The Return of the Prodigal Fan

2 conferences ago when I decided not to watch PBA anymore.  After 19 years of following the only professional basketball league in the Philippines, I came to a point when I lost my interest in my team... no... it's more of.. nagtampo.  Yes.  After San Miguel lost to Talk 'n Text in the finals of 2010-2011 Philippine Cup, the management decided to trade its 3 core players: Danny Seigle, Dondon Hontiveros and Dorian Pena in exchange of younger legs and future draft picks.  I know this wasn't the first time that players left their mother team, retirement would be the most acceptable reason, but to get traded in a blink of an eye, I couldn't bear that.  I've witnessed several trades in the past but this was unimaginable.

SMB, Itaas Mo!

I almost forgot how it feels like winning. It's been 4 years.... 4 looonnnggg years of waiting, 7 hard-fought games, 2 player-suspensions and 1 team... just 1 magnificent team to emerge as the BEST.

SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN

2008-2009 Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference Champion

*photo courtesy of PBA

On-Court Dramas

I'm supposed to take a rest at this time.... lay on my bed and play Jurassica on my iTouch 'til I get to sleep. I had to get off from work early this afternoon 'coz I wasn't really feeling so well. But upon learning of the news that Danny Ildefonso and Marc Pingris were slapped with a 1-game suspension by the PBA Commissioner, I couldn't help but to express my sentiments on what occurred at last night's Game 2 of the PBA Finals and at 11:15 pm, am still awake and doing what I feel like doing.

First, Ronald Tubid's elbowing Olsen Racela on the face. Yes, basketball is a physical game but, being physical is different from being dirty. Actually, it's not the elbow incident that I want to point out, it's the attitude that Tubid shown during the feud between him and Racela. It only showed why this Ginebra player is deserving of the Best Actor award. After he was called for a charging foul and Racela couldn't keep his cool, Tubid tried to get the crowd's sympathy by being "apologetic" of what he has done. But being a 16-year PBA veteran, Olsen just did not buy that. Getting a nasty bruise on his face and getting a not-so-sincere apologies from Tubid, he definitely knew how to react in a professional way. Hitting that baseline jumper is the best way to put a period on what had happened. And if Tubid was really sincere in saying sorry, why was he still trashtalking at the sideline?

Second, Ildefonso's and Pingris' suspension in tomorrow's Game 3. The game was over then, when Danny I hurriedly ran to the opposite goal and almost hit this BGK fan. Pingris followed. Everybody was in shocked and wondering what initiated these players to go after this man. Different stories have been told, but in the end, missing these 2 key players on the next game will create a big impact on the team's bid to the trophy. Pingris was just named the Best Player on last night's game and Danny has been playing above expectation.

After digging into some forums and news articles, curiously looking for anwers to my question on why Danny furiously attacked this BGK fan, only 1 reason came out: this die-hard BGK fan provoked Danny by cursing her daughter to death. Danny's daughter, Sophia, has cancer and is undergoing medical treatment.

Some says, Danny's reaction to go after the man was a no-no. No matter what the reason was, he should have not done that. He is a professional and veteran player and he must know how to handle such case. But, hey! Isn't he also a father, who despite his daughter's condition, was able to perform his duty as a professional player? Yeah sure... everyone gets boo-ed at one point or another... but this is different, he wasn't just boo-ed, his daughter was cursed by this man who happened to be a fan of a losing team, who couldn't accept his team's defeat and couldn't think of anything to distract the player except by going too personal. To think that this is just the 2nd game and his team is not behind neither... it's tied!

Are we expecting more dramas?

SMB, In... BGK Out!

It was another Beeracle win by my San Miguel Beermen over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.

Before the game started, I made sure that all my duties for the day were completely done: attended a mass at 12:30, shopped for my 2-week supply of grocery items at the nearby supermarket and a 30-minute power nap.

And as soon as the game started, I was in oblivion. I was in front of my 13-inch laptop, watching nervously on a 3.5"x3.5" live stream screen.

