aimee829

[aimee829]

PBA Trading Card Experience

[aimee829]

One year for Japhet Aguilar

We’re not there. He is. It’s his journey. Not ours - Mico Halili

1 year... to make sure that you do not look back and say "If I had tried"

1 year... to finally silence that voice in you head saying "should I try"

1 year... to erase all doubts and questions on "can I make it"

and after that 1 year... be it PBA or NBA... the Filipino nation can still say...

We may have not been there... 

It may have not been our journey...

but Japhet Aguilar,

you dream was our dream...

your goal was our goal...

because you were OURS...

and we're PROUD of you no matter what...

[aimee829]

Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 to fight for RESPECT

The biggest difference between Manny Pacquiao and Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 is that, while both carry the weight of the Filipino Nation on their shoulders, both have the HEART of a Filipino, both seek to bring PRIDE & HONOR to the country ...

   one is held in awe.. in an almost god-like status, with the people treating him as a mini deity; while the other is cherished and beloved like family member, whose joys and sorrows are share (via twitter and instagram), whose camaraderie and heroism we can relate and respond to.

As Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 starts their battle at the Stankovic Cup, they are facing an one of the strongest and biggest foes in the person of the Chinese. The picture taken by Larry Fornacier of LA Tenorio (point guard) behind one of the Chinese player re-iterates how big the disparity. We now begin to feel that familiar dread... 

But unlike the usual dread we feel when Manny Pacquiao fights, this dread seems almost unnatural because we all feel like "stage moms" on some talent shows that we see on TV, watching from behind the curtain... praying NOT that our "child" wins, rather that instead of being ridiculed, mocked, or humiliated while showing their talent to the world, they would impress the audience, earn the respect of their opponents, and they gain the recognition from the judges that despite not being THE BEST, they deserved to be part of the discussion.

Dear Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0;

You not be the tallest, you may not the strongest, and you may end up NOT winning the Stankovic Cup (unlike the William Jones Cup), but WE BELIEVE that you will prove, that when it comes to deciding WHO IS THE BEST IN BASKETBALL here in our part of the world, THE PHILIPPINES deserves to be part of THAT conversation. And as YOU fight for that RESPECT and RECOGNITION, we hope that it gives the FIBA officials the extra push (aside from the presentation of SBP, PBA, & MVP) and award us the hosting rights to host the FIBA ASIA CHAMPIONSHIPS next year, which will greater help in our campaign to reach the FIBA World Basketball Championships.

Go Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 ... though we may not be physically with you, the GLOBAL FILIPINO COMMUNITY will be rooting and praying for you!

(evidence: your games trend on twitter WORLDWIDE)

- Aimee Grace B. Tapeceria

[aimee829]

the POWERADE TIGERS "TIGERELLA" story: Part 4 "GONE TOO SOON"...

This video focused on the Sale of the Powerade Franchise to Mikee Romero's Global Port Batang Pier, as well featuring parts of an episode from For the Win: Goodbye Powerade Episode as well as From the Stands Episode 24. 

Music: First Love by First Love by Utada Hikaru - piano 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiqeEM7JPRo

[aimee829]

"Once a Tiger always a Tiger" Reunion/Farewell

Last night, I personally got to witness the Coca Cola/Powerade Tigers Family... and that's what i'll take away from all this experience... that it doesn't matter what happens in the PBA, in these athlete's careers, they'll always be FAMILY.

As fans, we may despair that they don't play together anymore... but that is not the legacy that "Being a Tiger" leaves with us ... it is not the "win at all costs" motto that these Tigers remember most about "Being a Tiger" ... but the value of team work, camaraderie, loyalty, and "FAMILY". The words of "good job" despite loosing... the importance of taking care of your own (the players contributed to give the utilities some severance pay) ... and staying true to the values that you hold, to the point of even risking unemployment, just to be able to keep those values. 

Seeing the current Global Port players still with smiles in their faces despite the unknowns that they are facing with the new team, seeing the wives/better halves automatically group together when they entered the venue the way girlfriends do... seeing no discrimination between players, coaches, and staff, seeing everyone laughing together reminiscing fun memories as they viewed a prepared video presentation.

Hearing Jeff Cariaso give an identical testimony to that of Johnny Abbarientos, Gary David, Will Antonio, Bo Perasol, and even Chot Reyes about what they will treasure most about "Being a Tiger" is a testament of how the team was run... with loyalty, dedication, and camaraderie that makes them feel as part of a FAMILY, a family that consisted not only of those who were seen on the court, but included those staff under the leadership of Mr. Jose Bayani "JB" Baylon... these will leave lessons that will benefit these players even long after they've left the PBA, the LIFE LESSONS that one would not be afraid to pass on to their children. 

