THE CITY BUZZ

SOUTHEAST ASIAN ZONALS : THE TRUTH REVEALED PART 2

2013-06-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

It seems the controversy surrounding the country's participation in the Southeast Asian zonals in Vietnam is unending.

In an opinion column that appeared in The Daily Inquirer on June 9, 2013, it was reported that on May 22, 2013, AVC vice-president Wongprasert sent an email to Romasanta warning of serious sanctions should the Philippines decide not to participate in the zonals. It was because of this email that Romasanta decided to talk to the board of POC and PSC, warning of the supposedly dire consequences of the country's non-participation in the zonals. Then on May 24, 2013, AVC president DR. Salek Bin Nasser emailed Romasanta appointing the POC as the only entity that can send a team to the zonals. On May 26, 2013, PVF president Gener Dungo sent an email informing AVC that the country will not participate in the zonals.

With the series of email exchanges between May 22-26, 2013, several interesting questions arise. One, why did Romasanta present to the POC and PSC the situation that the country was not sending a team to the zonals at a time that PVF has not yet confirmed the country's non-participation ? Romasanta talked to POC and PSC May 22. The email confirming the country's non-participation was only sent May 26. Two, why did Wongprasert write to Romasanta instead of Dungo about the supposedly serious sanctions that may be imposed on the country ? If there is one person who must be informed of the consequences of the country's non-participation in the zonals, it should only be Gener Dungo. Three, the May 24 email categorically stated that the POC was the only entity allowed to send a team to the zonals. Was there a group or entity, aside from the Tatz Suzara group, that wanted and had the capability to send a team to the zonals ? Why the exclusivity clause on that particular email ? This particular email too effectively banned PVF from sending a team. Why the need create such a situation ?

Obviously, the people behind the country's participation in the zonals in Vietnam have a lot of explaining to do. They are hoping that the people will not ask questions anymore. After all, a Philippine team was sent and the players were able to gain international experience. But were they completely transparent in the way they achieved these purposes ? The question really is all about transparency and being honest in front of the people they are duty-bound to serve. Honesty, after all, is the best policy.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH THE VOLLEYBALL SEC-GEN

2013-06-17T15:53:00.001-07:00

Isa siya sa mga pinakamahusay na volleyball ng bansa noong dekada 90. Mula sa Perpetual Help at UST ay napasama siya sa pambansang koponanna lumaban sa iba't-ibang international tournaments. Naging coach rin siya at commissioner ng UAAP. Kasalukuyan siyang secretary general ng Philippine Volleyball Federation. Nakapanayam ni Bandera correspondent Eric Dimzon Si Rustico "Otie" Camangian para mabigyan ng linaw ang kaguluhang bumabalot ngayon sa PVF. Narito ang kanyang sinabi

1. Kailan ka na-appoint bilang acting secretary general ng Philippine Volleyball Federation ?

I was officially appointed as secretary general last May 30, 2013.

2. Ano ang masasabi mo sa pakikialam ng POC hinggil sa pagbuo ng isang pambansang koponan ?

The principle of autonomy and independence is guaranteed by the International Olympic Committee constitution. Alam ng POC at PSC yan. So they had to go around the constitution of IOC. Sa sitwasyon sa Bomberinas, kailangan umikot sila. Di ba ngayon ginawa na ang team nila bilang POC at PSC team ?

3. Nangako ba ang PVF na sasali ang Pilipinas sa Southeast Asian zonals sa Vietnam ?

I learned that there were 3 letters from Asian Volleyball Confederation that were sent to PVF for the zonals. The first one was on April 12, 2013.which I don't have a copy of. The second one was April 25, 2013. And the last one was May 9, 2013. Ano sinasabi dito ? Kailangan magpadala ang PVF ng 02. 02 is the general line-up of the team prior to the competition. 02 Bis is the final line-up. Meaning up until May 9, 2013, hindi pa official participant ang Pilipinas sa zonals.Walang entry form or 02 coming from PVF up until May 9, 2013. Kinausap ko si Gener. Never siyang nagpadala ng entry or 02 form. Yung tatlong letters from AVC confirm that the Philippines never intended to join the zonal in Vietnam. In fact, hinihingi ng AVC yung 02 form from PVF. Wala talaga.

4. Mandatory event ba ang Southeast Asian zonal sa Vietnam ?

No. Never in FIVB history has a national federation been forced to join a particular tournament. Kung mandatory yun, nasaan ang Malaysia ? Nasaan ang Singapore ? These are zonal members. Where are they ? It only becomes mandatory pag nakapagsubmit na ng entry form or 02 Bis.( Ang sumali lang sa zonals ay Vietnam, Myanmar at Indonesia )

5. Anong klaseng sanction ang maaaring ipataw sa isang national federation na nagsubmit ng entry or 02 form pero biglang umatras sa pagsali sa tournament ?

