JUSTIN CHUA : OUT OF THE SHADOWS

courtesy of pba-online.net

Justin Chua has always played second fiddle to his more popular and seasoned teammates in Ateneo. But after being instrumental in Blackwater's championship run in the PBA D-League, people have started to notice the great potential of the 6'5'' center-forward. Picked tenth over-all by San Mig Coffee, Chua was immediately traded and now plays for Globalport where he is simply developing into a complete player

The unassuming rookie is definitely not in the mold of Greg Slaughter or Ian Sangalang. But Chua is nonetheless effective. Coach Boyet Fernandez of NLEX Road Warriors describes him as a very good defender with a reliable perimeter shot. As seen in Globalport's games, Justin Chua can be relied upon to defend and score, making him a vital cog.

Chua, for me, stands out among the rest of the PBA rookies this year because he gets his task done without much fanfare. He is also humble enough to admit his mistakes. In Globalport's loss to San Mig Coffee, he took the time to apologize to Golbalport fans after committing a last-minute error.

With his determination to improve and humility, I am sure Justin Chua will go a long way. He will be one rookie who will have longevity in the PBA. Incidentally, Ateneo and Blackwater won championships with Justin Chua in their line-up. It is therefore not far-fetched for Globalport to bag a crown with Chua in its line-up as well.

HAS GINEBRA REALLY HIT THE JACKPOT WITH GREG SLAUGHTER ?

Ginebra San Miguel leads the team standings in the current PBA Philippine Cup. With a 9-1 record, Ginebra is a full game ahead of second running Petron Blaze. Thanks to its twin towers, Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar, Ginebra is on its way to a possible finals appearance.

Japeth Aguilar has been playing heads up basketball for Ginebra in the current conference. In fact, he is responsible for the two victories of his team with his dying-second three pointers. Greg Slaughter, on the other hand, continues to be a force in the post. He continues to post double digits in scoring and rebounding.

Without a doubt, Ginebra is blessed to have Aguilar in its fold. But can we say the same thing as far as Greg Slaughter is concerned ?

Slaughter has a history of abandoning his team when he does not get his way. With his previous team, Slaughter was a big headache to his coach and teammates. He would not report for practice whenever he felt like not going to practice. Reports have it that he would sulk whenever he does not get the playing time that he wants.

With Ginebra, Slaughter gets a considerable amount of playing time. In fact, he is not being used as a substitute for Aguilar. It is probably Ginebra's way of preventing Slaughter from sulking. But it could only be a matter of time when Slaughter shows his true color. I surely hope Coach Ato Agustin will be ready to handle Slaughter when the behemoth starts to act like he is the heart and soul of the team. I wonder what Mark Caguioa has to say when that happens.

THE TEN BEST FOR PHILIPPINE SPORTS 2013

The City Buzz recognizes the the achievements of Filipino athletes in 2013. In coming up with a list of the ten best Filipino athletes of 2013, The City Buzz takes into account the athlete's victory in international competitions. But more importantly, the list places great importance on the Filipino athlete's commitment to achieve the impossible.

1. Rubilen Amit - In 2013, Amit won her second World 10-ball Championship. She also won a gold medal in SEAG to cap her successful campaign for the year.

2. Claire Adorna - The UP swimmer won 4 gold medals in UAAP Season 76. But what makes her feat truly spectacular is her determination to fight for what she believes is right. She threatened to sue UAAP officials who threatened to prevent her from participating in the collegiate tournament. UAAP officials blinked and Adorna got her sweet revenge by winning 4 gold medals.

3. Gilas Pilipinas - Basketball-crazy Filipinos will see once again the country compete in the World Championships. Thanks to Gilas Pilipinas.

4. Philippine National Dragon Boat Team - While the team only won a silver and bronze medal in 2013 DBS Regatta Singapore, it created quite a stir when it exposed the anomalies and abuses of its leaders. The world champion team was dropped from the list of national teams all because it dared to go up against the powers-that-be. The team continues to fight for what it believes is right.

5. Manny Pacquiao - The victory of Manny Pacquiao really lifted the spirits of the Filipino people. The victory is the most uplifting moments in Philippine sports for 2013. Pacquiao however remains to fight a crucial battle. This time with BIR.

