My favorite PBA players

My favorite PBA players

by rick olivares with image taken from pba.ph

Tony de la Cruz – If there is anyone who is coldly efficient its Tony de la Cruz. I never was a fan of Shell but I did like their team with Rich Alvarez and when they had Leo Austria as head coach. Great fundamentals. Even better attitude towards the game and a great locker room presence. This guy has been the face of the Uytengsu franchise since he came over from Shell.

Cyrus Baguio – Loved what he can do ever since his days in UST. I still feel that he is not the player he was when he was in Red Bull but then again, who is? Rico Villanueva is certainly not. But Skyrus I feel is handicapped by the triangle offense. Nevertheless, always fun to watch.

LA Tenorio – Since his frosh year in Ateneo, he was cool and composed. Not to mention deadly. He has gotten much better in the PBA. Prime time player.

Sonny Thoss – When he came into the league, I scoffed, “Just another Fil-for with no talent.” Boy, was I wrong. He’s become a rock at center for the national team and for Alaska. Love his game.

Larry Fonacier – The Larry Fonacier we are seeing now with TNT is the Larry Fonacier who was a star for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets. In the senior Blue Eagles he was more of a shooter than the all-around player he was. I’d say he is one of the smartest players in the league. I love his court vision. Him being on the court with Jimmy Alapag, Jason Castro, and Ryan Reyes is like watching a clinic of ruthless and selfless basketball.

Jared Dillinger – Does this dude have guts or what? Absolutely fearless. The things he does to his knees and feet I just shake my head. But JD plays his ass flat out every time out. Definitely a top fave player.

Jason Castro – Speed kills. I remembered when Jimwell Torion entered the league and devastated foes in similar fashion. But Castro is by far more talented and deadly.

Ryan Reyes – Solid and unspectacular with the flair for the spectacular. A huge huge addition to TNT. Imagine him with Alapag and Castro. That’s a tough three guard corps there that matches up with B-Meg’s.

Harvey Carey – Thought he was a bust as he didn’t have a great rookie year but he has turned himself into a tireless worker who gets the job done. Does any other team work harder than TNT?

Chris Lutz – What a great addition to Petron. His intensity and fire is a perfect fit for what drives Arwind Santos. When he joined Smart Gilas alongside Marcio Lassiter, that gave the nationals great wing defenders (along with Mac Baracael). He gives the same to Petron and some super scoring punch.

Marcio Lassiter – Mr. Cool. Nothing changes in his demeanor even when he makes big shots. But I love what he brings to the table. Sentimental Smart Gilas fave and so I follow Powerade more closely.

JV Casio – I was always afraid of Casio when he was in La Salle. Who got off those shots quicker? Then Rajko Toroman improved his game and now we’re all waiting for him to do the same for Powerade.

Gary David – I have to admit that David snuck in like a stealth bomber. Such a dynamic scorer. Difficult to guard because of his speed and shiftiness. All you can hope is that he has a bad day.

Rudy Lingganay – Been a fan since his days with UE. I sure hope that he does real well in the pros because like Rob Labagala they are very good guards.

Willy Wilson – Was never impressed with him before but he’s become a very good utility player with a lot of skills. How can I not root for a guy who plays smart and is a hard-nosed defender?

JC Intal – So much talent but I wish that he had the ruthlessness of Arwind Santos, Mark Caguioa or even the spunk of Ronald Tubid.

Mick Pennisi – Okay, not the most athletic of the bunch or even the smartest player on the floor but Mick will squeeze the most out what he has to contribute. And love the character. Got to feature the old Red Bull team when Yeng Guiao was their head coach and I thought that he made that team fun in every way (alongside Carlo Sharma).

Ronjay Buenafe – The Mad Bomber who can put up points in a hurry. Who else does this – Gary David, the young Mark Caguioa, Jeff Chan, Paul Lee (anyone notice how Rain or Shine has cornered the market share on pistoleros like Buenafe).  Knows only how to play a couple of ways – fast, faster, and go even faster if possible.

