In cheerdance, UP is at the top of the heap

GMA NEWS:

At seven in the evening, on the way to the University of the Philippines gym, one is reminded of why the place is called Diliman. It is so dark that with an overactive imagination, one might simply turn back and miss seeing the gym, which unlike the rest of the campus at this hour, is brightly lit and bustling with activity.

The gym is home to the university's athletes, including the multi-awarded UP Pep Squad. The team spends so much time at the gym that they could probably make their way there with their eyes closed. It's the kind of devotion that produces championships.

The UP Pep Squad is the defending UAAP cheerdance champion, rehearsing tirelessly for this Saturday's UAAP competition, now nearly as popular in the league as basketball. On UP Diliman's campus, where the Fighting Maroons hoops team hasn't won a title since the 1980s, cheerdance commands a fervent following, with UP students lining up for hours at the Big Dome this week for tickets.

Six-time UAAP champions, the UP Pep Squad will represent the Philippines in the 6th World Cheerleading Championships November 26 and 27 in Hong Kong.

They represented the country in the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea and in the 2008 Asian Cheerleading Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Playful vibe, intense training

On Wednesday night, only a few days before the highly anticipated cheerdance competition, the team piles out of a convoy of cars, one bottle blonde head after another.

The fact that they are a unit is impossible to miss, and it isn't just because of their matching hair. The energy they give off is intense, and one can't help but be intimidated. They flow across the gym to their assigned spot, a graceful line of sunshine-haired dancers, and immediately set to work, warming up. Even if they're just stretching, you know they mean business.

Despite their seriousness, there's also a playful vibe, and you can tell that the members' closeness goes beyond their routines.

It's not surprising, considering their demanding training schedule. The team practices daily for at least three hours, and since they end way past dinner time, the members often grab a bite together before finally heading home.

"It's really hard at first, talagang ma-shoshock ka na six to eleven or six to twelve yung training. Kapag competition time, sobrang late na kami natatapos," says Laurence, the team's co-captain.

Many if not most of the members have been on the squad for as long as they've been enrolled. Despite the heavy schedule and the constant challenges, they wouldn't have it any other way.

CONTINUE READING FROM ORIGINAL [SOURCE] 
Information Courtesy of GMA News / CARMELA G. LAPEÑA

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In cheerdance, UP is at the top of the heap

GMA NEWS:

At seven in the evening, on the way to the University of the Philippines gym, one is reminded of why the place is called Diliman. It is so dark that with an overactive imagination, one might simply turn back and miss seeing the gym, which unlike the rest of the campus at this hour, is brightly lit and bustling with activity.

The gym is home to the university's athletes, including the multi-awarded UP Pep Squad. The team spends so much time at the gym that they could probably make their way there with their eyes closed. It's the kind of devotion that produces championships.

The UP Pep Squad is the defending UAAP cheerdance champion, rehearsing tirelessly for this Saturday's UAAP competition, now nearly as popular in the league as basketball. On UP Diliman's campus, where the Fighting Maroons hoops team hasn't won a title since the 1980s, cheerdance commands a fervent following, with UP students lining up for hours at the Big Dome this week for tickets.

Six-time UAAP champions, the UP Pep Squad will represent the Philippines in the 6th World Cheerleading Championships November 26 and 27 in Hong Kong.

They represented the country in the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea and in the 2008 Asian Cheerleading Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Playful vibe, intense training

On Wednesday night, only a few days before the highly anticipated cheerdance competition, the team piles out of a convoy of cars, one bottle blonde head after another.

The fact that they are a unit is impossible to miss, and it isn't just because of their matching hair. The energy they give off is intense, and one can't help but be intimidated. They flow across the gym to their assigned spot, a graceful line of sunshine-haired dancers, and immediately set to work, warming up. Even if they're just stretching, you know they mean business.

Despite their seriousness, there's also a playful vibe, and you can tell that the members' closeness goes beyond their routines.

It's not surprising, considering their demanding training schedule. The team practices daily for at least three hours, and since they end way past dinner time, the members often grab a bite together before finally heading home.

"It's really hard at first, talagang ma-shoshock ka na six to eleven or six to twelve yung training. Kapag competition time, sobrang late na kami natatapos," says Laurence, the team's co-captain.

Many if not most of the members have been on the squad for as long as they've been enrolled. Despite the heavy schedule and the constant challenges, they wouldn't have it any other way.

CONTINUE READING FROM ORIGINAL [SOURCE] 
Information Courtesy of GMA News / CARMELA G. LAPEÑA

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Philippine Azkals "2nd Most Improved Team" in World Football ELO Rankings

GMA NEWS:

The Philippines became the most improved team in the last year, jumping 25 places and boosting their rating by 177 points, based on the current World Football ELO Rankings.

Only Peru has improved more in the last year, rising 41 places and gaining 190 points due to their recent exploits in the Copa America.

As opposed to the FIFA rankings, the ELO rankings take into account the quality of the opposition to gain a more accurate ratings system based on performance.

This means that in FIFA rankings beating Brazil and beating Botswana would give you the same number of points, while the ELO rating system considers that beating Brazil is a much more difficult task and rewards that with more points.

With a complex formula devised by chess Grandmaster Arpad Elo, the winner of a match between two teams will see his ratings improve while the loser’s rating drops depending on the expected result of the match. According to these computations, the Philippines in the last year has been the second most improved side in the world.

Kuwait and the World Cup

It is interesting to note, then, that in these ELO rankings, Kuwait is 60th in the world while the Philippines is at 181st. This may be lower than the FIFA rankings but that's also due to the fact that more teams are rated in the ELO system, 232 compared to 206 countries by FIFA.

