From My Manila Standard Column 1/28/11
When Ryan Reyes received news of his brother’s tragic death, he was absolutely crushed. A drunk driver went the wrong way and crashed into his brother Raymond’s car. He perished alongside his girlfriend. The driver is in a coma.
(Do not ever drink and drive. It’s not just about you. It’s also about the other people you place in imminent danger.)
It was absolutely astonishing to have Ryan go on that flight to Bacolod the day after, and it was mind-blowing to have him practice well and play game 1 of the finals with so much grit and determination. Coach Chot believed that Ryan needed basketball. “I don’t know if it’s a conscious effort on his part but I would l think that basketball is his solace or sanctuary that he’s using to deal with it.”
The whole team was very respectful of Ryan’s situation. They made sure that he knew that they were all there for him, feeling his loss and supporting him no matter what. “We are amazed that he is here. The fact that Ryan wants to be here and play in these finals is something we have to respect and rally behind.
Game 1’s victory in Victorias saw Ryan churn up 13 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. He showed what he was made of.
Game 2 came and Ryan was still on the court, fighting alongside his teammates. The warrior had a lot of fight in him, contributing 7 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists.
Talk and Text again emerged victorious against a ferocious Beermen squad. Good thing the game didn’t go into overtime.
Before the Cuneta Astrodome’s stands were clear of its spectators, Ryan was already out the door, rushing to catch his flight to California to attend his brother’s burial.
I wouldn’t be surprised if there were powers that be that made sure he’d make that flight. In a post game interview Coach Chot said “It was very important for us to win this game because we don’t have Ryan in our next game”. Ryan is expected to be back by Game 4. If all goes well for the team, they could be All Filipino Champions by Sunday night.
Share your thoughts on www.twitter.com/patriciahizon.
Locker Room
This is where REAL TALK happens
The BITTER truth
From my Manila Standard Column 1/21/11
Jay Washington can’t wait to get out there and prove something to his former team whom he felt slighted him. The PBA Philippine Cup finals is set to begin tomorrow in Victorias City, and with both teams so evenly matched in this clash of the titans, it’s hard to predict who’ll emerge victorious.
In an interview, Washington admits that he’s bitter. “It’s all about the way I was handled at TNT, under Coach Chot. At the end of Coach Chot’s first year in TNT, I was traded to San Miguel. For me, I felt it was more of a personal reason that I was being traded and I felt it was a personal attack. I felt that Chot didn’t like me.”
He went on and shared that he had a hard time dealing with the management while he was living and dying for the team. He was the number one draft pick in his batch but he got injured right away. As he tried to find his way back in the regular rotation, the relationship he had with the higher ups seemed “distant”.
Washington thought of taking a year off from the PBA to let his residency pass so that he’d just end up being a free agent, but as luck would have it, he got traded to San Miguel.
But here’s the other side of the story form a TNT insider who refuses to be named but is a very reliable source. “Jwash was sent out of TNT for 2 reasons. 1) Chot didn’t like him, and 2) he was asking for P500,000 per month on his first year then P700,000 per month on his second year and P900,000 per month on his third year. Now who in this stupid world will give him that contract when he was averaging 6 points and 7 rebounds per game”.
This is not saying that Washington has that kind of contract with San Miguel now. But he sure is making every bit of peso they invest on him worth it. He’s one of the top contenders for the Best Player of the Conference and he’s determined to bring SMB’s opponents down.
ONLY THE BEST REFEREE HERE
From my Manila Standard Column on January 14, 2011
Commissioner Chito Salud set the records straight. There were 3 referees that were reprimanded recently not because they erred in working one game (Talk and Text vs. Bmeg Semifinals game) as was incorrectly reported, but because they failed to meet the stringent standards of the PBA. They were suspended from the pool.
At the start of the season, there were 20 referees working the games. During the playoffs, only 12 made the grade but there were the three that were taken out based on their performance. Come finals, only 7 or 8 at most will be left in the pool. This means, they will only use the best game officials to work the finals.
Talking to Coach Ryan Gregorio while we were shooting the cover of next month’s Baller Magazine, the official lifestyle magazine of the PBA, he said a good referee is one that does not feel he’s larger than the players. “They should know the rules and apply it with parity. They should be able to be good communicators inside the court because they’re not just officials, they’re supposed to be teachers of the game, making us understand the kind of calls they do”.
What he detests is once you complain to the referees, they automatically issue you a warning. “That only means they’re using that whistle as a tool of superiority”.
The referees that have been reprimanded may still return next conference. They will go through a series of training to elevate their sub-performing ways. This way, there’s quality control.
