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In the first edition of The GAME Huddle, members of the Philippine sports community gathered at the Monarch Manila for a thrilling night of good food, drinks, and Gilas Pilipinas.
Time to huddle up!
Held last Thursday, February 26, The GAME officially kicked off its new chapter, gathering Filipino sports fans for the first-ever The GAME Huddle featuring Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA World Cup qualifiers game against New Zealand. The Monarch Manila in Makati served as the event’s venue partner, while LollyKiss provided giveaways in the form of branded lollipops.
Several Filipino sports personalities joined in on the thrilling night, such as DLSU stars Mason Amos and Bright Nwankwo, along with former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala. There were also those from local media, such as basketball analyst Bill Velasco, PBA play-by-play commentator Charlie Cuna, and courtside reporter Rizza Diaz.
Starting off the evening was an address by Modern Media Group Inc. COO and The GAME publisher Anne Bernisca, who formally welcomed the brand to their growing ecosystem — one that includes local versions of Billboard, Rolling Stone and Robb Report.
“As we evolve the brand, we’re also expanding who we speak to — not only the hardcore fans, but the casual supporters, the lifestyle enthusiasts, and every Filipino who rallies behind a team for national pride,” said Bernisca, who gave audiences a preview of The GAME’s new chapter.
“In this country, sports is communal. It brings families, friends, and entire communities together. It’s something we carry with pride — especially when we see our flag represented on the global stage.”
Sid Ventura, The GAME’s Chief of Editorial Content, then unveiled the brand’s first cover for 2026 featuring former Gilas Pilipinas captain Gabe Norwood, while also welcoming guests across the wider sports community.
After Ventura and Bernisca’s opening remarks, it former PBA commissioner Noli Eala’s turn to grace the stage. With Gilas being Eala’s brainchild, he reflected on the program’s humble beginnings, while swelling with pride over how far the national team has come.
“Let me just say that I am so happy. From the quiet corner of our very first tournament with Gilas…this was in Pinggou, China in 2008 when Rajko Toroman first coached the Gilas national team. We were champions, to what it is now today,” Eala said.
“A true national gem of a program! We are so proud, and I am so happy that we are now here enjoying what we have created. So again, I hope you guys continue to support the national team.”
A ceremonial toast, also featuring The GAME writers RJ Ballecer and Ramon Domingo, formally kicked off the night at Monarch.
Game time!
Then came game time, with Gilas Pilipinas facing off against the Tall Blacks. Over good drinks and good food, members of the Filipino sports community cheered for the Nationals. Every bucket and highlight play had the crowd on their feet, as Pinoy pride swelled all the way in Makati.
Though Gilas fell to New Zealand, 66-69, the Nationals still put up a good fight, who mounted a huge fightback in the fourth period, cutting down an 11-point lead down to two under the leadership of Dwight Ramos.
As Gilas slowly chipped away at the deficit, cheers got louder over here in the Monarch. Every defensive stop and bucket had the “sixth man” hyped, with Gilas looking closer to completing an epic comeback against the Tall Blacks.
Ramos, who showed the way with 16 points and eight rebounds, had a shot to send the game into overtime, following a split from the charity stripe by Reuben Te Rangi. However, St. Dwight’s chance to tie the game was off, ending a contest that already had the crowd on its feet.
Also pacing the Nationals was CJ Perez, who added 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Juan Gomez de Liaño added 10 markers in his debut for Tim Cone’s program, while Quentin Millora-Brown continued to show promise with seven points, and six rebounds. AJ Edu continued to be steady for the frontline too with five points and 11 boards.
Though it was not the ending that we all wanted, bonding together for Gilas Pilipinas ultimately captured the trademark Filipino passion towards basketball. So just imagine if the Nationals got the huge win over New Zealand, right?
More to come
Gilas Pilipinas now turns their attention to Australia this Sunday, also at the Mall of Asia Arena. No doubt that they will need their fans’ energy more than ever, given the high stakes of this FIBA window.
But what about The GAME Huddle? This is just the first of many watch parties, and not just for basketball. Part of the brand’s mission is to shine the spotlight on the wider Filipino sports community — from the athletes, to the cultures that define these very disciplines.
Now that The GAME Huddle is off to a great start, let’s stay tuned for the next sporting hero that we’ll root for again as one whole community.
Images by Yvonne Solon.
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