For the zonals, the sanction is in the form of monetary fine for a withdrawal. And as I have said, a withdrawal is only possible if a country through its federation has submitted an entry form or 02 Bis. The fine ranges from $2000 to $7000, depending on how close the actual withdrawal is from the start of the tournament. The closer to the tournament proper, the higher the fine. I tell you, FIVB will not suspend a federation belonging to category 2 or 3 like the Philippines. Yung mga first world countries ang category 1. I am not sure kung category 2 or category 3 ang Pilipinas. FIVB will not suspend us. Ano ba ang purpose ng FIVB ? To promote and encourage everyone to play the sport. A suspension defeats that purpose.

6. Could the confirmation have come from Tatz Suzara ?

I don't know. Perhaps. But why is it that World Championships 2014 Asia, nakalista ang Pilipinas ? Nakasulat para sa 2014 World Championships ang labing-anim na bansa, kasama ang Pilipinas. In Southeast Asian zonal, bakit kasama ang Pilipinas ? April 25, 2013 ito nakasulat sa isang correspondence ng AVC sa PVF. Maybe, Tatz already promised the team and its supporters that we are going to participate in the 2014 World Championships. The whole thing is part of the plan to make their team legitimate. Hanggang umabot na yung team nila eventually sa Southeast Asian Games. In between, their team will go to Japan and Korea for training.

7. Ano na ngayon ang nangyayari sa PVF ?

PVF acted on the issues on hand. Gener Dungo went on an indefinite leave. Vangie is no longer with the board. And I was appointed acting secretary-general. And I am now tasked to form an interim board who will run the affairs of PVF. What will be the composition of the interim board ? First, currently active PVF board members. Second, the secretary general. And the last, those people or individuals currently helping volleyball in the Philippines. Only 2 names were mentioned during the meeting to be included, si Ricky Palou at si Tats Suzara. The reason why the name of Tatz Suzara was mentioned is that you cannot deny his possible contribution. Pero the current board does not understand that Tatz is one of the reasons why PVF is in such a mess. Si Ricky Palou naman, I called him out of respect for the board. I told him that I would update him on the meeting because his name was mentioned by Roger Banzuela. Roger Banzuela is one of the pillars of Philippine volleyball. I asked him if he is interested. He told me that he needs to consult with his group first. Pero hindi na niya ako binalikan. And after that, I got word from Doc Ian Laurel that Ricky Palou is saying that I offered him the presidency. I am not in a position to offer the presidency to anyone. I am not part of the board. I am only appointed by the board. Besides, it will not be right for me to offer Ricky Palou the presidency because he is an organizer of a volleyball tournament. There will be a conflict of interest as he runs his own business. Sa akin, pure propaganda ang sinasabing inalok ko kay Ricky Palou ang PVF presidency. So yun ang nangyayari sa PVF ngayon.

8. Ano naman ang future plans ng PVF ?

It is very important that we talk and communicate with AVC. There's now open communication between AVC and PVF. This week, we will send a delegate to AVC para magharap-harap at mag-usap. Para lang ma-establish uli yung relationship that was strained. Na technically, yung gulo at di pagkakaunawaan, gawa ng outside forces. And I have all the documents to prove lahat nang sinasabi ko.

9. As a secretary-general, ano ang nais mong mangyari ?

Right now, I am blessed to be given the opportunity to make a difference. I can get the right people to be part of the interim board. People who I know will really help volleyball flourish. Peole who will take volleyball to new heights.

10. May pag-asa pa ba ang volleyball sa Pilipinas ?

Definitely. There's always a light at the end of the tunnel. Everything will come to pass. And history will be the one to judge everybody. Ako, I learned so many things when I was a player. Ngayon, ang pagiging positive ang tinuturo ko sa mga estudyante ko. There's no room for doubt. Ang kailangan isipin, kaya natin ito. Maaayos naman ang lahat. Yung willingness to to accept shortcomings and to work as one will spell the success of Philippine volleyball. May pag-asa pa.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN ZONALS AND THE PHILIPPINES : THE TRUTH REVEALED

2013-06-16T17:02:00.001-07:00

My interview with the new secretary general of PVF, Otie Camangian, appears in today's issue of Bandera. Secretary general Camangian answers the most crucial issues regarding the country's participation in the Southeast Asian zonals in Vietnam. The salient points of the interview are as follow :

1. The Southeast Asian zonals is not a mandatory event. As such, the Philippines would not be suspended from international competition even if the country did not participate in the zonals. As the PVF secretary general points out, other zonal members like Malaysia and Singapore did not participate in the zonals. Had the zonals been mandatory, these countries would have been suspended. But Malaysia and Singapore remain in good standing with AVC and FIVB despite their non-participation, proving that the Zonals in Vietnam is not mandatory. Camangian likewise points out that in the history of FIVB, never has a country been suspended from international competition because of non-participation in a particular tournament.

2. The Philippines would be sanctioned in the form of monetary fine only if it confirmed its participation only to withdraw later on. A fine ranging from 2000 dollars to 7000 dollars would be imposed on the Philippines for a withdrawal and not non-participation. The question therefore is, who confirmed the country's participation ?

