Join the entire nation in rallying behind the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team in the upcoming 27th International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Championship on August 1-11, 2013!
Wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is giving its subscribers a chance to watch the games for free and cheer for Gilas Pilipinas in its quest to regain the country’s basketball supremacy in Asia. All they have to do is visit the 27th FIBA Asia Championship exhibit and join the raffle where over 50 tickets will be given away to lucky Smart, Talk N’ Text, and Sun subscribers. The exhibit will be staged on July 26 and 27 in SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City; July 28 and 29 in SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City; and August 1 – 8 at the MOA Arena, Pasay City.
The 27th FIBA Asia Championship slated from August 1-11 at the Mall of Asia Arena powered by PLDT and Ninoy Aquino Stadium, will serve as the qualifier to the 2014 FIBA World Championship to be held in Barcelona, Spain. Gilas Pilipinas will vie to secure one of the three slots to represent Asia in the World Cup.
This also marks the first time in 40 years that the Philippines will be hosting the biennial competition. The last time the Philippines hosted the tournament was in 1973 when it was still known as the Asian Basketball Confederation Championship. The Philippine team, led by Filipino basketball legends Robert Jaworski and Ramon Fernandez, beat South Korea to bag the title.
“We invite everyone to be a part of this journey where our very own Gilas Pilipinas will to try to rewrite history,” said Epok Quimpo, manager of Smart Sports Marketing. "Our Gilas Pilipinas team's battle on the hardcourt is the battle of the entire nation. Through this tournament, we have the chance put this country back to the international basketball map."
“We call on our kababayans who will watch the games live to wear white. As Gilas Pilipinas play all out for our flag, let’s make them feel that we are behind them 100%,” ended Quimpo.