SHENZHEN (China) - Little did Sophia Canindo know that one simple photograph would help pave her way toward the Philippine women's youth team.
"I was also spotted because Leonard Ozar posted a photo on Facebook with his daughter, Louna Ozar, and me holding a Philippine flag," she said.
She was referring to a pic posted by the father of Louna Ozar, Leonard, on social media some time in 2021, where the two posed while holding the Philippine flag together. Canindo was around 14-15 years young at that time.
Ozar was around 17 back then and between them, she'd be the first to be called up by Gilas, for Division B of the 2022 FIBA U18 Women's Asian Championship in India.
The following year would be Canindo's turn. She was included to the team that took part and ruled the FIBA U16 Women's Asian Championship-Division B in Jordan, securing the program a promotion to Division A for the tournament's next edition.
Looking back, that photo sure did wonders for Canindo. But it was not mainly the reason why she found her way to the Gilas Women of Coach Pat Aquino.
"I was recommended to Coach Pat Aquino by coach Ericson Rios, the coach of UNO-R Bacolod," recalled the 1.78 M (5'10") small forward.
It was quite fitting - and somewhat poetic - that someone from the said province would play a role in her inclusion to the national team program.
Both of her parents come from Manapla in Negros Occidental, an hour-long drive from Bacolod. So, there's that special connection, and that has led her to serving flag and country proudly - even if she was born and raised away from home.
"My parents lived in the Philippines, more precisely in Manapla near Bacolod," she shared. "After marriage, they moved to Belgium to build a better future for the family - meaning to get secured jobs, and receive medical and excellent education."
"My oldest brother was born in the Philippines, he joined my parents in Belgium. My two other brothers and I were born in Belgium," she added."
That makes her and Ozar two players from Europe that are now with Gilas Youth. For starters, Ozar, who's set to play college ball in the Philippines, grew up in France.
And so, coming from places where the game has long been held in high regard gives them that advantage among their peers as far as skill and feel are concerned.
Canindo would be the first to admit that the Filipino brand of basketball is different from what she's been used to, but she's fully embraced as much.
"Filipino basketball is very different from the European basketball that I am used to playing, but what I like best about Filipino basketball is how the coaches trust us," said the 16-year-old, who began playing competitively at a young age of eight.
"The difference between here and Europe is that the coaches allow us to play our game and show who we really are on the court," she furthered.
But it's not just the style of play that's made her comfortable with Gilas. It's the unique sisterhood within the program, which he felt right from the get-go.
"Even with the language barrier, I was quickly integrated by my teammates," said Canindo, who's turning 17 on June 29. "At the beginning, I felt a little different because I was the only European, and I had difficulty communicating with the team."
"But they were very nice to me from the start. Whenever I do not understand, they explain it to me directly what I did bot understand. I have not once felt rejected from the team," she added. "They taught me a lot and I am so grateful to them."
That kind of nurturing environment has definitely translated to success on the hardwood, as evidenced by Gilas' sweep of Division B in last year's U16 meet.
It was in that same tilt where Canindo racked up a whopping 12 steals alongside 21 points in their dominant conquest of Maldives during the Group Phase.
Now, she and some key pieces of that team will try to replicate that feat in the 2024 FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup in this sprawling Chinese city, with the Philippines looking to gain the promotion as they're set to compete in Division B.
Canindo likes their chances. "I really believe in this team as much as last year, I don’t doubt anyone. Even if during a match I play poorly, I know that I can trust my teammates to make up for my mistakes," she said.
"And I’m optimistic that we have a chance to win this championship," added Canindo, who was also part of the crew that lorded over the 2024 FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers to punch their ticket to the Shenzhen games.
Maybe after the tournament, we'll see Canindo posing for a photo carrying the Philippine flag again, with her team at center court showered by confetti.
That's her goal, after all.
FIBA