A PLEASANT SURPRISE FROM PONG ESCOBAL

When I was deciding who to interview next for Bandera, several PBA players came to mind. James Yap crossed my mind initially. But James Yap is not the type who talks openly and deeply about things in his career or personal life. Much of the superstars of the PBA, like James, are not that articulate and great interview subjects. So I finally decided to interview one of the latest additions to the Sta. Lucia team who has been playing with marked improvement lately. I decided to interview Pong Escobal hoping that he turns out to be a good conversationalist and insightful player.

To my great surprise, Pong Escobal is the great conversationalist and intelligent player that I hoped him to be. He gamely answered controversial questions straight to the point. He answered questions that needed reflection with great insight. Best of all, he had a sense of humor that made his response to some questions truly revealing. The interview showed me what a great person Pong Escobal truly is.
Because of Escobal, I will continue to interview players who strive to play their best but are seldom given the chance to open themselves up to the public. Hopefully, my next interview will likewise reveal another great player and person like Pong Escobal.

WORLD CUP 2010 : JAPAN PUTS UP A GALLANT FIGHT BUT LOSES

 Japan lost to Paraguay through penalty kicks. The Blue Samurai fought long and hard to take Paraguay to two extra periods before losing out due to penalty kicks. A lot of the fans, including myself, cried after seeing Japan lose because of a penalty kick that hit the cross bar. Paraguay scored on every penalty kick to earn the victory.

Despite the loss, Keisuke Honda and the rest of the team have nothing to be ashamed of. With the team expected to bow out at the elimination stage, Honda and the rest of the players displayed great skill and determination to make it to the round of 16. And with the way the team played its heart out against Paraguay, Japan can bow out with its head high.

Several players of Japan cried after the heartbreaking loss as well. After all, they have come so close to advancing to the quarterfinals only to lose on penalty kicks. But Honda and the rest of the players can still come back in the next World Cup. Needless to say, like the millions of Japanese around the world, I will still be rooting for them. I will still watch Japan make a gallant stand in Brazil. I, with the rest of the fans worldwide, will watch what Honda and the rest of the team has managed to institute in the next World Cup.

NOYNOY AQUINO AND KRIS AQUINO : THE BIG CONVERGENCE

Today, Filipinos will stay glued to their television sets for two reasons. One, people will watch the 15th president of the Philippines, Benigno C. Aquino III take his oath of office. Two, people will watch with great interest how Kris Aquino will appear after her recent break-up with her husband James Yap.
The inauguration rites of Noynoy promises to be a grand spectacle. Several top local entertainers are set to perform on stage. A top director was tapped to assure the people of a visual delight. But more than the visuals, I certainly hope that Noynoy's message of change will be more appealing. After all, Filipinos deserve a much-needed change that will hopefully improve their lives.
Despite the passsive role that Kris Aquino will play today, she will nonetheless be greatly watched as well. Her break-up with erstwhile hubby James Yap continues to land her in the front pages of major tabloids and broadsheets. Everyone is very much interested to see how Kris is coping with the latest controversy in her life. For Kris' sake, I hope that she appears well. For many, she is a symbol of Filipinos who have defied public opinion to take charge of their own lives.
Come to think about it, the whole inauguration process is but a symbol of the Filipinos' desire and effort to effect change to improve their lives. I hope that Noynoy fulfills his promises to give Filipinos the chance to liberate themselves from their dire predicament. May the emancipation that Kris obtained be accorded to every Filipino as well through the new incoming president.

WORLD CUP 2010 : JAPAN FIGHTS FOR SURVIVAL

Japan goes up against Paraguay for a place in the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup. With the way Japan is playing, it has a great chance of beating Paraguay. I expect Keisuke Honda to play his best in what could be the most pivotal game for Japan. Should Japan win tonight, it will go up against either Spain or Portugal. These two teams have not been playing to expectations so Japan will have an easier time playing against either one of them.
Again, the support of the Japanese people will be crucial. But I do know that the people in Japan right now are busy preparing to watch the game. Food is even being prepared in anticipation of a great match. Needless to say, the Japanese expect no less than a resounding victory for Japan tonight. I am one with the Japanese people in expecting a great win for the Blue Samurai.