Did not like how my SMB started and what made me more frustrated was the flagrant foul 2 called against Olsen Racela. He was ejected and even got a 1-game suspension a day after. After this untoward incident, SMB was lost. Turnover after turnover. Missed shots. And the opponent seemed perfectly doing every bit of basketball.

3Q, and my team was down by 21 points. I knew that my team was capable of coming back ... but how? Being behind by a huge margin and a choppy live stream caused me headaches. Then suddenly, the lead is fading away... 18... 15... 8... and before I knew it, we were only down by 3 at the end of the 3rd period.

The excitement pours in. Oh my.. how I wish I was there, screaming and cheering for my team at the top of my lungs. Those who have watched me watching a live PBA game know how much I can do to support my team. I can beat those who they call, the "6th man" of the Barangay hehehe... and with Dondon Hontiveros, playing a very inspired ballgame (thanks to VC? :D), Lordy Tugade giving those clutch baskets, Bonbon Custodio outplaying any guards thrown at him.. Jonas Villanueva playing quality minutes, Dorian Pena getting those powerhouse rebounds, Mick Pennisi and Marc Pingris giving a big D, Beermen could do nothing wrong.

At the final buzzer: 98-93.... my SMB will face Talk 'N Text in the semis.

Below is an article from PBA homepage.

SAN MIGUEL MAKES IT TO SEMIS

Hontiveros stars in big comeback

Sunday, 11 January 2009

San Miguel Beer waged a searing chase from the depth of 21-point deficits in the third quarter and upended Barangay Ginebra, 98-93, sustaining its journey from the wildcard round to reach the KFC PBA Philippine Cup Final Four at the Cuneta Astrodome Sunday. Dondon Hontiveros fashioned out a second straight 30-point showing, becoming the biggest factor as the Beermen stunned the Kings in their knockout setto to gain the right to challenge the Talk n Text tropang Texters in the best-of-seven semifinal round. It will be Sta. Lucia Realty versus Alaska Milk at 5 p.m. then San Miguel against Talk n Text at 7:30 p.m. in the semis opener Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. "I want to continue playing. There was the opportunity to be of help to the team and I just grabbed it," said Hontiveros, stepping up as the Beermen bucked Olsen Racela's early exit on a flagrant infraction and overcame tremendous adversities. The Beermen gained entry into PBA Final Four all the way from the wildcard round for the third time in franchise history. They pulled off the same trick in the 2004-05 Philippine Cup and the 2007 Fiesta Conference. "We came from the dead. I thank the players for keeping the faith although we fell behind by as many as 21," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen, shedding tears of joy. "I also want to give credit to Ginebra for really pushing us. Despite a depleted lineup, they almost won the series. Breaks went our way in the end," Tanquingcen added. The Kings pushed the Beermen to the limit only to fall short of their bid, thus, settling for fifth place in the all-Filipino tourney. Hontiveros was the man of the hour for the Beermen, scattering 34 points, including 27 in the final half to fuel San Miguel's mighty comeback from 21 points down at 41-62 and 43-64. Bonbon Custodio, Lordy Tugade and Danny Seigle had significant contribution, helping the Beermen stay in further contention after having survived three knockout games in the tourney thus far. Going to naught was Jayjay Helterbrand's sterling all-round game spiked by 30 points, seven rebounds and the same number of assists. Curiously, Helterbrand went wild right upon Racela's exit, pouring in 20 points in the first half with four triples, three two-pointers and two charities. Alas, Helterbrand was held down to 10 in the second half. "Pinakuha ka na agad sa depensa ni coach pag-tawid para ipasa na niya ang bola," said Hontiveros on their defensive adjustment. From a two-point standoff, the Kings raced to a 15-7 lead and led by as many as 15, 36-21, before closing the opening half at 49-36. The Kings did better than the Beermen practically on all fronts in the first 24 minutes of play and stepped up their game even more at the start of second half to enjoy the 21-point cushions. Hontiveros, however, fueled the San Miguel fightback towards the end of the third, getting the Beermen back in the fight at 67-70 going into the payoff period. The Beermen poured on the heat in the payoff period with Hontiveros scoring 14 and Custodio, Tugade and Seigle combining for the same output. (NC) The scores: San Miguel 98 -- Hontiveros 34, Custodio 13, Tugade 11, Seigle 9, Washington 8, Villanueva 7, Pennisi 5, Pena 4, Pingris 3, Baguion 2, racela 2, Gonzales 0. Ginebra 93 -- Helterbrand 30, Salvacion 17, Menk 9, Mamaril 8, Tubid 7, Pacana 6, Artadi 6, Wilson 6, Valenzuela 4, Escalona 0, Cabatu 0. Quarterscores: 14-22, 36-49, 67-70, 98-93