The Philippines, therefore, had the chance to upset a team 121 places above them in the ELO world rankings, which would have been an incredible feat. Consider also that Kuwait is ranked higher than any Southeast Asian country so the Kuwait-Philippines match up was a huge signal to the rest of the region—that the Philippines can compete at the highest level in Asia.

Stephan Schrock, a marked man before the game, put the Philippines in front with a thunderous strike from just over 20 yards and the Philippines looked to press when Kuwaiti Fahed Al Ebrahim was sent off. The Philippines eventually lost 5-1 on aggregate.

Yet the Philippines has much to be proud of with stellar performances from Schrock, Rob Gier and Neil Etheridge in particular. Scoring his first goal for the Philippines, the Filipino-German put in a good shift for the team and looked biting in midfield, while several last-ditch challenges from Gier stopped numerous Kuwaiti attacks. Etheridge at goal made several good stops, including a brilliant fingertip save diving to his left in the second half.

Coach Michael Weiss praised the players after the game for their work ethic while thanking the fans and press for their support. When asked about some of the newer players, he singled out Stephan Schrock as a player who is "on another level".

CONTINUE READING FROM ORIGINAL [SOURCE] 
Information Courtesy of GMA News / HS

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Philippine Azkals "2nd Most Improved Team" in World Football ELO Rankings

GMA NEWS:

The Philippines became the most improved team in the last year, jumping 25 places and boosting their rating by 177 points, based on the current World Football ELO Rankings.

Only Peru has improved more in the last year, rising 41 places and gaining 190 points due to their recent exploits in the Copa America.

As opposed to the FIFA rankings, the ELO rankings take into account the quality of the opposition to gain a more accurate ratings system based on performance.

This means that in FIFA rankings beating Brazil and beating Botswana would give you the same number of points, while the ELO rating system considers that beating Brazil is a much more difficult task and rewards that with more points.

With a complex formula devised by chess Grandmaster Arpad Elo, the winner of a match between two teams will see his ratings improve while the loser’s rating drops depending on the expected result of the match. According to these computations, the Philippines in the last year has been the second most improved side in the world.

Kuwait and the World Cup

It is interesting to note, then, that in these ELO rankings, Kuwait is 60th in the world while the Philippines is at 181st. This may be lower than the FIFA rankings but that's also due to the fact that more teams are rated in the ELO system, 232 compared to 206 countries by FIFA.

The Philippines, therefore, had the chance to upset a team 121 places above them in the ELO world rankings, which would have been an incredible feat. Consider also that Kuwait is ranked higher than any Southeast Asian country so the Kuwait-Philippines match up was a huge signal to the rest of the region—that the Philippines can compete at the highest level in Asia.

Stephan Schrock, a marked man before the game, put the Philippines in front with a thunderous strike from just over 20 yards and the Philippines looked to press when Kuwaiti Fahed Al Ebrahim was sent off. The Philippines eventually lost 5-1 on aggregate.

Yet the Philippines has much to be proud of with stellar performances from Schrock, Rob Gier and Neil Etheridge in particular. Scoring his first goal for the Philippines, the Filipino-German put in a good shift for the team and looked biting in midfield, while several last-ditch challenges from Gier stopped numerous Kuwaiti attacks. Etheridge at goal made several good stops, including a brilliant fingertip save diving to his left in the second half.

Coach Michael Weiss praised the players after the game for their work ethic while thanking the fans and press for their support. When asked about some of the newer players, he singled out Stephan Schrock as a player who is "on another level".

CONTINUE READING FROM ORIGINAL [SOURCE] 
Information Courtesy of GMA News / HS

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75,000 pinoys watched Pacquiao-Marquez III World Press Tour in Manila

MB:

The recent face-off between our very own boxing hero Manny Pacquiao and his Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez staged last Saturday by GMA Network, Inc. was a big hit, drawing about 75,000 to the Quirino Grandstand. It was the launch of the boxers’ 25,000-mile four-city world media tour that includes Manila, New York, Los Angeles and Mexico before the main event set on Nov. 13 (Philippine time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The fight will be broadcast exclusively by GMA Network and Super Radyo station DZBB.

Top Rank CEO and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum administered the oath of sportsmanship. The “World Press Tour 2011 Pacquiao-Marquez III” special was aired after “Eat Bulaga.”

Gracing the event was an all-star Kapuso cast led by Ogie Alcasid, Kyla, Rachelle Ann Go, Jay-R, Mark Herras, Kris Bernal, Aljur Abrenica, Glaiza de Castro, Rochelle Pangilinan, Rocco Nacino, Sarah Lahbati, and others. The event was hosted by Dingdong Dantes while Jillian Ward and Yogo Singh handed tokens of goodwill to both fighters.

During the interview with the two boxers anchored by Arnold Clavio and sportscaster Chino Trinidad, Pacquiao promised to wield his strongest brawn for the 144-pound world championship title.

Present during the event were GMA Pres./COO Gilberto “Jimmy” R. Duavit, Jr., GMA SVP for Entertainment TV Wilma Galvante, Solar Entertainment Corp. Pres. Wilson Tieng, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Mexican Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Christan Clay Mendoza, and Executive Director of the National Parks Development Committee Juliet Villegas.

Right after the event, Pacquiao’s game show “Manny Many Prizes” held a special episode in the same venue. The pound-for-pound king and program host gave away P1 million as jackpot prize to a lucky Caviteño, Villovic Ramos.

The show airs every Saturday at 6 p.m. on GMA-7.

Saturday’s episode of “Manny, Many Prizes” will air from Sarangani.

