Canaleta steps up for Ginebra in win over Alaska

This appears in inthezone.com.ph

Canaleta steps up for Ginebra in win over Alaska

by rick olivares photo by brosi gonzales

November 23, 2011

Smart Araneta Coliseum

As Barangay Ginebra continues to search for its identity and the consistent winning formula that seems to have escaped them, they went – at least for one game – back to some familiar ingredients.

The journeyman who hopes to have found a home. And the three-point shot.

Niño Canaleta has been in the pro league for six years and he has played for three clubs – four if you consider two stints with Air21 the club that drafted him out of the University of the East in 2006.

In his best game with Ginebra since being traded midway through last year’s season ending Governors’ Cup, Canaleta scored a game high 21 points, pulled down eight rebounds, and added an assist and a block. And he hit four huge triples including two in the third quarter when the Gin Kings finally seized the lead from hard luck Alaska.

While none of the triples were of the game-ending or rally-inducing sort that has become so associated with the PBA’s most popular franchise since the days when the game barker would call out the names of Sonny Jaworksi, Chito and Joey Loyzaga, Rudy Distrito, and Pido Jarencio to name a few, they achieved the same effect. Ginebra scattered 11 triples that held the Aces – a long time tormentor – at bay and for the win.

And there was another familiar tag of the great Ginebra teams of yore. As current head coach Siot Tanquincen put it: “It’s a crucial game. Parang do or die. Man down pa kami (the Kings were minus the injured Allein Maliksi and Rico Maierhofer).”

For one game, the supposed talk of going with its youthful players took a backseat when battle-scarred veterans Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand showed that great players die hard. While the latter added 10 points, Caguioa chipped in seven but looked painfully mortal as he saw one of his jumpshots emphatically rejected (by Bonbon Custodio) and a pair of drop passes go awry.

Ronald Tubid, the other third of the Kings’ fearsome trio of pistoleros likewise had another frustrating evening as he scored only two points in 21 minutes.

Early in the match with Alaska going for its third straight win, the Aces drew scoring sock from LA Tenorio and Custodio who drove hard to the basket. Inside the paint, Alaska’s frontline of Sonny Thoss, Jay-R Reyes, and Paolo Bugia poured in the points.

But the Kings came back with tougher defense and three huge triples in the third period to seize the lead and the momentum.

And Tanquincen paid tribute to Canaleta for his strong play: “He played big for us. His ability to spread the floor and the same time play as an added rebounder is a luxury to have someone shoot that well and help in the rebounds.”

The Ginebra coach also lauded his team’s defense in turning back Alaska. “That was our target – to play better defense.” Although Tanquincen’s troops were outrebounded and gave up more turnover and second chance points, Ginebra played better as a team as they collectively passed off for a game high 26 assists that helped all 10 of the players put some points next to their name.

Ginebra’s win put them in seventh place with an even 5-5 record (tied with skidding Barako Bull Energy) and two wins ahead of eighth placer Powerade with a 3-7 record.

Barangay 85 - Canaleta 21, Cortez 13, Intal 12, Helterbrand 10, Mamaril 9, Villanueva 7, Caguioa 7, Wilson J. 2, Wilson W. 2, Tubid 2.

Alaska 77 - Thoss 13, Custodio 12, Reyes 11, Baguio 11, Dela Cruz 11, Tenorio 10, Baracael 5, Eman 2, Bugia 2, Salamat 0.

