Gilas Pilipinas Women Open FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Campaign Against Mexico
Gilas Pilipinas Women face host Mexico on August 18, Manila time, at Arena Astros in Guadalajara, the first game of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament and the first competitive test for new head coach Burke “BT” Toews.
A New Voice on the Bench
Toews takes over a program that Patrick Aquino led for 12 years before stepping away. He brings his own title history: back to back championships with the Fujitsu franchise in the Japan Basketball League’s Women’s League in 2024 and 2025. He has said that roster, more than any fixed system, is the reference point he’s drawing from now.
Toews already likes what he sees in the roster’s offense. He said the individual scoring skill on this team is very good, in some ways sharper than what he coached in Japan. His early priority sits on the other end of the floor. He wants a defense that is also attacking.
The Twin Towers Return
Jack Animam and Kacey Dela Rosa headline the frontcourt, with Animam back in the fold after missing the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon, France, this past March. Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos add experience, alongside Duke standout Vanessa de Jesus and UAAP Most Valuable Player Kent Pastrana. The roster also includes Angelica Surada, Louna Ozar, Jhazmin Joson, Monique Del Carmen, Alyssa Rodriguez, and Sophia Dignadice.
The team is working with a thinner shooting rotation than it would like. Sumayah Sugapong and Naomi Panganiban, two of its best shooters, are not part of this campaign.
The Path Through Group B
The Philippines shares Group B with Mexico, world No. 7 Canada, and Senegal. After opening against the host nation, Gilas Women face Canada before closing group play against Senegal, with every game at Arena Astros. The team held a five day training camp in Las Vegas before flying to Guadalajara.
The Philippines has already shown it can hang with ranked opponents. In Lyon, the then No. 30 Filipinas beat No. 20 Colombia, 74 to 59. Winning in Guadalajara now carries higher stakes: the tournament winner advances to the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments 2028, part of the Philippines’ Road to LA 2028.
