Through thick or thin, and through heat or rain, Ultras Filipinas have been a staple in the games of the Philippine Azkals. The rowdy group of fans have also been present during home games of Gilas Pilipinas.
Ultras Filipinas have always occupied certain blocks of arenas, cheering their hearts out and bringing life to games with their catchy hymns. And during Gilas Pilipinas’ SEABA opener against Myanmar on Friday night, Ultras, who were stationed in the Upper B section, brought color to a game that was completely one-sided in favor of the hosts.
During an eight-minute stretch that bridged the second and third stanzas of the game, Gilas was in the midst of a 33-0 rally that turned a 50-12 edge into an 83-12 lead. Empathizing with the young Burmese squad, Ultras Filipinas cheered when Myanmar was finally able to put up a bucket with 6:17 left in the third. It drew laughs from the gallery and appreciation from the Myanmar squad.
And no one appreciated the efforts of the group other than Gilas head coach Chot Reyes.
“I love the Ultras Filipinas,” the 53-year-old tactician shared after Gilas’ 147-40 win over Myanmar.
Reyes, who is also the president of TV5, admitted that he had tried to sway the sound technician of the SMART-Araneta Coliseum to lower the in-house music prior to tip-off. This was because he wanted the audience watching at home to hear Ultras’ cheers.
“In fact at the start of the ball game we were trying to get the gym guy controlling the sound system to cut the music off because the Ultras were starting their chant,” Reyes added.
And just like in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship and the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, he expects the group to be present for the entire tournament.
“We expect them to be there every game, it’s great to have them,” Reyes said.