Gaby Espinas – Wish he’d play with a burr up his butt all the time because in spite of his talent, he’s kind of inconsistent. He can score when he wants to score (and play defense too). Wish it happened more often than not.

Josh Urbiztondo – All heart! Smart player too.

Kerby Raymundo – Now this is unfair. Blessed with height and all that talent. Wish he was healthier because it has been a treat to watch this guy.

Mark Barroca – So he’s not shown anything with B-Meg. But that’s because he went to the wrong team. He should be playing for Ginebra.

Ryan Reyes propels TNT to win over Ginebra

The fateful trey of Ryan Reyes that stopped Ginebra in their tracks.

Ryan Reyes propels TNT to win over Ginebra

by rick olivares pics by brosi g.

November 6, 2011

Smart Araneta Coliseum

In a 48-minute game, it’s all about runs and answering them. Talk ‘N Text led by a dozen 35-23 with 6:37 in the second period when Barangay Ginebra’s KG Canaleta scored a bucket on Japeth Aguilar. Eighteen seconds later, Canaleta blocked Aguilar’s drive that drew a cheer from the predominantly pro-Ginebra crowd. In the reset, the Tropang Texter’s young center threw up an airball. Ronald Tubid tacked on a free throw on the opposite side and the lead was down to 39-27.

TNT head coach Chot Reyes called time and chided Aguilar for backing down against Canaleta then railed at his team for not whipping the ball around. “Don’t be selfish,” he railed. The Tropang Texters responded with a 9-4 run to jack up the lead 48-31 after two quarters played. The lead would provide enough cushion for the inevitable Kings’ run.

But Ginebra was laboring for their points. After Rico Villanueva whittled the deficit down to 10 after a free throw to make it 69-59 with 9:40 left in the game clock, TNT responded with an 8-2 run capped by a four-point play by Ryan Reyes (20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) that took the starch out of the Kings.

During their eight-day layoff from competitive ball, TNT took time off to go to Benguet for a team building exercise. According to Reyes, the team went some 600 meters down a mine to get an idea of the sacrifice and hard work of the miners.

After his side’s 86-71 win over the PBA crowd favorites, Reyes said that he was happy that his players answered every Ginebra run. He also described his team’s effort as “workman-like” and “honoring the sacrifices of the miners.” While TNT’s defense (they give up 91.6 ppg) isn’t at its best yet with players in and out of the lineup due to injury, the defending Philippine Cup champions have used their potent offense (96.6 ppg) to overwhelm foes.

While putting the ball in the hoops doesn’t seem to be a problem for TNT, the Kings clearly aren’t the dynamic team that they used to be. The fearsome trio of Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, and Ronald Tubid only has moments rather the sustained firepower that has become synonymous with their moniker. When Caguiao was taken out of the match late in the fourth quarter, he was surprised and clearly displeased with the move. On the way out, he asked coach Siot Tanquincen what was that all about but the coach didn’t reply.

While both squads shot poorly (TNT’s 35.8% to Ginebra’s 35.5%), the Tropang Texters played with a lot more energy and determination. Reyes’ team grabbed 59 boards with 21 coming off the offensive glass. Ginebra mustered only 44 with 5 offensive ribbies. The Kings’ manager Allan Caidic was unhappy with the effort, “Ang sama,” was all he could say as he walked out.

Not only did TNT beat them but they didn’t help their cause one bit by turning the ball over 19 times that the Texters translated in to 20 turnover points. TNT also carved open Ginebra’s defense by passing the ball around until an open man was found.

And they also ran the two-man game to perfection. With 20 seconds left in the third period, Ryan Reyes passed the ball to swingman Larry Fonacier who was at the apex of the three-point arc. Reyes went up to set a screen and Ronald Tubid who was shadowing Fonacier through the former Ateneo Blue Eagle was going to use the pick to go around. Instead Fonacier popped for a triple that gave TNT a 69-52 lead.