And though my heart is still slightly bruised with the disbanding of the previous line-up, seeing them together this that has given me the "closure" that I was looking for.

At the end of each movie, somehow those watching it wants to see that the main characters "lived happily ever after"... that somehow, everything turned out fine. I may have not been able to find a "happily ever after" but I did personally witness that "somehow, everything would turn out fine". That though I wouldn't be able to see them together on the court anymore, just like family, they'll still always be there for each other. From the players, to the utilities, and their own families... FAMILY is FAMILY. And that's the most powerful legacy that the TIIGERS leave with me. That through wins or losses, the CocaCola/Powerade Tigers franchise (under Sir JB) treated their players as FAMILY (well, at least before February of 2012).

As the memory of this franchise becomes dimmer and dimmer in the minds of the Filipino people, I believe these players will still support the statement "Once a Tiger, always a Tiger"... because their experience as a Tiger transcended the PBA, taught them valuable life lessons, and gave them a FAMILY to serve as their support system that they need as they continue to navigate their way through the TURBULENT current of CORPORATE RIVALRY disguised by basketball teams in this league we call the PBA.

Thank you Tigers. I'm glad you got out before the corporate rivalries ruined the Legacy that you were trying to leave behind.  Thank you Sir JB Baylon for inviting me to this event. Though I did not have the courage to mingle with most of you (I was in awestruck "fan" mode), my main objective for coming to the event was met, plus I was able to take lotsa pictures. 

Thank you so much Ma'am Jenn for the authentic GD20 jersey ni Sir Gary na binigay nyo. I totally forgot to get it signed, he he, pero pwede pa naman next time. I'll be praying for the safe delivery of Baby 3 next week. 

Thank you so much Coach Charles for the promised Powerade "shirt". Nakalimutan ko nga about it, but you remembered it. Good luck sir, as you transition into the next season. I'll always be a fan, regardless of the team (whether you reply sa Twitter or not.. :D). 

ALL PHOTO CREDITS: JB Baylon via Facebook (except for the last 3) 

[aimee829]

The HEART of Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0

“This might be the weakest Philippine team, the least prepared, and the smallest. But what it’s got is a big heart. Heart won it for us versus Japan, Korea, Iran, and the US. These guys just don’t know the meaning of quit.”   – Coach Chot Reyes, after beating the US, and winning the 34th William Jones Cup .

HEART. This word repeated over and over again throughout the weak as the Smart Gilas 2.0 faced their very tournament together as a team at the 34th William Jones Cup in Taipei, Taiwan.

 The hash tag #Puso was often seen on the post-game tweets of LA Tenorio, Sol Mercado, Coach Chot Reyes, and the rest of the team as they battled through 8 different teams within a span of 9 days. And I believe, this HEART a.k.a. PUSO shall continue to be the driving force behind the campaign of Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0. to get to the FIBA World Cup 2014.  

This Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0 squad, on paper, is not comprised with the cream of the crop of the Philippine Basketball Association but what they lacked in skill they more than made up for it the commitment, dedication, hardwork , and yes, HEART. We saw a team that came together for regular practices a mere 2 weeks before the tournament. A team, who had no aspirations of winning the tournament, whose main objective was to build the chemistry and camaraderie among themselves (players and coaches) both on and off the court, and was somehow able to over-achieve to extreme.  

A team whose last 5 of 7 wins came down the wire, whose victories was owed to the heroic exploits of its players whose composure and shooting accuracy seemed to increase when the final moments of the game arrives. A team whose players were willing to fights tooth and nail to bring glory to the nation whose name is printed on their chests... 

Next month, another tournament awaits and this time, the opponents will be eagerly waiting to challenge the team again. They have seen who the players are and have scouted what they can do, and they are more than eager to get that loss that they suffered.

We do not know what Coach Chot Reyes and the rest of the coaching staff will decide with regards to the current team roster. We do not know what adjustments they will make and whether other players will be included (and excluded) from the line-up, and a semi-new team will evolve. But regardless of the changing of total skills set of the players, one thing we can be assured of… that the aura that was carried by this last team will also be carried by the semi-new one. They will also NOT “know the meaning of quit”. They will also have the big HEART that will allow them to fight until they have nothing left… because that is the essence behind what makes our brand of basketball a passionate sport… it is not the sport of basketball per se’, but the HEART of the Filipino that beats within each player. 

