Gray Matters With Neil Bravo

Tequila Saturday

2011-11-16T20:52:00.000-08:00

MASTER BLASTER

Neil Bravo

I took a shot of Tequila on Saturday night, the night before Manny Pacquiao fought Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time.

The crystal clear liquid left a burning feeling on its way down my throat. And then I kind of turned cocky.

There’s something strange about Tequila than most alcohol. In my case, I could gulp down Scotch or sip brandy and still feel good. But Tequila has a way of getting me off my senses. Even with the slightest drip.

I took a drink to see how I can stand against Tequila for another time. I have not made a good man out of me when drinking Tequila, so I thought I’d give it another shot.

It’s been some time since I last wrote a piece for this space. I thought it would take longer but some friends kept egging on what I have to say about the much-talked about Pacman-Marquez III fight.

This was one fight I got the privilege of being interviewed before, during and after—I was asked for my forecast two days before fight night on GMA Radio and TV, did the commentary on One Radio FM and was again asked by Jun Digamon of GMA Radio in a post-fight interview.

Just about everyone has said his piece on this fight. From known boxing experts to the day-after geniuses. Will the debate ever stop on whether or not the Pacman won this fight? Maybe not too soon.

The simple question? Did Manny win that fight?

The answers are kilometric. Oftentimes unresponsive and straying elsewhere and drifting on conditional clauses before banging it in. It’s just a yes or no.

My answer is a clear yes. It’s a win for Manny. But did I like it? No, I don’t.

Just put it away like that.

I did not like it because I had wanted Manny to destroy Marquez completely. I think that was what every Pacquiao rooter wanted—a convincing, destructive, and explosive win by Manny to once and for all silence this boisterous Mexican hombre.

An explosive fight is just as original a trademark for Manny Pacquiao in the same manner an effective counterpunching is a Marquez trademark. And trademarks are here to last. Just like Tequila. For all there is to it, Tequila will still be the same Tequila whether there’s an agave plant worm or not. Whether it’s 80 proof or 110 proof. Diluted with water or undiluted.

On a night like that, my bout with Tequila ended the way it was in previous times. The same shot of Tequila was still the same Tequila. Same cockiness. Same fire.

That was the same Marquez we saw. Cocky and dangerous. Yet despite all that sting and burning fire within, Marquez is as cold and passive as Tequila. It’s not your most preferred type of drink but if you want to get drunk, try it.

So when we got bored with Manny disposing off lumbering giants and old warriors like Clottey, Margarito and Moseley, we were kind of asking for a cocky drink. Mosely was like old wine, Clottey was cerveza negra and Margarito much more like Margarita. And so we asked for Tequila.

At age 38, Marquez was supposed to be a diluted Tequila at 80 proof. No longer the dangerous 110 proof version he was once before. But Marquez came to the fight like a brand new, distilled Tequila straight out of the Mexican highlands of Jalisco. He brandished the old sting that lulled many to submission.

By the time Manny felt the zing of Marquez, he was out of his balance and was not the same Manny he used to be. Good thing is Manny understands that boxing is addition and not subtraction. You add more punches, the more chances of winning. It no longer counts who made the better hits. Remember, there is no three-point shot in boxing. So all you need is to pile up the points. Throw more punches. Become the aggressor. Nobody wins a fight by running away or backing off.

Manny did not hit the better shots. Marquez hit the better shots. But Manny hit more and Marquez fewer. Manny went buckets after buckets of ice cold beer. Marquez settled with a shot glass of Tequila each time.

Boxing is a job. The more you work, the more you produce. The more you produce the more you earn. Manny was harder at work. Juan Manuel waited to be served before he does his work.

So would you like to have another serving of Pacman-Marquez?

Naah.

Too much of Tequila. Let’s try Floyd. Smoothie this time.

Phoenix Petroleum: PBA’s loss is Davao sports’ gain

2011-07-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

There is a reason for everything and for Phoenix’s failure to buy the Red Bull franchise in the PBA, the disappointment would later turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

The Davao-based oil company, a fast-rising player in the oil industry, knocked on the doors of the professional basketball league last year after Red Bull took a leave of absence and offered the franchise to Phoenix.

However, the move to buy the Red Bull franchise encountered an opposition and it did not materialize. Turns out now that the San Miguel Beer franchise will be carrying the name Petron Blaze and would have been competing with Phoenix in terms of exposure for two industry players. Petron obviously doesn’t like competition in the PBA from another oil industry firm.

And so the Phoenix proposal was thumbed down by the PBA.

Without a PBA franchise, Phoenix captured the attention of the sports market and its aggressive stance in pursuing a PBA franchise invited many sports to knock on Phoenix’s doors.

From an outsider knocking in, Phoenix has assumed the role of the sought-after sports market commodity.

All of a sudden, Phoenix found itself flooded with proposals for sponsorships. Now, it’s having a field day in terms of exposure and media mileage.

With the PBA out of its radar, Phoenix set its eyes on the fun run market and is making raves with several runs in Davao and nearby cities. Phoenix also banked on exposures with Philippine football through the popular Azkals and the Suzuki Cup U23. Then came the Phoenix Fuels Trip Ko Basketball Cup for high school cagers which got going last Saturday at the Almendras Gym.

The youth-oriented cagefest drew the best of the high school cage ranks and from all indications, the tournament will be growing beyond Davao. Phoenix’s Marketing man Neb Bulaclac intimated that the project might be replicated in the Visayas and Luzon areas where Phoenix is slowly making its presence.

Phoenix is also supporting the PFC Cup Winners Cup Futsal Davao Finals on July 166, 23 and August 7 which brings football to the mall for the first time in Davao. The event will be hosted by NCCC Mall and will be staged at the activity area.

The company’s fun run series will also have a Kadayawan version after its highly successful Araw ng Davao edition.

Phoenix’s presence in the sports market has probably grown beyond the projected attention it can get out of playing in the PBA. Afterall, it still has its ‘presence’ in the PBA through the sponsored segments and out-of-town games.

Finally, Phoenix will surely be benefitting from the recent election to the Davao Sports Council of its corporate affairs manager Beethoven Sur who heads the bodybuilding group in Davao. Ben’s passion for sports is expected to transform the dormant council into an animated entity that will fuel the renaissance of sports in Davao.

With Phoenix fast becoming a byword in Davao sports, everybody is starting to forget the botched stint in the PBA.

Which bring us to one conclusion: PBA’s loss is Davao’s gain.

Understanding a MOA

2011-06-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

MASTER BLASTER, Mindanao Daily Mirror 7 June 2011

The weight of evidence whether or not a party is faithful to an agreement is in the provisions of a document and not on mere photographs showing the physical act of signing.

Let us put emphasis on that while some people attempt to be convincing and some people make a fool of themselves by accepting it as truth.

The Dabaw Tourism Operators Association (DabTOA) recently issued a disclaimer that the association is part of an event called Davao Youth Games by its private organizers. The reason is simple, DabTOA only wants to set things straight—they are simply not part of this event. Why? Because DabTOA said this event is not the event they agreed to co-venture with the private organizers.

That is as simple as ABC.

What is the proof of that? The document that they signed—the memorandum of agreement.

I have seen this document. I do not know with some people.

I have read the provisions too. I do not know with some people.

It was clear as ABC.

One: the document speaks of Children’s Games. Not Youth Games. Those two are not interchangeable. They are worlds apart. You are talking here of two classes of society. Two: the event dates in the document are different from this other event.

Now, an agreement is always sacred to the parties. That is why a party who amends, repeals, alters the provisions of the agreement without the knowledge and formal notice to the other party is in bad faith. Bad faith, in simple lingo, is violation of the terms of the contract. When there is bad faith, there is a presumption of a deliberate intent by one party to be unfaithful to the other party.

