Not sure if PBA or UFC

As much I'd like to put the entire blame on Rain Or Shine's dirty tactics, I think the PBA is the main culprit since they allow all sorts of physicality during games. The referees are instructed to allow a lot of contact and let the players play. However, some teams, specifically the Elastopainters, are known to play dirty. Just remember, many years ago, that their coach, Yeng Guiao, ordered Jimwell Torion to clothesline/punch Jimmy Alapag in the final seconds of an already-decided game.

Gilas cadet roster to SEABA

I think this is the lineup that Gilas Pilipinas will parade for the 2015 SEABA Championship in Singapore later this month:

Kiefer Ravena (Ateneo)

Mac Belo (FEU)

Ray Parks (NU)

Troy Rosario (NU)

Jiovanni Jalalon (Arellano)

Scottie Thompson (UPHD)

Almond Vosotros (DLSU)

Norbert Torres (DLSU)

Glenn Khobuntin (NU)

Marcus Douthit (Naturalized)

Kevin Ferrer (UST)

Russell Escoto (FEU)

On a roll

I just had, quite possibly, the best 6-week stretch of my life.

Wow.

Just wow.

See ya in SEABA

Booked another trip to Singapore for April/May to support our very own Gilas Pilipinas as they take on the rest of the Southeast Asian nations in the SEABA Championship. If we're following history and precedence, we're supposed to dominate and run away with the title.

Last time I was with Gilas in an international tourney, in Hong Kong for the Super Kung Sheung Cup last January 2013, they were able to upset a highly touted American team to win first place. Former cadet and current pro Kevin Alas was the hero in that game. He took home MVP honors as well.

Since Gilas is sending a revamped cadet roster, with a lot of rookies to the Men's/Senior pool, this will be their first test against international competition. Looking forward to see how they do.

Hope to see more Filipinos take the short trip to Singapore to cheer our team. It's the perfect setup for hoop junkies who want to take a break from work and enjoy basketball at the same time.

2015 SEABA Tournament

The Philippine Men's National Basketball Team (aka Gilas Pilipinas) will play in the 2015 Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Championship in Singapore this April. This tournament serves as the regional qualifier for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in Changsha (China) in October. The top 3 teams will qualify.

Gilas Pilipinas will parade its cadet team, composed primarily of amateur standouts from the collegiate ranks. Expected to lead the team are naturalized import Marcus Douthit, Ateneo's Kiefer Ravena and FEU's Mac Belo.

Budding star linebacker retires after one season

Inside linebacker Chris Borland was San Francisco's wonder rookie in 2014. He led the 49ers in tackles despite starting only in 7-8 games. He more than ably filled the hole vacated by injured superstar linebackers Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis. He was a stud defensive pickup in Fantasy Football too until an ankle injury cut his season short.

I was suprised to hear him retire from the NFL after one successful season due to health issues. He said he's worried about brain trauma.

Bullshit. I mean I'd understand if he has played in multiple seasons and was subjected to many bone-jarring hits like Wes Welker. But after one season? I don't know. I think he's a wuss for leaving too soon, too soft for the NFL grind. Maybe he needs a jolt to the head to wake himself up.

The NFL will not suffer because for every Borland, there are a ton of others ready and willing to drop everything and take his place in the pro gridiron.

This is how we roll

Been a while since I long-rolled in Craps, multiple long rolls at that. The feeling never gets old. Doesn't give me the same thrill as Baccarat does, but it's always an enjoyable one.

Singapore swipe

56 matches in 3 nights. That's all I'm gonna divulge.

Solo slinging in Singapore

Just got back to Manila from Singapore last night. What was once a trip filled with uncertainty may have turned out to be my best Singapore swing ever. I wanted to extend but rebooking a new flight and re-upping the hotel didn't seem to be practical from a cost-benefit perspective. Might as well just plan another trip soon because the plane tickets would cost about the same.