3. Emails from AVC are available to back up every point.

The interview in Bandera answers more issues concerning the fiasco. What I find deplorable about the whole mess is the deception that our so-called sports leaders perpetuated. They deceived the players, coaches and fans into believing that the country would be suspended from international tournaments should the country not participate in the zonals. The players, coaches and fans were made to believe that they were saving Philippine volleyball. But in reality, the sports leaders were merely saving themselves. The sports leaders were forced to honor their commitment to AVC to spare themselves of international embarrassment and sanction that would have exposed what really happened. And all at the expense of the players, coaches and fans.

HIT AND MISSES AT THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN ZONALS IN VIETNAM

2013-06-15T23:05:00.001-07:00

courtesy of interaksyon

The POC-PSC Vbelles have won and lost in their two games at the Southeast Asian zonals in Vietnam. With a 1-1 record and only a match left, the Philippine team will need no less than a miracle to advance to the 2014 Asian Zonals.

If the sole purpose of joining the Vietnam zonals is for our players to gain international experience, then mission is accomplished. Nerves, as shown by the poor start of the team in its first two games, seem to be the team's Achilles' heel. Such can be expected for a team that is not used to competing at the international level. Alyssa Valdez, for me, remains the brightest spot for the POC-PSC V-belles. Against Vietnam, Valdez showed heart and skill. With a lot more training and exposure to tournaments abroad, Valdez could become the Philippines' best female volleyball player today.

If the purpose of the team in going to Vietnam is for the fans to see their favorite players play internationally, then this one is mission not accomplished. Filipino volleyball fans stayed late at night hoping to watch their idols in action. Sadly, there were no livestreams for the matches.

Now for the interesting part. If the Philippine team joined the zonals to prevent a suspension from AVC, then this is preposterous. In the first place, the event is not mandatory. Can anyone show a document that categorically says that the Southeast Asian zonals is mandatory ? I don't think so. More so, can anyone show a document that categorically states that non-participation in the zonals will merit a suspension from international tournaments ?

The country's participation in the Southeast Asian zonals can be a hit or miss, depending on one's purpose.

THE POC-PSC V-BELLES AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN ZONALS

2013-06-13T21:45:00.001-07:00

The POC-PSC V-belles really face a tough task ahead at the Southeast Asian zonals. With only a week of practice, the V-belles have their hands full against teams from Vietnam, Indonesia and Myannmar.

But the height advantage of the Filipinas could very well spell their biggest weapon in the tournament. With the Santiago sisters standing 6'2" and 6'4", the team's front row can be formidable. Blocking should produce points for the Philippine team. The team's open hitters are quite capable of producing several points as well. But the setters of the team must set well for the hitters to score points. Floor defense will be very crucial against Vietnam and Indonesia. Floor defense will limit the points of the opponents and will give greater opportunities for the team to set its plays. And if the team could get points even on serves, it will definitely have a good chance of beating even Vietnam.

But what will work against the Philippines is the lack of time to prepare as a team. A week is simply too short a time to make the team one cohesive unit. The team too lacks international exposure. Teams from Vietnam, Indonesia and even Myanmar have been competing in international tournaments against countries like China, Japan, Korea and Thailand. Vietnam, in fact, has beaten Olympic fourth-placer Korea at the 2012 Asian Women's Cup Volleyball Championship. Indonesia, on the other hand, placed second in the most recent SEA Games when it lost to Thailand.

Ultimately, the Philippine team can spring a surprise or two should it display impeccable teamwork. Volleyball, after all, is a team sport where each player's contribution is essential. It will help too if the players think during the game. They should see the open spots and read their opponents well. With the tremendous support of fans, the POC-PSC V-belles have what it takes to overcome the difficult battle ahead.

THE SHAKEY'S V-LEAGUE SELECTION : ON BEING A NATIONAL TEAM

2013-06-11T21:41:00.003-07:00

The stage is set for the Shakey's V-League selection to show the stuff it is made of at the Southeast Asian Zonals in Vietnam. With the best female volleyball players of the land in its line-up, the selection is undoubtedly the best the country can come up with.

The harsh reality is that the country's top sports officials see the selection merely as a means to prevent a sanction from being imposed on the country. No less than Romasanta sees the selection placing third out of four competing nations.

But the faith of Filipino fans on the selection is commendable. I find it extremely encouraging that Filipino volleyball fans are one in exhorting the selection to do its best and to carry the flag well. While the selection may not at all be the national team, the love and respect that Filipino volleyball fans give it makes it indeed a national team in essence.

KOREA REPUBLIC INCHES CLOSER TO WORLD CUP BRAZIL

2013-06-11T19:13:00.002-07:00

Korea Republic won over Uzbekistan, 1-0, courtesy of a header by Uzbekistani defender Shorakhmedov. With the win, the Taeguk Warriors appear to book its eigth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance.

Shorakhmedov's header came in the 41st minute of the match. But despite the loss, Uzbekistan can still make the World Cup by winning its last game and Iran loses to Korea. Uzbekistan is aiming for its first World Cup appearance.