For years, Reyes has preached “the values of hard work” and he has turned his squad into a fast-paced one that is relentless in their attack and their work around the shaded lane. Even after falling short of a grand slam last season, TNT has picked up where they left off in Season 37. The Tropang Texters had four players scoring in double digits in Ryan Reyes, Kelly Williams, Jared Dillinger, and Jason Castro whereas only Caguioa, in 19 minutes of play, and Mike Cortez who scored more than 10 points for Tanquincen’s side.

“We’re still trying to get better,” said Chot Reyes who was wary of the upcoming matchup with Powerade which was blown off the court by a stampeding Barako Bull in embarrassing fashion 117-78.

In that match, the lead went up to 53 at one point after two free throws by Paul Sorongon, 105-52, and the Energy Boosters threatened to break record for the most lopsided score that dated back to July 12, 1980 when the U-Tex Wranglers manhandled the Great Taste Coffee Makers 154-99. Every Barako Bull player sent in by head coach Junel Baculi scored at least three points.

“I expect Powerade to come out like a wounded tiger and play the best game,” said Reyes. “I am sure they will come out with a great effort. And we cannot take them or anyone lightly.”

Talk ‘N Text 86 – Reyes 20, Williams 19, Dillinger 14, Castro 13, Peek 7, Fonacier 5, Aguilar 3, Raymundo 2, De Ocampo 2, Carey 1, Aban 0.

Ginebra 71 – Caguioa 14, Cortez 11, Labagala 8, Canaleta 8, Intal 7, Tubid 6, Villanueva 6, Wilson 4, Helterbrand 3, Cervantes 2, Wilson 2, De Ocampo 0.

Ginebra was oft a step too slow in chasing TNT's players that they sometimes had to tug at their shorts to keep pace.

Air Force bombs Manhur out of the UFL Cup

Air Force bombs Manhur out of the UFL Cup

by rick olivares

November 5, 2011

Rizal Memorial Football Stadium

The Manhur players were lounging around the pitch when Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong entered carrying his gym bag. They shook hands with the national player and praised him for what he has done for local football.

Minutes later, the team went to the dugout to change and they mistakenly stumbled into the Air Force changing room. Handshakes were exchanged. Hosannas once more sung.

Manhur FC, formed merely three years ago by players from Dumaguete who played for Silliman University, Far Eastern University, and the University of Santo Tomas, the team was proud of advancing from the group stage to the knockout round.

“It’s an accomplishment,” said forward Anthony Emperado.

Even if they were up against mighty Air Force with its all-star lineup?

“This game,” clarified head coach Rigoberto Buccat, “was a test. When you play Air Force with all they have achieved through the years, through the decades, it’s like climbing Mt. Everest or Mt. Kilimanjaro. We just need to give a good account of ourselves.”

Unfortunately for Manhur, even with their 4-5-1 formation that was supposed to stem the tide of the Airmen’s 4-4-2 attack, they mostly stood by mesmerized by the seamless 1-2 passing between Caligdong and Ian Araneta despite the rain-soaked pitch. And for good measure, the Airmen showed there was more to their patented left wing attack by utilizing the speed and runs and crosses from the right by Jalor Soriano and Joebel Bermejo.

Read more.

Bleachers' Brew #284 In a year's time

This appears in the Monday November 7, 2011 edition of the Business Mirror.

With Simon McMenemy at My Dinh National Stadium before the Philippines-Vietnam clash of December 2010 in the Suzuki Cup. Even before the match, you could see that I was all pumped up and believing in a miracle. 

In a year’s time

by rick olivares

When it was formally announced that the Los Angeles Galaxy would be coming over to Manila to play an exhibition match with the Philippine Men’s Football National Team, I caught the Tweet of former Azkals head coach Simon McMenemy dated October 22 that read: “What a difference 12 months makes. Dec 5^th 2010 Philippines 2 Vietnam 0. December 4^th 2011 David Beckham and the LA Galaxy arrive to play in Manila.”

