The fix is still on

David Stern can breathe a sigh of relief, at least for another day. His dream for a Kobe-Lebron championship series is still alive.

The Orlando Magic had their chances in Game 5 but ultimately fumbled in the fourth quarter. As expected, it didn't help the Magic's cause that the refs were riding the King's jock again.

The fix was a bit more obvious in Game 5 of the Denver-LA series as all 50-50 calls in the fourth quarter went the Lakers' way. Still, Denver had their opportunities too, but they played terrible basketball in the final period. Chauncey Billups was totally out-of-sync. He looked like a rookie with all the stupid turnovers and poor decisions.

I hope the Nuggets get their act together and win Game 6 tomorrow at the Pepsi Center then hopefully squeak past the NBA fix for Game 7 in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Orlando has a real solid chance of closing Cleveland out at home on Sunday.

Count me in as one of the few who don't want to see a Mamba-King duel in the Finals. I can just imagine how much of a slurpfest that would be.

Barca wins lackluster Champions League Final

What an anticlimactic end to an otherwise superb season of European football. Too bad the English champions failed to show up tonight. Props to Barcelona for getting the job done.

On a different note, what the fuck is up with United's all-white kit?! They looked like Real Madrid. They played like Real Madrid. They lost like Real Madrid. SMH.

Roma 2009: The Dream Final

The most anticipated game in world club football kicks off in less than an hour. Fittingly, it pits arguably the two best clubs this season.

My take? United wins, 1-0, in regulation.

Stern Warning

The NBA should have an ambulance and a med-evac chopper ready at the Staples Center for Game 5. With Orlando winning today, a Denver victory tomorrow just might lead to a David Stern heart attack.

I can already imagine the Amway Arena and Pepsi Center crowds going wild.

Stern in trouble

I think it was fairly obvious to the whole world that David Stern and his army of imbecile refs tried to win Game 4 for Lebron James and company. Too bad the Magic didn't get the memo and kept hitting their threes at an amazing rate, closing out Cleveland in overtime.

Besides, how can you rig the game if Lebron kept turning the ball over without contact? The zebras can't blow his horn their whistles then.

I expect the NBA to go all out and make sure this series reaches Game 7. I just hope Orlando can keep shooting the lights out so Stern can bid his dream finals goodbye.

Until then though, brace yourselves for more bullshit calls in favor of the one they call King.

The Birdman takes flight

In case you missed it, this was the ESPN special on Denver's Chris Andersen as shown during halftime of the Western Conference Finals Game 4 between the Lakers and Nuggets yesterday.



"What statement did you want to make?"

"Look at me now."

Twitter overtakes FB for my attention

Haven't been on FB recently because of Twitter. No, I haven't jumped off the Facebook bandwagon yet. I just find it easier logging on to Twitter because I don't need to have wi-fi to send or update my tweets. Plus yeah, it's a lot less complicated too.

Love-set witness

In all my years playing competitive pickup ball, I've never seen or experienced a love-set game. You know, a game so lopsided that the losing team couldn't even muster a score.

Until tonight.

I was on the right side of a love-set game when we absolutely demolished this particular team on our way to a 21-0 blowout win. Afterwards, we were all in a state of awe and disbelief with what had just transpired.

This might not mean much for other people but I take pride in winning.

Plus, nothing feels better than dominating your opponent so much that the next time you play them, they don't believe they have any chance. They've lost the game before it even started.

Air Jordan still owns THE SHOT in Cleveland

I've been hearing people say King James' buzzer-beater trumps Air Jordan's shot over Craig Ehlo two decades ago.

Let's make this simple.

Lebron James hit a three at the buzzer to win Game 2 over the Orlando Magic. Whatever happens, they go to Orlando for Game 3 this weekend.

Michael Jordan drilled a gamewinner at the buzzer to win a series over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Had he missed, the Bulls were out of the playoffs.

Now tell me who's clutch.

Unbeata-Bulls

I looked up 'dynasty' over the web. This is what I got:

Swine flu stopover

It took a while but the Philippines is no longer A(H1N1)-free. The Department of Health recently confirmed the first ever case of swine flu in the country. The victim is a 10-year-old girl who recently flew in from the US.

I hope this is just an isolated case and does not spark anything disastrous. On second thought, Manila's got terrible air pollution. Maybe it's enough to deter the airborne virus from spreading. LOL.

Day of the 'dogs

The Orlando Magic came back from 15 down to snatch a 107-106 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Lebron James was at his usual best scoring 49 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, dishing out 6 assists while blocking 3 shots in the loss. The Magic were 9-point underdogs in Game 1.