PBA in SG

Got a chance to watch a live PBA game yesterday at Singapore Indoor Stadium with Joe, Joey and their friends. Talk 'n Text versus San Miguel Beer :) Though my SMB lost the game, being at the stadium...seeing them in flesh... meeting my on and off the hardcourt idol Olsen Racela (second only to my forever idol, Samboy Lim) were all worth it. Being an SMB fanatic, no amount of money could buy the happiness it brought me (drama huh!). Plus I got to meet new friends, bumped to my 2 former officemates from Tsukiden, Ian and Eman (a part-time photographer-slash-programmer who was part of the media who covered the game). Of course, I was in my old candy-an-smb-fanatic-mode, screaming at the top my lungs everytime my team scores... cheering and clapping for them... bullying the opponent... aarrgghhhh.... I miss watching live PBA games at the Big Dome :(

The closest I could get to Olsen :)

My team's line-up


with the bday boy, Nash Racela

Merlion Mascot

Viva Hot Babes at the Half

Tugade for Threeeeeeee!!!! :)

So tiring yet fulfilling weekend for me. My tasks were accomplished according to plans and what a way to end my weekend and start a new week by watching my favorite team, Magnolia Beverage Masters (formerly San Miguel Beermen) winning over Talk 'n Text Phone Pals. It wasn't an ordinary win guys. After being behind by 24 points in the first half, my team managed to bounce back and with the score tied at 93-all with only 2 seconds left, Lordy Tugade made the big shot of the night by hitting a buzzer-beater 3-pt shot with no time left. Tanggal lahat ng pagod ko this weekend :)

From SAN-MI-GUEL to MAG-NO-LIA

From Malaya online:

From Beermen to Beverage Masters

---

BY NOLI CORTEZ

ONLY the name was changed, not the determination to succeed.

That was how San Miguel Beer management explained the reason for the change in moniker – from Beermen to Magnolia Beverage Masters – of the team that will see action in the 33rd PBA season that starts on Oct. 14 at the Araneta Coliseum.

"We expect the Magnolia Beverage Masters to carry on the winning tradition of the San Miguel Beer team," said San Miguel Beverages Inc. president Robert Huang in a media conference yesterday in which the team’s new name and look was bared.

Bernie Marquez, SMBI general manager for domestic operations, said the players are also expected to act as ambassadors of the firm’s beverage lines that include Magnolia Health Tea and Fruit Drinks as well as Magnolia Pure Water.

Hopes for the team doing well and adding on to the Beermen’s PBA-best 17 championships have not been diluted, however.

Observers believe this team has what it takes to improve on its runner-up finish in last year’s Philippine Cup, its pre-season top seeding brought about mainly by the acquisition of sniper Larry Fonacier and draft picks Samigue Eman and Jonas Villanueva.

They are expected to greatly bolster a lineup already well-stocked with the likes of Danny Ildefonso, Dondon Hontiveros, Danny Seigle, LA Tenorio, Olsen Racela, Wesley Gonzales, Chris Calaguio, Lordy Tugade, Willie Wilson, Gabby Espinas and Dorian Pena, who is expected to be fully recovered and 100 percent game-fit from a foot surgery when he rejoins the team in mid-December.

As is his wont, head coach Siot Tanquingcen preferred to downplay his team’s chances.

"I must admit, this team is loaded with talent," said Tanquingcen. "But traditionally, it’s how a team transfers its strength from paper to the playing court that matters. We still have to do that."

The threats posed by Talk N Text and Alaska should also not be taken lightly, added the two-time champion coach with Ginebra. The only way to do that, he stressed, is to achieve the vital chemistry.