JAMES YAP THE HERO

Despite Kris Aquino's decision to leave James Yap for good, I expect James to play magnificently this coming Friday. The game will be crucial for both San Miguel and B-Meg. Each team will surely try its best to secure a semifinal slot.
What I truly admire about James Yap is his ability to turn personal tragedy into victories. Several times in the past, he has come up with big games to steer his team to victory despite carrying heavy personal problems. I don't remember any player in PBA history who has had so many personal problems as James. Yet, like a phoenix, James manages to rise from the ashes and claim victory not only for himself but for others as well. It is this trait that sets him apart from ordinary players. And it is this trait too that makes it hard for the public to judge him harshly.
While I maintain that Kris is right in leaving James, I cannot help but somehow control myself from issuing harsh words against the basketball superstar. For all it's worth, James Yap is the best Filipino basketball player today. He deserves respect and a little sympathy as an individual who continues to capture the imagination of millions of Filipinos.

KRIS AQUINO AND JAMES YAP : THE BIG DIFFERENCE

Kris Aquino has announced on national television that she is leaving James Yap for good. From her statements, I get the impression that Kris has had enough of the basketball superstar.
I tend to commiserate with Kris Aquino as she arrives at such a difficult and painful decision. People may say a lot of unfavorable things about Kris Aquino. But one thing that people can't say about her is that she is a liar. Often, Kris would get into trouble for saying the truth. Often, she would say things that are better left unsaid. Kris may be so full of herself but a liar she definitely is not. And this is what differentiates her from her husband. To this day, James has not admitted to having an affair with a receptionist from Belo Medical. In fact, James has flatly denied being close to the receptionist. Despite the solid evidence of his extra marital affair, James declares his innocence to everyone.
In a conflict between two individuals, I will certainly side with the one who I know tells the truth. I will certainly side with Kris on this controversial issue because through time, she has proven herself to be transparent and truthful. James Yap, on the other hand, lied before and remains too secretive for comfort.
I commend Kris for having the courage to finally say enough is enough. A person, no matter how strong or forgiving, can only take so much. Despite the negative talk it will generate, Kris' decision to end her marriage is an affirmation of her courage and strength to face the truth no matter how painful it may be. I pray that she has enough courage and strength to sustain her as she tries to be a good parent to her two sons.

THE PUZZLING JAMES YAP

I find something wrong with the way James Yap tries to impress on people how much he values his private life. He says he values his privacy and yet he loves to bask in the limelight. He refuses to say the reason why Kris left him this time around but grants an interview nonetheless. He attends the presentation of the men who matter most in the Philippines less than 24 hours after his wife left him. Such actions don't reveal to me a person who treasures his privacy immensely.
I find it uncanny too that James talks almost anything about himself except his affairs of the heart. Could it be just a simple case of being a gentleman ? Or could it be more of trying to keep silent so as not to open a can of worms ?
Perhaps, there is something in James Yap that people still don't know. Perhaps, it could be the reason why Kris Aquino can't find comfort in her married life. Will the real James Yap please stand up.

WORLD CUP 2010 : SOUTH KOREA LOSES, JAPAN AS THE ONLY ASIAN HOPEFUL

South Korea lost to Uruguay, 2-1 , at the start of the round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup. But I take my hats off to the South Koreans for their gutsy play and never-say-die attitude. The team made its country proud by showing its great character. Of course, it would have been better if South Korea managed to earn a victory. But Uruguay displayed better skill to deny Korea of a quarterfinal slot.

With South Korea's exit, Japan remains the last Asian team that can make it to the quarterfinals. It will go up against Paraguay at 9pm Manila time. Japan's chances of winning are great. Keisuke Honda is spectacular in leading Japan to victory thus far. I see the same thing happening in Japan's match against Paraguay. Honda will take charge and score well once more for Japan.