Japan, so far, is the only Asian country assured of a spot in World Cup Brazil. Only the top two teams in each group of the Asian qualifiers will book tickets to the world's greatest sports spectacle.

OPEN LETTER TO PVF PRESIDENT GENER DUNGO

2013-06-10T23:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Sir Gener,

I just found out that you have decided to go on leave from PVF. The pressure of heading a sports federation that has suddenly become controversial has perhaps taken its toll on you.

In the short time that I have known you, I find you very approachable and professional. I don't feel uneasy to ask you even the toughest questions that tend to point out your shortcomings as PVF president. You are liberal enough to understand my point of view as a sports writer who is investigating a serious matter. But best of all, you know how to listen to reason.

In the end, the truth will out and prevail. I am sure that the person who is telling the truth will be vindicated, no matter what.

I wish you the best as you contemplate on the direction that you wish to take. Thank you for tolerating my persistence in pursuing the truth about the whole volleyball fiasco. And thank you for trusting me with your side of the story. Truly, I am humbled.

Yours,

Eric

ARE FILIPINA VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS BEING USED TO ADVANCE THE INTERESTS OF CERTAIN GROUPS ?

2013-06-08T23:48:00.001-07:00

The Shakey's V-League selection is all set to compete in the Southeast Asian Zonals in Vietnam from June 13-16, 2013. Composed of top volleyball players from the V-League, the selection carries the hope of the country of advancing to the Asian Zonals.

The selection was hastily formed after the Bomberinas lost their gold medal match against Air Force during the Philippine National Games. The Bomberinas, after four months of training, was immediately dropped by POC and PSC as Philippine representatives after the unexpected defeat. To honor its commitment to Asian Volleyball Confederation, POC turned to the organizers of Shakey's V-League to form a selection. POC claims that sanctions are to be served to the Philippines should the country fail to send a team to Vietnam.

I can't help but remember the same ploy used by POC in dismantling the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation and its team. In 2010, POC said that IOC issued a directive saying that the Philippines will be suspended from the Olympics should PDBF continue to exist as a separate federation from the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation. Despite the numerous gold medals and a world record to boot, PDBF and its team were eventually dismantled and dissolved by virtue of a so-called directive. The funny thing is, both IOC and US dragon boat coach McNamara denied that there was a directive. I still have in my possession the statements of the IOC and Coach McNamara denying that a directive was issued by IOC.

The way I see it, politics is the main reason why Philippine volleyball is in such a mess. Tats Suzara came into the picture as his commercial league failed to materialize. He blames Gener Dungo for sabotaging his commercial league which I think motivated him to conduct his controversial try-outs without the approval of Dungo. POC dipped its fingers in the Southeast Asian Zonals to further aggravate the situation. POC has no business in taking on a task that clearly belongs to PVF. Yet, POC chose to write to AVC to be able to send its own team to the zonals. Also, PSC took a lot of time to release the funds being asked by PVF to be able to compete in tournaments abroad. Yet, when it was the POC that was sending a selection to Vietnam, PSC immediately released funds for the airfare of the entire team. It is interesting to note that Gener Dungo is not a Cojuangco man. Dungo ran against Cojuangco's ticket and won. I am not saying that Dungo is without blame. But not being a Cojuangco man certainly does not help Dungo.

In all these, the volleyball players are being used as pawns to serve the interests of certain groups. I hope that the selection to Vietnam exceeds expectations. Only a clear victory will force POC, PSC and PVF to seriously consider the selection as the national team. But will Ricky Palou allow his selection to be named the national team without him being named the PVF president ? Palou, after all, has openly expressed his desire to become the next PVF president.

If the selection fails to win the Southeast Asian Zonals, I could see the players being thrown away like a used rag that has served its purpose. As the saying goes, that's the way the cookie crumbles.

THE HIGH AND LOW OF PHILIPPINE WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

2013-06-06T20:23:00.002-07:00

courtesy of Inquirer

Philippine women's volleyball is experiencing a resurgence of sorts. As seen from the record-breaking number of people who watched the UAAP and Shakey's V-League finals, Philippine women's volleyball is on a new high. But behind the new high is a new low as well.

Noticeably, those who seek to gain control over women's volleyball are men whose businesses are into sports. Tats Suzara has SCORE while Ricky Palou has Sports Vision. Tats tried but failed to come up with a commercial league for those players who want to pursue their volleyball careers after college. He too failed in his bid to present the Bomberinas as the new national team. Ricky Palou still has his Shakey's V-League which just had a very successful first conference on its tenth season. Palou presents himself as an alternative choice to PVF president Gener Dungo.

The danger with businessmen whose businesses are in the sports industry is that the temptation and ability to make money out of the sport and national team are seemingly intrinsic. Ticket sales, sponsorships, advertisements, television rights and even merchandises on the national team can be very lucrative. Being businessmen, why will they pass up on an opportunity to make a killing ?

