up,” Rondina added.

“As I always say, you never go home a loser because you learn something, you always learn something, especially now that we faced Vietnam,” Canino said.

READ: Alas Pilipinas hit with reality check ahead of Challenger Cup

Already down by two sets and giving its all to try and extend the match and somehow take the game from behind, Alas managed to tie the deciding frame at 14-all with Vanie Gandler’s attack from back row.

Rondina put her all into a cross-court hit to knot the game again at 16-all before Alas took the lead for the first time since the first set at 18-17 as Gagate rose for a quick hit.

But Tuyen was not going to allow the visitors to sink and wasted no opportunity to carry Vietnam on the verge of victory, 24-20.

Gandler squeezed in an attack through the block before Rondina committed a deadly attack error that sailed out and ultimately handed Vietnam a ticket to the semifinals opposite Czech Republic, which moved on with a straight sets win over Argentina earlier in the day.

The other semifinal bracket will feature Belgium and Puerto Rico.



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“Facing Vietnam was a huge opportunity and a lesson for us because experiences like that don’t happen often in our lives or with our team. We learned a lot of lessons inside the court,” Canino said.

Sisi Rondina soaks in lessons from Alas Pilipinas loss to Vietnam

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Sisi Rondina leads Alas Pilipinas in scoring in the loss against Vietnam in FIVB Challenger Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Sisi Rondina stood tall against the Vietnamese leading the gallant stand of Alas Pilipinas in the last two sets only for their FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup campaign to end after just one game.

Rondina led Alas’ charge with 15 points, especially in keeping Vietnam within striking distance but the Filipinos still absorbed a 14-25, 22-25, 21-25 loss after her missed attack in the final set Friday evening before a soldout Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The former PVL MVP chose to look at the bright side of the loss, soaking in the learnings from regional power Vietnam, which will stand in the way of Alas Pilipinas’ quest to win a medal in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

“We are extremely grateful that we faced Vietnam; we learned a lot. There are many areas where we still need to improve,” said Rondina. “We are very happy because many people watched, especially our fellow Filipinos here in the Philippines. I am thankful for all the support.”

The 5-foot-6 spiker from Choco Mucho never wavered against the taller Vietnamese as she had a couple of through-the-block kills and spikes above her blockers, fueled by the motivation of team captain Jia De Guzman.

“Ate Jia just said that we shouldn’t think about anything else. We just need to show what we can do, and we know we have abilities that they can’t match. Even if we fell short, the fight was still there,” she said.

READ: Alas Pilipinas loses to Vietnam, bows out of FIVB Challenger Cup

Rondina was convinced with the team’s improvement with some key additions and more preparation time despite missing Eya Laure and Jen Nierva in the tournament. 

“We improved especially in our skills and weakness because of all the advice our coaches gave us,” she said. 

Rondina and Alas will head to Japan next week for a training camp before seeing action in the SEA V.League in August.



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Jema Galanza happy to join Alas Pilipinas despite minor injury

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Jema Galanza during Alas Pilipinas game against Vietnam in the FIVB Challenger Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Jema Galanza was grateful for the chance to suit up for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup despite the last-minute changes to her position due to a minor foot injury in practice.

Days before the tournament, Galanza rolled her ankle in practice, which led to her returning to a spiker position despite being initially listed as libero in time for their game against Vietnam. Middle blocker Cherry Nunag taking the second libero role.

The reigning PVL Finals MVP saw limited action as a service specialist playing in the last two sets in Alas’ 14-25, 22-25, 21-25 loss to Vietnam on Friday evening at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

“Of course, we didn’t expect what happened within our team, so we focused on how to solve the problem,” Galanza told reporters. “As for me, I’ll do my best and my part to help the Philippines with whatever the coach gives me to do.”

Galanza, who wasn’t able to join Alas in the AVC Challenge Cup due to Creamline’s trip to Spain, made special mention of Thi Bich Tuyen Nguyen and her development since the last time they crossed past. The Vietnamese star poured in 30 points to advance to the semifinal against Czechia on Saturday. 

“I played against her with Ate Alyssa [Valdez] and Ate Ces [Molina]. She didn’t play the whole game back then. This game, she played heavier minutes and performed really well against us. We saw how many points she contributed to their team,” she said. “We saw and felt her impact.”

READ: Alas Pilipinas’ Jema Galanza won’t play libero in Challenger Cup

The do-it-all spiker, who represented the country in the past two Southeast Asian Games, is still honored to return to Alas despite the limited action, seeking to contribute more in the next national team stints. 

