There is nothing better than supporting your team than physically embodying them. Make sure to air out and prepare your version of the Gilas Pilipinas team jersey, or wear a touch of blue when you watch the game.

Preparing your banners and balloons for team spirit is highly suggested, too! 

More from Tatler: Filipino golfer Miguel Tabuena and Lexus renew their winning partnership

If you’re going to watch the match live, it’s best to know where the game will take place. In this case, the location is the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. The indoor arena is ventilated and air-conditioned, but prepare for the heat and traffic jams. Bring your mini-fans and towels. 

The place is known for its size as well. So, if you are seated quite far from the court, you may opt to bring binoculars to have a closer look at the players. 

Knowing the game’s rules allows you to enjoy the game more. You must know them unless you want to face the wrath of your friends with your questions and inquiries. No one wants someone disturbing them if they are in the zone.

Basketball is a game of offence and defence. Two teams with five players each face off in four quarters. Since this is a FIBA game, each quarter will be 10 minutes. 

Gilas Pilipinas recently confirmed its 12-man lineup, which includes Rhenz Abando, Japeth Aguilar, Jordan Clarkson, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Jamie Malonzo, CJ Perez, RR Pogoy, Dwight Ramos, Kiefer Ravena, Kai Sotto, and Scottie Thompson.

Related: Philippine highlights from the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia

The Philippines is known for its heavy flow of traffic, especially in Metro Manila. It would be best to travel to the game venue ahead of time. 

For ticket holders of the August 25 opening day travelling via public transport, you can avail of the free shuttle service. The pick-up points are located at:

• PITX
• MOA Arena
• One Ayala
• Market Market, BGC
• Araneta
• Trinoma
• Cloverleaf Ayala
• SM Clark
• SM Megamall
• SM North
• SM Pampanga
• SM Baliwag

Only those in Groups A and B will be playing at the Philippine Arena. In Group A, the Philippines is pitted against Angola, Dominican Republic, and Italy; while China, Serbia, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico are in Group B.

After the opening, the rest of the games will be played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, and the games of Groups C and D will be played at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

If you do not have tickets for the game yet, you can do so via ticketnet.com.ph.

Tickets are also available in the following Ticketnet outlets: Ticketnet Box Office (Yellow Gate, Araneta Coliseum), Fishermall, Eastwood Mall, SM Aura, SM Fairview, SM Makati, SM Manila, SM Marikina, SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM San Lazaro, SM South Mall, SM Sta Mesa, Robinsons Department Store Galleria, and SM Mall of Asia.

If you can’t watch the game in person, you can also access it online. Watch the 2023 World Cup games live via the Pilipinas Live app, easily be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Sit back, relax, and just enjoy the game. There is nothing better to a typical Filipino than a fun, engaging basketball match. Winning the said game is just the cherry on top. 

NOW READ

Unstoppable drive: Filipino golfer Miguel Tabuena and Lexus renew their winning partnership

Meet Sarina Bolden, the athlete whose goal made World Cup history for the Philippines

International figure skaters Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin are breaking records with their stunning performances