THE FEROCIOUS JAMES YAP

James Yap is blessed with basketball skills that are truly remarkable. He enjoys tremendous following because of his spectacular moves on the court. He possesses a formidable jump shot that can be relied upon during crucial moments. He has an uncanny ability to elude even two defenders to get a good shot at the basket. He can hold the ball with one hand that enables him to execute some of the most incredible shots in the league. But most important of all, James Yap has the ability to perform his basketball best despite his personal problems.
But his recent break-up with Kris Aquino revealed a side of James Yap that the public has never seen before. The break-up revealed the ferocious side of James Yap. So ferocious in fact that it cost Kris Aquino a huge amount of money. So ferocious that James even demanded for the condominium unit where his own son lives. So ferocious that he threatened not to sign the annulment papers if he does not get what he wants.
Whether his legions of fans admit it or not, James Yap's reputation has been severely damaged by his off court behavior. The shamelessness of James Yap to milk Kris Aquino of several millions of pesos is really shameful. And his greed and utter lack of delicadeza  are the things which I truly detest. James Yap's behavior off court shows the worse in just about every Filipino.  It reminds and calls attention to the trait of almost every Filipino that takes advantage of people and circumstances for financial gain.

DI NA BALENG PANGO, WAG LANG MUKHANG PERA

Natatawa lang ako sa mga fans ni James Yap na nanunukso na pango si Mark Caguioa. Naitanong ko tuloy sa sarili kung kasalanan ba na maging pango. Bilang mga Pilipino, natural sa atin ang maging pango. Kaya bakit masyadong inaalintana ng mga James Yap fans ang tangos ng ilong ? Higit sa lahat, kabawasan ba sa pagkatao ni Mark Caguioa na dapa ang kanyang ilong ?
Ang malaking kasalanan para sa akin ay iyung mangamkam ng mga bagay na di iyo. Ang kasalanan ay ang kunin ang mga bagay-bagay na di mo binili o pinagpaguran man lang. Itinuturing kong kawalan ng integridad para sa isang tao ang hingin ang mga ari-arian ng kanyang kapwa na alam niyang di naman kanya.
Kailangan talaga na palaganapin ang tamang asal at pananaw sa ating mga Pilipino. Kailangang matutunan nating tumingin hindi sa panlabas na anyo ng isang tao. Kundi, mas mainam na kilatisin ang ugali at karakter ng ating nakakasalamuha. Malay natin, maganda nga ang panlabas na anyo subalit bulok at puno ng pang-iisa pala ang kalooban ng ating hinahangaan. Matuto sana tayong tumingin sa nilalaman ng puso at di lamang sa tangos ng ilong.

WIILIE REVILLAME RETURNS WITH A BIG BANG

Wille Revillame's show at TV5 finally had its initial telecast last Saturday. A thousand and one dancers opened the show. Even the Bellestar Dancers of Kuya Germs were resurrected to lend glamor and glitz to the production number. The stage was impressive and the lights simply amazing.
Willie started his spiel by thanking the top officials of ABS-CBN. He also welcomed the VIP's of TV5 who were all present to give support to their new mainstay. Friends were also on hand like Dra. Vicky Belo and Sen. Manny Villar for added moral support.
Although the show had new games, I can't help but see glimpses of Wowowee in Willing Willie. Willie even resorted to singing his ballads just like in Wowowee. Willie too tapped, just like in Wowowee, into the sympathy vote by giving the old people in the audience their time in front of the cameras.
Over-all, Willing Willie had a great start. I could just see ABS-CBN wince in pain as it sees another formidable show that their own shows have to contend with.

