Filipino fans cheer on Gilas Pilipinas during their game against Malaysia in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games at the Nimibutr Stadium, December 14, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. POC Media
Gilas Pilipinas is drawing strength from a familiar source in its bid to win a gold medal in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
Several Filipino fans are making sure that the Filipino cagers feel at home in the tournament.
"It's unbelievable," Gilas coach Norman Black said on the heels of his team’ 83-58 whipping of Malaysia in Group A play Sunday at the Nimibutr Stadium. "It feels like we're in the Philippines right now with a lot of people in the stands to cheer for us.
"Hopefully, they can continue to come out as we get farther in the tournament," he added.
READ: Gilas Men pull away from Malaysia for triumphant start
Among those who showed up and cheered her heart out for the Nationals was celebrity YouTuber and actress Zeinab Harake-Parks, the wife of Gilas star Ray Parks Jr.
The son of the late legendary PBA import Bobby Parks showed the way for Black’s quintet with 18 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
Black was hardly surprised of his godson’s impressive outing, elated the Japan B.League campaigner did not hesitate to suit up for flag and country anew.
"You know Ray-ray already. We've all seen him in his entire career. We know how good he is. I'm just happy he said yes to me to be part of the team, and was able to get an okay from his team in Japan to play here," he said.
"Like we said, we need Ray-ray as we get better as we go along. Good win, but we gottta work harder."
The Philippines will go for a sweep of its pool assignment and a semifinals spot against Vietnam on Monday at the same Bangkok venue.