O... meron pang sumawsaw na ibang mga bwisit

According to a news report by the Business Mirror, the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) will create a three-man fact finding committee to investigate the incident that led embattled Burger King guard Wynne Arboleda to attack a heckling fan at courtside during his team’s match with the Smart Gilas Pilipinas National Team.

GAB’s Dioscoro Bautista, Chief Officer for Professional Basketball Regulation, asked the PBA for a copy of their own findings as well as a video copy of the game. GAB has the power to revoke the license of athletes due to Presidential Decree No. 871 that gives authority to the body to do so.

Former Ginebra San Miguel cager Rudy Distrito’s license was revoked by GAB following a tackle on Alaska’s Jeffrey Cariaso during a match in 1995.

My take on this is… medyo OA na ‘to. Let the PBA deal with this. Wala na ba kayong ibang trabaho? Yung mga ibang super visor nga ninyo pupunta ng mga game meron pang fee. Hindi ba pwede invesitage itong mga mokong na to?

Bakit hindi niyo investigate din yung coach at team officials? Bakit hindi niyo kaya?

Punyemas kayo. Pero yung mga magnanakaw sa gobyerno walang nakukulong. So anyone notice that since Ondoy no one has been talking about the Dacer case? 

Dare to be Fit 'n Right

On October 23, Friday 7 pm, Del Monte Fit ‘n Right will launch its newest campaign Dare to be Fit ‘N Right in Taste Asia at the SM Mall of Asia. The Dare to be Fit ‘N Right launch will be a bloggers event that features the revolutionary F.I.T workout by sports scientist and Master Coach Jim Saret. Coach Saret obtained his MS Sports Science degree from Brigham Young University in the US. He is a core training expert and a sports and fitness writer and lecturer. Currently, he is the Lawn Tennis Sports Program Head of the Ateneo de Manila University and the Strength and Conditioning Consultant for the POC and various teams in the PBA.

The F.I.T Workout or the Fast Interval Training is a four-minute workout that makes you burn at least 400 calories and continues to burn even when you’re done with the workout! Plus, you don’t have to be a gym buff to enjoy the workout. It doesn’t require much space and equipment. It’s scientific, very visual, designed for non-athletes, with measurable results and it’s easy!

And, if you partner your F.I.T workout with your Fit ‘n Right fruit juice drink, you’ll see faster results for Del Monte Fit ‘N Right contains the breakthrough L-Carnitine that helps burn fat and B Vitamins 1, 6, 12 that help speed up metabolism.

A clinical study done by the University of the Philippines through Dra. Leonora Panlasigui and company has proven the effectiveness of Fit ‘n Right. In that study, it was found that one can lose as such as 16.7% body fat in just 6 weeks with regular consumption of Fit ‘n Right, diet and exercise. There are studies that indicate that 1000mg per day is ideal in helping you lose weight along with proper diet and regular exercise. Each Fit ‘n Right bottle contains 300mg and the recommended daily intake is at least 3 bottles, at least 2 hours before exercise or physical activity to maximize the fat-burning benefit.

B Vitamins 1, 6 and 12 are known as energy boosters and they help reduce fatigue and increase endurance by facilitating conversion of carbohydrates, protein and fat into energy. With L-Carnitine, B Vitamins can optimize metabolization of carbohydrates, protein and fat into energy.

Now, who says you can’t have fun while working out and losing all those calories and unwanted fats? Who says you can’t have a refreshing way to burn?

Dare to be the first to try the F.I.T Workout. Dare to be the first to know about it. Dare to be fit. Dare to be right.

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Coach Jim and I will be working on a website; something we've been talking about since the FIBA Jakarta tournament. Look for it soon. See you at Mall of Asia!

That damned beachball. What's up, Liverpool?

Darren Bent of Sunderland watches as his shot goes past Liverpool goalie Pepe Reina and into the goal off of a beach balloon thrown in by some stupid Reds fan during Saturday's Barclays Premier League match. LFC lost 1-nil.

