Road to the Finals

We faced Nova168-Inspec last week for a chance to play in the finals. We were raring to take revenge at them as they handed us our first loss a few weeks back. That defeat prompted us to go on a 2-game skid entering the knockout semifinal stage.

The game started out very competitive. Teams traded baskets throughout the first quarter. We initially led by about 10 points, only to let them come back and take an eight point lead of their own. We managed to come up with our own run to make the score close. The rest of the first half was tight as no one could really pull away.

The second half was a different story. We held our own defensively, keeping Nova168's powerful offense at bay. Our own offense flowed smoothly as we knocked down one shot after another. Our transition game was on full swing as well, as we kept running and getting easy fastbreak points. We quickly got a double-digit lead and we never looked back.

It was sweet revenge for us as we booked our ticket to the championship match to be played this Saturday.

Can't wait no longer. We're going all the way.

Two straight losses

We lost our last two games of the regular season, against Nova168-Inspec and Inkrite. It's a good thing we started out 5-0. Even with consecutive defeats, we are still guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. Not only that, we get the number two seeding.

The seeding is actually useless, as you don't get a twice-to-beat advantage. We're proud though because we never thought we would actually reach this far. When we joined the tourney a couple of months ago, we did it because we wanted to play competitive basketball, and we would like to see how we match against other teams under an organized setting.

Little did we know that we were competitive enough to be a good team. Of course it does help that we have an ex-pro in the roster. Nevertheless, one man cannot carry the load of one whole team. Despite numerous differences with each other, we managed to keep the team intact and play good ball.

We've reached a minor hurdle in our two successive losses. But I hope things will get better come the playoffs.

On cowardice

I don't understand how some people are so afraid to take chances. Being a risk-taker, I just can't fathom why people play it safe. Does that bring them fulfillment? Does that provide satisfaction? If so, then they must be living shallow lives.

People who don't take risks are cowards in my book. I guess they just can't handle defeat. They're probably used to getting the short end of the stick so they want out.

One can argue that those who always play it safe never lose... but they never achieve victory either.

Epoch Audio-Dunlop vs. Nokia Phils.

I wasn't able to play as I was out of town for a company outing at Batangas. But my team was able to squeak out a 58-53 victory over Nokia Philippines last Satruday night. That put our winning streak to a division-best 5 games.

Five games down, two more to go. At the moment, we're guaranteed a top 2 finish.

Epoch Audio-Dunlop vs. Pog-G

Chalk up another victory for Team Epoch Audio-Dunlop in the Metro Invitational Cup as we took care of an athletic but inexperienced Pog-G squad, 76-60, last night at the Metro Gym along Pioneer Avenue.

As always we started out in our typical diesel-powered engine as we gave up the early lead in the first quarter. A series of fastbreak plays by Pog-G had them up 20-13 in the opening period. They just kept running and getting easy lay-ups as we were not able to defend the outlet pass.

We managed to get our act together in the second quarter as we were able to close them down defensively. I took care of most of the offense as I was able to drive in for an onslaught of lay-ups and easy baskets. I was quite unstoppable in the second period shooting 6 of 8 from the field for 12 points. As I waxed hot, my teammates got their grooves as well and we led by 4 at the end of the half.

We finally got our diesel engine hot and running in the third period as we quickly built a double-digit lead. Multiple fastbreak plays off a series of steals from our fullcourt press led to a barrage of points. On the other end, Pog-G were missing a lot of the shots that were falling in the first half. Inexperience did it for them as they didn't know how to react to the pressure that we put.

We didn't let up for the rest of the game and we cruised to a 16-point victory. I had my best game of the season finishing with 13 points and 5 assists.

Epoch Audio-Dunlop vs. ICT-HSBC

Three in a row for Team Epoch Audio-Dunlop.

We had our third game a couple of hours ago against call center ICT-HSBC. They said they were missing their two best players and were asking us for mercy. Some of the organizers also asked us not to play our best player, ex-pro John Cardel to make the match more balanced. We gave in to their request and agreed.

We started out a bit slow as they managed to gain the upperhand during the early moments of the game. It was neck-and-neck for the most part as we exchanged leads. We were able to find our offensive flow and got the lead by halftime. It was a bit of a blowout from the third period onwards because we managed to pull away for good.