The league is also initiating a referees’ academy where they get to train potential game officials. The application forms are available at the PBA office and registration is up until January 31.
Commissioner Chito Salud set the records straight. There were 3 referees that were reprimanded recently not because they erred in working one game (Talk and Text vs. Bmeg Semifinals game) as was incorrectly reported, but because they failed to meet the stringent standards of the PBA. They were suspended from the pool.
At the start of the season, there were 20 referees working the games. During the playoffs, only 12 made the grade but there were the three that were taken out based on their performance. Come finals, only 7 or 8 at most will be left in the pool. This means, they will only use the best game officials to work the finals.
Talking to Coach Ryan Gregorio while we were shooting the cover of next month’s Baller Magazine, the official lifestyle magazine of the PBA, he said a good referee is one that does not feel he’s larger than the players. “They should know the rules and apply it with parity. They should be able to be good communicators inside the court because they’re not just officials, they’re supposed to be teachers of the game, making us understand the kind of calls they do”.
What he detests is once you complain to the referees, they automatically issue you a warning. “That only means they’re using that whistle as a tool of superiority”.
The referees that have been reprimanded may still return next conference. They will go through a series of training to elevate their sub-performing ways. This way, there’s quality control.
The league is also initiating a referees’ academy where they get to train potential game officials. The application forms are available at the PBA office and registration is up until January 31.
CONDURA SKYWAY MARATHON
From my Manila Standard Column Game Winners, Jan. 7, 2011
(Happy New Year)
Running enthusiasts should not let one of the biggest running events of 2011 pass. The Condura Skyway Marathon will be staged on February 6, Sunday and registration is currently ongoing and are being filled up fast! A true testament to how successful this event has been since its inception in 2008.
They’re introducing the 10 mile (or 16 km) category this year, and for the first time, runners for this and the 10k distances, will have the experience of running through the Skyway, as part of their Ayala Avenue to the Bonifacio Global City race route. Also starting off in Ayala is the 21k half marathon race.
The mother of all, 42k marathon will begin and end at the Bonifacio Global City, where the shorter distances of 3k and 5k will be centralized.
Another exciting innovation the organizers is the use of the D-Tag Timing System for all the runners which is used in the New York Marathon and other big international running events. This will ensure a faster and more accurate recording of finishing times.
And once you finish and have had your Team Manila-designed dri-fit type technical t-shirt soaked in sweat and glory of the race, whether you ran for fun or were a ultra serious marathoner, you will get a medal to remember your conquest by.
Every year, the Condura race raises funds for marine environmental causes. In 2008, they raised funds for the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reef and helped its rangers purchase equipment to help protect the land from poachers. Then the year after, they teamed with the ABS CBN Foundation to help fund the building of the Girawan Tourism center, which was a hub in Donsol, Sorsogon for whale shark watching.
The Condura Wharf in Baclayon, Bohol was built through the project of the Ayala Foundation from the funds raised from the 2010 edition of the race. It has helped the dolphin watching industry in the area, therefore educating more of the locals on the frailty of these sea creatures.
Helping the dolphins will still be the mission this 2011 but they’ll be focusing now more on the scientific research which will be used to help create sustainable internationally accepted programs and policies on dolphin watching in Bohol.
They have set up a very easy and convenient e-registration system where you can sign up for the race from any computer which ends on January 31. Their website, www.conduraskywaymarathon.com has all the information you need. Cash or credit card mode of payments are accepted.
By 2012, the Condura Skyway Marathon race will be one of the premier marathon events in the Asia-Pacific region. This is another opportunity to put the Philippines in the map of outdoor sporting events. This year, they expect about 15,000 runners to join and the numbers have been growing yearly. Best of luck to the organizers.
Want to run with me? Tweet me @patriciahizon or tell me all about your racing preparations on www.patriciahizon.com
(Happy New Year)
Running enthusiasts should not let one of the biggest running events of 2011 pass. The Condura Skyway Marathon will be staged on February 6, Sunday and registration is currently ongoing and are being filled up fast! A true testament to how successful this event has been since its inception in 2008.
They’re introducing the 10 mile (or 16 km) category this year, and for the first time, runners for this and the 10k distances, will have the experience of running through the Skyway, as part of their Ayala Avenue to the Bonifacio Global City race route. Also starting off in Ayala is the 21k half marathon race.
The mother of all, 42k marathon will begin and end at the Bonifacio Global City, where the shorter distances of 3k and 5k will be centralized.
Another exciting innovation the organizers is the use of the D-Tag Timing System for all the runners which is used in the New York Marathon and other big international running events. This will ensure a faster and more accurate recording of finishing times.
