BENGALURU (India) - Of course, they would have preferred to be competing for a place at the podium but Akari are nonetheless filled with so much gratitude for the entire experience playing in the WBL Asia 2026.
Because the Sparks not only created memories to last, but also took a major step in helping grow the women's game in the Philippines further by competing in a FIBA club competition for the first time.
"I think we will be a better team when we come back to the Philippines with the experience that we gained here, and the exposure that we gained here," offered head coach Derrick Pumaren.
"I think my team has learned a lot and we'll be better as a team, and probably a lot better players among the players when they come back to play in the Philippines," the veteran bench tactician added.
Akari made their way into the premier women's club competition in Asia by ruling the 2026 Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, becoming the first Filipino team to play in the annual showpiece.
Our experience, I think, will help not just us but the community itself in the Philippines - not necessarily for this group, but for everyone uplifting women's basketball in the Philippines.
Unfortunately, they lost both of their games in the Group Phase that booted them out of contention - first an 85-75 decision to the Cathay Life Tigers, and then a 94-73 rout to inaugural champions Sichuan Yuanda Meile.
But the Sparks made sure that they wouldn't be going home empty-handed. Pumaren and his charges poured it all out in the Classification 5-6 game, beating the Indian Railways by 30, 86-56, to salvage a fifth-place finish.
"I told my players that we have to play with a lot of pride for today's game," Pumaren said. "We just have to come out and get a win today, and the players answered the call. They played well, they played hard."
Akari were of course all smiles and although it wasn't the finish they had wanted, they remained thankful for the week they spent in Bengaluru, for it's a trip that could help not just the young ball club itself.
Competing against some of Asia's champions - and introducing Filipina basketball as well as the potential it possesses - is a milestone per se for a country that's been trying to grow the women's game within.
"This is a big opportunity for the Filipinos," said Jhazmin Joson, herself a key cog of Gilas Women. "Us going back to our homeland, basically it's gonna help other women in playing - for instance, in the WMPBL."
"Our experience, I think, will help not just us but the community itself in the Philippines—not necessarily for this group, but for everyone uplifting women's basketball in the Philippines," added the 27-year-old.
That's why if ever another invitation comes their way for the WBL Asia 2027, the Sparks would love to, as the younger hoopers say, run it back, wherever and whenever next year's tournament may be held.
"It was a great experience for us and we will be happy to play again next season," Pumaren said. "It was a great experience for the players. This will help in uplifting women's basketball, especially in the Philippines."
FIBA