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

BORGIE HERMIDA : THE FORMER SAN BEDA STAR AND CURRENT NLEX ROAD WARRIORS CAPTAIN

I just conducted an interview with Borgie Hermida of NLEX Road Warriors. After having to postpone the interview several times, I finally got to talk with the former San Beda star and current team captain of NLEX.

Despite the several championships and individual awards that Borgie has won as a player, he very much remains grounded. Despite his numerous fans, he remains rather shy. As team captain of NLEX, he is willing to let his teammates shine. I am rather surprised that he is quite self-effacing despite the popularity that he enjoys.

I am truly hoping that Borgie makes a successful comeback in the PBA soon. He truly is a good example to the fans on and off the court.

Read Borgie's interview in today's issue of Bandera.

PCKF HEAD COACH LEN ESCOLLANTE UMATRAS SA EMAIL INTERVIEW

Katatanggap ko lang ng text mula kay Coach Len Escollante. Ayon sa text, hindi niya masasagot ang mga pinadala kong mga katanungan hinggil sa gulo sa pagitan ng PCKF at Philippine national dragon boat team. Pinagsabihan daw siya ng kanyang command na huwag magbigay ng pahayag sa media.

Nagtataka lamang ako na bigla ang pag atras niya para sa isang email interview. Siya itong sabik na sabik na makaharap ako. At maging ang isang Navy officer ay pumayag na makausap ko siya. Nagsumite ako ng isang letter of intent  sa Public Affairs Office para makakuha ng clearance bago ako magsagawa ng pagtatanong.

Narito ang mga ibinigay kong tanong kay Coach Escollante para sa email interview :

1. Sinasabi ng PCKF na pambabastos ang dahilan ng pagkakatanggal ng buong dragon boat team. Saan, kailan at paano ka binastos ng mga atleta at coaches ng dragon boat team ?

2. Sinasabi naman ng mga atleta at coaches ng dragon boat team, tinanggal sila dahil inungkat nila ang nawawala o bawas nilang allowances at incentives. Totoo ba ito ?

3. Bakit ikaw o ang PCKF ang kumukuha ng mga allowances ng mga atleta at coaches ng dragon boat team ? Bakit kailangang dumaan sa kamay ninyo ang perang nakalaan sa mga atleta at coaches ng team ?

4. Handa ka bang ipakita ang liquidation ng lahat ng biyahe ninyo at ng dragon boat team sa publiko ?

5. Paano na-liquidate ang hiningi ng PCKF na Php376,766.00 "to cover for airfare deficit" gayung inamin mismo ng PCKF na wala itong inabono sa pamasahe sa World Championship sa Italy ayon sa Board Resolution no. 234(B)-2013 ?

6. Totoo ba na nasuspindi ka na ng PSC nuong 2007 dahil sa unliquidated funds at reklamo ng mga canoe-kayak athletes ?

7. Sinasabi ng dragon boat team na bumili kayo ni Jonne Go sa Italy ng sampung Prada at Louis Vuitton bags. Totoo ba ito ?

8. Totoo ba na hindi nakuha ng PCKF ang libreng hotel accommodations sa isang 5-star hotel dahil nagdesisyon itong wag dalhin ang pangalan ng bansa sa DBS Marina Regatta sa Singapore ? At napilitang ipasa ng PCKF ang gastos sa PSC sa hotel accommodations sa isang dormiitory-type inn na nagkakahalaga ng Php148,200.00 ?

9. Nagsagawa na ba ang PCKF ng try-outs para makabuo ng bagong dragon boat team ?

10. Balak ni Sen. Pia Cayetano na "zero budget" ang PSC sa 2014 dahil sa gulo sa pagitan ng PCKF at dragon boat team. Ano ang masasabi mo tungkol dito ?

11. Paano sa tingin mo maaayos ang gusot sa pagitan ng PCKF at Philippine Dragon Boat Team ?

Sayang at mananatiling walang kasagutan ang aking mga tanong dahil pinili ni Coach Len na manahimik sa gitna ng gulo.

EXCLUSIVE : PCKF HEAD COACH LEN ESCOLLANTE TO BREAK SILENCE

Controversial PCKF head coach Len Escollante agreed to an email interview. This will be the first time that she will answer questions regarding the raging controversy between PCKF and the terminated Philippine national dragon boat team. Needless to say, the questions that I sent her are most crucial and direct to the point.

I plan to post Coach Len's interview together with the interview of the team. That way, it is up to the readers to decide who is telling the truth. The readers can form their own conclusions as they read the two sides of the story.

Will Coach Len answer the questions I ask her ? Will she provide documents to prove her statements ? I certainly expect nothing less.

PSC BOARD RESOLUTIONS : THE SMOKING GUN ?

Below are the three PSC board resolutions that involve the releases of funds to the Philippine Canoe-Kayak Federation for the World Championship that was held in Milan, Italy.

RESOLUTION NO. 439(C)-2012

RESOLUTION NO. 545-2012

RESOLUTION NO. 234(B)-2013.

Please see PSC board resolutions.

In my previous posts, I examined the items listed in Resolution 439(C)-2012. Now, I will just focus on the expenditure on airfare.

According to Resolution 439(C)-2012, the total airfare for the 26 athletes, coaches and officials of PCKF costs Php1,358,370.00. PSC approved the total amount because , I assume, it checked the actual cost of the 26 tickets through Cathay Pacific.

But Resolution 545-2012 comes as a big surprise as PSC releases an additional amount of Php376,766.00 for the airfare of the 26-man delegation. The resolution comes merely three days before the team competes in Milan. The release of an additional amount of Php376,766.00 for airfare only goes to show that PSC does not have an idea of just how much the delegation needs to spend for airfare. Worse, PSC did not bother to check the true airfare cost with Cathay Pacific and just approved the said amount without question and released to PCKF the amount it requested for. Resolution 545-2012 clearly states that the additional funds is to be strictly used for airfare.

