The picture of Yao Ming and Manny Pacquiao in Tokyo says it all.

Philippines leaned on its heart and passion for the game. Filipinos united to make their battlecry #PUSO2019 or Heart 2019 become the top trending topic on Twitter worldwide. But in the end, height, as symbolized by 7-foot-6 basketball icon Yao Ming, is might.

FIBA announced on Friday that China will host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which is expected to become the biggest in the history of the event.

China had an excellent presentation in front of the 23-man committee, as they focused on their world-class facilities and their vast experience in hosting big events.

The Chinese delegation revealed they are planning to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup in eight cities -- Beijing, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan and Dongguan.

Based on their video presentation, there will be at least 100,000 rooms available for athletes, officials and fans in each city. China also boasted their world-class transportation system, featuring their high-speed trains.

Aside from their infrastructures, China also used experience as one of their main selling points, as they have successfully hosted the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou. They were also picked to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Yao, who is arguably the most popular Chinese basketball player ever, ended their presentation by handing a ball to a FIBA official. In the end, Yao and the Chinese delegates ended up rejoicing after winning the hosting rights, while Pacquiao and the rest of the Philippine delegation looked deflated.

Philippines, who made their return to prominence in world basketball when they played in Spain during the 2014 FIBA World Cup, focused their pitch on the popularity of the game in their country.

Pacquiao was picked as one of their delegates because of his love for the game. Aside from boxing, Pacquiao is also a playing coach in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Aside from Pacquiao, the Philippines were also represented by former national team captain Jimmy Alapag, who revealed on the stage during his speech that #PUSO2019 was the top trending topic on Twitter worldwide.

Alapag, who has joined the coaching staff of the Philippine national team, also shared a moment with Yao while the two basketball icons in their respective countries were waiting for the decision.