Gone are the days when people who want to be sports leaders had no vested interests and only want to give pride and honor to the country. Now, people, more often than not, are after the money and prestige. Sports have become a business venture more than anything else. And that is the sad reality.

BOMBERINAS OUT, SHAKEY'S SELECTION IN BUT NATIONAL TEAM STILL MISSING

2013-06-04T02:08:00.002-07:00

I requested an interview with PSC Chairman Richie Garcia to set the record straight on the status of Bomberinas. Here is what the chairman has to say :

1. Is it official now that Bomberinas are out as a national team ?

Garcia : They were never the national team. They were never formed by the national sports association. AVC, or Asian Volleyball Confederation, wrote a letter to POC saying that unless we send a team to Vietnam, there could be sanctions. There was also a letter from Dungo saying that he has no intention of sending a team. So, POC asked AVC if it could send a team to Vietnam. Now there was a representation from some people that there was a semblance of a qualifying for Cagayan Valley Bomberinas. Na parang dumaan sa series of tryouts yung team. Pero we made it clear never to call it a national team. Only the NSA under Dungo can create a national team for volleyball. They can call it Tats Suzara tryouts or Tats Suzara team. But the team under Vangie de Jesus lost in the POC-PSC National Games. So, how can you send a team abroad kung dito pa lang talo na ? So, the POC decided to form a team from the Shakey's V- League. I think POC talked to Moying Martelino and Ricky Palou to form the selection. Kung titignan mo ang nanalo sa Shakey's V-League na NU, hindi mananalo dito ang Air Force at Bomberinas. But the Santiago sisters, Dindin and Jaja, and De Leon will make the team of POC. Some from Ateneo, some from Air Force.

2. What role will PVF have in the selection process ?

Garcia : Nothing. What we will be sending is not a national team. It will just be a selection. As I said, we will be sending a team just to avoid sanctions. Pag balik nila, wala na yung team.

3. When will we have a national team for women's volleyball then ?

Garcia : PVF will be conducting the series of tryouts for the national team.

NU AND ITS GOLDEN AGE IN VOLLEYBALL

2013-06-02T03:53:00.001-07:00

courtesy of wecantalk.wordpress.com

NU Lady Bulldogs beat Ateneo in four sets to win the first conference of Shakey's V-League season 10. The victory is a fitting end to NU's spectacular performance in the tournament.

With the victory, NU distinguishes itself as the team to beat in the coming UAAP season. With the Santiago sisters forming its frontline, NU only needs a good setter to set its championship run going in the UAAP. La Salle remains a solid contender but NU's frontline looks too formidable even for La Salle. Ateneo is a darkhorse with Valdez still going strong.

Coach Edjet, after getting his baptism of fire at the recently concluded Shakey's V-League, can only get better as UAAP unfolds. With the support of his entire team and university officials, Coach Edjet should be able to steer NU into yet another championship title.

Like I said in a previous post, 2013 could very well dawn the golden age of NU in Philippine women's volleyball.

ATENEO AS SHAKEY'S V-LEAGUE SEASON 10 CHAMPION : LIKE

2013-06-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

I am all set to cheer for NU for tomorrow's winner-take-all championship match between Ateneo and NU. But something has made me change my mind.

NU did not allow its players to play with Bomberinas in their championship match against Air Force at the Philippine National Games. Bomberinas eventually lost the match to put their claim to being the national team in jeopardy. With the loss, things look uncertain for the Bomberinas.

I find it utterly selfish for NU to disallow its players from playing with Bomberinas in that crucial match against Air Force. In the first place, the PNG game did not come into conflict with the Shakey's V-League game. In fact, the Shakey's V-League match is a day after the PNG match. Secondly, knowing that the Bomberinas are being monitored if fit to be considered a national team, NU, at the very least could have allowed its players to play to ensure that the Bomberinas will play in full force. But NU chose to protect its interest at the expense of others.

So, for tomorrow, I am rooting for Ateneo. I am praying that Valdez and company play their best to win the championship title. I hope that the team plays with a heart of a true champion. And I pray that Coach Roger Gorayeb is blessed with a championship that he, more than anyone else, richly deserves.

REJOINDER ON LA SALLE AND PNG : WHY THE SUDDEN PULL-OUT ?

2013-05-30T18:16:00.002-07:00

courtesy of sports.inquirer.net

I have decided to post another write-up to put to rest the issue on La Salle's decision not to participate in the Philippine National Games.

As far as I am concerned, the main issue really is why La Salle decided not to join PNG. Coach Ramil of DLSU, in his interview with spin.ph, said that " nag-start na kasi ang klase sa La Salle tsaka wala sa calendar ng La Salle ang PNG. " La Salle certainly has the right not to join the PNG. No one can force La Salle to include PNG in its calendar of events. And certainly no one can force its players to miss their first week of classes to play in PNG.

