At the 5150 Triathlon in Subic Bay

The pro triathletes who are participating in the first ever 5150 Triathlon here in the Philippines: Ben Allen, Jacqui Slack, Raul Marcelo of SBMA, Justin and Belinda Granger, David Dellow, Matt O'Halloran, Ali Fitch, Csaba Kuttor, Mr. Banzon on Century Tuna, and Fred Uytengsu.

With Ben Allen and Jacqui Slack (they're a triathlon couple) after the Meet the Pros at the Expo Center. Below with fellow Ateneans Chiqui Reyes, Jaime Garchitorena and Stu Balmaceda who will be co-writing the second video that we are doing for this 5150 triathlon featuring Fitness First's Doray Ellis.

Here's the first video we did regarding the preparation of Doray Ellis for this 5150 Triathlon. Wrote and directed this (even filmed the running and bike shots) while the good folks at Stellar Atellier were the production house. Got plenty of help from Anna Romero too! The first draft of this was different but you know how revisions are...

Thorlos socks for LeBron and me

About a month and a half ago, I began to wear Thorlos socks. They're kinda pricey because a pair fetches for about Php800! So I only got one at first because I heard good things about it. I needed it for my walking and running (as I try to work myself back into a semblance of game shape). I loved it as they were comfortable for my feet. Caution though: you have to choose thin or thick socks depending on what you're doing and what shoes you'll be wearing. And they have socks for different kinds of sports from basketball to football to mountain climbing etc.

The cool thing is I was told around the same time that LeBron James wears Thorlos socks. I didn't believe them because he never officially endorses them but he wears them. Same thing with pop star Madonna (I have no idea why I am even mentioning her here) among other celebs or personalities. When a friend of mine sent me this pic yesterday following the Miami Heat's championship clinching win in Game 5, I knew that I had to post this and affirm my belief in Thorlos socks. Socks fit for the king hahaha. 

I now have three pairs -- a thick one and two thinner pairs that I use when I go to work or wherever. My thicker pair of socks I use for outdoor activity. Heard they're long lasting so we'll see how good that is as well. And while you're at it check out my Bleachers' Brew column on LBJ's ascent to the NBA throne.

Bleachers' Brew #316 Welcome to the club, LeBron.

This appears in the Monday, June 25, 2012 edition of the Business Mirror.

The ultimate winner, Bill Russell, hands over the Most Valuable Player Award to LeBron James.

Welcome to the club, LeBron.

by rick olivares photo by andrew bernstein/nbae

Welcome to the club, LeBron.

Opening the door for you in this now-that-I’ve-won-a-major-championship-can-I-get-some-love-club is none other than the New York Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez who for the longest time was the whipping boy for critics, analysts, and armchair generals.

The criteria for this club is simple – have otherworldly talent and underachieve yet command a monstrous contract, get into some controversy, leave the club you started with by ripping the fans’ heart out, and piss off a lot of people (the latter two is optional but you get my drift). Rodriguez was an instant star when he came up with the Seattle Mariners in 1994. He put up gaudy numbers but the Mariners were oft deep sixed. He eventually left for bigger contracts with Texas and New York. His numbers were as high as his salary but the cupboard for silverware was bare until he was clutch in 2009 when he led the Yankees to the World Series title. And now, he’s well on his way to being named one of the game’s greatest not to mention being one of the Yankees’ all-time best.

At this club’s lobby, you’ll find David Robinson who’ll take your coat to hang it on the rack. The Admiral here? Yep. He suffered the infamy of being John Thompson’s poster boy for Olympic failure in 1988 when they finished third in Men’s Basketball. Sure he tore up the NBA when he was released from military duty but soon after, he was labeled as a close relative to Mr. Softee. His reputation suffered when even then-teammate Dennis Rodman slammed him lacking fortitude inside the alligator wrestling pond (that is what former NBA assistant coach Johnny Bach called the shaded area). Robinson did win a gold medal with the Dream Team in 1992 where he averaged 9.0 points and 4.1 rebounds per game but that was a team of Titans where he took a backseat. It wasn’t until Tim Duncan joined San Antonio when Robinson won two NBA titles.