 

One Mo

Momentum? What momentum? The New York Yankees routed the Los Angeles Angels 10-1 in a masterful comeback after a game 3 loss to go 3-1 in the ALCS. Alex Rodriguez hit a home run for his fourth of this post-season. The Yankee record is 6 by Bernie Williams. Finish them off now.

Laglagan Blues (or Wynne, it's time to spill the beans)

After Wynne Arboleda assaulted a fan, Burger King was considering trading him to Red Bull Barako. They thought of doing so because of a possible backlash to their product being a global brand. But after the PBA Commissioner suspended the Whopper guard for a year without pay, it's a wait and see situation for them. 

Said PBA President Lito Alvarez: “In between while he is serving his suspension, we will see kung may positive thing na makikita ang tao sa kanya. The situation is very difficult for us because we are a global brand at with the advent ng new technology, mabilis na kumalat ‘yung ginawa ni Wynne and we need to protect our integrity. Suddenly, all eyes are on us. Coach Leo was open to the idea and told me na sasabihin niya sa management kaso hindi namin in-expect na buong season pala siya mawawala. Even coach Yeng had my support although ang sabi niya, pagbigyan pa ng two to three games before making a decision. But now, we will see what will happen after he served his suspension. Wynnie has to do it on his own. He will not get any support from the management as far as making an appeal to the league. We will not interfere in this case.”

Beginning today, Wednesday, the PBA will start implementing rules regarding fan abuse. If a fan excessively insults a player, he will be warned. Continued abuse will merit removal from the venue. Any fan caught throwing an object or who enters the court, or attempts to engage a player or another fan in a fight will merit automatic ejection from the venue.

The PBA office is also investigating the actions Alain Katigbak that led to Arboleda attacking him.

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Something is still not right here. Linaglag no? Ayos talaga mga bossing mo, Wynne. 

Here's a reaction from a friend of mine who wanted this posted: 

Morris Gruenberg Santos

pre I was there with my son, Joshua, watching the game live. we were a few meters from where it happened. we were at the back of Smart- Gilas' court. Arboleda's fouls were really dirty... slap on the face of Casio, sinahod pa si Baracael. to quote my son " daddy, let's not watch PBA live kung may game ang burger king... dangerous eh!". grabe talaga pre. parang larong kanto ang ginawa ni arboleda, with no consideration sa kapwa nya players. i hope you could share yung comment nang son ko with some of your friends in the PBA. ang sama ng effect sa mga bata.

Golly, am still good at it.

Haven't played bowling in a while. A flick of the wrist. Some practice throws. I found my groove again. And whoa... am still good at it. Totally enjoyed it. Those who want to take part of the 1st Ateneo Alumni Association Bowling Tournament you may still do so. It begins next week (we had to push it back because of scheduling and commitment problems because of Typhoon Ondoy). It's at Paeng's Skybowl, Robinson's Galleria. Tuesdays 7-10pm from October 27-November 24, 2009.

Da doo run run

Wynne Arboleda attacks Smart Gilas fan

Wynne Arboleda suspended for the remainder of the 2009-10 PBA season

Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Sonny Barrios after meeting with Burger King guard Wynne Arboleda this morning in the league offices in Libis, Quezon City, suspended without pay the player for the rest of the 2009-10 Season following his attack on a fan during his team’s game with Smart Gilas Pilipinas last Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Arboleda, who was assessed two flagrant fouls earlier for elbowing Gilas guard Jayvee Casio in the neck while fighting through a pick and undercutting the nationals’ Mac Baracael on a lay-up, was ejected from the game following his attack on Alain Katigbak who was seated courtside.

The year long suspension will cost Arboleda P2.73 million in lost income for Arboleda. To compound matters for the veteran, he will be further docked Php 20,000 for his two flagrant fouls penalty 1 and serve out a one-game suspension during Burger King’s match versus San Miguel this coming Wednesday.

