HANGZHOU, China — The Filipinas suffered a crushing 8-1 defeat to Asian champion Japan on their quarterfinal showdown on Saturday, Sept. 30.

But if you ask Filipinas team manager Jeff Cheng, their showing was not embarrassing, saying his wards can go home with their heads held high and pride intact.

“What we were ready for, we gave our best. Anywhere we could have done better, we acknowledge, analyze and improve for the next time,” Cheng added,

In their first appearance in the 72-year history of the quadrennial event, the Filipinas finished a with a 2-2 record.

They beat Hong Kong and Myanmar but lost heavily to the region’s heavyweights Korea and Japan.

The Japanese is not ranked No. 8 in the world for nothing.

Living in style?

Members of Gilas Pilipinas delegation are staying in a posh hotel here which is a little more than 30 minutes ride going to the basketball venue.

It’s cool and comfy to stay in their luxurious hotel, what with its scenic surroundings.

The only drawback for them is that they have to walk for a little over 5 minutes because the bus they have rented is not accredited by the organizing committee.

“At least pawis na sila pagdating sa loob ng gym,” said one official with a smile.

They tried to remedy the situation but their request was again thumbed down.

Unsinkable Steve

Would you believe that Steve Hontiveros is now on his 12th Asian Games appearance since joining the local Olympic movement in 1977 as president of the Philippine Bowling Congress?

Yes Virginia, that’s how durable is Hontiveros. 

He’s already 78, but still active in local bowling scene being the chairman of the PBC and currently the Philippine Olympic Committee chairman.

Unsinkable that he is, Hontiveros had served in various positions of the POC – treasurer and secretary general under different POC presidents from Nereo Andolong to Celso Dayrit, Jose “Peping” Cojuangco and, now, Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.