Resolution 234(B)-2013 poses a bigger problem for PSC and PCKF. In its listing, Resolution 234(B)-2013 clearly states that the originally approved budget for airfare of Php1,358,370.00 is the actual expense paid by PCKF. Meaning, the actual cost for airfare for the entire delegation is truly pegged at Php1,358,370.00. So why did PCKF ask for an additional amount of Php376,766.00 as Resolution 545-2012 indicates ? And why didn't PCKF return the additonal amount that it requested and received if it did not shoulder an additional amount  for airfare ?

And now for the biggest question of all. How did PCKF liquidate the additional airfare if the actual airfare cost remained the same ? How did PCKF manage to liquidate the additional amount in front of PSC if the additional amount is bogus ?

REINSTATE THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL DRAGONBOAT TEAM

POC ARBITRATION COMMITTEE MUDDLES THE ISSUE INVOLVING THE DRAGON BOAT TEAM

In a previous post, I mentioned the recommendations of the POC Arbitration Committee regarding the Philippine dragon boat team's sudden removal from the pool of national athletes. I wrote that the recommendations include an election for a new set of PCKF officers. I also mentioned that the recommendations must first be approved by POC before being implemented.

As it turns out, the true recommendation of the arbitration committee is that the national dragon boat team must be dissolved. "NSA had the right to discipline and dissolve their national team in the interest of change and development".

Several questions therefore arise because of this recommendation.

1. Whatever happened to the allegations about unliquidated funds, physical and verbal abuse and harassment attributed to Jonne Go and Len Escollante. Are these allegations true or not ?

2. While it is true that an NSA has every right to determine its national athletes and coaches, due process must be observed in removing the active national team members. Were the complaints properly investigated at all ? Were the athletes and coaches disrespectful to Jonne Go and Len Escollante as alleged by the two PCKF officials ? How did the team disrespect the two PCKF officials ? Did Go and Escollante cite specific incidents that show gross disrespect ?

3. Why did my source say something totally different from the actual recommendation ? My source happens to be a top sports official. Hence, I will assume that what he says is true and accurate. Why the need to lie and obvious attempt to deceive people ?

4. Why is the hard copy of the recommendations of the arbitration committee not available to the public ?

Instead of clearing up the whole situation, the arbitration committee only introduces more questions. Questions that must be answered squarely and not merely swept under the rug.

POC ARBITRATION COMMITTEE AND ITS IRRELEVANT RECOMMENDATIONS

Reliable sources reveal that the POC Arbitration Committee, tasked to settle the conflict between PCKF President Jonne Go, canoe-kayak head coach Len Escollante and 30 disgruntled dragon boat paddlers and coaches, has come out with its recommendations last November 6, 2013. The committee, according to sources, recommends that elections must be held for a new set of PCKF officers. The arbitration committee, likewise, recommends that only club or team members can run for elected PCKF positions. The recommendations must first be approved by the POC board before any of them can be implemented. Interestingly, Jonne Go is a board member of POC.

After four months of dilly-dallying, the arbitration committee can only come up with recommendations that are best described as irrelevant and weak. PCKF, even without the recommendation, must hold an election to find a new president following the death of former president Dr. Sim. Jonne Go, as things stand, is merely an acting president. The recommendation that only club or team members can run for an elected PCKF position is a given for all legitimate national sports associations. Hence, the irrelevance and pointlessness of these recommendations.

What I find totally unacceptable and deceitful is the arbitration committee's failure to address the issues of unliquidated funds, physical and verbal abuse and the drinking sessions of Jonne Go and Len Escollante. The paddlers and coaches of the national dragon boat team have hurled serious allegations against the two PCKF officials. Yet, the arbitration committee conveniently refuses to answer whether these allegations are true or not. Consequently, punishments for the guilty are not included in the recommendations.

Thus, justice remains elusive for all the parties concerned because the arbitration committee has chosen to be silent on the core issues. Perhaps, it is time for the paddlers and coaches to take their cause to the Asian and world federations. It is time to put these sports officials in their proper places.

SAN BEDA SHOWS CHAMPIONSHIP POISE

San Beda stamped its championship quality with a classy 60-48 win against arch-rival Letran to draw first blood in the 2013 NCAA championship series.

San Beda stars Baser Amer and Ola Adeogun struggled during the first three quarters. But the Semerad twins came off the bench to provide the points for the struggling San Beda team. The twins were a picture of hustle as they sustained the team pretty much during the first three quarters. Ludovice likewise provided timely hits to keep San Beda close.

But the stars of San Beda suddenly got their bearings in the fourth quarter and carried much of  the fight for the Red Lions. All told, Adeogun finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds to outplay Almazan where it mattered most. Baser Amer hit a couple of three point shots to finish with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

While San Beda has its determined players to thank for the win, I must take my hats off to Coach Boyet for coming up with a winning formula. Coach Boyet came up with a game plan that effectively rendered Alamazan useless in the crucial part of the game. And Coach Boyet was able to draw out the best from his players in the fourth despite their struggles in the first three quarters.

Well done indeed, San Beda !

DENNIS CAGARA AND STEPHAN SCHROCK : TRULY FILIPINO

Two Fil-foreign Azkals players have indicated their desire to play in a benefit game for the victims of super typhoon Yolanda. Plans are underway for the game to be held in Germany.

I have always been critical of Fil-foreigners playing for the national team. I have always believed that all of the Fil-foreigners playing in the national football team are merely after the money and popularity. But I am happy to be proven wrong by Cagara and Schrock.

The desire of Cagara and Schrock to help the victims of Yolanda is a clear indication that they do have the heart for their fellow Filipinos. Playing for a benefit game is a mark of a truly Filipino heart.

Kudos to Dennis Cagara and Stephan Schrock. Thank you for being true Filipinos.

MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2013 AND THE PHILIPPINE AZKALS : A SIMILAR PATH

courtesy of au.ibtimes

In a few hours, the new Miss Universe will be crowned in Russia.

While I sincerely hope that Miss Philippines will do well in the pageant, I can't help but compare her to the Philippine Azkals. Like the Azkals, Miss Philippines is more of media hype and fanaticism than substance. Like the Azkals too, Miss Philippines looks good but does not seem to stand for anything at all.

