From my manila Standard Today article... 01/29/10
The Philippine Basketball League is back in the game! The return is set on February 13 and there will be 8 teams participating in their initial abbreviated season. Abbreviated because its conference calendar is shortened due to the delays. Despite that, this is still great news considering just over a month ago, they could’ve closed shop for reasons that were beyond their control.
Over lunch yesterday with the other commentators and courtside reporters, Commissioner Chino Trinidad talked about the struggles they endured and overcame in the past year(s). The decades old PBL was not spared from the financial crisis that saw companies divest and redefine what necessities and luxuries are. Unfortunately, some of its usual partners like Magnolia, Toyota, Burger King, Oracle/Harbour Center, etc., had to relinquish their posts in the premier amateur league to focus their resources on other matters for the time being. Tightening their belts just to make ends meet, the PBL had to even ask their employees to look for other means of livelihood while it found itself and its supporters in prayer, waiting for divine intervention.
Roofing manufacturers Excel Coil was the first to heed the call through a recommendation by Welcoat owners Terry Que and Raymond Yu as early as November
2009. But with less than a handful of teams, it would not have been viable to run the tournament. Then Phoenix Petroleum had to delay their entry into the league which further diminished PBL’s chances of survival. They did study a possible merger with Liga Pilipinas but for now, like oil and water, they just can’t mix.
They never lost hope though, and eventually the pieces started to come together. (which usually happens to the resilient and faithful)
Pascual Laboratories and La Tondena committed to expanding to two teams each. Phoenix Petroleum’s part owner Gilbert Cruz took over with his cement adhesive company Ad mix on an interim basis. Then 11 days ago, Agri-Nurture, a distributor of consumer agricultural products committed to join, as well as Fern-C which solidified its partnership 4 days later.
So now, the first conference will run till end of March, and the usual format will be reintroduced come April 11 for the next tournament. The 8 teams are to be split into two groups with the sister teams being separated. Excel Coil will be composed of players from San Sebastian while Admix will fly high with the Adamson Falcons. Pharex B Complex composed of UP Fighting Maroons’core will be steered by Aboy Castro. The remaining players from last year’s Pharex team will now be under the Ascof Lagundi banner. While last year’s Cobra commando Paul Lee will be joined by Jai Reyes and Eric Salamat and others to continue on the team’s upswing. These heralded collegiate stars tho will face a lesser known but highly talented line up from the De Ocampo University which the Agri-Nurture team chose to support.
Cossack made full use of the talents from the expansion and dispersal drafts, as well as Fern C which will be coached by its long time Marketing guru, the FLASH, Bal David. Yes, he’ll be making a comeback, and will try to show what he learned from the Jaworski school of thought.
I’m thrilled that the PBL is back. Its very existence is always threatened but it’s good that the people behind it never gave up. There are hundreds of players that rely on it, and having the PBL fold is like having the door close on their future. More power to the PBL.
www.twitter.com/patriciahizon
Locker Room
This is where REAL TALK happens
OF BAKED GOODS, BUS RIDES, AND UNIFORMS
from my manila standard article 1/22/10
Let’s step out of the playing court and revisit the drama that has unfolded the past few days around the PBA filled with showbiz controversies, road rage, and board room bickering as colorful and entertaining as the wild windup of the eliminations.
The James Yap-Kris Aquino-Mayen Austria triangle has filled spreadsheets, twitterverse, blogsites and radio / tv news programs since the alleged “sugod” incident. It’s unfortunate that they are going through trying times that affects not only their careers but their children as well. Any Good Samaritan would wish and pray for their family to stay intact and for this to be a test that will make them stronger in the end.
I don’t know Ms. Austria and how big a Purefoods fan she is and how mouthwatering her baked goodies are. But someone asked me thru twitter if Mayen the fan was crossing the line sharing her sob story with James the basketball star. So here’s my take. Vince still has a core group of fans that are still very loyal to this day and we love them. Since I only got together with Vince, it was initially taxing to be thrown into the PBA fan culture. I love and appreciate them but in the beginning, I too had reservations about them calling and asking Vince for advice ranging from family, love, finances and other matters. After the initial shock of them having that much access, I questioned why they needed to call him and bring drama?
Well I quickly learned that he made a decision to treat fans as human beings, as friends, and at times, family. We’re in a country where fans regard players as demi-gods and many of them strive to be allowed in the players’ circle of trust depending on his beliefs. Some fans leave work or school, spend their savings, and camp outside the gym for hours just to worship and support their favorite player. Not to mention send all sorts of gifts and goodies. I’m not defending Ms. Austria or justifying whatever it is that she has with Mr. Yap because I honestly do not have a clue and this could all just be a misunderstanding. All I’m saying is that fans and players being friends is not beyond me. Many players, James obviously being one of them, allow for a select few to have a relationship that is beyond screaming their names from the stands and getting their autographs. Maybe with James’ humble beginnings, he’s more open to these matters as compared to Kris who from the very beginning was taught to be a bit more cautious because of the politics that surround her family. But hey, I wish them well and I hope that with their new home, they’ll start fresh and renew their romance.
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The Ginebra bus altercation issue is dying a slow death but it’s still funny (fishy) how ALL the players (not listed in the charge sheet) said they were sleeping when I was asking (bugging) them about the matter. Won’t name names but one player actually told me it would be best for him to just say he was sleeping and that I was going to get him into trouble. So off that cue, there’s a gag order for the entire team and that particular player was probably awake and witnessed the whole thing. Understandable.
One person who certainly did not witness it was Junthy Valenzuela. He was one of the named assailants but he didn’t even go to Batanggas. He stayed in Manila to continue his therapy for his injured knee. And what about Homer Se? Poor guy’s not even in the team anymore. He’s still under contract but he was released after last season. Ridiculous if you ask me. Insiders share that Tubid, Villanueva and Wilson allegedly went down the bus to help / defend Assistant Coach Art dela Cruz who’s now sporting a cast on his left hand because of the alleged beating he got from the scrawny Fil-ams. There are still a lot of unanswered questions regarding the matter but I guess we’ll just leave it to the proper authorities.
-----------------------
Leaving it to the proper authority is exactly what the PBA board decided upon in yesterday’s meeting. The powers that be were called upon to address San Miguel’s supposed protest over the one hour leeway given to Talk and Text in Zamboanga when they did not have their proper uniform. It was quickly deemed that the board may not overturn the outcome of a game so that was that. What many expected to be an explosive exchange between two rivals on the court and in the corporate world turned out to be Pacman-Mayweather-ish kind of dud. The commissioner’s office added that SMB did not protest, they merely were seeking clarification.
But kudos to the fine gentlemen of the board and Commissioner Barrios for resolving this issue straight away. Till the next issue! Tweet me and let’s all follow the ins and outs of the league. www.twitter.com/patriciahizon
Let’s step out of the playing court and revisit the drama that has unfolded the past few days around the PBA filled with showbiz controversies, road rage, and board room bickering as colorful and entertaining as the wild windup of the eliminations.
The James Yap-Kris Aquino-Mayen Austria triangle has filled spreadsheets, twitterverse, blogsites and radio / tv news programs since the alleged “sugod” incident. It’s unfortunate that they are going through trying times that affects not only their careers but their children as well. Any Good Samaritan would wish and pray for their family to stay intact and for this to be a test that will make them stronger in the end.
I don’t know Ms. Austria and how big a Purefoods fan she is and how mouthwatering her baked goodies are. But someone asked me thru twitter if Mayen the fan was crossing the line sharing her sob story with James the basketball star. So here’s my take. Vince still has a core group of fans that are still very loyal to this day and we love them. Since I only got together with Vince, it was initially taxing to be thrown into the PBA fan culture. I love and appreciate them but in the beginning, I too had reservations about them calling and asking Vince for advice ranging from family, love, finances and other matters. After the initial shock of them having that much access, I questioned why they needed to call him and bring drama?
Well I quickly learned that he made a decision to treat fans as human beings, as friends, and at times, family. We’re in a country where fans regard players as demi-gods and many of them strive to be allowed in the players’ circle of trust depending on his beliefs. Some fans leave work or school, spend their savings, and camp outside the gym for hours just to worship and support their favorite player. Not to mention send all sorts of gifts and goodies. I’m not defending Ms. Austria or justifying whatever it is that she has with Mr. Yap because I honestly do not have a clue and this could all just be a misunderstanding. All I’m saying is that fans and players being friends is not beyond me. Many players, James obviously being one of them, allow for a select few to have a relationship that is beyond screaming their names from the stands and getting their autographs. Maybe with James’ humble beginnings, he’s more open to these matters as compared to Kris who from the very beginning was taught to be a bit more cautious because of the politics that surround her family. But hey, I wish them well and I hope that with their new home, they’ll start fresh and renew their romance.
----------------------
The Ginebra bus altercation issue is dying a slow death but it’s still funny (fishy) how ALL the players (not listed in the charge sheet) said they were sleeping when I was asking (bugging) them about the matter. Won’t name names but one player actually told me it would be best for him to just say he was sleeping and that I was going to get him into trouble. So off that cue, there’s a gag order for the entire team and that particular player was probably awake and witnessed the whole thing. Understandable.
One person who certainly did not witness it was Junthy Valenzuela. He was one of the named assailants but he didn’t even go to Batanggas. He stayed in Manila to continue his therapy for his injured knee. And what about Homer Se? Poor guy’s not even in the team anymore. He’s still under contract but he was released after last season. Ridiculous if you ask me. Insiders share that Tubid, Villanueva and Wilson allegedly went down the bus to help / defend Assistant Coach Art dela Cruz who’s now sporting a cast on his left hand because of the alleged beating he got from the scrawny Fil-ams. There are still a lot of unanswered questions regarding the matter but I guess we’ll just leave it to the proper authorities.
-----------------------
Leaving it to the proper authority is exactly what the PBA board decided upon in yesterday’s meeting. The powers that be were called upon to address San Miguel’s supposed protest over the one hour leeway given to Talk and Text in Zamboanga when they did not have their proper uniform. It was quickly deemed that the board may not overturn the outcome of a game so that was that. What many expected to be an explosive exchange between two rivals on the court and in the corporate world turned out to be Pacman-Mayweather-ish kind of dud. The commissioner’s office added that SMB did not protest, they merely were seeking clarification.
But kudos to the fine gentlemen of the board and Commissioner Barrios for resolving this issue straight away. Till the next issue! Tweet me and let’s all follow the ins and outs of the league. www.twitter.com/patriciahizon
Bullish
From my Manila Standard ARticle 01/15/10
5 game days till playoffs. As teams fight for position, management is calculating their next moves which could dampen or sharpen their chances in this conference and for the rest of the season.
The rumor mill is grinding with trade talks. Teams ARE wheeling and dealing but nothing is set is stone as of yet. Several sources from different factions have revealed that some teams are bullish about the transactions getting signed and sealed by next week. But most deals right now are losing steam and might be set aside till next conference. Winning and losing games of course affects the decision and timing. Some of the players that have been talked about upped their game which elevated their value to their mother team, others just bombed their performances, making their mother teams wary of their marketability. But none the less, so many big names are still on the trading block and teams are just waiting for that “offer they can’t resist”. The sky is the limit.
Another player that’s being mentioned is one whose contract expires in a few months. His team wants to trade him already while he’s still playing well and while he’s still appetizing to other squads. He’ll for sure ask for an increase in salary which the team can’t afford to give. There are many other similar cases. He’s a versatile small forward. The team who’s actively seeking his services has come out in the open about their need for such a player.
There’s also an issue with this one player who always catches the ire of his coach who is all the rage. He’s caught in a crossfire between the powers that be and it’s affecting his game. I don’t know if I buy that though because he’s playing real well and is a dominant force. It’s rare for players to opt out of a squad like this because they’re known to treat their players like royalty. But IF it does happen this season (not this conference), he’ll be worth 2 big time players. Right now, he’s not officially on the trading block, but other teams are salivating at the possibility and have sent feelers.
- - - - - - - - -
Barako Bull has been quite open about their financial debacle but has done tremendous adjustments to keep afloat. They’ve been hit hard by changing consumer trends and the global economic crisis the past couple of years. They’ve gotten a boost from the PBA through special considerations approved by the board but they could be looking at other long term solutions.
Alternate Governer Raffy Casyao is waiting for Barako Bull Governor, Atty. Manny Mendoza to return from his US trip next week to solidify the team’s plans for the future. For now, they want to ensure that they are still very much committed to the PBA next conference. “In fact, papalakasin pa namin” shared Casyao.
Before team manager and Governor Tony Chua passed away, a merger was on the table. Casyao mentioned that they’re still open to such mergers but nothing concrete at this stage. He did hint that there are several interested parties that would want to be part of the team.
This fusion could involve a well connected and financially able group. The keen business sense this group is notorious for can make the Photokina franchise as competitive as they were before. Sources say that by next conference, there might be some minor insertions on the business and management side of the squad who has majority of their players’ contracts expiring by end of the conference. And if they don’t win the rest of their games (and hope that Rain or Shine and Coca Cola stumble), that end could be by Wednesday next week as the 10th placer is eliminated.
Good luck to you guys.
5 game days till playoffs. As teams fight for position, management is calculating their next moves which could dampen or sharpen their chances in this conference and for the rest of the season.
The rumor mill is grinding with trade talks. Teams ARE wheeling and dealing but nothing is set is stone as of yet. Several sources from different factions have revealed that some teams are bullish about the transactions getting signed and sealed by next week. But most deals right now are losing steam and might be set aside till next conference. Winning and losing games of course affects the decision and timing. Some of the players that have been talked about upped their game which elevated their value to their mother team, others just bombed their performances, making their mother teams wary of their marketability. But none the less, so many big names are still on the trading block and teams are just waiting for that “offer they can’t resist”. The sky is the limit.
Another player that’s being mentioned is one whose contract expires in a few months. His team wants to trade him already while he’s still playing well and while he’s still appetizing to other squads. He’ll for sure ask for an increase in salary which the team can’t afford to give. There are many other similar cases. He’s a versatile small forward. The team who’s actively seeking his services has come out in the open about their need for such a player.
There’s also an issue with this one player who always catches the ire of his coach who is all the rage. He’s caught in a crossfire between the powers that be and it’s affecting his game. I don’t know if I buy that though because he’s playing real well and is a dominant force. It’s rare for players to opt out of a squad like this because they’re known to treat their players like royalty. But IF it does happen this season (not this conference), he’ll be worth 2 big time players. Right now, he’s not officially on the trading block, but other teams are salivating at the possibility and have sent feelers.
- - - - - - - - -
Barako Bull has been quite open about their financial debacle but has done tremendous adjustments to keep afloat. They’ve been hit hard by changing consumer trends and the global economic crisis the past couple of years. They’ve gotten a boost from the PBA through special considerations approved by the board but they could be looking at other long term solutions.
Alternate Governer Raffy Casyao is waiting for Barako Bull Governor, Atty. Manny Mendoza to return from his US trip next week to solidify the team’s plans for the future. For now, they want to ensure that they are still very much committed to the PBA next conference. “In fact, papalakasin pa namin” shared Casyao.
Before team manager and Governor Tony Chua passed away, a merger was on the table. Casyao mentioned that they’re still open to such mergers but nothing concrete at this stage. He did hint that there are several interested parties that would want to be part of the team.
This fusion could involve a well connected and financially able group. The keen business sense this group is notorious for can make the Photokina franchise as competitive as they were before. Sources say that by next conference, there might be some minor insertions on the business and management side of the squad who has majority of their players’ contracts expiring by end of the conference. And if they don’t win the rest of their games (and hope that Rain or Shine and Coca Cola stumble), that end could be by Wednesday next week as the 10th placer is eliminated.
Good luck to you guys.
Big Deal!
From My Manila Standard Article 01-08-10
A big deal was consummated in the PBA which sent Gary David and Chico Lanete to the Coca Cola Tigers for Alex Cabagnot and Wesley Gonzales to the Burger King Whoppers. It’s seemingly a mutually beneficial deal. David and Lanete will not be donning their Tigers uniform till the 13th against the San Miguel Beermen, but Cabagnot and Gonzales will suit up for Burger King as they battle the Sta. Lucia Realtors tonight.
Coach Yeng Guiao says it looks encouraging for the Whoppers because their new recruits are blending well. They’re already bracing themselves for the wildcard round so the next few games will test and fine tune their system in preparation for the knock out phase. “Alex is playing well with Ronjay Buenafe while Wesley gives us another 3 player, making us deeper in that position”. The fiery coach added that changing the chemistry and taking a risk is an indication that they are not giving up this conference.
“Without Wynne Arboleda we had point guard problems. Although Chico did a good job, losing Wynne was just too big a vacuum for just 1 guard to step in. We needed a dominant point guard to bring out the best in the team”. Coach added that the trade has done both teams well.
The Tigers have been stagnant at the bottom of the standings for the past few conferences. Management believed that they too needed to make changes. Since they can’t buy players, and can’t wait for the draft, they took to the trading floor to shake things up.
Coach Bo admitted that they had a hard time giving up Cabagnot and there was much hesitation. But outside (a healthy) Asi Taulava, Alex was the most marketable. They’ve been talking about moves for months but no deal was palatable enough. “It was with a heavy heart that I let them go”.
Gary David, who’s coming back to the Tigers’ lair, obviously was value enough to let go of their top play maker, but they needed a point guard hence the Lanete inclusion. With David leaving a hole in the wings, Burger King specifically asked for Gonzales. At this point though, Coach Bo still has a need for a tall wingman though Mark Macapagal and David are already great options. They have a few more weeks to make their moves.
_____________________________________________
There are more big deals coming up as teams try to beat the deadline by the end of the eliminations. There are talks of trading one of the most popular PBA stars, a wingman who had just recovered from injury, and an energy guy who’s been all hustle for his squad. An athletic forward and a center/power forward who shoots well could be traded too. One of the guys who just got moved might not stay for too long. Teams are shaking things up, and I’m excited! Follow me on twitter (www.twitter.com/patriciahizon) for updates.
_______________________________________________
Smart Gilas ended their PBA exhibition stint with 3 wins under their belt. They left for Doha day after they lost to Purefoods to play tune up games with the Qatar Nationals then head to Dubai to scrimmage against the Emirates team before joining the 21st Dubai International Basketball Tournament. There, they’ll face Cj Giles who’s suiting up for the Al-Riyadhi team along with 4 other former NBA players.
There, they’ll play against the likes of Hamed Afagh, and Mehdi Kamrani of Iran who Coach Rajko Toroman whipped into Fiba Asia champs and Olympians. When asked to make a comparison, Coach Toroman says that “offensively and technically, we are ahead of the Iranian squad, but on defense, Iran is very strong”.
Playing in the PBA showed the young squad that they need to be tougher. 6’2” guard from Cal State Fullerton Marcio Lassiter had just been acquired, and Chris Lutz (6’3” guard from Marshall University) will soon be joining right after his US NCAA stint. After about 10 more games Coach Rajko expects their reinforcement Jamal Sampson to be at optimum level giving them the height and muscle they need inside. There are also talks of getting Fil-foreigners Stanley Pringle (6’1” guard from Penn State) and Christian Standhardinger (6’8” forward from Germany / University of Nebraska) to complete the puzzle. These players can surely add to the resiliency of the promising national team.
Here’s a shocker; Sports journalist Rafe Bartholomew has reported that New York Knicks Nate Robinson could be eligible to play for RP5 because he apparently is part Filipino! His mother’s great grandfather was pure Filipino. That would be sweet! Imagine the possibility!
Good luck to the Smart Gilas national team! The country’s behind you all the way!
A big deal was consummated in the PBA which sent Gary David and Chico Lanete to the Coca Cola Tigers for Alex Cabagnot and Wesley Gonzales to the Burger King Whoppers. It’s seemingly a mutually beneficial deal. David and Lanete will not be donning their Tigers uniform till the 13th against the San Miguel Beermen, but Cabagnot and Gonzales will suit up for Burger King as they battle the Sta. Lucia Realtors tonight.
Coach Yeng Guiao says it looks encouraging for the Whoppers because their new recruits are blending well. They’re already bracing themselves for the wildcard round so the next few games will test and fine tune their system in preparation for the knock out phase. “Alex is playing well with Ronjay Buenafe while Wesley gives us another 3 player, making us deeper in that position”. The fiery coach added that changing the chemistry and taking a risk is an indication that they are not giving up this conference.
“Without Wynne Arboleda we had point guard problems. Although Chico did a good job, losing Wynne was just too big a vacuum for just 1 guard to step in. We needed a dominant point guard to bring out the best in the team”. Coach added that the trade has done both teams well.
The Tigers have been stagnant at the bottom of the standings for the past few conferences. Management believed that they too needed to make changes. Since they can’t buy players, and can’t wait for the draft, they took to the trading floor to shake things up.
Coach Bo admitted that they had a hard time giving up Cabagnot and there was much hesitation. But outside (a healthy) Asi Taulava, Alex was the most marketable. They’ve been talking about moves for months but no deal was palatable enough. “It was with a heavy heart that I let them go”.
Gary David, who’s coming back to the Tigers’ lair, obviously was value enough to let go of their top play maker, but they needed a point guard hence the Lanete inclusion. With David leaving a hole in the wings, Burger King specifically asked for Gonzales. At this point though, Coach Bo still has a need for a tall wingman though Mark Macapagal and David are already great options. They have a few more weeks to make their moves.
_____________________________________________
There are more big deals coming up as teams try to beat the deadline by the end of the eliminations. There are talks of trading one of the most popular PBA stars, a wingman who had just recovered from injury, and an energy guy who’s been all hustle for his squad. An athletic forward and a center/power forward who shoots well could be traded too. One of the guys who just got moved might not stay for too long. Teams are shaking things up, and I’m excited! Follow me on twitter (www.twitter.com/patriciahizon) for updates.
_______________________________________________
Smart Gilas ended their PBA exhibition stint with 3 wins under their belt. They left for Doha day after they lost to Purefoods to play tune up games with the Qatar Nationals then head to Dubai to scrimmage against the Emirates team before joining the 21st Dubai International Basketball Tournament. There, they’ll face Cj Giles who’s suiting up for the Al-Riyadhi team along with 4 other former NBA players.
There, they’ll play against the likes of Hamed Afagh, and Mehdi Kamrani of Iran who Coach Rajko Toroman whipped into Fiba Asia champs and Olympians. When asked to make a comparison, Coach Toroman says that “offensively and technically, we are ahead of the Iranian squad, but on defense, Iran is very strong”.
Playing in the PBA showed the young squad that they need to be tougher. 6’2” guard from Cal State Fullerton Marcio Lassiter had just been acquired, and Chris Lutz (6’3” guard from Marshall University) will soon be joining right after his US NCAA stint. After about 10 more games Coach Rajko expects their reinforcement Jamal Sampson to be at optimum level giving them the height and muscle they need inside. There are also talks of getting Fil-foreigners Stanley Pringle (6’1” guard from Penn State) and Christian Standhardinger (6’8” forward from Germany / University of Nebraska) to complete the puzzle. These players can surely add to the resiliency of the promising national team.
Here’s a shocker; Sports journalist Rafe Bartholomew has reported that New York Knicks Nate Robinson could be eligible to play for RP5 because he apparently is part Filipino! His mother’s great grandfather was pure Filipino. That would be sweet! Imagine the possibility!
Good luck to the Smart Gilas national team! The country’s behind you all the way!
2010
From my Manila Standard Article 01-01-10
With this New Year, we all get another chance to get things right. From humble writers to some of the greatest sports icons in the world, all can surely use a great jumpstart. American poet TS Eliot once said, “what we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.”
We ended 2009 with a deluge of Tiger Woods’ debacle. Tainted is the lord of the fairways with his anomalous choice of extra marital / curricular activities. But what we want to see in the 2nd quarter of 2010 is for him to come back to professional golf. Prolonging his indefinite leave might just make his return more difficult. Whether he’s back next week or a year from now, he’ll still have to face critics, haters and hecklers (which will be weeded out by the tournament officials anyway). His first tee off might be a tad shaky but the golf course is always the best place for him to mentally barricade the cruelties / realities around him. Hurry back Tiger!
Although Team Philippines hit their mark in the 2009 South East Asian Games with a medal haul of 38 golds, 35 silvers and 51 bronze medals and finished 5th behind Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Philippine sports was off target when it came to settling issues and addressing athletes needs and growth of sports programs. We hope that in 2010, major developments will happen in Philippine Sports particularly in its system and governance. We’ll save the detailed criticisms for another time, but generally, with the infighting, mafia wars, and accusations of misuse of funds included in the long list of ignominies, 2009 is a year we’d much rather forget. With the new decade upon us, we hope that all sports stakeholders and authorities will extract detractors and insert deserving advocates who will truly champion the cause for Philippine Sports. The Asian Games this November would be a great opportunity to commence the resurgence of Team RP in the Asian stage. Go Team Philippines!
So much has been written and said about Manny Pacquiao already so let’s keep it short… Take it easy MP! I thought taking on Mayweather in March was too soon and too chaotic with the campaigning / mudslinging season. Then the issue about the drug testing too much and too superficial. I just hope our people’s champ will get out of the ropes before he suffocates. He’s already running for congress, endorsing Presidentiable Manny Villar, and sulking over a box office dud. And oh, the whole Krista Ranillo issue is still looming. Take it a jab at a time. Want to be congressman, then fine, take this time to really explain what your platform is to the people and not just ride on your boxing ring notoriety. Then maybe go with what Freddie Roach originally wanted, which is a date with Mayweather in September.
For the PBA, so far, the competitions of the 35th season have been fierce and stirring. But for 2010, I’d like to see the league turn back the hands of time and stage a classic late ‘90s Ginebra/Gordon’s Gin- Alaska reunion match. Sure, a number of the players then are still active or totally inactive and out of shape now but it’d still make for an awesome battle of titanic proportions. Okay, that’s overboard, but I’d line up to see it. I was just at a mini-Ginebra reunion a few days ago with Vince, Noli Locsin, Bal David, Jayvee Gayoso, Pido Jarencio and Wilmer Ong and the idea of playing together again floated and got everyone reminiscing about their “good old days”. Talks about how Lamont Strothers was great but was hit the hardest, how there were no flagrant fouls then, and how Jaworski was (and still is) a superhero with his charismatic powers. Maybe this is the year PBA can stage this event. They did well a few years ago with the Crispa- Toyota reunion game. Time to plan another certified blockbuster hit.
