MANILA, Philippines - In a fitting tribute to Filipino war heroes, the AirAsia Philippine Patriots unveiled their new uniform with a word “Kagitingan” emblazoned in their white jersey in line with yesterday’s Araw ng Kagitingan celebrations.
According to co-owners Tony Boy Cojuangco and Mikee Romero, the Patriots will wear the commemorative uniforms during their AirAsia ABL PG Flex Linoleum home games against the Indonesia Warriors, Saigon Heat and Westports Malaysia Dragons at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
“It’s our own way of honoring Filipino fighters who helped bring democracy and freedom during World War II,” said Romero, president and CEO of Harbour Centre. “The youth of today should learn from the bravery of our World War II heroes.”
Thousands of Filipino, Chinese and American prisoners died during the 1942 Bataan Death March due to starvation, dehydration and diseases before they could reach the camp.
The gallant stand against the Japanese gave the Filipino allies valuable time to prepare as they re-took the Bataan peninsula on Feb. 8, 1945.
But when the Patriots play against their arch rivals the San Miguel Beermen on Saturday, they will still use their traditional black and red uniform since the Beermen will be hosting what is expected to be a grudge showdown.
The “Kagitingan” uniform will have red and blue trimmings, according to team manager Erick Arejola.
The Patriots, who clinched the first semis berth after outlasting the Bangkok Cobras, 84-78, in Bangkok last week, pace the league with a 13-2 record.
Last Feb. 1, the JobStreet.com Singapore Slingers also donned pink jersey in their 81-67 victory over the San Miguel Beermen at the Singapore Indoor Stadium as part of the World Cancer Awareness Day celebrations.