So much had changed from that fateful day. From the glaring lack of coverage and interest, the national team now was hot copy on and off the field. They appeared in television commercials, print ads, talk shows, and well, played some football in between. And the United Football League like many other football programs and leagues were the beneficiary of the sudden windfall of support. Prior to December 4, 2010, the only matches of the nationals shown on television were in 2006 and 2008. Now every move was videotaped, chronicled, and tweeted. 

I flicked open my laptop and looked at the pictures and videos of that day in Vietnam and a wave of nostalgia and emotional swept me.

Not much was expected from that team. Foes and everyone alike thought looked at the nationals as road kill. An easy W. But the year that had begun with Desmond Bulpin in charge and ended with McMenemy at the helm had seen marked change in their performance and team discipline. If previously the Fil-fors were segregated from the locals in their room assignments they were now mixed amongst themselves. That move had greatly improved the relationships and the team’s time together on the pitch had done wonders for chemistry. Aside from the training, what went largely unnoticed was that the core of the 2004 squad – Emelio Caligdong, Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario, Roel Gener, Ian Araneta, Peter Jaugan, and Chris Greatwich – were entering their prime.

From the 2010 Long Teng Cup to the Suzuki Cup Qualifiers, the team was playing much better.

So the team flew into Vietnam in stealth mode. Why not? A few days earlier, the team, playing with an incomplete lineup, was blown out by a Thai club in a friendly. At the opening press conference for the Group B competition, all the talk was how Singapore and Vietnam would advance from the group and how many goals they would score against the Philippines (and Myanmar to an extent).

I have to admit that I was bursting with energy over there. It was my first time to join the team outside domestic competition. I distinctly recall McMenemy asking me, “You have that much faith in us?”

I nodded. We were in a perfect situation to garner some huge points. The team was a good one, there wasn’t any pressure, and the opposing teams totally disrespected us. We drew against Singapore and people still thought it was a fluke.

The morning of the match against Vietnam, we were all down for breakfast when Ian Araneta went down and broke the news that Phil Younghusband was taken ill because of what we all thought was food poisoning. The trainers immediately went up and the news spread quickly amongst the team. A lump formed in my throat as the coaching staff and team manager Dan Palami quickly huddled to discuss it. Thirty minutes later, Phil came down and looked pale if that sounds even possible given his fair complexion. “I’ll play,” he pronounced and we somewhat felt reassured.

When the team bus left the Sheraton for My Dinh National Stadium to play Vietnam, the streets were lined with fans waving flags of the home side. The were stirrings already in the local media about the Azkals draw against the Lions and how the team featured a number of “Europeans.”

A crowd gathered outside the entrance to the parking lot as the team arrived. If the locals cheered the Philippines in the match against Singapore for sure they were going to do the opposite that day.

Carrying my SLR camera, I stayed behind the goal where the Philippines was shooting. I told McMenemy I hoped to take a shot of our goals that day. Come kickoff, the teams switched sides and I was caught in the wrong end. Since we were not allowed to move around once the game commenced, I stayed put.

There were a bunch of Vietnamese photographers behind the goal that Neil Etheridge was minding. A few of them were shouting, cheering their team on. Neil looked behind and saw me. “I got your back here,” I reassured him. Honestly, I didn’t sound too optimistic as my teeth were chattering from the cold December night.

Vietnam was peppering the Philippine goal with all these shots but the defense and Etheridge repulsed them. In the 38^th minute, Chris Greatwich headed in a cross from James Younghusband for the first goal and I remember yelling my head off from behind the goal. Etheridge had gone upfield to celebrate with his teammates and I suddenly felt very alone and an open target from the massive crowd behind me. I quickly piped down and snapped a few pictures. We all watched the replay the following day and I will never forget what the television analyst said: “And the Philippines have gone in first and that is totally bizarre!”

At the half, I went up to the media skybox where I linked up with the Inquirer’s Cedelf Tupas. I was grateful for the warmth inside and its relative safety. I opened my laptop and like him, I began to tweet.

As Phil Younghusband put the finishing touches of a 94-minute (including added time) masterpiece, Cedelf, British writer Mike Church, and myself let out a loud whoop. The Vietnamese writers present closed their laptops and left.

