The Philippines has been known as a country with rich culture, people, and traits. Filipinos are known for their hospitality as they welcome others as if they were like members of their family. This trait is not only given to people, but also to the game they loved the most - basketball. They have welcomed basketball as a part of their culture even if it originated from foreigners. Their love of the game is truly exceptional. From toddlers, kids, to old people, basketball has a big influence when it comes to their lives. From babies wearing small shirts with basketball team logo print, to an old man watching the game from a nearby terminal, they become one. You can hear them talking about it whether they are in public or private places. Basketball connects all colors. It connects lives, races, hearts and everything. Different bloods, skin tones, gender and races don't matter in this game. Scattered colors become one when it comes to basketball.
Filipino's love to the game is clearly evident. During the FIBA Asia Cup 2014, Filipinos united as one to support the Philippine's Basketball National Team, Gilas Pilipinas. The event was held inside the Mall Of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Different countries in Asia went to the Philippines to battle for their legacy and pride in terms of basketball. The arena was filled with white and blue which represents the colors of the Filipinos, at the same time, supports the Gilas Pilipinas. Filipinos’ love for the game really showed up when the Semi-final game against the Korea arrived. It was believed that there was a curse because for long time, the Philippines has not beaten the Korea in this particular tournament. When the night came when the Philippines finally defeated Korea, everyone was in tears that symbolizes joy. This is because after a long time, the Philippines clinched a spot in the FIBA World Cup 2014 and came back in the biggest stage of world basketball. During these times, you can hear the sentence “Laban Pilipinas! Puso!” everywhere. Yes, it is because Filipinos, despite of all circumstances, cannot be stopped because they have the heart and courage to fight for their home country. But in the final stage of the FIBA Asia Cup, the Iranians prevented the Philippines from clinching the gold medal. These events really show the love of Filipinos for the game of basketball.
Another situation is the recent Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 43 Governor's Cup where the most popular team, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, battled the young team of Meralco Bolts for the second straight year in the tournament's finals. You can hear the chant “Ginebra! Ginebra! Ginebra!” all over the arena. The series went into a deciding do or die Game 7. It was held in the huge dome of Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. Surprisingly, the game brought a huge crowd of 54,000 people inside the arena to witness the legendary battle between the two teams. In the end, it was a repeat. The crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra clinches the win to take home the trophy for the second straight year. The Philippines was shattered with the noise brought by the game.
Altogether, basketball really brings an impact to the Filipinos. Despite of all circumstances, life goes one. They found love. They fall down. They get lost and they get up. That is the game of life. Compared to basketball, there are a lot of opponents to pass through, which is the same in true life where we get through problems but we still manage to continue to our goal. Basketball serves as a medium of integration. Basketball connects all colors.