Experience of a lifetime
SMS hurdles first obstacle towards world record bid
For these kids, basketball played a significant role in their lives and being part of a historic event was something they never imagined, considering it an experience of a lifetime.
"We are proud of ourselves that we are able to take part in this historic event, and by just doing what we love which is to play basketball, we are able to help our beloved school to achieve such recognition,” said the 18-year-old Dennis Gantalao.
Gantalao and his teammates were truly grateful for the golden opportunity that comes their way, more so that they were able to met in flesh and pose for photographs with their idols, Thirdy Ravena and Kobe Paras.
As Chooks to Go ambassadors, Ravena and Paras showed their support on the event with their presence that uplifted the morale and excitement of kids.
"Sobrang nakakatuwa they welcomed us in a way na never ko na-imagine. Grabe yong ngiti sa mukha nila, yung energy nila ibang klase talaga. Na feel ko na I am appreciated," said Ravena, a two-time UAAP champion with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
“Hindi nila alam na mas may ginagawa sila para sa bayan ngayon. They are doing a lot for the country by just playing and being happy. My expectation is for everyone to have fun. This event is not just for the Philippines but also for the kids. We want to see them play, we want to see them be competitive in playing 3x3,” Ravena added.
For Ravena, who donned the country's flag in the 2013 FIBA Under-16 3x3 World Cup in Jakarta, his ultimate goal is to inspire the kids to be proud of their roots and more importantly to love what they do.
“My goal is for everyone to be inspired lalo na na ma-appreciate nila na Filipino sila, mamahalin nila ang bansa nila. I think that's my biggest goal as a Chooksto-Go ambassador,"he said.
Aside from Ravena, Chooks to Go President Ronald Mascariñas was also overwhelmed with the warmth and candor of the SMS studentry.
“The warmest welcome I have seen in my entire life. I saw gratefulness dito sa mga bata na whatever ibigay mo sa kanila, they show a lot of appreciation. That's one virtue na natutunan ko sa Sisters of Mary (School), that virtue of gratitude. That is important for these kids to have that values when they grow up and become a responsible citizens of this country,” he said.
Initially, Mascariñas donated P100,000 to the SMS institution but with what he has witnessed, he promised to donate another P100,000 per month for the entire year for both Boystown and Girlstown.
"This institution deserves a lot of support for them to continue the circle of goodness na ginagawa nila," said Mascariñas.“You are serving your country today, you will give honor to the Philippines because you will start to set a new world record that will put the Philippines in the basketball map of FIBA.”