DOT invites FIBA delegates, fans to explore PH destinations

“With our shared love and passion for basketball, we celebrate this historic hosting as an opportunity to showcase to the world the beauty of the Philippines and treat our guests to the world-renowned Filipino hospitality,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said in a statement. (File Photo: Department of Tourism – Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) has welcomed and invited all the delegates and fans of the FIBA Basketball World Cup to enjoy and explore the Philippines.

The anticipated sports event being co-hosted by the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan officially opened on Friday, gathering in the country various basketball teams and fans from around the world.

“With our shared love and passion for basketball, we celebrate this historic hosting as an opportunity to showcase to the world the beauty of the Philippines and treat our guests to the world-renowned Filipino hospitality,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said in a statement.

“From our sites, our sounds, our flavors, our festivals, our stories, and our smiles, we join a proud nation grateful and blessed to show the world the many reasons to Love the Philippines,” she added.

READ: 55 NBA players to participate in FIBA World Cup

The Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City; Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City; and the 50,000-capacity Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan will house 52 of the 92 games.

Four games on the opening day will be staged in the country, with the country’s Gilas Pilipinas facing off Dominican Republic at the Philippine Arena at 8 p.m.

Following the match between Angola and Italy at 4 p.m., which the latter won, 81-67.

Bannering the Philippine team is Utah Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson while Minnesota Timberwolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Dominican Republic.

The final phase of the World Cup, scheduled from Sept. 5 to 10, will be played at the Mall of Asia Arena.