Wrote Barrios, “As we pointed out to you, even granting that said fan was foul-mouthed and verbally abusive as confirmed by reports to us, there is a “line” that a PBA player cannot and should not cross: to physically harm a fan. Your serious breach of this “line” at this time and in the manner described herein endangers the PBA as being perceived by the public as unwholesome and not deserving of fan support.”

Any repeat of the same or similar act will result in a lifetime ban from the league.

Blue skies for Reby

My fave New York Giants cheerleader Reby Sky (I have been a big fan of Ms. Sky for some time now) is disappointed that our team lost to New Orleans 48-27 after a superb game by Saints' QB Drew Brees. 

First loss of the season for New York which fell to 5-1 but still leads the NFC East. New Orleans is 5-0 but Minnesota behind Brett "Gone Too" Favre is at 6-0! Will wonders never cease.

The Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos are likewise undefeated (as of this posting) at 5-0.

Ginebra takes its first match vs Purefoods

Barangay Ginebra won its first meeting with rival Purefoods 95-87 with superb play by Ronald Tubid in the endgame. In addition to his late game heroics he helped put the clamps on Kerby Raymundo who was bothered by the physical defense on him. 

Ginebra at times looked to have no flow to their game as point guard Jayjay Helterbrand launched shot after shot. He did hit a crucial three-pointer when the TJ Giants were threatening to take over the game after coming back from a double digit deficit. But their game lacked fluidity. I'd also give some credit to Purefoods for disrupting their foes attack but much of it has to be leveled at the Gin Kings' guards. 

Am not sure if all that talk of losing Eric Menk to a toe injury told on Ginebra's lack of size. Rebounding and defense is all about desire. One good game by Menk doesn't necessarily mean that his once dominant self is back. Because looking at the other team, Rafi Reaves was invisible. Maybe after a few games then we can come to that conclusion. 

Ginebra 95 - Helterbrand 19, Wilson 16, Tubid 14, Villanueva 10, Mamaril 9, Salvacion 9, Caguioa 8, Intal 5, Baguio 4, Cruz 1, Alvarez 0 

Purefoods 87 - Yap J. 21, Simon 16, Yap R. 13, Maierhofer 9, Artadi 8, Pingris 8, Raymundo 6, Timberlake 3, Allado 2, Reavis 1, Canaleta 0 Quarterscores: 23-22, 38-39, 66-61, 95-87

Bleachers' Brew #179 Cheerleader in An Army of One

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/sports/17409-cheerleader-in-an-army-of-one.html

Cheerleader in an Army of One

by rick olivares

"You went to college?”

“What are you… smart and stuff? What makes you special? Couldn’t find a job, huh? Or are you some rebel kid runnin’ away from mom and dad?”

The Drill Sergeant was right in Philip Alexander Rex Velez’s face and spouting words so fast in an Alabama drawl that he didn’t have the time to worry about getting a saliva shower much less be amused.

It was the inprocessing of the brave new world of Uncle Sam’s Army of One that is no place for the phony tough or crazy brave but for men and women with the cojones to be thrust in a world so dangerous that Ian Fleming could never have even thought of more vicious and brazen villains for Agent 007.

Three Drill Sergeants hovered about the platoon of “dirtbags” or new recruits who were lined up on two sides. Each DS held up every “maggot’s” application form in order to know them better.

When one of them went up to Velez, he noted for the whole platoon to hear that the Fil-American was a college graduate who went to school at Ateneo de Manila where he took up Legal Management and was a part of the university’s Blue Babble Battalion. With voice that sounded like it had rusting nails for breakfast, the DS asked in the most colorful language known to man, what exactly was the Blue Babble Battalion. For the benefit and pleasure of everyone, he ordered Velez, then at 22 years of age, to prove he was a cheerleader.

And Velez, complete with motions and gestures launched into Ateneo’s cheering staple of “Blue Eagle the King.”

Still unconvinced, the DS ordered Velez to lift another female recruit who was also a cheerleader in school.

Velez, who went to high school at La Salle Zobel where he was also with the Pep Squad, knew how to lift a cheerleader and he easily aced the move.

The DS smirked, commended Velez but noted that he was still an “idiot,” and moved on to harass the next “scumbag.”

