The Gilas Pilipinas Fever

The last but not the least win over Senegal is not bad for our FIBA National Team Gilas Pilipinas. I am not an avid fan of basketball compared to my late mother, but I was touched by these players who fought hard on the court. It is my pride and joy to watch them play hard over their mighty basketball nemesis. Filipinos buoyed by the team resilience over the four times court mishaps supported Gilas until the conclusion of the game. Winning over Senegal was the game that elevated the morale of Gilas team and millions of Filipino basketball fans.

The most talked about hard court battle was that of the match between Gilas Pilipinas and Argentina. Argentina coach Julio Lamas twitted as I quote “The most uncomfortable game I had to coach in my life.” Sports writer Andy Bailey  says “Gilas Pilipinas refuses to die.” Filipino fans within the Philippines and abroad were glued to their televisions cheering relentlessly for their basketball icons. We lost in the score board, Philippines 81, Argentina 85. But, take note as of 2013, Argentina ranked third worldwide, Philippines is on the thirty fourth slot.

Recap of Gilas Filipinas Games FIBA World Cup 2014 – Seville Spain

August 30 Gilas Pilipinas scored 78, Croatia scored 81

August 31 Gilas Pilipinas scored 70, Greece scored 82
September 1 Gilas Pilipinas scored 81, Argentina scored 85
September 3 Gilas Pilipinas scored 73, Puerto Rico scored 77
September 4 Gilas Pilipinas scored 81, Senegal scored 79

I would say, if Manny Paquiao gained popularity worldwide as boxing icon. Heart strong Gilas Pilipinas gained great respect in basketball game worldwide. It was not an easy win for the much taller opponents. Gilas Pilipinas fought mightily like a Filipino warrior with agility and passion. Truly inspiring!

HATS OFF FOR YOU GILAS PILIPINAS! 

It's Your Choice

I was glad to learn from our team captain last Monday, a day after our office sports fest. Our account emerged as the champion for the volley ball. We did not make it on basketball and cheering. However, the high spirit of camaraderie accordingly was present during the awarding ceremony. I take my hats off for all players who gave their best effort. Life is like that, we win, sometimes lose. The good thing is we are given another chance to win. I hope the sports masters will include swimming relay or bowling next time. If they do, they will probably find me as one of the participants. 

Congrats to the winners!

Our sports masters prefer group game rather than individual event. This is probably to encourage us to get rid of work related tension, through sports instead of going to our smoking area. We have smoking area we call lung center for those who are unable to control the habit of smoking. I am non smoker but it amazes me to learn that most of those puffing cigarettes during break time are my lady officemates. You know that women never run out of ideas and stories to tell. The place as dominated by the ladies is really noisy as they exchange banters with our gentlemen officemates. In a way, I have to be thankful for not developing the habit of smoking. Cigarettes are getting pricey these days. 

Wonder why some are unable to simply get rid of smoking? The presence of nicotine in cigarettes is addictive. Nicotine releases beta-endorphins that make us feel good and calm. Habitual and long term smokers may become immune to nicotine. To attain the calming effect these smokers need more intake of nicotine so the more they crave for cigarettes. On the other hand, aside from not being environment friendly, smokers are destroying their bodies. According to studies, life span of a smoker could be reduced by twenty years. Heart disease, stroke and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) are major examples of long term harmful effects of smoking.
 
I believed in life you are given choices. Take the risk for a short lived pleasure or get rid of that pack you treasure inside your purse or pocket.