By: Joaquin Cortez
The Philippine women’s national basketball team is ready to carve out a legacy of its own, with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines officially unveiling Gilas Hiraya as the program’s new name and identity on Saturday.
Derived from the Filipino word for the fruit of one’s dreams, hopes, and aspirations, Hiraya reflects the Filipinas’ ambition to build their own legacy and establish a distinct identity in Philippine basketball.
The rebranding marks a deliberate move to distinguish the women’s program from its men’s counterpart, allowing the Filipinas to chart their own path rather than simply follow Gilas Pilipinas.
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“We’re very proud of this campaign and what we put together for our Gilas Hiraya Filipinas women. It’s really a deliberate decision to give them an identity of their own in order to shape a pathway that is unique for them,” said SBP executive director Erika Dy.
“We don’t want them to just follow the footsteps of the men’s program. We want them to be able to create their own dreams and aspirations for Philippine basketball,” she added.
The team was formerly known as Perlas Pilipinas from 2005 to 2019 before adopting the Gilas Pilipinas Women name in 2019. The latest rebranding followed discussions with UAAP and FIBA officials, with FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis emphasizing the importance of giving the women’s team an identity of its own.
The initiative began more than a year ago in Shenzhen, China, before the SBP eventually settled on Hiraya after considering the name’s meaning and symbolism.
Beyond establishing a distinct identity, the rebranding comes as the women’s basketball program continues to make strides in international competition.
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“The past years have shown that both finishes, second and fifth, are the best finishes in the SBP era for those two teams,” said SBP women’s basketball program director Bacon Austria. “The 5-on-5 team went to meet teams that we’ve never met before. So, I think that’s a good benchmark, and a good sign of things ahead as well.”
Meanwhile, UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag stressed that collegiate sports should develop athletes not only in terms of ability but also character.
“It’s important for the UAAP to produce women not only of competence but also of character. Sports can provide teaching moments, but you need coaches and good leaders to be able to produce good character,” said Saguisag.
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UAAP Basketball deputy commissioner Ginny Velarde likewise underscored the importance of exposing young female athletes to structured basketball to better prepare them for international competition.
“It’s very important that at a very young age, we expose our young girls to structured basketball, high-level coaching, and even competitive environments so that when they make the jump to international competition, they’re more accustomed to the environment,” said Velarde.
FEU athletic director and UAAP Season 89 president Mark Molina echoed the importance of providing collegiate athletes with a pathway to the national team, noting that representing the country remains a major aspiration across different sports.
“I really believe that every UAAP athlete’s dream is to represent the country. But this is not just about basketball [but] all the sports. When I talk to my athletes in FEU, that’s all they aspire to… to someday play for the national team,” said Molina.
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For UAAP two-time MVP and Ateneo standout Kacey Dela Rosa, the unveiling gives the national team an identity that players can proudly represent as they continue to compete for the country.
“I’m really excited because now we have a name, which is Hiraya. I’m so excited for what’s gonna happen,” said Dela Rosa.
Fellow national team standout and FEU Lady Tamaraw Amyah Espanol, who helped lead the Philippines to the FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup, said the new identity reflects the team’s commitment to women’s basketball.
“It’s always been my dream to play at the highest level. I’m just grateful that we have our own identity now as a women’s basketball team,” said Espanol.
“I just think every player on the women’s team is dedicated to supporting women’s basketball in the Philippines. I’m just thankful that we have such a great support system and believe in us to have our own identity,” she added.
As Gilas Hiraya embarks on this new chapter, the Filipinas aim to build a legacy defined by their passion, determination, and commitment to representing the country.
With its new identity formally unveiled, the team now turns its attention to the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027, scheduled for July 10 to 18 in Cebu City.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
