THE BIGGEST NEWSMAKERS IN PHILIPPINE SPORTS FOR 2014

There were not too many bright spots for Philippine sports in 2014.  However, there were several sports personalities who hugged the limelight in 2014 even for a brief moment. Here are some of them :

1. Coach Chot Reyes and Gilas Pilipinas

courtesy of spin.ph

Gilas Pilipinas, under Coach Chot Reyes made waves at the FIBA World Cup with its gutsy stand against some of the best teams in the world. But Coach Chot destroyed all the goodwill that the team generated when he instructed his players to shoot at an opponent's basket in Incheon Asian Games.

2. Manny Pacquiao

courtesy of christianpost.com

His victory against Algieri made the country proud once again. His victory ignited talks once again of a possible match with Mayweather which could easily be the fight of the century.

3. Peping Cojuangco, Joey Romasanta, Ricky Palou and Tats Suzara against PVF President Karl Chan and Sec-Gen Otie Camangian

courtesy of spin.ph

With volleyball gaining unprecedented popularity and multi-million sponsorships, Cojuangco, Romasanta, Suzara and Palou suddenly went to Thailand to report on the leadership dispute and ineptitude of Philippine Volleyball Federation under Chan and Camangian. Too bad for the senior citizens that Chan and Camangian have a letter of attestation from FIVB itself.

4. Coach Boyet Fernandez and San Beda Red Lions

courtesy of banderainquirer.net

Coach Boyet steered San Beda to a 5-peat in 2014. San Beda too won the PCCL crown for the very first time.

5. Daniel Patrick Caluag

courtesy of spin.ph

The BMX rider won the only gold medal for the Philippines in 2014 Incheon Asian Games. Too bad that he holds dual citizenship and is not purely Pinoy.

6. Gabriel Moreno

courtesy of rappler.com

Kuya Germ's grandson won a gold medal in the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China. The young archer may just bring more honor to the country with his great potential.

7. Efren "Bata" Reyes

courtesy of examiner.com

At 60, Reyes still has it in him to win the singles crown in the 2014 Manny Pacquiao 10-ball Tournament.

8. Wesley So

courtesy of chessgames.com

Wesley So was able to break in the top 10 in FIDE world rankings in 2014. He continues to lead in a prestigious Las Vegas tournament at the moment. Sadly, he will not be playing for the Philippines anymore after getting snubbed by local sports officials.

9. Michael Christian Martinez

Martinez finished 19th in figure-skating in the recent Sochi Winter Olympics. He captured the imagination of

Filipinos as he showed the grace and skill that a Filipino can acquire in a sport that is so un-Filipino.

ANG PVF NA BA ANG SISIRA SA POC AT KAY TATS SUZARA ?

Ang buong akala ng Philippine Olympic Committee ay madali nitong mabubuwag ang Philippine Volleyball Federation na pinamumunuan nina Karl Chan at Otie Camangian. Palibhasa, kakuntsaba ng POC si Tats Suzara na sinasabing malakas daw sa mga opisyal ng FIVB at AVC. Matatandaan na si Suzara ang naging tulay para makausap nina Peping Cojuangco at Joey Romasanta sina AVC Vice-President Shanrit Wongprasert at FIVB honorary president Wei Jizhong. Inasahan ng POC na kikilalanin ng AVC at FIVB ang itatayo nitong bagong volleyball federation sa konting sumbong lamang.

Subalit hindi inasahan ng POC at ni Tats Suzara na may hawak na letter of attestation sina Chan at Camangian na galing mismo sa FIVB na inilabas nitong Nobyembre 2014 lamang. Ang FIVB letter of attestation ay matinding pagkilala  sa magandang nagawa at ginagawa ng PVF bilang national federation sa pamumuno nina Chan ar Camangian. Di mapapasubalian ang pagtugon sa tungkulin ng PVF bilang volleyball federation dahil mismong ang FIVB ang nagpapatotoo nito.

Kaya nga, hirap na hirap ngayon ang POC at si Tats Suzara kung paano maisasakatuparan ang kanilang baluktot na hangarin. Hanggang ngayon, wala silang naitatayong bagong volleyball federation. Hanggang ngayon, di nila makuha ang simpatiya ng publiko.

Ang PVF na kaya ang sisira sa POC at kay Tats Suzara ?

Abangan.

UAAP WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL SEASON 77 : SUPPORT LA SALLE AND BOYCOTT ATENEO

courtesy of wattpad.com

In the current Philippine volleyball crisis, La Salle is on the side of PVF President Karl Chan at Sec-Gen Otie Camangian.  Ateneo, on the other hand, is on the side of Ricky Palou and Philippine Olympic Committee  Vice-President Joey Romasanta.

courtesy of spin.ph

At a time when people and institutions must take a stand against politics in sports and outright usurpation of authority, Ateneo chooses to side with people who make matters worse. Ateneo is carelessly unmindful of its stand as it stands by Ricky Palou who happens to be its athletic director and a staunch supporter of Joey Romasanta.

La Salle, quite oppositely, continues to throw its support to the two PVF officials who have done so much for Philippine volleyball in such a short time. Coach Ramil de Jesus, Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo and Ara Galang continue to give their all to the national team.

With the two opposing views of the rival schools, volleyball fans must carefully study which to support. It is only proper to reward and hold in high esteem the school that dares to do the right thing. Likewise, it is only right to punish the one that only protects its selfish interest. So the next time that La Salle plays, kindly give the team your support. And kindly give Ateneo the cold shoulder to force it to do the right thing.

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

Tawag-pansin ang isang Instagram pic na ipinost ni Richard Gomez sa kanyang twitter account.  Makikita sa larawan na kasama ni Goma sina Peping Cojuangco at Joey Romasanta. Kinuha ang larawan nuong ika-18 ng Nobyembre 2014.

Kung noon pang Nov. 18 dumating sina Peping at Romasanta sa Thailand, paano nakarating sa kanila ang gulo sa Philippine Volleyball Federation ? Noong Nov. 26 lang pumutok sa mga pahayagan ang isinagawang panggugulo ng grupo ni Cantada. Matatandaan rin na nuon pa lang Nov. 23 nagsagawa ng pagpupulong at halalan sina Cantada at ilang PVF board members. Pero Nov. 22 nagsumbong na sina Peping at Romasanta sa mga AVC officials sa Thailand. Ano ang isusumbong ni Peping at Romasanta na "leadership dispute" kung hindi pa nagaganap ang pagrerebelde ng grupo ni Cantada ?

Tawag-pansin din na kasama sa larawan si Jonne Go. Si Go ang PCKF president na bumuwag ng dragon boat team matapos itong magreklamo ng anomalya laban sa kanyang pamunuan.

Kung hindi gagawa nang tamang hakbang ang PVF, sa malamang sapitin din ng Philippine volleyball teams ang sinapit ng Philippine Dragon Boat Team. Matindi at mautak ang kalaban ng PVF. Kaya kailangan ang galing at suporta ng mga nagmamahal sa volleyball para manatiling buhay ang PVF at Philippine Bagwis at Amihan.

ANG PALITAN NAMIN NG TEXT MESSAGES NI BOY CANTADA

Narito ang palitan namin ng text messages ni Boy Cantada nuong ika-18 ng Disyembre. Si Boy Cantada ang pasimuno ng board meeting ng ilang miyembro ng PVF na ngayon ay itinuturong dahilan ng gulo ng POC.

Ako : Willing po ba kayo na makipag-usap kina Sir Karl (Chan) at Coach Otie (Camangian) para maayos na ang di ninyo pagkakaunawaan at matigil na ang pakikialam ng POC sa PVF ?

Cantada : Sino ito ?

Ako : Si Eric po ng Bandera.

Cantada : Wala kang authority para kausapin ako nang ganya. Salamat.

Ako : Eh paano po maaayos ang gulo ?

Cantasa : Bahala ka. Masyado kang adelantado. Napakabago mo pa lang. Wag ako tanungin mo. Sila tanungin mo. Sila gumawa ng gusot na ito. Hindi kami. Sila mag-ayos. Hindi ako. Sila dapat makipag-usap sa akin at hindi ikaw. Hindi ako mahirap kausap basta nasa tama.

Ako : Puede ko po pakiusapan si Tito Buds ( PSC Commissioner Andrada) para mag-mediate.

Cantada : Hindi kailangan pang makialam pa ibang tao. Wag mong pakialaman. Hindi ikaw ang para mag-ayos. Wag kang sunod nang sunod sa kanila. Matalino ako. Alam kong kaya ka nagtext ay dahil para sa kanila.

Ako : Ha ? Hindi po nila alam na nagtext ako sa inyo.

Cantada : Ano pakialam mo ? Hindi na ako magreply.

Ako : Ok po. Merry Christmas po.

POC, PVF AND THE FIVB LETTER OF ATTESTATION

The above attestation from FIVB clearly shows that PVF with its present leaders are the ones tasked to run Philippine volleyball. The Philippine Olympic Committee does not have any official document to prove that it has been given the authority by FIVB to abolish PVF, create a new volleyball federation and form a new Under23 women's team. POC does not have any legal authority to usurp the powers exclusive to PVF as mandated by FIVB.

