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.

Singapore swing

I'm flying to Singapore later today and will stay until Sunday. First time I'm going completely solo for an entire trip so I'm a wee bit excited. Should be an adventure of a lifetime.

Booked myself a swanky hotel right smack in the middle of everything so it'll be easier for me to go around and get around. I don't really have anything planned so I'll be winging it probably the entire time.

Hopefully, there'll be much to write about when I get back so stay tuned.

Wild bank run

It started with: 19 banker, 1 player. I stood up at 26 banker, 4 player.

That was a dream Baccarat shoebox. I wish I had rolled and pressed bets more, but I'm not complaining. I have enough for my Singapore trip this week.

Mayweather vs Pacquiao

About 5 years ago, I told myself I was going to do everything in my power to watch Pacquiao and Mayweather fight live in Las Vegas, if ever it were to happen. Many people (though mostly Filipinos) were saying that Floyd kept ducking Manny because he felt the Filipino boxing legend was a serious threat to his undefeated record.

Well, about 5-6 years too late, but it's finally happening. My mind has changed regarding watching it in person though, so I'm just gonna catch it on TV.

If this fight happened a few years ago, I think Manny upsets Money. But now? I think Floyd jogs his way to a unanimous decision.

Blue Eaglets reclaim UAAP HS hoops title

After 3 years, which for Ateneo high school basketball seemed like an eternity, the Blue Eaglets brought the Juniors basketball crown back to Katipunan. I hope it stays within the confines of Loyola Heights for a long time. It's about time we developed another dynasty.

V-Day

I was never a Valentine's Day fan and I honestly think it's overrated. I don't even remember the last time I celebrated V-Day with a girlfriend (or a significant other). Now before anyone says I'm not sweet and all that crap, let me tell you this: If I'm gonna do something sweet, I don't have to wait until V-Day to do it, right?

Anyway, for someone who's not into it, I actually had a very interesting V-Day date this past weekend. Dinner. Drinks. And then a Nicole Sherzinger show.

Here's to hoping for many nights like this one... Cheers!

Declare total war

I saw the video of the merciless murdering of the fallen PNP-SAF troopers in the hands of the MILF and/or BIFF insurgents.

Say no to the peace talks. Fuck these savages. I wish the Philippine government, especially President Noynoy Aquino, will grow some balls and make the executive decision to bomb the shit out of the Mindanao areas where they still roam free.

I'm not about that peace life. Not in Mindanao. Until these Muslim insurgents are totally eradicated, peace in that area will never prosper.

Casino wars

Had a chance to check out the relatively newly-opened City of Dreams (CoD) Manila complex recently. Looks a lot more promising than Solaire.

As of now, if I had to rank the three casino complexes based on my personal experience (as a gambler mind you, and not as a random tourist), I'd give a slight edge to Resorts World Manila (RWM) over City of Dreams for the top spot, while Solaire is the bottom-feeder.

I will have to revisit my rankings once all the structures and amenities are fully-operational already. Meantime, it's either RWM or CoD if I want to engage in a game of baccarat or craps.

White Rock down

Was at White Rock resort in Subic with the CoachCom team for a couple of days to facilitate teambuilding sessions for a client. We lined up 7 activity stations that tested their mettle and attacked their fears. Everything went really well and the participants had a great time.

I'm not a fan of the resort though. Food was blah. I mean, if I wasn't hungry, I'd probably skip meals. The accommodations weren't good either, probably because we were billeted at the old hotel. I think they should step up and renovate the older facilities though.

Anyway, I've been involved with CoachCom for about 2 years now. For those who are unaware, it is the management consultancy arm of legendary Filipino basketball coach Chot Reyes. For inquiries/bookings, drop me a line.

The Butler did it

I was on the phone with my bestfriend during the final minute or so of Super Bowl XXIX. He was on the road, on his way to basketball practice and he wanted a live play-by-play commentary.