Together with the tremendous support of the Japanese people, I see victory for Japan. Hopefully, Japan, with Honda leading the way, can go all the way to the finals.

WORLD CUP 2010 : SOUTH KOREA STARTS MISSION

A few hours from now, South Korea will face Uruguay to start the next stage of the 2010 World Cup. The South Korean team remains the underdog in the match. It has never beaten a South American nation in World Cup history. And Uruguay looks impressive as it topped its group with two wins and a draw. South Korea advanced to the next stage with a victory, a draw and a loss.

South Korea must play extremely well to escape with a victory. It must play defense well. Offensively, it is a capable team. I expect Park Ji-Sung, its team captain, to lead the attack for South Korea.

This early, I know that the Korean people are busy preparing to watch the match. Despite being a non-Korean, I too am preparing to watch South Korea play Uruguay. I am a die hard fan of the Korean team. I feel that Korea's victory will be a victory not only for South Korea but the whole of Asia as well. The best of luck indeed to South Korea.

WHAT AILS GINEBRA ?

On paper, Ginebra looks formidable. It has its fair share of superstars as well as dependable role players. But somehow, victories have come in trickles. The addition of two-time MVP Willie Miller raised hopes of an excellent finish for the team after the elimination round. Sadly, expectations have not been met.
What I think ails Ginebra is its lack of consistent scorers in the forward position. Eric Menk can score well above 20 points a game but his injuries deny the team of a dependable power forward. Enrico Villanueva can score too but is far from consistent. Rudy Hatfield has been reinstated but his contribution remains negligible.
Predictabilty of Ginebra's game can also account for its dismal showing so far. Opponents merely have to shut down the guards of Ginebra to earn victory. Once the guards of Ginebra are shackled, the team loses for sure.
Recently, Ginebra decided to change its import. I maintain the fact that it is not the import of Ginebra that needs to improve. Its local line-up must work as a unit to rise above mediocrity. The team must harness its never-say-die attitude once again to emerge victorious. All is not lost at this stage. Ginebra just needs to find its old form. That is, its old championship form.

WORLD CUP 2010 : JAPAN BRANDISHES SAMURAI

Japan scored an impressive 3-1 victory over Denmark to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup. The Blue Samurai played spiritedly to overcome the tremendous height advantage of the Danes.
What I find truly remarkable with the Japanese team is that it is playing beyond expectations. No one expects Japan to survive the elimination stage. In its tune-up games prior to the World Cup, Japan played listlessly, losing games one after the other. But the Blue Samurai surprised everyone by winning its first match at the World Cup. Now, it is going up against Paraguay in the knockout stage. Japan stands a good chance of beating Paraguay with the way it is playing.
I think the first victory of Japan spells the big difference in its current World Cup campaign. The confidence that Japan exudes has yielded results beyond expectations. With Keisuke Honda and company playing well, Japan might just improve its 2002 finish in the 2010 World Cup.

JAMES YAP IS KING

I watched with great anticipation the game between Ginebra and B-Meg Derby Ace last night. Both teams needed to win to boost their respective campaigns. But my excitement turned into disappointment as the game was far from exciting. B-Meg Derby ran roughshod over the listless Ginebra team.
Seeing James yap play his heart out last night made me realize that he is indeed a great player and a true professional. Notwithstanding the marital problem that he presently faces, James Yap played as if nothing was bothering him. In fact, his game was a thousand times better than Mark Caguioa's. Despite what I have written about James Yap in the past, I have to admit that he is truly an outstanding athlete even in times of crisis. James Yap is indeed a true winner. LONG LIVE THE KING.

