Gilas Pilipinas will again see action in international basketball competition, this time with the support and sponsorship of Max’s Restaurant as the team’s official restaurant. “Lumalaban Kasama ang Max’s Restaurant” is one of Gilas Pilipinas’ official battle-cries as it tries to take charge and make history this year. Yesterday afternoon, a group of bloggers including myself, had the chance to witness firsthand  the result of the Gilas Pilipinas and Max’s Restaurant partnership.

max and gilas pilipinas

2014 Gilas Pilipinas Team

gilas pilipinas players

Comprising the 2014 Gilas Pilipinas Team are:

Paul Lee

Jimmy Alapag

LA Tenorio

Jeffrei Chan

Jayson Castro

Gary David

Ranidel de Ocampo

Gabe Norwood

Marcus Douthit

Larry Fonacier

Junmar Fajardo

Japeth Aguilar

Marc Pingris

Beau Belga

Jared Dillinger

Andray Blatche

gilascoaches1

Head Coach is Vincent “Chot” Reyes while one of the  assistant coaches is Norman Black. The team will be competing in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup to be held in Spain sometime in August to September of this year. FIBA which stands for the Fédération Internationale de Basketball, is an association of national basketball organizations which governs international competitions in basketball. This will be the last tournament to be held on the four year cycle currently being followed as the next FIBA World Cup will be held after five years, thus resetting the cycle.

gilas practice

Together with the other bloggers, I had the rare chance to see the team on practice at the Meralco Gym. It was  actually a surprise of sorts as we were invited to come at Max’s Restaurant in Glorietta 3. After being served with an early dinner, we were all transported to the practice site, riding an air-conditioned bus. We were all pretty amused as it felt like going on a field-trip, just like the good ol’ school days.

#PusoToTheMax with Gilas Pilipinas and Max’s Restaurant

max and gilas group shots

As the Max’s Restaurant Group made their #PusoToTheMax gesture, Team Gilas Pilipinas gamely joined the fun, sealing a partnership that aims to bring honor to the Philippines.

My Say

After all the fun we had yesterday, I couldn’t help thinking that Gilas Pilipinas will be facing a serious challenge ahead. Never the less, the Philippines has time and again proved what it can do in basketball. I wish them all the best and wish to thank Max’s Restaurant for this experience.