Have to admit that I thought New England was about to lose when Seahawks WR Jermaine Kearse had that unreal multiple-bobble catch while on his back. With 1st-and-goal at the 5-yard line and enough time for at least 3 plays. I was pretty sure Marshawn Lynch, the Seattle monster running back also knows as Beast Mode, will punch in the winning touchdown. 

Deja vu at its worst. Ghosts of David Tyree's "helmet catch" in 2008, and Mario Manningham's sideline grab in 2012 were about to haunt the Patriots again.

And then it happened. On 2nd-and-goal at the 1, Russell Wilson threw a slant aimed at Ricardo Lockette. Seldom-used, backup Patriots defensive back Malcolm Butler, on instinct, jumped on the route and made an amazing interception on the football's biggest stage. Wow. Just wow.

I was screaming like hell. For sure, my neighbors wondered what was going on. I didn't care.

The Patriots win their 4th Super Bowl title in the most improbable fashion. It'been like 20 hours since the game ended, and I still cannot believe how they were able to pull it off.

Jubilation for the Patriots fans, despair for the Seahawks faithful. Fortunes changed in a span of a few seconds. But this is exactly why we love sports.

Un-fuckin-believable.

How sweep it is

The Ateneo Blue Eaglets (14-0) swept the elimination round of the ongoing UAAP High School basketball tourney by routing the defending champion NU Bullpups yesterday. That meant getting an automatic pass to the Finals, as well as having a thrice-to-beat advantage.

I'm not trying to guarantee anything but it seems the Eaglets are well on their way to getting back what always belonged in Katipunan -- the UAAP Juniors Basketball crown.

Growing up in the 1990s, the Ateneo HS basketball team used to always be in the Finals, most seasons as champions, while other times as runners-up. That run continued until the 2000s. They were simply the most dominant HS basketball program in the UAAP, and maybe even the country.

Then it all changed in 2011. Ateneo, coming from three consecutive HS championships, lost long-time coach Jamike Jarin to the pro league while superstar guard Kiefer Ravena graduated and moved on to the college ranks. There have been whispers that Coach Jarin knew that the succeeding teams won't be as good as his prior ones, so he wanted to move on before that happens.

True enough, the Blue Eaglets have been less than stellar from 2011 until 2013. They reached the Finals in 2013 only to be swept by NU.

Now, it seems like they're on a mission to regain what is rightfully ours. Here's to hoping this is the start of another decade or so of HS basketball dominance.

Kudos to my HS/college batchmate, coach Joe Silva (and his staff) for weathering a few years of mediocrity (comparing them to Ateneo High's high standards) and bringing back the team to the top of the UAAP Juniors basketball food chain.

TB12 over Beast Mode

Life is indeed unfair, even for the NFL superstars.

Sorry, Marshawn, but that's Tommy, the NFL's golden boy.

Justice for the slain PNP-SAF troops

"And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next." 

- Maximus Decimus Meridius

I hope justice will be served for the 44 PNP Special Action Forces commandos who were brutally massacred by the cowardly and treacherous Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

I don't think we should ever trust these Muslim rebels. We should just bomb the fuck out of their shithole camps in Mindanao. I will never understand why our government still wants a peaceful solution to this old problem when we can never trust them to abide by the conditions of the mutually agreed upon peace pacts.

                                     Photo from GMA News

#Senseless

Encountered two of the dumbest (yet popular) hashtags on social media recently:

#JimSaabSaveTheWorld - Apparently it was being used for a wedding. Saving the world? Really? 

#JusticeForDLSZKids - They're asking for justice because the Ayala Alabang Village Association decided that the cars of non-resident students of the school cannot enter the village everyday. Big problem, eh? I could enumerate a number of people who need real justice more than these Zobel students. The recently massacred troops of the PNP Special Action Force are on top of that list.

Google before you ask

I was once asked this question, and I laughed before I answered:

"What is your INTJ personality?"

She was referring to the personality assessment called the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (or MBTI), and INTJ is just one of the results. Good thing I come from an HR background, otherwise I wouldn't have figured it out.