And once you finish and have had your Team Manila-designed dri-fit type technical t-shirt soaked in sweat and glory of the race, whether you ran for fun or were a ultra serious marathoner, you will get a medal to remember your conquest by.
Every year, the Condura race raises funds for marine environmental causes. In 2008, they raised funds for the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tubbataha Reef and helped its rangers purchase equipment to help protect the land from poachers. Then the year after, they teamed with the ABS CBN Foundation to help fund the building of the Girawan Tourism center, which was a hub in Donsol, Sorsogon for whale shark watching.
The Condura Wharf in Baclayon, Bohol was built through the project of the Ayala Foundation from the funds raised from the 2010 edition of the race. It has helped the dolphin watching industry in the area, therefore educating more of the locals on the frailty of these sea creatures.
Helping the dolphins will still be the mission this 2011 but they’ll be focusing now more on the scientific research which will be used to help create sustainable internationally accepted programs and policies on dolphin watching in Bohol.
They have set up a very easy and convenient e-registration system where you can sign up for the race from any computer which ends on January 31. Their website, www.conduraskywaymarathon.com has all the information you need. Cash or credit card mode of payments are accepted.
By 2012, the Condura Skyway Marathon race will be one of the premier marathon events in the Asia-Pacific region. This is another opportunity to put the Philippines in the map of outdoor sporting events. This year, they expect about 15,000 runners to join and the numbers have been growing yearly. Best of luck to the organizers.
Want to run with me? Tweet me @patriciahizon or tell me all about your racing preparations on www.patriciahizon.com
For 2011: make the shift
From my Manila Standard Column Dec 31, 2010
If I had the capacity to, there are things I'd like to make different this 2011 in the Philippine Sport landscape.
1. RETIRE PACQUIAO.
Gasp! This will have people disagree violently but I do think Manny Pacquiao should retire already. Is the May 7 fight against Shane Mosley even worth it? I say quit while you're ahead. He's got enough money till yin yang and all he's got to do is manage his finances well and there'll be enough to last 2 generations. I love PacMan! But reality is, a boxer is always just a hard-hitting punch away from some debilitating brain injury.
2. FIELD OF DREAMS
I hear there are a dew sports complexes being built by some cities. I heard about the Taytay sports complex that's supposed to have a soccer field. Budgetary cuts though could have them scrap the pitch. I wish the national government could allot money to build this complex the way it was planned to be. I know it isn't that simple but we have to find a place that's not so far from the urban setting so that the you get generation around manila can learn to play football. Even get some grass roots programs could flourish from having a pitch near Manila. With the inspiration the Azkals gave, we can build easily a generation of football players.
3. PHYS ED
The government is doing the best they could to have students get into as much sports as possible. But if you compare the Philippines to other countries, we're behind in terms of implementing sports programs to the youth. China's gymnasts start at toddler age. Canada has intense hockey classes even in the first years in the grade school level.
There are many things you can think of I'm sure. For 2011, we all have to do our part to help the sports landscape shift for the better. What would you like to see different?
Tweet @patriciahizon and let's print it for next week!
If I had the capacity to, there are things I'd like to make different this 2011 in the Philippine Sport landscape.
1. RETIRE PACQUIAO.
Gasp! This will have people disagree violently but I do think Manny Pacquiao should retire already. Is the May 7 fight against Shane Mosley even worth it? I say quit while you're ahead. He's got enough money till yin yang and all he's got to do is manage his finances well and there'll be enough to last 2 generations. I love PacMan! But reality is, a boxer is always just a hard-hitting punch away from some debilitating brain injury.
2. FIELD OF DREAMS
I hear there are a dew sports complexes being built by some cities. I heard about the Taytay sports complex that's supposed to have a soccer field. Budgetary cuts though could have them scrap the pitch. I wish the national government could allot money to build this complex the way it was planned to be. I know it isn't that simple but we have to find a place that's not so far from the urban setting so that the you get generation around manila can learn to play football. Even get some grass roots programs could flourish from having a pitch near Manila. With the inspiration the Azkals gave, we can build easily a generation of football players.
3. PHYS ED
The government is doing the best they could to have students get into as much sports as possible. But if you compare the Philippines to other countries, we're behind in terms of implementing sports programs to the youth. China's gymnasts start at toddler age. Canada has intense hockey classes even in the first years in the grade school level.
There are many things you can think of I'm sure. For 2011, we all have to do our part to help the sports landscape shift for the better. What would you like to see different?
Tweet @patriciahizon and let's print it for next week!
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