That HEART which enables the nation to help each other through earthquakes and typhoons  and enables a communities to rebuild after the destruction of landslides and flash floods; it is that HEART which enables families to survive despite loved ones working abroad, that will endure all hardships for the hope of a brighter tomorrow;

it is that HEART that will fight oppression and discrimination to achieve independence and parity;it is that HEART that knows there is a God that loves them, and that knowledge brings peace and assurance to a nation and people who are struggling to fight its way back to its former glory and splendor.

And it is that same HEART that transformed the “weakest … the least prepared, and the smallest” Philippine team into the 34th William Jones Cup Champions.

And though their quest is far from over, it is our HEART which enables us to BELIEVE that ANYTHING is POSSIBLE, that our goal is within reach, that finally, after decades of being stalled, we are now picking up speed towards that ultimate goal… the FIBA World Cup 2014!

Official Song of Smart Gilas Pilipinas 2.0  Sige Lang by Quest

Sige Lang Lyrics

Eto nanaman tayo bagong simula

Huminga ng malalim alisin ang kaba

Tapos na ang kahapon, pwede nang itapon

Huwag lang ang mga aral dapat yan ay ibaon

Katulong mo sa panibagong hamon

May paparating na bagong alon

Pwede kang lamunin o pwede mong sabayan

Yung aral ng kahapon pwede ka nyang gabayan

Kung ako sayo tumayo ka na dyan

Huwag ka nang magpahuli kami ay sundan

Patungo sa liwanag, aabutin ang tala

Pagkatapos pakita sa mundo pusong nagbabaga

Upang lahat ay mamulat, sa aking susulat

Parinig sa lahat ang aking iuulat

Huwag ka nang mabahala ako ang bahala

kasangga natin si Bathala

Walang imposible

Sige lang ng sige

Abot mo ang mundo

malapit o malayo

Sama sama tayo

Hanggang sa dulo

ano man ang pagsubok

Hindi susuko

Alam kong kaya mo

Sige lang sige

Sige lang sige

Walang imposible

Nagniningning

Ang pangarap ng yong pusong

Humihiling

Na makalimutan ang kahapon

Sanay dinggin

Sigaw ng aking puso

Hindi sumusoko, hindi to susuko

Ilabas ang yong pangarap

Huwag mo yang itatago

Samahan mo ng sipag at tatag ng puso

Tumayo ko sa yong silya

Ikaw ngayon ang bida

Wala nang pipigil pa eto na eto na

Hanggat ako’y humihinga

Sugod lang laban pa

Pangarap abutin

Kumislap tulad ng mga bituin

Sige lang, di ka nagiisa

Sige lang sige pa 

[aimee829]

Farewell Tigerella

How ironic it is that when I watched this week's FTW episode that was entitled: "Goodbye Powerade", I started out with me feeling nostalgic and sad... yet a couple of minutes later, me grinning from ear to ear, and even feeling a little "kilig" at the last couple of seconds...  (click on picture to see FTW Episode) 

             I felt honored and proud that my effort as a fan didn't go unnoticed, and that these sports analysts/ journalists appreciated the result. But after replaying that episode repeatedly until hearing my name said by Mico Halili and Charles Tiu didn't bring a silly smile to my face, i finally began to hear and understand the message that they were trying to tell me (and all other Powerade fans), and it broke my heart a little... ok, not a little, but alot. 

You may be saying to yourself, "ang drama naman ng babaeng to... team lang naman yan eh, andyan pa naman ung mga players, magbabago lang sila nang team". But it was not the sale of the Coca Cola/Powerade Tiger PBA franchise  that left me heartbroken, (coz I know they'll most likely be absorbed in the Mikee Romero's Batang Pier) but that fact that I felt that I had failed in my conquest. The Cinderella team was gone. It didn't matter what I (and other fans) did to try to stop it, the critical pieces that formed that magical Powerade "Tigerella" Team was no longer complete, and though the new group tired their hardest to achieve that same magic and chemistry, it was in vane.

But then I should have braced myself because it was obviously a loosing battle. When the biggest supporter and "father" of the team raises the white flag in surrender, it was just a matter of time before conquering entities split over the spoils. I was naive to think that there was still a battle to be fought, when the reality was, it was already over. This FTW episode, where I was singled out, seemed to tell me that it was time to LET GO and MOVE ON.

I was originally an Alaska fan in the 90s, during the era of Jojo Lastimoso, Johnny Abbarientos, Jeffrey Cariaso... and Sean Chambers, the Grandslam team... and when i saw the core of that team move to Coke, I decided to move too. So I became a fan of the Coca Cola Tigers around 2002. 

