There really is no shortage of Filipinos anywhere in the world.
The Philippine women's volleyball team has a massive task to return to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games podium after missing a medal in almost two decades. That mission started with a convincing straight-sets win against host team Cambodia. Although, Vietnam gave the Philippine team a dose of reality the following day.
While it hasn't been a fairy tale scenario for the country's bets, there was a constant factor that kept fueling Philippines in its bid—the Filipino crowd in Phnom Penh.
National team libero Bang Pineda couldn't help but admire the dedication of Filipino fans, who made it feel like the Philippine team was playing in home soil.
"Malaking help 'yun sa amin. Hindi rin namin in-expect na may ganung crowd dito. Ang sarap sa feeling maglaro," Pineda told One Sports correspondent Denise Tan on Wednesday.
"Thank you so much sa pag-support sa Philippines at thank you sa effort ninyo, malaking tulong sa amin," Pineda said in a shoutout to the supporters.
Philippines will need the help of the screaming fans today as they face Singapore in what will be a do-or-die game for the semifinals spot.
Pineda said they need to improve their floor defense after taking a hit against Vietnam.
"Talagang trabaho namin na mag-double time, triple time sa ilalim lalo na 'pag tapos na sa blocking, kami na 'yung bahala doon, so dadagdagan pa namin 'yung effort namin para makuha itong [semifinals]."
There's also the question if team captain Alyssa Valdez will finally suit up.
(GM)