2011 UFL Cup Updated Quarterfinals sked

November 26 (Saturday) at University of Makati - Quarterfinals (live telecast)

2:00 PM         M-54:   Pachanga FC vs Global FC

November 26 (Saturday) at University of Makati - Quarterfinals (live telecast)

4:00 PM         M-52:   Kaya Cignal FC vs Nomads Auction Manila FC

November 26 (Saturday) at Nomads Sports Club - Round of 16

8:00 PM         M-43:   Loyola Meralco Sparks FC vs Sunken Garden United FC

November 27 (Sunday) at University of Makati - Quarterfinals

4:00 PM         M-53:   Phil. Air Force Phoenix FC vs Green Archers United FC

November 30 (Wednesday) at University of Makati - Quarterfinals

8:00 PM         M-51:   Winner of M-43 vs Stallion FC

2011 UFL Cup Round of 16 match: Pachanga-Navy -- The Eighth Wonder

The Eighth Wonder

Pachanga is taken to a penalty shootout by tough Navy in a match that was affected by the poor conditions of the pitch. But at the end of the day, the Red Phoenix, the more deserving side advanced to the Round of Eight.

by rick olivares

November 22, 2011

University of Makati

Athletes or football players to be exact like to toss statements about “trust”. That’s trust in their coach, God, the system, and their teammates. 

After the Round of 16 match between Group C leader Pachanga and Group E runners up Navy still ended up in a scoreless draw after 120 minutes of painful and excruciating football with the decision going into penalties, the Red Phoenix players knew they were in good hands with Kenneth Dolloso tending their goal.

It was Dolloso’s first match for Pachanga in the ongoing UFL Cup after he sustained a hand injury that kept him out during the group stages. Backup Mark Sorongon had admirably filled in conceding only two goals in three matches (while the offense generated eight goals). But now Dolloso was back.

He had made some spectacular saves during regulation and the extra period although the defense, especially center back Yves Ashime and left back Neckson Leonora shone in turning back a more spirited Navy attack.

“We knew that we had a chance to win it in regulation,” said a relieved Norman Fegidero Jr. after the match. “But even if it went to penalties we still believed that we can get the job done because of Kenneth. He has excellent hand and eye coordination and he is quick on his feet.”

Dolloso’s teammates knew that he’d get the job done. Now all they had to do was convert their spot kicks.

Pachanga shot first with defender Jalsor Soriano sending the ball to the right of Navy keeper Martin Alcantara who stood frozen. The Navymen’s Mark Aaron Flores equalized although Dolloso guessed right but wasn’t able to get much of a hand in blocking the shot the still went in.

Jovin Bedic sent Alcantara diving to the wrong way as the ball went through the left. Navy’s Mark Marcaida returned the favor by also sending Dolloso the wrong way; 2-2.

FJ Serios sent the ball to the left but this time Alcantara was up to the task and the save gave Navy an opportunity to go one shot up. However, Dwight Sendino put the shootout back on level terms as his shot hit the post.

Pachanga’s central playmaker Oussey Diop froze the Navy netminder by going left swinging the advantage back to the Red Phoenix.

With Navy badly needing a converted shot to stay in the match, Dolloso saved Alfie Caminos’ shot to the left. With two missed shots to the one of Pachanga, Joshua Fegidero Jr., the coach’s brother strode forward to take the shot. “I knew that the game was over right there. I knew it was ours.”

Fegidero, whose second half entry briefly sparked Pachanga that was in search of a leader and game changer all match long, sent the ball left and past Alcantara for a 4-2 Pachanga win in penalties.

Dating back to his playing years in West Negros University under Fegidero Jr., Dolloso had yet to lose a penalty shootout. In fact, perhaps even more eerily, he was a perfect 8-8 in shootouts. And now Pachanga was moving on to face Global, Dolloso’s former club, in the Round of Eight.

A penalty shootout is derided by serious football cognoscenti as mere lottery with some luck thrown in rather than a true test of skill. But if skills are paramount, then it was hardly on display at the University of Makati football as the surface was slippery because of the day’s incessant rains. While Pachanga was the favored side because of their more talented and deeper squad, the pitch conditions were expected to wreak havoc on their finely tuned attack.

It was obvious from kick off that not only were the Red Phoenix the better side, but also the more talented one. However, the finishing left much to be desired as the “gigil” factor came to play.