THE WINNERS OF GOLDILOCK'S PAGBABAGO CONTEST

I attended last night the awarding ceremonies of Goldilock's blog-writing contest. Expecting to emerge the winner of the contest, I chose to miss out on Ginebra's game to attend the awarding ceremonies. Despite the fact that there were more than 100 contestants, I knew that I stood a good chance of winning and bringing home an Ipad. The great treatment I got from the people of Goldilocks and Nuffnang throughout the contest convinced me that they liked my work.
Goldilocks served dinner during the night for the invited contestants and their guests. Being the pig that I am, I heartily ate whatever was placed before me. When the awarding ceremonies started, my excitement grew. It was such a weird feeling to keeping smiling whenever someone else's name was called. Alas, when the ultimate winner was announced and it was not me, my heart sank. I came so close only to lose in the end.
But I am just so happy for the winners. Their stories reflected the triumph of the human spirit. In fact, I took the opportunity to have my picture taken with the grand winner. In her wheelchair and not being able to hear me, she gamely posed for a picture. I also talked to her parents to tell them how proud I am to know their daughter through Goldilocks.
Cliche as it may sound, I am truly happy just to be in the company of the winners. I thank Goldilocks for allowing me to experience and realize that despite the changes in people's lives, God is ever-present  to give hope and joy to everyone.

WHO IS MORE POPULAR BETWEEN JAMES YAP AND MARK CAGUIOA ??

A blogger friend and I have agreed to run a survey to determine who is the more popular player between Mark Caguioa and James Yap. The survey, hopefully will determine once and for all who is the more popular player between the two. The survey is at the right hand side of this blog.
START VOTING !

SORRY LOSS OF GINEBRA TO SAN MIGUEL : SOME INTRIGUING FACTS

Ginebra lost to San Miguel by a point last night. After leading by as much as 21 points, Ginebra lost steam and ended up committing several errors that cost the Gin Kings the game. The Gin Kings had a chance to still pull off a victory but Miller's dribbling error in the last 6 seconds of the game spelled defeat for the most popular team in the PBA.
What I find so interesting is the fact that it was Siot Tanquincen who was calling the shots for Ginebra. What happened to Coach Jong who is the official head coach of the team ? While Siot was loudly giving out instuructions to Ginebra players, Coach Jong was quiet during the huddle. Then, the last play in the last 6 seconds of the game was really surprising. While I agree that it should be Willie Miller who should go for the winning shot, I can not understand why screens were not made for Miller to enable him to get a clear look at the basket. Miller was being guarded by Arwind Santos who stands at least 4 inches taller than the Ginebra guard.  It just does not make sense for someone like Willie Miller to go one on one with a 6-4 forward who is a mainstay of the All - Defensive team of the PBA.
Noticeably, Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand played listlessly and without enthusiasm. Could the problem of Ginebra be deep-rooted ? Could it be that certain personalities in the team have not patched up their differences in the past ? I would love to discover the mystery that surrounds the Ginebra team.

THE JAMES YAP DEBACLE

James Yap has indeed come a long way from his humble beginnings in Negros Occidental. Through basketball, he has become the millionaire that he is today. Basketball too has given James Yap the celebrity status that most players could only dream of.
But what adversely affected James Yap's good standing in the eyes of many is his unexplained desire for money. His annulment case Kris Aquino revealed the true person that he is. That is, James Yap is capable of demanding for something that he did not earn or work for. James should have been more concerned with the good name that he has built over the years. Sadly, he chose to run after Kris Aquino's money than protect his good name.
I am just disappointed that a basketball superstar who is looked up to by millions of Filipinos would choose money over a good name. Indeed, to whom much is given, much is expected.

P-NOY , THE IIRC AND HONGKONG GOVERNMENT

As expected, not a single cabinet member of P-Noy will be charged in connection with the Manila hostage drama. The Hongkong government has expressed disappointment with P-Noy's decision to spare his men of criminal liability as contained in the IIRC. With several lives lost, it turns out that no one from P-Noy's men is being held responsible for the gross negligence and outright incompetence for the hostage-taking fiasco.
DOJ Secretary de Lima should seriously consider resigning from her post. P-Noy just made her and her office a travesty with the president's refusal to act on the IIRC recommendations. From all indications, P-Noy is pretty much like the country's past presidents who shamelessly protect friends and close kins.
Indeed, Hongkong is justified in expressing its disappointment with the Philippine government. Up until the end, the Philippine government has acted unprofessionally and incompetently.