    I became dormant from 2004-2010 (due to college, masteral, and the NBA), and I just came back this season (due to the influx of Smart Gilas). But just like before, watching on TV was enough for me. Nothing really made me want to watch the games live in Araneta. 

But I was a passive fan, silently rooting for my favorite team, not interacting on forums, or social media, much less, make fan videos to show my support. I had fun watching basketball and it was exciting to have a team to root for.

Then on December 18, 2011 in the 2nd quarterfinals match of #8 Powerade vs #1 BMEG, all that changed. What's so funny about it was that fact that I didn't even get to watch that game. To this day, I have still to watch the replay of that whole game (and it is not from lack of trying to find a copy).

   The only part of the game that I've seen is the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter and the additional 5 minutes of overtime, and it was via a 14min videoclip on youtube. It was because I couldn't find a full replay of the Epic game that I resorted to reading all the articles that I could find about it, and it was through those write-ups that I realized how special and rare that game was.

This was alot MORE than #8 Powerade beating the #1 Bmeg (giants)... its signficance and impact was so immense that it created a different atmosphere in the league.

The older more popular teams, who took their "greatness" as their due, were shocked that a "nobody" was able to beat the #1 title contender. The other unpopular teams were given a "boost", showing and making them believe they too could do the same. This was what suddenly brought "parity" to the league despite the uneven distribution of all-star caliber players. 

The mindset of "WE BELIEVE". To have the WHOLE team BELIEVE that victory is within grasp, despite not having a loaded line-up, was the factoring element to the PARITY the PBA now enjoys.

But after that All Filipino Cup's magical Cinderella run to the finals, all hell broke loose, and the young team that stood united and strong, together achieving incredible feats, was now being rumored that they would soon to be disbanded and sold.

And this was the catalyst that transformed me and many others from passive fans into passionate defenders. Because we couldn't wrap our minds around the idea that the these special team that managed to beat incredible odds whose existence was only a span of 6 months, was now being disbanded and being sold to one of the Giants in the league. We thought surely there must be a mistake. Surely if the owners knew what a rare treasure this team was, they would want to keep it. The fans and other league officials protested and whatever was rumored to take place didn't happen. We heaved a sigh of relief believing that we had averted the disaster. But then Sir JB Baylon, the team's heart and source of inspiration resigned, and somehow we knew that no matter what his replacement said, it was just a matter of time before everything crumbles.

But despite these obvious signs, I was clinging on to the belief that the Team was still healthy and whole. Surely this was not how this amazing story was suppose to end. But when the protested trade finally happened, it was then I knew that the Cinderella story was not going have a happily ever after. It was during that time that I decided to try and preserve the important highlights of this incredible story by making the Powerade Tigers "TIGERELLA" Story, a video compilation of video clips, pictures, and podcasts that gave the best impression of what happened during that specific time, and posted it on youtube.  the POWERADE TIGERS "TIGERELLA" story (inside notes): Gary David and Jvee Casio's   GARY DAVID: deserved to be MVP 

 As this season came to a close, I still tried to cling to a hope that somehow, fate would Cinderella a happy ending by giving Gary David the well-deserved MVP award, but I guess fate thought otherwise. 

  And so here we are. At the last page of the Powerade/Coca Cola Tigers' Cinderella "TIGERELLA" story in the PBA, and though I'm reluctant to put the last period on the last sentence of the last page of the book, (or in my case, compile the last video clips, pictures, and articles to make the CONCLUSION of the whole Tigerella Story in youtube) Mico Halili, Magoo Marjon, Doug Kramer, & Charles Tiu, through that FTW episode have convinced me to do so. I've finally realized that its OK not to have an happily ever after (aka happy ending)... this is real life after all, not a fairy tale. THE YOUTUBE UPLOADS...  The POWERADE TIGERELLA STORY INTRO: Pieces of the Puzzle - around 4 min. 

The POWERADE TIGERELLA STORY - around 50 min. (formerly 4 parts compiled into 1) 

GARY DAVID of the Powerade Tigers deserved to be MVP  around 10 mins.  

[aimee829]

GARY DAVID of the POWERADE TIGERS deserves to be MVP for PBA 37th Season

With all the debates going on about who deserves to be the Most Valuable Player of the PBA 37th Season, and with all the forums going on… being hosted by fans of other MVP candidates. Yes, a person can argue stats, who won more Best Player of the Conference awards, how far the team was able to go in the conference, or who is more “likeable” to the media, and all these factors into who will eventually be given the MVP Award.

But for me, here is my view on why I think Gary David should be MVP.

Throughout this season, Gary David went into incredible exploits, doing things that haven’t been done in a long time. Yes, the whole Cinderella Run was a rare feat in itself, but: 

What about the 6 straight games scoring at least 30 points?

