Tag: praises

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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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.

Gilas coach Tim Cone praises ‘ageless’ Alex Cabagnot

On: By: admin


FAMILIAR FACES. (From L-R) Taiwan Mustangs coach Chris Gavina, Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone, Taiwan guard Alex Cabagnot and Gilas assistant Richard del Rosario catchup during Gilas’ exhibition game against the Taiwan Mustangs at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone felt the nostalgia in the air at Philsports Arena on Monday.

Cone had a chance to catch up with some familiar faces when Gilas faced the Taiwan Mustangs in an exhibition game. One of those names was former PBA star Alex Cabagnot, who now plays for the Mustangs after starring in nine championship runs with San Miguel Beer.

“Alex is ageless,” said Cone of the 41-year-old veteran after Gilas beat Taiwan, 74-64.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas beats Taiwan Mustangs in tune-up before OQT

“He’s absolutely ageless. He can step into a team right now and still contribute any way he wants to at this point.”

Cone, the most decorated coach in the PBA with 25 championships, has had countless battles with Cabagnot ever since the heady guard entered the league as the second overall pick by defunct Sta. Lucia in the 2005 PBA Draft.

Alex Cabagnot Tim Cone Gilas Taiwan Mustangs

Taiwan Mustangs guard Alex Cabagnot watches the ball during a tune-up game against Gilas Pilipinas as coach Tim Cone looks on at Philsports Arena in Pasig.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

On Monday, Cone was reminded of just how difficult it was to slow down Cabagnot.

READ: Gilas coach Tim Cone says Scottie Thompson presence ‘irreplaceable’

Cabagnot finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists for Taiwan.

“He’s been an awesome player after all these years. He’s just really tough to defend, a lefty and crafty. He’s tough,” said Cone.

Cone and Gilas now head to Latvia for the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where the Filipinos shoot for a spot in the upcoming Paris Olympics.



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