Considering that she is a top graduate of the best university in the country, it is rather strange that Miss Philippines does not seem to have the mean determination to win. She does not seem to be in the pageant to win it. She does not clearly define her character with a certain cause or belief. And her communication skills are not much to crow about.

Like the Azkals, Miss Philippines is a much sought-after commercial model. Reports have it that she was tapped to appear in numerous commercials and a music video in Russia. While these are good indications that she is well-noticed in the pageant, commercials do not mean the crown.

Unless she really puts on a good showing during the finals, Miss Philippines might just end up clapping for Miss Great Britain or Miss USA in the background. Like the Azkals, Miss Philippines might just go home empty-handed despite all the media hype and fantards.

TO THE POC AND PSC : WHO IS JONNE GO ?

Jonne Go is the current president of Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation. She became president of PCKF after the former president died.

Ms. Go is now in the news because she terminated 25 players and coaches of the Philippine dragon boat team that won 6 gold medals in the recent World Championship. She cited gross disrespect to her presidency as the main reason why she got rid of the winning team. Without citing specific incidents to show the athletes' and coaches' disrespect to her, she also put a stop to the monthly allowance of the athletes and coaches. All these she did without any decision coming from an arbitration committee.

What I find astonishing is the apparent lack of sports background of Jonne Go. I have been wanting to ask her if she was ever an athlete or an officer of a sports club or sports association before joining PCKF. But she refuses to answer my calls, texts or email. Hence, I am at a loss over her sports expertise and experience, if any.

But what is really surprising is that Jonne Go is also a board member of Philippine Olympic Committee. So, aside from being the president of a national sports association, she is also a board member of the highest sports body in the land. With nary a trace of sports background, it is truly amazing.

With her order to terminate the entire dragon boat team, Jonne Go effectively denies the country of 17 medals in the Southeast Asian Games. The country will not be fielding in a team for dragon boat events in the coming SEA Games this December all because of Jonne Go.

This leads me to my ultimate question. What is it with Jonne Go that she seems to get whatever she wants with POC and PSC ?

SENATOR TRILLANES AND PEPING COUANGCO : THE BATTLE ROYALE

In an unprecedented move, Sen. Trillanes filed a case before the Office of the Ombudsman against Peping Cojuangco, among others. The case finally sets the two personalities on an explosive head-on collision.

Sen. Trillanes was elected president of TATAP in 2011. But the absence of a POC representative during the election put a question on its validity. Worse, POC recognized another group as the duly-elected officers of TATAP. Sen. Trillanes and his group filed a case in a regional trial court to stop the other group from presenting itself as the legitimate officers of TATAP. To this day, the case is yet to be decided.

With Sen. Trillanes not recognized by POC as TATAP president, he cannot run against Peping Cojuangco for the position of POC president. The much-awaited electoral battle between Sen. Trillanes and Peping Cojuangco never happened because of  this.

But there is no stopping now the volatile clash between Sen. Trillanes and POC President Couangco. Cojuangco definitely has the support of PSC and his friends from various NSA's. Sen. Trillanes has the support of the public and NSA's that have had enough of Cojuangco's maneuverings in sports. In view of the public indignation with PDAF and pork barrel, Sen. Trillanes might just pull a big upset.

CORRUPTION RAPS AGAINST POC AND PSC

The Table Tennis Association of the Philippines, through its Chairman, Jacinto Omilla Jr, charged Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Ricardo Garcia and Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose Cojuangco, Jr., among others, for violating Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

According to the complaint filed by Omilla with the Office of the Ombudsman, the PSC released funds and issued checks to the group of Ting Ledesma who have been misrepresenting themselves as the officers of TATAP. The release of funds were made despite a pending issue on the legitimate officers of TATAP which is currently the subject of a court case in the Regional Trial Court of Manila.

In a response made by PSC Chairman Garcia to an inquiry made by TATAP through its counsel, Garcia made an admission that despite his knowledge of the pending legitimacy issue between TATAP and the Ledesma group, he released funds amounting to P 2,327,465 to the Ledesma group. Omilla said that this action made by the PSC violates the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or RA 3019 and clearly shows manifest partiality, evident bad faith and gross inexcusable negligence.

Omilla added that having been informed of the pending case in the RTC of Manila, prudence dictates that Garcia should have refrained from entertaining the group of Ledesma. Instead, the Commission through Garcia acknowledged the group of Ledesma, worse, he released financial assistance to the group giving unwarranted private benefits.

In 2011, TATAP members voted to remove all the members of the Board due to lost of confidence and subsequently elected new set of Board of Trustees and officers. Despite the said election, certain personalities in the person of Ting Ledesma, Fauzia Anne Andanar, and Arnel Berroya have misrepresented themselves as the newly-elected officers of TATAP. In 2012, the Philippine Olympic Committee, headed by Jose Cojuangco, Jr., recognized Ledesma's group after a purported election held in the same year.

Among the respondents in the case filed by TATAP are: Jose Cojuangco Jr., Ricardo Garcia, Salvador Andrada, Gillian Akiko Guevarra, Wigberto Clavecilla Jr., Ting Ledesma, Annie Andanar, Domingo Panlilio, Arnel Berroya, and Ma. Theresa Diniega.

Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV is the current president of TATAP which filed the said corruption case. # 

MORE OBSCENITIES ON PCKF AND DRAGON BOAT ATHLETES AND COACHES PART 3

As shown in a previous post, the running total of unaccounted funds for the Philippine dragon boat team's Milan trip is Php675,018.75.

 I will now examine if there is a discrepancy with the airfare of the whole delegation.

As per Resolution No. 439(C)-2012, the budget for airfare the Philippine delegation is Php1,358,370.00. The budget covers the airfare of 26 persons via Cathay Pacific. The airfare, in dollars, per person comes out at $1,215.00. The price of the ticket to Milan is quite reasonable.

But as per Resolution No. 545-2012, an additional amount of Php376,766.00 was given to PCKF to cover the deficit in airfare. Now, where did the deficit come from ? Did the athletes not even give up some of their allowances to cover all the airfares of the people in the trip ? And why did PSC give an amount that will not enable the athletes and coaches return to Manila ?