CONTINUE READING FROM ORIGINAL [SOURCE] 
Information Courtesy of MB / CRISPINA MARTINEZ-BELEN

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75,000 pinoys watched Pacquiao-Marquez III World Press Tour in Manila

MB:

The recent face-off between our very own boxing hero Manny Pacquiao and his Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez staged last Saturday by GMA Network, Inc. was a big hit, drawing about 75,000 to the Quirino Grandstand. It was the launch of the boxers’ 25,000-mile four-city world media tour that includes Manila, New York, Los Angeles and Mexico before the main event set on Nov. 13 (Philippine time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The fight will be broadcast exclusively by GMA Network and Super Radyo station DZBB.

Top Rank CEO and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum administered the oath of sportsmanship. The “World Press Tour 2011 Pacquiao-Marquez III” special was aired after “Eat Bulaga.”

Gracing the event was an all-star Kapuso cast led by Ogie Alcasid, Kyla, Rachelle Ann Go, Jay-R, Mark Herras, Kris Bernal, Aljur Abrenica, Glaiza de Castro, Rochelle Pangilinan, Rocco Nacino, Sarah Lahbati, and others. The event was hosted by Dingdong Dantes while Jillian Ward and Yogo Singh handed tokens of goodwill to both fighters.

During the interview with the two boxers anchored by Arnold Clavio and sportscaster Chino Trinidad, Pacquiao promised to wield his strongest brawn for the 144-pound world championship title.

Present during the event were GMA Pres./COO Gilberto “Jimmy” R. Duavit, Jr., GMA SVP for Entertainment TV Wilma Galvante, Solar Entertainment Corp. Pres. Wilson Tieng, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Mexican Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Christan Clay Mendoza, and Executive Director of the National Parks Development Committee Juliet Villegas.

Right after the event, Pacquiao’s game show “Manny Many Prizes” held a special episode in the same venue. The pound-for-pound king and program host gave away P1 million as jackpot prize to a lucky Caviteño, Villovic Ramos.

The show airs every Saturday at 6 p.m. on GMA-7.

Saturday’s episode of “Manny, Many Prizes” will air from Sarangani.

CONTINUE READING FROM ORIGINAL [SOURCE] 
Information Courtesy of MB / CRISPINA MARTINEZ-BELEN

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Ateneo Star Kiefer Ravena: Soaring High

MST:

ATENEO Blue Eagles maintained their supremacy at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball leader board this 74th season, after thromping off with their 13th straight win for the second round, with a 61-39 demolition of the National University Bulldogs last Saturday at the Big Dome.

The Loyola Heights-based team moved into the finals straight away, with a thrice-to-beat advantage against whoever will survive the semifinals stepladder. Although everything seems to be well in the Blue Eagles’ mission to claim their fourth consecutive championship trophy this year, Kiefer Ravena says this is no excuse for them to rest on their laurels.

“We still got a lot of work to do,” the 6-footer shooting guard who wears jersey no. 15 begins. “The toughest teams for us to guard are Adamson [Falcons] and FEU [Tamaraws] because they are very talented. The hardest one for me to guard is RR Garcia of FEU. He is steady, a veteran and [also] the reigning MVP at UAAP. But the [toughest] player who guarded me was Simon Atkins of La Salle, he’s strong, fast and very intelligent in playing defense.”

“The Phenom,” “The Kid with the Million Moves,” “Blue Mamba” and “Must-See Blue Eagle” are just some of the monikers given to the 17-year-old rookie who, according to Eagles Norman Black, already plays like a pro. He can average between 20 and 25 points per game. And with his 62.00 score in statistical points, he is also in the running for the Most Valuable Player award. But does Ravena feel the pressure of living up to all the people’s expectations?

“[Well] I just play. I don’t look at the score or anything. I just play with my capabilities. Apart from the ‘technical stuff’ that our coaches always remind us, you must learn how to strategize things—what place do you run, what kind of defense do we play against the opponent. [When I am] on court, I just feel myself, I let the game come to me. But I really have to perform. It is [actually] more of preparing yourself mentally and blocking all those pressures.

“When it comes to crunch time, I like the situation of being there. Not a lot of people are getting the opportunity to stay [there], when there’s an adrenaline rush. Potentially, I want to be that kind of player, someone who can close out games—who can win games! If we can defeat them, we might as well defeat them straight away.”

Ravena also revealed the Blue Eagles’ “classic recipe” for success this season: team chemistry. “We’re okay now, we have the time to really blend with each other—to really go out and play as a team. What you can see now, everything is going well. As one player goes down, everyone takes a step back. It’s a team game, everyone has to know the rules, play their rules and find their spots on the court. It’s pretty much a big deal with everyone.”

CONTINUE READING FROM ORIGINAL [SOURCE] 
Information Courtesy of Manila Standard Today / Giovanni Paolo J. Yazon

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Ateneo Star Kiefer Ravena: Soaring High

MST:

ATENEO Blue Eagles maintained their supremacy at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball leader board this 74th season, after thromping off with their 13th straight win for the second round, with a 61-39 demolition of the National University Bulldogs last Saturday at the Big Dome.

The Loyola Heights-based team moved into the finals straight away, with a thrice-to-beat advantage against whoever will survive the semifinals stepladder. Although everything seems to be well in the Blue Eagles’ mission to claim their fourth consecutive championship trophy this year, Kiefer Ravena says this is no excuse for them to rest on their laurels.

“We still got a lot of work to do,” the 6-footer shooting guard who wears jersey no. 15 begins. “The toughest teams for us to guard are Adamson [Falcons] and FEU [Tamaraws] because they are very talented. The hardest one for me to guard is RR Garcia of FEU. He is steady, a veteran and [also] the reigning MVP at UAAP. But the [toughest] player who guarded me was Simon Atkins of La Salle, he’s strong, fast and very intelligent in playing defense.”