The American Idol final night turned out to be another shocker. There was little doubt that everyone expected favorite Adam Lambert to win. In a bizarre twist of fate, voters rallied behind heavy underdog Kris Allen who came out on top.

Sometimes I like rooting for the 'dogs to make things interesting. It's not fun if you go chalk all the way.

Back to books

People might not believe this because I'm actually having a difficult time believing it myself too, but I've mysteriously started reading recently. I was never into books so it's quite puzzling, I know.

Reading was never my thing, at least not since the Hardy Boys Casefiles were in fashion back in my primary school days. That's the last time I remember enjoying some form of literature. I guess going through a stack of pages wasn't my idea of having a good time while I was growing up. Glad I was able to survive school having enlisted the help of Barron's or Cliffs for my book reports. I wish we had Wikipedia back then. It would've been way easier.

Anyway, I've been spending a lot of time the past few days finishing a couple of borrowed books. I'm hoping to finish them soon so I can return them and borrow a few more. I can't say how much longer this phenomenon will last but I'm hooked for now.

Clever comeback Vol. YM chat

Where's the modesty?

I only have honesty.

Phiten-ized

I've been wearing these titanium-infused Phiten necklaces for about a week now and I must say they've worked for me so far. I've been taking less of my asthma maintenance medication and I noticed I don't tire out anymore.

I'm not saying it's all because of these. For all I know it just might be all in my head. But whatever, as long as I feel it works and it does me good then that's all that really matters.

In case y'all are wondering, yeah I wear two and I never take them off.

Days and confused

I dunno what's wrong with me. Maybe I just lack sleep because I've been planning my day like it's a Saturday, only to realize it's just Friday.

Blown out Vol. Atlanta Hawks

My team got spanked in a pickup game last night at the Ateneo Gym, 30-10. If you follow the NBA Playoffs, we shot like Atlanta and defended like Dallas.

Unbelievable.

The Kings of Cover

Need proof that there are a lot of dumb people in this world?

Cleveland and Denver are an astonishing 17-0-1 against the spread during the first two rounds of the playoffs. The only non-cover was a push in Game 4 of the Cleveland-Atlanta series.

Amazingly, there are quite a number of bettors who still faded these teams despite the odds being stacked against them. They were looking to break the streak while everyone else was cashing in. If that ain't stupid, I dunno what is.

Making it rain Vol. Pacman Jones

We made it rain last night. Good lookin' out for those with umbrellas. Dolla, dolla bill y'all.

Cebu on my mind

It's been almost 2 months since I was last in Cebu and I'm kinda missing its laidback lifestyle. I've to admit that there's not much to do there though.

Anyway, I told myself I'll plan a quick trip there before I start working again.

Ode to my mother

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!! You know I love ya!

Lost for words

Some people are just so fuckin' unbelievable. You give them a inch, they want a mile. This is so messed up I don't know what else to say.

Disposable protection

This went around over the net last week, mostly via Twitter:

"Ninety people get the swine flu and everyone is wearing facemasks while millions have AIDS yet people still don't wear condoms."

Quite baffling yet so true.

But yeah, if you ask me... I'd most likely wear a mask than use rubber. LOL. SMH.

PBA groupies

I watched another Talk N Text game at the Big Dome yesterday. I swear I see the same faces over and over again everytime I go. I'm afraid it's only a matter of time until I start seeing them in my dreams too. SMH. LOL.

Great but not greatest yet

With his quick demolition of Ricky Hatton, Manny Pacquiao is on another level now. He's made his case for the best boxer in the world and I'm sure not a lot of people will object to that.

However, some folks are already proclaiming him the best ever. Too much of a reach at this point. I think he will need to beat Mayweather and perhaps one of the more high-profile welterweights in Paul "The Punisher" Williams or Miguel Cotto to stake his claim for the greatest boxer of all time.

I swear people are too caught up with the Pac-Man hype and slurpfest that it's starting to get annoying.

Mexico's latest export

Mexicans are known for producing good boxers and tequila. Now, they are infamous for spreading the dangerous swine flu virus.

Good thing there aren't any direct flights from Mexico to Manila. Not that it would prevent the virus from reaching the Philippines, but that's way better than sharing a border with them. I can just imagine the number of Mexicans going to the US legally or otherwise. It must be hell for the US authorities.

Attention-deprived Aquinos

They're at it again. SMH.

Cory Aquino's family, specifically her infamous celebrity daughter, is again asking for the public's sympathy. According to reports, the former Philippine president underwent some form of surgical procedure in relation to her bout with colon cancer.

I still don't get why they have to release official statements and even appear on television to rally prayers for the old lady. It's as if the public truly cares. Can someone please tell them she's way past her prime? As difficult as it is for them to accept, she's just not relevant anymore.