Hence, the additional amount of Php376.766.00 as requested by PCKF needs some explanation.

The running total of the unaccounted funds for the PCKF trip to Milan is now Php1,051,784.75.

I have been communicating with PCKF President Jonne Go to ask for explanations. But she refuses to answer my calls, texts and email.

MORE OBSCENITY IN THE CONFLICT BETWEEN PCKF AND DRAGON BOAT ATHLETES AND COACHES

As shown in a previous post, based on the athletes' rejoinder and Resolution No. 439(C)-2012, a total amount of Php267,718.75 from the athletes' allowances remain unaccounted for.

Now, I will examine the unaccounted amount, if any, from other training requirements.

According to PSC Resolution No. 439(C)-2012, the approved budget for other training requirements are as follows :

Whey Protein   - Php3,000/pack x 18 packs               - Php54,000.00
Mass Protein    - Php3,500/pack x 12 packs               - Php42,000.00
Creatine            - Php2,400/bottle x 15 bottles            - Php36,000.00
Multi-vitamins   - Php1,250/nottle x 14 bottles             - Php17,000.00
Meal Allowance- Php300/day x 26 persons x 54 days - Php421,200.00

                                                                      TOTAL - Php570,700.00

According to the rejoinder of the athletes, they only received the following :

Whey Protein  - Php3,000/pack x 2 packs                  - Php6,000.00
Creatine          - Php2,400/bottle x 5 bottles                - Php12,000.00
Multi-vitamins  - Php1,250/bottle x 4 bottles                - Php5,000.00
Meal Allowance - Php200/day x 27 days x 26 persons - Php140,400.00

                                                                     TOTAL - Php163,400.00

Hence from other training requirements, there is an amount of Php407,300.00 ( Php570,700.00 - Php163,400.00 ) that is unaccounted for.

Together with the previous athletes' allowances that remain unaccounted for ( Php267,718.75 ), the total amount unaccounted for is Php407,300.00 + Php267,718.75, which is equal to Php675,018.75 so far.

In my next post, I will continue the investigation, taking into account the amounts allotted for airfare and hotel accommodation.

THE OBSCENITY OF THE CONFLICT BETWEEN PCKF AND ATHLETES AND COACHES PART 2

From the rejoinder submitted by the terminated athletes and coaches of the PCKF dragon boat teams, I was able to calculate the amount of allowances that remains unaccounted for during the World Championship in Milan. The amount comes out as PhP267,718.75.

In the same rejoinder, I found the responses of PCKF President Jonne Go and canoe-kayak head coach Len Escollante. Ms. Go simply counters that the allowances are "subject to the discretion of the PCKF management how the budget provided by the PSC is to be spent ". Coach Len, on the other hand, says that the terminated athletes and coaches " are consumed by deception and trickery ", " hardcore liars ", " grossly insensitive ", "disrespectful of authorities ", " do not know the boundaries of their function " and " have a distorted mentality of their roles ".

It is very interesting and telling that Go and Escollante do not deny that they received a total amount of PhP499,200.00 from PSC. In fact, Ms. Go's statement that it is up to the PCKF on how the funds are to be spent is an admission that there was a discrepancy with what was approved and what the athletes and coaches received . The statement of Go offers merely a justification of what the athletes and coaches received. Nowhere in the rejoinder do Go and Escollante deny that the athletes and coaches only got PhP231,481.25 instead of the PSC-approved amount of Php499,200.00.

Thus the question remains. Where is the missing amount of Php267,718.75 ?

THE OBSCENITY IN THE CONFLICT BETWEEN PCKF AND THE DRAGON BOAT TEAMS

courtesy of interaksyon.com

From a rejoinder filed by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation dragon boat teams before the Philippine Olympic Committee Special Arbitration, the amount of money being denied to the athletes and their coaches can be calculated.

Let us take for example the 2012 World Dragon Boat Championship that was held in Milan, Italy. According to PSC Resolution No. 439, the athletes and their two coaches will receive $480.00 each for the competition. At an exchange rate of PHP40.00 to $1.00 and with 26 athletes and coaches all in all, the total amount of participation allowance comes out as $12,480.00 or PHP499,200.00.

But according to the statements of the athletes and coaches, only PHP9,259.25 were given to each of the 25 participants. Only 25 participants were given the participation allowance as the PCKF president insisted that Coach Laureno was not approved by the PSC to go to Milan. With 25 people being given PHP9,259.25 each, the total amount of participation allowance that was actually given only amounts to PHP231,481.25.

Comparing the total amount of participation allowance approved by PSC with the total amount of participation allowance that was given, there is a discrepancy of PHP267,718.75.

The big question is where did the PHP267,718.75 go ?

Note that the unaccounted amount of PHP267,718.75 is even bigger than the PHP231,481.25 that the athletes and coaches got as participation allowance. Meaning, that whoever got the missing and unaccounted funds got more than what the whole team got. Such is the obscenity of the whole thing.

Note too that what we have examined is only limited to the participation allowance of the athletes and coaches. We have not examined the amounts that could be missing from the funds allotted for the airfare and hotel accommodations of the athletes and their coaches.

The brazen and obscene corruption from this simple example is truly a crime not only against the athletes and their coaches but against the entire Filipino people as well.

THE TRUTH REVEALED : THE CONFLICT BETWEEN PCKF AND PHILIPPINE DRAGON BOAT TEAMS

To reduce the conflict between the leaders of PCKF and the national dragon boat teams as a simple case of athletes wanting to go to the Southeast Asian Games is to miss the entire point. Truth of the matter is, corruption in sports is the issue. Below is the letter that was sent to a senator by the Philippine paddlers and their coaches.

Dear Senator:

We, the coaches and athletes of the National Dragon Boat Team, humbly request for intervention from your good office regarding our current situation with our umbrella organization, the Philippine Canoe and Kayak Federation (PCKF).

