For Gilas Pilipinas, the trip to Auckland may technically count as a road game—but Dwight Ramos knows it rarely feels that way.
As the Philippines prepares to renew its rivalry with New Zealand in the third window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Ramos believes one familiar advantage will once again travel with the national team: thousands of passionate Filipino supporters expected to fill the stands.
The Tall Blacks host Gilas on July 3 in a matchup that carries more than just redemption. Both teams enter the contest tied at 2-2 in Group A, with valuable positioning on the line before the second round of qualifying begins.
Ramos still vividly remembers the overwhelming Filipino presence during Gilas’ previous visit to Auckland in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. Although the Nationals absorbed an 87-70 defeat, the atmosphere inside the arena felt anything but hostile.
“It’s really big. It’s a nice opportunity to play New Zealand,” said Ramos, as Gilas carries momentum from its tuneup wins over the Manawatu Jets and the Franklin Bulls.
“The last time that we were there, almost the whole crowd was Filipinos. Even though it’s away, it was still like a home game for us.”
That crowd support has become one of Gilas Pilipinas’ biggest strengths whenever the team plays abroad, particularly in countries with large Filipino communities.
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The Nationals will be hoping that familiar energy translates into a different result this time around.
New Zealand edged the Philippines, 69-66, during the previous qualifying window in February in Manila, handing Gilas one of its two losses in the group.
After splitting its two exhibition games in New Zealand with convincing victories over the Manawatu Jets and Franklin Bulls, Gilas arrives in Auckland looking sharper and more acclimated ahead of the rematch.
For Ramos, however, the motivation extends beyond the standings.
The 26-year-old forward wants to reward the overseas Filipino community that continues to transform away venues into extensions of home.
“It’s another chance to try and go again,” he said.
A victory over the Tall Blacks would strengthen Gilas’ position heading into the next phase of qualification before an even tougher assignment awaits against undefeated Australia on July 6 in Perth.
With familiar faces expected in the crowd once more, Ramos hopes Auckland can again feel like home—this time with a result Gilas can celebrate.
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