Who would have thought that Velez would find himself in this position when a couple of years ago, he was in college where he hung out, partied, chugged beer, and engaged in things that people his age do. He was all set for another four years of law school in Ateneo’s Rockwell campus in Makati City, but while on extended vacation in the United States, he took a job as he was running out of money.

Velez worked for an IT company in Morristown, New Jersey, in a cubicle jungle of post-its, buffet paperwork, rolling chairs, leftover slices of pizza, and an excessively micromanaging boss with poor people skills. He was good at his work but bored and frustrated, he quit.

While cooling his heels at home, the phone rang one day and it was a recruiter for the US Army. Apparently, they had gotten hold of his resume that had been floating online, and the recruiter told him that he had “the skills that can do good.” That line struck a chord with Velez who mulled it over.

With the American Army at war in Afghanistan and Iraq, his parents were concerned about their son’s thinking of entering the military. But Philip wasn’t the type to jump into things impulsively. He did his research and asked countless people for advice before signing his enlistment papers. Thought the new recruit: “I honestly got scared. I thought about going to war prior to joining up but after all my training and with work experience under my belt, I understand that if my job calls me to the defense of others I will always answer.”

Before he could test that theory, he had to survive boot camp.

It was one of those school bus types that ferried him along with 250 others to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. As soon as they arrived, a female DS, who looked as if she could kick the butt of every one on the bus went up and sternly ordered: “You have 30 seconds to get off my bus five of which are gone!” They were out of there like a bat out of hell.

Nervous at jumping into the unknown, Velez thought that it could only be for the best. And it has. He found that life in the army is not as stringent as one may think. “To most civilians, seeing us get up at around 0500, work out daily at 0600, working job details (hopefully) from 0900-1700, and then doing our additional duties after hours would seem like a pretty hectic day,” he described. “Add to the fact that over and above this some of us have families, extra-curricular activities, even a 2^nd job, yet we are all able to manage pretty well. Personally, I’m very grateful that the “get-it-done” mindset that the Army has helped me develop has now become a habit.”

It has been 17 months since Velez enlisted and he has surprisingly been happy with his new career. “I guess the biggest discernible change in my life is the fact that I am very happy with what I’m doing here in the Army. I know what it was like to be unemployed, to be employed but dissatisfied with your job, and employed while appreciating everyday that I get to wake up and do what I do. It’s made me a more positive and confident person and it’s nice to know that my contributions to the service help other people’s lives, even for a little bit. A little bit is better than zero. I’m just one person out of a handful of men and women who do what they do for the sake of others. That’s why it’s called ‘military service.’ I guess this is what they meant by ‘magis’ in Ateneo (the word is taken from the Jesuit philosophy of ‘doing more for Christ and for others’). Doing it daily really is fulfilling.”

Even Velez’ friends back home here in the Philippines are surprised at his transformation. Cheerleaders are supposed to have this upbeat attitude because they lead their respective galleries to give their lungs during athletic competition but his newfound focus and drive has been nothing short of amazing.

“Curiously, the one misconception about basic combat training is that it’s extremely physical. It’s actually more of a dreadful mental and social game that lasts 9 weeks long; being physically fit is a bonus. The reason I say this is because all it really takes to survive are these rules: 1) Listen well and do EVERYTHING and ANYTHING the Drill Sergeant says. Regardless. Trust me on this. That’s why it’s the number one rule; 2) Try to get along with your fellow trainees; and 3) Stay focused and stay motivated.”

“Those three rules served as my mantra throughout the whole ordeal from start to finish. Number three is my personal favorite that I still use even today.”

 

Note: Due to the sensitive nature of Corporal Philip Alexander Rex Velez’ job, we cannot mention his duties and responsibilities. 

In the sleet and snow, mystique and aura go. The Yankees win!

Alex Rodriguez is slowly erasing his previous post-season failures. Three home runs so far and they've all either tied the game or given his team the lead. 

