Pat Aquino bows out of Gilas Women role fulfilled, hopes next Coach elevates team further

For more than a decade, Patrick “Pat” Aquino stood at the forefront of a quiet revolution—one that steadily reshaped the identity of Gilas Pilipinas Women. Now, as he steps away from his role, Aquino isn’t looking back with regret, but forward with hope.

For him the foundation has been built, and the next chapter belongs to those who will take it even further. With the Philippines set to host the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027 for the first time, the timing of this transition signals both an ending and a beginning.

“Siguro sa akin, I just wanted to, ‘yung mga nagawa namin, sana pagpatuloy ng whoever is the next head coach. And for me, ‘yung mga girls din, maalagaaan ng mabuti,” Aquino said.

Rather than holding on to the past, Aquino is urging the program to outgrow them. He envisions a future where the next generation, both players and head coach—pushes beyond the standards his tenure established.

“Sana ma-outgrow what we did and, walang bias or anything, I want to really go up pa. Sana magawa nila or whoever who is going to change me, I hope na wag siya ma-pressure and just do everything para umakyat pa ‘yung Philippines,” he said.

Aquino’s pride in the program is deeply rooted in its collective journey. Over the years, Gilas Women climbed from 56th in the world rankings to 30th. Yet for Aquino, that progress was never about individual recognition.

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WATCH: Pat Aquino speaks for the first time since “concluding” his stint as coach of Gilas Pilipinas Women. Aquino is part of the Blackwater coaching staff in the PBA. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/hpErZlrVH1

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He reflected that reaching nearly three decades in the program is a milestone he takes pride in, but emphasized that the achievement is not his alone, crediting the women who have represented the national team over the years for building and shaping the program into what it is today.

His gratitude also extends to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, which entrusted him with the role for more than ten years.

“First of all, I would just want to thank the federation for giving me that opportunity. It’s been a long 10 years or more na I’ve been at the helm as the head coach of the Gilas Pilipinas Women,” said Aquino in an interview after a Blackwater Bossing game on Tuesday, where he now serves as a full-time assistant coach.

Aquino admits there’s a lingering sense of “what could have been”—especially with major tournaments on the horizon.

“In a way, yes of course. Medyo nanghihinayang. For the last time na ginagawa ko ito, umaalis kami. And then now, we wanted to show na we can play at the same level as the Asian countries,” Aquino expressed.

Yet that feeling is balanced by a deeper satisfaction: the knowledge that the team he leaves behind is no longer just competing—it’s contending. That belief was reinforced during their recent stint in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers in Lyon, where Gilas Women secured a breakthrough win against Colombia, marking Aquino’s final victory as head coach on the global stage.

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