SUNLIFE INSURANCE DROPS MASKED JAMES YAP

While watching Glee, I saw the new T.V. commercial of Sunlife Insurance. Piolo Pascual now replaces James Yap as the new image model of the world's biggest insurance company.
Sunlife was smart enough to drop James Yap from its commercial after what the popular basketball player did to his equally popular celebrity wife. After all, James Yap revealed himself to be an insurance risk. Kris Aquino's lifetime savings and investments were nearly wiped out because of James Yap. Not even an insurance company could prevent Kris Aquino from losing over 90M pesos as James Yap shamelessly ran after her investments.
Switching channels to the PBA, I saw James Yap still wearing a protective mask which just about covers his entire face. I find it funny that James Yap is hiding his face behind a mask. Perhaps, James somehow feels ashamed for revealing himself to be a greedy and opportunistic husband. I can truly understand why James needs the mask to hide his face for the people now know him for who and what he truly is.

DOUG KRAMER : BASKETBALL AND CHRISTIANITY COMBINED

I chose Doug Kramer to be my next subject for an interview for Bandera for the simple reason that he is currently playing well. This is in stark contrast when Doug was a bench warmer with Ginebra not so long ago.
The thing that strikes me the most about Doug Kramer's story is how we sometimes wish for something which turns out to be not the right thing for us. Like most PBA players, Doug wanted to be a part of the most popular team in the PBA. But as it turned out, his career nearly ended when he became a player of the most popular ballclub in the country. He was benched too often that he only logged in a total of 50 minutes of playing time for the whole season for Ginebra. He was even placed on the reserve list at one point.
But Doug Kramer never lost faith in God and continued to work hard at his game. He worked on his weaknesses and further honed his skills. When Air21 brought him back to its fold, he was ready to answer the call of duty. He was given the playing minutes that he needed to show what he can do for the team. In the process, he registered career highs in his last year with Air21.
In his first game with his new team, Rain or Shine, Doug Kramer posted a new career high in scoring. Things are certainly going well now for the former Ateneo player who continues to draw strength from God. When asked what he can assure the fans of his team and the PBA, Doug promises to play his best in every game and to try to give glory to God in whatever situation he may be in. His commitment to basketball and unwavering faith in God certainly make Doug Kramer a true winner in every sense of the word.

THE UNEDITED INTERVIEW ON BITOY OMOLON

After playing for Sta Lucia Realty for 6 years, Bitoy Omolon finds a new home with Meralco. In his first outing with his new team, Omolon registered a double-double to underscore his great adjustment to his new home. Below are Bitoy's thoughts on Meralco.

1. Kamusta po kayo sa bago ninyong team ?
Ok po ako sa bago kong team. Parang nagsisimula rin po sa career. Nalungkot man po ako sa pagkawala ng Sta Lucia, sumaya rin naman po dahil nabigyan pa rin nang pagkakataong makapaglaro sa isang magandang team.

2. Kamusta po si Coach Ryan as a coach ?
Noong nakakalaban namin ang team ni Coach Ryan, nakikita ko pong sumisigaw siya sa mga referees at kalaban. Kaya nuong una, natakot po ako sa kanya. Pero nalaman ko po na si Coach Ryan ang tipong coach na ipaglalaban ka. Naniniwala siya sa mga players niya kaya talagang ipinaglalaban niya. Highly competitive at emotional si coach. Kahit sa drills namin, gusto niya maximum effort and ibinibigay namin. Si coach rin ang pinaka-optimistic sa team. He motivates his players well kaya nagiging maganda ang laro ng mga players niya.

