The Philippines Women’s National Basketball Team secured the country’s second regional basketball title when they swept the 2016 SEABA Championship for Women last September.
Perlas Pilipinas outclassed their counterparts from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Laos in the single-round robin tournament to clinch the gold medal.
One of the Perlas Pilipinas’ key players from that campaign is current National University Lady Bulldogs star Afril Bernardino. Bernardino averaged 10.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 19:02 minutes during the competition.
“Experience rin siya para sa akin. Blessed ako kasi nagkaroon ako ng teammates na tinatama ang mga pagkakamali ko at masaya rin kasi nakalaban kami ng ibang bansa na mas malakas sa amin, may iba’t-ibang talent din,” the reigning UAAP MVP shared.
Bernardino was one of 12 players chosen to represent the Philippines by head coach Patrick Aquino. Incidentally, Aquino is also Bernardino’s mentor in National University. Perhaps due to their experience with one another, Bernardino didn’t need to undergo an adjustment process.
“Same naman pero may pinapagawa rin si coach Pat na magiging mature ka sa desisyon na gagawin mo,” shared the Financial Management student.
When it came to the team players, the Cainta native stated that the players had no difficulty bonding with one another. The fifth-year player said, “Sama-sama kami sa hirap. Nakaktulong naman yun sa amin eh, kung ano nung isa’t-isa, nakakatulong talaga siya sa preparation sa SEABA.”
“Wala namang mahirap o madali na kalaban kung sama-sama kayo maglalaro eh. Buo kayong team, sama-sama kayo and alam niyo sa sarili niyo na tulong-tulong kayo, tiwala kayo sa isa’t isa,” added Bernardino.
Perlas Pilipinas had an easy ride in the tournament, except for their fifth game against Malaysia. The cagebelles posted a 71-51 cushion with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. However, Malaysia retaliated to go within four points.
Fortunately for the Philippines, the Malaysians failed to complete the comeback, and the Pinays kept their spotless record with a 77-32 victory. It was in that game that Bernardino produced her best outing in the tournament with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The Francisco P. Felix Memorial National High School product narrated, “Yung Malaysia kasi yun actually yung pinaghandaan namin. Kailangan ready kami sa kung ano gagawin nila sa amin.
“Advantage din nila is homecourt, yun din medyo nahirapan din kami pero hindi pa rin yan reason para hindi naming magawa yung pagkapanalo namin.”
Playing for one’s country is an honour that athletes rarely turn down. Bernardino simply had one answer if she wanted another run in Perlas Pilipinas.
“Yes, siyempre! Thankful kasi opportunities are coming. Sana may iba pang dumating. Sana makapaglaro pa,” the SEABA champion said hopefully.
