The memory of getting cut from the Gilas final 12 during the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea remains fresh in the mind of Beau Belga.
No wonder he is determined to make the final lineup this time as he, along with five other members of Rain or Shine and several players from other PBA teams, were named to the Philippine squad that will be competing in the Jakarta Asian Games starting this August 16.
Two weeks after withdrawing the Philippine team that comprised the core of Rain or Shine, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced Sunday in a press conference that it changed its mind.
That in itself was already good news for Belga.
"At least, the Philippines will be represented again even if this team may not have Andray Blatche but for sure, this team will compete," Belga told ESPN5 upon learning his name was included in the 14-man national team lineup.
The 6-5 Belga said it's good timing as well considering that Rain or Shine already resumed practice a week ago.
He also welcomed the idea of being reunited with Yeng Guiao, his former coach who is tasked to handle the national team for the Jakarta Asian Games.
"It's a dream come true because I have a chance to play in the Asian Games having been included in the 14-man team. At the same time, I'm really happy to be reunited with coach Yeng, a blessing to learn from him again," explained the 31-year-old banger from Gubat, Sorsogon.
But he's also quick to dismiss the notion that he'll easily make the final 12 just because he's familiar with Guiao's system.
"I don't want to think that way, because other players who play under coach Yeng can easily understand his system so to me, it's just a matter of working for my spot and hopefully, I make the cut this time," he added.
Belga was actually part of the Gilas pool way back in 2013 when the national team, mentored by Chot Reyes, captured the silver medal in the FIBA Asia Championship in Manila. The accomplishment enabled the Philippines to earn a ticket to the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Seville, Spain, returning to the world stage after a 40-year absence.
The ROS big man recalled being part of the Gilas pool during its preparation in the world stage, and developing a special bond with players like Marc Pingris, June Mar Fajardo, LA Tenorio, and Blatche, among others.
But that was as far as his shortlived Gilas stint went.
"For me, I'll just wait for the final 12 and work hard. Though if I make the cut, that could give me a huge plus in terms of my confidence playing again when we all go back to the PBA," he said.
Outside the Asian Games, Belga played for the Gilas side that took home the bronze in the FIBA Asia Cup in Wuhan, China in 2014. He also won a gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand in 2007 just before he turned pro.
The Philippine team is set to have its first practice Monday night at the Meralco gym with Guiao expected to make the final 12 announcement next week before the team departs for Jakarta on August 14.
Aside from Belga, the other members of the 14-man team include ROS teammates Maverick Ahanmisi, Chris Tiu, Gabe Norwood, James Yap and Raymund Almazan, along with Magnolia's Paul Lee, San Miguel's Christian Standhardinger, Blackwater's Poy Erram, GlobalPort's Stanley Pringle, TNT's Don Trollano, NLEX's Asi Taulava and Gilas cadets Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero.