It's All Part of it

From my Manila Standard Column 10/08/10

Only four teams haven’t had a piece of the All-Filipino action and haven’t had their share of beatings on the hardcourt. Tonight though the Barako Energy Boosters will test the Fiesta Conference champs the Alaska Aces, then the Air21 Express meet the San Miguel Beermen.

Last night, Philippine Patriots owner Mikee Romero and his lovely wife Sheila launched the new Oracle Hotel and Residences on Katipunan, right across the street from Ateneo.

Congresswoman Lucy Torres was there, Ben Chan, Tessa Prieto Valdez, Randy Ortiz and so many other wonderful society people… Don’t worry, this isn’t about to turn into a lifestyle column… But I have to say the boutique hotel is nice, great interiors, comfy beds, wonderful service, and they have 5 star food without the 5 star price. From the location to the ambience, it deserves all the praises.

During the launch dinner, at the far corner of the room sat JC Intal and LA Tenorio. When I wasn’t on stage hosting the event, of course I gravitated towards them.. Love your own right? Besides, I’m a lot more comfortable talking about basketball than... society stuff. We had interesting conversations about how physical the games are and how the calls were inconsistent. That’s what I call dinner!

Coming from a sorry 1 point loss last Sunday, Intal and the rest of the Gin Kings were admittedly confused at how the calls were being made. What they learned in the off season from the PBA technical officials themselves seemed to be interpreted different during that opening day game against Meralco.

For Tenorio, he’d been watching the games and he’s just worried about the physicality. We all know that LA is fearless but what he’s seen so far got him a tad bit concerned. Bodies would be flying around without a hint of a whistle from the referee.

The no harm no foul truly is upon us and for fans, they’re milking every bit of it and loving every single drop. I can see though why some players can be worried. It is after all their limbs on the line. The officials are still obviously getting used to this new philosophy but generally, that’s how the games of the 36th season will be run. Like it or not, it’s there! It's all part of it.

On another note, recently the Wel-Best Manufacturing Incorporated, the proud makers of paint products such as Welcoat and Rain or Shine, recently celebrated their company’s 40th year. Over 1,500 dealers, suppliers, friends and family were dressed to the nines at the Philippine International Convention Center.

The Elastopainters were there in full force, including the coaching staff whom they were trying to convince to call off practice the next day… They didn’t. Former Welcoat players and coaching staff were also invited so the likes of Celino Cruz, Ronald Tubid, Don Allado and James Yap were also present. They're all part of it.

The Company provided the entertainment and the beautiful and hilarious Giselle Sanchez who got Jay-R Reyes, Paolo Bugia, Coach Caloy Garcia, John Ferriols, Ryan Arana, Sol Mercado and Gabe Norwood up on the stage dancing. Yes dancing! Coach Caloy was really into it.
Congratulations to the Que and Yu families for and wishing for their continued success.