With the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup just a few days away, Gilas Pilipinas players and coaches bound for Beirut, Lebanon should be all set to fly out on Sunday. But according to team manager Butch Antonio, there seems to be a problem.
“The visas are still not with us,” confirmed Antonio, Thursday night. “As a matter of fact, ka-Whatsapp ko yung taga-FIBA Asia, saying that we’re leaving Saturday and wala pa rin although we have filed this long, long, long ago.
“I am concerned na wala pa.”
Acquiring a Lebanese visa is a time-consuming process. An individual who wishes to enter the Middle Eastern country should apply for a visa a month before the travel date.
It might sound alarming, but the amiable SBP official was quick to point out that it is that big of a deal and that everything is still under control, as the host country is doing all that they can to help the Philippine delegation.
“They say its okay, I just don’t have the actual one,” he said. “It’s a piece of paper, hindi naman yung naka-stamp sa passport. Kaya pwede yung sinasabi nila na it’s okay already — it’s just a matter of us receiving it and printing it out.
“Okay naman yung Lebanon, they’ve been very cooperative.”