That said, it is best for POC to stop meddling in the affairs of PVF. POC will do well to respect the attestation of FIVB or run the risk of the country being suspended by the international federation. It is time for POC and its officials to really think about the dire consequences of their actions.

ANG KASINUNGALINGAN NI ROMASANTA AT PHILIPPINE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

courtesy of spin.ph

Nagkalaglagan sa POC 5-man committee. Ayon sa mapapagkatiwalaang source, tumawag si AVC Chairman at FIVB Philippine Representative Tats Suzara kay PVF President Karl Chan at tahasang inamin na walang utos mula sa FIVB at AVC na buwagin ang PVF at Philippine volleyball teams.

Sa ikinumpisal ni Suzara kay Chan, nabuko tuloy na nuknukan ng sinungaling si Romasanta at POC. Na kaya nilang gumawa at pangatawanan ang isang kasinungalingan para sirain ang isang NSA na tulad ng PVF. Na kaya nilang buwagin ang national teams sa pamamagitan ng kasinungalingan. Nalaman tuloy ng sambayanang Pilipino kung gaano kabulok si Romasanta at ang POC.

Sa nangyari, may maniniwala pa kaya kay Romasanta at sa POC ? May magtitiwala pa ba ngayon kay Romasanta at POC ? Marapat lamang magbitiw sa puwesto si Romasanta at lahat ng opisyal ng POC sa nangyari.

EXCLUSIVE : POC ANG MAY PAKANA NG GULO SA PVF

Romasanta said the POC’s virtual takeover of local volleyball was the result of a meeting he had with POC president Jose Cojuangco Jr., Suzara, Wei and Wongprasert last Nov. 22 on the sidelines of  the Asian Beach Games in Bangkok, Thailand. - Malaya, Bong Pedralvez, Dec. 5, 2014

Ayon sa ulat ng Malaya, naganap ang meeting nina Peping Cojuangco, Joey Romasanta, Tats Suzara, FIVB at AVC honorary President Wei at AVC Vice President  Wongprasert noong Nov.22, 2014. Samakatuwid, para sa POC, may matinding gulo nang nangyayari sa PVF ng mga panahon na yun. At itong matinding gulo sa liderato ang dahilan ng meeting sa Asian Beach Games sa Thailand.

Subalit ayon sa isang dumalo sa meeting na ipinatawag ni Boy Cantada, naganap ang kanilang board meeting kung saan nahalal si Cantada bilang chairman of the board nuon din lang Nov.23, 2014. Tandang-tanda raw ng board member na ito ang petsa dahil may laban daw si Pacquiao nung araw ng meeting nila.

Kung ganun, nauna ang meeting nina Cojuangco, Romasanta at Suzara sa mga FIVB at AVC officials sa meeting nina Cantada at lima pang board members ng PVF !

Paano ngayon maipapaliwanag na nauna ang POC magreklamo ? Ano ang isusumbong na gulo ng POC kung hindi pa nagmi-meeting sina Cantada et al ? Anong matinding leadership conflict ang isusumbong nina Cojuangco et al sa FIVB at AVC kung magsasagawa pa lang ng meeting sina Cantada ?

Isa lang ang ibig sabihin nito. Pakana ng POC ang lahat. 

Tapos ang kwento.

MABUHAY KA, GRETCHEN HO

courtesy of cornerstonetalents.net

Bumuo ng isang 5-man committee ang Philippine Olympic Committee matapos na magkagulo daw sa liderato ng Philippine Volleyball Federation. Ang 5-man committee ay kinabibilangan nina Joey Romasanta, Ricky Palou, Atty Malinao, Gretchen Ho at Angeli Tabaquero. Subalit tumanggi sina Ho at Tabaquero na maging miyembro ng naturang komite.

Kahanga-hanga ang ipinakitang paninindigan nina Tabaquero at Ho. Malaking sampal sa mukha ng POC ay ginawa nila. Ang buong akala kasi ng POC ay hawak nila ang mga atleta. Hindi nila inasahan na matapang at may panindigan ang dalawang volleyball stars.

Heto pa ang matindi. Ayon sa aking reliable source, inalok si Gretchen Ho ng POC ng posisyon sa Athletes Commision para lang sumali sa 5-man committee. Pero mataray na tinanggihan ng lola mo ang suhol at di nagpasilaw sa alok ng POC.

Sa panahon na ang lahat ay naghahangad ng posisyon, namumukod-tangi si Gretchen Ho. Larawan siya ng atletang nag-iisip at di nagpapadala sa kinang ng salapi o kapangyarihan. Sana lang ay tularan siya ng iba pang mga atleta. Kapag ang mga atleta mismo ang natutong mag-isip at manindigan, uunlad ang sports sa ating bansa.

Mabuhay ka Gretchen Ho. Ikaw na !!!

HAMON SA POC AT 5-MAN COMMITTEE : ILABAS ANG FIVB DIRECTIVE AT WAG ITURING NA TANGA ANG VOLLEYBALL FANS

Sa tingin nina Peping Cojuangco, Joey Romasanta, Tats Suzara, Ricky Palou at Atty Malinao, tanga at bobo ang mga volleyball fans kaya lakas-loob silang gumawa ng hakbang laban sa Philippine Volleyball Federation sa pamumuno nina Karl Chan At Otie Camangian. Pero nagkakamali sila.

Unang-una, sino ang maniniwala na inutusan sila ng FIVB na buwagin ang PVF at magtayo ng bagong volleyball federation ? Nasaan ang kasulatan na mula sa FIVB na naglalaman ng nasabing utos ? Kung walang dokumento, sabi-sabi lang ang lahat.

Pangalawa, saan ka nakakita na hindi man lang dininig ng isang international sports body ang kabilang panig hinggil sa isang isyu na kailangang resolbahin ? Ayon kay Romasanta, nakipag-usap siya kay Wei Jizong at duon din mismo ay pinaniwalaan siya kayat binigyan na siya ng go-signal na buwagin na ang PVF at bumuo na ng bagong volleyball federation. Ibig bang sabihin ni Romasanta ay nakikinig sa sulsol at nagdedesisyon ang FIVB  nang hindi napapakinggang ang lahat ng panig ?

Pangatlo, anong leadership squabble ang binabanggit ng POC na siyang dahilan ng kanilang panghihimasok ? Maging sa grupo ni Boy Cantada, si Karl Chan ang piniling presidente. So, anong leadership squabble ang tinutukoy ng POC ?

Pangapat, alam ng mga volleyball fans na ang normal na proseso sa pagresolba ng ano mang gulo sa isang NSA ay ang pag-usapan ito sa loob mismo ng NSA. Walang karapatang manghimasok ang POC dahil may autonomy ang bawat NSA.

At eto ang pinaka-nakakatawa sa lahat. Lumabas sa mga pahayagan nuong Nov. 26, 2014 ang naganap na elekyon na isinagawa ni Boy Cantada. Nov. 28, 2014 nakatanggap na agad ng sulat ang POC mula sa FIVB na naguutos daw sa POC na gumawa na sila ng 5-man committee. Ano yun, isang araw lang ang pagitan ? Ganun kabilis ang mga pangyayari ?

Tunay na hindi tanga at bobo ang volleyball fans.

ANG POC, PVF AT 5-MAN COMMITTEE

Nanghimasok na naman ang Philippine Olympic Committee sa gulo ng isang NSA. Ang NSA na pinanghimasukan nang walang kakwenta-kwentang POC ay ang papaganda nang Philippine Volleyball Federation.

Ayon sa promotor ng kaguluhan na si Boy Cantada, sinukuban na ng POC ang PVF. At isang 5-man committee ang binuo ng POC na mamamahala sa pagpapalakad ng Philippine volleyball. Ang committee, ayon kay Cantada ay binubuo nina POC vice-president Joey Romasanta, Tats Suzara, Ricky Palou, Malinao at Gretchen Ho. Subalit isang reliable source ang nagsabi na tumanggi si Ho na maging parte ng committee dahil alam niya na gagamitin lang siya. Ayon sa isa pa ring source, may isang player na babae ang pumalit kay Ho sa committee.

Tulad nang nangyari sa ibang mga NSA's na pinanghimasukan ng POC, tiyak na ang pagkabuwag ng national teams na binuo ng PVF sa ilalim ni Karl Chan at Otie Camangian. Kung kailan maganda na sana ang lahat, sinimulan pang umepal ng mga ambisyosong matatanda.

Subalit may alas ang PVF at national teams. At ito ay ang mga fans. Kapag nagkaisa ang mga volleyball fans ng bansa, tiyak may kalalagyan ang mga epal ng Philippine volleyball. Simulan sanang i-boycott ng mga fans at players ang mga ligang PSL Superliga at Shakeys VLeague. Tignan ko lang kung hindi umiyak nang balde-balde ang mga epal na ito.

PCCL CHAMPION ANG SAN BEDA PERO NASAAN SI COACH JAMIKE JARIN ?

Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, nagkampeon ang San Beda sa Philippine Collegiate Champions League matapos nitong talunin ang La Salle  sa isang best-of-three championship series.

