SHOW OF SUPPORT. Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA Basketball World Cup merchandise are on sale at Gateway Mall activity area, adjacent to Smart Araneta Coliseum, in Cubao, Quezon City on Saturday (Aug. 26, 2023). The coliseum will host two games daily until the end of the classification round on Sept. 3. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler) 

MANILA – Senator Christopher Lawrence Go expressed his satisfaction on Philippines’ hosting of the FIBA World Cup, noting the positive impact of the event on tourism and investment in the country.

Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports, shared on Monday to reporters his thoughts on the country’s hosting, performance and the future of basketball in the Philippines.

“Speaking about the hosting, so far, so good naman po ang ating (our) hosting,” he said.

“Naipapakita po natin ang kagandahan ng ating bansa, ang ating bayan, at (We are able to show the beauty of our country and our) tourist spots,” he added.

Go also highlighted the successful games held at various venues including the Philippine Arena, the Mall of Asia Arena and the Araneta Coliseum.

Despite the national team’s losses, Go remains hopeful for the Gilas Pilipinas.

“Kahit natalo po tayo ng dalawang beses, hindi pa po tapos ang laban. Meron pa tayong pag-asa kung mananalo po tayo bukas kontra (Even if we lost two times, we are not done yet. We still have a chance to win against) Italy by 13 points,” Go said, as he appealed to Filipinos for unity and support for Gilas.

FIBA World Cup 2023 has been a significant event for the Philippines, not just as a participant but also as the host nation.

The opening match against the Dominican Republic sets a new FIBA Basketball World Cup indoor attendance record, with 38,115 fans filling the Philippine Arena. (PNA)