And bedlam broke out on the pitch and the Philippine locker room. As everyone went mad inside, Phil was in the adjacent bathroom retching his guts out. It was a gutty performance by him and the entire team. Vietnam had come so dangerously close on several occasions but Etheridge was magnificent in turning them back.

In the post-match press conference, the room was packed with over 50 journalists. McMenemy answered every question and was gracious in defeat despite Vietnam head coach Henrique Callisto’s refusal to shake his hand after the match. As McMenemy exited the media room, we saw Callisto. I placed myself in between the two coaches in case a scuffle broke out. The vanquished coach threw a few choice words. Simon didn’t reply and instead shook his head. Cedelf and I hustled him out to the safety of the team bus.

As the team bus exited My Dinh, the lights were put out just in case some sour local fans decided to pelt the bus. The streets were still lined with people. More than what we saw going in. But their pre-game cheer was replaced by stunned silence. Suddenly Greatwich began to bang the palms of his hands on the window and began screaming, “Yeeeeeaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!! We woooooonnn!!!”

It was surreal. Some others were trying to calm Greatwich down and on the other side Phil had continued to empty whatever was left of his stomach into a bag.

When we entered the Sheraton, the hotel staff applauded and were all smiles. The Singapore players were there too to greet us. And their head coach Raddy Avramovic who had coldly dismissed all questions about the Philippines in the pre-tourney presscon was now hanging out with everyone  in the lobby (because there was free wifi there) and regaling us with football tales and advice.

You all know the rest – we drew with Myanmar and went onto the semifinals in Indonesia for the first time. When the team returned to Manila between the two legs, Azkals hysteria was in full swing.

Early in 2011, I told anyone willing to listen that this was not some fad since fads last about three months before it’s done. It’s been a year and the beautiful game or the national squad shows no signs of stopping whatever the result.

One year later, I am still covering the team now along with a host of others. The Ateneo Football League that I had long planned has seen a successful first season. And I’m now covering the UFL for AKTV. And come December, I am so stoked for covering and watching the Galaxy play the Azkals.

The press conference here at home (with me hosting it) before the team's departure for Vietnam. This was held at the PFF office. Note the El Habbib brothers and Coach Aris Caslib in the background. Great and memorable days.

This was during our first lunch at Nam Dinh where both the Philippines and Myanmar traveled to play. The meals weren't as great as what we had at the Sheraton but the street coffee was great. With Coach Simon, Edzel Bracamonte, Joseph Malinay, and Edwin Cabalida.


Below is the post-match presscon. I have to look for the video of the confrontation with Callisto at the hallway. It was hard to shoot as I had to come between the two men so nothing would break out. I have some 20 DVDs of video footage from those days in Vietnam and Indonesia including Simon McMenemy's pre and post-match thoughts. We spent some 30 minutes talking before and after every match. There are also extensive locker room scenes especially the halftime against Vietnam. The locker room was intense and I will never forget that. Everyone was quiet for a few minutes. No one spoke. When Simon finally did, he said: "We are on the verge of making history, gentlemen." And everyone began to scream. Dan Palami was going from player to player patting them on the shoulder egging them on. Diding Cabalida sat nearby thinking and thinking some more. "We have a chance!" he said. That was so incredible and I was thinking, "Jeezus, it's so cold that I can't feel myself anymore out there." And I was worried about the battery life of the camcorder. All this video has yet to be converted.

The Bull Runner runs the 2011 New York Marathon

Team Philippines in the 2011 New York Marathon as led by flag bearer Anthony Pangilinan and Jaymie Pizarro. 

Nomads musters enough to go through at Pasargad’s expense

This appears in interaksyon.com

Nomads musters enough to go through at Pasargad’s expense

by rick olivares with photos by brosi g.

