Pilipinas Special Report: Filipino communities cheer NT and U21 teams
In a move of solidarity, Filipino communities in Bulgaria and Hong Kong displayed their support for the U21 and NT teams as they arrived at their accommodation in Sofia and Sheung Wan respectively.
Pushing the limits of social distancing protocols in the city, as many as 60 supporters were waiting outside of the Hyatt Regency in Sofia to great a visibly dejected Seniors squad as they alighted from the team bus. The team was surprised to see people waving the flags of the country while singing “Noypi” by Bamboo. Others were raising “We Believe”, “Laban, Lord Woody” and “Laban, Pilipinas” banners while cheering the team on as they enter the hotel lobby.
“I do not know what to say. That was a tough loss (vs Bulgaria), but we have to focus on the next round. I am happy to see our fanbase come over to support us despite the loss. As a naturalized coach, I am honored to have experienced the hospitality of the Filipino people,” Coach Lord Woody said.
“It’s nice to see your kababayans believe in you even after you played a bad game. That gives us the motivation to do better,” said shooting guard Kidlat Calabria. He finished the game yesterday with 10 points in 19 shots, including 0 of 10 from behind the arc. A couple of fans managed to get to Calabria, giving him a show of support and a hug before he entered the hotel.
In Hong Kong, Pilipinas supporters lined up on Connaught Rd Central to cheer the U21 team bus as they headed to their place they’re staying at after losing against Taiwan, 67-83. A loudspeaker started playing “Puso” by Sponge Cola the moment U21 players and staff started to alight from the vehicle. They were greeted by supporters raising placards that read “Laban Pilipinas!”, “Pilipinas U21 #1”, “We love you!”
“The support is unbelievable, I promise you we will do everything we can to win,” said Coach Jeorge.
Both teams spent 15-20 minutes to thank the people who attended before entering their respective lodging to prepare for the next round.