3. Acknowledged go-to-guy ng Meralco team si Macmac Cardona. Okay lang po ba sa inyo ang ganitong set-up ?
From the start, sinabi na ni coach na si Macmac talaga ang go-to-guy ng team. Siya ang tatayong franchise player ng Meralco team. Kaya tinanggap ko nang maluwag sa dibdib ang role ko na sumuporta kay Macmac at sa buong team.

4. Sa unang laro ng Meralco Bolts, you registered a double-double. Kayo pa nga po ang highest scorer for the game. Hindi po ba kayo nagtampo na si Cardona pa rin ang tinanghal na Best Player of the game ?
Sa sobrang saya ng team sa pagkapanalo, hindi ko na inisip yun. Wala akong tampo o hinanakit. Besides, yung last shot ni Macmac ang nagpanalo sa amin. Deserving siyang manalo ng Best Player of the game.

5. Sa inyong palagay, hanggang saan aabot ang Meralco sa kasalukuyang All-Filipino conference ?
Sa akin, kayang umabot ng Meralco sa semis. In high spirits ang buong team kaya maganda ang inaasahan naming resulta sa All-Filipino conference. Much credit of the team's enthusiasm to Coach Ryan, the coaching staff and management.

6. Kapansin-pansin na sa lahat ng teams na nakapaglaro na, ang Meralco team lang ang may sigla. Saan at paano nakuha ng team ang sigla sa paglalaro ?
Grabe talaga ang sigla at saya namin sa paglalaro. Parang bumalik kami sa collegiate basketball sa saya at sigla sa paglalaro. Pinangangatawanan ng Meralco team ang adhikain ng Meralco company na magbigay ng pag-asa at liwanag sa mga tao. Kaya ganun na lang ang sigla at saya ng mga players sa paglalaro.

7. Naghahangad po ba kayo na manalo ng MVP award sa kasalukuyang conference at maging sa buong season ?
Naghahangad din naman pero hindi yun ang priority ko. Yung maibigay ko ang best ko sa bawat game at manalo ng championship ang Meralco ang mas priority ko. Yung personal award, bonus na lang siguro yun.

8. Ano po nais ninyong iparating sa fans ninyo at ng buong team ?
Sa mga fans, asahan po ninyo na we will play our hearts out in every game. Sana ay lagi ninyo kaming susuportahan at ipagdarasal. Nandito lang kami para " may liwanag ang buhay ninyo ".

FINALLY, SOMEONE EXPOSES CCF SENIOR PASTOR FOR HIS FALSE TEACHINGS

I am just glad to read an article by someone who dares to challenge the teachings of the senior pastor of CCF. It is about time that people realize that some of the beliefs and doctrines being taught by no less than the senior pastor of CCF are false and self-serving. Read http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=97237194544&topic=13328. I hope that people just read the bible intelligently and carefully so as not to be influenced by the wrong teachings of some pastors.

JAMES YAP AND HIS FACE MASK : ANOTHER DRAMATIC STUNT

I had to take a second look at the player who was wearing a mask during the B-Meg and Talk and Text game. It turned out that it was James Yap who was wearing a red mask. I thought for a minute that Zorro was  playing for B-Meg.
As I have said before, James Yap likes to portray himself as the hero in just about every game and situation. Now he wears a mask to tell everyone how valiant and courageous he is for playing with an injury. But is nasal polypectomy such a delicate operation that it requires a basketball player to use a mask during a game ? Did the doctors cut James Yap's face or nose for the polypectomy ? From what I know, nasal polypectomy nowadays is just like going to Dra. Vicky Belo for a non-invasive facial treatment. Granting that James Yap truly needs the mask to protect his newly-operated nose, why did he not undergo operation months before the opening of the PBA to make sure that he will be fine and not be forced to play with a mask ? But then again, that will not give him the opportunity to wear a mask and be the hero that he likes to project himself to be.
James Yap really knows how to play the game and more.