Parties to a contract are duty-bound to abide by its provisions faithfully and to notify the other in clear and unequivocal terms when there are changes to the pact.

In the case of DabTOA, they were not notified of the changes. It is not enough that one party if as busy as hell to be excused not to notify the other. In a corporate world, you exist with people around you like some wide-eyed, trusted liaison officers to do the notifications if you cannot do so. If you can send a spokesperson to a press conference to announce your event, it is incumbent upon you to use the same corporate mechanism to make communications. There is no excuse even if you do not know the law. That is as clear as day.

Now, to make it more absurd, DabTOA said they are now being asked to make a public apology. Reason of the organizers? There is a MOA signed by them as shown by photographs.

You know, no matter how beautiful the photographs if they are not the issue in question, it has no weight in the ocean of evidence. DabTOA said it does not question the existence of the MOA. They even made that as the premise in this case to build up their argument. The issue is the faithfulness to the provisions of the MOA.

If the MOA speaks of Juan dela Cruz and you are talking about Pedro Santos, that definitely is not the same animal you are talking about. DabTOA said they did not sign for a Youth Games. They signed for a Children’s Games. They agreed to do an event in May not in June. Those provisions of the agreement are vital in making one party decide to agree. That is essentially the ingredients to the meeting of minds.

DabTOA’s argument makes sense. DabTOA’s stand not to make a public apology also makes sense. Not to mention who must rightfully make public apologies here.

DabTOA, however, has said it will not dignify this issue. “Di na namin papatulan,” said Chato Aranda, DabTOA President.

That’s right.

It’s just too cheap.

Belief vs. Doubt

2011-05-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

MASTER BLASTER, Mindanao Daily Mirror May 31, 2011

It’s going to be a rematch of the 2006 championship when best of the West Dallas Mavericks face off with the beast of the East Miami Heat in this year’s NBA Finals.

I won’t be as excited as some hoop fans are, however.

Reason? Neither team is my favourite.

If there is anything tugging within me, it is the fact that a half-Filipino gets a chance to win an NBA title as a coach and that is Miami’s man on the bench Eric Spoelstra. Spo will naturally have the Filipino fans praying he wins an NBA title.

This time, I’m a kibitzer and will be objectively weighing the chances of both teams.

Miami is the overwhelming favourite to win this year from the day they signed their Big Three. I have said in the NBA Trash Talk facebook page that it will be a disaster for Miami not to win the Larry O’Brien trophy. An even worse disaster if it loses to the Bulls. But that is history now as the Heat have disposed off the Bulls in five.

There is overwhelming belief that Miami will win its second title this year with the Big Three. This belief was strengthened after the Heat sent the Celtics to an early vacation and then slaughtered the Bulls with a four-game sweep after losing Game 1 in the Eastern Finals.

There is reason to believe the Heat should win the title. Lebron James, D Wade and C Bosh combined is the basketball equivalent of a trinitrotoluene bomb. That’s a three-headed monster. And then there’s the support crew, the white hot crowd and the inspiration of a master in at Pat Riley.

Is there reason to doubt Miami could win it?

This is the issue of this year’s Finals. Belief vs. Doubt.

Miami will have to prove this overriding belief while Dallas will have to convince everyone to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Let’s take a look back at what happened in 2006.

Five years ago, Dirk Nowitzki and his Dallas Mavericks won the first two games at home, 90-80 and 99-86. Jason Terry and Dirk, the remaining two remnants of that squad, led the Mavs in both games. Jason pumped in 32 in Game 1 and Dirk scattered 26 in Game 2.

When the series shifted to South Beach, the Heat escaped with a 98-96 win in Game 3 with D Wade pouring in 42 as the Heat came back to life after being down 13 points in the 4^th with a huge rally sparked by the now retired Gary Payton. They followed it up with a 98-76 thumping in Game 4 to tie the series as Wade punctured the hoop with 36 and Miami limited Dallas to just 7 in the 4th.

Game 5 is one hell of a game Dallas would rather forget. With 9.1 ticks in OT and Dallas ahead 100-99, the Heat went to D Wade and the Mavs committed a ridiculous foul on him with 1.9 seconds left. Wade hit the first and as if ridiculous things would not end there, Josh Howard called for Dallas’ last timeout. This means that if D Wade connects on his second freebie, they could no longer call timeout and inbound from the sidelines. Wade connected on his second to shove Miami ahead 101-100 and there was no time for Dallas to put up a decent shot. Dirk kicked the ball to the stands after the game ad was fined.

Game 6 back to Texas. Jason Terry had the chance to send the game to OT but he missed a three as Miami wrapped up the series 95-92.

This year, only two Mavs from the 2006 roster will be back and that is Terry and Dirk. Miami will have D Wade and Udonis Haslem. The men at the bench will also be different. Gone are Pat Riley and Avery Johnson for Spo and Rick Carlisle.

The series will also necessarily involve some personalities outside the floor particularly Dallas owner Mark Cuban. In 2006, Cuban criticized the officiating for giving D Wade what he calls as “phantom fouls.” Lakers coach Phil Jackson would later blame it as the referees’ retaliation on the brash Cuban who is very vocal of his dissatisfaction over the league’s officiating.

Dirk Nowitzki will be the strongest proposition of any reasonable doubt Dallas will beat Miami. The 7-foot giant of a shooting guard is the hardest to defend in the NBA today. This is no exaggeration but the Heat should prepare to defend against Dirk like Navy Seals. Dirk should be defended on ground and air.

The doubt will also have strong propositions from Dallas’ snipers like Shawn Marion, Jason Terry and Peja Stojakovic. And then you will have to stop two of the brainiest quarterbacks in Jason Kidd and Juan Barea.

Bottomline is that it is going to be a good series. Better than the 2007 Finals when Lebron made his first trip to the big stage against San Antonio that ended in shattered dreams for the wonder kid from Akron. This is Lebron’s first real chance to win a title and for Dirk, his last real chance.

Belief vs. Doubt. That is how this series will go.

If you believe in prophecy, bet on Miami, but in case of doubt, bet on Dallas.

SMI’s masterpiece

2011-05-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

Master Blaster, Mindanao Daily Mirror May 22, 2011

Growing up as a kid from the once sleeping town of Mati, I took my pencil and paper on several afternoons at the old wharf waiting to catch a glorious sunset. There were no DSLR cameras yet to capture the natural beauty of a setting sun. I had no formal art training either. No money to buy a canvas and paint. I only had my eyes and my hands for my simple work that would later become a masterpiece for my two adoring fans—my parents.

My works would end up pasted on our wall until the next artwork would dislodge the old one.

I had great times as a self-made artist. Later I would have some informal training with a town moviehouse artist and I would have my share of the movie billboards in exchange for a free movie pass on weekends.

Growing up, we are inspired by the beauty around us and would only hope our creativity would match the wonders of creation.

Last month, 24 kids from Malungon in Sarangani, Tampakan in South Cotabato and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat, and Malalag and Kiblawan in Davao del Sur got the dreams of their young lives as artists.

Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), the Philippine Government’s contractor of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project, held an art workshop for selected high school students last month at the Sarangani Highlands Resort.

Jamel Obniana from the University of the Philippine Diliman College of Fine Arts was commissioned by SMI to be the workshop facilitator to help the young artists build their confidence and polish their painting skills.

The 24 students aged 14-18 participated in the workshop which was themed “Highlighting the identity of Southern Mindanao together with SMI.” These artists emerged from a qualifying competition held earlier to pick the crème of the crop.

John Arnaldo, SMI Communications Manager said the Department of Tourism chaperoned participants to the workshop venue where they were taught how to paint and express their ideas through art.

It couldn’t get any better than this. The kids were given by SMI all the materials needed for the workshop. Makes me regret why I was born too soon.

