Kobe Paras and Isaac Go know very well that representing the Philippines in international basketball competitions is one big of an honor and a privilege.

They also know that a Gilas Pilipinas victory can lift the spirits of the Filipinos, especially in these very difficult times.

The Philippines just went through a string of severe weather disturbances, and is still going through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Now more than ever, a Gilas win would mean a lot for the weary hearts of the Filipinos.

That said, the duo is determined to win with Gilas as they face Thailand twice in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in Manama, Bahrain.

“We’re the lucky guys who got chosen to represent the country during this time. We know that given the chance, anybody would die for our slot,” said Go in a virtual interview with the “SportsPage” of One Sports on Monday.

“We have to give it respect by giving all that we have when we enter the floor. We aren’t just going in as 12 players and coaching staff, but we also have everybody back home, the millions of Filipinos with us in spirit, cheering us on, and we have to represent them the best way we can,” added the 2019 Gilas-PBA special draftee.

Paras echoed the same sentiments.

“We want to do this for our countrymen. When they watch us and we win, there’s a joy that they feel. When we win, it’s not just us who win, it’s the whole country,” said Paras, who appeared in the “SportsPage” program with Go.

“We just want to do our best, not just for us, but for the frontliners, for all the people making sacrifices for us,” he added.

Gilas faces Thailand on November 27 and 30 at the Khalifa Sport City stadium.