DUBAI (United Arab Emirates) - Bring a Philippine-based team to play basketball in this particular part of Asia, and their compatriots would come in droves to watch and provide all-out support.
That's become the notion whenever a Filipino squad comes over and it was the same when PBA franchise Meralco were confirmed to take part in the Basketball Champions League Asia (BCL Asia) 2025.
For them to be able to get that sense of basketball, that sense of home here in Dubai, I think that means a lot to them.
Sure, the narrative was centered on the Bolts' return to the continent's most prestigious club competition, but sparking even more excitement was the fact the tourney is being held in the 'City of Gold' again.
Mainly because of how big the Filipino community is in Dubai, and how passionate they could get as evidenced by how they filled - and of course rocked - the venues of certain tournaments over the past few years.
"Super excited to the Filipino community that's here in Dubai," expressed guard Chris Newsome. "It's a really exciting time to come and perform in front of all our kababayans that will be here."
The seasoned swingman himself has experienced how supportive the fans could get when he became part of Gilas Pilipinas Men just a couple of years ago, where he has since become a mainstay.
By playing in FIBA competitions and outside of it, 'Newnew' got to realize the feeling of playing as if they're at home even though they're not - all because of the presence the Filipinos have in this region.
"I think that's the biggest advantage that we may have compared to other teams, that we actually have a big basketball following here and we can definitely use that to our advantage," he reflected.
As appreciative as he is, the 34-year-old doesn't want it to just be a one-way street. He's looking at the BCL Asia as an opportunity to give back to the fans' generosity by bringing to them some sense of home.
For him, it's a tribute of sorts as well, and he aims to do so the best way he knows - through basketball.
"A lot of them are working just so they could provide for their families back home in the Philippines. For them to be able to get that sense of basketball, that sense of home here in Dubai, I think that means a lot to them," he said.
"And for us to be able to come here and feel the love that they have, it's something that I never want to take for granted whenever I get to travel and we get to play this game for a living," Newsome added.
Meralco started their BCL Asia stint not in the most ideal of ways after falling short against Shabab Al Ahli but all isn't lost for the crew, as they can still stay alive should they take care of business against Utsunomiya Brex.
Definitely, the Quarter-Finals is the target and Newsome himself is hoping to reach that stage - and if fortunate enough, go beyond - not only for themselves, but to give their crowd even more reasons to cheer for.
"Hopefully we could get a few wins so that way, we can make it over to the Coca-Cola Arena, and try to make it feel like a home game," he said, referring to the Final Phase venue, with a smile.
FIBA