RSA hails Gilas’ gutsy effort, MVP’s vision

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Corp. honcho Ramon S. Ang hailed Gilas Pilipinas’ gutsy efforts in the Hangzhou Asian Games and gave props to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan for providing the vision that shaped the national team program.

Ang, who has joined forces with PLDT Group chairman Pangilinan in getting Gilas equipped for this win-the-coveted-gold mission in the Asiad, led the showering of congratulatory messages after the Nationals bucked the odds, rallied past host China and secured the country’s first final appearance in 33 years.

“Gilas Pilipinas has given our country great honor, and San Miguel Corp. is proud to be supporting the team, along with many others – including private sector partners, government, the Philippine Basketball Association – whose collaborative efforts have helped make this Asian Games journey not just memorable, but also triumphant,” the SMC president and CEO said in a statement yesterday.

Ang urged the Filipinos to stand as one as Gilas guns for its first Asian Games gold in 61 years against Jordan tonight.

“As Gilas Pilipinas sets its sights on the gold, let us all continue to be united, and wish them all the best,” he said.

Ang expressed his sincere appreciation for Pangilinan for his vision and dedication, which, he stressed, have been “instrumental in shaping the Gilas Pilipinas we cheer for today.”

“He conceived, nurtured, and invested in the program, and it is his unwavering support and guidance all these years that molded – and continues to drive – the team,” said the San Miguel boss of MVP.

The SMC Group is playing an active role in the Hangzhou campaign. The group tasked sports director Alfrancis Chua to serve as team manager, Ginebra’s Tim Cone to be coach and key players Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar as well as San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter to backstop the squad.