Things like this one really inspire us. We don’t get a chance like this everyday and when we do, trhe opportunity is just too good to pass up.

Twelve finalists will be picked from the output of the workshop which will be displayed in an art exhibit on May 27 and the best three works will be declared winners and will be sent to compete in the first ever Southern Mindanao Regional Arts Competition which SMI is again sponsoring.

Sweet.

You get to have your work in the gallery. Get a chance to be the best work out of this program. Compete in a bigger stage. And who knows what’s next? These are what every artist dreams of.

These are among the many outreach programs SMI is implementing as part of its social commitment in the development areas. I once chatted with Andy Orobia of SMI Communications and he shared a number of CSR programs SMI is doing, something we do not normally hear in mining exploration projects.

As a child growing up, I love the sunset bidding goodbye to a lovely day. But I am always just as thrilled to wait for the sunrise in the morning as I wake up to join my father to the old tennis club for an early morning game.

To this day, I still look forward to painting a wonderful sunrise. I may just have to capture it someday. But for these young kids touched by SMI, all of the next day’s sunrise is brighter.

Brokenshire has new program for coaches

2011-05-21T00:56:00.000-07:00

Master Blaster May 21, 2011

Things are looking up for coaches, sports administrators and former athletes looking for a permanent career. Brokenshire College is coming up with Bachelor of Physical Education major in Sports and Wellness Program.

I had the chance to talk to its proponent Dr. Arlene de Vera, who heads the BPE, and she is quite excited of the program. The course is now being offered at Brokenshire College.

The BPE course is ideal for school-based coaches and sports administrators because it is designed to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the many disciplines of sports management.

Three major reasons why we need to professional preparation in sports management:

First, to meet a real, recognizable need for professionally trained administrators in the broad area of sports.

Second, this is a natural outgrowth of the study of sports, combined with the view that Physical Education is a broad-based academic discipline.

And third, fewer students seeking to become Physical Education teachers, an overabundance of would-be Physical Education teachers already seeking jobs, the reduction in requirements for daily Physical Education in many school systems.

Doc Arlene hopes some of the LGUs and schools extend some sort of scholarship grants to their coaches for them to avail of this degree. This is a step towards professionalizing the ranks of sports managers and coaches.

The beauty of it all is that it does not cost a million pesos to earn the BPE degree. Tuition is very much affordable and the investment is worth every peso you pay.

The BPE program of Brokenshire comes in very timely as I ran across an article in another paper about a congressman from another Mindanao city asking for a 1-Million peso consultant’s fee for Davao City to host the Palarong Pambansa.

That’s plain BS.

I don’t think that would work. Davao has a lot of bright people to do that without the need of a consultant from elsewhere. In fact, there are supposedly some of them at the City Hall right now in the comfort of their air-conditioned rooms and swivel chairs.

So when I read about the offer of former Congressman Romeo Jalosjos offering his services for a fee of 1 million pesos, I naturally grimaced from my seat.

Why the heck do we need help for? Don’t we have the people to do that? Thanks, but no thanks.

But wait.

On second thoughts, I think the Congressman Jalosjos offer is not at all a big joke. It’s not ridiculous afterall.

It should be food for thought for the bright guys at the City Hall’s sports office. I remember some people harping at all the possible things that would happen to Davao sports once they are in the position. Sports complex, grassroots sports, sports tourism. Name it, they brag it.

Question is: where are those?

In the drawing board or in your dreams?

In fairness, I know a few good people who silently do about their work at the City Hall. They don’t play basketball against fellow executives, and they attend meetings and consultations. I do not know with some newbies out there who still need Sports Management 101.

Where are the programs?

I think some guys need the help of Congressman Jalosjos afterall. But not at the expense of the city.

Notes: A lot of great things are happening at Bluejaz Resort and Waterpark. On Saturday, there will be a kayak competition, DABTOA Officers Induction and a party at night...Resort owner Jazmin Middleton hosted a welcome party last Saturday. Expect another blast of a night this weekend...Resort Manager Ian Pescadero is having his hands full preparing the venue for the 2011 Kicksand Beach Football-Mindanao leg at Bluejaz on June 11-12. Registration is now ongoing for the men’s and women’s divisions (Open), please contact Mr. Alex Adolfo at 09092876880.

Sugar-free

2011-05-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

MASTER BLASTER May 11, 2011

Three months ago at about the same time Bob Arum announced that the next Manny Pacquiao challenger is Shayne Mosley, I had my sugar level checked.

Critical level. My doctor pressed the warning button. He told me not take sugar lightly. It’s a killer enemy. I nodded.

I took the warning all too seriously. I went on a sugar-free diet and practically avoided all the sweet things life could offer in the next three months.

Two days before Manny Pacquiao was to face Sugar Shayne Mosley, I had my sugar level checked again. Now, it was down three notches. That was a marked improvement. Three months of staying away as much as I can from anything sweet somehow paid off.

It ain’t easy getting rid of sugar especially when you’re used to it. But it was a decision I stood by in the same manner as I got rid of smoking. Sugar indeed is not an easy enemy. You know why? Because sugar or anything sweet is man’s best friend. You don’t want to hurt a friend. Much less get rid of a friend.

That is what exactly happened in the ring last Sunday in Las Vegas.

Manny went up against a man nicknamed Sugar. In boxing, not everyone gets to be nicknamed Sugar unless he is really good. Sugar Ray Robinson. Sugar Ray Leonard. And now Sugar Shayne Mosley. Even the expert of the sweet science of boxing goes by the name Bert Sugar and I assume that is either coincidence or that is his nom de guere.

My scientific mind tells me that in life and in boxing, sugar is not an easy enemy because it is sweet. Ever heard of the saying “the best things in life are free”? That has been challenged by the saying “the best things in life are sweet.”

Nothing in this is life is free. Mommy D would no longer settle for a paper bag these days. She already has a collection of Lowis Biton bags and now she is salivating on a Hermes. To her, that’s sweet. Life changes for everyone. Can’t blame her.

All of these my scientific mind tells me last Sunday that Sugar Shayne would not be an easy commodity for the Pacman. Indeed, he was not.

I had already an inkling something is not going to give on fight night. During the build up to the fight until the pre-fight press conference ad weigh-in, there were no sparks from both camps. There was just too much sweetness. Sugar Shayne had to turn Manny to his side for more photo ops. They looked more like sweethearts than combatants.

When they finally met in the ring, I expected some fireworks from both fighters. I thought they will unleash their angst finally when they face each other in the ring. I thought Shayne’s sweetness will translate into more energy. I was wrong.

Sorry, but this is not the best of Pacquiao fights I have seen. Collectively, Manny and Mosley were too sweet for comfort. Too much caution for a combat. Shayne was obviously scared from the very start. Manny was too shy to hurt Shayne. I thought the knockdown in the third would prod Manny to go for the kill after that. But he slowed down his attack. He was too cautious I thought too much of scientific boxing has made him lose his sting lately. He wasn’t as mobile as he could get. Not as feisty and ferocious until he was counted on a freak knockdown in the 10^th.

My scientific mind is telling me, Manny could have fought more ferociously had he been sugar-free. By sugar-free I mean Manny should not have been too sweet to Sugar Shayne who I thought can be knocked down despite his immaculate record. He showed his angst after the freak knockdown—which tells me that he was overly cautious and is capable of letting it all loose. Shayne could go down had Manny got enough rounds left.

For ten rounds, Manny chose to fight as a segurista.

He did not force the issue of getting Mosley decked for the first time in his career even when his scientific mind tells him he can.

Nothing bad with that. In his scientific mind, Manny would also tell us boxing is not about killing your enemy.