What about the 19 consecutive games scoring at least 20points?

What about being the only local player to be one of the TOP 10 highest scorers in an Import laden conference (and mind you, he was not even #10). What about the fact that the first 5 (with 2 rookies, 1 sophomore) had to play at least 35-40 minutes in the Semis, and were still able to get to the Finals? And to think that what killed them was the last 5 minutes where their opponent was making the run, and they couldn't stop them. 

What about the fact that before this season, Powerade usually finished at the bottom 2 of the team standings? Usually just included in the “WILD CARD”, to be able to get into the play-offs. It has NEVER BEEN A CONTENDER before THIS SEASON.

What about the fact that his ACCUMULATED STATS is so HIGH, despite Powerade getting eliminated in the last 2 conferences, that he is still LEADING in the STATS RACE, in comparison to other who’ve “gone appeared in 2 semis, or 2 finals”.

What about the fact that for ALL THREE CONFERENCES, Gary David was a Major Contender and the primary favorite to win the Best Player of the Conference. He won the 1st one, was the close runner-up by some in the 2nd one… and is still part of those with leading contenders for the 3rd.

  I believe that the Championship Trophy belongs to the best TEAM that played together.

I believe that the Mythical Five are the best players of their specific positions.

Just like I believe that the Most Valuable Player belongs to the best PLAYER in the PBA for the WHOLE Season.  

  I believe the PBA, due to last year’s controversy, has now moved towards putting more weight on the PLAYER’S EFFORTS a.k.a. STATS, but giving it 40% of the total score. But this must be backed up by 25% PLAYERS’ VOTES (who they think played better); the 30% PBA Press Corps (media people who closely follow the PBA); and the 5% Commissioner’s Office (the 10% television carrier was taken out).

I’m not one to usually speak my mind. To “rant” as they say. I prefer compiling opinions of people who I consider as “authority”, and putting them all together to present a better argument. Hence, I made the video. The last part of the video includes the podcast of Chuck Araneta and Polo Bustamante as Chuck gives tries his best to state his case on why Gary David is the one who deserves to win the PBA 37th Season title of MVP. He ends the by asking the question “why am I so passionate about Gary David?” and Polo answers that “Kasi, Gary David eh. He is a symbol of what we want the PBA to be. Parity. A non-SMC MVP team coming into the limelight”.   

The Gary David and the Powerade Tigers story has transcended beyond sports. It has turned into one of those stories that will be told over and over again… of the underdog who was able to beat the “No Chance in Hell” Odds… that serves as an inspiration to those of us who BELIEVE. And I believe that if we look back at this Season… with all the unforgettable moments that happened… the TIGERELLA STORY will be right there at the TOP.

[aimee829]

SCARBOROUGH SHOAL - just the tip of the iceberg

Today, May 11, is the day that the U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance called “all Filipinos to mount demonstrations in front of Chinese embassies and consulates at noon… in protest of China’s bullying over Scarborough Shoal” (abs-cbnnews.com).

Backtrack. Last month, April 8, 2012, eight Chinese fishing boats were found by a Philippine Navy frigate in Scarborough Shoal, a triangle-shaped chain of reefs and islands (but mostly rocks) with an area of 150 square kilometers located 198 km west of Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines. These authorities discovered large amounts of illegally-caught corals, giant clams, and live sharks on board. China immediately sent its own navy to the “rescue” by diverting the attention of the Philippine Navy and allowing the fishermen with their illegally-caught bounty to escape. When they attempted to pursue, the Philippine Navy was blocked by the Chinese Navy. Since then, the issue has been known as the Scarborough Stand-Off, because although the Philippines has papers proving its sovereignty over that area, China also has papers proving the same thing. However, China’s map was drafted in the 12th Century as compared to the Philippine’s map which was only drafted in the last 300 years, and neither want to give up its claim to the area.

 In the past weeks, the Philippine government desires to bring the issue to the International Court, to settle the matter there, but China refuses to do so, continuing to increase the tension between the two nations. These past few weeks, netizens have also joined the picture, first starting with the hacking of the website of the University of the Philippines, which was retaliated by the hacking of some Chinese websites. The latest was just last week, with the defacing of a government- operated weather website (PAGASA). These actions weren’t condoned by their respective governments, saying that these actions were not helping resolve the issue. 