GLEE SEASON 2 : JESUS MAKES AN APPEARANCE

Last night's episode of Glee had Jesus appearing on a sandwich. In typical pop culture fashion, God was tackled in a long but superficial way. Kurt played the major part in the episode. With his non-belief in God brought about by his sexual orientation, Kurt struggles to make sense of the loss of his dad.
The episode could have delivered a more moving and meaningful concept of God if the writers took the time to research on the true nature of Jesus. The writers could have brought home the point that Jesus came to earth to be with the outcasts and down-trodden. They could have also explored the possibility of a miracle happening in Kurt's or his dad's life. The image of Jesus appearing on a sandwich is an old and senseless trick.
But the show at the very least did tackle a miracle through one's belief in God. That is, the miracle that one can find in the goodness of people all around. Despite Kurt's refusal to acknowledge God and his insistence not to do anything in the name of God, the other Glee members came to ask for God's help in behalf of Kurt and his dad. Sometimes, people can't find God because they look for mind-boggling miracles. Sometimes, the miracle is in the people who show God's love unselfishly and unconditionally.

ANG KAHUNGHANGAN NG SIMBAHANG KATOLIKO

Nagbabanta ang Simbahang Katoliko sa lahat ng mga sumusuporta sa Reproductive Health bill nang pagkatanggal sa simbahan. Tama si Carlos Celdran nang ituring niyang mga Padre Damaso ang kasalukuyang namamahala ng Simbahang Katoliko. Parang bumalik ang Pilipinas sa panahon ng mga Kastila kung saan sadyang makapangyarihan ang mga prayle.
Sa mga ikinikilos ng Simbahang Katoliko, malinaw na wala ito sa matinong pag-iisip. Ang pinangangambahan nitong pagpapalaganap ng aborsyon ay di naman mababasa sa RH bill. Sa halip na itaguyod and responsible parenthood, ang Simbahang Katoliko ay nagbubulag-bulagan sa tunay na adhikain ng RH bill. Mas nais ng Simbahang Katoliko na maging mangmang ang higit na nakararaming Pilipino upang mapanatili sila sa kanyang kapangyarihan.
Sadyang nakakapagtaka na marami pa ring miyembro ang Simbahang Katoliko sa kabila nang kawalan nito nang matalas, malawak at makabuluhang pag-iisip.

THE HYPOCRISY OF CCF AND ITS PASTORS

I just read an online article on CCF's website that touches on the importance of grace and how it transforms people and their ways. The article emphasizes the need to acknowledge and accept grace to be able to act according to God's will.
I am just in shock that CCF and its pastors can talk about grace when in truth, they keep their members beholden to the Law. They demand that their members tithe which is very much a part of the Law of Moses. Instead of encouraging their members to absorb grace through cheerful giving, CCF and its pastors deny the workings of grace by enforcing and emphasizing the work of the Law through tithing.
CCF pastors want their members to remain ignorant of the work of Jesus, the New Covenant and grace just to continue receiving 10% of their members' income.

BRIGHT SIDE OF GINEBRA'S OPENING DAY LOSS

While I am disappointed with the way Ginebra played its first game in the 36th season of the PBA, I see a glimmer of hope for the team. For one, gone are the days where Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand lord it over the team. Now, it is Willie Miller who is now assigned to deliver the goods on crucial plays. Intal also gets ample playing time now enabling him to show what he can really do for the team. Mike Cortez gets to start with the team to add a new dimension to the plays of Ginebra. As a result of these changes, the team now has more balanced scoring. Every player gets his fair share in playing time and ball possessions.
Sooner or later, Ginebra players will get used to the changes happening with the team. It won't be long before the team finds new direction. I am sure victories will come as soon as the team adjusts to its new ways.