Besides, there are a million other nameless people who have cancer and cannot afford treatment who deserve the public's support and sympathy.

I can just imagine the amount of hype and media coverage she'll get once she dies. I will pity those who don't have cable television. Torture will be worse than Guantanamo.

Previous posts:
Cory and Cancer
Cory and Chemo

Feels weird to be out of IBM Basketball

I played hoops with my former IBM teammates yesterday. Haven't shared the same court with them ever since the MCBL championship game last December. Moreover, I left the company soon after so I haven't seen most of them since then. They're now getting ready for the 2009 MPG Corporate Basketball League (MCBL) that starts next weekend.

Modesty aside, I built the IBM basketball program from scratch in mid-2007. Since then, we've joined three leagues and we've never finished lower than 3rd. We've gotten two runners-up trophies while placing third once. We've also produced one MVP, one Best Defensive Player, 5 First Teamers, a few more Second Team players and numerous league statistical leaders. Pretty good for a group that had no organized basketball team before.

This season, like our previous ones, I think they have a great chance of getting back to the finals for a third consecutive time. Hopefully, they'll end up winning this time around. I'm sure, like me, they're tired of playing bridesmaid again.

I may not be part of the team and of the program anymore but I'm confident they will be able to continue what I started. We've never missed the playoffs while I was at the helm so I hope they keep that streak going. I left the team in good hands so I'm sure they know what to do.

Good luck, have fun and don't embarass yourselves, boys.

I will miss playing with all of you.

Pacquiao KOs Hatton

Didn't expect to see it end so abrupt, so fast and so soon but Manny Pacquiao sure shut the lights out of Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton for all the world to see. The Brit got clocked pretty bad.

Courtside seats to catch former Tar Heel

I'm excited to see former UNC player David Noel play as Ginebra takes on Talk N Text in the PBA's main game tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.

Dude's been on a roll since arriving as the Gin Kings' import a couple of weeks ago. He got a triple-double on his debut to lead Ginebra to a win. He also captured the Slam Dunk title and was named the All-Star game MVP during last week's PBA All-Star weekend.

Can't wait to see him play up close. Been his fan since he captained an overachieving 2005-06 UNC team to a fantastic season despite losing its championship core (Felton, May, McCants, Marvin Williams, Jawad Williams).

Against the spread

I haven't bet on NBA games since my last year in college. I'd still gamble on baccarat and craps from time to time but not on sports (with the exception to the Super Bowl and March Madness).

But the playoffs coupled with boredom got me going again and I've been playing the lines since last week.

So far, so good.

Traveling Vol. Trying hard

The PAL and CebuPac airfare seat sale has made jetsetters out of everyone. Yeah I do mean just about every person I know who has access to a credit card.

SMH at those who were/are flossin' their multiple bookings all over Facebook and Twitter like they paid premium.

Everyday at Friday's

I was craving for Friday's world famous chicken fingers so I took a TGIF tour last week.

April 21 - Robinsons Galleria
April 22 - Robinsons Place
April 23 - Bonifacio High
April 24 - Glorietta 3

I just might drop by the Trinoma and Morato branches soon as well.

Flash me baby

That's why black clothing and cam flashes never go hand-in-hand. Unless, of course, that's exactly what you want to happen. You won't see me complaining though.

Daniel Smith released!

It's good to hear L/Cpl Daniel Smith is back in the US after being acquitted by the Court of Appeals recently. The appellate court reversed the lower court's December 2006 decision convicting the US serviceman of raping Suzette Nicolas in 2005.

Smith should've never been convicted in the first place. Nicolas, aka Nicole, flirted her way into having consensual sex with the American then cried rape to save face and make a quick buck.

What's even more ironic and somewhat disturbing is that she flew to the US and plans to stay there for good after going all out against the Americans during the trial.

What can I say? She's the typical hypocrite, hoodrat and whore. Sad to say a lot of Pinays are just like her.

If You Seek Amy

F. U. C. K. Me

Witty wordplay. Brilliant Britney.

David Noel is PBA dunk champ

Former Tar Heel and current Ginebra import David Noel took home the PBA Slam Dunk crown today. The 2005 NCAA champ and 2006 Final Four Slam Dunk winner tore it up in the final round with a pair of 50-point throwdowns.

His highlight slam came from a round-off, backflip routine punctuated by a two-handed, alley-oop 360 that got the crowd on their feet.

Failed Fantasy repeat bid

I just missed out on defending my IBM NBA fantasy league title this year. For the second straight season, I entered the playoffs having the 4th seed and scored an upset on the topseeded team during the semis. I fell miserably in the finals though.

