A Gesture That United a Nation

Basketball is more than just a sport in the Philippines—it’s a shared passion that unites Filipinos worldwide. But during the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, how could hardcore Filipino fans all over the world show their support for the national team?

Enter United Hearts, an innovative mobile web-app that turned a simple Filipino basketball gesture into a global symbol of unity. Inspired by the way Pinoy fans pound their hearts with their fists to show their fighting spirit, Mang Inasal transformed this into an interactive digital experience. By tapping their phones to their chests, users activated a United Heart, which appeared in real-time on a global map—visually proving that wherever they were in the world, their hearts beat as one for Gilas Pilipinas.

Filipinos from 6 continents, 24 countries, and 70 cities joined the movement, proving that no matter where they are, the Pinoy basketball spirit knows no borders.