As the game wore on, the result was teetering back and forth between a failed gambit by Pachanga and an incredible upset by the more resilient Navy side that preferred to pounce on mistakes by the Red Phoenix rather than truly create chances of their own. Navy’s attack belied the supposed military precision by launching largely uncoordinated attacks. Although the team of head coach Marlon Maro did have a few decent chances to take the game from Pachanga but team captain Marlon Piñero and Caminos misplayed the lot of them.

Pachanga spent a lot of money on a week-long training camp in Bacolod but their tactical improvements didn’t show with all their botched finishes that should have effectively ended the game after 90 minutes. Most of the substitutions failed to spark Fegidero’s squad. Mohamad Farah, who came in for Kross Ubiam at the start of the second half immediately fired away from so far out that it never had a chance of going in. So much for calming down. The “gigil” factor still afflicted the team. Gino Palomo who replaced Shirmar Felongco on the left wing wasn’t on his game. Ditto for Serios who replaced Boyet Cañedo in the middle of the attack. Joshua Fegidero briefly inspired his team but Navy’s defense held.

However, it wasn’t only Navy’s central backs Robert Cabural and PJ Fadrigalan who were effective in turning back attacks. Neckson Leonora finally put a stop to Navy’s raids from the left flank while Ashime not only verbally engaged Maro’s troops but virtually stopped many a Navy attack with superb tackling and dogged defending.

As the game went into penalties, Pachanga remained confident not just because of Dolloso being at goal. On their final day of their Bacolod training camp, Fegidero Jr. worked on their corner kicks, free kicks, and lastly, penalties.

“So nag-work din for us yung training camp,” said Red Phoenix’ assistant coach Alvin Ocampo. “We got to use that to get a result. The game wasn’t well played but a win is a win.”

Thanks to their resiliency, their “Eighth Wonder” in Ken Dolloso, they were now in the Round of Eight.

Notes: Pachanga will be facing Global next Sunday at the University of Makati although they will be missing the services of four players because of the accumulation of yellow cards: defenders Ronald Batisla-Ong, Camelo Tacusalme, and Jalsor Soriano, and midfielder Oussey Diop. Global will have their full crew available for the match. In their Group C meeting, the two squads battled to a 2-2 draw.

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

That game between Pachanga and Navy was a tough one to watch. Terrible pitch. Terrible play by Navy. Poor finishing by Pachanga and horrible officiating by Allan Martinez and his crew Bernie Quiambao and Joseph Lacanilao. I have no idea what these guys were seeing or not seeing on the field that I find it highly suspicious. It is not just a grassroots program that we need. It's proper training for our referees too. Mr. Alobin, this has to improve.

He really is Goldenballs!

Before the Los Angeles Galaxy played the Houston Dynamo for the Major League Soccer Cup, I had a thought -- should the Galaxy, then David Beckham would have won a title with every team that he has played for in his final year with them. First up, Manchester United in 2003 and then Real Madrid in 2006. I didn't say it (as if the mere thought of that could jinx the Galaxy) and so he's won it with Los Angeles in 2011. Incredible! He really is Goldenballs. But more than a lucky charm, Beckham played well in these last two seasons and was an offensive force in the finals series. Now if his luck translates into a World Cup or European title for England. Photo by Wally Skalij.

Green Archers blow a hole right through Lions’ bus

Green Archers blow a hole right through Lions’ bus

by rick olivares

November 20, 2011

University of Makati

One possession said everything about Sunday’s match between Green Archers United and Lions at the University of Makati.

With Lions parking the bus from the opening kickoff, Green Archers tried to cut a swath through the middle of the 4-5-1 defensive formation that was sorely lacking in its compactness. The Adolfo Alicante-coached Archers succeeded twice earlier: first with an excellent 1-2 combination pass between Nikko Villa and Arnie Pasinabo Jr. that the latter struck true in the 35th minute for the match’s first goal; the second, exactly eight minutes later, was a screamer that midfielder Gerald Pacquiao fired away from some 25 yards out that once more cut right through the middle and dove quickly past a diving Sheung Kwan Leung for a 2-nil lead.