Coincidentally, both number one seeds from this year (Gh0stface) and last year (Lenobo) were managed by JP Sarmiento. I have bragging rights yet again for taking him down on consecutive seasons.

With a lot of us having left IBM already, I hope someone can still organize this when the 2009-10 NBA season starts later this year.

Back to basketball

Haven't hooped in about two weeks. Can't wait to hit the hardwood later.

A jolt back to reality

I had a long, enlightening chat with an old friend over lunch yesterday. I can't say it was pretty. There was no room for sugar-coating. It was purely blunt, unadulterated talk.

I haven't had that in a while. I believe we all need that from time to time. You know, someone to knock some sense into our heads and keep us afloat.

Filthy and floody Manila

I had a fun Recto adventure with my ex last month. She needed to run an errand so I accompanied her and we took the easiest and most convenient way to get there - to commute via LRT2. It might not have been the most comfortable option but it was a seamless ride.

My trip to Manila yesterday was nothing like my last one though. I may have picked the wrong time to go because it was raining real hard halfway through my train ride from Katipunan to Recto. Afterwhich I would need to go down and transfer to LRT1 to go to Malate.

Upon reaching the Recto terminal, there was flood everywhere. You cannot get out of the station without submerging your calves in dirty water. It was even worse along Taft, from where LRT1 passes. Getting off the Pedro Gil station to go to Robinsons Place Malate seemed like suicide.

I did manage to complete my errand but not after going through hell and high water. Excuse me for the pun but I was soaked from head to foot. My AM90 did not deserve the punishment it took from the murky flood water.

Anyway, my ordeal just reminded me of how shitty the Taft area is. They make Katipunan look way too posh.

Innate benevolence

I think I've been very nice and accomodating for too long now much to my disadvantage. Frankly, it hasn't brought be anything good except a barrage "stop being nice and don't accomodate" comments from friends. Worse, it seems some people have been capitalizing on exploiting my kindness.

Maybe it's about time I shed that attitude and start being an ass.

Or maybe I should just let karma equalize.

Ginebra brings in former Tar Heel as import

Can't believe David Noel from North Carolina's 2005 NCAA Basketball Champion team is playing as an import here in Manila! And to top that, he's playing for my favorite team too!

He recorded a triple-double on his debut the other night with 22 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists in leading Barangay Ginebra to a 100-94 win over Burger King.

I've all the more reason to catch the PBA games live this season with the former Tar Heel mainstay reinforcing the Gin Kings.

Insurance policy

It ain't always about getting back or getting even. But whatever happens, I will never let go of my Aces, even if it means deception.

Sleepy Sunday

Sunday was recup day for me as I was hammered into near alcohol submission for two consecutive nights. I swear my liver took a bad beating this weekend.

I had a few things to do but I chose to spend almost entire day and night sleeping to make up for the buzzed nights.

Doing just fine

I ain't gonna front. It's been quite difficult but at least it's getting better everyday.

Fishy Failon

I'm not saying ABS-CBN broadcaster and former Leyte Congressman Ted Failon shot his wife. But asking his housemaids to clean up the crime scene while refusing to report the incident early on sure doesn't help his case.

I don't know but something definitely smells fishy.

All about the Benjamins

No matter what people say that it ain't about the money, it almost always is.

Blogging via Email

Test entry... Blogging from my phone via wi-fi. Let's see if this works.

Rewind to the 90's

They played these at Attica last night, in no particlar order:

PM Dawn - Set Adrift In Memory Bliss of You
112 - Only You (Bad Boy Remix)
Backstreet Boys - All I Have To Give
Mark Morrison - Return of the Mack

Reminded me of my high school days. Good times.

We're both alike

Ohh, we were so the same
I don't know why I can't see it baby
And it ain't a point to feeling blue
You're just like me and I'm just like you

- Jamie Foxx, "Just Like Me"

Tweet Tweet

I finally caved in to peer pressure. Now I need to figure out how to get it into my phone.

FB stat: The sign

I think I may have seen my sign. Word to the Ace of Base.

"And it opened up my eyes, I saw the sign."

Love is being a complete player

I pride myself for having a steady all-around game. Here are my numbers while playing for Team Millar in the recently concluded ABL season:

10.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 7.8 apg*, 3.0 spg*

*Division leader

Project Leg Sleeve Part 2

With no concrete plans and nothing to do this Holy Week, I set myself up for another session for my leg sleeve. It's been almost three months since I started on it.

Despite a number of postponements, I finally had about an hour-and-a-half's worth of ink work done last night. I chose to start and finish the outline of the other design instead of filling in the unfinished one.

There are still a couple more designs to incorporate plus shading and coloring so I'm looking at three or even four more sittings to finally finish the whole sleeve.