We won by 17 points when the final buzzer sounded. Had my worst scoring game this season but I made it up by dishing out a game-high 6 assists.

crüeL 1999 (AHS 1995-1999)

I had a reunion with my high school classmates at Katips last night. It was a bit of an impromptu gathering as I only knew about it the night before while everyone else knew days ahead.

Anyhow, it's been 11 years since we all started freshman year together at the Ateneo de Manila High School. It was a totally new world for me being a transfer student. I can't believe I've known these guys for more than a decade now. Time indeed flies so fast.

There have been several intriguing revelations last night. A high school kabarkada of mine will become a father soon. Nothing weird with that right? However, he's expecting two kids from different mothers. The story's not finished yet... there might be a possibility of a third one! I just hope he knows what he's gotten himself into.

We also have a classmate currently being tried for frustrated homicide. He (with some other fratmates) allegedly beat up (almost to death) some guy. I'm not sure how the case has progressed but I remember reading about it in some of the major newspapers. He wasn't there last night though. So we couldn't get his side. I guess he got all macho and stuff in college as we'd always pick on him back in high school. It's probably our fault that he became a violent wreck.

Several classmates have come out in the open regarding their sexuality too. Though we've always speculated on their sexual preference, there was never really any confirmation. As of date, I think about four or five from our class are out in the open. Heck, they even shared stories about their sexual escapades with men. This is surprising too as they were very quiet and reserved back then.

Hmm... we have our own share of celebrities too. Chicosci, a famous band in the rock circles, started out in the hallowed grounds of Ateneo High. Almost all of them were our classmates. Marti Gallego has had a number of TV appearances in ABS-CBN due to his romantic involvement with aspiring actress Roxanne Barcelo of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition fame. Robbie Reyes is known in the mixed martial arts world having competed in the URCC (the Pinoy version of UFC). I had my own fifteen minutes of fame too, when I guested in Boy Abunda's morning talk show, Home Boy, last year.

It was a blast seeing these guys again. We've all gone our separate ways but we've managed to take time out and reminisce on what most people consider the best years of their lives... high school.

Til the next one crüeL, cheers!

Sullen Sunday

They said what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Right now, I should either be scarred yet tougher or dead.

For all I've been through in life, I think I ought to be Superman by now.

Epoch Audio-Dunlop vs. AAA-Northtech

We played our second game of the season against a veteran AAA-Northtech squad earlier this afternoon. These guys have been battle-tested as this is not their first time joining the Metro Ball Invitational Cup.

We started out flat. Our offense couldn't get going while our opponents went on a fastbreak blitz. We fell behind early as they quickly erected a double-digit lead throughout the first half.

We inched our way closer in the third quarter from stellar plays from our main man, ex-pro standout John Cardel. He was able to drill several jumpers in succession. The third period ended with Northtech holding a very slim lead.

The fourth quarter ended pretty much the way the last one started as we were able to dominate on defense while making plays on the other end. Due to several good offensive sets, we were able to grab the lead and maintain it for most of the period. The last minute was exciting as we had a three point cushion and the ball in their possession. Northtech had good looks from beyond the arc but their shots weren't falling anymore. We were able to grab key defensive rebounds in the closing moments as we pulled away with an 8 point victory.

Eye Wide Shut

I got myself another major injury the other night. I was playing basketball with a couple of officemates at nearby Club 650. Anyhow, my left eye got poked real bad during one rebound play. It had me screaming, "Fuck, not again!"

I had a corneal abrasion already before, also from basketball. It was the most excruiciating injury I've ever had. The pain was just so unbearable. So I said to myself, "Please let this be just a regular eye-poke." I didn't want to go through the anguish and hassle again.

I managed to finish the game with one eye literally shut. Afterwards, I already had a bad feeling about my eye. I was thinking whether I should go to the hospital or not. Since I had experienced this before and I still have the medicines from the last abrasion, I decided to stay home.

I woke up the following day feeling worse. I couldn't open my eye and there was no way I would be able to go to work. I sent text messages to my officemates informing them of my absence. Good thing my boss was with me during the accident so he knew what I was going through. I didn't need to explain anymore.