“The Phenom,” “The Kid with the Million Moves,” “Blue Mamba” and “Must-See Blue Eagle” are just some of the monikers given to the 17-year-old rookie who, according to Eagles Norman Black, already plays like a pro. He can average between 20 and 25 points per game. And with his 62.00 score in statistical points, he is also in the running for the Most Valuable Player award. But does Ravena feel the pressure of living up to all the people’s expectations?

“[Well] I just play. I don’t look at the score or anything. I just play with my capabilities. Apart from the ‘technical stuff’ that our coaches always remind us, you must learn how to strategize things—what place do you run, what kind of defense do we play against the opponent. [When I am] on court, I just feel myself, I let the game come to me. But I really have to perform. It is [actually] more of preparing yourself mentally and blocking all those pressures.

“When it comes to crunch time, I like the situation of being there. Not a lot of people are getting the opportunity to stay [there], when there’s an adrenaline rush. Potentially, I want to be that kind of player, someone who can close out games—who can win games! If we can defeat them, we might as well defeat them straight away.”

Ravena also revealed the Blue Eagles’ “classic recipe” for success this season: team chemistry. “We’re okay now, we have the time to really blend with each other—to really go out and play as a team. What you can see now, everything is going well. As one player goes down, everyone takes a step back. It’s a team game, everyone has to know the rules, play their rules and find their spots on the court. It’s pretty much a big deal with everyone.”

CONTINUE READING FROM ORIGINAL [SOURCE] 
Information Courtesy of Manila Standard Today / Giovanni Paolo J. Yazon

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Anton dispels Azkals rivalry with Volcanoes

MB:

No competition exists between two of the most popular national teams, the soccer team Philippine Azkals and the rugby team Philippine Volcanoes.

“No, no, not at all,” Azkals striker Anton del Rosario was quoted as saying in an article posted on abs-cbnnews.com on Sept. 9. This is in response to the question whether the soccer and rugby teams are competing against each other for popularity.

Del Rosario said that does not think much about the public’s comments that the Volcanoes are more popular than his team these days.

“I'm not worried about it. People can think what they think. I mean we are all playing for the same country. People should not be comparing Philippine teams, I mean we are all playing for the same country, for the same reasons,” he stressed.

Both the Azkals and the Volcanoes currently enjoy tremendous popularity in the country due to winning in various competitions abroad.

After their unsuccessful bid at the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, the Azkals are currently gearing up for the Long Teng Cup slated from Sept. 26 to Oct. 4 in Taiwan, among other forthcoming games. The Volcanoes, on the other hand, has just come from a successful run at the recently concluded Asian 5 Nations Division 1 tournament in Korea. They are currently competing at the first leg of the Asian Men’s 7s Championships in Shanghai, China.

Due to these honors, both teams have been picked to endorse a number of popular local brands.

Del Rosario expressed that he has a “few friends in Volcanoes” and hoped that “they will keep it well and be successful.”

Del Rosario joined the Azkals in 2004 and plays center back.

CONTINUE READING FROM ORIGINAL [SOURCE] 
Information Courtesy of MB / JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA

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Anton dispels Azkals rivalry with Volcanoes

MB:

No competition exists between two of the most popular national teams, the soccer team Philippine Azkals and the rugby team Philippine Volcanoes.

“No, no, not at all,” Azkals striker Anton del Rosario was quoted as saying in an article posted on abs-cbnnews.com on Sept. 9. This is in response to the question whether the soccer and rugby teams are competing against each other for popularity.

Del Rosario said that does not think much about the public’s comments that the Volcanoes are more popular than his team these days.

“I'm not worried about it. People can think what they think. I mean we are all playing for the same country. People should not be comparing Philippine teams, I mean we are all playing for the same country, for the same reasons,” he stressed.

Both the Azkals and the Volcanoes currently enjoy tremendous popularity in the country due to winning in various competitions abroad.

After their unsuccessful bid at the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, the Azkals are currently gearing up for the Long Teng Cup slated from Sept. 26 to Oct. 4 in Taiwan, among other forthcoming games. The Volcanoes, on the other hand, has just come from a successful run at the recently concluded Asian 5 Nations Division 1 tournament in Korea. They are currently competing at the first leg of the Asian Men’s 7s Championships in Shanghai, China.

Due to these honors, both teams have been picked to endorse a number of popular local brands.

Del Rosario expressed that he has a “few friends in Volcanoes” and hoped that “they will keep it well and be successful.”

Del Rosario joined the Azkals in 2004 and plays center back.

CONTINUE READING FROM ORIGINAL [SOURCE] 
Information Courtesy of MB / JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA

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La Salle's season was over even before it ended

GMA NEWS:

With just two minutes left in the game between De La Salle University and National University, the TV panel statistician handed Aaron Atayde a piece of paper. Atayde covered the game as a broadcaster. Beside him, Luigi Trillo observed the game as a television analyst.

Together, as a broadcast team, they discussed La Salle's chances of making the Final Four. Even before the game started, Atayde and Trillo knew it wasn't going to be easy. When Atayde read the hastily scribbled notes on the piece of paper, he concluded it was going to be impossible.

Atayde and Trillo are from La Salle. I am from Ateneo. We can't change the color of our schools any more than we can change the color of our eyes. Some might expect me to laugh at La Salle's woes. Some might think I enjoyed listening to Atayde and Trillo pretend they weren't pounding the table when Kyle Neypes made basket after basket in NU's lethal late-game surge. I'm kidding.

Atayde is a pro. Trillo has delicadeza. They didn't gripe on-air. But I felt their disappointment. For I was too. Sincerely. They're from Sparta. I'm from Athens. Even as Sparta burned, I didn't rejoice. I was too stunned.

"There was tremendous pressure on DLSU to win this game," Trillo shared. "And NU played great transition defense. NU just swarmed all game."