Pero naisip sana ng La Salle ang mas malaking hamon na inaalok rito. At ito ang mag-ambag ng kanyang maitutulong sa pagpapatatag at pagpapagaling ng koponan ng Bomberinas. Marahil, alam na ng mga opisyal ng La Salle na ang Bomberinas ang kakatawan sa Pilipinas sa Southeast Asian zonals na gaganapin sa Vietnam. Sa pamamagitan sana ng pagsali ng La Salle sa PNG, magsisilbing mabuting tune-up ito para sa mga Bomberinas. Makikita sana ng mga tagapangasiwa ng Bomberinas ang kahinaan at kalakasan ng Bomberinas bilang isang koponan. Aminin natin na magaling ang koponan ng La Salle. Ang galing ng La Salle sana lamang ay nagamit nang husto ng Bomberinas upang makita kung saan pa nila kailangang mag-improve. Subalit mas pinili ng La Salle na maging maramot sa angking galing nito.

We all so desperately want the Bomberinas to succeed and make the country proud. But we as a people are not even conscious of what we can do to help the team achieve the impossible. Worse, some of us refuse to extend help. And this says so much about us as a people.

LA SALLE AND THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL GAMES : WHY THE SUDDEN PULL-OUT ?

2013-05-27T19:51:00.001-07:00

courtesy of gmanetwork.com

The volleyball games for women are now underway at the Philippine National Games. But UAAP and PVF Intercollegiate champion La Salle surprised everyone, including the organizers, when it decided to pull out of the tournament at the last minute. In fact, La Salle defaulted its first game and PNG organizers are scrambling to fix the schedule of games with La Salle out of the tournament.

A reliable source says that La Salle officials told organizers that a few of their students are currently abroad. With an incomplete line-up, La Salle decided to just withdraw from the tournament. Another source says that Team officials told the organizers that the schedule of games coincides with the examinations of their players. Hence, the decision to simply withdraw from the tournament.

The reasons to explain the pull-out, as far as I am concerned, are preposterous. La Salle submitted its intention to participate in the tournament before May 17, 2013. With its application complete and approved by the organizers, why did La Salle players suddenly go abroad or have exams knowing fully well that their team is set to join a major tournament that even serves as a try-out for the national team ?

More likely, La Salle decided to withdraw from PNG as Cagayan Valley, represented by the Bomberinas, decided to participate in the tournament as well. With the Bomberinas in the tournament, La Salle is suddenly forced to play second fiddle. And the prospect of losing becomes more real for La Salle with the Bomberinas in the picture. After winning the UAAP and PVF Intercollegiate titles, a loss in the PNG will put a dent on La Salle's image of invincibility. Thus, the withdrawal. A smart move by the team officials of the women's volleyball team of La Salle indeed.

NU LADY BULLDOGS SHOW RESILIENCY TO DEFEAT ATENEO LADY EAGLES

2013-05-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

Badly needing a win to extend the championship series, the NU Lady Bulldogs dug deep in their bag of tricks to defeat Ateneo in three straight sets at Shakey's V-League Season 10. The win sets up an all-important game 3 on Sunday where the winner goes home with the championship title.

Kudos to Coach Edjet of NU for devising a game plan that Coach Roger of Ateneo could not figure out. Admittedly, two crucial calls did not go Ateneo's way. But the resiliency and focus of the Lady Bulldogs were unwavering throughout the entire match.

Game 3 promises to be an exciting down-the-wire match. It will be NU's height against Ateneo's heart. On paper, NU is the better team. NU has the MVP, best setter, best attacker, best digger and best scorer of the tournament. But Ateneo has the heart of a champion. In the end, I think it will all boil down to which team has the better coach. The coach who will come up with a better strategy and inspire his players to outdo themselves will emerge victorious. Coach Roger has his vast experience to back him up. Coach Edjet has the unpredictability of a rookie coach on his side. Game 3 could go either way. But my gut feel is that NU will end Ateneo's championship run and start its own golden age in Philippine women's volleyball.

SHAKEY'S V-LEAGUE SEASON 10 CHAMPION : ATENEO OR NU ?

2013-05-24T02:47:00.002-07:00

courtesy of interaksyon.com

Ateneo beat NU in three straight sets to lead the championship series, 1-0, of Shakey's V-League Season 10 first conference. Ateneo pulled the victory in front of a capacity crowd at Mall of Asia Arena.

NU now has its back against the wall. A win is a must for the Lady Bulldogs to extend the series. Dindin and Jaja Santiago must now exploit their height advantage over the Lady Eagles. Pablo, Urgas and Aganon must play exceptional as well. De Leon must set her teammates perfectly to earn those crucial points. Floor defense must be outstanding for NU to have a chance of levelling the series.

But more importantly, NU must know how to silence the largely pro-Ateneo crowd in game 2. NU must have a player who will get under the skin of her opponents because of her proud display of talent and skills. A player who will make sure that her opponents know who they are dealing with. It will be easier to beat Ateneo when its fans are quiet. In the vernacular, I think it is referred to as nganga. Kailangan nganga ang Ateneo at fans nito para manalo ang NU.

A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO GINEBRA'S TITLE DROUGHT ?

