How far will the Ginebra Haters go for the love of “hating?”

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel has seized the “most popular team” label for many years now in the PBA. This tag probably started during Jaworski – Arnaiz tandem. The team’s popularity then stretched beyond the hardcourt. In 1997, one of the most prolific Filipino composer (and a Ginebra fan himself) Gary Granada wrote and produced Pagnanalo/ Pagnatatalo ang Ginebra which became a classic favorite among fans. In terms of ratings and crowd attendance, the statistics evidently confirmed that the Ginebra still holds the title. Another distinction of the team is their “Never Say Die” slogan. Some fans also note the team as “People’s Champ,” signifying that whether the squad grabs the title or not they are still the champion (in the hearts of the million followers).

The Gin Kings absolutely holds the popularity title. But despite of being loved by many, the team also lined as one of the most bashed team.

For the record, Ginebra is currently suffering a 6-year drought of championship. The last three conferences slapped the team out of the championship dream despite of management changes and finding the right equation. With the way how the team performs lately, Ginebra became known for being good in the beginning but will certainly end up eliminated. Thus, growth of haters and frustrated fans amplified.

Kangkong, Papogi, Gaynebra, Boracay Cup

Ginebra haters have grown widespread like a virus. On social media, hate messages were bluntly expressed by the bashers. On Ginebra Fan Pages, posts made by the admins are always flooded by comments from bashers. If you would think about it, what does a hater doing on a fan page if he is a hater in the first place? Weird enough, there are also other teams dragged into this Ginebra hate campaign. Most of the comments from the haters mention other teams for comparison purposes. Bashers labeled GlobalPort as the only team Ginebra can defeat as they described the Batang Pier being the weakest team in the league. I remember one response from a fan saying that the hater should deal a one-on-one game with Cabagnot. Funny but made sense. There’s this team also that haters always uplift, saying that Ginebra will never get as victorious as much as this team. I won’t mention the team’s name; it’s for you to find out. With that, I guess you can assess that most Ginebra haters are fan of <insert team>. Hahaha. Just read one post from the Ginebra fan page, in a second you’ll find the answer. If you also visit PBA fan pages, there are also hate comments for Ginebra even if the post is not even related to BGSM. Saya ‘no? There are also several memes which haters dedicated to Ginebra (which I find very entertaining. Haha.) Photos of BGSM players holding kangkong, opponent pointing the way to Boracay and others are the most familiar posts shared by the haters. Though asaran is a usual scene for a sport like basketball, there are times bashers go beyond the line and utter foul words such as “bobo,” “tanga” and others.

I tried making a meme for my beloved team! HAHA

Some fans ignite and fight with the bashers, some mum and some turns the bash into cool and trending stuff. Not so long ago, the fans united on Twitter for the “#kangkongnatics” crusade (and yes, I also tweeted that hashtag!).

But why despite having the most number of fans, Ginebra is the most hated one? Here is my opinion. Haters are frustrated (or secretly) fans. They are disappointed fans who were unsatisfied with the team’s performance thus going on the side of a team they wish Ginebra would be. Staying on a weak team will be a slap on their pride.

Legion of fans have something to say with these haters but how about the team itself? Ever wonder how our Gin Kings feels about it?

Last June 14, Greg Slaughter had a Q and A with his followers on Twitter. One fan asked him about handling haters.

I bet the 2014 ROY typed it with composure

Did the hate gone overboard?

Things steamed up as haters stepped across the boundary. Last July 11, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel fan page admin posted an incident about Mark Caguioa’s information page in Wikipedia.

Ano yan, "The Shrek?" Ganun? Haha.

Uy, Grand Slam!!!

Maybe you love him.. wanted to love you back. #iloveyouyouloveme

Coach Kangkong

Pink, Pink and Pink!!!

Nag-enjoy ba kayo sa Wikipedia joke ng mga haters? Dami ko tawa nung nabasa ko yan eh. Haha.

All hail Barangay Gaynebra  Gin Kangkong, the Boracay Cup Champion! Applause for the MVPs, The Shrek and Barney!

Seriously, we can goof around but people should put on their heads the word "respect."

For now, let's pray for our team. Long wait for October!


Para sa nagiisang Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Ganado! Never Say Die!