San Miguel Corp. President and Chief Executive Ramon S. Ang has paid tribute to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan for the resurgence of Gilas Pilipinas in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

“Our sincere appreciation goes to Mr. Manny Pangilinan, whose vision and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the Gilas Pilipinas we cheer for today,” said Mr. Ang in a statement released on Thursday, October 5, on the eve of the Philippines’ gold medal game against Jordan.

Gilas advanced to the final after rallying from 20 points down to shock host China 77-76 behind Justin Brownlee’s red-hot three-point shooting.

Mr. Ang congratulated the national team for reaching the title match for the first time since 1990.

“Let me join millions of Filipino basketball fans in congratulating Gilas Pilipinas — from its coaches to the players and team management — on our country’s historic return to the Asian Games Finals after 33 years,” said Mr. Ang, adding that Mr. Pangilinan, founding president of SBP, is the main reason for Gilas’ success.

“He conceived, nurtured and invested in the program, and it is his unwavering support and guidance all these years that molded — and continues to drive — the team,” the statement read.

In closing, the SMC chief said: “Gilas Pilipinas has given our country great honor, and San Miguel Corporation is proud to be supporting the team, along with many others — including private sector partners, government, the Philippine Basketball Association — whose collaborative efforts have helped make this Asian Games journey not just memorable, but also triumphant.

“As Gilas Pilipinas sets its sights on the gold, let us all continue to be united, and wish them all the best.”