Back to the present. I have no idea if the Filipino community all around the world will actually respond, but China sure has taken it seriously. They have issued a travel ban to the Philippines and have issued a notice that says that there will be a massive anti-China demonstrations scheduled on Friday. All Chinese nationals are advised to avoid going out and to keep a low profile. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei told reporters yesterday that “China remains committed to solving the situation through diplomatic consultation and negotiations… We urge the Philippines side to respect China’s sovereignty on the issue of Huangyan Island (what they call Scarborough Shoal) and not to take actions that will complicate and amplify the situation”.

 My personal thoughts on the issue. What astounds me about this issue is the fact that the map that China is using to validate their claim over Scarborough Shoal show that almost the whole of South China Sea is under their territory. The South China Sea is surrounded by several countries, of which China is the furthest one away, and if there is to be any territorial disputes, shouldn’t it be with those other closer countries? Then again, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei are already having their own territorial problems with China, not to mention Nepal,  too. 

Being in the Philippines, it’s very easy to think that our dispute with China is all that is happening, but somehow, I think that is just the tip of the ice berg.

 Euroasia review reported that:

“U.S. Navy announced that the first of a new class of coastal warships will be sent to Singapore next spring for a roughly 10-month deployment.  The proposed move may seem insignificant in terms of the total capacity of only one warship, but it definitely highlights a strategic pivot in U.S. policies in Asia Pacific, and the determination to engage regional powers with one sole purpose of containing China. Recent months have witnessed a growing tension in the maritime area of South China Sea between China on the one hand, and Vietnam, the Philippines and several other littoral countries on the other. China claims that most of the islands in the South China Sea fall under its territory – a claim other littoral countries are not ready to agree with. In April, China and the Philippines narrowly escaped the option of a maritime dispute turning into a military standoff, when China deployed warships in order to protect fishing vessels fishing in the disputed waters and threatened to be arrested by the Philippine navy. Similar incidents happened throughout March and April between China and Vietnam. The territorial disputes have attracted attention of other important players from outside the region, namely the U.S. and India, both trying to expand cooperation with China’s rivals.”

 I believe it’s more than just a territorial dispute. Why would one country go to war over a measly group of islands? I believe it’s just the tip of the iceberg. What is the main goal? I have no idea. But with the U.S. choosing to send that one new warship to Singapore because it is the narrowest point of the Straight of Malacca, where 40% of the world trade flows through which includes an “overwhelming portion of oil supplies transported to China the Persian Gulf and Africa, so that should war break out over these territorial dispute, the U.S. can have some bargaining leverage that it needs to have China listen. 

It’s a scary thought. Knowing that, even if ASEAN decides to unite against China, we still will be strong enough to demand the respect that we deserve. But how does one go about solving such an issue? With no one being willing to give an inch? (sigh) Sometimes I wish I could just stick my head back in a sack and pretend that no impending trouble is approaching, but after having done the research for this article, that is no longer possible.   

But this is a good time to show our faith in God. To be able to relax and live normal lives despite the impending war, knowing, that whatever happens, God will still take care of us. Ultimately, if we abide our faith in Him, we know that whatever happens in this world is ok, because our “real” home is waiting for us up in heaven. This world, and all its problems and troubles will all soon be just a thing of the past, and all things will become new, and we will be with our Lord, forever.  

Can also be seen at TRANSITNOTES.TUMBLR.COM BACK TO HOME 

[aimee829]

Local Dynasty over National Pride

Are we being pawns in this conglomerate war between SMC and MVP?  MVP did alot of good by putting the FINANCIAL SUPPORT and was the main reason behind the success of GILAS 1.0 and in connection to that, it was because of the influx of the Gilas 1 players this 37th season kya biglang gumanda ulit ung performance ng PBA... kya hindi masyadong nkakapag-dominate ang isang team... halos patas lahat... not to mention the coming of the NBA players to the Philippines, which basically put us in the limelight of the basketball world for that weekend... 

SMC has been in the league the longest, and has had a long stream of historical championships... and to when TNT suddenly began its dominance... they were not satisfied until they could get that championship again. Trading players among its 3 sister teams, it didn't matter if it were fair or not... just to be able to compete with the suddenly dominant TNT... and finally they have achieved it, through getting Tim Cone, the recently retired long-time coach of ALASKA, and putting him in BMEG, together with the 2 time MVP in the person of James Yap, and letting Ryan Gregorio go... 

  All I am saying, that it seems this competition between SMC and MVP is escalating to even higher heights, and what is worse, it seems that the National Team would suffer because of that (sigh). We have great talents in the league... we can beat KOREA and CHINA if the players dedicated enough time to playing together. 

Imagine, and taas ng narating ng Gilas, with amateur, fresh from college players... what more if from the PBA na talaga ung mga players... where the BEST FILIPINO BASKETBALL players are... if only SMC and MVP could settle their differences... 