Ang palaisipan lang para sa akin ay kung bakit hindi man lang nanuod si Coach Jamike Jarin  ng mga laro ng San Beda sa Ynares Gym. Ayon sa mga mapapagkatiwalaang sources, di nanuod ang incoming San Beda coach sa championship series sa Ynares Gym. Ang presensiya ni Coach Jamike ay dagdag suporta rin sana para sa San Beda. At bilang susunod na coach ng koponan, ano ba naman yung manuod siya para magbigay ng sapat na suporta at pagkilala sa kanyang hahawakan na koponan ?

Sa di pagsipot ni Coach Jamike sa mga laro ng San Beda, di ko maiwasang isipin na wala siyang pakialam sa San Beda hanggang hindi pa siya ang head coach nito.

COACH BRIAN ESQUIVEL : FROM LETRAN TO MERALCO POWER SPIKERS

Si Coach Brian Esquivel ang head coach ng volleyball teams ng Letran. Labing-isang taon ng head coach ng Letran ang dating NCAA star. Sa unang pagkakataon, naitalaga si Coach Brian bilang head coach ng isang koponan sa commercial league. Bukod sa Letran, hawak niya ngayon ang Meralco Power Spikers. Sa isang panayam kay Bandera Correspondent Eric Dimzon, inilarawan ni Coach Brian ang pamumuno sa dalawang magkaibang koponan. 

1. Paano ka nagsimula sa pagco-coach ?

Nag-start ako after graduating. Tinulungan ako ng Coach Nes (Pamilar). Tinanong niya ako kung gusto ko siya tulungan as trainer sa Letran. Ang naisip ko nuon suklian ang lahat ng naitulong sa akin ng Letran. Athletic scholar kasi ako dati sa Letran. Nag-champion kami from 1998 to 2000 sa NCAA. I was the team captain then of Letran. So, gusto ko talagang sulian ang kabutihan sa akin ng Letran by being the trainer and eventually the coach of Letran's volleyball teams.

2. Ano ang pagkakaiba sa pagco-coach sa Letran at Meralco ?

Napakalaki ng difference. Sa collegiate, developmental kasi. You have to train collegiate players for them to improve and reach their full potential. Sa commercial, set na yung skills ng players at teamwork na lang ang kailangang ayusin.

3. Mahirap ba na maraming star players sa team ng Meralco ?

Actually, may pressure nga eh. Syempre, sa case ng Meralco, nage-expect ang big bosses ng panalo. Pero sabi ko nga, hindi ganun kadali manalo agad-agad. Kahit na meron kaming Penetrante, Marano, Mercado at Morada, iba pa rin yung matagal nang magkakasama. Nabuo lang kami a month before the start of Shakeys VLeague. Ang mga kalaban namin, matagal nang magkakasama. Kaya sabi ko nga na hindi agad-agad yung panalo. Pero ipinangako ko na magi-improve yung team in every game.

4. Ano naman ang tsansa ng Letran sa NCAA ?

This year, malaki ang chance namin. Yung height ng teams namin, hindi nalalayo sa height ng mga kalaban. Yung skills naman ng players, constantly improving naman. Konting plantsa na lang. Ang maganda, lalaban nang pukpukan ang Letran.

5. Ano ang susunod para sa Meralco Power Spikers pagkatapos ng Shakeys VLeague ?

Naghahanda kami for invitationals. Magkakaroon rin kami ng clinics under the Meralco foundation. Pagkatapos ng clinics, Shakeys Reinforced conference na.

6. Ano ang hinahanap mo sa isang volleyball player ?

Malaking advantage talaga ang height nung player. Dati, hindi gaano pinahahalagahan ang height. Pero ngayon, palakihan na ang labanan. Then yung skills. At syempre yung disiplina.

7. Ano ang masasabi mo sa bagong buong national volleyball teams ng Pilipinas ?

I consider them powerhouse teams. Nandun na ang lahat ng star players. Maganda rin ang program ng PLDT for the national teams. Todo ang suporta ng PLDT sa Pilipinas Bagwis at Amihan. Hindi lang isang taon ang suporta kundi long-term. Maging ang PSC at POC umayon sa programa ng PLDT para sa national volleyball teams.

8. Kaya ba ng Pilipinas na manalo uli sa international tournaments sa volleyball ?

Kayang-kaya natin ibalik ang glory days ng Pilipinas sa volleyball. Mga 4 years na continuous ang training na may exposure abroad, sigurado gagaling ang national teams. At yung height natin, hindi na malayo sa height ng mga kalaban. At sa tulong ng PLDT, kayang-kaya nating manalo.

9. Ano ang maipapayo mo sa mga nangangarap na maging volleyball stars ?

Kailangan continuous ang training nila. Maghanap sila ng coach na gagabay sa kanila. Maraming players ang nadidismaya pag hindi sila nakuha sa tryouts. Sana huwag silang panghinaan ng loob at magpatuloy lang sila sa paglalaro.

BAKIT SINA TAB BALDWIN AT JONG UICHICO ANG PINAGPIPILIANG NEW GILAS ELITE HEAD COACH ?

Kung paniniwalaan ang mga reports, si Tab Baldwin o Jong Uichico ang magiging bagong head coach ng Gilas Elite.

Dahil pinili ng search committee na ikubli sa publiko ang mga batayan sa pagpili ng bagong Gilas head coach, hindi ko maiwasang magtanong kung bakit ang dalawang nabanggit ang pinagpipilian. Una, bagamat maganda ang record ni Baldwin sa FIBA tournaments, apat na bansa na ang umayaw na sa kanya.Ang mga ito ay New Zealand, Jordan, Lebanon at Malaysia. Ano ang dahilan at binitawan siya ng mga bansang nabanggit ? Pangalawa, paano naungusan ni Jong Uichico sina Coach Tim Cone, Norman Black, Yeng Guiao at Robert Jaworski bilang kandidato sa pagka-head coach ng Gilas Elite ?

Ayaw ko isipin na ang dating Gilas head coach na si Chot Reyes ang dahilan  kung bakit si Baldwin at Uichico ang bumabandera sa search committee. Matatandaan na consultant ni Coach Chot si Baldwin samantalang assistant coach naman niya si Coach Jong sa Gilas Pilipinas. Na sa kabila ng pagkakatanggal sa kanya, si Coach Chot Reyes pa rin ang nagpapatakbo ng Gilas team.

Tulad ng sinabi ko sa nakaraang post, kailangan na ang mapipiling bagong head coach ng Gilas ay may tunay na angking galing at kapani-paniwala sa mata ng sambayang Pilipino. Na ang desisyon sa pagkakapili ay batay sa galing at hindi sa lakas ng padrino. Sana, mag-isip-isip ang SBP at si MVP sa pagpili nila ng bagong head coach ng pambansang koponan.

WHO DO YOU WANT AS THE NEXT GILAS PILIPINAS ELITE COACH ?

Please choose one :

1. Jong Uichico

2. Ryan Gregorio

3. Tab Baldwin

4. Robert Jaworski Sr.

5. Norman Black

6. Rajko Toroman

THE BIGGER PROBLEM OF MVP, SBP AND GILAS PILIPINAS

The bigger problem of MVP, SBP and Gilas Pilipinas is not the search for a new coach. It is the stigma and shame of shooting at the opponent's basket in the recent Asian Games.

To this day, no one from the MVP group has publicly acknowledged that what Coach Chot Reyes did at the Asian Games of instructing his players to shoot at the opponent's basket was an insult to the sport and the entire Filipino people. There can never be forgiveness for the dastardly act if the perpetrators refuse to ask for forgiveness much less acknowledge the harm that was done. To my mind, support for Gilas Pilipinas, even with a new set of players and coach, will dramatically decrease as the shame of that particular incident is conveniently swept under the rug.

Interestingly, Tab Baldwin, the new Gilas coach, was a consultant at the time of the incident. He never lifted a finger to stop the incident from taking place. In fact, Baldwin, in an interview, said that "reaction to it was an overreaction". If only for this, Baldwin does not deserve to represent Filipinos through Gilas Pilipinas.

MANILA TO TAGAYTAY BIKE CHALLENGE 2014

The Manila to Tagaytay Bike Challenge, happening on November 29, welcomes bikers and cyclists who are looking for a fun day out in Tagaytay. The challenge welcomes elite, amateur, recreational and parent-child teams with trophies and cash prizes awaiting the top 3 finishers in the different categories. Categories include Road Bike, MTB, Folding Bike, Kid's Bike and Mini-Bike.

Race director Philip Aquino Pale said that the bike challenge will be very interesting since local and foreign entries have signified their intention to participate. Various cycling clubs from Manila, Benguet, Isabela, Tarlac and Singapore have already registered.

Would-be participants can pay the registration fee at any BDO branch under the account name Renderfarm Graphics with account number 5470348017. The registration fees are from P600 to P1,200, depending on the category.

So, enthusiasts, get your bikes ready and experience the early Christmas breeze of Tagaytay through the Manila To Tagaytay Bike Challenge 2014 of Renderfarms Graphics.