Read more in interaksyon.com

Sluggish Kaya dispatches tough Socceroo XI

Nate Burkey celebrates his goal that put Kaya up 2-0 while an appreciative Lexton Moy and Adrian Semblat head over  to him.

Sluggish Kaya dispatches tough Socceroo XI

by rick olivares photo by tunying p.

November 20, 2011

University of Makati

After a sluggish start, it turned out that all Kaya needed was a halftime scolding by head coach Juan Cutillas and the insertion of a few key players to get the offense going in order to dispatch the pesky and wanting Team Socceroo.

Kaya started without Nate Burkey and Anton del Rosario who were benched for leaving for the United States to watch the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez fight without permission. Midfielder Eddie Mallari was in the Sea Games competing with the futsal national team while defender Jason Sabio was back in the US.

Yet even so, Kaya had the manpower and the firepower to take down Team Socceroo. Almost all match long, they raided Socceroo’s midfield that was mostly unable to string up combinations. Yet the finishing around the box left much to be desired as Eric Dagroh, Masa Omura, Adrian Semblat, and Lexton Moy squandered numerous opportunities to get their side on the board. Socceroo while looking out of sorts on offense as they mostly preferred the long ball were resolute in their defending as they literally threw their bodies around to turn back Kaya’s attacks.

At the half, an angry Cutillas railed at his squad for “the worst football I’ve seen in my life.”

The former Atletico Madrid player who also was the longtime coach of the Philippine Men’s National Football Team felt that his team’s level of play matched Socceroo’s. “We are at a point where we cannot make mistakes. You keep waiting for them to make mistakes but it’s you who have been making them. Go for good finishes!”

With his team struggling on offense, Cutillas finally sent in del Rosario, Burkey, and defender Ruffy Llorente.

Burkey’s entrance attracted a lot of attention that it freed up del Rosario to direct the attack and find the spaces that suddenly opened up for his teammates. In one instance, del Rosario’s throw in from well within Kaya’s side of the field reached all the way to the final third for an incredible through ball that a teammate was unable to convert for a goal.

Omura, one of those berated by Cutillas, redeemed himself in the 50^th minute with a shot from the left side of the box that curved right in before the second post. Socceroo goalkeeper Alex Pain who had gamely battled Kaya’s forwards and turned back numerous shots had no chance as he helplessly watched the ball settle into the back of the net. Kaya 1. Socceroo nil.

In the 72^nd minute, Burkey’s strike from the edge of the box doubled Kaya’s lead.

Socceroo was not without their chances. Forward Fabio Ide had a shot turned back by Semblat and linemate Zaydan Timpani struck a pair of powerful free kicks that cleared the Kaya wall although goalkeeper Russel Pierson was up to the task.

With Burkey’s insurance goal, Cutillas had the luxury of fielding in his bench including erstwhile starting keeper Toffer Camcam who he slotted in at the forward position. The move seemed comical at times as Camcam was subsequently man-marked by Luciano Stranghetti causing former national coach Simon McMenemy who in the audience to quip, “He (Stranghetti) must have thought that Camcam was Italian with all that wavy hair.”

With the crowd calling for Camcam to score a goal, the national team’s backup keeper instead got whistled for a yellow card while trying to break free from the tight Socceroo defense that refused to surrender a third goal.

With the 2-nil victory, Kaya entered the quarterfinals stage where they would play Nomads who last weekend sent Pasargad packing from the tournament with a 1-nil off a superb goal by defender Randy Musters.

“It’s not the best win, but we’ll take it,” said Cutillas after the match. “Now the competition gets harder and harder.”

Alaska hangs tough in win over Shopinas

Alaska hangs tough in win over Shopinas

by rick olivares photo by brosi gonzales

November 20, 2011

Smart Araneta Coliseum

Shopinas smelled a comeback. The Clickers saw Alaska post double digits leads thrice in the match and each time, they came back. And this one looked like they were going to bag their first win.

