In Yokohama, Japan, the Philippine team: RPC 2009 champions Influenza/Coerce fought valiantly to land a second place finish in their best-of-five series versus champion Japan. Congrats to the Japanese and of course, congratulations are in order for our boys for making us proud to be Filipinos.

This is the first time ever that we reached the finals and it’s our highest finish yet. For their efforts, Team Pilipinas will take home $7,000 and will fly back home tomorrow as heroes.

The Road to the RWC Finals

I was supposed to be with the Philippine team and fellow Level Up executives. But due to health reasons, I was forced to cancel my Japan trip. At any rate, here’s what the road to the finals looked for our national team.

First Round – The Philippines gets a lucky bye and will wait for the winner of the Germany vs. China match. Germany wipes out the Chinese 2-0 and faces off our team. Team Philippines wins this round 2-0 and goes to the semi-finals

Semis – Philippines fights against the US team, comprised too of Fil-Ams who know how to speak tagalog. Team Philippines wins and goes on to wait at the finals. Over at the other bracket, the Japanese upset defending Champions Thailand and goes on to the Finals.

Finals – according to Facebook and other SNS reports, here’s what happened at the finals where it’s a best-of-five; Japan takes game 1. Philippines makes it even by winning game 2. Japan then takes the next two games to become the champions.

Again, my congratulations to Japan and of course, to our very own, Team Philippines composed of the following players: Joelson Go, Jayson Go, Mark Anderson Tan, Robert Lee, Ploy Garcia, Xavier Abaya and Rey-an Lopez. Mabuhay! You make us proud to be Pinoys!

Once they arrive, I’ll be posting more photos and videos of the matches. I’ll also schedule and interview with the players to ask them how they prepared and hurdled each match.

’til next post!

- With Facebook reports from LU Marketing Director Jake Sandiego and Level Up! SNS network.