HUWAG PADALA SA DRAMA NI COACH CHOT REYES

courtesy of sports.inquirer.net

Ipinagbigay-alam na ni Coach Chot Reyes sa SBP at kay MVP na huwag na siyang ikonsidera bilang susunod na Gilas coach. Sa kanyang ginawa, tila naging mapagparaya at kapuri-puri si Coach Chot Reyes.

Subalit para sa mapanuri, mapapansin na pinangunahan lang ni Coach Chot ang magiging desisyon ng SBP. Mas nakakahiya kasi na malaman ng sambayan na hindi siya ikinunsidera bilang Gilas coach ng Search Committee. Kaya mas mainam na yung unahan na niya ang SBP at sabihing wag na siyang isama sa shortlist.

Kung tutuusin, hindi na rin naman kailangan na mag-withdraw ni Coach Chot. Ang pagbuo ng Search Committee ng SBP ay matinding pahiwatig na para kay Coach Chot Reyes na ayaw na sa kanya. Na ang pagbuo ng Search Committe ay para makapagsagawa ng pagbabago sa Gilas Pilipinas. Na ito ay tanda na papalitan na siya.

Maaari rin na pinagsabihan na ng SBP si Coach Chot Reyes na sabihin na nagwi-wthdraw na siya sa nominasyon sa shortlist. Ito ay para makaiwas na rin sa matinding kahihiyan si Coach Chot Reyes. Sa ginawang withdrawal ni Coach Chot, siya pa ngayon ang mukhang bayani.

Ano pa man ang dahilan, ang mahalaga, wala na si Coach Chot sa Gilas Pilipinas. Sana naman, ang papalit kay Coach Chot ay magaling, marespeto sa players, emotionally stable at di hangad ang iangat lamang ang sarili.

A DEEP DARK SECRET

Who is this controversial sports personality who seems to get away with what he wants. Despite his mediocre performance, this sports personality is left untouched by critical hands.

According to a very well-informed source, sports personality can get his way because people around him are scared to reprimand him at the very least. People are so careful not to upset the sports personality because controversial sports personality knows a deep dark secret. The secret is so sensitive and damaging that it can bring everyone down.

Can you guess who the sports personality is ?

MY SHORTLIST FOR THE NEW GILAS ELITE COACH

Whether Coach Chot Reyes likes it or not, he must face the fact that he is out as Gilas head coach. Whether he accepts it or not, his stint with the national team is over.

SBP created a search committee that is tasked to come up with a shortlist of candidates who are qualified to replace the emotionally unstable Chot Reyes. As a basketball fan, I have come up with my own shortlist. My shortlist includes :

courtesy of pinoyexchange.com

1. Ramon Fernandez  - PBA's greatest player was a playing coach at the peak of his career. His experience as a bemedalled national player will serve him well in international tournaments. His tirades against Coach Chot Reyes shows his great respect for the game.

courtesy of banderainquirer.net

2. Boyet Fernandez - The one-time PBA Coach of the Year has won just about every tournament his teams have participated in. He led San Beda to a five-peat and gave five titles to NLEX Road Warriors in the DLeague. He currently coaches NLEX in the big league.

courtesy of pba.inquirer.net

3. Alex Compton - The Philippine-born American coach is currently creating a miracle with his Alaska team. Surely, he must be doing something right with a team that does not have much talented players in its lineup.

courtesy of pba.inquirer.net

4. Rajko Toroman - The original Gilas coach deserves a second look as he knows the Gilas program down to its roots. But Coach Toroman must contend with too much politics should he become Gilas coach once again.

Who are in your shortlist ?

ON THE NEW GILAS COACH

Several names have come up with regards to the new possible head coach of Gilas Pilipinas. The more prominent names being mentioned include Tab Baldwin and Coach Tim Cone.

While Tab Baldwin and Coach Tim Cone are highly qualified for the position, I am seriously against having them as Gilas head coach. To this day, they have not condemned what Coach Chot Reyes did at the last Asian Games in Korea. In fact, they maintain that Coach Chot did not do anything wrong in Korea. While a lot of Filipinos find Coach Chot's antics at the Asian Games terribly vulgar, shameless and a disgrace, Coach Tim Cone and Tab Baldwin act as if they are not offended by what Coach Chot did.

What Gilas Pilipinas needs is a coach who has the right moral character. A coach who will not be at the mercy of certain individuals or group. A coach who is knowledgeable enough to win tournaments at the Asian level at the very least. And a coach who knows who he serves first and foremost.

COACH CHOT REYES AND SBP : AN UNHOLY ALLIANCE ?

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And the deception continues. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas or SBP, makes it appear that Coach Chot Reyes was fired as Gilas Pilipinas head coach. But according to a very reliable source, Coach Chot will simply be reassigned to SBP. He will still have a say on who will be the new coach and players of Gilas Pilipinas as a high-ranking official of SBP.

It seems that Coach Chot Reyes cannot do anything wrong as far as SBP is concerned. While a majority of Filipinos find Coach Chot's behavior in the last Asian Games to be offensive and a disgrace, SBP finds nothing wrong at all. What is it that Coach Chot Reyes knows all too well that SBP dares not to touch and upset him ?

SALAMAT SAN BEDA

courtesy of soccercentralph.com

Nanaig ang San Beda Red Lions kontra Arellano University, 89-70, upang makuha ang limang sunud-sunod na kampeonato sa NCAA Season 90.

Sa dalawang taon kong pagsubaybay sa San Beda, nasaksihan ko ang galing at magandang samahan ng koponan. Saksi ako sa dedikasyon ni Coach Boyet Fernandez at kanyang coaching staff na paghandaan ang bawat laro. Nakita ko ang kagustuhan at pagtiya-tiyaga ng mga players ng koponan na lalong gumanda ang kanilang laro. Nandun rin ang walang sawang suporta ng San Beda officials, students, alumni at buong komunidad.

Kaya naman, nagbunga ang lahat ng paghihirap ng San Beda. Nakamit nito ang pinakamimithi nitong five-peat. Salamat San Beda sa pakikibahagi ng saya at tagumpay na hatid ninyo.

THE PHILIPPINE VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION AND THE PHILIPPINE SENIOR WOMEN'S TEAM

The Philippine Volleyball Federation quenches the thirst of Filipino volleyball fans for a competitive women's team with its formation of the national team. With a unique blend of experience and youth, PVF taps the following players for the Philippine Women's National Team :

1. Ging Balse
2. Nene Bautista
3. Rachel Daquis
4. Rhea Dimaculangan
5. Kim Fajardo
7. Ara Galang
8. Jovy Gonzaga
9. Denden Lazaro
10. Tatan Pantone
11. Aiza Maizo-Pontillas
12. Mika Reyes
13. Jen Reyes
14. Tina Salak
15. Dindin Santiago
16. Jaja Santiago
17. Royse Tubino
18. Aly Valdez

With the support of PLDT Home Fibr, the team is expected to put the Philippines back on the map as far as volleyball is concerned.

But what will ultimately spell the success or failure of the team are the men behind it. Coach Ramil de Jesus must be diligent enough to do his homework and adopt a playing style best suited for his players. PVF President Karl Chan and PVF Secretary-General Otie Camangian must strictly implement their program specially designed for the 2015 Southeast Asian Games. It is up to these men to maximize the talent and skill of each member of the squad to realize the team's full potential.

On paper, the team certainly looks promising. A bronze medal in the 2015 SEA Games certainly appear within reach.

COACH BOYET FERNANDEZ AT ANG FIVE-PEAT NG SAN BEDA

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Muling tatangkain ng NCAA defending champion San Beda Red Lions na makuha ang kampeonato sa NCAA Season 90 kontra Arellano. Sakaling manalo, ito na ang ika-limang sunod na kampeonato ng San Beda. Sa isang maikling panayam kay Coach Boyet Fernandez, inihayag ng San Beda head coach ang kanyang saloobin sa nalalapit na championship series.

1. What are your thoughts on your championship series against Arellano ?

Well, I am quite worried since Arellano is playing really well as a team lately. Arellano is a very good offensive team. We have to stay disciplined in our defense if we want to win and score a five-peat.

2. Ano ang lamang ng San Beda sa Arellano ?

It is probably our defense as a team.

3. Sinu-sino ang inaasahan mong gagawa para sa San Beda ?

I do expect Baser Amer, Art dela Cruz, Ola, Kyle Pascual, mJP Mendoza, Semerad twins, Koga, Dan and Radge to step up. But I do need everyone to focus on the game.

4. Last season mo na sa San Beda Red Lions. Ano ang gusto mong maiwan na pamana ?

Di ko pa alam kung huling taon ko na ito sa San Beda. Gusto ko lang bigyan uli ng championship title ang San Beda at makakuha ng five-peat.

COACH CHOT REYES AND THE TRUTH

In his most recent interview, Coach Chot Reyes said that he only got to know of Andray Blatche's ineligibility to play in Incheon two weeks before the Games.

But according to a reliable source, SBP and Coach Chot found out about Blatche's ineligibility to play as early as April 30, 2014, the day of accreditation for the Asian Games. SBP and Coach Chot were informed subsequently of the Olympic Council of Asia's ruling on Blatche's case on May 31, July 15, August 15 and September 10, 2014. It was after September 10, 2014, the Delegates Registration Meeting or DRM, that OCA gave SBP and Coach Chot Reyes its final word on Blatche's case.