Like a chocolate sculpture you would not want deformed, boxing can be sweetly deceiving. Just like your sugar level. After all, my scientific mind tells me the sweet things in life are risky.

Notes: Thanks to NCCC Mall, NCCC Department Store and Head and Shoulders for the live viewing of the Pacquiao-Mosley fight...Watch out for Kicksand Beach Football Series Davao Leg on June 11-12 at the Bluejaz Resort and Waterpark organized by the Beach Football Association of the Philippines and F1 Event Solutions, Inc.

Kicksand

2011-05-09T15:46:00.001-07:00

MASTER BLASTER May 10, 2011

After a rousing first stop in Subic last month, the season’s most exciting summer sport goes to the finest resorts in Boracay and Davao.

I am talking about the 2011 Kicksand Beach Football Series, a baby of the Beach Football Association of the Philippines (BFAP) whose President Mike Athab I consider a brother.

Mike rang up this week to say he’s personally going to Boracay to set up the venue and other logistical requirements of the event which comes as the final summer spectacle in the country’s summer beach capital. Kicksand will be staged after the Hala Bola PBA All-Star Week which also goes to the island this month.

The Boracay leg will be hosted by Bamboo Resort Hotel whose owner Jonar Villanueva, now the President of Kiwanis Club of Boracay, has personally attended to the preparations of the event through his manager Jimmy Escotin.

For the Boracay leg, Visayas squads will be crowding for the men’s and women’s titles but some teams who took part in Subic are among those knocking on the door to conquer Boracay. According to Mike, some of the squads in Subic are asking for the details of the Boracay and Davao events and will most likely join the next two legs of the tournament.

The teams in the Subic joust were interestingly composed of some of the finest football players of the land. I am pretty sure that Visayas, with its rich football tradition, will also come up with their best squads in the Boracay leg. And when the tournament swings to Davao, expect fireworks at the beach of Bluejaz as the local teams will surely defend their turf where pride is at stake.

For the Davao leg, James Infiesto is coordinating with BFAP and marketing group F1 Event Solutions in the preparations. Mike is also set to visit Davao and take an ocular of the venue.

The Kicksand event is sure to boost sports tourism in Davao in the manner that sports tourism has been the formula that makes Boracay the most interesting place in the country to hold events. The event has enormous media values in virtually all media platforms as has been proven in the Subic event.

F1 Event Solutions made sure the Kicksand event will be staged in Davao for the first time. Years back though, beach football was introduced here during the time of my late mentor and Godfather Vic Sai. Mike remembered the two stagings of the event in the black sands of Times Beach and Bonguyan.

F1 was also responsible for hooking up with the Bamboo Resort Hotel Boracay for the second leg. All these, however, were made possible with the masterstroke of PSC Commissioner Chito Loyzaga who has backed up BFAP in its programs this year. PSC chairman Richie Garcia gave his worthy support to the BFAP program also through his senior executive assistant, Dabawenyo lawyer Guillermo Iroy, Jr.

We can only get excited from here on and by the time the sands blast in Bora and Davao.

Notes: This is actually a watered down version of the piece I wrote earlier, but there are some things I’d like to say...Honey Wong of Anflocor sent us an email of the outstanding performers from their sports program in Panabo City. I say these kids are very promising and their on their way to the Palarong Pambansa to carve out a name for themselves after their very own kababayan and stablemate Rey and Vic Saludar of boxing...Thank you to Atty. Pinky Cabreros, Neb Bulaclac and my good friend Ben Sur of Phoenix for the opportunity to present some programs... Birthdays: Cheers to birthday girl, Sally May Tauro of F1 Event Solutions Inc...Also to Dr. Gizelle Geraldine Lim of Bulacan...And finally, my personal greetings to former Davao Oriental Governor Marlene Palma Gil who also celebrated her birthday last week and was thrown a surprise party by her children Bambi and Dennis, Jepot and Totot, Pia and RJ and Miguel and Aimee.

Red is the color of my movie and golf dates

2011-03-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

I love the red letter days.

There are days for work, and then there are days for going to the movies with your child and for playing golf with friends.

Red letter days come once in a red moon. But I will always look forward to that. Especially in March.

I rebounded with that kind of two days after one very stressful week after another. I kind of tell me that the experience was anatomically, functionally, perceptually and existentially refreshing. And like the wolf in the fairytale story, I huffed and puffed and I was blown away.

Yes, blown away practically by a red storm. Red for the Red Riding Hood movie. And red for Coca Cola.

It was not the most spectacular of movies. Red Riding Hood was not the kind of story I expected from the story told to me in Kindergarten. But sending it with your child makes it worth watching every strip of film. We have not done this for a while. The last movie we had together was Harry Potter 7 which was on November last year.

After Red Riding Hood came another red letter event. The following day, I played golf with friends on the invitation of the Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines (BIAP) at the Apo Golf and Country Club. The friendly tournament was a treat by Coca Cola to its Davao friends and media partners.

I had as flightmates the guys from UMBN Bong Gonzaga, Roy Geonzon and John Servillon and young protégé Billy Tapucar. Bong and Roy went on to be among the winners in the tournament. And as luck would smile for the second straight year, Bong won the raffle’s major prize—a Sony Bravia 59-inch flat tv. Billy also got his wish—an Apple ipad.

Another media friend Alan Basong of Gold Star, though a non-playing guest, won the other Sony Bravia in the raffle. Alan said his wife could not be happier as she was celebrating her birthday on that same day.

The other media friends who played were Jon Develos of Mindanao Times, SCOOP Davao President Lito delos Reyes and hotog Tommy Inigo. Also on hand were Sunstar sports ed and DSA prexy Charles Maxey and ace photog Roland Jumawan who’s Canon 5D camera fitted with 70-200mm lens made me drool.

It was also fun to see former PBA cagers swing golf clubs and sink the dimpled ball. Kenneth Duremdes, Dale Singson, Rodney Santos, Gerard Francisco, and Cesar Catli were among the former cagers under the Coca Cola franchise seen in the fairways of Apo.

BIAP President JB Baylon personally made sure everyone gets to have fun at the links and at the raffles. With two Bravias, two ipads and two itouch as major raffle prizes, this is surely one tournament where winning the raffle is more than winning the tournament itself. The food was great and the Coca Cola products overflowed. We even had to carry home some canned loot to boot.

With friends like this and a golfing day like that, who needs to win anyway?

I did not play all too well, but there is much to enjoy in golf. Like trying to tame a wicked drive all day long and trying to hit between branches after branches. Brandishing a new driver courtesy of Cho Leonor, I found out the Srixon driver is an untamed beast.

And like the wolf’s victims in Red Riding Hood, a man bitten is a man cursed.

If at all a bad day in the fairways is a curse, I’ll look forward to the next red moon.

I love the red letter days.

Manny’s one li’l bright star

2011-03-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

MASTER BLASTER

Neil Bravo

He strolled into the red carpet sans a braggadocio’s bounce on his heel. He looked like he just emerged from the barber’s chair and sentenced to a haircut as penalty. His bangs are gone. His moustache neatly trimmed exposing his rock-solid jaw.

On a night like this, Congressman Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao lights up a hotel ballroom more intensely than the giant golden chandeliers hanging on the ceiling. The fighting legislator from Saranggani Province is no doubt, still the supernova of Philippine sports.

This was no ordinary night. It was a starry, starry night. The sports equivalent of the Oscar night.

On a night like this, one will easily get star-struck by the presence of the biggest names in sports today. The guest book lists the Younghusbands (Phil and James) and the rest of the Azkals, PBA star James Yap, world 9-ball billiards champ Django Bustamante, and world 8-ball champ Dennis Orcollo.

This was indeed no ordinary night. This was the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night where the best and the brightest of Philippine sports in 2010 will be formally recognized for their heroic feats.

