Monday, August 12, 2013

CRYING TIME - VIVA PILIPINAS!

Emotions ran high at MOA arena last night. Filipinos watching on TV were ecstatic. Tears gushed forth and rolled over cheery faces as Gilas Pilipinas defeated the usually big and power-laden South Korea heading to the FIBA Asia Championship finals this evening and earned a ticket to be on board competing in FIBA World Cup next year, win or lose in a knockout game against Iran in a matter of hours from now. 

It looked like the Gilas is the best combination of PBA players from different franchises that could be put together as a Philippine team to compete in this year’s FIBA Asia. The ball movement and chemistry is outstanding. Field goal success even by natural shooters seemed to have the back up of prayers. The members of the playing team complement each other. And Coach Chot Reyes finds it easy to flow with the rhythm the whole game and during struggling moments to regain momentum to their side. No jewel wants to shine on its own, hence no one felt left behind. The Gilas is indeed a team in itself, one and solid heart to carry the flag. 

The Philippines-South Korea duel was touching, classic and historic. Probably some fans have even dreamt about it and woke up this morning still animated. 

But what is noteworthy about the Gilas Pilipinas is that there is no “superstar” player in the squad because “superstars” were allegedly not allowed by their respective PBA team owners or by the PBA itself as a league for fear that they might inflict injuries along the way or for some “magnanimous” reasons only known to them. 

Now that the Filipino people is in a huge celebration and in the event that the Philippine team would beat Iran tonight to win the crown, will the “unselfish” leadership of PBA and the “unselfish” management of PBA “superstars” have the right to jump for joy together with the whole nation? 

A great lesson is learned here and one truth stands out lucent to remind us of the Good Book: 

“I looked throughout the earth and saw that the swiftest person does not always win the race, nor the strongest man the battle.” - Ecclesiastes 9:11 (TLB) 

“It’s not by might nor by power, but my Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts – you will succeed because of my Spirit though you are few and weak.” - Zechariah 4:6 (TLB) 

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