Team Pilipinas. Back In Dubai 2015
We only have a few more days until the start of the 2017 World Championship of Beach Ultimate, and I know, we really can't hide the excitement and the pride of representing the Three Stars and the Sun in Royan, France. The Philippine Teams are working theirs buns off to do whatever it takes to go full throttle for that ultimate goal. The Dragons are ready. The Pirates are ready. The Lolas are ready.
TEAM PILIPINAS IS READY!
In a few days, we will be traveling to Royan wearing the Flag on our sleeves with, our heads up high. But before we write another epic story in the history of Philippine Ultimate, I would like to share some images during the 2015 WCBU in Dubai. I posted these photos two years ago, but I think it's worth to share all over again.
These are... The Scenes from WORLDS DUBAI."
Kits were distributed before the opening ceremony. Three teams fit in to one room. Surprisingly it wasn't that chaotic.
Mini Spike Ball tournaments were part of the daily warm ups of the team.
2017: Spikeball became a regular past time in every big tournaments around the globe. I have no doubt that pretty soon there will also be a mini Worlds spikeball tournaments in WCBU Tourneys alone!
The first team photo of the Philippine Team before the opening parade. Yes. This moment was much more chaotic than the kit distribution.
2017: This was the first time that we were all together in one area on the Beach. And of course, because of too much excitement I really didn't notice the background. Check out the ugly construction site behind us.
2017: This was the first time that we were all together in one area on the Beach. And of course, because of too much excitement I really didn't notice the background. Check out the ugly construction site behind us.
One of the proudest moment was seeing our flag together with the other nation's colors. She is the most beautiful thing you'll ever see during Worlds.
2017: Spoiler: Philippines Mixed team player, Sheila Gascon was the one carrying the Flag when I took this photo. She probably was really trying her best to raise the Flag high just to be seen by the rest of the world! She did a pretty good job!
2017: Spoiler: Philippines Mixed team player, Sheila Gascon was the one carrying the Flag when I took this photo. She probably was really trying her best to raise the Flag high just to be seen by the rest of the world! She did a pretty good job!
The Dragons flag was one of the most popular flags during the 5 day tournament.
2017: The Dragons jerseys was also one of the most popular trade jerseys during WCBU. Everyone was willing to give away anything just to get their hands on a Dragons apparel.
2017: The Dragons jerseys was also one of the most popular trade jerseys during WCBU. Everyone was willing to give away anything just to get their hands on a Dragons apparel.
Even a Kenyan player likes to wave it and cheer the team on!
2017: This guy. He's the best.
2017: This guy. He's the best.
The original Dragons who put our country on the Ultimate Map in their first attempt at the Worlds Championship in Brazil. They are still here, fighting the good fight.
2017: And they are all back for another run in Royan, France. Though they may be playing in different teams now (A few playing for the Open and a few players will be playing for Mixed), but the Ultimate goal is the same.... Ito ay para lahat sa Pilipinas!
2017: And they are all back for another run in Royan, France. Though they may be playing in different teams now (A few playing for the Open and a few players will be playing for Mixed), but the Ultimate goal is the same.... Ito ay para lahat sa Pilipinas!
As the team enters the Arena, and hearing the man on the mic saying "And let's give it up, for the PHILIPPINES!"
Even in hot Dubai weather, you can still feel the chills crawling up at the back of your neck when you hear the crowd roar in the arena. I kept on shooting, but I cant stop smiling at the same time, seeing the faces of our players. It finally sinks in on me that I am actually part of the Philippine delegation. It was such an amazing feeling.
2017: I am not exaggerating this, but the Philippines is one of the most respected and most watched country in Beach Ultimate, and when you hear the crowd cheering you on, chanting "Philippines, Philippines!" while you enter the arena.... It is definitely one of the proudest moment of being a Filipino athlete. You may not feel it now, but you will soon when you are there.
I would love to experience that one more time.
2017: I am not exaggerating this, but the Philippines is one of the most respected and most watched country in Beach Ultimate, and when you hear the crowd cheering you on, chanting "Philippines, Philippines!" while you enter the arena.... It is definitely one of the proudest moment of being a Filipino athlete. You may not feel it now, but you will soon when you are there.
I would love to experience that one more time.
FOOD was never been an issue during the tournament.
Clover Chips, yeah!
2017: Clover Chips for the win! hahaha!
Thanks to the generosity of Mc David's Restaurant. The packed lunches and Boodle Fight dinner every day and night was the bomb!