""We have to have everybody on the same page and play our game the way it should be played," Tanquingcen said.

For the record, the SMC team, one of the league’s pioneers in 1975 as Royal Tru-Orange, had played under the brand name Magnolia in the 1984-85 and 1986-87 seasons.

It carried the name San Miguel Beer first in the 1980-81 campaign and, seemingly for good, in 1987-88.

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

Sweet Victory

Being down by 16 midway in the 4th quarter, I thought it was going to be their last game of the season. I started to look at their faces thinking that I might not see it again for a long time. But I guess destiny has its other plans. SMB made a 21-5 attack that cut a once 16-point deficit into just one with 1:18 left in the game clock. BGK had the last possession in the regulation but the sticky and smart defense of the Beermen forced an overtime.

OT higlights:
1. 3-pt plays by Galen Young
2. A solid block of Wesley Gonzales on a 3-pt attempt of Sunday Salvacion
3. Crucial offensive rebound of Young after a missed free throw
4. Pressure-packed foul shots of LA Tenorio
5. 3-pt shot by Chris Calaguio
6. Nealy missed a 3-pt shot when it was badly needed
7. Nealy fouled out of the ballgame ahead of Young who went earlier into foul trouble

It was a sweet victory, indeed! The officiating during the first 2 quarters of the game was awful. Ronald Tubid had its Oscar-winning performance. Danny Ildefonso was called for a flagrant foul just trying to block Tubid's jumper. Young picked his 3rd personal foul so early in the game and even had its 5th during the last minute of the 3Q. BGK had its run that includes a 2 consecutive 3-pt shots of Rod Nealy in the fourth.

But my Beermen did not give up. Gonzales had the game of his life scoring 10 of his 20 points in the 4Q. An awesome defense that showed Tenorio guarding Nealy that forced turnovers, shotblock of Gonzales off Salavacion's 3-pt attempt, rebound supremacy of Pena and Young.

What a win by the San Miguel Beermen! It was the sweetest victory I've ever witnessed..... LIVE!!!!!

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

From PBA Website:

SAN MIGUEL PULLS OFF ANOTHER MIRACLE WIN FOR FINAL 4 SEAT
Calaguio, Gonzales star in Beermen’s amazing comeback

Sunday, 17 June 2007
San Miguel Beer pulled off another escape act in a knockout game, completing the brew in the 2007 Talk N Text PBA Fiesta Conference Final Four.

The Beermen joined the Red Bull Barakos, the Alaska Aces and the Talk N Text Phone Pals in the semis mix as they survived a fourth straight do-or-die match on a scintillating 117-114 overtime win over the Barangay Ginebra Kings Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

San Miguel fought back from a 16-point deficit midway through the last quarter and outlasted Ginebra in overtime to advance to the semis against old rival Alaska.

Game One of the best-of-seven semis series is Wednesday in the same venue.

"It’s gonna be exciting. I know coach Tim (Cone) and I know Rosell (Ellis) with whom I’ve had a lot of battles in the US. It’s gonna be a battle," said San Miguel import Galen Young, who’s up against his former team Alaska in the semis.

Young, along with Chris Calaguio and Wesley Gonzales, played a stellar role as the Beermen avenged their loss to the Kings in the recent All-Filipino Finals.

"We fought every step of the way," said Young, finishing the game and completing a swashbuckling performance although picking up his fifth foul with still 46.8 seconds left in the third period.

Gonzales starred in San Miguel’s searing fourth-quarter chase while Calaguio stood tall in the overtime play. Gonzales made 10 of his 20 points in the fourth period while Calaguio scored nine of his 19 in the extension period.
Then there were Dorian Pena and LA Tenorio helping along the way as the Beermen overcame an 83-99 deficit with 6:26 left in the final period.

"It was so special winning that way," said coach Siot Tanquingcen as his Beermen pulled off another Houdini act, practically the same way they survived the Coca-Cola Tigers in the wildcard round.

"It was a heck of a game. There was a moment when we lost our focus and we messed up playing Ginebra’s game. But we regrouped and refocused on what brought us here….. playing no-nonsense defense," Tanquingcen also said.