Credible people swore La Salle was strong. I agreed. Revilla, Atkins, Vosotros, Tampus, and Marata scampered like ninjas on the court. The combined height and wingspan of Van Opstal, Torres, Paredes, Andrada, Mendoza, and Gotladera could dwarf most PBA D-League teams.

But what Atayde saw on a sheet of paper in the dying moments of La Salle's penultimate game revealed what plagued the Archers all-season long: DLSU's last FG 7:01 Maui Villanueva. In their most crucial fourth quarter of the season, against a team that wouldn't make it to the Final Four, the Archers couldn't score.

"When the statistician gave me the sheet that said La Salle hasn't made a field goal in the last five minutes, I knew it was over," Atayde admitted. "That's when I said to myself I had to prepare for the end."

Maybe players didn't mix with the system. Maybe the system needed to adjust to players. Maybe coach Dindo Pumaren needed both system and players to co-exist. Maybe the whole team was in a shooting slump.

CONTINUE READING FROM ORIGINAL [SOURCE] 
Information Courtesy of GMA News / MICO HALILI

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La Salle's season was over even before it ended

GMA NEWS:

With just two minutes left in the game between De La Salle University and National University, the TV panel statistician handed Aaron Atayde a piece of paper. Atayde covered the game as a broadcaster. Beside him, Luigi Trillo observed the game as a television analyst.

Together, as a broadcast team, they discussed La Salle's chances of making the Final Four. Even before the game started, Atayde and Trillo knew it wasn't going to be easy. When Atayde read the hastily scribbled notes on the piece of paper, he concluded it was going to be impossible.

Atayde and Trillo are from La Salle. I am from Ateneo. We can't change the color of our schools any more than we can change the color of our eyes. Some might expect me to laugh at La Salle's woes. Some might think I enjoyed listening to Atayde and Trillo pretend they weren't pounding the table when Kyle Neypes made basket after basket in NU's lethal late-game surge. I'm kidding.

Atayde is a pro. Trillo has delicadeza. They didn't gripe on-air. But I felt their disappointment. For I was too. Sincerely. They're from Sparta. I'm from Athens. Even as Sparta burned, I didn't rejoice. I was too stunned.

"There was tremendous pressure on DLSU to win this game," Trillo shared. "And NU played great transition defense. NU just swarmed all game."

Credible people swore La Salle was strong. I agreed. Revilla, Atkins, Vosotros, Tampus, and Marata scampered like ninjas on the court. The combined height and wingspan of Van Opstal, Torres, Paredes, Andrada, Mendoza, and Gotladera could dwarf most PBA D-League teams.

But what Atayde saw on a sheet of paper in the dying moments of La Salle's penultimate game revealed what plagued the Archers all-season long: DLSU's last FG 7:01 Maui Villanueva. In their most crucial fourth quarter of the season, against a team that wouldn't make it to the Final Four, the Archers couldn't score.

"When the statistician gave me the sheet that said La Salle hasn't made a field goal in the last five minutes, I knew it was over," Atayde admitted. "That's when I said to myself I had to prepare for the end."

Maybe players didn't mix with the system. Maybe the system needed to adjust to players. Maybe coach Dindo Pumaren needed both system and players to co-exist. Maybe the whole team was in a shooting slump.

CONTINUE READING FROM ORIGINAL [SOURCE] 
Information Courtesy of GMA News / MICO HALILI

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Rich PBA players to get richer; players' pay, team cap on salaries raised

MB:

A proposal by PBA Commissioner Angelico “Chito” Salud to increase the salary of players receiving the maximum monthly salary that was not taken up during last week’s PBA annual planning session in Hong Kong, will top the agenda of Thursday’s board meeting following a call by Alaska to adjust the salary cap.

Salud is expected to propose that the maximum be increased by 20 percent, raising salaries of players receiving P350,000 a month to P420,000.

A PBA player’s maximum salary used to be P500,000 but that was cut to today’s level 10 years ago after an economic slowdown affected most teams.

Should Salud’s proposal gain approval, the increase might take effect as soon as this coming 37th PBA season which opens October 3.

“That’s what we’ll propose to the board,” Salud said Wednesday.

But while the rich might get richer, players below the maximum will not get a similar across the board increase.

PBA owners fear that a similar increase for everyone might upset the team salary cap which is pegged at P36 million a year.

The planned increase for top players has gained the positive backing of new PBA chairman Mamerto Mondragon of Rain or Shine.

“I think it can be done since no team has reached the maximum (salary cap),” he said.

But he allowed that individual teams may decide to give increases to the whole lineup so long as they do not surpass the cap.

He said other players can renegotiate their contracts if they feel they deserved an increase.

A total of 15 players are receiving the maximum salary of P350,000.

These are LA Tenorio, Sonny Thoss, Tony dela Cruz and JR Reyes of Alaska, James Yap, Kerby Raymundo and Joe Devance of B-Meg, Asi Taulava and Reynel Hugnatan of Meralco, Kelly Williams and Ranidel de Ocampo of Talk ’N Text, Barangay Ginebra’s Mark Caguioa, Danny Seigle of Barako Bull, Gary David of Powerade, and Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine.

Only two teams don’t have a player with maximum salary, newcomer Shopinas and surprisingly, recently-crowned Governors’ Cup champion Petron Blaze.

CONTINUE READING FROM ORIGINAL [SOURCE] 
Information Courtesy of MB / WAYLON GALVEZ

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Rich PBA players to get richer; players' pay, team cap on salaries raised

MB:

A proposal by PBA Commissioner Angelico “Chito” Salud to increase the salary of players receiving the maximum monthly salary that was not taken up during last week’s PBA annual planning session in Hong Kong, will top the agenda of Thursday’s board meeting following a call by Alaska to adjust the salary cap.