SERVING OTHERS IN THE PHILIPPINES CAN KILL

I strongly condemn the gang rape that took place in Maguindanao involving a nurse who volunteered her services in the God-forsaken place. Florence, as media names her, was gang raped and nearly killed while serving the poor people of Maguindanao. She is still in critical condition with half her body paralyzed due to severe blows to her head.
I blame the people of Maguindanao for what happened to Florence. Instead of protecting and thanking her for her selflessness, the people of Maguindanao were apathetic to her and a few even plotted evil on her. Florence could have instead gone abroad and earned a lot by practicing her profession. But she chose to stay in the country to serve her countrymen. The sad part of it all is that her decision proved almost fatal.
The incident makes me wonder if it is truly worth it to serve the country selflessly. The presence of evil sometimes make me doubt whether helping people is truly the right thing to do.

Paula Abdul - Cold Hearted (Video)

With the way James Yap ran off with Kris Aquino's millions, I can't help but remember the wise words of Paula Abdul in her song Cold - Hearted. I am just sorry that Kris did not hear and take to heart the lyrics of the song.

THE INSANITY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

I see the stunt pulled off by Carlos Celdran as representative of the exasperation of the Filipinos with the Catholic church. To agitate the Catholic church, Celdran distributed condoms in the middle of an ongoing mass. As a result, Celdran was arrested and handcuffed as he merely showed his support for the Reproductive Health bill.
Personally, I don't see the point of the Catholic church in its stand against the RH bill. I really don't see anything in the RH bill that promotes the killing of life. What the RH bill in fact promotes is quality life. It promotes responsible parenthood. And the RH bill educates the people on ways to manage the number of children using safe and effective means.
The problem with the Catholic church is that it remains narrow-minded and antiquated. Perhaps, the Catholic church is still stuck in the time of Adam and Eve where God gives instructions to multiply and fill the earth. But doesn't the Catholic church see the abject poverty that exists because of overpopulation ? Doesn't the church see the great number of children who are forced to roam the streets with nothing to eat ?
It just upsets me that the Catholic church can be so blind and stubborn with its false beliefs.

BDO PHILAMLIFE TOWER : BANKING SERVICES AT THEIR FINEST

Last Friday, I decided to pay my credit card at the last minute. Thinking that there would be less people after 5:30 pm, I entered the Banco De Oro branch nearest our office at 5:45 pm. But to my surprise, there was a long line of clients before me. Growing impatient at the rather slow service, I looked at a bank personnel who looked like the branch manager. Sensing that I had something to say, she immediately walked over to ask what my concern was. I told her that the line of people was not moving at all as there were only two tellers attending to their clients. Immediately, she told the other tellers to attend to the needs of the people in line. It did not take 5 minutes for the bank tellers to help all the people in line.
I wish to commend Mrs. Marirose Sioson for a job well done. It turns out that she is an AVP of Banco De Oro and not merely a branch manager. Kudos to the tellers of BDO Philamlife Tower as well for responding quickly to the needs of their clients. Indeed, BDO finds ways.

THE PBA AND JAMES YAP : WHAT THEY STAND FOR

Finally, the truth is out. James Yap was really after Kris Aquino's wealth. James agreed to sign the annulment papers after Kris gave in to his demand that he gets over 90M pesos of Kris' assets and savings.
In the past, I have been maligned for putting up blogs that criticized the PBA as it took the side of James Yap. Despite the PBA's knowledge of what was going on with Kris and James, the PBA chose to protect its star player. In fact, the PBA tried so hard to paint James Yap as the poor husband who is always being nagged by Kris. The PBA too portrayed James as the incredible hero who despite his personal problems is able to play his best for his team. While I do understand that the PBA is merely protecting itself since James Yap is such a big draw for the PBA, I do not appreciate at all its public relation maneuverings. In its attempt to protect its interest, the PBA altered the truth to put Kris Aquino in bad light. In fact, the PBA even gave James Yap his second MVP in the midst of the Kris Aquino - James Yap fiasco, effectively declaring James as a good example to the youth.
Now that the truth is out, the PBA only revealed its true color. Like James Yap, the PBA is only after the money.