While you’re getting comfortable, John Elway should be down any moment to hand you some Cuban cigars. John knows pressure like you. He was racking up some serious yardage and stats but the only record that he seemed to be known for playing for three losing side in the Super Bowl until he won two and called it a career. The Buffalo Bills and quarterback Jim Kelly now own the distinction of Super Bowl futility with four consecutive loses.

You’ll find many familiar names here, King. The basketball wing reserved for this exclusive club seems to have a lot of members who have incidentally been named as some of the NBA’s greatest.

Clyde Drexler will bring over the bubbly just you wait. Before Drexler won a title with Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston, his Portland Trailblazers were known as the Buffalo Bills of the NBA only they wore tank tops. And he seemed destined to follow the path of another high wire act in Dominique Wilkins – all super talent but no championship. Yet like Robinson, he won Olympic gold before he tasted an NBA title. Drexler was the Man in Portland but he caddied for Olajuwon in 1995. Luckily for him, he toiled for a small market team and kept out on any controversy so he was labeled as a good guy.

I guess being quiet and a nice guy helps. Look at John Stockton. He went to two NBA Finals but left empty handed although he does have Olympic gold. So how come his name doesn’t crop up as an underachiever?

But sometimes, being nice doesn’t cut it. Julius Erving promised Philadelphia a championship but he too went to three finals and lost every one of them including a massive howler to Portland when the Sixers went up 2-0 in 1978 but never won another game. And you know how demanding and fickle Philly Phans are. It took a guy named Moses to lead Erving, the Sixers, and the City of Brotherly Love to the Promised Land.

How’s your Spanish, King? We all know you’re a minority owner of Liverpool Football Club and for sure they can identify with the pressure of underachieving and not winning. But it isn’t the Reds who want to have a chat with you. There’s a whole bunch of football players from Spain who would like to join you in the photo op.

For years, Spain (along with the Netherlands) has produced some of the world’s best if not iconic footballers. There’s Raul who’s fallen out of favor never mind if he was the one shining light in a long dark tunnel for football ala La Furia Roja. Ah, but being under the spotlight is part of the problem. It’s part and parcel of the fame – you’re under the glare, under a microscope, and under scrutiny for everything you do.

Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque would like to swap stories. But be careful with Aragones, he said something uncool about Thierry Henry if you get my drift.

When you’re done exchanging war stories with the members, you might want to enter the throne room. That’s where the Executive Council resides. Michael Jordan, believe it or not, should be there. Only like his stint with the Washington Wizards, he’s not there much. You see, in his first seven seasons, he was labeled as another talented dunker. It was also said that he could never win the big one until he passes the ball, shoots less, and becomes more of a team player. He did and turned himself into the biggest winner in the generations that followed the ultimate winner in Bill Russell.

And that bring us to the chairman, the president, the real king, the Big Kahuna of this club. Only he’s moved on elsewhere but he retains the title as “Chairman Emeritus”.

His name is Wilton Norman Chamberlain. He did win two titles – one with Philadelphia and one with the Los Angeles Lakers. Wilt has some of the most eye-popping stats imaginable but many say even today that he should have won more. Imagine if Wilt had played in your era, LeBron – this era of incessant sportscenter and YouTube highlights, in this age of Twitter, Facebook, forums, and talk shows for basketball cognoscenti and armchair generals to express themselves. Would Wilt have wilted under the pressure? But that is just for speculation for Chamberlain won his share.

Every one in this club eventually won. They won, won, won with some having their pictures next to the Webster’s Dictionary entry of their respective sport. Oh, hell. Who read’s Webster’s today? There’s Wikipedia.

The bubbly never tasted this good, LeBron? And the Larry O’Brien trophy looks great next to your Olympic Gold. Welcome to the winners club, LeBron James and it’s good to be the king.