With a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels, the New York Yankees go to 2-0 and are the last remaining undefeated team in the playoffs for this MLB season. The game took five hours and ten minutes to complete and the Angels stranded 16 runners while the Yankees left 12 on base. But come winning time, New York pulled out all the stops.

This is a game that reminded me of the 90's dynasty when they gutted out wins, improbable ones at that, with last at-bats and great defensive plays. Looks like mystique and aura also transfered to the new stadium. 

Great cameo appearance by Jerry Hairston Jr. who scored the winning run. Phil Coke, Joba Chamberlain, and Mo Rivera got out of the jams they got in. And Melky Cabrera... man, this is the guy who took over centerfield that Bernie Williams patrolled for the longest time. Clutch hit. Just like a lot of the Yankees today from Alex Rodriguez to Robinson Cano to Nick Swisher who manufactured a walk off Joe Saunders.

I was a little sad to see Bobby Abreu go but when the team got Nick Swisher, I said that this guy could really help. And he has been solid in right field. 

Now they go to Anaheim for the next three games.

On Gilas' loss to Burger King

I thought that Smart Gilas was in trouble against Burger King for two reasons: 

1) Although they expected BK to play hard they were unprepared for the rough housing. Why I have no idea. They should have seen that coming. It's a disturbing trend to see them back down from physical play by opponents. Yes, I know that they are not allowed to complain to the referees (that is Rajko Toroman's job) and they are not allowed to throw punches and get into fights. But they've been beating PBA teams in scrimmages and with their demolition of the Powerade team, it falls upon all the other teams to defend the PBA's honor. 

There are a lot of issues here -- Noli Eala, Rajko Toroman, Gilas vs. Powerade, Japeth Aguilar, CJ Giles, and a team of college superstars. Remember when Ginebra played Northern Consolidated and Robert Jaworski went down with an injury? He returned, bloodied and all, played hard then NCC folded. 

It's the same thing with BK. They were out there to defend the PBA and their coach's honor. But really, that rough play was of bad taste. Have you ever seen so many flagrant fouls in one stretch? 

There are many who want to see Gilas fail. And that is a damn shame. It doesn't have to be Gilas, if the national team were Powerade, then they should be supported whatever the issues are.

I honestly thought that Chot Reyes' RP San Mig team was on the right track. They were beating foreign teams left and right and came up short in Tokushima. But that was just part of their learnings. Who knows where we'd be at it that continued. You have to remember that the Gilas program was supposed to be an all-pro team. But that was declined by the PBA. So it went to college players.

If Gilas got on another run after 50-37, then they would have run BK off the court, but instead, they folded.

And they did for a number of reasons and that brings me to #2

2) The entry of Rabeh Al-Hussaini threw the system in disarray. I told a few officials before they even signed him that it would have been best to get him in the system after the Champions League where he will still play for Ateneo. He had only one practice with Gilas prior to the match with BK. How will he integrate himself? As it is, it's either Al Ramos or Jason Ballesteros who come in after CJ or Japeth but they came in after Rabeh. Of course, I understand that they wanted to get Al-Hussaini in the thick of things right away but it backfired. He looked lost and so did his teammates.

If he was frustrated that is understandable. He looked so out of sync on the court. 

But the international game is hardly a big man's game. It's usually the forwards and the guards who thrive -- and its those who can shoot who succeed. 

Does that mean Rabeh cannot play with this team? He can skills-wise. Attitude-wise is another question.

Dylan Ababou said to me prior to the BK game that he was still having to re-orient himself with Gilas' system after playing for UST where he was completely used in a different way. Of course that is no excuse but sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. And when you're suddenly thrown into the mix the results can be disappointing.

We've seen this with lots of other players whether in the NBA or the PBA. 

Of course there's nothing like getting first hand experience by playing in the PBA but maybe some shouldn't get too worked up about the loss. As the saying goes, they should learn from this.

But again, even before the PBA stint, Gilas officials wondered if every game was going to be something like Talk 'N Text, Powerade, or Burger King. 

Guess we'll find out this Wednesday.