Salud is expected to propose that the maximum be increased by 20 percent, raising salaries of players receiving P350,000 a month to P420,000.

A PBA player’s maximum salary used to be P500,000 but that was cut to today’s level 10 years ago after an economic slowdown affected most teams.

Should Salud’s proposal gain approval, the increase might take effect as soon as this coming 37th PBA season which opens October 3.

“That’s what we’ll propose to the board,” Salud said Wednesday.

But while the rich might get richer, players below the maximum will not get a similar across the board increase.

PBA owners fear that a similar increase for everyone might upset the team salary cap which is pegged at P36 million a year.

The planned increase for top players has gained the positive backing of new PBA chairman Mamerto Mondragon of Rain or Shine.

“I think it can be done since no team has reached the maximum (salary cap),” he said.

But he allowed that individual teams may decide to give increases to the whole lineup so long as they do not surpass the cap.

He said other players can renegotiate their contracts if they feel they deserved an increase.

A total of 15 players are receiving the maximum salary of P350,000.

These are LA Tenorio, Sonny Thoss, Tony dela Cruz and JR Reyes of Alaska, James Yap, Kerby Raymundo and Joe Devance of B-Meg, Asi Taulava and Reynel Hugnatan of Meralco, Kelly Williams and Ranidel de Ocampo of Talk ’N Text, Barangay Ginebra’s Mark Caguioa, Danny Seigle of Barako Bull, Gary David of Powerade, and Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine.

Only two teams don’t have a player with maximum salary, newcomer Shopinas and surprisingly, recently-crowned Governors’ Cup champion Petron Blaze.

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Information Courtesy of MB / WAYLON GALVEZ

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GMA Network to air Pacquiao-Marquez fight, press tour

GMA NEWS:

This weekend, GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) will present to Pinoy boxing fans the prelude of the third face-off between Filipino boxing pride Manny “Pacman" Pacquiao and Mexican bet Juan Manuel Marquez.

Both fighters will venture on a whirlwind four-city world tour covering Manila, New York, Los Angeles and Mexico with Top Rank honcho Bob Arum to promote their upcoming bout set on November 13 (Philippine time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

GMA Network is the exclusive broadcast partner — radio and TV — for both the World Press Tour and the fight itself.

Pacquiao, dubbed as the “greatest fighter of all time," welcomes another heated battle with Marquez after a draw in their first duel in 2004, and a tight split decision that favored him in their second match in 2008, to hopefully put a close to their “unfinished business."

For Saturday, September 3, GMA Network prepared a grand lineup of festivities at the Quirino Grandstand – a special on-ground event to be hosted by Dingdong Dantes, with the pop trio La Diva singing the Philippine national anthem, while the UST singers perform the Mexican national anthem.

An all-star cast led by Kapuso artists Ogie Alcasid, Iza Calzado, Jay-R, Kyla, Rachel Ann Go, Mark Herras, Kris Bernal, Aljur Abrenica, and many others will grace the event that will aired live from 2:30 to 4 p.m. over GMA-7. The special will also be seen live and exclusive via internet video streaming on GMA News Online.

The crowd will be further treated to a live episode of Manny, Many Prizes, the Saturday game show hosted by Pacquiao himself. Joining Pacman are his co-hosts Paolo Contis, Rhian Ramos, Gladys Guevarra, Pekto, Moymoy Palaboy, and Onyok Velasco along with guest stars Jinkee Pacquiao, Wency Cornejo, Jett Pangan, Imelda Papin, Claire dela Fuente, and many others. The episode will be telecast on the same day at 6 p.m.

Tickets for Manny Many Prizes will be distributed via three booths located along South Drive, Quirino Grandstand (Museo Pambata side) beginning 6 a.m. but spectators will be allowed entry as early as 8 a.m.

On Saturday morning, a press conference at the Manila Hotel featuring the two fighters will be aired live on GMA News TV (GNTV), while exclusive interviews will be aired over GMA’s “24 Oras", “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho", “Startalk", “Showbiz Central", and flagship AM station DZBB 594 khz.

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Information Courtesy of GMA News / KBK

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GMA Network to air Pacquiao-Marquez fight, press tour

GMA NEWS:

This weekend, GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) will present to Pinoy boxing fans the prelude of the third face-off between Filipino boxing pride Manny “Pacman" Pacquiao and Mexican bet Juan Manuel Marquez.

Both fighters will venture on a whirlwind four-city world tour covering Manila, New York, Los Angeles and Mexico with Top Rank honcho Bob Arum to promote their upcoming bout set on November 13 (Philippine time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

GMA Network is the exclusive broadcast partner — radio and TV — for both the World Press Tour and the fight itself.

Pacquiao, dubbed as the “greatest fighter of all time," welcomes another heated battle with Marquez after a draw in their first duel in 2004, and a tight split decision that favored him in their second match in 2008, to hopefully put a close to their “unfinished business."

For Saturday, September 3, GMA Network prepared a grand lineup of festivities at the Quirino Grandstand – a special on-ground event to be hosted by Dingdong Dantes, with the pop trio La Diva singing the Philippine national anthem, while the UST singers perform the Mexican national anthem.

An all-star cast led by Kapuso artists Ogie Alcasid, Iza Calzado, Jay-R, Kyla, Rachel Ann Go, Mark Herras, Kris Bernal, Aljur Abrenica, and many others will grace the event that will aired live from 2:30 to 4 p.m. over GMA-7. The special will also be seen live and exclusive via internet video streaming on GMA News Online.