2013-05-19T18:58:00.001-07:00

courtesy of slamonlineph.com

Alaska won the 2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup with 3 consecutive and convincing victories over crowd-favorite Ginebra during the championship series. Ginebra was in totally disarray during the whole series as it found itself down by 20 points or more in every game. Ginebra never came close to winning a single game in the championship series.

Despite having in its line-up two former MVP's, an explosive and athletic rookie and a point guard that may well be the best in the league today, Ginebra was not able to draw the needed points from its players. On the other hand, Alaska had no MVP's and even had 40 year olds in its roster. Yet, even Alaska's bench players were able to contribute to the team output. Ginebra too had tremendous support from its fans. Yet it was not able to translate the crowd support to victory.

The obvious reason for Ginebra's defeat was its coaching staff. Ginebra's head coach and his staff failed to come up with a game plan that would prove to be effective. After losing to Alaska in two previous meetings before the championship series, one would think that Coach Chua and his staff would come up with new ways to neutralize Alaska's running game and set plays. Sadly, Ginebra relied too much on individual plays that proved to be ineffective against Alaska's smothering defense. Coach Chua and his staff failed miserably in their assignment to come up with a winning formula for Ginebra.

Perhaps, it is time for San Miguel officials to seriously consider changing Ginebra's head coach and his staff. Not a single person in Ginebra's coaching staff can be considered a winning coach. Not one bench tactician of Ginebra has steered his team to multiple titles. Head Coach Alfrancis Chua relies too much on Ginebra's fans to motivate and inspire his player when it is the responsibility of the head coach and his staff to do so. Coach Alfrancis Chua and his staff must be shown the exit door for Ginebra to enter the winning circle once again.

COACH ALFRANCIS CHUA AND GINEBRA : A TRADITION OF MEDIOCRITY ?

2013-05-17T18:38:00.002-07:00

courtesy of AKTV

As expected, Ginebra once again lost terribly to Alaska. Alaska now leads the championship series, 2-0, and needs only one more victory to clinch the 2013 PBA Commissioner's Cup title.

While Ginebra Coach Alfrancis Chua was able to prevent a first quarter massacre, Alaska nonetheless was able to post 20 point leads several times in the third and fourth quarters. Like in game 1, Coach Chua did not know how to stop the onslaught that his team was experiencing. His import was a non-factor as Alaska put up a superb and solid defense on the floor. His local players were lost both on offense and defense. Alaska players were quick to the ball despite leading by so much while Ginebra players looked sluggish.

It is a slap on the face of Coach Chua that he is being outsmarted by a rookie coach. It seems that his years of experience as head coach in the PBA have not served him well. But then again, Coach Chua's record as head coach in the PBA is not impressive. In six years as PBA coach, he has only won a title once. It is really a wonder why San Miguel officials have decided to take in a less accomplished coach for Ginebra. As long as Ginebra's head coach is decided by personal ties and not by merit, Ginebra will continue to disappoint its millions of fans. And should the time come that fans start to abandon the team and transfer allegiance to other teams, San Miguel officials have only themselves to blame. The fans, after all, can only take so much heartbreak.

CAN COACH ALFRANCIS CHUA MAKE GINEBRA A CHAMPION ?

2013-05-15T19:40:00.003-07:00

Ginebra San Miguel suffered a terrible defeat to Alaska at the start of the championship series of the PBA Commisioners Cup. Alaska now leads 1-0 in the best-of-five championship series.

Interestingly, Alaska beat Ginebra in two previous encounters by double-digit margins. And the tradition continues in the championship series. Coach Chua should by now know that Coach Trillo has him figured out. But Coach Chua hardly had something new to offset the strategy of Coach Trillo. Ginebra import Vernon Macklin hardly touched the ball during the entire game. Ginebra's vaunted point guards did not perform to expectations. LA Tenorio did not issue a single assist. The ball stayed too long with Kerby Raymundo. And Coach Chua could only stare at the 26 point edge of Alaska at the end of the first quarter. Ginebra closed the first quarter with only six points.

The question now is whether Ginebra can bounce back after the humiliating defeat. I believe that it is Coach Chua who must do his assignment well for Ginebra to have a glimmer of a chance to bounce back. He must design plays that will maximize his import. He must instruct his guards to distribute the ball more effectively. And he must motivate all of his players to do their best even before stepping inside the playing court.

Clearly, game one was won by the better coach. Sadly, Ginebra's coach failed to respond to the challenge. But now is the time for Coach Chua to prove to everyone that he can devise a game plan that can resurrect Ginebra from its initial defeat.

IMPORTANCE OF THE TRUTH BEHIND JARED DILLINGER'S CAR ACCIDENT

2013-05-14T19:07:00.001-07:00

Talk and Text player and Smart-Gilas mainstay Jared Dillinger met a serious car accident last April 27, 2013. A report by Mariz Umali of GMA News reveals that the accident happened at four o'clock in the morning and a day before an important semifinal game between Talk and Text and Ginebra San Miguel. Interestingly, the report also reveals that Dillinger asked baranggay officials not to bring him to the nearest hospital after the accident. He instead asked to be brought home despite the serious injury that he sustained. No police report was made on the accident because Dillinger did not issue a statement. All these only fuel speculations that Dillinger was drunk driving when the accident happened..