PUBLIC APOLOGY OF WYNNE ARBOLEDA

I take full responsibility and express regret over the unfortunate incident that involved me and a PBA fan during the Burger King- SMART Gilas game on 16 October 2009. My action was provoked by the incessant name-calling and cursing uttered by the said fan particularly to me each time I was within hearing distance.  The continuous barrage of invectives and insults towards my person, my family and my team were just too difficult to withstand.

Much to my regret, I lost my composure. I realize that this type of behavior by some PBA fans should be considered by players as part of the game and that these usually challenge the emotional capacity of players and other athletes. Even as I take this opportunity to apologize to Allain Katigbak and his family, as well as the PBA fans for this unfortunate incident, at the same time, I raise an appeal on behalf of other players to the PBA to recognize that provocations and invectives directed towards specific players unnecessarily test our limitations and that proper behavior must also be expected from the basketball fans.  Such an incident has happened in previous games.  There should be ways devised to appeal to both players and the public as to the proper decorum and respect we should accord each other.

Thank you for taking time to hear my apology.

Wynne Arboleda

Burger King Basketball Team

Marbury vs. the Knicks

The New York Post reported that former Boston Celtics/New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury said he plans to attend the Knicks' home opener on Oct. 31, according to the report. But he says he's surprised anyone else wants to pay to see the Knicks. And he made it clear that the bad blood between him and the team -- and coach Mike D'Antoni -- has not yet been forgiven or forgotten.

"I'm just talking as a fan and New Yorker who grew up loving the Knicks: Why would I give you my money to watch them?" Marbury said, according to the Post. "This is atrocious. Guys coming down court, just raising up 3-pointers from anywhere. The coaching is horrible. What kind of coaching is this?"

Marbury also predicted that Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James won't join the Knicks as a free agent next summer, according to the report.

"LeBron isn't coming to a rebuilding team," Marbury said, according to the report. "Why would he come to a rebuilding team? It makes no sense. Is this franchise built to win a championship or to make money?"

Yankees take Game 1 of ALCS from the Angels

The New York Yankees have in recent years developed a rivalry with the Angels who have knocked them out twice in the first round of the playoffs. Now it's for the right to play in the World Series. New York won it 4-1 with some timely hitting and great defense and zero home runs. Since this year, this was the only second match in 82 games where no home runs were hit. But that's okay because teams will take wins anyway they can. Great pitching job by CC Sabathia who worked eight innings of four-hit ball before turning it over to Mo Rivera for a 1-2-3. 

Now it's Game 2 and for the Yankees, they remember losing twice in Game 2 situations to the Angels. Going 2-0 would be real huge. And a big treat for Yankee fans, former pinstriped great David Cone throwing the ceremonial first toss! Whooo!

Smart Gilas vs Burger King: A Show of Aggression

A Show of Aggression

Burger King 115 vs. Smart Gilas 105

words and pics by rick olivares

“I only ask you to do two things...” Rajko Toroman paced the floor with his hand in his pants pockets. “That you play with a lot of enthusiasm and with aggressiveness.”

He repeated that once more towards the end of his short pre-game talk. No doubt it was to underscore how that kind of play would carry the Smart Gilas Pilipinas National Team to its first win as a guest team in the Philippine Cup; the first conference of the new Philippine Basketball Association season.

But the team that came out with extra doses of enthusiasm and a whole lot of aggression were the Burger King Whoppers. And that is hardly a surprise when the head coach of the team is none other than Joseller “Yeng” Guaio, the tough as nails coach who likes his teams playing as if every game were a test of manhood. 

As was the battle between the two national teams – Gilas and Powerade – the shaded lane was declared a no-fly zone. Any lane incursion and you had to pay for it.

If there is a theory about one chink in Gilas’ armor, it is they’re wilting from highly physical and aggressive play. In the national team’s previous scrimmage with Talk ‘N Text, Gilas was up by 10 points early in the third quarter when practically the whole Tropang Texters team mauled American CJ Giles. Play was stopped after that.

