Thousands of Filipino fans were disappointed after the highly anticipated exhibition match between National Basketball Association (NBA) stars and Gilas Pilipinas the “Last Home Stand” which was supposed to be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum has been cancelled.
See Also: How to Refund “The Last Home Stand” Tickets
According to the management of PLDT which overrun the most awaited match, the game was cancelled after both teams failed to gain the permission of the league.
Instead of an intense action, Filipino fans were treated with a “special training session” between the powerhouse team of Gilas Pilipinas headed by Marc Pingris against the PLDT Fibr All Stars, headed by James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, the 2014 Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Although both teams did not showcase an exciting match, the NBA stars assured that fans will be given a take to witness a one of a kind practice session. The star-studded NBA players featured some aerial stunt and impressive dunks.
PLDT announced earlier that fans will be offered for a refund. However, the management also reminded the crowd that the raised funds will benefit the victims of recent calamities including the victims of Typhoon Yolanda and the recent Typhoon Glenda.
PLDT has yet to release an official statement regarding the cancellation of the NBA stars vs Gilas Pilipinas exhibition match. The event was organized as the country joins anew the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup.
Here are statement of some netizens according to ABS-CBN News:
Yung pag-ibig mo parang #LastHomeStand. False advertising. #Buset.
— CAJ (@christianbsmn11) July 22, 2014
Hindi ito usapin Ng pagsuporta sa gilas…lahat tayo sumusuporta sa gilas…simple lang ang tanong….anyare? #lasthomestand
— Joel L. Orellana (@Joeloresca74) July 22, 2014
Outraged NBA fans in the Philippines expecting to see a game pay up to $500 a seat to watch players practicing. Oops. http://t.co/TIV5ySidCB
— Floyd Whaley (@FloydWhaley) July 22, 2014
@craigburrows and this- UPDATE:PLDT said this was exactly what was planned. "In our print ads, we never said there would be a game"
— Ruth (@rras22) July 22, 2014
https://twitter.com/johnbreeezy/statuses/491573090690666497
Fans are filing out of Araneta already. Trying to find out how to get refunds. #rstream #LastHomeStand pic.twitter.com/CqvGtF6JDj
— Jane Bracher 白意简 (@janebracher) July 22, 2014
Watching the Smart Gilas #LastHomeStand fiasco unfold in real time. I would not want to be PLDT's PR and Social Media team right now.
— Gino Borromeo (@manilapaper) July 22, 2014
https://twitter.com/moki_doki/statuses/491572637131223040
Disgraceful from PLDT. Yung mga gumastos ng ticket diyan, wala na pambili ticket ng Boyz II Men. Last Home Stand < On Bended Knee
— Jaron Genota (@jarongenota) July 22, 2014
@tjmanotoc Did he expect fans to be happy with a "practice". Hell no!!
— Ronnie Nathanielsz (@ronnathanielsz) July 22, 2014
Another fan saying: "It's a stupid game. We paid P10,000 and there's no game. Even the Araneta manager was surprised." #LastHomeStand
— Jane Bracher 白意简 (@janebracher) July 22, 2014
So wala naman daw silang sinabing may game…kayo naman pala, assuming kayo masyado. Nasaktan tuloy kayo. Lol
— FireTatang🏀 (@FireTatang) July 22, 2014
Last Home Practice ata yan eh. Last Home Drills? Last Wow Mali. #LastHomeStand #LastHomeDrills
— ✴️ (@joicedesalisa) July 22, 2014
Spoke to Rico Maeirhofer of Barako Bull: "Hindi nila inexpect na walang game" #LastHomeStand pic.twitter.com/iqIHXhxrLy
— Jane Bracher 白意简 (@janebracher) July 22, 2014
Well, to be fair, this is something I've never seen before. #LastHOMEStand
— Polo Bustamante (@polo_bustamante) July 22, 2014