6. Wesley So - After winning a gold medal in the Universiade in Russia and topping the 17th Unive Chess tournament, So decided not to represent the country in Myanmar. The highest-ranked Filipino chess player decided to make a statement against politics in sports.

7. Athletics team to the 2013 SEAG - Definitely one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing Philippine campaign. The talented and relatively young team of Edgardo Alejan, Archand Bagsit, Isidro del Prado, Julius Nierras, Jesson Ramil Cid, Christopher Ulboc, Eric Shawn Cray and Henry Dagmil augurs well for Philippine athletics.

8. Princess Superal - The teen golf sensation won 2 gold medals in 2013 SEAG after winning the Singapore Amateur Ladies Open.

9. Lee Van Corteza and Dennis Orcullo - The two won the World Cup of Pool 2013 crown to prove once again that Filipinos are tops in billiards.

10. Ramon Antonino Franco - His gold medal in Myanmar is significant because it comes after his family experiences the full destruction of super typhoon Yolanda. Franco exemplifies the indomitable spirit of the Filipino athlete.

AN UGLY PICTURE SURFACES AFTER THE 2013 SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES

What do the NSA's of canoe-kayak, chess, swimming and table tennis have in common ? All did not produce a gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.

Upon closer scrutiny, there's more to the said NSA's than not winning a gold medal. The presidents of the NSA's are all close allies of POC President Peping Cojuangco.

The president of canoe-kayak is Jonne Go. Go denied the country of 15 gold medals in SEAG by terminating the entire national dragon boat team. She ran under the ticket of the POC president during the last POC elections and won. Chess has Prospero Pichay as its president. Like Go, Pichay ran under the ticket of Peping and won. Swimming has the controversial Mark Joseph for its president. Despite the numerous cases against Joseph, he continues to enjoy the trust of Cojuangco. Lastly, table tennis has Ting Ledesma. Ledesma is the one recognized by POC despite the victory of Sen. Trillanes in a legitimately-held election.

But what takes the cake is that the NSA for equestrian, headed by Peping Cojuangco himself, did not produce a gold medal too. The Equestrian Association of the Philippines, in fact, failed to produce any medal. If the POC president himself failed to make his own NSA win any medal, is it any wonder then that the country finished seventh out of eleven countries ?

ANG AKING MGA HILING SA PASKO PARA SA SPORTS

Tulad ng iba, gumawa rin ako ng Christmas wish list. Subalit ang aking ginawang listahan ay patungkol lamang sa palakasan. Narito ang aking listahan :

1. POC President Peping Cojuangco - Magkaroon ng delicadeza at magresign na. Ipaubaya na niya ang kanyang posisyon sa mas bata at  may kakayanang iangat ang kalagayan ng palakasan sa bansa.

2. PSC Chairman Richie Garcia - Magkaroon ng paninindigan at tapang.

3. Smart Gilas Pilipinas - Patuloy na umani ng tagumpay. Wag sanang yumabang ang pamunuan ng koponan.

4. PBA - Patuloy na kumita at gawin na akong miyembro ng PBA Press Corps para maiboto ko sina Terrence Romeo bilang Rookie of the Year at Sol Mercado bilang MVP.

5. PCKF President Jonne Go at head coach Len Escollante- Umalis na sa puwesto at umamin na sa kanilang mga kamalian.

6. Philippine Dragon Boat Team - Makabalik na bilang national athletes at makapagpatuloy sa pagbigay ng karangalan sa bansa.

7. Philippine Women's Volleyball Team - Mabuo na at makapagsimula nang lumaban nang tuluy-tuloy sa international competitions.

8. Alyssa Valdez - Sumali na sa Philippine team nang mapakinabangan ng bansa ang kanyang galing sa volleyball.

9. Philippine Athletics team - Patuloy na umani ng tagumpay sa pamamagitan ng mga bago at batang mga atleta.

10. Philippine Azkals - Magpakatino na para di na madawit sa mga kontrobersiya. Magsanay nang husto nang manalo na. Iwasan ang masyadong pagpapaporma at pagsho-showbiz.