In the battle between Gilas and Powerade for the charity match for Typhoon Ondoy victims, the early physical play by Wynne Arboleda and Asi Taulava bothered the nationals until they decided to step on the accelerator.

So the game between Gilas and Burger King had so many sub-plots to it.

After the Powerade mauling, the Whoppers had to defend the honor not just of the PBA but also of their coach.

Japeth Aguilar played one game with Burger King – in the team’s first loss of the conference to Purefoods – and after that he switched sides in a deal that involved Red Bull Barako and Talk ‘N Text where he was loaned out to Gilas.

In Aguilar’s only game with BK, he noted the uneasy silence in the locker room with his presence. Arboleda is one of his few friends on the team so he kept close to him. Guiao only spoke to him during the huddle. But after the match, the 6’10” slotman went up to the coach to thank him.

The game also had some quiet match-ups. New addition to the national team, Rabeh Al-Hussaini – who had just one practice with the squad – was up against his brother Carlo Sharma and the two did go up against one another in one play.

And there were the Buenafes – Ronjay for BK and Ryan for Gilas. When the younger Buenafe – the two are cousins – had the time, he would watch Ronjay play for the Coca Cola Tigers. And now he had a front row seat to the older one’s high wire act.

But first, BK had to endure Gilas’ run and gun game as Jayvee Casio put on an impeccable shooting display while Giles double and triple teamed inside had to twist and contort himself to difficult lay-ups. Mac Baracael in the meantime kept attacking.

Then the physical play got a whole more flagrant.

With he nationals up 22-21, Arboleda elbowed Casio in the neck while fighting through a screen.

A minute later, Whopper sparkplug Gary David denied Mark Barroca a lay-up but was called for a foul as he hacked the former FEU Tamaraw on the arm.

Early in the second quarter, BK forward Ronnie Matias was assessed a flagrant foul when Baracael went up for a lay-up.

Baracael, one of the four Tamaraws on the squad, was bowled over hardly a minute later when he went for another lay-up and this time, Arboleda ducked under him.

In a 9-minute and 26-second stretch, the pro club was assessed four flagrant one fouls. To cap their play, Arboleda attacked a fan sitting courtside who was heckling the Whopper guard after the undercutting of Baracael.

Arboleda was tossed from the match but not before he had to be restrained after going after the fan a second time as they exited the court.

Gilas went ahead when they retained ball possession as Casio hit a trey to hike his side’s lead up to 50-37 but that was their last gasp.

Behind the inside-outside game of Beau Belga, David, and Buenafe, the Whoppers turned the game around and saw them down by a solitary point 55-54 at the half.

When both teams returned to the court for the final half, it was all about basketball. As much as Gilas stayed close and were tied with BK at 82-all following an Aguilar triple, it was obvious that Guaio’s boys were in control of the match. It was a chastened national team that was chasing the pros.

With Giles in foul trouble and the nationals big men unable to get going, the Whoppers controlled the boards and second servings as they outrebounded Gilas 46-34.

Guiao sensed a victory and seized upon the opportunity to land some barbed instructions to his team, “Wala nang import yan. Wag na kayo mag-zona.”

Giles fouled out with 6:31 to play but the nationals had a chance to bring down the lead when Dylan Ababou missed a point blank stab. David made Gilas pay by hitting two free throws and dropping a huge trey that took the fight out of their foes.

After 48 minutes of rough and tumble action, Burger King had restored the PBA’s pride and vindicated their coach’s honor with a masterful 115-105 conquest.

Inside Gilas’ dugout, it was a chastened team that listened to Toroman who was on the money with his call for enthusiastic and aggressive play. The team had been waiting for the highlight reel shots that never came. Although they fought, they had backed down from the physical play of Burger King.

“Powerade is long gone,” said SBP Executive Director Noli Eala after Toroman broke down his squad’s inadequacies. “This is a real team. And it’s going to be like this from every point. Everyone took notice after that Powerade game so forget about it. They will come at us and give nothing on a silver platter.”