On July 12, 2013, we wrote a letter addressed to both the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) requesting for an investigation of two (2) of the officials of PCKF Acting President Ms. Jonne Go and Head Coach Ms. Leonora Escollante on allegations of unethical conduct and questionable disbursement of funds.

The immediate action taken by Ms. Go is to unduly terminate the twenty-five (25) athletes and three (3) coaches, representing 95% of the National Pool, who filed the complaint. Consequently, we were put on floating status pending the resolution of the complaint. Likewise, we have been verbally informed by POC that all trainings have to be discontinued and were denied access to the dragon boats situated at the CCP’s dock site. Worse, our South East Asian Games (SEA Games) berth has been revoked and our allowances and benefits, from which we derive our meager income, were put on hold pending the final determination of the case by the POC Arbitration Committee.

Thus, we appeal for your intervention and assistance regarding our case before the said Arbitration Committee. We have already sent letters to the Philippine Sports Commission and the Arbitration Committee of the POC requesting for provisional reliefs and immediate disposition of the case based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds but our request fell on deaf ears.

The POC and PCKF may have the right and power to determine its organization and membership.However, we feel that it is unjust for us to be stripped of our basic benefits and our well-deserved opportunity to represent the country in the SEA Games, just because we chose to bring to light the anomalies that we have experienced at the hands of our officials – the supposed stewards of our Sport.

We followed strict protocol, stretched our forbearance and good faith in our sports governing bodies, even as three (3) months have passed without rendering a proper investigation and resolution. We appeal to you and the government for relief in our trying situation.

Please find attached Complainant’s Rejoinder detailing the case. Upon your instruction, we will also send your office the originating Petition and Position Paper, Answers of the Respondents and other Letters that we sent to POC and PSC.

Thank you in advance for your attention in this matter.

Respectfully yours,

MANUEL F. MAYA                                           ARNOLD P. LAURENO
Men's Team Head Coach                              Women's Team Head Coach

CAGAYAN VALLEY AS TRUE CHAMPION

Cagayan Valley beat Smart-Maynilad, 2-0, in the best of three championship series of Shakey's V-League Open Conference to win its first-ever title in the tournament.

I have always been vocal in supporting Cagayan Valley for the simple reason that the people behind the team are selfless. While other teams have been selfish in lending their players to the national team, Cagayan willingly loaned ten of its players, including its head coach. With the gesture, Cagayan defined itself as having a higher purpose than winning the Shakey's V-League title. The gesture likewise showed the purposeful heart of the team. While other teams were simply hell-bent to win honor for their respective companies and institutions, Cagayan was more concerned of winning honor for the country.

Clearly, the experience that the Cagayan players gained from playing in the Asian Senior Women's Championship served Cagayan well. The team was greatly rewarded as the players gained confidence and maturity after playing against China and other Asian countries. Other teams simply failed to realize the advantage that could be gained from international competition.

What I find truly amusing is the fact that no less than Cagayan team manager, Dang Antonio-Pua, was willing to lose the title. She willingly released her players to the national team to allow them to have the rare opportunity of becoming national players. She knew how beneficial it would be for her players to play for the national team to the extent that she was willing to lose in the current tournament. Yet, Cagayan ended as champion nonetheless. It only goes to show that good things happen to those who do good.

Well done indeed, Cagayan.

QUESTIONS REGARDING A WELL-KEPT SECRET

Something is just not right with a well-kept secret involving female athletes. First, why did the female athletes clam up instead of making noise about the incident ? The female athletes were extremely popular at that time and could have easily gained public sympathy  had they filed a complaint. Second, why did the athletes decide to shy away from the national team after the incident ? With their decision, they only deprived themselves of the opportunity to further represent the country in international tournaments. Lastly, why was the incident documented only after a year it happened ? Was the incident being used by certain individuals to further their cause and not mainly to render justice to the female athletes ?

Could it be that the public is missing out on an important and crucial detail about the incident ? Could it be that the incident could be more damaging to the athletes than the perpetrators ?

CAGAYAN VALLEY OR SMART-MAYNILAD : WHICH IS THE BETTER CHOICE ?

Cagayan Valley Lady Rising Suns and Smart-Maynilad are in the finals of the current conference of Shakey's V-League. Cagayan is up, 1-0, in the best of three  championship series.

It certainly surprises me no end that between a team that has loaned its players to the national team and a team which has players that turned down the offer to play for the national team, some fans still choose to go for the team whose players refused to serve the country. Cagayan Valley has loaned  ten of its players, including its head coach, to the national team during the recently-concluded Asian Senior Women's Championship. It should be pretty obvious who people should cheer for. Sadly, there are a lot of fantards who are just so starstruck with their idols that they can't seem to make the right choice.

While I do admit that the fantards have the right to choose which team to cheer for, common sense dictates that premium must be placed on the team that has served the country more. And Cagayan Valley is definitely the team which has been selfless in putting the country in the international volleyball scene once again. Truly, Cagayan Valley is the better choice.

ON BEING A NATIONAL ATHLETE

I have always been so critical of the Azkals. I have always criticized the team for its poor performance in various international tournaments despite the financial resources of the team. And I have always been most vocal with the Azkals' off-the-pitch behavior. Certainly, being linked to rape and sexual harassment allegations are behavior not befitting national athletes.

Being a national athlete carries a big responsibility.. A national athlete is not only expected to do well in competitions. But a national athlete is also expected to be a role model for the youth.

So even in the most unguarded and vulnerable moments, a national athlete must be smart enough to know his or her limit. He or she must not do something that will damage his or her reputation forever. No amount of provocation must make a national athlete do something that he or she may regret later on.  No amount of money must make a national athlete compromise his or her values. A national athlete must be made of sterner stuff. A national athlete loses his or her identity and puts on the identity of the people that he or she represents. He or she must always and forever be thinking of representing the country the best possible way.

A WELL-KEPT SECRET

A 2011 incident involving female athletes remains a well-kept secret to this day.

According to reliable sources, it all started when the female athletes attended a team building seminar in a nearby province together with their coaches and team officials. In one of the sessions, alcoholic beverages were served. As the night progressed, people inevitably got tipsy or outright drunk. Sensing that the female athletes were losing their inhibitions, a team official dared the athletes to striptease. The team official even offered money in exchange for the striptease.