The whole problem , according to the same source, was that Coach Chot refused to listen and accept OCA's ruling. He was bent on playing Andray Blatche for the Asian Games. Interestingly, no less than SBP President Manny V. Pangilinan adimtted in an interview with Interaksyon dated September 9, 2014 that SBP has been persuading OCA for the past two months to allow Blatche to play. Read http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/sbp-makes-final-appeal-to-lift-disqualification-of-andray-blatche-from-asian-games

Lastly, my source revealed that SBP wrote at least twice to the Asian Games organizers to allow Blatche to play. The two letters were dated August and September 2014.

The Filipino people, most especially the basketball fans deserve the truth from Coach Chot. After all, taxpayers' money were used to partly finance the participation of Gilas Pilipinas in the Asian Games. It is only fair that Filipinos get the truth from Coach Chot Reyes himself.

THE BIGGEST MISTAKE OF JIMMY ALAPAG AND ENTIRE GILAS TEAM

In an attempt to probably protect Coach Chot Reyes, Gilas Pilipinas team captain Jimmy Alapag said on national television that he himself thought of shooting at the opponent's basket in Incheon to force an overtime and win by a bigger margin. In his interview in Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Alapag admitted that his only mistake was that he did not ask the third referee on the validity of shooting at the opponent's basket.

This is the reason why a total revamp of Gilas Pilipinas is in order. The entire team does not see anything wrong with shooting at the opponent's basket to snatch a probable victory in overtime. The players, coaches and team officials of Gilas Pilipinas do not recognize and acknowledge the shamelessness and disgrace of that single act. It is such a shock that these people dare to represent the country in such a shameful way.  They do not have a clue on how to best represent the country. They do not know at all what is wrong or right.

It is such a disgrace that Gilas Pilipinas is made up of people who do not respect the sport, the Asian Games and the people they represent.

WILL MVP FIRE COACH CHOT REYES ?

courtesy of sports.inquirer.net

PBA legend Mon Fernandez has expressed the sentiments of a lot of Filipinos regarding Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes. The 4-time PBA MVP is the only well-known sports personality brave enough to openly express his disgust over what Coach Chot did in FIBA World Cup and Incheon Asian Games .

But the question remains. Will MVP fire Coach Chot ?

Personally, I don't think MVP and SBP will dare touch Coach Chot. The talkative head coach of Gilas Pilipinas simply knows too much about MVP and SBP. He can certainly tell on MVP and SBP should he feel like retaliating in case he is fired.

I believe that the PBA holds the key in forcing Coach Chot to resign. The PBA can prevent its players from joining the national team. The PBA can always refuse to lend its players to the national pool to force changes within the coaching staff of Gilas Pilipinas.

But then again, who will the PBA choose to replace Chot Reyes ?

ANG GILAS PILIPINAS AT 2016 OLYMPICS

Matapos lumagpak sa ika-pitong puwesto sa Incheon Asian Games, agad na inihayag ng pamunuan ng Gilas Pilipinas ang ambisyon nilang makapasok ang Gilas sa 2016 Rio Olympics. Bagamat maganda, ito ay di nakaugat sa realidad.

Ang katotohanan, isa lang mula sa Asya ang papasok sa 2016 Olympics sa pamamagitan ng 2015 FIBA Asia Championships. Kung sa Incheon Asian Games ay di man lang pumangatlo ang Gilas Pilipinas, ano pa ang maaasahan sa koponan sa mas prestiyosong Asian Championships ? Tiyak na magpapakamatay ang lahat ng mga koponan sa Asian Championships sa paghahangad na makasali sa 2016 Olympics.

Hanggang walang pagbabago sa Gilas Pilipinas, di ito makakausad sa Rio Olympics. Hanggang hindi natutunan ni Coach Chot Reyes na itikom ang kanyang bibig, patuloy na madidismaya sa kanya ang mga players at fans. Hanggang hindi natutugunan ni Coach Chot ang 4th quarter collapse ng Gilas, kabiguan at pagkatalo lamang ang aanihin ng kanyang koponan. Hanggang hindi niya napapag-aralan ng mabuti kung paano matatalo ang Iran at South Korea, pighati pa rin ang mararanasan ng mga tagahanga ng Gilas.

At ang pinakamasaklap sa lahat, mananatiling nangangarap nang gising at nakanganga ang sambayanan.

THE DOWNFALL OF GILAS PILIPINAS

Gilas Pilipinas won over Kazakhstan, 67-65, in the basketball quarterfinals of Incheon Asian Games. But the win is not enough to push the Philippine basketball team to the semifinals.

The last game of Gilas Pilipinas in the Asian Games saw the team shooting at the opponent's basket to force the game into overtime  and possibly create a bigger winning margin for a better quotient. I simply find Coach Chot's last ditch-effort a travesty of the game and the Olympic spirit. It is such a shameless act that truly speaks of the warped sense of value of Coach Chot and the entire team.

At the very start of the Asian Games, I have been so critical of the way Gilas Pilipinas tried to get its way through highly questionable means. The controversy involving the inclusion of Andray Blatche in the Asian Games line-up was just the start of something wrong with the Gilas campaign. The people behind Gilas Pilipinas simply refuse to follow rules. They were more concerned of winning the gold medal than following rules. And up to the end of the tournament, Gilas Pilipinas tried to employ shameful and illegal tactics to salvage its pride. Sadly, the tactics backfired and all the more dragged the team to shame. The way that Gilas Pilipinas played its last game  in Incheon is really a sad and shameful footnote to Philippine sports. The team lost whatever goodwill it generated in FIBA World Cup with its horrible game against Kazakhstan.

WHAT NOW, GILAS PILIPINAS ?

courtesy of sports.inquirer

Despite its gallant stand, Gilas Pilipinas lost to Iran, 68-63, in the current Asian Games in Incheon.

Because of its strong showing in FIBA World Cup in Spain, Filipinos expect Gilas Pilipinas to win the Asian Games gold. The loss to Iran, however, casts serious doubts on the team's capability to meet expectations. Gilas has yet to meet defending champion China and perennial strong team Korea in the tournament. With the early loss, Gilas Pilipinas will now go through the proverbial eye of the needle just to enter the finals.

This is where media hype is working against Gilas Pilipinas. The sensational stories being released by the MVP group concerning Gilas Pilipinas sets expectations at an all-time high. The drama that the MVP group capitalizes on just about every occasion could very well backfire on the team and its officials.

Now, Gilas Pilipinas must get its act together and stop the blame game to live up to the high expectations of the Filipino people.

PLAY NOW, PAY LATER

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Gilas officials are just so happy that the Olympic Council of Asia gave Marcus Douthit the go-signal to play in the Asian Games. After barring Andray Blatche from playing, OCA granted the request of SBP, POC and PSC to replace Blatche with Douthit.

The fact however remains that the replacement is highly irregular. According to OCA rules, replacements are only allowed when an injured player is involved. Andray Blatche is not at all injured. Hence, his replacement is illegal in nature.

If SBP, and Gilas officials think that all is well now, they are in for a rude awakening. Japan, Korea, Iran and China will definitely allow Douthit to play. These countries will allow Gilas to win all of its games. But these countries too can very well place all of Gilas' games under protest. And with the replacement of Blatche with Douthit illegal in nature, the possibility of all of Gilas' wins being invalidated remains real. Gilas may even up end giving back its medal should a country protest its lineup.

It is just so unbelievable that SBP and the people behind Gilas are taking such a big and intentional risk. They are senselessly putting the Philippines to a possible international embarrassment with their action.

OF SEX VIDEOS AND VICTIMS

A showbiz celebrity now knows how damaging to one's career a sex video can be.

Not too long ago, the celebrity was asked by a sex video victim for help. The victim was all set to file criminal charges against the maker of her sex video and asked the celebrity to be a witness in court. But the celebrity decided to distance himself from the scandal. He refused to be a witness for the victim. The victim, knowing that her case would be weak without the testimony of the celebrity, thus abandoned the idea of filing a case in court.

But in a strange twist of fate, a sex video of the celebrity surfaced.

Now, the celebrity can hardly be seen. Now, it is the celebrity who needs to find someone who can really help him.

"WHAT A SHAME"

Ito ang naging pahayag ni Coach Chot Reyes nang mapagdesisyunan ng Olympic Council of Asia na di payagang makapaglaro si Andray Blatche sa Incheon Asian Games.

Subalit ang totoong nakakahiya ay ang mga inasta ng pamunuan ng Gilas Pilipinas at SBP bago pa man magsimula ang Asian Games. Nagbanta ang SBP ng boycott sakaling di payagan si Blatche na makapaglaro. Parang iyakin na bata na nagbanta sa OCA ng boycott ang SBP sakaling di nito makuha ang gusto. Nang mapansing di patitinag ang OCA, kumuha na ng kung sinu-sinong padrino ang SBP. Inutusan nilang makiusap si Baumann ng FIBA, Richie Garcia ng PSC, POC President Peping Cojuangco at Moying Martelino sa OCA para mapaglaro ang kanilang dinidiyos na naturalized player. Nagmistulang talipapa ang Asian Games sa pakikipagtawaran ng FIBA, PSC at POC. Kapansin-pansin na tikom ang bibig ng PSC sa kung paano nila napapayag ang OCA na payagang makapaglaro si Douthit at Alapag para sa Gilas.

