The haka is a tradition that has been embraced by almost all the sports teams coming from New Zealand. The dance is a traditional war cry accompanied by various movements of the arms, stomping of the feet, and a boisterous chant.
For the first time, the Tall Blacks, the New Zealand Men’s national basketball team, performed the haka at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The crowd was silent – astonished by the sight or busy shooting with their phone cameras. Throughout the one minute of dance, Gilas Pilipinas, arm in arm, were not intimidated. The hosts just looked on with fire in their eyes to try to intimidate the Kiwis as well, resulting in a stand-off.
It was a sight to behold.