One source revealed that not one of the female athletes called the dare. But the athletes were so taken aback by the incident that they all locked themselves in their rooms for the rest of the team-building days.The female athletes were so shocked and embarassed by the incident that they were never the same again. The team eventually lost all its games in an international tournament. The athletes too never dared to become national athletes again after the incident.

The incident did not reach mainstream media as team officials, coaches and players decided to pretend as if the incident never happened. The coaches and team officials that were a part of the incident remain very much around. The players continue to play in local tournaments.

The great challenge now for the female athletes is to have the courage to talk about the incident to prevent a similar incident from happening again.

NOW OFFICIAL : POWER PINAYS WILL MISS THE 2013 SEA GAMES

It is now official. Power Pinays will not be included among the 216 Filipino athletes who will be sent to Myanmar for the 2013 SEA Games in December.

Among other things, what served as the last chance for Power Pinays to make the SEA Games was the last letter of appeal from the Philippine Volleyball Federation. Considering that PVF failed to submit entries by number and names to the PSC-POC Task Force, the last letter of appeal should have been truly convincing to merit the attention and consideration of POC and PSC. Sadly, the letter failed to served its purpose.

In the end, what the U23 Azkals had a lot of proved to be inexistent for Power Pinays. Thus, Power Pinays will have to hone their skills elsewhere. Perhaps, in the future, Power Pinays will be deemed worthy to represent the country in just about every international tournament. I truly hope to see the day when the team will not have to rely on letters of appeal just to compete in tournaments abroad.

WILL THE POWER PINAYS GO TO THE 2013 SEA GAMES ?

courtesy of rappler.com

October 10, 2013 will be a crucial day for the Philippine women's volleyball team. On that day, POC will decide, with finality, whether the team will go to the Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar this December.

It is truly unfortunate that a PVF leadership crisis happened during the submission of entry by number to the SEAG Task Force. As a result, PVF was not able to submit an entry by number to the task force. Consequently, PVF was not able to submit an entry by number as well. Without the entries by number and names, the Power Pinays, technically, cannot be sent to the regional tournament.

But PSC and POC officials, as well as the task force personnel, gave a favor to the Power Pinays by setting an 8th place finish or higher in the Asian Senoir Women's Championship as criterion for inclusion to the SEA Games. While the Power Pinays, exceeded expectations with their 12th place finish in the tournament, the criterion was not met.

PVF officials Oti Camangian and Dr. Ian Laurel have been  busy the past few weeks talking to several personalities on how Power Pinays can make it to the SEA Games. The two have, in fact, submitted two letters of appeals to the proper authorities to exhaust all possible means to have the Power Pinays included in the Philippine delegation.

As things stand now, it is all up to the POC to decide the fate of the Power Pinays. Perhaps, volleyball fans can do their share in helping the Power Pinays make the SEAG by voicing their collective desire to have the team sent to Myanmar. Now is the right time to make noise for the Power Pinays.

CASE CLOSED : U23 AZKALS AND THE 2013 SEA GAMES

POC-PSC Task Force SEA Games has officially removed U23 Azkals from the Philippine delegation to the 2013 SEA Games to be held in Myanmar.

 The decision of the task force is highly commendable. It shows that performance truly trumps influence. Despite the numerous appeals of PFF and the write-ups of Azkals-friendly sports writers, the dismal performance of the squad in recent years created the greatest impact among the members of the task force. Thus, the decision not to include the squad in the regional tournament.

What PFF and some fans refuse to see and acknowledge is the shame that the U23 Azkals brought to the country in the last SEA Games. Aside from finishing dead-last, the U23 Azkals gave considerable shame to the country with their off-the-pitch behavior. For the first time in Philippine sports history, a team captain of a national squad abandoned his team in the middle of an international tournament. Several members of the team too engaged in behavior so unbecoming of national athletes. Hotel personnel, POC and PSC officials only know too well what some of the players did during the last SEA Games.

While I am for the development of football in the country, I too am particular with the leaders and players behind the sport. It is probably time to determine whether these leaders or players truly deserve the country's support.

WANTED : UAAP WHISTLEBLOWER

What do these UAAP athletes have in common ?

Badminton - UST
1. Karen Mae Jarrel Montilla

Chess - DLSU-Taft
1. Jan Jodilyn P. Fronda

Fencing - Adamson
1. Michael Nicanor
2. Elaine Kea Gonzales
3. Wilfredo Vizcayno JR. (coach)

Judo - DLSU-Taft
1. Mikhail Joshua G. Regala
2. Colin Nathan Leonard D. Buckly
3. Butch Garreta Albarracin
4. Kyle Ma. Linus Kapunan
5. Joshua Theodor Ebrada
6. Ramon Jose Delfin Santiago
7. Angelo Gabriel Gumila
8. Matthew Sim Jao
9. Gerard Raymund Reyes Teruel
10. Samson Bernales

Tennis - NU
1. Leandro P[aez Lazaro

Swimming - UP
1. Claire Adorna
2. Michael Garchitorena

Will future UAAP athletes experience what the above-mentioned athletes experienced ? As long as people remain silent, the cycle will continue.

THOUGHTS ON POWER PINAYS, ALYSSA VALDEZ AND SANTIAGO SISTERS

The Philippine women's volleyball team, known as Power Pinays, finished 12th in the recently-concluded Asian Senior Women's Championship. Ranked 16th in the tournament, the Power Pinays exceeded expectations in the tough tournament.

A lot of people think that the Philippines could have placed higher had Alyssa Valdez and the Santiago sisters played for the team. The height and skills of the three players could have been what the team needed to win more games. The three could have spelled the big difference during those games that could have gone either way.

But I dare say that Valdez and the Santiago sisters could not provide something very important. The three could not provide the heart to serve the country. The three players, in fact, chose not to answer the call to serve the country when they turned down the invitation to be a part of the national team. They simply do not have the best interest of the country at heart.