REMEMBERING A FRIEND

As I lined up for some freebies from Pascual Laboratories, I remembered a friend. This friend of mine belongs to the bible study group that I used to be a part of. With the conflict that resulted from my blog, I did not have the chance to at least say thank you to this friend of mine . Countless times, he would welcome me in his condo unit and feed me until I become full. Countless times too he would pick me up for events that we have to go to. He would always reply to my text as well without fail. Often, his messages would contain words of wisdom and encouragement. Those are the things I cannot deny and forget. As we exchanged text messages, he told me he just resigned from work to take on a new job in Singapore. While I am happy for him, I can't help but feel sad that another friend who refuses to judge people based on religious beliefs will soon leave. It seems that people who I get along with leave the country. But I am praying for him as well as other friends too who have left the country to work abroad. I am confident that our friendships will stand the test of time and great distance.

VIETNAM : A BLOGGER'S NIGHTMARE

The CNN feature of a Vietnamese woman who was jailed for blogging on a sensitive political topic affects me to this day. While I am glad to realize that I enjoy tremendous freedom to express my thoughts through my blog, I am disheartened to know that my Asian neighbors hardly enjoy the freedom that I sometimes take for granted. My heart bleeds for Vietnamese bloggers who are forced to blog in an atmosphere of fear. I can just imagine the difficulty in blogging where one's thoughts are constrained due to fear. The possibility of being jailed for simply blogging, after all, is a frightening thought indeed.
But I believe that no matter how hard the Vietnamese government tries to intimidate bloggers and suppress the truth, brave Vietnamese bloggers will dare to defy restrictions to express their complete thoughts. Serious Vietnamese bloggers will somehow muster enough strength and courage to tell the whole world what the conditions are in Vietnam. As long as there are highly principled Vietnamese bloggers in front of laptops and desktops, the truth will be revealed in Vietnam and to the whole world. I just pray that Vietnamese bloggers will not lose hope in blogging as an instrument to effect change in Vietnam.

WORLD CUP 2010 : JAPAN AND DENMARK FIGHT TO THE END

Japan and Denmark win fight for survival and entry to the round of 16 tomorrow night. I certainly expect the match to be intense and very close. Denmark must go for a win for it to advance to the next round. Japan only needs to draw to make it to the next round because of a better goal difference.
I expect Keisuke Honda to lead the charge for Japan. Because of the height advantage of the Danes, it would be wise for the Japanese to play defense well. The Blue Samurai must be focused and determined. With the right attitude, I expect Japan to come up with a hard-earned victory. And with the overwhelming support of the Japanese people, a victory will indeed be within reach for the Blue Samurai.

CHARICE PEMPENGCO : A SUPERSTAR AND BIG LIAR IN THE MAKING

It is now official. Filipino singing sensation Charice Pempengco will become the latest addition in the hit series Glee. Like the rest of the nation, I am happy for Charice for landing the role of a foreign exchange student who possesses an amazing singing voice. According to press releases, Charice will go head-to-head with Rachel, the show's most popular character.
What I am not happy about is the obvious lie that Charice had to make in order not to preempt her inclusion in the said series. In her Twitter account, Charice wrote that she never auditioned for Glee. In the process, she made the prestigious Philippine Daily Inquirer a liar when it reported that she auditioned for and landed a role in Glee. As it turns it, the report is accurate. Now Charice is coming up with the excuse that she auditioned after the report came out.
If she has plans of becoming a superstar, Charice could do well to be true to her words and actions. Interestingly, Glee is all about being true to one's self. Charice must realize that she needs to absorb the concept of the show in her quest to become the next singing superstar in Hollywood.

WORLD CUP 2010 : SOUTH KOREA KEEPS ASIA IN THICK OF THINGS

South Korea drew with Nigeria to gain entry into the round of 16 of the World Cup. With its earlier victory against Greece, South Korea scored a total of 4 points to place second behind Argentina in Group B. Uruguay will be South Korea's next opponent in the round of 16.
I am extremely pleased that South Korea managed to get past the elimination round. Despite a low world ranking of 47th, the South Korean team displays courage and great skill in its current campaign in the World Cup. Together with the tremendous support of the Korean people for the team, I will dare say that South Korea might even surpass its 2002 finish. There is magic in the way South Korea is playing. Needless to say, I will continue to cheer for Korea in their quest to become the first Asian nation to win the World Cup.