At Planet Sports for the launch of the Warrior Liverpool FC home kits

June 22, 2012, Power Plant, Rockwell Center, Makati City. Today was the day that the Warrior Liverpool kits made their splash on home soil at Planet Sports. The sporting goods store is the official distributor of the new kits from the world famous club. This week the home kits will only be available at Rockwell then soon after that in Alabang and Trinoma. By next month (July) the away kit will be available. Peewee Ruiz (center) was the first one to purchase the shirt so happy for you, bro. And Chieffy Caligdong, one of my best friends on the national team! I have known for a while that he was a Liverpool fan and will this was our gift to him (Planet Sports and myself) -- the new kit complete with the shorts. The boots will follow. Was hoping Dan Palami -- yes, another LFC fan -- would arrive but I guess the man is busy. But boss, we have your shirt ready for you. For LFC fans, you have to let us know what you are looking for -- scarves, shirts, or what have you so we may order them.

By late this year the new Warrior boots will be available in Philippine shores. They sure look darn awesome. Will get a pair myself.

Ateneo Football League: The Finals

The line-ups of Loyola Agila and Cojones before kickoff of their finals match up. Agila defended their title.

Finals Day

(or who says you can’t go home again)

by rick olivares

Raul Banzon offered to take the fourth penalty kick of Oscariz’ shootout with Blue Guards. Both squads were tied at three makes apiece when Banzon stepped up to take the spot kick.

Banzon was a big man on campus back then – track star, jazz musician, superjock. One could never say he never lacked confidence. Maybe until this spot kick. Banzon asked a teammate where it was best to place his shot. Had Dochie Gorospe heard his teammate’s apprehension, he would have stopped him from taking the shot. As it was, Banzon sent the ball high that Blue Guards’ keeper Ver Velasco never even had to move an inch.

The Oscariz’ player looked up high. He knew that it was over. Blue Guards scored their next shot to win in penalties 4-3 after a thrilling 1-1 draw in regulation.

And the Blue Guards were champions. And Bert Honasan even after all these years was still Most Valuable Player for the seniors division.

Just like that the day was done.

The rain not eve the constantly threatening storm clouds could stay the games away. And so they were played. Some intense and heated and some well, those of your garden-variety blowout. But at the end of the day, players from other teams went to watch others duke it out in a nerve-wracking penalty shootouts and come awarding time, applauding one and all. Once the day’s business was concluded, several members from different teams had a beer. kicked back and shared thoughts about the games and the league.

The second season of the Ateneo Football League was two weeks delayed due to rainouts. On Father’s Day, with the threat of rain and the promise of family day, everyone came. The seniors in the meantime wondered whether to take their games to countryside for some beer and barbecue to jokingly rumble instead.

Boj Kohouty and Ramrod nearly figured into some rough stuff. With both teams featuring a number of current and former Blue Booters, the match was no less intense. Boj Kohouty grabbed an early lead before Gerard Cancio and James Arco led a spirited comeback to notch the match at 4-4. But in the waning moments of the game, Boj Kohouty scored to prevent the match from going into PKs.

Team Popoys looked impressive during the semifinals when it vanquished hitherto undefeated Caf Bench. However in the finals against ACU2, they were shredded with some nifty passing and deft play between Jao Parajo and Cholo Catahan.

Popoys’ Migo Hernandez opened the score with a long-range volley that beat keeper Gene Lee. But a perfect throughball by Parajo to Catahan caught the defense napping. Catahan then pulled off a nifty dribbling move that fooled keeper Jeff Dayrit. Goal for Catahan and the match was tied. ACU2 caught them with the same play several times that Popoys never adjusted by throwing in a stopper to prevent the passes. ACU2 won easily 6-2.

Over at the 31 and Above Division, Loyola Agila and Cojones played to a scoreless draw that saw them go into penalties. Cojones, which drew strength earlier from Rden Villasis came up short on the offensive end. And come penalties, they flubbed two of their shots as Agila knocked in two of three with Ernie Nierras booting in the winner to repeat as champions.

