SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go expressed satisfaction over the country’s hosting of the FIBA World Cup and at the same time told Filipinos to keep supporting Gilas Pilipinas despite losing twice in the tournament.
“So far so good,” said Go Tuesday on the country’s second stint as host after 1978 when the tournament was then known as the world basketball championship.
Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, hailed the positive impact of the World Cup on the country’s tourism and economy.
“We’re able to show the beauty of our country, our tourist spots,” he said. “I’m sure some of the delegates have visited our tourist spots and they’ll encourage more tourists to come and invest in our country.”
The senator also highlighted the successful games held first at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue last Friday when the Philippines set a FIBA record in crowd attendance in one game at 38,115.
“The outcome was great at the Philippine Arena, Smart Araneta Coliseum and at the Mall of Asia Arena,” he said. “Our countrymen showed strong support to the games.”
Gilas Pilipinas lost its first game to the Dominican Republic, 87-81, and bowed to Angola, 80-70. The team faced Italy on Tuesday evening.
Despite the setbacks, Go remained hopeful.
“The fight’s not over,” said Go, who admitted feeling disheartened by the losses but urged Filipinos to continue supporting the team.
“I felt so sad, who wouldn’t be [loss to Angola],” he said. “We were ahead by 11 but they caught up. I felt weakened by the loss.”