On a night like this, you would expect Manny Pacquiao to go home with the biggest trophy of them all. Consider this: Manny won his seventh and eighth world titles last year in a span of 8 months. No other boxer in the world has captured that number of championship belts. This was a feat that cemented Manny’s greatness in sports history.

But this was no ordinary night. And Manny did not go home with a single trophy on hand.

Not that he was snubbed. Not that he was robbed.

On a night like this, it was not necessary.

Even the awards body has admitted it ran out of awards to give to Manny Pacquiao. PSA President Teddyvic Melendres of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, in his introductory speech for Manny who was guest speaker of the evening, said they have run out of recognition for Manny.

Not that he needs none or deserves none.

On a night like this, Manny is bigger than the moment. Bigger than this vast ballroom and its giant chandeliers. Bigger than the trophies. And yes, he spoke big by choosing to stand ‘small.’

I have not listened to Manny speak in public but on this night, Manny displayed an eloquence as sharp as his fists. He said there is more to Philippine sports than Manny Pacquiao. There are more heroes to embrace, more reasons to support Philippine sports than there is to Manny Pacquiao.

On a night like this, Manny need not outshine the Younghusbands and the Azkals, James Yap, Django or Dennis. Not even young guys like Kiefer Ravena or Cyna Rodriguez. Manny does not have to be intoxicated with the Robert Greene’s Laws of Power no. 1 (“never outshine the master”).

On a night like this, Manny need not outshine everyone. Not even the chandeliers.

Manny has his own star to shine now. Safely secured in the galaxies, Manny’s constellation brings light to the other rising stars.

And that’s what makes Manny a supernova even if he chooses to be just one little bright star.

PAL Interclub Day One:

2011-02-23T01:03:00.000-08:00

February 24, 2011

Cebu upstages favorites

in Men’s Interclub opener

MANOLO Fortich, Bukidnon – Cebu Country Club jumped out of the gates hard on Wednesday as Carl Almario fired a two-under-par 70 worth 38 points to lead the Cebuanos to a three-point advantage over Del Monte after the first round of the 64^th PAL Interclub Men’s championship.

Almario, brother of the late former national and PBA player Alfie, actually returned one of three 70s for the day and got able support from an unheralded backup crew as Cebu tallied 136 in a truly fine start at the heavily-wooded Del Monte course here.

Cebu’s Championship stint is actually its second, and Almario, together with Gio Gandionco, Mark Dy and Lloyd Go made sure that they would have an auspicious start.

Gandiongco fired 35 like Dy and Go assembled a 28 as Cebu threw away the 27 of Joseph Stevens.

Banny Abano also tallied 38 to pace Del Monte, the 2004 champion which got 34 points from Mel Cubillo, 31 from Julius Bautista. The hosts’ third score was either 30s of Magno Arancon Jr. or Mark Mondilla.

Canlubang lurked another point back after Art Arbole, a discovery from Bukidnon, also scored 38 that went with Paul Echavez’ 36, the 32 from veteran Abe Rosal and the 26 of Interclub debutant Gabriel Manotoc.

The 24 points of reigning Callaway World 12-under champion Ruperto Zaragosa III did not count in the Barons’ 132.

Over at Pueblo de Oro in Cagayan de Oro, Wack Wack zoomed to a six-point Founders’ Division lead over Alabang after getting 35 points from John Gobing and 34 each from Garry Uy and Oliver Gan that made up the bulk of its opening 131.

Hubert Lim’s 28 was the fourth score for Wack Wack as Tootsie de Jesus failed to count with a 27.

Arnel Paras scored 34 and Miguel Shah and JB Garcia each chipped in with 31 with young Basti Lorenzo accounting for 29 for Alabang’s second-running 125, which was three-up on Villamor.

Former junior golfer Jan Tambogon returned 35 points and Julius Pactolerin added 31 for Villamor, which had NGAP director Jun Arceo shooting 29 and Lito Toribio 27 for 122.

“We are not actually expecting to win, just win third or second,” Almario, 45, said. “But with the way things went today, who knows what can happen.”

Almario had six birdies overall against four bogeys.

Del Monte and Canlubang both didn’t start with their respective aces – Clyde Mondilla and Jobim Carlos – and took to looking at the field first before making their real moves.

Mondilla, the reigning Philippine Amateur champion, practiced both Del Monte and Pueblo de Oro and is expected to play in both venues, the same with Carlos, a member of the triumphant Lion City PH team in Indonesia.

This year’s competition is backed by platinum sponsors Boeing, Airbus, Radio Mindanao Network, Business Mirror and Interactive Broadcast Media (DWWW).

Major sponsors are People Asia, 105.1 Crossover, GE Aviation, Asia Brewery and Traversing the Orient.

Also lending support are corporate sponsors Manila Bulletin and Bombo Radyo Philippines, while minor sponsors are Lufthansa Technik Philippines, MasterCard and Century Park Hotel. Prize donors include Panasonic Avionics and Tanduay.

More detailed information on the tournament is available on the dedicated PAL Interclub webpage at www.palinterclub.com.

Cagayan Sneeze

2011-02-22T01:50:00.000-08:00

MASTER BLASTER

Neil Bravo

CAGAYAN DE ORO—The banner says “Cagayan Heat.”

This is not Miami, but the Heat word fit perfectly for Cagayan, known better in the country as the “City of Golden Friendship.”

On Monday at the Pueblo de Oro course, the intense heat at mid-day was almost unbearable most especially if you are playing one of the worst games golf has ever seen. I played so bad I came down a sorry victim to the beauty that is Pueblo de Oro.

Lined with some of the best architectural masterpieces like glass-encased houses and Mediterranean-inspired structures, the fairways looked like a vast park and playground. Lakes surround some holes and the rolling terrain provide for a variety of hitting positions.

I marveled at the beauty of this Robert Trent Jones, Jr. creation. But that was all to it. Behind the disarming beauty are its killer charms.

I went down like a distraught lover dazed by its poison.

At the end of 18 holes, I limped back to the clubhouse with my heart broken. This beauty is just too unforgiving.

The next day, the entourage of the PAL media playing in the two-day tournament motored to nearby Del Monte. This mountain-top layout in cool pineapple-scented mountains of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon is home to two of the country’s golfing greats—Celestino Tugot and Frankie Miñoza.

An early morning drizzle and an overcast sky lowered the temperature further.

Two holes after, we called it a day. The downpour made the fairways soggy and almost unplayable. There was no point playing on. The game and the course is no longer there to enjoy. The weather has taken over. But that’s golf.

Sometimes you play good. Sometimes you play bad.

And sometimes, you sneeze.

PAL Interclub returns to Davao next year

2011-02-22T01:44:00.000-08:00

CAGAYAN DE ORO—The prestigious PAL Interclub golf tournament will make its return to Davao City next year.

Atty. Doming Duerme, vice president for Mindanao operations of the organizing Philippine Airlines, confirmed on Tuesday Davao’s hosting of the annual golfest, the country’s longest-running amateur golf tournament which draws no less than 167 teams, and counting.

“It’s go for Davao,” Duerme said on the eve of the Regular Men’s tournament.

Although Davao City is set to host the event following the regular hosting cycle, Cebu City was reported to have been a sentimental choice to make its own return to the Interclub scene after it last played host in 2001.

Apo Golf and Country Club and Rancho Palos Verdes are the regular the venues of the Interclub.

Meantime, four Davao teams are seeing action in the Regular Men’s play at Pueblo de Oro and nearby Del Monte Golf and Country Club. Davao Golf and Country Club will be seeing action in the Founder’s Division while Apo and Rancho Palos Verdes will be competing in the Sportswriters’ Division. Lanang GC and C will be the fourth Davao team entered in this event backed by platinum sponsors Boeing, Airbus, Radio Mindanao Network, Business Mirror and Interactive Broadcast Media (DWWW).