11. Dan Palami - Disiplinahin ang kanyang mga Azkals at wag kunsintihin ang mga mali.

12. Coach Weiss - Pagalingin ang Azkals at di puro salita lamang sa harap ng media.

13. Sen. Pia Cayetano - Gumawa ng mga konkretong aksyon sa Philippine sports at di panay salita lamang. Wala siyang nagawa para sa Philipppine Dragon Boat team sa kabila ng ingay na ginawa niya sa senate hearings. Ni hindi niya napigilan sina Cojuangco at Garcia sa pagpapatupad ng mga maling patakaran hinggil sa pagpapadala ng mga atleta sa SEAG.

14. Sen Antoni Trillanes IV - Magpatuloy sana sa pakikipaglaban kay Peping Cojuangco.

15. Boyet Fernandez - Manalo pa ng isang trak na championships para sa San Beda Red Lions at NLEX Road warriors. Isa si Coach Boyet sa pinakamabait at pinakamagaling na coaches para sa basketball sa bansa.

16. Terrence Romeo - Patuloy na maging mapagkumbaba at manalo ng Rookie of the Year.

17. Sol Mercado - Manalo na sa wakas ng MVP.

18. Greg Slaughter - Maging mabait sa Ginebra at iwasang maging sakit ng ulo ng team.

19. Globalport - Patuloy na gumanda ang performance sa PBA. Patuloy sana maging mabait ang koponan sa lahat ng tao. At matalo na ng koponan ang Ginebra bilang crowd favorite.

20. President Noynoy Aquino - Pagtuunan sana niya ng pansin ang nakakadismayang kalagayan ng palakasan sa bansa. Tanggalin na sana niya sa POC at PSC ang dapat tanggalin.

Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat !

THE TRUTH REVEALED : A VOLLEYBALL INCIDENT

A group of female volleyball players went on a team building with their coaches and officials in a private resort. The team building went awry when the players got intoxicated. The officials of the team were able to convince the players to show flesh, all in the spirit of fun. The players gamely took their clothes off in exchange for a considerable amount of money. To cover up the shame, everyone decided to keep the whole incident a secret.

The incident, for me, is truly a sad event in Philippine sports. It is so wrong in so many levels. But what motivated me to finally bring the incident out in the open is the sight of one of the coaches in the team building coaching a school in the current UAAP tournament. The coach did not lift a finger to stop the incident to protect the players. And yet, he continues to handle a group of collegiate female volleyball players.

I am just disturbed that the coach continues to enjoy the trust of a school despite what he did. Or more aptly, what he did not do.

IS THIS HOW THE MALDITAS ARE BEING COACHED ?

MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

This Christmas, I want to interview certain personalities who have made an impact the past year or made a significant difference in his or her sport. I also want to include personalities who exert effort to effect change in Philippine sports. And my list includes :

1. Rubilen Amit, billiards

2. Dennis Cagara, football

3. Eric Cray, athletics

4. Noelle Wenceslao, Rolando Isidro, dragon boat

5. Jessie Aligaga, wushu

6. Sol Mercado. professional basketball

7. Alvin Patrimonio, team manager San Mig Coffee

8. Cristy Ramos, former POC president

9. Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, senator

10. Josie Cabuco, Mario Fernandez, amateur boxing

11. Boyet Fernandez, San Beda and NLEX head coach

12. Chot Reyes, Smart Gilas coach

13. Manny Pacquiao, professional boxing

14. Marie Claire Adorna, swimming

15. Wesley So, chess

The list is far from being final.  I want as many sport as possible to be represented.

Who do you think must be included as well ?

POC AT PSC : NASAAN ANG MGA GINTONG MEDALYA ?

Sa kasalukuyan, nasa ika-walong puwesto ang Pilipinas sa ginaganap na Southeast Asian Games sa Myanmar. Tatlong medalyang ginto pa lang ang napapanalunan ng bansa tatlong araw matapos ang opisyal na pagbubukas ng pangrehiyon na torneo.

Bago pa man sumabak sa kumpetisyon ang ating mga atleta, marami nang reklamo ang inihayag tungkol sa patakaran ng POC at PSC na ang ipapadala lamang sa Myanmar ay yung mga may tsansang manalo ng medalyang ginto. Marami ang nagreklamo sa nasabing patakaran, kabilang na ang men's football at women's volleyball. Gayun pa man, nasunod ang kagustuhan ng POC at PSC na ipadala lamang ang mga sa tingin nila ay maguuwi ng medalyang ginto.