“I’m happy to be part of Alas Pilipinas again and to be with the younger players. They’ve improved a lot and this team will get even better,” Galanza said. “I’m proud to be part of this. This is the time to improve and grow as a player and I can learn more from my teammates.”



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Vietnam star T4 all praises for Alas Pilipinas, Jia De Guzman

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Vietnam star Thi Thanh Thuy Tran, popularly known as T4, in a game against Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Challenger Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

MANILA, Philippines — Trần Thị Thanh Thúy had nothing but praises for Alas Pilipinas, especially setter Jia De Guzman, after their showdown in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup.

Thuy, dubbed as T4, returned to action from injury and only scored two points but still made a huge impact for Vietnam, which eliminated the host Philippines, 25-14, 25-22, 25-21, on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“The Philippines’ performance is very well because they have a good connection with the setter,” said Thuy, who checked in midway through the second set and started in the third.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

“[It was] a very interesting match-up because she played in Japan and she played a lot. So I think it was a good match.”

De Guzman has been instrumental in Alas’ improvement with the eight-time PVL Best Setter sharing her experience from the Denso AiryBees in the Japan V.League with her younger teammates.

Alas Pilipinas' Jia de Guzman in a game against Vietnam in the FIVB Challenger Cup.

Alas Pilipinas’ Jia de Guzman in a game against Vietnam in the FIVB Challenger Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Besides Alas’ vastly improved game compared to their past international duels, Thuy admitted she felt a little nervous playing in front of an ecstatic Filipino crowd.

“Before the match,  [I’m] a little scared because playing in the Philippines you have the audience very enthusiastic [so] I’m very nervous. So we have to try to relax, focus, and enjoy the game,” she said.

READ: Alas Pilipinas loses to Vietnam, bows out of FIVB Challenger Cup

The Vietnamese star, who didn’t play in their title run in the AVC Challenge Cup Manila last May, said she’s not yet at a 100 percent but she’s thrilled to share the court with her teammates again.

“I felt a little nervous when I got back because I’m not in my 100 percent so I just try my best to have fun again with the team,” said Thuy.



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Thuy and Vietnam battle Czechia in a knockout semifinal on Saturday, seeking to inch a step closer to the Volleyball Nations League.

Bella Belen, Angel Canino relish first team-up at Alas Pilipinas

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Bella Belen and Angel Canino team up for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Challenger Cup. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — From UAAP rivals to national team teammates, Bella Belen and Angel Canino relished their first team-up despite Alas Pilipinas losing to Vietnam in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Challenger Cup on Friday evening at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Philippines witnessed the first team-up of the two UAAP rookie MVPs in their 14-25, 22-25, 21-25 loss to Vietnam in front of a soldout crowd.

Although Alas’ Volleyball Nations League (VNL) qualifier ended in just a game, the newly-formed duo showed a glimpse of what they can offer with Canino pouring in 12 points and Belen only scoring two on top of a steady floor defense in the first two sets.

“I am very happy because I am now with Angel in the national team. Before, we were opponents in the UAAP, but now we are teammates,” said National University’s two-time MVP Belen, who has been going up against Canino and La Salle for the past two seasons.

HIGHLIGHTS: Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

Canino, who beat Belen and the Lady Bulldogs in the Season 85 finals last year, would rather have Belen as her teammate than a rival. 

 “I’m happy because I told them that I would rather choose Bella as my teammate because I’ve been wanting to team up with her again for a long time. I’m very happy that she’s my teammate now,” said the Season 85 MVP and Rookie of the Year.

Despite the one-and-done Challenger Cup stint, Canino and Belen look forward to more team-ups in the future as they seek to elevate the level of Philippine volleyball, playing in the SEA V.League next month. 

“I think our connection will become stronger with longer training. I believe we can bring out the best in each other,” Belen said.

READ: Alas Pilipinas hit with reality check ahead of Challenger Cup

Belen, who came from South Korea with NU, was pleased with their gallant stand against Vietnam but she needs more time for their build up. The Nationals train in Japan next week until July 25.

“I think we did our best, but maybe Vietnam has been training for a long time. For us, especially me, I just came from vacation. I think we can compete, we just need longer preparation,” said Belen. 

Canino also stayed positive despite the results choosing to look at the lessons from the Vietnamese, who also ruled the AVC Challenge Cup in Manila two weeks ago.

“We all gave our best, and while we’re sad about the result, we’re also happy because we learned something. You don’t go home a loser if you’ve learned something—you always gain knowledge. Especially now, facing Vietnam, we feel like we know where we stand and what we still need to improve as a team,” said the La Salle star.



