By Aimerose C. Atienza

Far Eastern University (FEU) Drummers and Cheerleaders led the charge in boosting the home crowd in the 2023 FIBA World Cup match between Gilas Pilipinas and China at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, September 2.

Some Gilas supporters online were quick to notice a collegiate game chant as the ‘FEU Trasher’—the University’s most prominent cheer—was tweaked from ‘Let’s go, Tamaraws! Let’s Go!’ into ‘Let’s go, Gilas! Let’s go!’.

“They got the crowd into it and kept the fans engaged. They really made the homecourt advantage feel like homecourt advantage,” said Ryan Alba on X, formerly Twitter.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, FEU Cheerleaders head coach Liano Malit also ensured that both teams gave out excitement despite the new kind of environment.

“The system is not the same like UAAP kaya naging challenge ito sa mga bata (that is why it became a challenge to the kids [Cheerleaders and Drummers] to adjust and double their efforts. Then again we stick to our goal to make everyone cheer for Gilas. Both the Cheerleaders and Drummers [gave] their very best to lead the crowd of Araneta Coliseum to cheer for Gilas Basketball Team,” he said.

On their respective official Facebook pages, FEU Drummers and Cheerleaders expressed ‘heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity’ that they took part in.

Green-and-gold drummer Stephanie Bardoquillo felt overwhelmed with the experience to represent FEU and the Philippines in the world basketball stage.

“Nakaka-overwhelm and at the same time, thankful kaming FEU Drummers dahil isa kami sa mga nabigyan ng ganitong klaseng opportunity na makapag-perform sa Araneta and i-represent ang FEU sa FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 (It was overwhelming and at the same time, the FEU Drummers are thankful because we are given the opportunity to perform at Araneta and represent FEU in FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023),” she said.

Gilas Pilipinas scored its first FIBA World Cup win since 2014 after drubbing China, 96-75.

The team placed second in Group M with a 1-4 win-loss record and secured a spot for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

(Photo courtesy of FEU Tamaraws)