Subalit sa nangyayari ngayon, nasaan ang inaasahang mga ginto ng POC at PSC ? Marami na ang mga nakapaglaro sa ating mga atleta subalit tatlong gintong medalya pa lang ang nasusungkit ng Pilipinas. Ang Myanmar ay may dalawamput-anim na gintong medalya na samantalang may dalawamput-dalawa naman ang Vietnam.

Paano ba naman di mangangamote ang Pilipinas sa torneo gayung di ipinadala ng POC at PSC ang dragon boat team na kayang manalo ng labing-limang gintong medalya ? Hindi ipinadala ang koponan na nagkamit ng anim na gintong medalya sa World Championship dahil lamang nagtanong ito sa pamunuan ng Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation kung saan napupunta ang nawawalang allowances at incentives. Sadyang wala sa katinuan ang PCKF, POC at PSC sa di pagpapadala ng dragon boat team sa SEA Games at pagpaparusa sa mga atletang may lakas ng loob na kuwestiyunin at isiwalat ang mali.

Marahil, panahon na para umaksyon ang Pangulo sa kabaliwang nagaganap sa POC, PSC at NSA's. Dapat na siguro gawan ng paraan ng pangulo ang pamamahala ng kanyang tiyuhin sa POC na si Peping Cojuangco. Siya lamang at wala ng iba ang may kakayanang baguhin ang takbo ng palakasan sa bansa.

THE PHILIPPINE DELEGATION : A SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES 2013 ASSESSMENT

The 2013 Southeast Asian Games officially open two days from now. But certain events have jump-started the regional tournament in Myanmar. The Philippines, so far, has won two silver medals through wushu.

The Philippines is sending 210 athletes and 81 officials to this year's SEA Games. With a budget of Php33M, the Philippine delegation is competing for 180 gold medals out of the 460 golds available. With the policy of POC and PSC of sending only gold medal hopefuls, it is surprising to note that a lot of the Filipino athletes do not have a ghost of a chance of winning gold. Athletes from canoe-kayak, table tennis, women's football, badminton, equestrian, golf, karatedo, aquatics, pencat silat, sepak takraw, shooting and muay are not expected to bring home any gold. Athletics remain the goldmine for the country with an expected haul of 6 gold medals. Eric Cray is the runner expected to carry the load for Philippine athletics. Boxing and billiards can contribute 4 gold medals each. For billiards, world champions Rubilen Amit, Dennis Orcullo and Bata Reyes lead the charge. Boxing has Barriga, Gabuco and Saludar to carry the fight. Cycling can bring home 3 gold medals. Chess, missing the services of Wesley So, and taekwondo too can bring home 3 gold medals each. Judo, wrestling and rowing can contribute 2 golds each. Men's basketball, sailing, archery and weightlifting can contribute one gold each. Women's basketball can spring a surprise to improve its silver medal finish two years ago and finally earn a gold. Dragon boat can easily give the country 17 medals with at least 6 of them gold. But sports officials have not decided not to send the world champion dragon boat team to the biennial event.

Over-all, the Philippines can expect to win 44-46 gold medals to finish 7th among 11 countries. With the deteriorating performance of Filipino athletes in SEA Games, and expectations for this year much less, I can see yet another sports disaster for the country. There will be yet another call for POC President Peping Cojuangco and PSC Chairman Richie Garcia to resign after the 27th SEA Games. And as usual, nothing much will come out of the demand to have the two top sports officials removed.

POC AT PSC : PADER DAMASO AT PADRE SIBYLA SA MAKABAGONG PANAHON

Bibigyan daan ko ang isang liham na galing sa isang miyembero ng Philippine national dragon boat na patuloy na dumaranas nang pang-iisa.

Nung February 2013, nag isyu ang POC ng tig-iisang attendance signature card sa mga atleta at coach para ma-monitor ang pag-attend sa First Friday Masses sa ULTRA.

Sabi sa amin na lahat ng makaka-kumpleto ng attendance mula February hanggang sa katapusan ng taon ay tatanggap ng incentive na PHP 10,000. Kaya kami naman dali-daling nag-comply! Buwan-buwan nagpapa-pirma kami kay Ate Jen sa registration table, at nilalagdaan din namin ang attendance sheet nila.