The Beermen held the Kings in check towards the end of overtime, breaking free from a 111-all standoff to eventually win the contest. In regulation period, the Beermen pulled even at 104-all on an amazing 21-5 run, and the two teams went scoreless in the final 1:18 of play. Calaguio fired a trey to shatter the 111-all deadlock, then after Rod Nealy missed his own three-point attempt, LA Tenorio buried two free throws to all but settle the outcome of the game.

The Kings blew away a chance for a double-championship in the season, and with it went Nealy’s chance for the Best Import award.

Mark Macapagal rifled in a triple at the buzzer and the Kings carried a 56-51 lead over to the second half. Macapagal and Sunday Salvacion both went 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, giving Nealy valuable support as they enjoyed the lead at the turn despite a tentative start. The Kings trailed by eight, 24-32, at the end of the first quarter and only had their first taste of the lead at 46-45 on a drive-in basket by Ronald Tubid. (NC)

The scores:
San Miguel 117 – Gonzales 20, Calaguio 19, Tenorio 17, Young 17, Ildefronso 14, Villanueva 9, Adriano 9, Pena 9, Racela 3, Wilson 0.

Ginebra 114 – Nealy 37, Macapagal 19, Salvacion 17, Tubid 14, Menk 11, Santos 7, Abarrientos 5, Mamaril 4, Seigle 0.

Quarterscores: 32-24, 51-56, 74-83, 104-104 (reg.), 117-114 (OT)

SMB vs BGK Part 2

Tonight, my friends and I will be watching the second encounter of San Miguel Beermen and Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings this elimination. SMB won the first match in overtime and I'm hoping that they will duplicate the same fate tonight.The Beermen are on a 5-game winning streak after losing its first 3 and hopefully the winning streak will continue. Danny Ildefonso is back and Ronald Tubid now plays with Ginebra... hmmm.. exciting isn't it? :D

GO SMB!

Purefoods vs Red Bull

I wasn't able to watch Game 6 last Friday on TV so, I just asked my nanay to give me blow-by-blow updates (maraming salamat talaga sa nakaimbento ng cellphone... :D). While having merienda with a bunch of officemates at Yellow Cab, I couldn't help but to worry, it could be the Beermen's last this season. Whew! At last, got the final score...116-101, SMB forced a game 7 :).

Sunday, 2nd of July 2002, while the whole nation was preparing for the Mano-a-Mano fight of Manny Pacquiao and Oscar Larios, I was busy thinking of 2 things, Superman Returns and the 7th game of SMB/Red Bull series. After watching the Man of Steel at IMAX (please see my other entry.. :D), my family and I hurriedly went home. I need to watch what turned out to be SMB's last game this season.

We got home at around 6pm and the 1st game was still undecided. Few minutes later, Purefoods booked the first seat to the finals with 90-89 win over Alaska after being down in the series at 1-3, the Chunkee Giants made history after being only the 2nd team to win in a best-of-7 series after a 1-3 start.

After half an hour, the 2nd game started. I don't know but, my instinct worked again. I knew this was going to be our last game this season. SMB did not play the way that they used to play during 2nd, 4th and 6th games.
Their shots did not fall in, open shots, at that. Dondon Hontiveros, though working like a horse in defense, still a missing factor in offense, he did not score at all :( Chris Calaguio, after a great game last Friday, only managed to score 5 points. It was only Kiko Adriano who had a good game from the bench players, others, whew! Nowhere to be found. They were down by only 6 points inside the last 2-minute mark, and I must admit I was hopeful that they could snatch this game. 84-82, Red Bull lead, SMB possession. Seigle committed his 8th turnover in the game. Possession goes back to RB, luckily they had an error and the basketball returns to SMB. After the timeout, Danny Ildefonso left wide-open beyond the arc and he released the ball, missed! Seigle had the rebound and was fouled by Junthy Valenzuela while trying to go for a lay-up. He calmly sanked 2 free throws and with 3.7 seconds left, Red Bull had the ball and Yeng Guiao called for time. As the game resumes, Enrico Villanueva had the ball, double-teamed, kicked the ball out to Pennisi and though free at the 3-pt line, he opted to pass the ball to Valenzuela at the left-corner court... kaboooommm!!! With no time left, the shot went in. I was speechless, I did not utter a single word. Though, I was expecting that SMB wouldn't make it, but not this way. It was a HEARTBREAKER.... :((