Ang mas nakakahiya para sa akin ay ang ginagawang pagtrato ng Gilas Pilipinas kay Marcus Douthit. Matapos itapon na parang basahan sa nakaraang FIBA World Cup, heto at muling kinukuha ni Coach Chot ang serbisyo ng mabait na player. Para bang walang pagpapahalaga si Coach Chot kay Douthit bilang tao at manlalaro. Gagamitin lang ni Coach Chot si Douthit kung wala ng ibang magagamit na naturalized player. Hanggang sa kahuli-hulihan, si Andray Blatche ang gusto ni Coach Chot na maglaro kahit alam na alam niya na di talaga puede.

What a shame.

GILAS SA ASIAN GAMES : GILAS LAST HOME STAND PART 2 ?

Minsan pa, saksi ang taumbayan sa di pagsunod sa alituntunin ng pamunuan ng Gilas Pilipinas. Tulas nang di pagsunod sa alituntunin ng NBA na humantong sa kahihiyang Gilas Last Home Stand, pinipilit na naman ng mga tao sa likod ng Gilas Pilipinas na lumusot sa patakaran ng Olympic Council of Asia hinggil sa nalalapit na Asian Games sa Korea. Pinipilit ng MVP group na isali si Andray Blatche sa Asian Games kahit ilang beses nang sinabi ng OCA na hindi puedeng maglaro ang naturalized player ng bansa. Sa sobrang pagpupumilit, pati ang FIBA any isinangkot na rin sa usapin. Ang FIBA naman, parang tuta na nakiusap sa OCA para sa MVP group.

Tulad ng Gilas Last Home Stand, matagal nang alam ng pamunuan ng Gilas Pilipinas ang puede at hindi puede. Dalawang buwan na ang nakalilipas nang sabihan sila na hindi puedeng maglaro si Blatche dahil sa residency rule.  Sa pagsumite pa lang ng line-up para sa Asian Games, alam na ni Coach Chot Reyes na sasabit si Andray Blatche sa residency rule. Simula pa lang, batid niya na may posibilidad na magkakaproblema ang kanyang koponan pag sinama niya ang pangalan ni Blatche sa line-up. Subalit tinuloy niya pa rin ang gusto niya.

Pilit na pinalilitaw ng MVP group na ginigipit lang ang Gilas Pilipinas ng Korea. Ayaw ng Korea na manalo ng gintong medalya ang Gilas kaya hindi pinapayagan si Blatche na makapaglaro. Subalit maging ang Korea ay di rin pinayagang isama ang isang Amerikano sa kanilang koponan. Si Aaron Hayes ay di rin pinayagan ng OCA na makapaglaro para sa Korea.

Ngayon, binabalak ng pamunuan ng Gilas Pilipinas na i-boycott ang Asian Games. Tignan natin kung hanggang saan ang tapang ng pamunuan ng Gilas Pilipinas sakaling patawan sila ng multa at bigyan ang bansa ng suspensyon sa pagsali sa Olympics kapag itinuloy nila ang balak nilang boycott. Tulad ng Gilas Last Home Stand, siguradong mauuwi lang sa matinding kahihiyan ang boycott na binabalak ng pamunuan ng Gilas Pilipinas.

THE BIGGEST LESSON IN FIBA WORLD CUP FOR GILAS PILIPINAS

The sight of hardworking Gilas player Marc Pingris crying says it all. Gilas Pilipinas fails to advance to the next round in FIBA World Cup after losing to gutsy Puerto Rico, 77-73.

Without a doubt, Gilas Pilipinas played to the best of its ability. Without a doubt, the team tried hard to win every game. While other Asian teams are being crushed to a pulp by their opponents, Gilas Pilipinas was holding its own against the best teams in the world.

So many basketball lessons can be learned from the Gilas experience. But the biggest and most important lesson, I think, goes beyond basketball.

Three hours before the game against Puerto Rico, I tweeted Gilas fans, officials and Coach Chot Reyes to a 7:25pm prayer for the team. The simultaneous and combined prayers, I hoped, would finally give Gilas Pilipinas the crucial and much-needed win. Interestingly, no one responded to, much less retweeted, my tweet.  Perhaps, people found the tweet simply irrelevant and not worthy of any attention.

But in a situation where one tries with all his might and yet fails to achieve his purpose, prayers can spell a big difference. The biggest lesson, I think, in the whole Gilas experience in FIBA World Cup is the power of prayer. The team perhaps forgot to collectively call on God, thinking that it can win games on its own. That it has everything in its power to turn the games in its favor. But as results show, try as the team might, victory never came. Had Gilas Pilipinas and its fans been humble enough to acknowledge the greater power of  prayer, I am sure the results would have been much better for everyone.

MANALO ANG DAPAT LAYUNIN NG GILAS PILIPNAS

Nakakapagtaka na ang karamihan sa mga Pilipino ay masaya na sa ipinapakita ng Gilas Pilipinas sa FIBA World Cup sa Spain. Masaya na ang karamihan na dikit ang laban ng Gilas sa mga bansang tulad ng Greece, Croatia at Argentina. Proud na ang mga Pinoy na lumalaban nang husto ang pambansang koponan sa itinuturing na pinakamagagaling na bansa sa basketball.

Subalit ang FIBA World Cup ay patungkol pa rin sa dami ng panalo na maitatala ng isang bansa. Panalo ang batayan ng kagalingan at di kung paano lumaban ang isang koponan. Ang pagpuri sa laro ng Gilas Pilinas ay parang pagpapalaganap lamang ng kakulangan ng koponan. At ang kaisipan na ito ang kailangan ingatan ng mga Pinoy. Nawawala ang kultura ng pagwawagi sa patuloy na pagpapahalaga sa pagkatalo. Nawawala ang pagpapahalaga na kailangan manalo sa ano mang laban.

Ang pagiging talunan ay di kailanman dapat parangalan. Sa larangan ng palakasan, ang medalyang ginto o championship trophy pa rin ang dapat kamtan. Ang pag-unlad at pagnanasang maging pinakamagaling ay mag-uugat lamang sa paniniwalang ang panalo ay ang nag-iisang tanda ng kagalingan.

HOW IS ANDRAY BLATCH PERFORMING AS A NATURALIZED PLAYER FOR GILAS PILIPINAS ?

After two games, Gilas Pilipinas remains at the bottom of the team standings in Group B with two losses. Andray Blatche is leading the team in points and rebounds per game. He is averaging 24.5 points and 13.0 rebounds per game in 37 minutes of play per game.

At first glance, Blatche's statistics seem impressive. But considering that he plays 37 minutes per game, his points and rebounds per game become average. In fact, despite his stats, Blatch merely has an efficiency rating of 20 per game. The benchmark for player efficiency is 15.0.

But what is disappointing is Andray Blatche's field goal percentage so far. After two games, he has only managed to convert 16 attempts out of a total of 42 for an average of 38.1%. This particular stat clearly shows that Blatche wastes a lot of attempts.

Without a doubt, if Gilas Pilipinas is to advance to the next round, it is imperative for its players to shoot accurately. Andray Blatche and the rest of the team must improve their shooting percentage. Against taller opponents, impeccable shooting will be the main weapon of the team. Hopefully, with three games remaining for the team, Andray Blatche and the rest of the team start to shoot the daylights out of the coliseum. Only then can Filipino fans expect a win from the team.

NAGPAKITANG-GILAS ANG GILAS PILIPINAS PERO ....

courtesy of banderainquirer

Sadyang nagpakitang-gilas ang Gilas Pilipinas sa una nitong laro sa FIBA World Cup na ginaganap sa Spain. Halos manalo ang pambansang koponan ng Pilipinas laban sa kinatatakutang Croatia, 81-78. Kinailangan pa ng Croatia ng extra time para tuluyang pataubin ang Gilas.

Kahanga-hanga ang naging laro ng mga Pilipinong Gilas players sa pangunguna ni Jeff Chan na kumada ng 17 points. Sina Alapag, Tenorio at Castro ay nagmando nang tama sa buong laro. Maging sina Marc Pingris at Junemar Fajardo ay bigay-todo at buong tapang sa paglalaro.

Ang nakakapagtaka lamang ay inilaan ni Coach Chot Reyes ang pinakamalaking papuri para kay Andray Blatche. Bagamat naka-iskor ng crucial na three pointer ang Gilas naturalized player, naging kalat ang laro niya sa kabuuan. Maraming tira ang mintis at ilang turnovers din ang ginawa ni Blatche. Hindi siya naglaro bilang dominating center na siya pa namang kailangan ng koponan.

Kung ibang naturalized player ang naglaro, baka nanalo pa ang Gilas Pilipinas. Matauhan na sana si Coach Chot na hindi Kobe Bryant, Lebron James o Michael Jordan si Blatche na tulad ng pinapalagay niya.

HOW WILL GILAS PILIPINAS FARE IN FIBA WORLD CUP ?