The Power Pinays, despite lacking in so many things, had the all-important heart. And it is truly the heart that served the team well. So kudos to Angeli Tabaquero, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Chie Saet, Mitch Datuin, Pau Soriano, Jheck Dionela, Lizlee Gata-Pantone, Honey Rose Tubino, Joy Benito, Wenneth Eulalio, Danika Gendrauli and May Macatuofor for being selfless and showing what true Filipinos are made of. I hope to see the team exhibit greater skill, teamwork and heart in future tournaments.

THE POWER PINAYS ACCORDING TO PVF PRESIDENT KARL CHAN AND SEC-GEN OTIE CAMANGIAN

After losing their first three games in the 17th Asian Senior Women's Championship, the Power Pinays bounced back with a strong wins against Sri Lanka and Myanmar. With the victories, Power Pinays hope to salvage 9th place in the tournament. After an 8 year absence from international competition, Power Pinays are showing glimpses of what the team can achieve in the next few years. In a text interview, PVF president Karl Chan and sec-gen Otie Camangian answer questions regarding the Power Pinays.


1. Are you satisfied with the performance of Power Pinays in the Asian Championship ?

Chan : So far, I am happy with what they have accomplished for a start. We lack height and cohesion. We had many unforced errors in our games. But this is the first exposure of the team. We lost to Iran and India but we gave a good account of ourselves. We were neck to neck with them in the first two sets. But I think conditioning had something to do with the low output in the next two sets. But we also have to remember that those teams have been together for a long time now. Ours has been together barely a month.

Camangian : Satisfied. The mere fact that the Philippines is in the international volleyball scene is already a positive statement. It is sowing time now. Reaping comes later. 

2. What will happen to the team after the tournament ?

Chan : The program will continue, SEAG or not.

Camangian : The national team program continues even after the Asian Championship.

3. Does the team have a permanent sponsor now ?

Camangian : No permanent sponsor yet but we are trying to get one. Hopefully, PLDT can support the team on a long-term basis. Maybe a four-year program until SEAG.

4. Will the team be kept intact ?

Camangian : It is for the PVF board to decide. You may ask Doc Ian Laurel as he is the board member in charge.

Chan : We hope that the team will be kept intact. Depende na yun sa new set of PVF officers. As long as during my term naayos ko ang lahat, nasa new PVF officers na to continue what we have started.

SAN MIG COFFEE OR GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL : WHICH TEAM IS MORE POPULAR NOW ?

San Mig Coffee won against Ginebra San Miguel last night, 89-86. Despite missing Marc Pingris and Devance, San Mig Coffee managed to pull a win against a complete Ginebra line-up.The biggest surprise of the night was that Mark Caguioa was being booed during the game. Is this a sign that the popular cager and his team are losing their tag of being most popular ? Has San Mig Coffee now become the darling of the crowd ? What do you think ?

MY FIVE BEST INTERVIEWS FOR BANDERA

Bandera will be celebrating its anniversary this coming Tuesday. In my years with Bandera, I have come to interview a lot of sports personalities. Here are the five interviews that I find truly memorable.

1. Paul Weiler interview on the alleged rape incident involving four Azkals and a model - The former consultant of the Azkals was brave enough to divulge what he knew about the extremely controversial incident. Weiler was the only one among several sources who came out in public with what he knew about the incident. The interview led to extensive media coverage of the incident.

2. Cristy Ramos - I was the first sports writer who Cristy Ramos contacted to tell what happened to her in the Azkals dugout. Like Weiler, Ramos exhibited great courage and principle to reveal what really happened. Despite knowing that she will get the ire of Azkals fans, the former POC president took a stand against sexual harassment. The series of interviews led to massive discussion of the incident and issue of sexual harassment in sports.

3. PDBF Dragon Boat Team - The interview involved several members of the team and was a real emotional one. It all boiled down to the hopes and dreams of world-class athletes being extinguished by certain individuals. The interview led to a senate and congressional inquiry.

4. Doug Kramer - One of the most articulate PBA players, Kramer was able to incorporate and validate his Christian faith with what was going on with his basketball career at that time. The interview was conducted at a time when his career was going nowhere. Kramer became a candidate for PBA's Most Improved Player a year after the interview.

5. Boyet Fernandez _ From Sta. Lucia to NLEX to San Beda, Coach Boyet has always been generous to grant interviews. He is very accommodating and funny which the public seldom sees.

I hope that there will be more memorable interviews to come. Happy anniversary Bandera !

DID UAAP ISSUE A MEMO PREVENTING ITS PLAYERS TO PARTICIPATE IN UNIVERSIADE ?

Two UP students are fighting for their right to participate in UAAP. The two were dropped from the list of players who can play in UAAP after participating in the Universiade in Russia.

It is an injustice that these students must suffer from the political squabble involving UAAP and FESSAP. It is highly irregular for UAAP to involve players in its feud with FESSAP. What valid reason does UAAP have in preventing players to participate in the World University Games anyway ? After failing to get the nod of Universiade officials to be recognized as the official Philippine organization, UAAP will do well not to get back at FESSAP at the expense of collegiate players.

I hope that the two UP students pursue their case against UP and UAAP. It is time to teach these institutions a sense of fair play and proper conduct.

ATENEO, LA SALLE AND NU BOYCOTT PART 2

After a post urging volleyball fans to boycott Ateneo, La Salle and NU for not allowing their top players to join the national team, I received several tweets from Lady Ateneo Eagles. The tweets explain that Alyssa Valdez turned down the invitation to be a part of the national team due to academics. But surprisingly, Valdez might play in at least three local tournaments in succession. She is currently playing in Shakey's VLeague and will play in UAAP and Uni-Games.

But in fairness to Valdez, her desire to help the national team cannot be questioned. According to my source, Valdez tried out for the Bomberinas under Coach Vangie and Doc Ian. But my source revealed that Ateneo stepped into the picture and Valdez never appeared for the Bomberinas again.

NU, on the other hand, is an interesting case. Dindin and Jaja Santiago were allowed to be a part of Bomberinas under Coach Vangie and Doc Ian. But under a new set of PVF officers, NU suddenly does not lend its two tall and talented players to the national team.