The other repeat winner was Aria in the High School and College Division where they crushed the FC.

But the FC despite being high schoolers facing off against a college squad remained upbeat and optimistic. After their match, one could get the feeling that they were the winners of their division as they laughed and exchanged high fives as they sauntered over to the adjacent field to watch the penalty shootout between Agila and Cojones. Their laughter was infectious; their outlook on making the AFL finals and looking at it as a learning experience was heartwarming and a refreshing change of pace from the more intense competitions of the older divisions. And when they cheered collectively after the dramatic shootout, one couldn’t help get the feeling that on days like these we’re all like kids again, sweating and playing football under the hot sun in the school where we first learned the sport.

HS-COLLEGE DIV:

Champion: Aria FC

Runner-Up: The FC 2012

Best Keeper: Jules Drilon (Aria FC)

Golden Boot: Cedric Sean Ang (Tapulan United)

MVP: Anton Mendoza (Aria FC)

30&BELOW

Champion: Boj Kohouty

Runner-up: Ramrod FC

Best Keeper: Aldous Madrangca (BK)

Golden Boot: Joseton Vergel de Dios (BK)

MVP: Joseton Vergel de Dios (BK)

31& ABOVE

Champion: Loyola Agila FC

Runner-up: Team Co Jones

Best Keeper: Chito Ines (Team Co. Jones)

Golden Boot: Pilo Torres (Loyola)

MVP: Pilo Torres (Loyola)

SENIORS

Champion: Blue Guards

Runner-up: OFC Thunders

Best Keeper: Ver Velasco (BG)

Golden Boot: Dochie Gorospe (OFC)

MVP: Bert Honasan (BG)

MIXED FUN DIV

Champion: ACU 2

Runner-up: Team Popoys United

Best Keeper: Gene Lee (ACU 2)

Golden Boot: Benj Mendoza (MyTunes FC)

MVP: Cholo Catahan (ACU 2)

 With 21-and-Above champions Boj Kohouty and MVP and Golden Booter winner Joseton Vergel de Dios (with medal kneeling) and Aldous Madrangca named Best Keeper.

With High School and College Division champions Aria. One of two clubs to successfully defend their title.

 With Mixed Fun Division winner Ana Com United II.

 With Loyola Agila which also successfully defended their 31-and-Above championship.

 With the beer swilling, mean spirited and alaskador Blue Guards, champion of the seniors division.

With me old coach Bert Honasan who was named MVP of the seniors division.


Thanks to the AFL's sponsors Poten-Cee, Nike, and Smart. Thanks also to the Ateneo High School and Raul Albarece! And to the National Capital Region Football Association for their assistance.

Video of Gatorade bath of Pachanga's Norman Fegidero Jr.

Here's my game story on Pachanga's promotion to the United Football League's Division One.

Late Air Force bombardment derails Loyola

Lock and load, gentlemen. Yanti Barsales unloads at the Loyola goal for Air Force's first strike in a 2-1 win over archrival Loyola.

This appears in the Friday, June 22, 2012 edition of the Business Mirror.

Late Air Force bombardment derails Loyola

by rick olivares photos by mark ypon

The Air Force fan was right.

Moments after the referee blew his whistle to end the grueling and intense match between Air Force and Loyola that ended in a 2-1 victory for the former defending champions, the fan ran down the lower box seats and pointed to his chest. “Air Force forever!” he yelled to the subdued fans of Loyola. Then he made a gesture where he ripped his heart out.

It was true. This match ripped the hearts out of the Sparks in more ways the one. Aside from damaging their chances of winning the league, the Sparks will have several months to deal with the fact that they have been unable to beat Air Force even when they had them on the ropes. And in the stands? Well, their supporters were outcheered by the fewer but no less passionate Air Force fans who bordered on the funny and uncouth.

But the victory served notice to all that proud Air Force with questions about age, morale, as well as their lack of funding and support, will not go gently into the good night. “We want to improve our finish this league,” stated head coach Sgt. Edzel Bracamonte. “And we will be back.”