As the day progressed, I felt it was best that I go to the hospital and have it checked. I went to the ER at Medical City to have them take a look at my injury. True enough, it was another corneal abrasion. They prescribed the same medication and gave me pretty much the same instructions as my previous doctors did before.

It usually takes about 3 days til the pain totally wears out. Eye injuries heal very quick, but they're also the most painful as well. That's the trade-off. No other organ heals faster than the eye. So that basically means that in a few days time, I should've fully recovered and can get back to playing full contact basketball.

I've a game this weekend that I don't want to miss.

Closing Job Orders

I had a pretty good yesterday in terms of work. I was able to close down another job order, while having a few more for job offers. Chances are, three more people will be joining IBS and more of my pending orders will be closed soon.

I have to admit, it wasn't easy starting our here at IBS recruitment. Transition was difficult and I had to learn a totally different recruitment system. It took me about a month to grasp the whole process but things have turned for the better now. I have already adjusted to the whole environment and things are falling into place now. I am absolutely enjoying anything and everything about work.

This is what I signed up for.

Epoch Audio-Dunlop vs. P&G

We had our first game earlier tonight against Procter and Gamble. It was the first time I was going to play with my teammates. I'm fairly the new guy in the team so it was kind of hard visualizing how I will be able to jell with their style of play. It was also awkward as my first taste of scrimmage with them is already the season opener as well.

We breezed through P&G without much resistance. We were able to dictate the tempo of the game, and our big men were able to dominate the boards. I had a bad game by my standards as I made only 2 of 5 freethrows as well as a couple of easy shots. I tried to get fancy on a wide-open breakaway layup as I decided to tap-board. I didn't get much lift from my legs so I embarassingly missed. Had a good laugh about it though. I finished with 8 points. Anyway, at the final buzzer we were able to get a 27-point blowout victory.

We're off to a pretty good start. I hope we can continue the run next weekend.

Metro Ball

I received a call from a friend of mine early today. He was asking if I wanted to join a team he was putting up for a summer league. This was for a tournament sponsored by Sunbolt Energy Drink to be played at the Metro Gym in Mandaluyong. It's actually a popular league as they're also being sponsored by Solar Sports. If I'm not mistaken highlights of the tourney will be broadcasted across the network's shows.

I normally wouldn't think twice about accepting such an offer, however, I was a tad bit wary because I hardly knew the rest of other players. I mean, it's hard to play with people you barely even know. I eventually agreed considering I just have to pay my share in the tournament fee, and we receive two sets of unis which are provided for by the team sponsor. That's pretty much a good deal in my book.

Our team is called Team Epoch Audio as that's our official team sponsor. They provided the funds for most of the expenses. Dunlop is also a minor team sponsor.

I'm delighted as I have another basketball season to look forward to.

Placement update

I finally made my first placement as the first of the five job offers at hand for my bundle was officially accepted. It was a good sign of things to come as three of the next four were accepted as well. It would have been great if no one declined. But 80% is not bad at all.

Hopefully I get to maintain that percentage. I'm actually confident that I will be able to do even better than 80% as my next offers come trickling in soon.

Another gamewinner; yet another injury

I hit another pretty gamewinning shot last night. I decided to take over in the waning moments of the game because my teammates flubbed our last two possessions. So I called for an isolation play from the top of the key. After a couple of dribbles and a crossover, I veered towards the right side. I stopped near the elbow, and quickly pulled up for a jumper. Bank shot from eighteen feet.

The night didn't end as well as it started though. Towards the middle of the next game, I got jacked up pretty bad. I jammed my right thumb as an opponent tried to swipe the ball and got my hand at full force. In a matter of minutes, my thumb was swollen and discolored like hell.

It's been quite a while since I last had an injury, whether major or not. I don't miss the feeling at all. I just hope I don't get hurt as much as I've been sinking gamewinners as of late.

Holy Week

I just had probably the most uneventful week in recent memory. Stayed home practically throughout the holidays. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday were absolutely boring. Most establishments were closed and the only stores open were your friendly neighborhood fastfood joints. Wow. How exciting.

It's a good thing though that I was able to get a couple of days off from work. Since there was hardly anything to do and nowhere to go, I wound up sleeping for the most part. Still, nothing beats the feeling that you don't have to wake up by a certain time to go get ready for work.