Prior to the match, Eala wrote on the white board, “We do not belong here. This is what they say about us. How do we respond?”

“This game will be a total loss if we do not learn from it,” summed up the former PBA Commissioner.

With disappointment all over the nationals’ faces, they nodded in agreement.

How they respond to the loss we’ll see when they face Talk ‘N Text at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Burger King 115 – Buenafe 25, David 24, Belga 17, Lanete 14, Yee Mark 11, Quinahan 9, Yee, Richard 7, Aban 5, Sharma 2, Matias 1, Bilones 0, Arboleda 0

Smart Gilas 105 – Casio 28, Tiu 21, Aguilar 18, Baracael 14, Giles 12, Ballesteros 4, Barroca 4, Al-Hussaini 2, Ababou 2, Cawaling 0, Ramos 0

Notes: Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Ryan Buenafe just had one practice with Smart Gilas and have not yet integrated into the system. Paul Lee as of yesterday said no to playing for the national team as he will concentrate on playing for UE in the Champions League and for Cobra Energy Drinks in the PBL. That's the official version. There's the unofficial one. Magi Sison missed the game because of classes at UP. Wynne Arboleda... I understand why he attacked the fan, but you also can't fault the fan because the fouls that he and his teammates were giving weren't just hard but really hurtful. Remember Arboleda's assault followed his undercutting Baracael on the fastbreak. But to ban him for life... hindi naman siguro. But it's been crazy. Marlou Aquino, Danny Ildefonso, some college fans from two different schools haranguing Joe Lipa. Man... Al-Hussaini went up against his brother Carlo Sharma in the first offensive set of Gilas in the second quarter. Rabeh faked off Carlo but missed his shot. The two scored 2 points apiece but not against each other. Thanks for the cool greet yesterday, Carlo! What a game by Jayvee Casio and Chris Tiu for Gilas and Beau Belga and Ronjay Buenafe for BK. Nasty crossover by Ronjay! Whoa!

Pics of the Gilas team during yesterday's match with Burger King

GSM Blue vs. San Miguel pics (from PBA)

Halikinu Radio Episode 14 - Season Finale

Last week's episode of Halikinu Radio was cancelled because of a brownout in the Pasig area. It was just as well because that was the same day that the Ateneo Juniors and Seniors teams won their respective titles. Ateneans were either at the Church of the Gesu for the Thanksgiving Mass or at home watching the replay. So we combined that lost episode with last Thursday October 15 for a two-hour season finale. And we had pizza for dinner. Ralph, I wanted chicken! 

With the show's Executive Producer Ralph Aligada who also serves as a coach for the Blue Babble Battalion.

With the Judo team that also won a second consecutive title. Great interview with these bad dudes.

With Marla Santos of the Women's Track Team and the folks of Get Blued. Mhel didn't make it because he had a long long day at work (that started the day before) and he was just out of it.

With NU 107FM jock Jewel who worked with us on our final ep. Other jocks who worked with us were Pontri, Cyrus, Kim, and one more person who I cannot remember. Sorry! See you at the NU Rock Awards! I'm going. My first since Rivermaya released their album Free. 

With AMP band, ABS Combo. They performed their alt version of "Artillery Yell."

With the champion Ateneo Blue Eaglets. These guys were a riot in the booth!

With AMP band Leonecast.

Jai Reyes has been a frequent guest host and always a great interview. 

The season has been a most memorable one. I listened to the first season back with Mico Halili, Mhel and the original cast. The only time I got on was when Mhel greeted me. It was a surprise and an honor to be the first invited for the new cast. I didn't even have to think twice. I thought that the new cast got along real quick and the synergy was great. Mhel brought that quick wit to the show. Chuck had this fan's POV. Portia a woman's perspective. Martin from a long time basketball observer and me as one who has been embedded for the last four years. All told, it was great. I think we were really at our best when the whole team was present. 

The season, like the basketball tournament, was over before we realized it. Both Trina and me were the only ones with perfect attendance. And it sure made Thursdays real fun too. But watch out, we've got something planned. Wait for the news here on Brew.