The Airmen not only beat Loyola on the pitch but in the stands as well. The Sparks dominated possession and scoring opportunities in the first half yet it was the Air Force that scored first when Chieffy Caligdong managed a cross over Alex Elnar that found Yanti Barsales inside the box. A quick turn and Barsales sent a curling shot that dipped under a diving Ref Cuaresma and Loyola went into the half a goal down.

In the meantime, the Air Force’s rabid and rambunctious supporters never let up with their chants, cheers, and cheers. They even timed their ripostes to the Sparks’ cheering squad’s drumbeats that drowned out anything the latter could muster.

When the match resumed, Air Force made their midfield adjustments as they bottled up Davide Cortina who had a tough time at central midfield in the absence of Anto Gonzales who was away with the Under-17 national team.

With the Airmen stepping up their attacks (that got emboldened with the entry of Ian Araneta), they began to probe deeper and expose the holes in Loyola’s much-maligned defense. Byeong Yeong Jeol equalized for the Sparks in a replica of the Caligdong-to-Barsales connection in the 48^th minute when a cross by Mark Hartmann found the Korean midfielder whose shot also saw PAF keeper Tats Mercado flailing away helplessly.

Incredibly, the match turned following a missed handball call inside the Loyola box that incensed the coaching staff of Air Force as well as their supporters. A Gatorade bottle and the remains of a McDonald’s cheeseburger sandwich were hurled on the track with the inept stadium security looking on.

With the jeers and taunts of “handball” and “diver” raining from the Air Force side of the stands, the game turned ugly as the onfield skirmishes between both sides got rougher. The referee had momentarily lost control of the match.

On offense, poor decision making in the attack on Loyola’s part killed any chances of going a goal or two up on their rival. In one instance, Phil Yonghusband found Jake Morallo with a well-placed cross and all the latter had to do was tap in with no one home but the latter flubbed the shot that went wide. On another occasion, Phil had beaten Mercado who had rushed out to the right side of the goal but Phil’s shot was saved by a defender who covered the line. In an even more puzzling situation, Phil outran the last line of Air Force defense making it a one-on-one situation between Mercado and him. But Younghusband inexplicably dribbled left that closed the shooting angle. He hesitated unsure whether to shoot or even pass to anyone who linked up in support. His indecision cost him and Loyola as the shot went wide left.

Loyola’s confidence began to waver as their botched chances and Air Force’s increasing sorties placed pressure on them. The late entry of Alex Camara for Mark Hartmann gave the Sparks a dose of energy but the faulty decision-making also infected the Liberian native.

With only three minutes of added time, Jalor Soriano, a late sub for Air Force raced down the right left wing. As it was all match long with the Sparks who would fall to the pitch and look to the referee for succor that wasn’t forthcoming, Park Min Ho fell to the ground opening up a clear lane for Soriano to bring up the ball. Morallo gave chase but was unable to prevent the cross. In a goal similar to the Oktovianus Maniani cross to Patrick Wanggai in the recent Philippines-Indonesia friendly match, Soriano’s pass found an unmarked Raymark Palmes who like Soriano was a late sub for Air Force. Palmes, a former national player merely had to head it home. Cuaresma had no chance.

Moments later, the whistle blew and Air Force once more dealt Loyola a stinging 2-1 blow. In their last three meetings, the Sparks have only been able to get one out of the nine available points. Even the draw where Loyola was up 3-1 with the Airmen stringing up two late goals feels like a loss.

They may not be able to defend their league title that they have won in back-to-back seasons but Air Force owns the head-to-head match up and in the bragging rights departments. It will go down as one of the biggest matches of the season and is one of the perfect send-offs for Caligdong who will soon be discharged from Air Force and will be migrating abroad. “Weather weather lang yan,” said an optimistic Caligdong of his club team’s league season. Minsan mananalo at minsan naman talo. Pero meron kaming tradisyon ng laban lang. Hindi kami susuko.”