If having that feeling means I have to get bored the rest of the day, I'd take it with open arms.

Job Placement

I prepared 5 contracts today. These contracts are to be offered next week. Granting at least 1 job offer will be accepted, this will mark the first time I'll make a successful placement thus closing the job order.

I have a very good feeling all five will be accepted. I don't want to jinx it, but something tells me I'll go 100% at least on my first five job offers.

I can hardly wait.

Townhall Meeting

For whatever reason, some of my officemates volunteered me to do the hosting chores for our company's second townhall meeting for 2006. It's a quarterly event that the company uses to update all employees about the happenings during the past quarter and inform everyone about the plans for the next quarter as well.

I was hesistant at first, primarily because I've only been in IBS for about a month. I barely knew my colleagues and the big bosses as well. Since I'm not familiar with them, I was afraid to make any mistakes especially mix-ups on identities. That'll be so embarassing. I couldn't say no to the organizers though. Since HR was in charge of the whole production, I just couldn't decline the offer especially since it was my HR manager along with one of the more senior HR officers who asked me. Nakakahiya naman to turn it down.

I hosted the townhall meeting today. In fact I had to do it twice. We had the main one this afternoon, together with 90% of the population, while we did the second a few hours ago for th ebenefit of the 50 or so night shift people. It was a good experience. I haven't done such a thing before, I mean not in front of 500-plus people so the whole gig was a new experience for me. I got to know more people from the company so that was an added bonus. They're asking me if I want to do the next one come July, and I just basically smiled.

Yeah, I'm open to doing it again. I mean, I don't stand to lose anything anyway. The benefits far outweigh the risks.

Besides at least for a couple of hours, I'm in control. Haha.

Hectic Week

The past week at work was too hectic for me as the earliest time I was able to leave the office was past 7 pm. I normally don't stay past 6:30 or so. Anyhow, a lot of things needed to be finished to I had to stay and have dinner at Eastwood instead of eating at home. Hassle cause it's another unforeseen cost implication.

I was looking forward to resting over the weekend as I feel I've lost a lot of sleep recently. I wasn't able to capitalize though, as I still have erratic sleeping habits. Weekend was good as I was able to get back to my usual fitness routine, playing basketball both Saturday and Sunday. Had pretty good games too, hitting gamewinners here and there. Moreover, I was able to finish shopping for additional work clothes which I started late Friday. I don't plan on ditching my normal barong routine but I plan on investing on other stuff as well. Long-sleeves are my thing right now and I can't seem to stop getting more.

At any rate, it was a pretty good weekend minus the rest part. I still need to catch up on some shut-eye, otherwise I feel I'm going to break down soon.

I hope not. I'm a pretty big link in the office chain so I can't bog down otherwise everyone will fall apart too.

I can't afford that. Not yet at least. Haha.

an Ateneo Education

I chanced upon a very enticing column on yesterday's (March 31) The Philippine Star. I normally don't read the Opinions section but Boo Chanco's commentary had a title too interesting to pass up.

It read, "Is an expensive Ateneo education worth it?"

Being an Atenean, I was curious to find out how he would answer. Moreover, I was looking forward on reading how he would justify whatever answer he comes up with. I went on and finished the entire selection.

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I am an Atenean. I belong to High School batch 1999 and College batch 2003. Not many people may know though that I went to Colegio San Agustin for my elementary years. When people ask me what school (or schools) I went to, I would always say Ateneo. I don't mention CSA unless they ask me about grade school. Not to say I dissociate myself totally from the Augustinians, rather I feel that I was never educated by CSA. I may have finished elementary there, yet I never learned anything subtantial. My formative years were spent under the tutelage of the Jesuits, where I was able to develop the skills I need in life. My eight years at the Ateneo prepared me to face reality undaunted and confident about the uncertainty that will confront me.

This is why I believe that my Ateneo education is the finest investment I have.

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Boo Chanco concluded his essay saying that the expensive cost of an Ateneo education is well worth it, but only if the graduate recognizes its intrinsic value and does something about it in his life.

One will never realize its value if it is taken for granted. The value of an Ateneo education will never be quantifiable. It will not be about how much money one makes, or how much power and wealth one amasses. Rather, it is how one uses it to be a 'man for others', the mission being instilled upon Ateneans since day one.