Over rib-eye and Rock Band

I was pleasantly surprised to get a call from a friend earlier inviting me for a steak cookout tonight. I had zero plans for Maundy Thursday so it was definitely something to look forward to.

Those who know me know that I rarely eat beef. But I know my friend cooks a mean steak so I wouldn't miss it for the world.

I also played Rockband for the first time. I could understand how and why people get addicted. It is fun and it keeps my competitive juices flowing everytime I make a mistake and mess up. But I just can't get the hang of playing the drums. It just gets me so disoriented I end up being all frustrated.

Oh yeah, I heard they have it for DS. I don't usually play with mine but I just might get myself one.

Edit: They don't have it for DS yet but there are plans on releasing one. An alternative would be Guitar Hero, which is already available for DS. I don't like it though.

New model, original parts

I did something the other day that I haven't done in a long time - I watched a movie alone. I had a couple of errands to do in Eastwood so I decided to check out the cinema schedule. I was in luck as I came in just in time for the midday screening of "Fast & Furious."

As I expected, the movie was filled with explosive action and racing scenes pretty much consistent with the three prior installments of the series. It's also good to see the original cast back to reprise their roles. If you've been following the series you'd know the second and third films had different sets of actors.

Anyway, I picked a good movie to watch by myself. I swear if I saw one that wasn't as exciting and adrenaline-pumping as this, I would have fallen asleep in no time.

Party a la Iron Man

I almost missed the NCAA National Championship game this morning. I came home a bit buzzed from a friend's party and I woke up with a maddening headache.

Speaking of the party, my friend was celebrating a major milestone in his life. No, it wasn't his birthday nor was he getting married. There was just a reason to celebrate.

Anyhow, you my friend, are the king of swagger. Very low key but undoubtedly fly. You make Tony Starks look like a commoner. And oh, like Mr. Iron Man himself, did I mention I'm in love with your R8? Let me take it for a spin sometime and I'll be your servant forever. Hahaha.

Seriously though, congratulations padron! Why don't we set this off with another Macau getaway?

Cheers, pare!

Oh Carolina!!!

North Carolina romped through the NCAA tournament like MJ's Bulls of the 90's. They were simply far and away the best college basketball team in America.

In a masterful display of sheer dominance, the Tar Heels raced to a quick double digit lead within 4 minutes of tipoff and it was all but over midway through the first half. They coasted for much of the second half and ended Michigan State and the rest of Detroit's hopeful dreams with an 89-72 blowout win.

Like UNC's 35-point victory over the same Michigan State team in the same venue last December, the Spartans didn't even have a tiny bit of chance in this one. It was all Carolina blue from buzzer to buzzer.

Just like 4 years ago, when coach Roy Williams won his first title with NBA lottery picks Sean May, Raymond Felton, Marvin Williams and Rashad McCants, Carolina will lose its core.

Seniors Tyler Hansbrough and Danny Green will graduate and should find themselves in NBA rosters come June. Juniors Tywon Lawson and Wayne Ellington will most likely join their senior teammates in the NBA draft.

They will, however, welcome the number one-ranked recruiting class next season. So not all is lost for the Tar Heel faithful. As the saying goes, "We don't rebuild, we reload." Expect UNC to remain in a good position to possibly defend their title.

Despite heavy expectations and tremendous pressure, Carolina proved to everyone why they were annointed college hoops' best team. They started and finished the 2008-09 season at the top, head and shoulders above everyone else.

It wasn't even close.

UNC guns for another national championship

North Carolina bulldozed through the first four rounds of the NCAA tournament with so much ease. The national semifinals yesterday added yet another impressive and convincing win.

The Tar Heels maintained a steady double-digit lead throughout the game to end Villanova's season, 83-69. Simply put, the Wildcats never stood a chance. It was pretty much all Carolina Blue from start to finish.

ACC Player of the Year Ty Lawson led the Heels with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Wayne Ellington added 20 points and 9 rebounds while four-time All-American Tyler Hansbrough contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds.

UNC will meet Big 10 champions Michigan State for the National Championship tomorrow morning (Manila time). It will be rematch of the December 2008 Ford Field massacre with the Heels absolutely crushing and humiliating the Spartans, 98-63.

Set it off

I don't know how flashbacks are possible without a trigger or stimulus.

Deeeetrrooiiit Final Four 2009

The Final Four is a couple of hours away and I'm so amped.

I got Michigan State pulling an upset over Connecticut and, of course, the Tar Heels pummeling Villanova.

I was almost going to place money on UNC (-7.5) but something tells me Villanova might just keep it close. I'll save the wager for the championship game on Tuesday morning (Manila time).

Do you smell what's cookin?