Loyola will rue this loss as well as the second round defeat to Pasargad. With two matches left – against Nomads and Global – they need to win both if they hope to cop their league title. But it will not be easy as Kaya is also in control of its fate. Lamented Loyola club president Randy Roxas with a shake of his head, “I don’t know why we like to do things the hard way. But if that’s the way to do it then we will certainly try.”

With Craig Burrows at the Air Force-Loyola match.

We have lift off! Yanti Barsales celebrates following his spectacular strike against Loyola. Below Sparks goalkeeper Ref Cuaresma attempts to bat the ball away before Air Force's Ian Araneta could head it in.

Liverpool Warrior kits available in Manila beginning this Friday, June22.

Liverpool Warrior kits available in Manila beginning this Friday, June22.

by rick olivares

It’s been a while, folks. But yep, it’s finally here. Warrior, the new makers of Liverpool FC, will have their kits available in Manila at Planet Sports located at the Power Plant in Rockwell.

Warrior has paid tribute to the city of Liverpool’s maritime roots, unveiling the Club’s new 2012/13 away kit.

Following the successful launch of the inaugural Warrior Liverpool FC home kit, the away strip is also built around the theme of ‘modern tradition’.

Head of Warrior Football Richard Wright comments: “The away kit draws strong parallels from the uniforms worn by the Liverpool dockyard workers who plied their trade at the Mersey Docks – the world’s most influential ship building at the turn of the 20^th century.”

Specifically inspired by the kit worn between 1900 and 1906, the away shirt features a prominent yoke detail set over a distinct colour palette of black and raven grey.

Fully embroidered to match the new home kit, the amber yellow Liver Bird emblem sits prominently on the away shirt as the Club’s crest. As with the new home kit, the away version has been designed using Warrior’s revolutionary apparel system, War-Tech. At the heart of War-Tech lies Scafé, an innovative, antimicrobial fabric made with coffee grounds. As well as being environmentally friendly, Scafé is fast drying, assists with odor control and provides UV protection.

To further ensure the highest level of performance, the main body of the Liverpool FC away shirt is designed with durable water resistant technology to reject external moisture and help maintain dryness. Under-arm four-way stretch mesh fabric also enables full-range movement, functionality and air flow to help regulate body temperature in key heat areas during games.

In Philippines, the kit will be available to purchase from Planet Sports Rockwell, Planet Sports Alabang Town Center and Trinoma on July.

Warrior will unleash its European kit in July.


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

Locally we’ll be offering the following for the away kits.

Mens Away Short Sleeve Jersey – Php 2,450

Mens Away GK Jersey – Php 3,050

Mens Away GK Short – Php 1,750

Anatomy of a Gatorade bath (for Pachanga)

It never is easy to plan for a championship celebration. It is impromptu and spontaneous at best. But I wanted to start a tradition. We've seen that most recently and famously when Paul Pierce dumped that bucket on Doc Rivers when the Boston Celtics clinched the NBA Finals series against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008. Of course there has been a lot before and since. However, here in the Philippines there is none at least in pro sports. And I (along with my equally conniving officemates) planned it. I tried doing this with another pro team but we were unable to do so because of a few concerns.

With Pachanga on the verge of promotion to the UFL's Division One, I thought about dunking head coach Norman Fegidero Jr. We first enlisted the help of team manager Jojo Rodriguez and team owner/co-captain Freddy Gonzalez. Once they approved (we planned other things regarding their promotion and we hope to do the same with some Div 1 teams), we kept quiet until their practice before the Agila match that they had to win to secure the promotion. Team Assistant Coach Marjo Allado was quickly recruited for this as well as team captain Yves Ashime.

On match day, we added Paolo Misa to the mix. Paolo's role was to distract Coach Noy and do whatever means necessary -- hug him, ask him a question, whatever. Coach Marjo and Jojo were to make sure that coach did not have his cellphone, wallet, and clutch bag on him (we also made sure we had an extra shirt on hand for coach). At the half, we brought in the team's support staffer, E, to prep the Gatorade powder. Meanwhile Freddy and Yves grabbed the bucket. As soon as the team left the field, I ran out to remind Paolo because I was nervous that coach was on to us. But no cigar. We got him good and at least the first ever Gatorade bath in Philippine sports was pulled off. We were able to get this on video high def. Should be up within the next two days.