After Jay-R Reyes hooked a shot in to make it 77-64 with 7:06 left in the game, Shopinas dropped a 16-5 bomb behind RJ Jazul’s seven points and Jojo Duncil’s two buckets to inch close 82-80. Alaska, for years the paragon of efficiency, has struggled to find its form and identity in the wake of former head coach Tim Cone’s sudden departure, degenerated into a maze of turnovers and misfired shots.

But leave it to old reliable Sonny Thoss to right the ship that was on the verge of sinking. After the Aces turned the ball over again following a miscommunication between Cyrus Baguio and Bonbon Custodio, Thoss blocked in succession a short stab first by Shopinas’ Pong Escobal and the follow up by jumping jack Elmer Espiritu. Given the reprieve, Thoss put back a missed layup by the struggling LA Tenorio to give Alaska an 84-80 lead with 54 seconds left in the match.

The Clickers gambled on a three by RJ Jazul who waxed hot all game long for a team high 24 points but after a drive and dish by Duncil, the former Smart Gilas point guard missed and Baguio hauled down the board.

Still Shopinas had another shot at whittling down the slim four-point lead of Alaska as Tenorio bricked a trey attempt but Duncil turned the ball over. Tenorio finally dropped two free throws with 8.7 seconds left to close out the game for Alaska 86-80 for their first back-to-back win this Philippine Cup (they beat Powerade last week).

A relieved Alaska head coach Joel Banal praised Shopinas’ small lineup that had given his much taller team fits. “The speeded up the game and hit some big shots. But as I said earlier, you have to play smart against Shopinas. They’re a young team that is well coached. Luckily our veterans like Sonny and LA are always there to give us a chance to win the game. And they go the job done. They were well rested for the endgame because our rookies -- Eric Salamat and Mac Baracael – played very well.”

Shopinas managed to keep the game close in the first half until they wilted under Alaska’s pressure in the third period. Alaska looked like they were ready to blow the game wide open after Salamat stole the ball and drove in for  a buzzer-beating layup that gave the Aces a 71-58 win.

The huge win saw Alaska grab a new lease on life as they moved up from ninth to eighth place in the standings although they are tied with Powerade at 3-7. Shopinas fell to 0-11 in their PBA debut.

Alaska 86 – Thoss 15, Reyes 13, Baguio 12, Custodio 10, dela Cruz 9, Baracael 8, Tenorio 8, Salamat 4, Bugia 4,  Eman 3.

Shopinas 80 – Jazul 24, Duncil 13, Sena 8, Hubalde 8, Sison 7, Espiritu 7, Escobal 6, Ritualo 3, Mirza 2, Daa 2, Menor 0, Aquino 0, Se 0.

UFL Saturday Knockout games Diliman vs Stallion/ Army vs Global

Stallion solves the Gonzales conundrum to beat Diliman 2-1

by rick olivares

November 19, 2011

University of Makati

Barely five years after he last laced his boots for the national team, Andres Gonzales is still a threat.

Stallion FC head coach Ernie Nierras’ game plan was simple. Stop Gonzales. “You stop him and you stop that flow of the ball to their forwards and wingmen.”

Even the Chairman of the United Football League Santi Araneta concurs. “He’s one of the most creative midfielders in local football,” observed Araneta. “He’s still very good.”

Read the rest of the recap in interaksyon.com

Global’s blitzkrieg smashes Army 3-nil

by rick olivares

November 19, 2011

University of Makati

Rumors of Global’s demise have been premature.

After barely making it to the knockout stages after finishing third in Group C competition, the defending cup champions put on a dazzling show of force to send the second seed packing from the tournament.

Army finished second in the rankings with an unblemished slate, one of two clubs that was unscored upon in three matches. They had thoroughly destroyed their competition en route to the Round of 16.

It took Global only 20 minutes to shatter the illusion of invincibility.

