Basketball and football crossing path is a rare sight to see but that was exactly what the crowd inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum had witnessed as the historic Philippine National Women’s Football Team graced the PBA floor on Thursday, July 21.
During the halftime break of the clash between Barangay Ginebra and Phoenix, the league honored the Filipinas, who recently won the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship crown to add to their collection of achievements that also saw them book a spot to the World Cup next year as well as end the 37-year medal drought for the country in SEA Games football.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial along team governors Al Francis Chua of Barangay Ginebra and Atty. Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix Super LPG presented an honorary trophy to the Filipinas who were represented by team captain Hali Long along with goalkeeper Inna Palacios.
Also present at the Big Dome were midfielders Katrina Guillou and Sara Eggesvik, and forwards Shai Del Campo and Alyssa Ube.
Team manager Belay Fernando, Ceres media head Ceres Lina and PFF broadcast chief Cedelf Tupas were also in attendance.
The Filipinas capped a tournament-long brilliance with the AFF Women’s crown at their hands after taking down Southeast Asian powerhouse Thailand with an emphatic 3-0 win in the finals last Sunday.