I'm cooking something up a la Monte Cristo. My advanced, but not sincere, apologies to those who will be sandwiched. No pun intended.

Love is knowing when to step back or take over

I played two games at Celeb last night and both were lopsided wins in favor of my team. I wasn't familiar with most of my teammates so I played second (even third) fiddle during the first game. I didn't care because we were winning anyway.

The second game was a different story though. We were up against a bigger and more physical team and I felt we were clearly overmatched. I thought for us to have a chance I would have to ditch the rhythm guitar and take the lead. I did exactly that. I took over from the get-go and flat out dominated the game.

Aside from finishing the night unbeaten, I left the court with everyone's respect.

The Perfect Pushup

I copped the Perfect Pushup during one of my several Cebu trips last month but I only opened it last night. A lot of people I know swear by the product so that got me interested. Hopefully it works for me just as it worked for them.

Cravin' for KFC

I think I picked up on Doreen's love for KFC. Been chompin on their chicken for the past several days now.

Missed eagerly awaited shows

A series of unforeseen, unexpected and unfortunate incidents led me to miss both the John Legend and Craig David concerts last week.

I'm sure it would've been a blast.

Tar Heels book their second straight Final Four

North Carolina absolutely demolished Michigan State last December to the tune of a 98-63 drubbing. The game was held at Detroit's Ford Field, the site of this year's Final Four.

UNC coach Roy Williams vowed to bring his team back to play at Detroit in April. With another convincing win in the NCAA tournament, he did just that. A promise fulfilled.

Perennial powerhouse and oddsmakers favorite North Carolina proved far too superior for the Oklahoma Sooners as they won comfortably, 72-60, in their Elite Eight matchup.

The Tar Heels led by as much as 21 in the second half before a late Oklahoma run made the score a little bit closer. But they were pretty much out of it as they failed to get within single digits the rest of the way.

Blake Griffin also showed why he was the best college basketball player this season with his 30th double-double, scoring 23 points and collecting 16 rebounds.

Reigning national player of the year and All-American senior Tyler Hansbrough was held to 8 points while ACC Player of the Year Ty Lawson led the Heels with 19 points and 5 assists.

Lawson was named most outstanding player of the South Region.

The Final Four is now set with Carolina facing Villanova and Connecticut taking on Michigan State in next weekend's national semifinals.

UNC reaches third straight Elite 8

South Regional top seed North Carolina used its potent uptempo offense to run out the Gonzaga Bulldogs, 98-77, in their Sweet Sixteen

ACC Player of the Year Ty Lawson led the Tar Heels' charge with 19 points and 9 assists with only 1 turnover. All-American senior and ACC leading scorer Tyler Hansbrough added a double-double performance with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

North Carolina will try to gun for an NCAA-leading 18th Final Four appearance when they face second seed Oklahoma tomorrow. The game will showcase what should be a great matchup between the last two national players of the year in Hansbrough (consensus 2008) and Blake Griffin (likely consensus 2009).

FB stat: F&F

I'm leaving it all up to faith and fate.

amdg

Solid and reliable

Come hell or high water, I know who'll always have my back.

Van Wilder was a movie and should not be taken seriously

It's never cool to overstay in school too long. There's just no excuse in taking too long to finish school.

My mom is home-wrecking again

I just found out my mom's doing Church annulment work for one of the pioneers of Philippine television. She made me swear not to divulge details about it though.

FB stat: Fed up

I'm so fed up with all these young'n antics.

On losing due to technicality

I was informed that the protest against one of my teammates was upheld. As a result, they forfeited our second semifinals win last March 15. meaning the team we beat that day (Baterina) moved on to the finals last Saturday, March 21. They subsequently, and not surprisingly, lost to Team O'Brien for the championship.

Bullshit. But it is what it is (or it was what it was). I say put an asterisk on their trophy.

UNC off to Sweet 16

North Carolina breezed past the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament with double-digit wins over Radford (101-58) and LSU (84-70).

The Tar Heels enjoyed another pro-UNC crowd having played both games at nearby Greensboro. They will travel to the FedEx Forum in Memphis to face Gonzaga in the Sweet Sixteen this weekend.

It will the the third straight year Carolina has reached the regional semifinals of the NCAA tournament. They lost to Georgetown in the Elite 8 in 2007 and Kansas in the Final Four last year.

Oops!

I had a little accident in Cebu last weekend. It's best that I keep my mouth shut on this one.

Free Daniel Smith!

With Suzette Nicolas (aka Nicole), alleged rape victim of US serviceman L/Cpl. Daniel Smith, recanting her prior allegation via a recent sworn affidavit, the truth has finally come out. The court should set the innocent man free immediately.