There’s much to look forward to in 2010. The new year, the new decade. New dreams, hopes, and new opportunities. This is the clean slate we all need, to exorcise the ghosts of our past that continue to haunt us, to strive for change, to take a step back and manage our priorities, and to do things we’ve been wanting to do but never got around to. Good luck to all. Happy 2010.
PS. Happy 6th year wedding anniversary to me and my hubby, Vince. You and our boys above all.
www.twitter.com/patriciahizon
With this New Year, we all get another chance to get things right. From humble writers to some of the greatest sports icons in the world, all can surely use a great jumpstart. American poet TS Eliot once said, “what we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.”
We ended 2009 with a deluge of Tiger Woods’ debacle. Tainted is the lord of the fairways with his anomalous choice of extra marital / curricular activities. But what we want to see in the 2nd quarter of 2010 is for him to come back to professional golf. Prolonging his indefinite leave might just make his return more difficult. Whether he’s back next week or a year from now, he’ll still have to face critics, haters and hecklers (which will be weeded out by the tournament officials anyway). His first tee off might be a tad shaky but the golf course is always the best place for him to mentally barricade the cruelties / realities around him. Hurry back Tiger!
Although Team Philippines hit their mark in the 2009 South East Asian Games with a medal haul of 38 golds, 35 silvers and 51 bronze medals and finished 5th behind Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, Philippine sports was off target when it came to settling issues and addressing athletes needs and growth of sports programs. We hope that in 2010, major developments will happen in Philippine Sports particularly in its system and governance. We’ll save the detailed criticisms for another time, but generally, with the infighting, mafia wars, and accusations of misuse of funds included in the long list of ignominies, 2009 is a year we’d much rather forget. With the new decade upon us, we hope that all sports stakeholders and authorities will extract detractors and insert deserving advocates who will truly champion the cause for Philippine Sports. The Asian Games this November would be a great opportunity to commence the resurgence of Team RP in the Asian stage. Go Team Philippines!
So much has been written and said about Manny Pacquiao already so let’s keep it short… Take it easy MP! I thought taking on Mayweather in March was too soon and too chaotic with the campaigning / mudslinging season. Then the issue about the drug testing too much and too superficial. I just hope our people’s champ will get out of the ropes before he suffocates. He’s already running for congress, endorsing Presidentiable Manny Villar, and sulking over a box office dud. And oh, the whole Krista Ranillo issue is still looming. Take it a jab at a time. Want to be congressman, then fine, take this time to really explain what your platform is to the people and not just ride on your boxing ring notoriety. Then maybe go with what Freddie Roach originally wanted, which is a date with Mayweather in September.
For the PBA, so far, the competitions of the 35th season have been fierce and stirring. But for 2010, I’d like to see the league turn back the hands of time and stage a classic late ‘90s Ginebra/Gordon’s Gin- Alaska reunion match. Sure, a number of the players then are still active or totally inactive and out of shape now but it’d still make for an awesome battle of titanic proportions. Okay, that’s overboard, but I’d line up to see it. I was just at a mini-Ginebra reunion a few days ago with Vince, Noli Locsin, Bal David, Jayvee Gayoso, Pido Jarencio and Wilmer Ong and the idea of playing together again floated and got everyone reminiscing about their “good old days”. Talks about how Lamont Strothers was great but was hit the hardest, how there were no flagrant fouls then, and how Jaworski was (and still is) a superhero with his charismatic powers. Maybe this is the year PBA can stage this event. They did well a few years ago with the Crispa- Toyota reunion game. Time to plan another certified blockbuster hit.
There’s much to look forward to in 2010. The new year, the new decade. New dreams, hopes, and new opportunities. This is the clean slate we all need, to exorcise the ghosts of our past that continue to haunt us, to strive for change, to take a step back and manage our priorities, and to do things we’ve been wanting to do but never got around to. Good luck to all. Happy 2010.
PS. Happy 6th year wedding anniversary to me and my hubby, Vince. You and our boys above all.
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