We were worried that the weather would not cooperate. With rain clouds darkening the sky, we were concerned that the match could be postponed due to lightning but it just rained. But the rain stopped and we were able to pull off a simple plan. And there goes the dunking.

You can see from the left side of the pic a video cam as I filmed from the left side. And by the way, here's the game recap.

And here is an excerpt from my game recap about the dunking: Paolo Misa immediately sought out winning coach Norman Fegidero Jr. for a congratulatory hug while striker Freddy Gonzalez and team captain Yves Ashime quickly went to the bench. “Coach, may tanong ako,” began Misa as his voice trailed off suddenly unsure of himself but knowing he had to distract Fegidero. Gonzalez and Ashime quickly moved in and before Fegidero could get out of the way, the duo gave their coach a Gatorade bath.

The players and the team’s supporters applauded in appreciation. Fegidero smiled, accepted more words of congratulations then sought out Misa: “Ano yung tanong mo?”

Misa laughed out loud.

Other famous Gatorade baths (usually done in American football matches) include Robert Griffin III, Jim Schwartz, and Steve Spurrier among others.

Bleachers' Brew #315 Red Phoenix promoted

This appears in the Monday, June 18, 2012 edition of the Business Mirror.

Pachanga 2011-12. Missing are assistant coach Alvin Ocampo, Aldwyn Riedler, Paul Espinosa, and Jhenver Vergara.

Red Phoenix rising promoted

by rick olivares pics by brosi gonzales

June 16, 2012 -- Even after defeating Agila, 4-0, in their penultimate match to earn promotion to the UFL’s Division One, Pachanga still had one more play to execute.

The last eleven of the Red Phoenix stayed on the pitch of the University of Makati  in spite of the light rain still falling. The team said a quick prayer then discussed on last play.

Paolo Misa immediately sought out winning coach Norman Fegidero Jr. for a congratulatory hug while striker Freddy Gonzalez and team captain Yves Ashime quickly went to the bench. “Coach, may tanong ako,” began Misa as his voice trailed off suddenly unsure of himself but knowing he had to distract Fegidero. Gonzalez and Ashime quickly moved in and before Fegidero could get out of the way, the duo gave their coach a Gatorade bath.

The players and the team’s supporters applauded in appreciation. Fegidero smiled, accepted more words of congratulations then sought out Misa: “Ano yung tanong mo?”

Misa laughed out loud.

Even with one more match to play, the season, Pachanga’s first ever since its formation barely a year ago, has seen them finish a semifinalist in the Smart Club Championship, a quarterfinalist in the UFL Cup, and now the UFL’s Division Two champion. “The season has been a long and incredible trip,” described Gonzalez post-match. “Promotion to Division One was our focus and we achieved it. I am proud of this team.”

And so have been the goals.

On the sixth minute of the match, Boyet Cañedo was congratulated by his teammates for that superb curling free kick that cleared the wall and struck just underneath the left corner post. Only the goal was not awarded to Pachanga and the match against Agila remained scoreless.

Two minutes later, Cañedo stole the ball in the midfield, turned then passed the ball to winger Gino Palomo on the right. Palomo sent a diagonal pass inside to a cutting Freddy Gonzalez who drew two defenders. Pachanga’s leading scorer backheeled a pass to an unmarked Jovin Bedic who joined up the attack. Bedic from about a foot just outside the box hammered home the shot to finally open the scoring. Four quick one-touch passes for the score.

Thirty-two minutes later, Cañedo joined the scoring party when he volleyed a rocket just a few meters past the midfield line that found the back of the net. It was an incredible goal but one not too surprising given Cañedo’s powerful right foot.