To add to the confusion and uncertainty, Talk and Text seems to downplay the serious indiscretion of its player. Instead of clearing things up, Talk and Text evades the question of whether Dillinger was indeed highly intoxicated when the accident occurred. In its official statement, Talk and Text merely emphasizes the need of its player to undergo hip surgery and rest for a considerable amount of time.

PBA and Talk and Text fans deserve to know the truth and learn a valuable lesson or two from the accident. The truth may even save a life if acknowledged and put in proper perspective. Instead of highlighting a serious issue like drunk driving, Talk and Text officials seem more concerned with protecting their image and interests. Fans certainly do not deserve to be taken for a ride most specially when the ride is extremely dangerous.

CROSSROAD

2012-01-07T16:08:00.000-08:00

I am at a crossroad. I have come to a point in my life where I must decide what I want and need to do. Circumstances force me to take action and leave certain things behind.
The decision to make things things entails so many considerations and effort. Things are now different and new. There are more people who will now be greatly affected by my decisions and actions. While the prospects are daunting, I remain strong and positive through my faith in God. It is truly in hard times that One really strengthens his faith in God.
Whatever the consequences of my decisions and actions are, I will make sure that there will be no regrets. As far as I am concerned, I simply have to give it my best. I hate to look back and think of what could have been. Eventually, with God as my guide and strength, I know that all will work for the good of everyone.

ASTROBOY AND GOD-GIVEN TALENT

2011-12-04T16:16:00.000-08:00

For the past six weeks, I have been watching Astroboy compete in Talentadong Pinoy. Each week, I never fail to watch him hula hoop. After six consecutive weeks of impressive wins, Astroboy finally makes the Hall of Fame. He likewise makes it to the grand finals where he will have the chance to win a million pesos and earn the title of Ultimate Talentado.

But what impresses me the most about Astroboy is his knowledge of God as the ultimate talent-giver. In fact, Astroboy shares his talent to others for free. He conducts free hula hoop lessons in Quezon City Memorial Circle to all those who wish to learn the craft. In his video, he was asked what his most memorable moment in Talentadong Pinoy is. He answered that interacting with other contestants and building friendships are the things that he finds most memorable and valuable. Only a person anchored on God can manifest such humanity. And such, makes Astroboy a true winner and talentado in every sense of the word.

THE 7 NEW WONDERS OF THE WORLD SCAM : WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FILIPINO

2011-11-21T20:06:00.000-08:00

I am being accused of being anti-Filipino by the people of Task Force Puerto Princesa for investigating the sham and scam that is the 7 New Wonders of the World. I was told to simply be happy that the underground river made it to the list and not bring down the country's pride with an investigation that aims to expose the anomalies in the 7 New Wonders of the World.

I simply do not see how conducting an investigation makes me anti-Filipino. Being a Filipino, it pains me to see the country being victimized and swindled of millions of hard-earned money. It is the Filipino in me that encourages me to open the eyes of my countrymen that their hard-earned money went to the pockets of the organizers through the text votes that they sent. A total of 24M text votes were sent in by Filipinos to make the underground river win. The 24M text votes represent 60M pesos of hard-earned money down the drain and into the pockets of those unscrupulous organizers.

I refuse to believe that Filipinos are incredibly naive and stupid to allow such a scam and sham to go unnoticed . Indonesia and Maldives have withdrawn from the competition as these countries have discovered the sham and scam that is the 7 New Wonders of the World. I certainly expect the Philippines to do the same to salvage its dignity and pride as an intelligent and principled nation.

DID FILIPINOS SPEND 2.5B PESOS FOR THE 7 NEW WONDERS OF THE WORLD SCAM ?

2011-11-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

During the grand launch of Puerto Princesa for 7 New Wonders of the World, no less than Philippine President Noynoy Aquino encouraged his countrymen to vote for the Palawan heritage site. Citing the perceived economic benefits that would result with the distinction, President Noynoy encouraged and advised Filipinos to put in 1 billion text votes for the underground river to win. In a country where 2 billion text messages are generated in a day, the president told Filipinos that 1 billion votes would simply be half a day's work.

Now that the Puerto Princesa underground river has made the list, it is safe to assume that 1 billion text votes were indeed delivered by the Filipino people. At 2.50 pesos per text vote, the total cost of 1 billion text votes is a staggering 2.5B pesos or more than 58M US dollars. For a third world country like the Philippines, 2.5B pesos is certainly a lot of money that could have been put to better use than being channeled to an international scam like the 7 New Wonders of the World.

With 2.5B pesos down the drain and the shocking revelation that the 7 New Wonders is a scam, the Philippines most probably has become the biggest victim of an international scam in internet history.