Remember, there are still 5 players that were requested to join Gilas 2.0 (Yap, Pingris, Cabagnot, Santos, and now Lassiter) who still has not given their signed acceptance... This was waay before the Finals... Now I could undertstand Yap and Pingris, but Santos and Cabagnot? as for Lassiter, he had given his verbal acceptance before the trade with Powerade, but now... who knows? 

I plead.. in behalf of the millions of FILIPINO BASKETBALL Fans around the world... PLEASE do not sacrifice the NATIONAL TEAM just to be able to establish that you are the bigger and stronger corporation. 

As the former Governor of Powerade said... "I AM A FILIPINO FIRST AND FOREMOST. FLAG SHOULD ALWAYS COME FIRST". 

BACK TO HOME

[aimee829]

A GAME 7 LIKE NO OTHER

I'm a Powerade Fan (the classic underdog) and so I wasn't really a fan of BMEG or TNT (for obvious reasons)... but in this Philippine Basketball Association 37th Season Commissioner's CUP Championship Series (April 23-May 6, 2012), Denzel Bowles, Mark Pingris, PJ Simon, & James Yap of BMEG; and Ryan Reyes, Jason Castro, Jared Dillinger, Jimmy Alapag of TNT won me over... Jared Dillinger play his heart out... watching him almost single-handedly keeping TNT in games 1-6, his consistency and tireless effort in the hustling for the ball... Diving into the crowd again and again... I had him winning the Finals MVP if TNT had won... (if Larry won the previous conference's MVP bec. of consistency, then Jared should have had this in the bag)

Watching this series, esp in Game 7 with players like Ryan Reyes, Jason Castro, and Jimmy Apalag driving hard to the basket... and falling... and staying on the floor, gathering the necessary strength to even stand up again... and somehow playing through, and almost winning the whole thing despite Donnel Harvey and Ali Peek getting fowled out... It almost hurt to see their main players fall out, one-by-one... but continues to play until there's nothing left... seeing you making multiple signs of the cross... seeing LJ praying in the stands... when its all HEART ... you had 5 seconds to celebrate until the referees said that there was a foul called... I cannot imagine that kind of Heartbreaking DISAPPOINTMENT that's like... and with your shattered bodies, you had to endure another 5 minutes of sheer torture, only to finally be overpowered at the end by the sheer brute strength of a 23 year-old baller named BOWLES... YOU HAD the HEART of a CHAMPION... Mark Pingris and PJ Simon with their injuries... still playing through... and hearing them talk about it esp after loosing in Game 6... James Yap, former MVP, coming back out after a conference long shooting slump, and staying humble in sharing the spotlight with Ping and PJ... after the nightmare of the All Filipino Cup finishing eliminations at #1, but getting beaten in the Quarters by Powerade, then having Kerby traded to Ginebra... despite loosing to Ginebra for the automatic Semis slot, despite having to win 2 do-or-die games in the Quarters against Meralco... and fighting it out in the most EPIC Game 7 I've ever seen (and this includes the 2010 NBA Finals Game 7 Lakers vs Celtics)...  

Denzel Bowles... it wasn't the Free throws that won me over... it was the tears after the 1st shot, and the shaking hands after the 2nd one that won me over... when you know that not just the FATE of the WHOLE TEAM that's in your hands... not to mention the 20,000 fans in Araneta holding their breath... in the GAME 7 of a CHAMPIONSHIP... Talk about PRESSURE!... you will never be able to orchestrate another moment like that... 1.8 seconds left... down by 2... in the last GAME 7 of a CHAMPIONSHIP series... and you've got to make 2 crucial free throws to give you team a CHANCE... to give your team 5 more minutes to play...

Its a moment players DREAM OF and DREAD... and those TEARS... showed us above all, that you were not untouched by the PRESSURE... you didn't have NERVES OF STEEL, but in that short instance, the whole PHILIPPINE ARCHIPELAGO saw how IMPORTANT it was for YOU... You, an IMPORT who only spent a mere 2 months with the TEAM, LEAGUE, and COUNTRY that are not yours, was actually brought to TEARS because you knew how IMPORTANT that LAST BASKET was...

  "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.”

Denzel Bowles...If this does not earn you a ticket to the NBA, I don't know what will... and when you get there... you may never be as "god-like" as Kobe Bryant or Lebron James when you get to the NBA..., but here in the Philippines, you have definitely achieved LEGENDARY STATUS... and have won not just the RESPECT but the LOVE of not just BMEG Fans but of Basketball Fans as a whole..