November 5, 2011

Rizal Memorial Football Stadium

Bobby de Jesus slumped on the seat in the grandstand. The season, Pasargad’s UFL Cup campaign had come to a grinding halt at the hands of nemesis Nomads FC. It was a 1-nil loss. Although Nomads dominated possession, the goal, a 25 yard-strike by Randy Musters, was a fluke. Musters tried to send in inside the box but overshot his target. The ball however was struck well enough that it drifted further towards the goal. By the time Pasargad keeper Abdollah Golkhah realized it was on target, he stumbled back towards his line and the ball curved right in before the far post. Goal!!!

As Nomads celebrated, Golkhah knelt in front of his goal. He knew his blunder could have very well cost Pasargad the game and the tournament.

As soon as the ball found the back of the net, De Jesus turned around to face his bench. He was looking for a game changer for his embattled squad but he was fast running out of substitutes. Finding none, he turned back towards the pitch and issued some instructions.

De Jesus was invited by Essi Sedigh to coach Pasargad at the last minute. The two worked together briefly at the Philippine Football Federation with the latter working on the futsal program while the former handled some grassroots projects. De Jesus was now handling the Ilocos Football Association and he shuttled back and forth between the northern province and Manila for the UFL matches on weekends.

Pasargad was clearly not the team it once was when it dominated the old UFL with three championships and three other first runners-up finishes. Their brief hiatus cost them a spot in Division One and striker Misagh Bahadoran who moved to Global FC. Pasargad was in a rebuilding stage and was clearly in need of some more pieces to its puzzle.

They barely qualified for the Round of 16 and needed a late miracle from Navid Khorsani to steal two points from a frustrated Green Archers United. Pasargad was tied with Forza with 3 points but the Iranian expat club had a match at hand. The point accrued from the draw with Green Archers sent them through the next round.

However, they played one more match and then they were out.

Pasargad, was not a wholly Iranian club anymore. There were only three pure Iranians on the club – Golkhah, team captain Ahmad Seifi, and Mansour Madadi who had played second division football in Iran with Rah Ahan and Tractor Sazi. The rest of the lineup was a mixture of Fil-Iranians, Nigerians, Filipinos, and a Cameroonian. But more the United Nations flavor of the squad, what was more important was to get the team to jell.

Nomads was concerned with Pasargad playing deep and in a more defensive formation. When there was an opportunity, De Jesus’ side went on the counter. Nomads forward Steve Borrill thought that his side played well in patches but Pasargad’s defense and Golkhah, never mind if he was shaky for the match, was superb.

Borrill had been marked well by Pasargad and was somewhat rendered a non-factor by the Iranians. A such, target man Phil Connolly was left to maraud by his lonesome with occasional help from Alastair McCready’s well placed crosses.

De Jesus noted that Nomads’ strength has been its midfield. “The build up in their attack is very good,” he noted. “If we can stop them there then we can hit them on the counter.”

It was a sound tactic. The problem was Pasargad’s attack could have used a little more fluidity. As it was last week against Green Archers, Charles Ujam or Peter Ndupuechi were oft on solo flights without any support. With two or three defenders bearing down on the Pasargad forwards, in truth it wasn’t a pretty sight. Madadi and Jay-Ar Inventor tried to make headway along the right wing but the passing left much to be desired as they proved to be easy pickings for Nomads’ mids. Pasargad had some opportunities to score including that 67^th minute attack where defender Mark Johnson blocked a Ndupuechi strike but the finishing was far from clinical and on the money.

And speaking of Nomads’ defense, Musters had not only scored the crucial second half goal but he repeatedly turned back Ujam and Ndupuechi.

Both squads took one match from one another in last year’s Division Two play (aside from the many battles over the years) and if there was one thing that Nomads head coach Mick Denison was worried about it was Pasargad’s ability to score late goals.

Pasargad, named after the capital of former Persian emperor Cyrus the Great (that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site), attacked with desperation following Musters’ goal. For the first time since the early stages of the match, they sent waves of attackers. But Nomads had made timely substitutions on both offense and defense and as Denison said, “Sometimes the best defense is a good offense.”

