Netizens thank Gilas Pilipinas for FIBA Asia silver; slam referees and officiating

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas may have failed to earn the outright berth to the 2016 Summer Olympics but for the Filipinos, the Philippine men’s national team once again won the hearts of the basketball fans and spectators online.

Gilas Pilipinas fell into the hands of the mighty China to settle for silver in the 2015 FIBA ​​Asia Championship on Saturday, October 3 in Changsha, Hunan, China.

(READ: Heartbreak: Gilas falls to China, settles for FIBA Asia silver)

During the gold medal match, #GilasTamangPanahon started to top the trending topics in the Philippines, and then dominating the worldwide trends shortly after. 

ALL HEART. Thank you for the #FIBAAsia2015 battle, Gilas Pilipinas! Game recap: http://t.co/IAFb1muybD pic.twitter.com/F62wk7gjmk

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) October 3, 2015

Despite the heartbreak brought about by the missed opportunity to head straight to the Summer Olympics next year, netizens showed support for Gilas Pilipinas, tweeting messages of thanks for a gallant FIBA Asia stand.

Salamat, Gilas 

However, there were netizens who were not able to contain their frustration with the officiating during the game. Twitter users used #GilasTamangPanahon to vent out their anger and disappointment.

#GilasTamangPanahon

What’s next for Gilas Pilipinas after the recently concluded FIBA Asia?

Gilas Pilipinas is already qualified to participate in the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament happening in July 5 to 16.

(READ: Win or lose, what happens to Gilas’ Olympic dream?)

What do you think about the Philippines vs China gold medal game? Share your thoughts in the comments section or write your own reaction article on X. – Rappler.com