2017: Bumabaha po yung pagkain sa Dubai! Thank you so much Mc David's and the rest of the wonderful Filipino community in Dubai!
2017: Bumabaha po yung pagkain sa Dubai! Thank you so much Mc David's and the rest of the wonderful Filipino community in Dubai!
The team really had a great time in Dubai.
Kboy, did!
2017: We miss you , KBoy!!
And even the ones who didn't make it had an awesome time as well!
2017: We really had a great time photographing Ronan and Doi during the WCBU Dubai week!
The Wonderful Filipino community in Dubai was in full support for our team.
They were there everyday, giving energy and love to our athletes. The teams really appreciate your support up until now.
2017: Yes, we still appreciate the warm hospitality and support up until now, mga kababayan. Dubai Filipino Ultimate community is definitely one of the best in the business!!!
2017: Yes, we still appreciate the warm hospitality and support up until now, mga kababayan. Dubai Filipino Ultimate community is definitely one of the best in the business!!!
When the game is on the line...
And you see the opposite team huffing and puffing...
2017: Seriously..... They are in deep trouble. Speed Kills.
2017: Seriously..... They are in deep trouble. Speed Kills.
Just keep on chasing that white plastic disc offensively and defensively. Put them to work...
2017: One of the most exciting game the Open team had during Dubai Worlds was their game against Australia. They will both be facing up again in the early stage of the tournament this year. Expect a heck of a battle from these two nations.
2017: One of the most exciting game the Open team had during Dubai Worlds was their game against Australia. They will both be facing up again in the early stage of the tournament this year. Expect a heck of a battle from these two nations.
And just do what Dada, did.
He looked at the camera. Threw a thumbs-up sign, telling me...
"We Got This!"
2017: We sure did.
He looked at the camera. Threw a thumbs-up sign, telling me...
"We Got This!"
2017: We sure did.
And the celebration begins...
2017: The Philippine Flag. The most beautiful thing you'll ever see.
Team huddles was one of the best times in the tournament. Hearing other countries giving high praises to the team, that of all the teams in the tournament, playing with The Dragons-Philippines was the game they are all looking forward to play in.
The huddle with Team Kenya was the memorable one, in my opinion.
"I've been training these boys for awhile now, and their dream is to be the Boracay Dragons of Africa." The Kenya team captain said. "We don't have beaches to play there, but we want to be like you guys."
After the huddle, one Kenyan player approached Dada. Shook Dada's hand and said, "Thank you so much... I will remember this game for the rest of my life."
2017: Two years later, the Kenyan player's words still gives me the chills.....
The huddle with Team Kenya was the memorable one, in my opinion.
"I've been training these boys for awhile now, and their dream is to be the Boracay Dragons of Africa." The Kenya team captain said. "We don't have beaches to play there, but we want to be like you guys."
After the huddle, one Kenyan player approached Dada. Shook Dada's hand and said, "Thank you so much... I will remember this game for the rest of my life."
2017: Two years later, the Kenyan player's words still gives me the chills.....
Being swarmed by the ladies on your birthday in Dubai. What else could you ask for? Thank you Lolas and the rest of the Dragons for making this Birthday the most memorable and special one.
2017: That was my first birthday together with the community. Celebrating it with the rest of the Philippine Team in Dubai was unforgettable. It was a good year.
2017: That was my first birthday together with the community. Celebrating it with the rest of the Philippine Team in Dubai was unforgettable. It was a good year.
As a member of the Philippine team competing on the big stage. Always expect height disadvantage...
But never doubt your heart....
Never doubt your teammates...
Though the teams did not reached the Ultimate goal...
2017: I still remember this moment like it was yesterday... It was one of the toughest moment you'll ever witness and to photograph in a tournament like WCBU.
The rest of the photos from this very moment are still in my hard drive, unedited. They will stay there forever. Never to be released.
The rest of the photos from this very moment are still in my hard drive, unedited. They will stay there forever. Never to be released.
They still left Dubai with their heads up high... Fought every battle on JBR Beach as best as they possibly can.
For their Teammates...
For our country...
And for the Flag.
2017: Being a part of a National Team is a privilege that you will never take for granted when that moment is given to you. Because being one of the players selected on a Philippine National team is the highest acheivement that you will ever get in Philippine Ultimate. And the greatest thing that you can do to represent our Motherland in this sport that we all love.
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