La Salle, true to form, did not lend Mika Reyes to the national team. In fact, Coach Ramil likewise turned down the post of head coach to the national team according to my source. La Salle, for its part, is merely being consistent of prioritizing its UAAP bid than any other international tournament that will bring honor to the country.

I am deeply saddened that these schools failed to answer the challenge to serve one's country through sports. Worse, these schools seem to teach their players that loyalty to their schools supersedes loyalty to one's country. What values are these schools teaching their players ?

BOYCOTT LA SALLE, ADMU AND NU WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL TEAMS

So it is official. La Salle, Ateneo and NU have not allowed their top players to join the Philippine volleyball team. Alyssa Valdez, Dindin and Jaja Santiago and Mika Reyes have not been allowed by their respective schools to join the Philippine team that is scheduled to compete in Thailand for the Asian  Senior Women's Championship.

I am so disappointed that these schools refuse to loan their top players for the national team. I consider it an insult to the Filipino people for these schools to deny the country of its best players in an international competition. I am at a loss for words on how these schools can flatly reject the call to serve one's country through sports.

I am also perplexed as to why these schools would rather have their top players play in UAAP or Shakey's VLeague rather than the Asian Senior Women's Championship. There is hardly any prestige in winning in UAAP or Shakey's VLeague. But winning in the Asian Championship is definitely a huge honor for the players and the entire country. So why the ridiculous priority on local tournaments ?

As long as these schools continue to be selfish with their players, Philippine women's volleyball will go nowhere. Philippine volleyball will remain down in the dumps as long as these schools remain selfish. In the meantime, as these schools go on with their selfish ways, the fans will do well to boycott the teams of these schools. It is time to strike back. It is time to right a wrong.

THE SBP OFFICIAL, PCSM DOCTOR AND DISCOVERY PERLAS : THE CONTINUING SAGA

As what I wrote in a previous post, a very reliable source volunteered the information that an SBP official requested a doctor from Philippine Center for Sports Medicine to issue a medical certificate stating that the players of Discovery Perlas are not fit to play and represent in the coming SEA Games. The doctor, however, refused to grant the request of the SBP official. The SBP official then proceeded to ask the PCSM doctor if he knows of another doctor who will gladly grant his request.

I would have not paid much attention to the piece of information had a PSC official not brought it up during our recent conversation. I asked the PSC official if Discovery Perlas can finally participate in the SEA Games now that SBP has endorsed the team last August 5. I was so taken aback when the PSC official said that the team's SEA Games trip is not yet definite as the players' health and fitness are questionable. It does not require a rocket scientist to connect what the PSC official said to what the SBP official requested from the PCSM doctor.

I tried to talk to the PCSM doctor to settle the issue once and for all. But despite visiting PCSM for four straight days and staying for at least five hours each day, I failed to get a response from the doctor. I even left my number with the doctor's secretary, since day one, to no avail.

I too called up the SBP official to get his side of the story. While he categorically denied asking the PCSM doctor to issue a negative medical certificate for Discovery Perlas, he admitted that he met a doctor who was introduced to him by the PCSM doctor.

What is incredible with the whole incident between the SBP official and PCSM doctor is that several other people know the truth about it. Perhaps, these people are afraid to lose their jobs. They know very well what can happen if they tell on the SBP official.

But the difficult time that the PCSM people are giving me in getting a mere comment only tells and convinces me that the information that I got is true. If the SBP official truly did not ask for a negative medical certificate for Discovery Perlas, It will be so easy for the doctor and everyone else to come out and say that there is no truth to my information. I may be dumb. But I am certainly not that dumb not to realize what is going on.

DISCOVERY PERLAS AND SBP : AN UNNECESSARY MATCH-UP

To this day, Discovery Perlas, the Philippine women's basketball team, does not know whether it can participate in the 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar. Despite a silver medal finish in the last SEA Games, the team's participation to the regional tournament hangs in the air.

What I find deplorable and unacceptable is how Samahang Basketbolista ng Pilipinas makes it impossible for Discovery Perlas to go to Myanmar. First, SBP, since 2008, does not give Discovery Perlas a single centavo to fund its participation in international tournaments. International experience entails a considerable amount of money. Without financial assistance, it is impossible for any team to compete in international tournaments and gain international exposure. For the SEA Games, Discovery Perlas must find sponsors to pay for its airfare, food and hotel accommodations.Sadly, SBP will not help the team find sponsors, much less shoulder the team's expenses. Discovery Perlas must find sponsors on its own.

With no less than MVP as president, I find it rather strange that SBP does not give a single centavo to Discovery Perlas. With a budget of 100M pesos a year for Smart-Gilas, why can't MVP and SBP extend their generosity to Discovery Perlas ? Why can't MVP and SBP give a fraction of what they give to Smart-Gilas to Discovery Perlas ?

Second, SBP refuses to endorse Discovery Perlas to the 2013 SEA Games. In fact, it was the team manager of Discovery Perlas who wrote a letter of appeal for the team's case to be evaluated. PSC chairman Richie Garcia, chef-de-mission Col. Tamayo, Allan of NSA Affairs and Paul of Task Force SEA Games want the team to go to Myanmar. But they simply cannot accommodate the team because it is SBP that must make an appeal and endorsement. Interestingly, all other NSA's wrote letters of appeal in behalf of their athletes and teams. SBP is the only NSA that refuses to write an appeal for one of its teams. But members of the team say that SBP has finally issued the necessary endorsement. The endorsement came four days ago. While this is a welcome development, is it enough to send the team to Myanmar since entries by number and names have deadlines ?

Lastly, a reliable source reveals that an SBP official approached someone to issue a document that will effectively prevent Discovery Perlas from participating in Myanmar. Fortunately, the person refused to do what the SBP official requested. You will think that the SBP official will take his cue from there. But the SBP official proceeded to ask the same person if he knows someone who can and will accommodate his request.

Thus the question remains. Why is SBP doing all these to Discovery Perlas ?