With Chris Phillimore attacking up front, Pasargad had to reallocate some resources to the back instead of marshalling its field players for a final push. The two minutes of added time slipped away ever so quickly that as soon as their chance for another miracle was extinguished in the midfield, referee Wilfred Bermejo blew his whistle.

It was a 1-nil win for Nomads. Last year’s second division champions who had been promoted to Division One had their revenge after a 2-1 loss last season. Nomads, with their best team in a decade, was off to the next round. Four straight wins and they had yet to concede a goal. Denison’s squad celebrated and thanked their boisterous supporters.

Pasargad slumped on their bench with dejection written all over their faces. Sedigh shrugged and managed a weak smile. De Jesus tried to mask the pain. “We need to do some work,” he muttered.

The return to greatness for Pasargad will have to wait.

The last two days

With Jena Fetalino at Jeff Blake at Howzat Sports Bar along Kalayaan Avenue last Thursday for lunch. Jeff is a fellow Liverpool (my Scouse brother) and Real Madrid fan. Last December, he joined some other Filipinos to watch the Azkals' second match with Indonesia in the Suzuki Cup. Jeff, who is a Yank from Pennsylvania, proudly wore a Philippine jersey to the Bung Karno and for his supporting Team Philippines, he had his digital camera filched from his pocket. Whatta guy! In case you didn't know, when he isn't working, he plays goalkeeper for Nomads FC. Will be writing a story on Nomads FC soon. 

Doing the Saturday UFL Cup coverage on AKTV with Ryan Fenix and Anthony Suntay. For the first time, we had to wear long sleeves and a necktie! Unfortunately I didn't have a white polo so I had to borrow one from my brother. For the main match between Pasargad and Nomads, Jason Webb was our anchor and as always it's a pleasure to work with a pro.

Since I returned from Roxas City, I've been in a funk. Given my crazy workload it was bound to happen. I just don't feel like writing or doing anything else. Time was I'd take a week off from work to bum around and do nothing. Maybe go out of town or abroad. Just recharge my batteries. Come to think of it, I don't think I've been out of the country as extensively as I thought I would. Maybe soon. So I've been reading a couple of books (imagine that, I read two books at the same time), listening to my Yes and The Verve CDs, having dinner with a pretty lady, watching a DVD of Olympique Lyonnaise's championship seasons (when they had Juninho), and catching up on some badly needed zzs. Maybe next week I'm back to me old self. And second sem classes begin Tuesday. Stoked to me my new class. I know I have Chris deChavez and BJ Cipriano in my class.

Woolyback: Making the most out of chances (Philippines vs. Vietnam).

This appears in my column in interaksyon.com. titled Woolyback. It's on the match between the Philippines and Vietnam in the 26th Southeast Asian Games.

Final UFL Cup Round of 16 pairings and competition dates this weekend

The UFL's Technical Committee met tonight to iron out the Round of 16 and this is NOW FINAL. Take note of the sked. Good luck to all the teams. Thanks to Santi Araneta and Ritchie Gannaban.

M-43: (  1 vs 16)  Loyola Meralco Sparks FC vs Sunken Garden United FC

M-44: (  9 vs   8)  Stallion FC vs Diliman Victory Liner FC

M-45: (  4 vs 13)  Nomads Auction Manila vs Pasargad FC

M-46: (12 vs   5)  Team Socceroo FC vs Kaya Cignal FC

M-47: (  6 vs 11)  Green Archers United FC vs Lions Meltique Beef FC

M-48: (14 vs   3)  Manhur FC vs Phil. Air Force Phoenix FC

M-49: (  7 vs 10)  Pachanga FC vs Phil. Navy Redjuice FC

M-50: (15 vs   2)  Global FC vs Phil. Army Fritz Macziol FC

5 November 2011 (Saturday)

M-48:  Manhur FC vs Phil. Air Force Phoenix FC

2:00 PM, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex

M-45:  Nomads Auction Manila FC vs Pasargad FC

4:00 PM, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex

6 November 2011 (Sunday)

M-46:  Team Socceroo FC vs Kaya Cignal FC

6:30 PM, Nomads Sports Club

M-47:  Green Archers United FC vs Lions Meltique Beef FC

8:30 PM, Nomads Sports Club

TO BE CALENDARED

M-43:  Loyola Meralco Sparks FC vs Sunken Garden United FC

M-44:  Stallion FC vs Diliman Victory Liner FC

M-49:  Pachanga FC vs Phil. Navy Redjuice FC

M-50:  Global FC vs Phil. Army Fritz Macziol FC

For a similar article, please check out this article on interaksyon.com.