[aimee829]

My defense of El Granada

Gary David is a guy who entered the league about the same time james yap did... a guy who was scoring champion twice but was never a part of the all-star selection... a person who has never had the chance to be a part of an ALL POWERFUL SMC TEAM like BMEG or TNT or BGK, but just kept to himself, kept working, kept improving his game.  When, after 8 years, together with other players who were never stars in their former teams (doug kramer, sean anthony, rudy linganay, rommel addulcul, josh vanlandingham) + and finally getting 2 rookies... they surprise everyone by what they actually achieved.  But when SORE LOOSER fans start booing a specific player (for ex. BGK fans vs Paul Lee) and bullying his family just because they loose? Aba, edi mas mayabang pa kayo kaysa sa mga players ng mga teams nyo... Even JC Intal congratulated Ma'am Jenn Santos David kagabi... and even Baby James took a picture with Montae Lassiter last night

As for the hand gesture... what other player in the PBA today has actually scored as much as he had? If there is ANYONE in the PBA right now who has the RIGHT to use that hand gesture, its him. Its like Mutombo shaking a finger at a player he blocked... his signature on something he EXCELS at doing. Lahat ng PBA players ngayon, from Don Allado, Ren Ren Ritualo, Jimmy Alapag, even Tim Cone and Chot Reyes, saludo sila lahat kay Gary David. To the point of even putting his name on the roster of Gilas 2.0, with Marcio T. Lassiter and possibly Jayvee Casio.  A guy whose whole life changed because he almost single-handedly brought the ALL-POWERFUL TEAM BMEG down last Dec. He was celebrated when he was winning, and now that his team is yet again at the brink of being eliminated, now people turn to haters. So much so that "The haters hav succeeded & made a player deactivate his account.I hope he made all of u happy w/ what he did. Twitter isn't 4hating tho." Mahiya sana kayo. Mga inggit lang kayo, at natatalo ang team nyo. Pero pag trade na ang usapan, gahaman naman ang pag-kuha ng key players ng isang team, para lang palakasin ang already "strong" team nyo. tsk tsk tsk...  But for what its worth, now you see who the real Powerade Fans are. and we stand with the team, manalo o matalo. But then, as long as there's still hope, #WESTILLBELIEVE... kasi we aren't just called the CINDERELLA TEAM for nothing... 

[aimee829]

I STILL BELIEVE

I'm EXHAUSTED... emotionally and physically. Draining from the super excitement of the last 2 months's AFC play-offs, then the shock of the rumored "sale" to SMC,the roller coaster ride of dismay at first hearing the rumor, followed by relief and delight when they say that the no papers have been submitted, and finally, a disappointing blow when the news first came out that the PBA has finally received the papers. And now, just awaiting the approval of Commissioner Salud, before everything we've been dreading comes into play. When just less than 2 weeks ago, we were on the "WE BELIEVE" high of getting to the finals, what is it that we STILL BELIEVE in?  Here's my List:  I BELIEVE = that Sir J.b. Baylon did not want this to happen. Pushed by the unfortunate circumstances within his own company.  I BELIEVE = that the #Powerade Family (both the players, their families, coaching staff) is also going through some emotional turbulence like the fans, but what's worse is, we only watch from afar, but for them, it is THEIR LIFE. Maybe through this experience, the FANS are now a kind of part of the #Powerade Family.  I BELIEVE = that Marcio Lassiter does not want to leave the #Powerade Family, but as a player, he can only follow what the management tells him to do, and it takes courage and honor to do what you must, when your heart is telling you something else.  I STLL BELIEVE = in Mr. Gary David, when he puts the quote "I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed! (by Michael Jordan)" on his profile wall. Sir J.B. Baylon said in his podcast that the All-Filipino Cup 2012 was the whole team's REDEMPTION. The hardest to get up from a fall is the first time. The next time, though the pain may still be there, but now, you know what it takes to get back up to the top.  I WANT TO BELIEVE = that this was not all for nothing. The Powerade Cinderella Story of the All Filipino Cup was just a one-time thing. With the leaving of Marcio, Powerade will be looked down upon again, will go back to being little "David" vs the "Goliaths" of SMC and MVP groups, is another CINDERELLA STORY waiting for us in the Commissioner's Cup, or does this seemingly insurmountable obstacle too intimidating as it is?  I HAVE TO BELIEVE = that after all is said and done, this "trade" does not change what Legions of FANS have come to value in this team. That despite the leaving of 1 proven warrior, and the incoming presence of 2 unproven ones, and that the FANS are still willing to ROAR with the TIGERS.