The crowd will be further treated to a live episode of Manny, Many Prizes, the Saturday game show hosted by Pacquiao himself. Joining Pacman are his co-hosts Paolo Contis, Rhian Ramos, Gladys Guevarra, Pekto, Moymoy Palaboy, and Onyok Velasco along with guest stars Jinkee Pacquiao, Wency Cornejo, Jett Pangan, Imelda Papin, Claire dela Fuente, and many others. The episode will be telecast on the same day at 6 p.m.

Tickets for Manny Many Prizes will be distributed via three booths located along South Drive, Quirino Grandstand (Museo Pambata side) beginning 6 a.m. but spectators will be allowed entry as early as 8 a.m.

On Saturday morning, a press conference at the Manila Hotel featuring the two fighters will be aired live on GMA News TV (GNTV), while exclusive interviews will be aired over GMA’s “24 Oras", “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho", “Startalk", “Showbiz Central", and flagship AM station DZBB 594 khz.

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Information Courtesy of GMA News / KBK

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PBA Rookie Draft: JV Casio is The Kid, Paul Lee is The Man

GMA NEWS:

People refused to let JV Casio leave. Long after the closing spiel of the 2011 PBA Rookie Draft, Casio, the number one overall pick, tried to sneak out. He couldn't. Escorted by two security guards, he walked towards a special exit stairwell, reserved for PBA Draft participants. A crowd moved with him. Fans pleaded. "JV isang picture lang please." "JV ako rin pwede magpa-picture?" "Idol pwede pa-picture anak ko kasama ka?" He stopped and said the only polite thing to say, "Sure."

There is an innocence about JV. Maybe it's the boy-next-door aura. Maybe it's because he still looks like a boy. Like he's still fresh out of college. Like he just played his last Ateneo-La Salle game yesterday. If his body exposes the rigors of playing for Gilas, his face somehow doesn't. He doesn't seem jaded by the politics of sports. He hasn't been ravaged by international competition. He doesn't look wrinkled by the burden of being JV Casio. He'll probably comment, "Don't mind my problems." Less talk. More action. He seems more comfortable scoring 29 points than spending 29 minutes discussing his own circumstances.

Paul Lee is no boy-next-door. Paul Lee (it doesn't feel right to say just Paul or just Lee; I feel compelled to always say his full name...Paul Lee) is an alpha-man. The main event. The lead star. The big show. When Paul Lee entered the venue for the 2011 PBA Rookie Draft, he didn't display false humility; as if he felt he didn't belong in the same room with Willie Miller, Mac Cardona and Cyrus Baguio. When Paul Lee walked in, he exuded genuine confidence; like he's been part of the PBA for years. He simply doesn't have the "aww shucks" vibe. Paul Lee, the second overall draft pick, won't play like a second placer or a timid first-year pro. Paul Lee, you see, doesn't know how to play that way.

JV will never look like he's ready for the big boys of the PBA; thanks to droopy shoulders, small steps and shortish limbs. Mukha siyang masasaktan. Parang mapapalpal lang lagi. But as he has proven so fiercely, against all kinds of opponents, inside the battlegrounds of FIBA, on the basketball court of the PBA, JV is The Terminator disguised as a Smurf.

Paul Lee will look like he's been playing PBA-style hoops since birth. Although playing for Coach Yeng Guiao, at times, is like trying to succeed in some psychological Gulag, I suspect Paul Lee will thrive, not wither, in such an atmosphere. Remember how Guiao trusted Cyrus? Guiao will have another open-court-dynamo in Paul Lee. What a combustible mix: the alpha rookie and the alpha coach.

I watched JV finally leave the premises. I didn't see how Paul Lee disappeared. But I think I know how both players will enter the new PBA season. Casio will inspire. Paul Lee will amaze. One description isn't necessarily better than the other. --GMA News

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Information Courtesy of GMA News / MICO HALILI

http://www.gmanews.tv/sports/tfs/latest/230870/sports/the-final-score-jv-casio-is-the-kid-paul-lee-is-the-man

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PBA Rookie Draft: JV Casio is The Kid, Paul Lee is The Man

GMA NEWS:

People refused to let JV Casio leave. Long after the closing spiel of the 2011 PBA Rookie Draft, Casio, the number one overall pick, tried to sneak out. He couldn't. Escorted by two security guards, he walked towards a special exit stairwell, reserved for PBA Draft participants. A crowd moved with him. Fans pleaded. "JV isang picture lang please." "JV ako rin pwede magpa-picture?" "Idol pwede pa-picture anak ko kasama ka?" He stopped and said the only polite thing to say, "Sure."

There is an innocence about JV. Maybe it's the boy-next-door aura. Maybe it's because he still looks like a boy. Like he's still fresh out of college. Like he just played his last Ateneo-La Salle game yesterday. If his body exposes the rigors of playing for Gilas, his face somehow doesn't. He doesn't seem jaded by the politics of sports. He hasn't been ravaged by international competition. He doesn't look wrinkled by the burden of being JV Casio. He'll probably comment, "Don't mind my problems." Less talk. More action. He seems more comfortable scoring 29 points than spending 29 minutes discussing his own circumstances.

Paul Lee is no boy-next-door. Paul Lee (it doesn't feel right to say just Paul or just Lee; I feel compelled to always say his full name...Paul Lee) is an alpha-man. The main event. The lead star. The big show. When Paul Lee entered the venue for the 2011 PBA Rookie Draft, he didn't display false humility; as if he felt he didn't belong in the same room with Willie Miller, Mac Cardona and Cyrus Baguio. When Paul Lee walked in, he exuded genuine confidence; like he's been part of the PBA for years. He simply doesn't have the "aww shucks" vibe. Paul Lee, the second overall draft pick, won't play like a second placer or a timid first-year pro. Paul Lee, you see, doesn't know how to play that way.