Read the rest of the recap in interaksyon.com

Look at what I found in Booksale

Look at what I found in Booksale (for Php 115). Here's the synopsis for The Best American Sportswriting 2008 edition.

In this exciting new collection, William Nack, veteran sportswriter and author of the classic Secretariat, honors the year’s finest sports journalism and thus upholds the tradition that began seventeen years ago, with David Halberstam at the helm. In these pages, you will find the most provocative, compelling, tragic, and triumphant moments in sports from 2007, captured by the knights of the keyboard who make sports come alive for us day after day, week after week, year after year.

Here you’ll find Paul Solotaroff’s excellent and uncompromising take on the neglect that a growing number of crippled NFL players continually face from the NFL players’ union. Jeanne Marie Laskas’s “G-L-O-R-Y!” offers a rousing inside look at the pregame rituals of the Cincinnati Bengals cheerleaders. A riveting online diary by Wright Thompson reveals a bleak and merciless landscape in China, which that country’s government would rather not have the world see during preparations for the Olympics.

Nack finds a place for the fascinating offbeat story as well as the sensational. Alongside Eli Saslow’s captivating article about an obscure seventeenth-century sport, similar to a giant rugby scrum, carried out in the streets of Kirkwall, Scotland, stands Franz Lidz’s “scoop of the year,” a controversial and rare look into the life of George Steinbrenner, baseball’s largest but recently most enigmatic figure.

This year’s collection marks another wonderful addition to “one of the most consistently satisfying titles in the Best American series” (Booklist).

Contributors include Scott Price, Rick Bragg, Gary Smith, J.R. Moehringer, and others.

Bleachers' Brew #286 The nuclear winter of our discontent

This column appears in the November 21, 2011 edition of the Business Mirror.

The nuclear winter of our discontent

by rick olivares

Welcome to the National Basketball Association’s winter of discontent. And even here in the tropical Philippines, I’ll have to bring out my cold weather jacket because all this posturing over money is sending chills up my spine.

The current lockout is terrible because as a NBA fan and there are so many sub-plots heading into what is supposed to be the new season. When I was working with Solar Sports several years ago, we were looking for a concept to promote the games locally and I used as inspiration the 1950s television series The Naked City and its tagline about life in New York: “There are eight million stories in the Naked City. This has been one of them.” So the production group and I went about producing plugs for the different subplots surrounding the 30 different NBA teams. A few years later, I saw the NBA do similar plugs with their “30 teams. 30 stories.”

For instance, I want to find out how my favorite team, the Chicago Bulls, would bounce back from their playoff loss to the Miami Heat. Who else will take their talents to South Beach to help the Miami Heat win the Larry O’Brien trophy? Will a full pre-season under his belt, will Carmelo Anthony lead his hometown New York Knicks back to the league’s elite?

There’s so much but only now, it doesn’t look like they will be answered. Instead of basketball subplots, the questions that have characterized the last five months of the year have been how to split the revenue between the owners and the players, and how to manage the salary cap. And in the advent of a nuclear winter with more than a month’s worth of games wiped out, a new question has been added, will there ever be a basketball season?

The National Football League may be the top dog in American sports but the NBA players are the ones recognized globally and the highest paid.

On that note alone, I cannot really feel sympathetic to people who are paid extravagant amounts of money and they still feel it is not enough.

For as I long as I have been working, I have at times felt underpaid and at times, worth every cent that was promised me. Even when I felt the former, I never went to management and threatened to hold out until I got more.

I was always aware that my performance would be appraised and any increase was dependent on how I went about my work. There were times when I felt the increase was low but I always resolved to work harder or look for an alternative means for making money. My parents always taught me that if I didn’t like my current situation then I could always opt to move elsewhere.

I work for a company that isn’t perfect but thus far has provided a perfect setting for me. It isn’t every day where you like your bosses and everyone you work with and I do not have to force myself to get up in the morning to head to the office. Putting two kids to school (and the tuition fee in Ateneo de Manila University is a killer) is no joke and I have to bust my butt to make sure that they are well prepared for adult life. That explains why you will find me here, there, and everywhere. I do what I can. I make do with what I have. And I have always been conscious of what the late Mahatma Gandhi once said, “There is sufficiency in the world for man’s need. Not man’s greed.”

