TAIPEI, Taiwan -- A number of basketball fans came to the Jhong Jheng Sports Center on Tuesday to get a glimpse of Gilas Pilipinas.
When the national team arrived at the venue for their second practice in as many days, several Filipinos -- and a few Taiwanese fans -- were waiting at the entrance of the facility hoping to get their photos taken with their idols.
One of those was Odie Perez who traveled from Taoyuan, a municipality which is around one and a half hours away from Taipei, to show his support for Gilas.
Perez, who is employed as a factory worker for 10 years now, is a self-confessed fan of the San Miguel Beermen and four-time MVP June Mar Fajardo hence his infatuation with the national team.
"I'm a huge supporter of June Mar. We'll watch the game on Friday. We're confident they can take on the Chinese Taipei team," said Perez.
After a full practice which included 5-on-5 scrimmages, Gilas players, along with the coaching staff, were greeted by more overseas Filipino workers (OFW) at a meet-and-greet event organized by Smart and PLDT Global at the lobby of the building.
Another avid supporter named Jerome Reyes said Filipinos in Taiwan have always shown unwavering support for their fellow countrymen, whenever a tournament is hosted in the city.
"Filipinos here in Taiwan always show their support for the Philippine athletes. It doesn't matter what sport, but most especially basketball," he said.
Reyes, also a factory worker, told ESPN5 he decided to be absent from work to catch sight of his PBA idol, Terrence Romeo, up close.
"I went here to see the national team and also Romeo, because he wasn't part of the Gilas team who competed in the Jones Cup," Reyes explained. "I took a leave of absence to be here."
Several Pinoys lined up to meet their Gilas idols @Sports5PH #LabanPilipinas #PUSO pic.twitter.com/sBIOAVNs7o
— JC Ansis (@jcansis) June 26, 2018
The scene here at the Jhong Jheng Sports Center @Sports5PH pic.twitter.com/o9ZWnxWtOJ
— JC Ansis (@jcansis) June 26, 2018
Unlike Perez, Reyes won't be able to watch the Gilas game against Chinese Taipei on Friday at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium because the tickets sold like hotcakes.
"Not many Filipinos were able to buy tickets because they were sold out in just three hours. But several bought tickets online at a higher price from scalpers," said Reyes, who'll catch the game on TV instead. "I am willing to buy a higher-priced ticket but I won't be able to watch because I have work that day."
Gabby Cui, AVP of Smart Community Development and Partnerships and one of the people who made the meet-and-greet possible, was pleased with the turnout of Pinoy fans.
"There's nothing like getting a picture or having a close encounter with your idols," said Cui. "We want to bring Smart close to the hearts of all our countrymen, especially for the OFWs working here in Taiwan who are providing for their families. We want to give them happiness and at the same time help our Gilas team because they have a big fight against Chinese Taipei."
Cui added there is a plan to host a viewing party in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Taiwan for those who weren't able to buy tickets for the game on Friday.
Gilas forward Japeth Aguilar, meanwhile, was overwhelmed to witness the number of Filipinos who took some time off just to interact with them.
"They really serve as an inspiration for us. It's an honor to play for the flag. When you see them and the support they show, it makes you want to play better on the court and strive more for them," said Aguilar.
"These are some of the things I cherish as a basketball player, to be able to inspire other lives. That's why it's added motivation to play for them."