FRANCE VS. SOUTH AFRICA : A GAME OF REDEMPTION

Mathematically, it is still possible for France or South Africa to make it to the next round of the World Cup. Should Uruguay and Mexico have a goal difference in their game, it will leave the door slightly open for a backdoor entry for either France or South Africa to the next round. Mathematically, France or South Africa must win by four goals or more for one of them to proceed to the round of 16.
More than anything else, the game between the two countries might become a vindication of sorts. If South Africa loses, it will be the first time that a host nation has failed to get past the elimination round. Certainly, South Africa will play its best to avoid such infamy. France, on the other hand, will try to salvage whatever honor it can get from the game. France has figured prominently in the news for its disgraceful behavior the past two weeks. A good performance by the French team will lessen the shame it has given its country and people. A win by France will certainly pacify the angry French people and somehow give the team the courage to face its countrymen.
With the conditions set, France and South Africa will certainly play their best. Both countries will attempt to salvage whatever pride and honor are left in what could be their last game in the 2010 World Cup.

JAMES YAP OR MARK CAGUIOA : WHO IS NUMBER 1 ?

Tomorrow's game pitting Ginebra against B-Meg Derby Ace promises to be an exciting match. Both teams need to win to boost their campaigns.
The game likewise promises an exciting match-up between Mark Caguioa and James Yap. Both players are the go-to-guys of their respective teams. Both command a huge following among basketball fans. And both have earned numerous awards from the PBA because of their heads-up plays.
The big difference between the two players is that James Yap is now the presidential brother-in-law while Mark Caguioa remains an ordinary citizen. Whether one admits it or not, the power and influence that the title carries are real. I will dare say that tomorrow's coverage will most likely have an interview featuring James Yap. There is a fair chance that Mark Caguioa will be interviewed as well. But then again, the interview on James Yap will most likely have greater airtime than that of Mark Caguioa. But one thing is certain. PBA fans will be treated to an exciting game tomorrow night.

JOVIT BALDOVINO : THE NEW NORA AUNOR ?

This early. drumbeaters of Pilipinas Got Talent winner Jovit Baldovino are hailing the new singing champion as the new Nora Aunor. No less than ABS-CBN is intense in its promotion of their new talent as the heir apparent of the one and only Superstar.
Kunsabagay, marami talagang pagkakatulad si Jovit kay Ate Guy. Tulad ni Ate Guy, si Jovit ay nagmula sa mahirap na pamilya. Kung si Ate Guy ay nagtinda ng tubig sa tren sa Bicol, si Jovit ay natindi rin ng siomai sa Batangas. Tulad ni Ate Guy, si Jovit ay maitim at maliit. At tulad ni Ate Guy, si Jovit ay may angking kahanga-hangang tinig.
But there is one big difference between Jovit and Ate Guy. Wala kay Jovit ang pagiging sobrang magalang ni Ate Guy. Mula noon hanggang ngayon, di makapagsalita si Ate Guy nang walang po, opo, kuya at ate. Hindi ko kinakikitaan si Jovit nang kababaang-loob ni Ate Guy. Noong nakaraang paglabas ni Jovit sa ASAP, nagulat ako sa pag-asta ni Jovit na ala-VJ na madalas ipagawa ng ABS-CBN sa kanyang mga talento. Di kataka-taka na sa paglipas ng panahon, mawala nang lubusan ang katangiang pang-masa ni Jovit.
Besides, Jovit has yet to receive gold record and acting awards which Ate Guy has received a million times over. And with ABS-CBN handling his career, I don't think Jovit can maintain his mass appeal like what Nora Aunor has done incredibly for the last 50 years. Totoo na nag-iisa lang ang Superstar.