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DUBAI: It’s no exaggeration that Filipinos have
literally invaded this dazzling, sun-kissed emirate, that everywhere
you go—in malls, hotels and in the airport itself—chances are
you’d meet Filipinos.
In the airport alone, Filipinos
working there in various capacities would constantly swarm the PBA
delegation, asking for their pictures taken with their favorite
players from Barangay Ginebra and Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs.
And so, it is safe to say that
all roads—at least for plenty of Filipino worker here—are
leading to the Al-Ahli Sports Club in downtown as the Kings and the
Giants clash at 2:30 p.m. here in a battle royale between sister
teams both armed with individual motivations.
“They [Filipinos here] are our
modern day heroes and the PBA is happy to give them a big basketball
treat right in the place where they are,” said PBA commissioner
Noli Eala, who headed the delegation to this emirate that has an air
of great energy.
Obviously not wanting to fail the
expecting OFW’s here and probably make their visit here quite
memorable, both the Kings and the Giants made light workouts at the
venue after an early morning breakfast at the Avari Hotel in
preparation for the much-awaited game, made possible by the
organizing Filipino basketball center led by chairman Ramon Pizzaras
and assisted by ex-PBA player Ric Roces.
“It is a great opportunity to
play here, as we all know there’s a lot of Filipinos here. At
least makadagdag tayo ng konting kasiyahan sa kanila,” said
Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.
Ginebra is currently tied with
Red Bull and Alaska for the lead with 6-2 slate a piece while
Purefoods has been struggling as of late with only three wins to
show in eight games.
Medyo mainit nga sa Dubai, pero
mainit din naman ang Ginebra, so lalo sila maiinitan doon sa
paglalaro ng Ginebra,” said Uichico whose wards are coming off a
199-82 blowout win last Sunday against the Bulls.
“We may have a depleted lineup,
but everybody is stepping up. And we hope to bring in the best
[game] to Dubai. Sa mga kababayan natin doon, kung mainit dyan, baka
lalong uminit kayo dyan pagpunta namin,” added Uichico.
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