Having lived in the United States and New York most especially, I understood the values of hard work. My father always drove in my thick skull to live within my means. I juggled three jobs at the same time to pay the rent, schooling, and whatever hobbies I occasionally engaged in. If I wanted to watch the Yankees, the Islanders, the Giants, or the Bulls I had to work overtime or do odd jobs so as not to take away from my budgeted savings. If I wanted to buy a basketball jersey or go to a game, I saved up for it. I never bought anything on a whim. I always planned my expenses. On the rare occasion I spent more than I should have, I always felt bad and redoubled my efforts to recoup the money.

But inside the arena, I bought hotdogs, nachos, and popcorn. I bought cups of soda or a beer or two (that I once dumped on a Red Sox fan). I bought programmes and jerseys. I worked two blocks away from the NBA headquarters in New York and oft went to the NBA store where I ogled all the stuff I wished I could buy. I wanted to purchase Manu Ginobili’s San Antonio Spurs authentic jersey that fetched for over $200 only it was too pricey. So I waited until the season ended before I bought one because by then it was at half price. But even so, I still felt that it was a dent in my savings.

I, like thousands and thousands of other fans, go through this routine every season. And I agree when it is said that it is incredible about how these millionaires and billionaires are fighting over the fans’ money.

Maybe the players should listen to what the Big Aristotle once said when he quipped: "I'm tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink Pepsi, wear Reebok." Of course, I am sure that Shaq was well covered by his endorsements.

In the absence of the No Basketball Association, there’s plenty for me to follow – there’s ice hockey that I tremendously love, there’s the NFL and Green Bay’s pursuit for perfection (not to mention the weekly Tim Tebow’s miracles that I am of the belief that one of these days he will walk on water), there’s local sports, and so much more. Including stuff that grounds me like saving for my eldest son’s summer class etc and his impending move to med school.

With all this talk about the lockout, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth when I think of the greed that has taken hold of the sport. I recall that infamous quote from the since banished Latrell Sprewell who turned down the Minnesota Timberwolves offer of a three-year contract worth $21 million because he felt it was insulting. “Why would I want to help them win a title? They’re not doing anything for me. I’m at risk. I have a lot of risk here. I got my family to feed."

Hell, I wish I made a million bucks let alone $21 million. So you’ll have to excuse me if I really cannot sympathize with these All-Star Whiners.

However, I do feel bad for those people who work as concessionaires, stadium guides and whatnot due to the lockout. Many have lost their jobs because of people’s greed. And I do miss watching Charles Barkley and his gift for gab. I crack up every time I remember him saying about former Los Angeles Lakers forward AC Green: "Hey, A.C. If God is so good why didn’t he give you a jumpshot?”

Unfortunately, the current lockout is so unfunny.

How could this have all gone wrong?

At the FIFA Coaches' Seminar at Philsports

Last weekend, Coach Aris Caslib invited me to give a talk in the FIFA Coaches' Seminar regarding coaches and the media. I had to think about it for a moment before saying yes. Even when I was cut off by the previous PFF admin for exposing its irregularities, Coach Aris always made time (without the bosses knowing) for interviews with his players and of course, himself. They were not clandestine meetings as back then the team would practice in San Beda. But I am always willing to help out. My initial concern was, "can I do this coz it sounds somewhat intimidating?" 

Backtracking a bit, I was in Bacolod for a couple of days and planned to go back to Manila over the weekend but I had to do some work in a shoot in Marikina and take part in the seminar. I got sick in Bacolod mainly due to the changes in weather. Once I got back to Manila I was in horrible shape. It's a good thing I didn't join Pachanga for the morning practice or else I would have been weaker. Well, I didn't have the proper boots to begin with but it sure would have been fun to take part in some of those drills. 