Simply put, Gilas Pilipinas will find it extremely hard to win a single game in FIBA World Cup in Spain.

The pre-FIBA tournament tune-up games, where Gilas Pilipnas lost all of its games is a glimpse of things to come. There is hardly anything that Gilas can rely upon to beat its taller opponents. The team's three point shooting is so erratic and does not even come close to Ukraine's reliable outside shooting. As seen from the tune-up games, the taller opponents are faster than most of Gilas' players. The team exhibits the PBA brand of play which does not work in a highly competitive international tournament like the World Cup. Touch passing is a staple while Gilas point guards dribble so much.

But what really will spell the doom of Gilas Pilipinas is Andray Blatche's uninspiring play. What the team needs is a leader who can motivate his teammates to outperform themselves. Blatche, it seems, is happy to just play and does not appear to be on a personal crusade to at least carry his team to the second round. He plays like a shooting forward instead of a legitimate center which is what the team badly needs. I was just so surprised to see Blatche take so many three point shots against Angola. It is as if he does not know what is expected of him.

With opponents like Puerto Rico, Greece, Argentina, Croatia and Senegal, Gilas Pilipinas can only hope that its three point shooting clicks, Blatche plays like a legitimate and dominating center and its defense becomes impenetrable. Only then can the Philippines hope for a decent showing.

HOMESICK NA NAMAN ANG GILAS PILIPINAS ?

May dahilan na naman ang Gilas Pilipinas sa sunud-sunod na pagkatalo sa mga tune-up games. Ayon sa balita, naho-homesick ang mga players ng pambansang koponan sa basketball kaya natatalo. Sadyang nakakatawa at nakakainis ang dahilang pinalilitaw ng mga namamahala ng team sapagkat wala pa ata isang buwan nakakaalis ang koponan at homesick na ito.

Ayaw man aminin ng mga taga-Gilas Pilipinas, ang totoong dahilan kung bakit panay talo ang koponan ay dahil kulang ito sa paghahanda para sa matinding bakbakan. Ang official line-up ng Gilas para sa FIBA World Cup ay nagawa tatlong araw pa lang ang nakakalipas. Ang pamatay na three point shooting ng koponan ay di gumagana. Mas magaling pa sa three point shooting ang mga matatangkad na Ukrainian players kumpara sa mga pambato ng ating koponan. Si Andray Blatche ay isang malaking kabiguan bilang naturalized player. Sa halip na legitimate center ang posisyong laruin, si Blatche ay nag-aastang shooting forward.

Hanggang nananatiling bulag sa katotohanan ang mga namamahala sa Gilas Pilipinas, patuloy na matatalo ang ating koponan. Hindi uubra ang drama sa isang kumpetisyon na tulad ng FIBA World Cup.

SI MVP AT MGA FILIPINO SPORTS WRITERS SA GITNA NG GULO NG GILAS LAST HOME STAND

Lahat ng sports writers ay inaabswelto si PLDT President Manny V. Pangilinan sa ano mang pagkakasala sa naganap na kapalpakan sa Gilas Last Home Stand. Lahat ay nagpapalagay na itinago kay MVP na walang pahintulot mula sa NBA ang pagsasagawa ng clinic o charity event sa Pilipinas na kasama ang ilang NBA players.

Sa presscon na ginanap matapos ang Gilas Pilipinas Last Home Stand, sinabi ni MVP na sadyang walang laro na magaganap sa event. Na isang clinic talaga ang nasabing event. Nangangahulugan lamang na alam niya na walang permit ang kanilang grupo para magsagawa ng isang full-on game (basahin http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/371614/sports/opinion/commentary-wais-moves-led-to-gilas-vs-nba-cancellation-fiasco). Inamin din ni MVP na itinulad nila ang kanilang charity event sa mga events sa Amerika na pinapayagan ng NBA (basahin http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/third-party-agency-admits-nba-declined-request-for-sanction-gilas-event-as-early-as-april). Walang dahilan para itulad pa ang Gilas Last Home Stand sa mga events sa Amerika kung ito ay may permit o sanction. Samakatwid, alam din ni MVP na maging para sa isang charity event, wala silang nakuhang permit. Idagdag pa rito ang pahayag ni Maria Espaldon, East West Private president, na inayon nila ang kanilang event sa mga unsanctioned events na pangkaraniwang ginagawa sa Amerika kahit sa mga pipitsuging basketball courts.

Ngayon, masasabi ba na walang kaalam-alam ang PLDT president sa tunay na kalagayan at katayuan ng Gilas Last Home Stand  ilang buwan bago ang araw ng pagtatanghal nito ? Tama ba ang mga sports writers sa mga nilalabas nilang artikulo na itinago ng promoter kay MVP ang mahahalagang detalye ?

Ano ang iyong palagay ?

Hindi ako mapalagay.

ANG MGA TANONG NA HINDI SINAGOT NG PLDT PUBLIC AFFAIRS TUNGKOL SA GILAS LAST HOME STAND

Matapos ang halos dalawang linggong pag-aantabay, di rin sinagot ng PLDT Public Affairs ang aking mga tanong tungkol sa nabulilyasong Gilas Last Home Stand. Kahit isang email interview, di nagpaunlak ang PLDT Public Affairs at sa halip ay sinabing magtanong na lang ako sa kanilang promoter. Narito ang mga tanong na hindi sinagot :

1. Bakit naisipan ng PLDT na isagawa ang Gilas Last Home Stand ?

2. Napagsabihan ba si MVP o PLDT na hindi binigyan ng NBA ang East West Private ng permit para magsagawa ng exhibition game sa Manila ?

3. Napagsabihan rin ba si MVP o PLDT na hindi nabigyan ang East West Private ng permit para magsagawa ng isang charity event ?

4. Paano nalaman ni MVP at PLDT na hindi puedeng magtanghal ng isang full on game sa Gilas Last Home Stand ?

5. Bakit kinailangan na itulad ang charity event ng PLDT sa ibang charity events na pinayagan ng NBA sa Amerika ?

6. Bakit itinuloy pa rin ng PLDT ang pagtatanghal gayung makailang beses nang hindi binigyan ng pahintulot ang East West na magsagawa ng kung ano mang event ?

7. Ano ang naging papel ni Coach Chot Reyes sa kaguluhang naganap ?

8. Bakit ipinaubaya ni MVP at PLDT ang isang malaking event ng tulad ng Gilas Last Home Stand sa East West Private nang buong-buo ?

9. Idedemanda ba ng PLDT ang East West Private sa naganap na bulilyaso ?

10. Ano ang mahalagang aral ang natutunan ng PLDT sa nangyari ?

11. Magtatangka pa ba ang PLDT sa pamumuno ni MVP na magparating pa ng NBA players para sa isang exhibition game o charity event ?

Hangad ko sanang matuldukan na ang isyu ng Gilas Last Home Stand sa pamamagitan ng isang masinsinang panayam. Subalit minabuti ng PLDT Public Affairs na iwang walang katiyakang sagot ang ilang mahahalagang katanungan. Gayun pa man, naniniwala akong lalabas rin ang katotohanan hinggil sa "charity event" na sadyang nagpakulo ng dugo ng maraming basketball fans.

THE GILAS PILIPINAS-NBA STARS FIASCO

What was touted as Gilas Pilipinas' last home stand did not materialize as organizers claim that NBA refused to grant permission to its players to play competitive basketball. Filipino basketball fans were totally dismayed and felt betrayed upon the announcement that only drills were to be performed by Gilas and their NBA counterparts just minutes before the actual game.

I am just puzzled as to why the organizers failed to set everything right for the exhibition game. After all, it is fairly simple to write to NBA to ask permission for the exhibition game. The mess could have been easily avoided had the organizers been diligent in obtaining the necessary permit. The organizers had at least 5 months to fix the necessary permit. What were they thinking in bypassing NBA anyway ?

I am likewise bothered by the fact that the NBA players and their agents agreed to play without knowing that they will run into trouble with the NBA. These players were paid in hundreds of thousands of dollars for the game. They accepted the complete financial package that was offered to them for the game. Certainly, a check with their mother organization whether they can actually play is the least that they can do.

I feel sorry for MVP who now must face the people's wrath. It his army of trusted men who, I think, must be blamed largely for the mess. But then again, is it possible for MVP not to know that as early as April, NBA issued a non-approval of the game ? Is it possible that all his trusted men hid that very crucial detail to him ? Can MVP claim that he is unaware of what was really going on ?

Lastly, I can't help ask where Coach Chot Reyes is in all these ?

WHAT IS THE REAL SCORE WITH GILAS PILIPINAS ?

I am rather puzzled with the way Gilas Pilipinas is preparing for FIBA World Cup in Spain.

Two months before the tournament, the coaching staff of the Philippine team is still experimenting on who will make up the team. Several of those who played during FIBA Asia were left out during Asia Cup in favor of new players. There are talks that 17 players will be sent to Spain instead of 12. But will sending more players really make a difference ? After all, only 12 players will be allowed to play during the tournament. And will the uncertainty of the team's lineup help build teamwork and familiarity ?

