Nationals lend a hand; PBA games postponed

MANILA, Philippines - A few days after making the country proud with its inspiring silver medal finish in the Asian cage meet, Gilas Pilipinas is taking another role, raising funds to help in relief efforts for flood victims of the Typhoon Maring-enhanced southwest monsoon.

The Gilas coaching staff and players put in their contributions yesterday to start their fund drive linked with the Alagang Kapatid Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of TV5.

“It’s time to give back,” said coach Chot Reyes, urging Gilas followers (@smartgilasph, @gilasarmy and @smartgilas) to also be counted in helping the flood/typhoon victims.

Gilas Pilipinas drew inspiration from the fans, who braved inclement weather and provided the much-needed support for the Filipino cagers’ quest for a berth in next year’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, NBA stars Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade have expressed their concern over the massive flooding that hit Luzon, including Manila.

Last Monday, when the heavy rains first started pounding the metropolis, Gasol tweeted his message and even included the hashtag #PrayforthePhilippines:

Wade, on the other hand, posted a message in facebook, saying: “My thoughts are with everyone suffering through the effects of tropical storm Maring/Trami in Manila and the rest of the Philippines. Be smart, be safe.”

Reyes said they’ve set up the Gilas Pilipinas Maring Fund where donations can be made through its BDO account 00-5310-41016-4 or BPI account 1443-0533-32.

“Just deposit with the note #GilasPilipinasMaringFund,” said Reyes on his Twitter account.

Meanwhile, the PBA cancelled its scheduled twinbill at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night due to inclement weather.

Philippine Cup titlist Talk n Text and Commissioner’s Cup titleholder Alaska Milk were to clash in the 7:30 p.m. main game with Globalport and San Mig Coffee facing off in the 5:15 p.m. curtain-raiser.

PBA Governors Cup action resumes tomorrow with Alaska going up against Globalport and Rain or Shine facing off Petron, also at the Big Dome.

The PBA is also likely to respond to the needs of the victims as the league board convenes in a meeting at noon today in the league office in Libis, Quezon City.

In August last year, the PBA pooled P2 million as seed money in a fund drive also for victims of disaster. 

“For sure, the PBA will help. And I won’t be surprised if PBA member teams would have their own relief efforts,” said PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial.

The MVP Group, through Maynilad, has been distributing bottled waters in different evacuation centers. Reports also said Smart/PLDT chief Manny V. Pangilinan allowed the use of their choppers for relief jobs.