Major sponsors are People Asia, 105.1 Crossover, GE Aviation, Asia Brewery and Traversing the Orient. Also lending support are corporate sponsors Manila Bulletin and Bombo Radyo Philippines, while minor sponsors are Lufthansa Technik Philippines, MasterCard and Century Park Hotel. Prize donors include Panasonic Avionics and Tanduay. (NJB)

4 Davao teams in the thick of things in PAL Interclub

2011-02-22T01:42:00.000-08:00

CAGAYAN DE ORO—Four teams are competing in the ongoing PAL Interclub which got going on Wednesday in this city of golden friendship.

Davao City Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes, Apo Golf and Country Club and Lanang will be carrying the fight for Davao in this annual golfing competition organized by national flag carrier Philippine Airlines.

The four teams are out to take on the challenge of the two courses providing the obstacle to the coveted plums.

Pueblo de Oro, a vast par-72 masterpiece of Robert Trent Jones, Jr. will showcase her natural beauty that has been the heartbreak of many who dared conquer her. Over at nearby Del Monte in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, the sweet fragrance of pineapples and the cool high-mountain temperature, could rear its ugly head too once rains like that of the Tuesday downpour get in the way.

The weather forecast did not look all too good either. Rains are expected in this part of the country in the next 24 hours.

But the mood is upbeat for the Davao golfers who were greeted by news of Davao’s hosting next year.

Davao Golf Club is composed of team captain Leonilo Dalut, former North Cotabato governor Manny Piñol, Willy de Leon, Larry Pasquil, Benhur Villarosa, Diemy Monadero, Marlon Aranas, Ludwig Ledesma, Martin Castillo and Manuel Banga.

Apo is fielding Bong Abang, Denden De Castro, Alimar Etrone, Leo Fusilero, Lucio Horfina Jr., Mark Oropeza, Edwin Pineda, Quintin Singson, Jing Tan, and Toffee Tionko.

Rancho Palos Verdes is represented by team captain Monchit Mackay, Vincent Gumapac, Ronald Galicia, Noel Yango, Chris Tan, Larry Miculob, Marc Lopez, Paul Garcia, Jeff Ramirez and Andrew Bautista.

Lanang is made of Randy Cadidgan, Peter Cabreros, Alrey Ceniza, Paul Dacudao, ABC Dizon, Leo Magno, Danny Nagayo, Dennis Salvador, Noe Taojo and Joe Tesado. (NJB)

PAL INTERCLUB

2011-02-21T00:19:00.000-08:00

February 21, 2011

Del Monte hosts first and third rounds

CAGAYAN de Oro – Del Monte will host the first and third rounds of the 64th Philippine Airlines Men’s Interclub championship on Wednesday, a schedule that certainly augurs well for the hosts looking to win just their second title.

The bets from Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon will come into the four-day event installed as the slight favorites, owing mainly to their familiarity of the course and a 17-year-old spearhead named Clyde Mondilla.

Canlubang is the defending champion looking to win an unprecedented sixth straight title, but the Sugar Barons will be hard-pressed after losing Asian Games silver medal winner Miguel Tabuena two weeks before the start of the event.

Jobim Carlos and Ruperto Zaragosa III, a couple of age-group standouts, and the ageless Tommy Manotoc will banner the Barons. Mark Fernando and Jonel Ababa have both turned pro and Jessie Balasabas couldn’t fit in the team because of the new handicapping system as Canlubang reactivated Abe Rosal and will be fielding another senior in Dave Hernandez.

Del Monte will no doubt be Mondilla’s team, and the son of the club’s caddy master is prepared to handle the pressure of the Interclub.

“I will just do my best and contribute in the best way possible to the team,” Mondilla said in Filipino before teeing off Monday for his practice round at Pueblo de Oro here. “There’s no pressure, actually, only the eagerness to play.”

Mondilla will be trying to anchor a charge that would deny Canlubang another sweep of hostilities after the Barons, through Manotoc and an intrepid backup crew, romped off with a 28-point victory over Luisita in the Seniors Championship Division on Sunday.

Aside from Modilla, playing captain Yoyong Velez, Bannie Abaño, Noel Langgamin, Julius Bautista, Leonard Lofranco, Lawrence Cubillo, Magno Arancon, Mark Mondilla and Borjing Lusterio are in the line-up.

Manila Southwoods may also be put in the championship with its star-studded roster which includes former national team member Jun Jun Plana, Vince Lauron, Teody Pacscual, and top junior golfers Miggy Yee and AR Ramos.

The Country Club is listed as doubtful as of this writing, but if the Laguna-based club decides to send an entry, it will be the hands-down choice as the team to beat with a huge number of talented amateurs in its stable.

After finishing second in the last three years, The Country Club had informed organizers last Feb. 11 that it might not be able to send a team this year. And should that happen, it will be suspended for next year and would have to reapply for membership if it wants to play in 2013.

This year’s competition is backed by platinum sponsors Boeing, Airbus, Radio Mindanao Network, Business Mirror and Interactive Broadcast Media (DWWW). Major sponsors are People Asia, 105.1 Crossover, GE Aviation, Asia Brewery Inc. and Traversing the Orient.

More detailed information on the tournament is available on the dedicated PAL Interclub webpage at www.palinterclub.com.

Barons punctuate Seniors’ rout with clinical final round effort

2011-02-20T08:38:00.000-08:00

(Courtesy of PAL Communications)

CAGAYAN de Oro – There wasn’t much excitement in the final round of the Philippine Airlines Interclub Senior Championship on Sunday, only the workmanlike effort which has characterized Canlubang’s domination of the event.

In fact, Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire’s two-round demolition of Mexico’s Ferdinand Montiel on television gathered the attention of practically the entire clubhouse after the Championship Division flights entered its closing holes.

The Sugar Barons completed the ugliest rout in the history of Senior Interclub play after Rolly Viray fired a one-under-par 71 worth 55 points and Tommy Manotoc matched par for 54 for a closing 160 and a 28-point destruction of Luisita at Pueblo de Oro here.

Mari Hechanova tallied 51 points to complete scoring for Canlubang, which even discarded the 50 of Philip Brodett, a mark which could have easily counted as the top score for many teams as the Barons tallied a four-day 620 points.

Francis Gaston redeemed himself from a lethargic second round stint by pooling 53, but he got little help from Iggy Clavecilla and Lino Magpantay, who could only contribute 47 and 43, respectively for 143. Carlo Gamban’s 37 was thrown away.

In a hotly-contested Founders Division, OV Espiritu, the former banker, scored an eagle-aided 74 and powered Manila Golf to a one-point victory over Cebu Country Club.

Alex Prieto added 45 points and Jaime Panganiban 43 as Manila Golf totaled 564 points to snap a 15-year title drought. Cebu was led by Japanese Masatsugu Ochiai’s 49, Clifford Celdran’s 46 and the 45 of Noynoy Tirol.

Camp John Hay, tied for second with CCC at the start of the day, finished third another point back at 562 after getting 49 from Fred Puckett, 44 from Bong Mandapat and 45 from Clyde Cabreras.

Viray, the golf manager of Canlubang, had four birdies against a double bogey and a bogey in easily one of his finest efforts in years as he led the Barons to their fifth Senior crown in six years.

Manotoc won the individual championship for the third time in his senior career after shooting 70 for 56 at Del Monte on Saturday for 110 total points. Dave Hernandez and Tony Olives finished second and third, just three and four points back, respectively.

“I’m so tired. It was so hot out there today,” the 61-year-old Manotoc told reporters shortly after the round. “But the pressure was off after the front nine and that helped a lot because we played practically pressure free in the back nine.”