Once I got home, I felt horrible and I still do. My eyes were closing from the pain and I remembered how former New York Yankee pitcher Andy Pettitte would shut himself down during rain delays or such to conserve his energy. I did the same in the morning and on the way to the Philsports complex in Pasig. I suppose it's a zen thing where you block out everything including the traffic. It worked and it got me through the two-hour session (titled "Football and media" that is all about looking at the fourth estate from a different perspective read: opportunity) including the enjoyable workshop. I got intimidated for a moment as I felt I got sized up but once the session got rolling then it was all good. 

Most teams, coaches, and athletes look at the media either as a friend or an enemy and it does happen in a cyclical manner. In my talk, I spoke about looking at the media from a different perspective and how they can make it work for them and the clubs they are a part of. I spent some time working on this (I skipped hanging out with Coach Nonoy Fegidero one evening just shooting the breeze about football and I skipped dinner with a close friend as well) culling experiences and learnings. I asked some other people for their feedback and put together a short 20-slide presentation that should be insightful. The workshop was a little more challenging because the audience (these coaches) have pretty much experienced everything.

I'd like to thank PN Sivaji, FIFA Instructor and AFC Elite Instructor for making it easy for me. Coach Rob Servais, Football Manager with Executive Training Programme in Japan for the challenging questions and opening a door for something in the future. Coach Bob Salvacion for keeping the session light. Coach Marlon Maro for sharing those experiences that should contribute in future dealings with the national team. Coach Dave Booth for keeping me on my toes. Coach Simon McMenemy for sharing all the backroom work that was done in Manila, Vietnam, and Indonesia that has for the most part was unknown by most. It was great seeing you instead of chatting and emailing. It was great serving alongside you (and the others like Diding, Brax, and Roroy not to mention team management who made it all possible). Dinner's on me next week, Coach! Of course, all the other coaches of course who participated -- coaches Gil, Heidi, Marjo, Percy, Joel, and the others who I do not know. It was an honor and great experience. 

Bacolod Diary November 17, 2011 Pachanga FC Training Camp Day 4

Day 4 of Pachanga FC's training camp in Bacolod City as part of their preparations for the knockout stages of the ongoing UFL Cup. With Panaad unavailable, the team has been practicing at Northfield which is 15-minute drive from the hotel. This is the practice facility of Ceres teams. Today's agenda was working on tactics. Even with three players missing (Shirmar Felongco, Neckson Leonora, (the two will arrive Friday) and Aldwin Riedler (who will be out for a while as he is getting married), the coaching staff is happy for the camp. With six players based in Bacolod, it is always tough for the remaining team to practice in Manila. 

The team goes through two-a-days. After the morning session, the players have to go through some stretching exercises and while the players were in pain and tired (many of us slept all the way past lunch), a hilarious time was had by all given the one-liners of the players.

Cross Ubiam: (voice obviously in pain) Gino, are you okay?
Gino Palomo: No! (laughter breaks out among team).
Alu Kigbu: What's the word -- sakit!!! (more laughter)
Cross: Aray!

The picture above and below this was taken from the morning session. I didn't take pictures anymore as I was really bothered by a migraine attack. The afternoon session was still held at the same place. Tomorrow the team will have a practice game against a Ceres Selection. Coach Alvin asked me to join the practice but I didn't have any gear with me. Next time I will but first, I have to lose weight and earnestly get in shape. Training will not get you in shape. It's the other way around -- get in shape first then join the training.

With the PTs Abby and Anna (who I think is also a PT for the DLSU football teams). To reiterate why Pachanga is the "Red Phoenix" -- the team logo is... the Red Phoenix! So there.

Thanks to Freddie Gonzalez (who is in HK at the moment), Jojo Rodriguez, Nonoy Fegidero Jr., Alvin Ocampo, and Kim Versales for making this an enjoyable two-day immersion into what a football club is all about.