#fiba2014

Last September this year, the whole world was talking about one thing – the FIBA World Cup. Not only that. Everyone was tweeting updates, posting statuses, and sharing pictures and video clips. FIBA dominated both the physical world and the world of social media, especially in Facebook and Twitter.

As you all know, FIBA 2014 was hosted in Spain and luckily, I got the chance to see a FIBA bus when my friends and I were in Bilbao! Well, at least I saw something of FIBA with my very own eyes…even if it’s just a bus. Still! And because of that...there’s a reason for a #selfie! Can’t let that opportunity go, right?

 Anyway, FIBA this year was something the Filipinos shouldn’t miss. I remember having a hard time getting a schedule from the Spain Consulate for my visa because a lot of Filipinos were applying. It’s either to witness the beatification of Don Alvaro or to watch FIBA games. That is not surprising since there is no doubt that the Philippines in general is a big fan of basketball.

Photo Credit: TPB Staff via Giphy

So, I have come up here 4 reasons why FIBA 2014 is such a big thing to the Filipinos.

1. …because basketball beats football. Only in the Philippines!

Photo Credit: Memegenerator

I don’t know why but basketball is definitely more popular in the Philippines than football. It is only in the apst few years that football is gaining some interest from the Filipinos. Well, my theory is that the scorching heat of the sun in the Philippines is just unbearable to spend hours and hours in a field. 

Photo Credit: Matt and Dani Curtis

2. ...because finally, after 40 years!

Photo Credit: Achievement Hunter

Woohoo! Now, that’s a history. After 40 long years, the Philippine team has finally reached the world stage of basketball AND won a game over Senegal. I just hope it wouldn't take the Philippines another 40 years to make it happen again!

3. ...because MVF (Most Valuable Fan) Best Country Award goes to the Philippines!

FIBA even played a video featuring the Filipino fans of Gilas, the Philippine team, during the halftime break of FIBA finals as a tribute to the Filipinos. That is something we can brag about, I guess! It simply represents a part of the FIlipino culture: how supportive we are for our fellow Filipinos.

Photo Credit: AFP

4. ...because now, the Philippines has a place in the basketball world stage.

Despite not being one of the top teams in FIBA, people around the world are saying how good the Philippine team is. Yes, the team might lack the height and some skills as compared to others but what the world noticed was something different. Something outstanding. Something that separated the Philippines from the others. It's passion. People saw the genuine passion the team has for basketball. In fact, the whole country cheered for the team with the word #PUSO (heart), which stayed true to the team's exceptional performance.

Watch the Philippines Vs. Senegal match to see it for yourself!

A Proud Filipina,

Kristen Tan

Wonderful Wednesday: Pinoy Pride