Viray and Manotoc were both nursing two-under cards after birdies on the par-5 seventh hole only to stumble a little the rest of the way as Viray had that double on the ninth before rescuing his sub-par card at the back with two birdies against a bogey.

Manotoc, meanwhile, bogeyed the 14th hole and three-putted the 18th, a meaningless error that didn’t put a dent on the mighty Canlubang armor in the end.

There will be a two-day break from action as the tournament prepares for the Regular Men’s championship where Del Monte is slightly favored to nail its second title with a team built around reigning Philippine Amateur champion Clyde Mondilla.

Canlubang will be shooting for an unprecedented sixth straight Men’s crown using a lineup teeming with youth and experience as junior national players Jobim Carlos and Ruperto Zaragosa III banner the Barons’ charge.

Manotoc and Hernandez will be back to play starting Wednesday even as Cangolf reactivated Abe Rosal. Gabriel Manotoc, Tommy’s 12-year-old son, will also be making his Interclub debut.

More detailed information on the tournament is available on the dedicated PAL Interclub webpage at www.palinterclub.com.

Canlubang Barons are 2011 PAL Interclub Seniors Champs

2011-02-20T00:33:00.000-08:00

HAIL THE CHAMPS. The Canlubang Barons celebrate another sweet victory in the PAL Seniors Interclub.

PAL Media Golf tees off today

2011-02-20T00:29:00.000-08:00

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The country’s fraternity of sports editors and sportswriters showcase their shotmaking skills starting today in the PAL Interclub Media golf tournament at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club and nearby Del Monte Country Club in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

The media golfest is a sideshow of the annual PAL Interclub and is usally held in between the Seniors and the Regular Men’s Interclub tournaments.

Seeing action in the media tournament for Davao City are Jon Develos of Mindanao Times and Neil Bravo of the Mindanao Daily Mirror. They will be competing against the likes of Lito Tacujan of Philippine Star, Rey Bancod, and Ding Marcelo of Manila Bulletin, Jun Engracia, Jong Arcano and Musong Castillo of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Al Mendoza of Business Mirror and Nimrod Quinonez of Freeman Cebu.

The tournament is a 36-hole event using the PAL Stableford system of scoring.

This year’s edition of the PAL Interclub is backed by platinum sponsors Boeing, Airbus, Radio Mindanao Network, Business Mirror and Interactive Broadcast Media (DWWW). Major sponsors are People Asia, 105.1 Crossover, GE Aviation, Asia Brewery Inc. and Traversing the Orient.

Sen. Pia lauds Donaire's TKO win over Montiel

2011-02-20T00:28:00.000-08:00

Statement of Senator Pia S. Cayetano

"I congratulate Nonito 'The Filipino Flash' Donaire for his impressive win via technical knockout (TKO) over Fernando Montiel, knocking down the Mexican champion in the second round of their 12-round duel and snaring the WBC and WBO bantamweight crown.

"Nonito showed that success is possible through discipline, a well-thought out fight plan and hard work. It's about time the world take notice of the Philippines, which can proudly lay claim to producing two of the best pound-for-pound boxing champions of our time in Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire.

"I know Nonito personally not only as a fierce fighter, but also as a gentleman outside the ring with a big heart and compassion for others. He goes out of his way to help differently abled children and kids facing tough circumstances through the Gabriel's Symphony Foundation which I founded in memory of my son. To me, Donaire's humble demeanor despite all the succees he has achieved personifies a true Filipino world-class champion."

PAL Interclub

2011-02-18T00:32:00.000-08:00

DAY 1 ACTION. Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia studies his line of putt at hole no. 8 of Pueblo de Oro golf course at the start of the PAL Interclub at Cagayan de Oro. Canlubang and Luisita are renewing their rivalry at the 25^thedition of the Seniors Interclub.

Barons open up seven-point Senior lead over Luisita

2011-02-18T00:25:00.000-08:00

CAGAYAN de Oro – Burly Tony Olives finished birdie-birdie to salvage a level 72 worth 54 points on Thursday and complete a dominating opening round by Canlubang at the start of Senior Championship play in the 64th Philippine Airlines Interclub at wet Pueblo de Oro here.

The 60-year-old Olives made sure that the Sugar Barons would finish strong by draining a curling, downhill club-length putt on No. 9 and cap his team’s 159 for a seven-point lead over defending champion Luisita.

Dave Hernandez returned a 73 for 53 and Philip Brodett pooled 52 as Cangolf, even with the 49 of Mari Hechanova that did not count, won out in each of the four featured flights that had the Luisitans tallying just 152.

“It’s a good start for us, obviously,” Olives, a six-year Senior, said after gunning down four total birdies against the same number of bogeys.

Pepot Inigo and Carlo Gamban both submitted 51s and Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia’s 50 was the third score that counted for the Luisitans, who regained the championship in Negros last year after a great final round anchored on Francis Gaston.

“Well within budget,” Inigo, the individual champion in Davao two years ago, said when asked of the seven-point deficit as the Luisitans still have Gaston and former Asia-Pacific champion Iggy Clavecilla coming out in two of the last three rounds.

Alabang drew 52 points from veteran Caloy Coscolluela for 134 to be in third with Pueblo de Oro one-point back after getting 45s from Miguel Cheng and Apolonio Roa and 43 from Mike Celdran.

Alabang fielded just three players for the day, with the 45 of Louie Lim and the 37 of Pete Cervantes the other scores counting.

Lineups for the second round in Bukidnon for both squads have yet to be revealed, though Garcia and Hernandez, who were the first men out for their respective sides in round one, are sure to play Friday because of pressing matter in Manila in the weekend.

Orchard opened up a five-point lead over Manila Golf in the Founders Division after Louie Garcia matched par for 54 points and Japanese Kazuo Hiyashita fired a 73 for 53 to make up the bulk of the squad’s 151 also at Pueblo de Oro.

Ed Abesamis pooled 44 points and Orchard discarded the 35 of Oscar Patricio even as Earl McCarthy assembled 54 points, Egay San Luis 50 and Eduardo Cuunjieng 44 to banner Manila Golf’s 146.

Wack Wack was in third spot just three back of Manila Golf after getting 51 points from Azuhata, 47 from Jose Ma. Santos and 45 from Takonobo Taira. Pablo Soon’s 31 was disregarded.

Fil-Am SFO took a nine-point lead over Zamboanga in Sportswriters play after drawing 44 points each from Gil Delos Santos and Don Gomez for a 129 total over at Del Monte in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Lorenzo Rendom’s 41 was the third score that counted for SFO, which threw away the 40 points of Dante Foronda.

Zambo got 45 points from Bebot Wee and 42 from Akejo Marquez but was slowed down by the 33 of Reuben Chiong. Raul Roldan’s 23 did not count.

Travelers was in third spot with a 119 as the team rode Al Calalang’s brilliant 52. JHoe Rubim fired 36 and Romy Lindawan 39 for its 119. Doc Santiago failed to count with a 29.

Meanwhile, The Country Club will likely miss the centerpiece Men’s championship, leaving defending champion Canlubang and Del Monte as the only favorites to slug it out for the title starting Feb. 23.

In a letter sent to tournament officials last Feb. 11, The Country Club, which should have been the favorite in the event, said that it might not be able to field in a team “due to unforeseen circumstances.”

The squad has until the team captain’s meeting on Tuesday to change its mind and not face the mandatory one-year suspension next year. The Country Club would also need to reapply for the tournament after serving out that one-year ban.

Action shifts to Del Monte on Friday, the rolling, Celestino Tugot-designed layout viewed by the field as where the championship could be decided.