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“We will continue preparing for the SEA V.League, and of course, we look forward to giving our best always and bringing our A-game. It’s another opportunity for us to learn and for the team to showcase our talents,” she added.

Alas Pilipinas vs Vietnam FIVB Challenger Cup

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 FIVB Challenger Cup 2024 schedule of games July 5

Ninoy Aquino Stadium

3pm –  Czechia Republic vs Argentina
6:30pm – Philippines vs Vietnam

SCHEDULE OF PH GAMES HERE.

Alas Pilipinas’ Jema Galanza won’t play libero in Challenger Cup

Jema Galanza with fellow Alas Pilipinas players Cherry Nunag and Dell Palomata. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — After initially being listed as libero, Jema Galanza is back to her original position as an outside spiker in the FIVB Challenger Cup on Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Two days before their knockout game against AVC Challenge Cup champion Vietnam, Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito said that Galanza will no longer have to play as libero following a minor foot injury during their preparation.

“She is [doing] better and she’s ok. She will be a regular player,” De Brito told Inquirer Sports. FULL STORY

Missing players, reassigned roles hit Alas Pilipinas with reality check

Alas Pilipinas during a VNL meet and greet at Mall of Asia Arena.

Alas Pilipinas during a VNL meet and greet at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Coming off the high of a historic achievement, Alas Pilipinas is beginning to feel some of the problems of maintaining a high-profile national pool.

Luckily, the women’s program has a few reinforcements coming its way.

National University (NU) ace and UAAP two-time MVP Bella Belen and multi awarded spiker Jema Galanza will bolster Alas Pilipinas when it takes on Vietnam on Thursday in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenger Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. FULL STORY

After VNL success, PH plays host anew as Challenger Cup fires off

Team USA vs Japan Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2024 Filipino crowd

FILE–A general view of the crowd during a game between Team USA and Japan in the VNL 2024 at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines looks to continue its string of successful hosting gigs with the FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup (VCC) for Women from Thursday to Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Behind the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the country will be hosting a third straight international competition this year with the VCC, which serves as a qualifier for the Volleyball Nations League.

Alas Pilipinas will see action in the VCC when it clashes with Vietnam in a knockout game on Friday at 6:30 p.m. following the 3 p.m. match between Argentina and the Czech Republic. FULL STORY



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Romualdez lauds Gilas Pilipinas after win vs Latvia

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MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez heaped praises for Gilas Pilipinas after pulling an upset against world no. 6 Latvia in the 2024 FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

Romualdez in a statement on Thursday said that Gilas’ victory in the OQT is proof of the Filipino’s unwavering spirit and dedication to their craft.

“It is with great pride and heartfelt congratulations that I commend Gilas Pilipinas for their historic victory against Latvia in an official FIBA tournament. This triumph, ending a 64-year drought of wins against European teams, is glaring proof of the unwavering spirit, dedication, and perseverance of our national basketball team,” he said.

“Hindi lamang ito simpleng panalo sa scoreboard, kundi isang panalo para sa puso ng bawat atletang nangangarap na irepresent ang Pilipinas sa pandaigdigang kompetisyon. Nagsisilbi itong inspirasyon sa maraming Pilipino na magpursige dahil iba ang talento ng mga Pilipino,” he added.

(This is not just a win on the scoreboard, but also a win for the heart of all athletes hoping to represent the Philippines in international tourneys. This will serve as an inspiration for many Filipinos to pursue because our talents are one of a kind.)

READ: Gilas Pilipinas stuns world No. 6 Latvia to open Fiba OQT bid

Gilas, currently ranked 37 in the world, won 89-80 against OQT host Latvia. The victory opened up the possibility of an assured semifinal berth for the Philippine team should they win against Georgia or lose by a margin of less than 19 points.

The Philippines eventually failed to win against Georgia but was able to clinch the semifinal spot as they lost only by two, 96-94.

READ: Gilas falls short vs Georgia, but still headed to Fiba OQT semis

Romualdez meanwhile assured Gilas and other Filipino athletes of the House’s continuous support.

“We are committed to providing the necessary resources and assistance to help our national team reach even greater heights. Whether through legislative measures or collaborative efforts with relevant organizations, we will ensure that our athletes receive the support they need to excel on the international stage,” Romualdez noted.

“To the players, coaching staff, and everyone involved with Gilas Pilipinas, we extend our deepest gratitude and admiration. Your dedication and hard work have brought immense pride to our nation. May this victory be the first of many, as you continue to inspire us with your exceptional performance and unyielding spirit,” he added. —With reports from Moss Laygo, trainee



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