To Evalyn Ursua and everyone else who supported Nicole, it's about time y'all shut the fuck up. And please, do everyone especially the Americans a favor. Do not even dream of setting foot in the United States. I hope they deny all of you entry.

Stepladder-ing our way to the Finals

We won our second stepladder semifinals game last Sunday to reach the championship match next weekend. It was a tight affair throughout but we managed to pull ahead and win it in overtime.

I made the pivotal, game-changing play in OT with an and-one opportunity off a fastbreak. However, with my emotions running high, I screamed at my hapless defender with full rage and I was T'd up for taunting. Unfortunately, it was also my fifth personal foul so I had to leave the game. I fouled out for the second straight game after getting disqualified on Saturday's semifinal game as well. I was just retaliating on the same old guy after he showed up my teammate after a great defensive play. He, too, was given a technical foul after he was trying to be macho tried to go after me. We led 40-38 after my layup and we never let up until the final buzzer.

There's some drama and suspense involved though as I was notified of a protest filed against one my teammates. Apparently, this teammate of mine also played for another Batch Division team whereas ABL rules provide that only one Batch Division team is allowed per player.

Should the protest be upheld, that will mean we will have to forfeit the championship game on Saturday.

Louisville gets first number one ranking ever

Final AP Top 5

1. Louisville (Big East, 28-5) - rose from 5th
2. North Carolina (ACC, 28-4) - dropped from 1st
3. Memphis (C-USA, 31-3) - moved up from 4th
4. Pittsburgh (Big East, 28-4) - fell from 2nd
5. Connecticut (Big East, 27-4) - slid from 3rd

The NCAA Tournament starts next week with Louisville, UNC, Pitt and UConn as the four number one seeds.

I will kill you

I watched the film, "Taken" while I was in Cebu last week. It's exactly how I want action/thriller movies to be. Just straight-up, unadulterated and entertaining-but-sometimes-disturbing violence. No need for any mind-bending twists.

UNC leads the South Region

A semifinal loss to Florida State in the ACC Tournament may have cost North Carolina the overall number one seed in the NCAA Tournament but more importantly, they still secured the #1 spot in the South Region.

The Tar Heels will most likely have ACC Player of the Year Ty Lawson back after missing their two ACC Tournament games. They would probably have won the tourney had Lawson suited up but Coach Roy Williams said their top priority was getting his speedy All-American point guard ready for their run for the national championship.

Three Big East teams - Louisville (Midwest), Connecticut (West) and Pittsburgh (East) - round out the other regional top seeds with the Cardinals being the overall number one.

From the airport to the hardcourt

I took an early flight to Manila this morning so I can get back in time for my ABL semis game. Good thing our game was in Ateneo so I didn't have to rush or anything. Best thing was that we won despite missing a few key players. That set us up for another win-or-go-home game tomorrow afternoon at the Blue Eagle Gym.

My body's exhausted for not having enough sleep but I'm still so amped up. Hopefully, the game turns out in our favor and we manage to pull off a victory over the second seed. The winner goes on to the championship round next weekend.

UNC regains top spot

AP Top 5 (as of March 9, 2009)

1. North Carolina (ACC, 27-3) - moved up from 2nd
2. Pittsburgh (Big East, 28-3) - moved up from 3rd
3. Connecticut (Big East, 27-3) - dropped from 1st
4. Memphis (C-USA, 28-3) - moved up from 5th
5. Louisville (Big East, 25-5) - moved up from 6th

Final poll will be released next week.

Three years ago today

Today would've been my 3rd year anniversary with IBM. Tomorrow would've been the start of my fourth year with them. But all good things must come to an end and even better things happen.

UNC sweeps Duke, wins ACC

(2)North Carolina continued its recent dominance over cross-town rivals (7)Duke with a 79-71 win on Senior Day at the Smith Center. The Tar Heels (27-3, 13-3 ACC) clinched their second straight ACC regular season title, their 3rd in the last five years.

Seven seniors, led by All-American Tyler Hansbrough, played the last home games of their college careers. UNC coach Roy Williams honored his seniors by having all seven of them on the court prior to tipoff.

North Carolina will be the top seed in next week's ACC Tournament in Atlanta.

Five straight wins

We won our final elimination round game yesterday morning, 73-69, at the Reyes Gym in Mandaluyong. It was our fifth straight win after starting the season 0-2. We head into postseason play as the third seed with a 5-2 record.

I clinched the game by making 6 consecutive freethrows in the final minute. I had to buck off a poor start at the fifteen-foot line as I missed my first 7 freethrow attempts with most of them coming up short.

I finished the game with 13 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists and 6 steals.