Also lending support are corporate sponsors Manila Bulletin and Bombo Radyo Philippines, while minor sponsors are Lufthansa TechnikPhilippines, MasterCard and Century Park Hotel. Prize donors include Panasonic Avionics and Tanduay.

2011-02-18T00:22:00.001-08:00

PAL Interclub

SURE PUTT. Luigi Yulo, team captain of Canlubang, has his eyes set on the ball as he concentrates on his putt at hole no. 12 of Del Monte during the second day of the PAL Seniors Interclub.

The Real Azkals

2011-02-09T20:13:00.000-08:00

MASTER BLASTER

Neil Bravo

The 2-goal scoreline may not reflect the gallant effort of the Philippines’ very own Azkals in their win Wednesday night over Mongolia. But a win is a win. And this is football.

The wild celebration and the shrieks that wrapped the entire Panaad Stadium in Mansilingan, Bacolod City was simply electric. Some elixir it might have been for a country wrought once more by controversy, a string of terror and criminalities and a mysterious death of a former military general.

Forget that President Aquino, despite the earlier press release of his attendance, did not make it as the country’s cheerleader in the likes of Indonesian President Susilo Bambamg Yodyohono. The important thing is the expression of unity and national pride among Filipinos whose passion is in mass-oriented sports and not flashy cars.

True enough, the Azkals are the next big thing after Manny Pacquiao. And they are truly, our homecourt heroes.

No offense for Manny’s contribution to our national pride, we have submitted to the reality that Manny will be fighting up to his last fight elsewhere. Like Alexander the Great, he is a world conqueror. The Azkals are far from that. But the way the Azkals have brought this kind of national celebration, they have pricked our hearts from the orphaned mongrels that they were to the cuddly canines they are now.

Emelio Asada Caligdong, a 5-foot-5 winger from Pototan, Iloilo, is perhaps just a native name before Wednesday’s big game. His name does not ring a bell that is why I understood it when he pointed to his jersey’s back to introduce himself to everyone after scoring the Azkals’ ice-breaker in the 42^nd minute.

That spectacular goal by the 28-year old Chieffy was a poetry in motion. He took a long cross from James Younghusband from the other corner, caught the ball with his chest just enough to drop it right in fromt of his left foot, flipped it back in a loop, then rammed the pigskin hard it bulleted past between the Mongolian keeper’s legs. In street sports lingo, you call it “between the eggs.”

The keeper’s wife better thank Chieffy’s marksmanship. The shot was like threading a needle. One inch higher would have been a disaster. I swear it was so strong it could blast a generation of Mongolians.

The morning after when Chieffy was interviewed, he talked about the goal and he said he had two options. One is to hit it high, and the other to hit it low. He took the second option so as not to get deflected.

That was not my worry, Chieffy. Imagine if Chieffy hit it high, it would have separated the keeper’s head from his wide body.

The Caligdong goal somehow loosened an otherwise tight Azkals crew. They were obviously tentative and tight in the early goings. Too cautious not to make mistakes before the homecrowd. As soon as they loosened up, they started to make the long attempts and got more aggressive. From that point, we have seen the new Azkals—more aggressive, attacking relentlessly and having fun in the field.

The final goal laid the trappings of a story cut out of the movies. With only the remaining garbage time left, Jason Sabio hesitated coming in then flicked a pass to Phil Younghusband on top of the penalty area. Phil, enjoying rock star attention since the Azkals’s march to glory last year, got deflected on his first blast, then caught the bunce with his left for a curling spinner to the right corner of the goal, just an inch swerving inside and puncturing through the keeper’s outstretched arms.

The goal was like a cut and paste template out of Phil’s goal against Singapore last November. Soon as the ball hit the back of the net, he cartwheeled before dashing to the corner of the field, sliding on his knees and stretching his arms like a lover pleading before a beloved damsel.

Yes, Phil. You have captured not just the hearts of all the single ladies in the crowd. You have also earned the respect of a nation.

And yes, you the rest of the Azkals and our new head coach Michael Weiss, you have once again made us proud even for a day.

Even on my couch, I watched with pride as the skies exploded with firecrackers in Bacolod City. Our nation’s flags were waved and proudly worn.

That reverberating win also pierced the hearts of the fighting Mongolians so hard that they will have to knock Genghis Khan, he the brave one who built the Mongol Empire, rising from his grave.

Elsewhere, not so much may be said of a dead general whose casket is wrapped with the country’s flag. His family is mourning, and some officials of the land viciously unrelenting. The tragic end of his life left an equally tragic endless clamor for questions yet unanswered.

Thank God for sports. They spend less around here. No millions to plunder. Chieffy Caligdong, for all his heroics, earns a measly monthly salary from his enlistment with the Philippine Air Force. Phil Younghusband may do well doing movies or modelling clothes.

Despite these heroics, there’s not even a few millions to spare for poor Philippine sports. In fact, it remains the one true Azkal in a park where some privileged bloated wolves feed in gluttony over slabs of pork.

Old pals

2011-02-09T01:52:00.000-08:00

MASTER BLASTER

Neil Bravo

It was way too early to leave the bed for one who had practically worked like a dog for a bustling sports event management business. But at 5 o’clock in the morning, Darren Evangelista was at the gate of my house honking his then brand new Kia Rio. For consecutive two days, Darren drove me to Apo and Palos Verdes for the Philippine Airlines Media golf tournament.

Today, Darren’s empire—the Evangelista conglomerate of companies--has grown and has tremendously diversed in the thriving sports industry. I bet my last sleeve of golf balls he would not wake up this early to drive me to the golf course. He is too occupied for that.

Darren was not playing golf then. He would not give the sport a second look. Today, six months after taking the sport, he has practically made the golf driving range his second home trying to perfect a nasty swing. Given a few more months, he is way on his way.

Darren is ready to the next step but that is not necessarily playing regular golf alone. There is a bigger project on the table which includes a Media Pro-Am Tournament dubbed as Commissioner’s Cup sometime next month. The bigger thing of course will be unwrapped soon but I am not sanctioned to divulge it this early.

It helped that Darren is now the Commissioner of the Professional Golf Association of the Philippines (PGAP). As Commissioner, Darren is now in the thick of things mapping the programs of the country’s professionals. That is why there is also a Commissioner’s Cup which Darren desires to be the coming out party of the new PGAP.

The 2009 PAL Media golf tournament was the last PAL-sponsored tournament I joined. At this time last year, I was grappling with the mock Bar exams.

The PAL tournament will be held at nearby Cagayan de Oro this year at the Pueblo and Del Monte courses. I got my invitation to play in the media golf again thru the efforts of my pareng Al Mendoza who reached PAL VP Doming Duerme. Mirror sports ed Leo Palo will be covering the regular men’s tournament of this year’s PAL Interclub.

If I get to play in the PAL tournament, I would be testing the new driver and 4-wood Darren lent me after I got to hit the Japanese brand clubs one night at the driving range.

Joining the PAL media golf tournament means reconnecting with the old pals covering the PAL Interclub which I have done in regular fashion a few years back. It is in the Interclub that I got to know of pareng Al who I idolized as a young sportswriter back in my high school days. Al is godfather to my daughter Jill who was born on my birthday—a feat equalled by pareng Nimrod Quinones of Freeman Cebu with his son Nico. Me and Al are godfathers to Nico while Nimrod and Al are the same to Jill.

I played with pareng Nimrod last November at the Alta Vista in Cebu and we both recalled our PAL golfing escapades.

For the record, no golfer from either Cebu or Davao has won the PAL media golf tournament. Last year, Roy Geonzon of Radyo Ukay was playing well going into the first 6 holes at Palos Verdes but he self-destruct after that.

Me? Oh, it’s beyond my wildest dreams winning the PAL media title. But one thing is enough for me. Playing with old pals is already a win in itself.

A good walk unspoiled.