Gilas Women started training at Summit Point Golf & Country Club and currently staying at Jet Hotel since Monday.

With less than a month remaining for the team to train and prepare, head coach Pat Aquino was still delighted.

“It’s good that we can finally start working together,” said Aquino, who will be assisted by coaches Ramon Garcia, Julie Amos, and Mark Solano with trainer Paolo Gorospe and physical therapist Rassel Urag.

“During these times, it’s a luxury to be able to focus on basketball and that’s why the team is thankful for this opportunity to practice in a safe environment,” said Aquino. “We have not been together as a team for a while now, so this is a chance for us to rebuild our chemistry with each other.”

Part of the 12-member roster are the gold medal winning team during the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, including Afril Bernardino, Chack Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Clare Castro, Ria Nabalan, Janine Pontejos, Mar Prado and Andrea Tongco.

They are joined by youngsters Kristin Cayabyab, Karl Ann Pingol, Camille Clarin, and Ella Fajardo. 

Gilas Women is scheduled to compete against China on September 27, Australia on September 28, and Chinese Taipei on September 29.

The top four teams will have the chance to qualify for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 in Australia.

“The continued growth of women’s basketball in the country is one of the pillars of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and this is why the federation along with our partners will do everything we can to support our Gilas Pilipinas Women,” said SBP Special Assistant to the President Ryan  Gregorio