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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Hoops and history: 60 years of New Zealand-PH friendship takes center court

Hoops and history: 60 years of New Zealand-PH friendship takes center court

Published Mar 2, 2026 01:56 pm
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine McIntosh
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine McIntosh
The Mall of Asia Arena pulsed with energy on Feb. 26, 2026, as the Tall Blacks and Gilas Pilipinas clashed in a high-stakes FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers showdown. Yet, beyond the scoreboard, the night carried deeper meaning: it marked six decades of enduring friendship and diplomatic ties between New Zealand and the Philippines.
The celebration began with a ceremonial toast led by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio, New Zealand Ambassador Dr. Catherine McIntosh, and Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ariel Peñaranda. Together, they honored the partners and friends who have strengthened bilateral relations since 1966 — a moment that underscored the spirit of collaboration both on and off the court.
The evening’s highlight came just before tip-off, when Ambassador McIntosh and Assistant Secretary Peñaranda exchanged commemorative “60” jerseys at center court. The gesture symbolized teamwork, unity, and the shared victories that have defined the NZ–PH relationship over the years.
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio
Joining them for the Jersey Turnover were PSC Chairman Gregorio, Commissioners Matthew Gaston and Walter Torres, SBP President Ricky Vargas, and Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez — a lineup of leaders who continue to energize the partnership.
Celebrating 60 years of friendship on the hardcourt was fitting: basketball, a sport beloved in both nations, became the stage for honoring ties that extend far beyond athletics. From the intensity of the arena to the promise of an emerging Comprehensive Partnership, New Zealand and the Philippines reaffirmed that they are a winning team — in diplomacy, in sports, and in shared aspirations.
As the cheers echoed through the Mall of Asia Arena, one message rang clear: six decades is only the beginning. On the court and beyond, New Zealand and the Philippines are just getting started.
A clash of cultures and spirit: the Tall Blacks’ haka meets the passion of Gilas Pilipinas in a game that’s more than basketball
A clash of cultures and spirit: the Tall Blacks’ haka meets the passion of Gilas Pilipinas in a game that’s more than basketball
Gilas Pilipinas: The Heartbeat of Philippine Basketball
Gilas Pilipinas: The Heartbeat of Philippine Basketball
Before tip-off, The Tall Blacks, New Zealand men’s national basketball team ignite the court with the haka - a traditional Māori ceremonial dance from New Zealand
Before tip-off, The Tall Blacks, New Zealand men’s national basketball team ignite the court with the haka - a traditional Māori ceremonial dance from New Zealand
Ahead of their FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers clash, Gilas Pilipinas and New Zealand’s Tall Blacks exchanged commemorative jerseys at center court — a symbolic gesture marking 60 years of Philippines–New Zealand friendship. In photo (from left): PSC Commissioners Matthew Gaston and Walter Torres; SBP President Ricky Vargas; New Zealand Ambassador H.E. Dr. Catherine McIntosh; DFA Chief of Protocol Assistant Secretary Ariel Peñaranda; PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio; and PCO Secretary Dave Gomez
Ahead of their FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers clash, Gilas Pilipinas and New Zealand’s Tall Blacks exchanged commemorative jerseys at center court — a symbolic gesture marking 60 years of Philippines–New Zealand friendship. In photo (from left): PSC Commissioners Matthew Gaston and Walter Torres; SBP President Ricky Vargas; New Zealand Ambassador H.E. Dr. Catherine McIntosh; DFA Chief of Protocol Assistant Secretary Ariel Peñaranda; PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio; and PCO Secretary Dave Gomez
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