Then there is the much-touted workout with NBA stars. Several known NBA players will play two games against Gilas Pilipinas which will serve as tune-ups for the team. While the intention is there, when has an exhibition/charity game really brought out the true capability of a team ? Surely, all the players will play with caution to prevent injuries. Likewise, the games will more likely be played for show. The games will be played to keep the fans happy than anything else.

Sadly, it is the coaching staff that is making the road to Spain bumpy. Instead of focusing on the essentials, it chooses to highlight irrelevance and drama. It is as if the coaching staff is not aware of how difficult it is for the team to win even just one game in Spain. The situation calls for hard practice and a system that will work well against strong teams like Greece, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Croatia and Senegal. Up to this point, I don't see the coaching staff  measuring up to the challenge. And a complete defeat of the team is becoming inevitable.

SAMURAI BLUE MUST NOW WIN BIG

courtesy of fifa.com

Japan drew with Greece, 0-0, after a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Cote D' Ivoire in the 2014 World Cup. Samurai Blue will play its last match against Colombia, which has won all of its games so far.

With the way things stand, Japan must now win big against Colombia for a chance to advance to the last 16. It must score at least 2 goals over Colombia to have a chance of advancing to the next round. Japan must also hope that Greece and Cote D' Ivoire play to a scoreless draw to smoothly claim a higher goal difference. A win by Greece by just 2 goals over Cote D'Ivoire will allow Japan to make it to the next round by having a higher goal difference. All these scenarios are possible only if Japan wins more than 2 goals over Colombia. A victory by Cote D 'Ivoire over Greece will eliminate Japan.

In any case, Japan will surely play its heart out in its last match in the 2014 World Cup. After all, Samurai Blue is more than just a football team. It is the heart and soul of Japan and its people.

COBRA-PDBF ELITE TEAM SA UNANG DRAGON BOAT WORLD CUP : KUWENTO NG TAGUMPAY SA GITNA NG KAHIRAPAN

Matapos mamayagpag sa nakaraang Asian Championships, muling nagpakitang-gilas ang Cobra-PDBF Elite Team sa pinaka-prestihiyosong torneo para sa dragon boat. Nanalo ng 2 ginto at 1 pilak ang koponan sa kauna-unahang Dragon Boat World Cup upang magtapos sa ikalawang puwesto sa pangkahalatan. Nanguna ang Tsina at pumangatlo ang Canada sa torneo na nilahukan ng 16 sa pinaka-mabibilis na koponan sa buong mundo.

Sa kabila ng tagumpay ng Cobra-PDBF Elite Team, nananatili akong malungkot para sa koponan. Hanggang ngayon, di ito kinikilala ng Philippine Olympic Committee at Philippine Sports Commission. Dahil dito, patuloy na di nakakatanggap ng suporta sa pamahalaan ang koponan. Hanggang ngayon, nananatiling bulag, pipi at bingi ang pamahalaan sa tagumpay na patuloy na inihahatid ng koponan para sa bansa.

Ipinagbigay-alam ko na rin kay Sen. Sonny Angara ang kalagayan ng koponan.  Subalit wala pa ring ginagawang aksyon ang senador para kilananin ang koponan. Marahil, ngayong nanalo na naman ang koponan, mapipilitan nang kumilos ang senador na siyang punong-abala sa  Senate Committee on Sports. Mapipilitang kumilos ang senador para makisawsaw sa tagumpay ng koponan.

Ang pinaka-mahalagang aral na lang na mapupulot sa karanasang ng Cobra-PDBF Elite Team ay ang di pag-asa sa tulong ng pamahalan para magtagumpay sa larangan ng palakasan. Ang determinasyong magtagumpay pa rin ang pinaka-mahalaga. Di pa rin kayang pataubin ng pamumulitika ang likas na galing at husay ng atletang Pinoy.

Mabuhay ang Cobra-PDBF Elite Team !

.

THE AIR ATTACK WITH BC THE MAN 5-11-14

ANDRAY BLATCHE AND GILAS PILIPINAS : ALL ABOUT THE MONEY

Whether people admit it or not, Andray Blatche will play for the Philippines for the money. It is as simple as that.

Gilas - Pilipinas takes pride in having the heart of a Filipino in the midst of great adversity. '' Puso " has been the selling point of the team. With that said, how can Blatche exhibit the heart of a Filipino if money is his main concern and prime motivating factor ?

Besides, will it really make much of a difference whether Blatche or Douthit plays for the country ? Gilas - Pilipinas will be extremely lucky to get past the elimination stage. More importantly, basketball is a team sport. Naturalizing even the best player in the world cannot make a team win without the help of eleven other players.

I see the naturalization of Blatche as a desperate, useless move and a grim reminder of just how Filipinos see foreigners as their saviors. By the way, just how much did SBP spend to make Blatche a Filipino citizen ? I think Filipinos want and deserve to know just how much their citizenship costs.

OPEN LETTER TO SEN. SONNY ANGARA

courtesy of inquirer.net

On June 10, 2014, you and your committee will conduct yet another senate inquiry on the state of Philippine sports. Invited guests and resource persons include POC President Peping Cojuangco, PSC Chairman Garcia and their minions. And as usual, these sports officials will paint a rosy picture of sports in the country.

But the truth is, Philippine sports is in a deep rut. Corruption remains endemic. The Commission on Audit itself reports that majority of national sports associations have unliquidated cash advances that amount to millions. In the face of the COA report, has PSC filed cases against these corrupt NSA's ?

Expectedly, Philippine Football Federation President Nonong Araneta will speak glowingly of the Azkals' runner-up finish in the recent AFC Challenge Cup. But will he likewise inform you and your committee just how much it cost to have the Azkals compete in the said tournament of lowly-ranked teams ? Will the PFF president tell you that the Azkals lost to a team ranked 165th in the world ?

Two days from now, a Philippine team will compete at the 1st Dragon Boat World Cup in China. Will Cojuangco and Garcia admit to you that the POC and PSC do not recognize the team ? That the team is favored to win a gold medal but will not receive moral nor financial support from POC and PSC ?

I sincerely hope that you and your committee will conduct an accurate and thorough investigation on the state of Philippine sports. Hopefully, you will likewise do what is right. You can do all the senate inquiries that you want. But without concrete action, these inquiries remain a waste of time and people's money.

JAPAN'S SAMURAI BLUE AT 2014 WORLD CUP

courtesy of houseofjapan.com

The biggest sporting event in the world happens a week from now. Thirty-two of the best football teams will compete in Brazil for 2014 World Cup.

I will definitely watch the matches that will feature Japan. Japan's Samurai Blue is the first Asian team to qualify for World Cup Brazil. At the Asian qualifiers, Japan stood head and shoulders above its Asian opponents to qualify smoothly to Brazil.

Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki will lead Samurai Blue's campaign. Bracketed with Ivory Coast, Greece and Colombia, Japan stands a good chance of entering the round of 16. In a World Cup tune-up, Japan beat 34th ranked Costa Rica to set hopes up high for a good showing in Brazil.

With Coach Alberto Zaccheroni still the head coach of Samurai Blue, Japan is very much a team to watch. With the tremendous support of its fans, Japan might just pull one of the biggest surprises in Brazil.

                                         Samurai, the time has come to fight !

COBRA - PDBF TEAM WINS 1 GOLD AND 2 SILVERS AT THE 11TH ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Cobra - PDBF team won 1 gold and 2 silvers at the recently-concluded 11th Asian Championships in China. Despite not getting any support from the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Olympic Committee, the team managed to make the country proud with its world-class performance. The race results were as follows :

200m Mixed Standard:  (SILVER)

 1. China                           46 248

 2. Philippines (PDBF)    46 682

 3. Chinese Taipei             46 864 sec

 4. Thailand                      47 182

 5. Indonesia                     47 472

 6. Macau                         49 666

200m Mens Category:

 1. Thailand                     49 010 sec

 2. China                         49 124

 3. Chinese Taipei            49 144

 4. Philippines(PDBF)    49 210

 5. Indonesia                    50 128

 6. Australia                     51 644

200m Womens Category:

  1. China                        54 174 sec

  2. Thailand                    55 528

  3. Australia                    55 546

  4. Philippines (PDBF)  56 108

  5. Indonesia                   56 180

  6. Chinese Taipei           57 706

500m mens category  (GOLD)

 1. Philippines (PDBF)               2 04 486sec

 2. China                                    2 05 094

 3. Thailand                               2 05 706

 4. Indonesia                              2 07 940

 5. Chinese Taipei                     2 08 186

 6. Singapore                             2 13 332

500m womens category:

 1. China                                2 16 602

 2. Thailand                            2 17 514

 3. Australia                            2 20 984

 4. Philippines(PDBF)            2 21 066

 5. Indonesia                          2 23 772

 6. Singapore                         2 26 756

500m MIXED Standard: (SILVER)

 1. Chinese Taipei             1 58 736 sec

 2. Philippines(PDBF)       1 59 072

 3. China                            1 59 318

 4. Thailand                        1 59 806

 5. Indonesia                       2 00 516

 6. Australia                        2 05 838   

The team is set to compete next at the 1st Dragon Boat World Cup to be held in China from June 9-13, 2014. Major sponsors of the team include Cobra Energy Drink, Krooberg and Gold's Gym.