Pagdating ng November, nag-announce na wala na daw mass sa December, kaya ipinapasa na sa mga nakakumpleto ang "mass attendance cards" namin para sa pag-award ng pinangakong incentive.

Ang dami namin na nakakumpleto ng attendance! Ang dami nilang bibigyan ng PHP 10,000 each! Kaya lang isa-isa kaming naka-tanggap ng tawag mula kay Ma'am Lisa ng POC. May mga problema pa daw na kinakailangan linawin.

• Kapag may isang kulang ang pirma sa attendance sheet nila, hindi na valid.
• Kapag may naiba na pirma sa attendance sheet nila, hindi na valid.

Una, wala naman silang paraan ma-verify lung ilang beses kami tumanggap ng komunyon.

Pangalawa, hindi iyon ang napag-usapan na incentives nung simula ng taon.

Pangatlo, sa isang Katoliko, hindi maaari tumanggap ng Komunyon kapag hindi pa nakakapag kumpisal.

At saka, hindi lahat ng atleta at coach ay Katoliko at puwede tumanggap ng Komunyon.

Maliban sa pag-suhol sa mga Katoliko na mangomunyon, nakaramdam din ng religious na diskriminasyon ang mga hindi Katoliko.

Mali sa ano mang anggulo tignan.

TERRENCE ROMEO : HAIL TO THE NEW KING

courtesy of Mak Monilla

It has been a while since a player has generated much excitement in the PBA. The league has pretty much relied on aging superstars to create interest and  much-needed gate-receipts.

But now comes Terrence Romeo. The Globalport rookie is sensational to say the least. Romeo, drafted fifth overall, is the new kid on the block that everyone keeps an eye on. To date, his scoring average remains one of the best in the All-Filipino conference. His never-say-die-attitude is genuine and consistent. And his ability to execute incredible shots makes him truly exciting to watch.

In a recent game, an aging superstar of a popular team called on all over-the-hill players to show Romeo a thing or two. The fact is, all these players have not seen any rookie as spectacular as Romeo. These former superstars must now realize that the time has come for a new superstar to reign supreme in the PBA. And Terrence Romeo is the new king, without a shadow of a doubt.

ANG MALING LIQUIDATION NINA PCKF JONNE GO AT HEAD COACH LEN ESCOLLANTE

Upang patunayan na natanggap nga ng mga atleta at coaches ng Philippine national dragon boat team ang kanilang $480 allowance, naglabas sina PCKF President Jonne Go at head coach Len Escollante ng isang liquidation. Pirmado ng mga atleta at coaches ang nasabing dokumento na nagsasaad na natanggap ng bawat isa ang $480. Nakapirma sina Go, Escollante at PCKF treasurer Teresita Uy bilang witnesses.

Kapansin-pansin na may salungguhit ang halagang $480 sa liquidation. Ginawa marahil ito para bigyan-diin ang halagang natanggap ng bawat miyembro ng koponan. Subalit ito ang pinakamalaking kamalian ng nasabing liquidation.

Ang PSC ay hindi naglabas ng dolyar sa pagsali ng Philippine national dragon boat team sa World Championship sa Italy. Ang katumbas na halaga sa piso ang siyang inilabas ng PSC. Ayon sa PSC Board Resolution Nos. 439(C)-2012 at 234(B)-2013, ang kabuuang halaga na inilabas ng PSC para sa allowance ng mga atleta at coaches ay Php549,120.00 o Php21,120.00 bawat atleta o coach. Kaya, bakit sinulat nina Go, Escollante at Uy ang halagang $480 at pinapirmahan pa ito sa buong koponan ? Imposibleng makatanggap ng $480 ang bawat miyembro ng koponan dahil hindi naman naglabas ng dolyar ang PSC.

Dahil dito, maaaring ipa-walang saysay ang nasabing liquidation. Ang ebidensiya ng PCKF na magtatanggol kina Go at Escollante ay siya pang magdidiin sa dalawa sa kapahamakan.

Ang pinakamatinding rebelasyon sa liquidation na ito ay ang kakayahan nina Go at Escollante na papirmahin ang mga atleta at coaches sa isang dokumento na mali. Ilan pa kayang dokumento ang pinapirmahan nina Go at Escollante sa mga atleta at coaches ang mali at walang katotohanan ?

The Air Attack 11-28-13