Ignorance is never an excuse so better google before you ask (or speak) if you're unsure. It won't take much time.

American Sniper

I'm a big fan of war movies, even those that feel like they were made for propaganda. I've heard some folks say that this film is Hollywood's way of trying to help out America justify the Iraq war. You know what? I'm not concerned about the political motivations of any film, if any. I don't really care. Just give me two hours of entertainment and hopefully I go home satisfied.

I like violent movies. Maybe it's the fascination for guns that I've had since I was a kid. Maybe it's the same reason why I loved playing Counterstrike back in the day. It gives you a sneak peak, a thrill ride into what goes on during war, without the risk of being shot at.

I knew I was going to love the movie the moment the first theatrical trailers came out a few months ago. Add the fact that it had a lot of good reviews, was a box office hit, and that it was nominated for an Academy Award for best picture. It had must watch written all over it.

I'm rooting for it to win Best Picture, and for Bradley Cooper to get Best Actor.

Taken 3

I expected the third film of the Taken franchise to probably be the worst (among the three) since there was already a big dropoff between Taken to Taken 2. However, there was no way I was going to miss this one because I enjoyed the first two installments.

True enough -- Taken > Taken 2 > Taken 3

I'm happy it's finally done because I don't know how else they can squeeze another script out of the same storyline.

Maggie Grace though...

That shit Klay!

Golden State's Klay Thompson scored an NBA record 37 points in the third quarter last night against Sacramento. During that unreal God-mode run, he went a perfect 13 of 13 from the field, 9 of 9 from downtown. He finished with a career-high 52.

Klay-zy!

Dream Super Bowl matchup

This is exactly what everyone wants to see: New England vs Seattle. Offense vs Defense.

If you know me well, you'd know that I root for both these teams. The Patriots primarily because of my man-crush, my number 2 sports idol Tom Brady (next to NBA legend Michael Jordan). I also follow the Seahawks because I have family in the greater Seattle area.

I'd be fine with whoever wins, but I do want Tommy to get his 4th ring so I will cheer for New England.

Alabang Girl

I'm almost never in Alabang. I lived in the south for several years back when I was a kid (1985-1995) but even then, I was rarely in ATC (Alabang Twin Cinema is what they used to call the current Alabang Town Center).

I went to Alabang last November because my ex and her friends wanted to try out this ramen place inside the Molito complex. Prior to this, I think the last time I was in that area was mid-2011. I remember watching a movie, but don't recall what movie it was.

Anyway, as we were walking towards Yushoken, I noticed a familiar face inside Designer Blooms Cafe. Lo and behold, this lady, whom I have had a huge crush on for a long time, was seated at a table alone. She looked absolutely beautiful. I was like, "Are you f'n kidding me?" The one time I'm in her area, and I see her, it must be a sign, right? Well, no, not really since I had a girlfriend at that time. A few months before that and it would have been perfect timing.

I hope I bump into her again soon, and that we're still both single when that happens. But since I never solely rely with fate and serendipity, because I believe we need to make things happen instead of just waiting for things to happen, I've asked a common friend to try to make it happen.

Hoping my friend comes through.

John Legend serenaded Manila

One artist I wanted to see perform live in 2014 was John Legend. I remember wanting to watch him in Manila and/or Singapore a few years back but never got around to. This time, I was not going to let it pass.

I was ecstatic that he sung all the songs I like. I checked the net for his Asian setlist and it didn't have some of my favorites. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he included his old hits for his Manila show.

Used To Love U
Green Light
Save Room
PDA (We Just Don't Care)
Tonight (Best You Ever Had)
All of Me

What a show it was indeed.

"You are polarizing."

Yes, that's what she said. Can't say I don't agree with her.

Wild Weekend of Sports

I'm an avid sports fan. I watch all sorts of sports that's why my cable subscription includes every possible sport available.