Wednesday. Starbucks Salcedo Village (LP Leviste St) With Mark and Anton. Into something good and exciting.

Tuesday November 1, 2011

Tuesday. Had lunch with Greg Slaughter at O'sonho, a Portuguese resto in Eastwood. We talked about a lot of stuff from the early days in Smart Gilas to going up against Rabeh Al-Hussaini in the Champions League and to leading Ateneo to a fourth straight title. Greg and I have maintained this friendship since those early Gilas days at first because of a mutual love for music (Smashing Pumpkins, Tool and other heavy stuff) and hoops. I am profiling him for the next issue of Rebound magazine that if not out either November this year then January 2012.

Dropped by the practice of the RP National Basketball Team that will be competing in the 2011 SEA Games. Practice was at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center and had a brief chat with San Beda's Jake Pascual who was thankful for the National Squad story where I mentioned him. San Sebastian's Ronald Pascual and Ian Sangalang are off the team. They have not shown up for practice and no word about them. I guess it's not so important for them.

Went walking around the Ateneo campus with my youngest son. We did a couple of loops around the campus. Took the time to talk and bond a bit after I have been busy with work. We talked about our common love for football (my son is very good at it and plays central midfield) school, our travels and other matters. Right before we were done, we stopped to marvel at the sunset from Bellarmine Field. Snapped a pic of it. This was time well spent.

Dropped by Fullybooked Katipunan after and picked up Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba's daytripper. It's a beautiful graphic novel and here's the synopsis: A stunning, moving story about one man's life and all the possibilities to be realized or lost along the way. Brothers Bá and Moon take readers through the life of a man named Brás de Oliva Domingos, selecting a series of individual events of great significance to Brás, showing each as if it could be the day Brás dies, and in so doing creating an examination of family, friendship, love, art, life, and death that urges the reader to turn the same careful inspection on their own life.


"If you travel too fast all you're gonna see is a blur and you'll never really meet someone interesting."

Dumbass fan attacks Steaua Bucharest's George Galamaz

FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PLOIESTI, Romania -- A soccer fan in Romania was charged Monday with running onto the field and breaking a player's cheekbone, an outburst that triggered more violence and forced the game to be called off.

The fan, Dragos Petrut Enache, was being held for 24 hours after hitting Steaua Bucharest defender George Galamaz on the side of the head and knocking him to the ground on Sunday night, prosecutors said Monday.

The player remained hospitalized with a broken right cheekbone and will be sidelined for 45 days, the club said.

Enache was charged with disturbing public order and committing violence. A court will decide whether he should be held for 29 days pending trial. Prosecutors said Enache used a hard object to hit Galamaz and had taken drugs before the attack.

The game between visiting Steaua Bucharest and Petrolul Ploiesti was halted after the violence.

After Galamaz was attacked, teammates knocked the fan to the ground and began beating him before he was whisked away by security staff. Two players received red cards for their conduct.

Steaua was leading 1-0 in the first half when the man attacked the defender after the referee awarded a penalty to the visiting team. The referee stopped play for about 10 minutes.

When play resumed, Steaua converted the penalty kick to go up 2-0. Petrolul Ploiesti fans began throwing flares onto the field, and the referee decided to abandon the game. Steaua Bucharest goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu was mildly injured by a flare.

It wasn't immediately announced whether the game would be replayed or if Steaua would be declared the winner. Petrolul Ploiesti was fined $3,200 Monday for the way it organized the match.