JV will never look like he's ready for the big boys of the PBA; thanks to droopy shoulders, small steps and shortish limbs. Mukha siyang masasaktan. Parang mapapalpal lang lagi. But as he has proven so fiercely, against all kinds of opponents, inside the battlegrounds of FIBA, on the basketball court of the PBA, JV is The Terminator disguised as a Smurf.

Paul Lee will look like he's been playing PBA-style hoops since birth. Although playing for Coach Yeng Guiao, at times, is like trying to succeed in some psychological Gulag, I suspect Paul Lee will thrive, not wither, in such an atmosphere. Remember how Guiao trusted Cyrus? Guiao will have another open-court-dynamo in Paul Lee. What a combustible mix: the alpha rookie and the alpha coach.

I watched JV finally leave the premises. I didn't see how Paul Lee disappeared. But I think I know how both players will enter the new PBA season. Casio will inspire. Paul Lee will amaze. One description isn't necessarily better than the other. --GMA News

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Information Courtesy of GMA News / MICO HALILI

http://www.gmanews.tv/sports/tfs/latest/230870/sports/the-final-score-jv-casio-is-the-kid-paul-lee-is-the-man

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PBA Rookie Draft: Without Chris Tiu, Casio is top pick

GMA NEWS:

Powerade didn’t prolong the suspense, choosing Smart Gilas Pilipinas stalwart JV Casio as the top pick of the 2011 PBA Annual Draft Sunday at the Robinsons Place in Manila.

At 5-foot-10, Casio went down as the smallest guy in the history of the draft to be selected no. 1 overall but big and good enough for Tigers coach Bo Perasol to describe him as a possible franchise player.

“We know that JV (Casio) is the type of player who can be a franchise player," said Perasol.

Casio, a member of the last La Salle team to win a UAAP men’s basketball championship in 2007, also became the first legitimate point guard to be picked no. 1 since Alaska’s Mike Cortez in 2003.

“Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala," said the national team player. “I really think that it was my experience in international tournaments that was the factor. I just want to stay focused and concentrate on what I can deliver."

Powerade then added Casio’s Smart Gilas teammate Marcio Lassiter to its roster when it again got its turn at the no. 4 pick.

Rain or Shine selected UE hotshot Paul Lee as the second choice, while Chris Lutz was chosen no.3 by Petron following a Draft day trade with Barako Bull.

Feisty guard Mark Barroca went to Shopinas (formerly Barako Bull), Meralco picked big man Jason Ballesteros, while Barako Bull (formerly Air21) went for Allein Maliksi, the MVP of the inaugural PBA D-League.

Owner of the 9th pick, Ginebra chose power-forward Reil Cervantes, while Dylan Ababou, another Smart Gilas player, ended up with Barako Bull at the close of the first round.

Magi Sison was acquired by Shopinas to start the second round. Talk ‘N Text got John Raymundo, while Alaska, which owned the third, fourth, and fifth picks in the second round, chose Eric Salamat, Julius Pascolado, Phillip Medenilla.

Finally taking its turn to choose for the first time, B-Meg took Brian Ilad, Meralco acquired Gilbert Bulawan, Ginebra selected point guard James Martinez, while Barako Bull chose Kenneth Acibar and Paul Sorongan. Powerade closed out the second round by choosing John Agustin, the son of Petron coach Ato Agustin. OMG, GMA News

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Information Courtesy of GMA News

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/230807/sports/pba-rookie-draft-casio-is-top-pick

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PBA Rookie Draft: Without Chris Tiu, Casio is top pick

GMA NEWS:

Powerade didn’t prolong the suspense, choosing Smart Gilas Pilipinas stalwart JV Casio as the top pick of the 2011 PBA Annual Draft Sunday at the Robinsons Place in Manila.

At 5-foot-10, Casio went down as the smallest guy in the history of the draft to be selected no. 1 overall but big and good enough for Tigers coach Bo Perasol to describe him as a possible franchise player.

“We know that JV (Casio) is the type of player who can be a franchise player," said Perasol.

Casio, a member of the last La Salle team to win a UAAP men’s basketball championship in 2007, also became the first legitimate point guard to be picked no. 1 since Alaska’s Mike Cortez in 2003.

“Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala," said the national team player. “I really think that it was my experience in international tournaments that was the factor. I just want to stay focused and concentrate on what I can deliver."

Powerade then added Casio’s Smart Gilas teammate Marcio Lassiter to its roster when it again got its turn at the no. 4 pick.

Rain or Shine selected UE hotshot Paul Lee as the second choice, while Chris Lutz was chosen no.3 by Petron following a Draft day trade with Barako Bull.

Feisty guard Mark Barroca went to Shopinas (formerly Barako Bull), Meralco picked big man Jason Ballesteros, while Barako Bull (formerly Air21) went for Allein Maliksi, the MVP of the inaugural PBA D-League.

Owner of the 9th pick, Ginebra chose power-forward Reil Cervantes, while Dylan Ababou, another Smart Gilas player, ended up with Barako Bull at the close of the first round.

Magi Sison was acquired by Shopinas to start the second round. Talk ‘N Text got John Raymundo, while Alaska, which owned the third, fourth, and fifth picks in the second round, chose Eric Salamat, Julius Pascolado, Phillip Medenilla.

Finally taking its turn to choose for the first time, B-Meg took Brian Ilad, Meralco acquired Gilbert Bulawan, Ginebra selected point guard James Martinez, while Barako Bull chose Kenneth Acibar and Paul Sorongan. Powerade closed out the second round by choosing John Agustin, the son of Petron coach Ato Agustin. OMG, GMA News

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Information Courtesy of GMA News

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/230807/sports/pba-rookie-draft-casio-is-top-pick

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