RSA proud of Brgy. Ginebra’s attendance record at Philippine Arena

Even for Brgy. Ginebra’s billionaire owner, the overflowing affection and devotion of basketball fans for the Gin Kings is astonishing.

“Grabe ang fans ng Ginebra. Yung Ginebra, it’s so popular,” said SMC big boss Ramon S. Ang during an interview with Anthony Taberna on the veteran journalist’s YouTube channel.

Ang didn’t even have to go back in time to the days of the legendary Robert Jaworski and his never-say-die teams in order to drive his point. He only had to go back to Brgy. Ginebra’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals victory over the Bay Area Dragons.

The owner spoke with pride as he recalled the Gin Kings’ Game 7 win over the guest team.

“Naalala n’yo ba yung Ginebra versus Bay Area Dragons, yung puro imported na players? Aba, nung magsimula maglaro ‘yung Bay Area sa PBA, [it was] as if they were unbeatable, di ba?”

“Pitong import, sobrang galing nun, at yung coach [ay] national coach ng Australia. Ay paano mo tatalunin ‘yon. Pero nilampaso ng Ginebra ‘yon sa championship.”

SMC’s chief executive could not help but compare the PBA record 54,589 fans who attended Game 7 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan to the number of fans who attended the opening games of the World Cup at the same venue which set a new FIBA attendance record.

“Ilan yung record crowd sa Philippine Arena para sa Game 7 ng Ginebra-Bay Area finals? Kita mo. Eh ilan yung crowd sa FIBA [World Cup] opening night?” Told it was 38,115 fans, he replied “Kita mo, malaki pa ‘yung [sa Ginebra game].”

“‘Di pala natin kailangan ang FIBA [World Cup]. Mas nagagalak pala mga kababayan natin kapag napapanood nila ang Ginebra.”