Game 6: Do or Die for the Beermen

Good luck, SMB!!! Sana may game 7. :D Play hard, play fair and enjoy the game, Beermen!!! :)

:((

SMB lost to Red Bull, 101-107. SMB wasn't SMB last night:

1. Dondon Hontiveros was off;
2. Danny Seigle, yes he scored 20++ points, but his attitude did not help;
3. Dorian Pena, I don't know... maybe he was thinking of game 6 already;

Hopefully, they will snatch a win this Friday, or else.... see you next conference, Beermen!!! :(

Make or Break

While everybody is so thrilled about the Superman Returns (which opens today), I am more excited to watch the 5th game of SMB-Red Bull semifinal series. Sad to say, nobody was generous enough to spend Php370.00 to watch the game live with me :P. Just in a few minutes, I'll be on my way home and really, I can't explain what I'm feeling. Nervous, excited, hungry, whew!!!

Bahala na si Batman!!! :D

SMB, itaas mo!!!!

Red Bull - Ang mag-Walkout, Pikon!!!!

Got disappointed last Friday when SMB lost to Red Bull, 99-95. SMB was leading by as much as 10 points in the 3rd period after Dany Seigle scored 23 points in the 2nd quarter alone. I thought we were on our way to our 2nd win but I was wrong, 2-1 in favor of Red Bull.

Couldn't wait to witness Game 4. And for the 2nd time in this series, I'll be watching a live game. My mother and I arrived at the Araneta Coliseum 10 minutes before gametime. I even had a short chat with Melissa, wife of SMB point guard, Olsen Racela. It wasn't about the game, we were both complaining to the usherette why no single roll of tissue paper was available despite the fact that ticket prices went high :P.

Anyways, Game 4 started and SMB had a good start, actually, not just good but a lucky start. They played good defense, they made their shots, it was an SMB game indeed! Suddenly, with still 2:06 remaining in the first half, the Red Bull team led by their b*_*s*-*t coach walked out of the court obviously not happy with the referees' calls. My goodness!!! Every coach had their complaints regarding officiating, but he was the only one who had this guts to walk out and turn a well-fought ballgame into a mess!!! (not to count Robert Jaworski's action many years ago) Muntik ng masayang ang binayad namin dahil sa pagiging b*_*s*-*t mo!!! No wonder, pati mga players mo nag-aasal kanto na rin. My gosh!!! This is a professional league, you should have just at least ask for 2 technical fouls and be ejected. But to order your boys to walk out, where is the professionalism, coach? You even bumped Dondon Hontiveros after he made a 3-pt shot and pretended that nothing happened!!! Whoah!!! What are you?
Pati yata utak mo nalagas na rin kasabay ng paglagas ng buhok mo eh!!! Fortunately, SMB escaped with a 106-82 win.

Just to quote Guiao, "People saw the game and they can decide for themselves what happened. I don’t want to blame my team for this loss. This game wasn’t lost by my team," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao, hinting at poor officiating the Bulls had to endure.

What is this? Can't San Miguel win because they are much better team? Kelangan ba kapag natatalo kayo e dahil sa tulong ng mga referees in favor of SMB? How pathetic....

I just hope that come game 5, everybody will play like a true professional.