Another trip to my second home

Six of my ten recent flights have been on PAL. The only thing I don't like about flying with PAL is that they use NAIA Terminal 2 as their hub. I prefer the new and nearer Terminal 3 that Cebu Pacific utilizes.

I'm back to my jetsetting ways this week as I'm trotting to the Queen City of the South yet again. It'll be a short trip as I need to get back in time for my ABL semifinals game on Saturday morning.

I'm taking the second flight out of Cebu so I can make it to my 10:30am tipoff at the Blue Eagle Gym. Barring any unforeseen delays, I should make it with more than enough time to spare.

UNC guns for outright ACC title

Second-ranked North Carolina (26-3, 12-3 ACC) has already clinched at least a share of the ACC regular season title going into its season-ending game against Duke (25-5, 11-4 ACC) at Chapel Hill this weekend. A win on Senior Day will give the title to the Tar Heels while a loss will make Duke and UNC co-champions.

Senior scholarship players Tyler Hansbrough, Danny Green, Mike Copeland and Bobby Frasor as well as senior walk-ons JB Tanner, Jack Wooten and Patrick Moody will be playing the final home game of their college careers. What better way to send them off than with a victory over Duke and another regular season title.

ABL 2009: Semis-bound

Since I was out on consecutive weekends, I've missed out on my last 2 ABL games. I was hoping they'd win at least one so we can make a run for the postseason when I come back for the regular season-ender on March 7. I was delighted to find out they won both games by comfortable margins.

We're safely into the postseason with a 4-2 record. We're riding on a four-game winning streak after losing our first two. A win in our last game this Saturday means we clinch 3rd seed while a loss will drop us to 4th.

UConn back at #1

AP Top 5 (as of March 2, 2009)

1. Connecticut (Big East, 27-2) - moved up from 2nd
2. North Carolina (ACC, 25-3) - moved up from 4th
3. Pittsburgh (Big East, 26-3) - dropped from 1st
4. Oklahoma (Big 12, 26-3) - dropped from 3rd
5. Memphis (C-USA, 26-3) - remains unchanged

FB stat: Tired but ready to ball

I'm so exhausted and drained from continuous traveling but I'm hell bent on playing hoops tonight.

Back from being MIA

I was MIA for about two weeks. I just got back from consecutive trips from Singapore and Cebu and I didn't have the chance to blog while I was out. My recent itinerary was just way too hectic. Ten flights in 29 days is absolutely no joke. I was literally living on my trusted Delsey for about a month. I was so close to running out of clothes, most especially underwear. Lol.

Off to Sing

I'm leaving for Singapore tonight for a one week vacation. It'll be my 7th flight in 18 days and I can say I've had enough plane rides to last me the whole year already.

I'm gonna be with the only kabarkada that I haven't had an overseas trip with that's why I'm so hyped up. I'm sure it'll be awesome. Word to TMNT.

Household help-less

I hate dumb maids and I'm sure I'm not alone. Punyeta.

AP Top 4 remain the same

AP Top 5 (as of February 16, 2009)

1. Connecticut (Big East, 24-1)
2. Oklahoma (Big 12, 25-1)
3. North Carolina (ACC, 23-2)
4. Pittsburgh (Big East, 23-2)
5. Memphis (C-USA, 22-3) - moved up from 8th

*(1)UConn just lost to (4)Pittsburgh so expect the Huskies to drop from the top spot in next week's polls.

FB stat: Hide-and-Seek

I am back in Manila after playing hide-and-seek in Cebu.

UNC ups ACC lead to 2 games

Following a 101-87 thrashing of archrival Duke a few days ago, (3)North Carolina held off an inspired Jack McClinton-led Miami comeback to hang on to a 69-65 win.

All-American junior Ty Lawson hit consecutive clutch treys late in the game to keep surging Miami at bay. He finished with 21 points with 15 coming from beyond the arc.

With (6)Duke losing to Boston College, the Tar Heels (23-2, 9-2 ACC) increase their ACC lead to two games. If it weren't for UNC's consecutive losses to start the regular season, the conference race might have been all but wrapped up by now.

UNC wins fourth straight at Durham

North Carolina seniors Tyler Hansbrough and Danny Green are undefeated at Cameron Indoor Stadium. They will end their college careers after this season sporting a 4-0 record at the famed Duke homecourt after a scintillating 101-87 win over the Blue Devils a few days ago.

Safe to say the Tar Heels own Duke at their own floor.

FB stat: Skipping UNC@Duke

It's a shame I will be missing the North Carolina-Duke game later today.

I will be at some far-flung beach off the coast of Cebu while the Tar Heels battle the Blue Devils for ACC supremacy at Cameron Indoor Stadium.