In the past 30 hours, I was treated to a wild weekend of highly entertaining games:

4 NFL Playoff games

Ateneo vs La Salle Women's Volleyball

Ateneo vs NU Men's Volleyball

PBA Finals Game 3

It all started with the New England Patriots - Baltimore Ravens playoff game, where the Patriots, led by my man-crush Tom Brady, had to climb out of two 14-point holes for a 35-31 comeback win. Then my second favorite NFL team, the Seattle Seahawks, blew out Carolina in the next game.

In local collegiate volleyball, Sunday had a pair of must watch games involving Ateneo. The topranked women's team (6-0) was facing La Salle (6-0), and the men's team (5-1) will challenge unbeaten NU.

The Lady Eagles came back from a 1-2 set deficit to win in 5 sets, while the Blue Eagles also prevailed in similar fashion, handing NU its first loss.

In PBA action, Alaska was down 20-plus points before mounting a monumental comeback to take Game 3 over San Miguel, 78-70. It was basically a repeat of Game 1 where they rallied back from 22 points to win in overtime. They lead the best-of-seven series, 2 games to 1.

About 10 hours earlier (Monday 2:00 am Manila), I was glued on the TV for another round of NFL playoff games. Green Bay squeaked past Dallas with the help of a controversial call, while the Indianapolis Colts upset the Denver Broncos on the road at Mile High.

Tomorrow, the first ever College Footbal Playoff National Championship game between (2)Oregon and (4)Ohio State will be played and it should be a good one. Rooting for the Ducks, Nike's flagship school.

Need more weekends like this.

Jones Fracture

It's been a while since I've had any major injuries but that streak ended in 2014 when I broke my foot last September.

I was playing in a weekend league when I landed on my opponent's foot while coming down from jump. The impact caused the base of my fifth metatarsal to break, while giving me a third degree ankle sprain as well.

The bone cracked in multiple places, but wasn't severe enough to require surgery to fix. Just had to put my right foot in an Aircast walking boot for 6 weeks. I recovered well enough to be able to resume playing after 7 weeks.

May have lost count already, but I think this was my 6th major injury (2 torn ACLs, a broken nose, 3 broken ankles and/or third degree sprains). Basketball never stops though.

Love and Heartbreak in 2014

Disclaimer: I actually enjoyed writing this, and everything is pretty much accurate but don't take it too seriously/literally. All in good fun.

------------------------------------------------------

My dating life in 2014

Had a number of twists and turns.

Here's a brief summary

In old school poem form.

I met a good deal of new lady friends

And went out with a few.

Got turned down a couple of times

But also broke a heart or two.

Dated a closet narcissist,

Who didn't fall into my usual type.

Glad that didn't last long,

Just had to kill the hype.

Messed with Tinder

And swiped right with the trend.

Suprisingly met a few people

Who turned out to become awesome friends.

Crossed paths with an old crush.

We flirted, dated and fell in love quickly.

Spent an evening to witness the great John Legend

As he serenaded Manila to "All of Me."

Thought we had a great relationship,

I felt she was The One.

She got me thinking long term.

Like my bachelor days are done.

Unfortunately, when the going got tough,

She quit on us too easily.

She didn't want to make it work,

Giving reasons and excuses so flimsy.

Won't lie, I felt pissed and crushed

But maybe things will work out in the end.

Looking forward to the future

Even if the present I can't comprehend.

It wasn't the best way to end the year

But such is life.

Hoping 2015 will be better

With the (new) love of my life by my side.

Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015

Ended the year on a not-so-good note. But that didn't mean I didn't flourish in 2014 and I still have plenty to be thankful for.

So much to say and write so I'll try make a Year-in-Review kind of post within the next few days. Just need to gather all my thoughts as I try to relive the memorable (and also the forgettable) moments of 2014.

Time is of the Quiescence

This blog has been dormant for over four years. I guess I either didn't have the time to religiously write and update, or I just lost interest.

Either way, I'm thinking of resuscitating this. Got so much material collected (to write about) over the course of my idle years. Plus, 2014 was hella crazy, and by itself can be the subject of a ton of posts.

Let's see how it goes.