"Good coaches teach respect for the opposition, love of competition, the value of trying your best, and how to win and lose graciously." ~ Brooks Clark

SMB Evens Series

Can't explain the excitement that I feel right now. The game yesterday was awesome, the 4Ds are here again doing what they do best. Dondon Hontiveros had a magnificent game going 6-for-6 from the three-point range which tied a league all-time record for best 100% performance in a game. Dorian Pena is always at his best, another double-double performance, his 15th this conference. Danny Seigle, what more can I say, 14th straight game he scored at least 20 pts. And the best surprise of all is the return of Danny Ildefonso which really made a big difference. Of course, the entire team had a magnificent night, Chris Calaguio, Kiko Adriano, Wesley Gonzales, Denver Lopez and Brandon Cablay had their share. Where's Olsen Racela? Oh well, maybe he'll be back to his Rah-Rah form come game 3. Overshadowed by the performance of the other guards, I know Olsen would be more happy to see the team winning. Having an endgame score of 114-98 is not the typical SMB. But, who cares, as long as they are winning. :D

Right after the game, I immediately claimed my tickets for Sunday's game 4. Hopefully, SMB will win this game (para naman hindi masayang bayad ko.. :P ). But before that, there is a game 3 tomorrow. Yun muna ang paghandaan nila :).

Good luck, SMB!!!!

"Let´s not worry about failure, let us worry about the chances we miss when we don´t even try."

Manonood ba ako o Manonood ako? :D

Nagpa-reserve na ko ng ticket for this Sunday's game 4 (PBA of course!). Pero... pero... pero... manonood lang ako kapag manalo ang SMB mamaya. Sana makabalik na si Danny I. :(

Game 1 to Red Bull

I don't usually watch a live PBA series-opener, semis or finals. But yesterday was different. Actually, I bought my tickets last Saturday morning pa. Maybe, I got too excited to see my fave team playing again after almost a month of rest. Or maybe, nadala na rin ako sa kahihintay ng game 4(dito ako nag-s-start manood ng live e). Last year kasi, in the middle of the series, nag-change ng venue ang PBA from the Big Dome to Cuneta Astrodome. Eh, hindi ako nanunuod unless sa Araneta ang venue.

Anywys, yesterday I was excited, pero parang wala ako sa mood. While waiting for a bus along Edsa-Balintawak going to Cubao, isang pulubi (na medyo me toyo rin 'ata) ang nagtanong sa kin ng oras. Sabi ko, alas-tres y media. Tiningnan nya ung relo sa may bakery sa likod ko at sabi ba naman "Bakit dun alas-tres kinse pa lang, adbans yang relos mo." with matching titig pa sa kin na parang sinasabing bakit ko sya niloloko sa oras. Yes, natakot ako dahil akala ko kung anong gagawin, nakatitig sa kin eh. Kung wala lang sayad 'un, pinatulan ko na yun kaso nga me topak, hindi ko alam kung anong kayang gawin nun. Kasama ko pa ang nanay ko na nerbyosa kaya sinabi ko na lang "adbans 'tong relos ko, oo na.. oo na.." sabay layo. At kapag inaalat ka nga naman, hindi lang miminsan dadaan ang malas sa 'yo. Still, naghihintay pa rin kami ng bus, e inaayos ko ung shirt ko sa likod kaya medyo nakausli ang siko ko. Abah, isang nagmamagandang babae ang tinabig ang siko ko, ni walang excuse, para dumaan. Umakyat na naman ang dugo sa ulo ko. Eh, fresh pa sa akin ung nangyari sa MRT kaya nag-inhale-exhale na lang ako. Eto pa, andyan na ang bus, huminto sa harap ko. Abah, siningitan ang nanay ko sa pagpanhik. Pucha!!! Isa pang inhale at exhale, ayaw ko talagang makipag-away pag kasama ko ang nanay ko dahil ayaw ko syang madamay. So, timpi pa candy, timpi. Isipin mo na lang na me dalang bata ung babae at hindi magandang halimbawa na makitang me nag-aaway. Whew!

Dito palang, na-feel ko ng hindi magiging maganda ang araw ko. At hindi nga ako nagkamali, natalo ang SMB 89-78 :(. Injured si Danny I, malas si Dondon H., sama mo pa si Olsen R. Though, maganda ang laro nina Dorian P. at Danny S., not enough to win the game.

Pansin ko rin na nagbago ng strategy si Coach Jong, babad si Wesley G. at point guard pa!!! So far, not as effective as Olsen, but can't blame him. Sana lang makabalik na si Danny I and bumalik sa dati ang laro nila, specially, the 4D's and Olsen.

“You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” ~ Brian Tracy