Agila was not without chances. Speedy midfielder Zaldy Marañon, under pressure from Pachanga defender Janrick Soriano, fired a powerful shot from the left flank that Red Phoenix keeper Kenneth Dolloso read well for the save. Marañon and striker Mark Madrona would later have a few more scoring opportunities but Pachanga’s defense held fast.

Not only was the three points collectible at stake but also their streak of 14 clean sheets. During the pre-match briefing, Fegidero, who refused to talk about any championship in the previous week, finally laid it out in the open: “This is our championship match. It is against a quality opponent and I would like to say that we cannot take it easy. Establish control of the match and play hard.”

They did but were unable to added to their goal lead while Agila occasionally threatened. They hit the crossbar four times and each post one a piece. Such that a little frustration set in.

As the match was going into its final minutes, Joshua Fegidero bore down from Agila’s right goalline and crossed the ball. He hoped to get the ball to Gonzalez who was lurking inside the box. Except the ball struck Agila’s JP Merida for a deflection and a score in the 78^th minute. With a minute left before fulltime, Gonzalez finally added his name to the score sheet that he followed with his traditional cartwheel and back flip.

The win came at a cost when midfielder William Guerridon went down with a knee injury. “We hope it’s not bad because we need him,” said Fegidero. “It won’t be easy in Division One because the best team’s in the country are there. But hindi naman kami nagpa-promote para lang ibaba ulit. We will compete and we will be beefing up the team by next season.”

After the match, the team only talked about dinner and the last task at hand. They had one more match to play against Diliman that nipped closely at their heels all season long but somewhat faded in the second half of the season. “We’d like to go out with a win and if possible, still keep the clean sheet.”

Even after a hard-played match, the Red Phoenix were still talking about executing.

The numbers: Pachanga has not allowed a goal in the second round. It was their 15^th game where they did not concede a goal. The Red Phoenix’ record is now at a robust 20-1-0 with 121 goals scored and seven goals conceded. They have a goal differential of +114 and have accrued 61 points.

Read: Anatomy of a Gatorade bath


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What does Pachanga moving up to Division One mean? Rivalry matches with Global, Kaya and Stallion.

Back Four Bums Episode #12 Discussing the Azkals' friendlies with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Guam

Random thoughts about Euro 2012

Random thoughts about Euro 2012

by rick olivares

Unable to string up recaps and analysis, I just have some random thoughts about the games. Bear with me, please.

Manager’s choice:

Mario Gomez starting over Miroslav Klose.

Vicente del Bosque not placing any strikers and using Cesc Fabregas upfront

Cesare Prandelli lifting Mario Balotelli for Antonio di Natale who scored for Italy

Cesare Prandelli starting the ineffective Mario Balotelli for two straight matches where Italy drew 1-1 earning two points in two matches.

Paul Bento’s substitution of Raul Meireles for Silvestre Varela.

Slaven Bilic’s second half adjustment against Italy where Luka Modric moved wide and Mario Mandzukic playing deeper that stretched the defense.

To paraphrase Gary Lineker:

This van Persie is not as good as his brother who plays for Arsenal.

Ditto with that Ronaldo whose brother led Real Madrid in scoring.

This is the Mario Balotelli who suited up for Manchester City.

This year’s Will Wayne Rooney Show Up Award: Cristiano Ronaldo

Love how Rob van Persie quickly turned and in one stride left behind Mats Hummels and Sami Khedira. Both paid for leaving space for the Dutch striker to operate. The resulting goal was one of the best of the tournament so far.

It is said that there are no racists in Poland. Only Russians.

Spain is looking very dangerous. No doubt the 4-0 win over Ireland will lift up Fernando Torres’ game. He has been crowding Cristiano Ronaldo for the Will-Wayne-Rooney-Show-Up-Award.

For Germany, in their first game Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira played well. In their next fixture this one against the Netherlands, it was Bastian Schweinsteiger who was superb in the middle. Imagine now if all three click. And Thomas Muller, Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose have not been their usual dangerous selves.

The way the Ireland fans were singing and cheering you think it was their side that was leading Spain. Credit to the Irish supporters.