We Still Believe

Just a tough week for Philippine Sports – we had Manny Pacquiao knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez, and now a heartbreaking loss by the Azkals on the second leg of that Semi-Final match/duel between the Philippines and the Singapore (Lion Xi).

I’ve recently posted an article about the Pacman defeat, and now it’s time for me to blog about my thoughts on our beloved Azkals.

Football is never an easy sport; I’m not saying that there is an easy sport. With football, stamina is tested, teamwork, decisions, proper executions above others. Azkals, a monicker for the Philippine Football Team, has been one of the most respected teams all-over southeast Asia. This, in fact, was not true many years ago. The team had been defeated convincingly by many other teams years ago. The Philippines was never a powerhouse on football back then. But recently, because of the hard work of the guys that stayed with the team, the football in the Philippines had gone mainstream and the rest is history.

Many issues covered the team – from the nationality to scandals. These things, left a bad mark for the football team. Some people are saying that, “Hey yah, it was named Azkals because of those dog-like behaviors of the players”, which probably, may be true. Why? Because dogs are lovers and loyal, and as a team, they’ve been playing their hearts out for the Philippine flag. So why hate?

So near yet so far. – Probably the theme for the Azkals on this AFF Suzuki Cup. Nothing to be ashamed of. The Azkals did great, tho they failed to finish the plays that matter the most. Well, that has been a problem for all of us – from personal experience.

Enough with the mourn and it’s now time to think positive. We still have the AFC Challenge Cup and I know the team would be better. If Shrocke and Etheridge would be available, then that would be fantastic; but, I’m not saying that Ed Sacapano is a bad goalkeeper. NO, he was solid out there protecting the goal – And I know, that he will continue to be.

GOOD THING: The team, as I’ve said, is improving – with promising players like Raichelt, we’re on the right track.

WHAT WE NEED TO WORK ON: The chemistry is still an issue. You can easily point that out on crosses and set plays. It’s just obvious that guys weren’t able to communicate on final/crucial passes. Other than that, we have all the talents that we need.

I know that there is more to come for the Azkals. For us fans, let’s just stay there. Let’s support the Azkals until the end.

P.S.

Tho it has been a sad week for Philippine Sports, we should still be proud of our athletes. Win or Lose, we’re behind them. Azkals, Pacquiao and other Boxers, Gilas, and to all our other athletes, we’re behind you for we still believe.

Manny Pacquiao: End of an Era?

I don’t know how to start this post. I’m so emotional right now. But no, I’m not crying – Jinkee is. And she has all the rights in the world to do so. Back off haters.

Manny Pacquiao, the future Hall of Famer, came into the ring wearing a smile in his face. You can see his confidence and eagerness to showcase his greatness against a long-time rival in Juan Manuel Marquez. The first round was alright – no highlights to be shown on tomorrow’s newspapers – but then the next rounds came and Pacquiao, unfortunately, received a powerful punch in the face from Marquez that made him sit on the floor for 5 secs. That alone, made me feel very anxious. I’m like, what Pacquiao? Come on!

So I was right, Pacquiao would revenge and would be more eager than ever – for he punched from left to right until JuanMa was cornered and eventually was down for the count for some time. That made everything even. I was sitting, watching, observing, and saying that the fight would be a great show – with both fighters willing to give it all to prove all them haters wrong; and to show who’s really the stronger boxer between them.

And so the 6th Round came, with all these nerves inside me I was very confident that Manny would survive this until the last second. The bell was about to ring when Manny received that amazing blow to the chin from Juan Manuel Marquez. No counts needed. No confirmation was required. Pacquiao was down – down and looking bad. He fell like he was shot by a gun from the back. I was shocked, stunned and crying inside at the same time. What happened? He was saved by the bell, right? Unfortunately no, he can’t get up. His eyes were closed. I can see Jinkee from the stands trying to reach his husband – that alone, is a heartbreaker.

Pacquiao, the man that we nicknamed “PacMan”, has shown enough and has proven many things already. He brought glory to the Philippines for so many years now. All those championships that he offered to the Filipinos – all of them are treasures. It’s not a shame to see Pacquiao out there in Las Vegas, Nevada down and almost dying. IT’S NOT. Maybe, I thought, it’s just a message that Manny should think twice now. Is he still that strong to compete against the others? Probably not today, for Marquez was the stronger man.

I think Pacquiao – Marquez V would not be necessary. They’ve shown enough and I know boxing fans would like to move on from the rivalry – which is probably one of the greatest rivalries of all time.

Now is Pacquiao’s time to fall, to fail and to be defeated. He’s been up there for so long now. He’s just human – he’s not a boxing God or whatever. Overconfidence may have eaten him or whatever. It’s just that, maybe his era has ended – and another would start for our Filipino boxers in the name of Nonito Donaire or the others. Just maybe.

No matter what, I’m still proud of what Manny Pacquiao has achieved. From rugs to riches – from a nobody to somebody. He’s such an inspiration.

I support Filipino athletes. I support Philippine sports. Win or Lose, I’m still a Filipino – I’m still a supporter.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Manny Pacquiao, one of the greatest boxers of all time – a true Filipino warrior.

Azkals, Back to the Semis

“Oh, wait, wait, what a beautiful run. GOAL!”

That was just one of the lines that I’ve been shouting since the start of the match. So, yes, I’m not a fan of… those who are not fans of Philippine football. Come on people, believe!

The start for the Azkals on this AFF Suzuki Cup was not that great. Let’s take a time travel. Back on that Thailand – Philippines match, Day One of the cup, the Azkals played with connection for the first 20 minutes. But, unfortunately, unmarked guys made their goals. That’s drastic, considering how the Philippine Azkals have been playing since the Friendly matches. We ended Day one by losing to the physical plays of the Thais, 2 – 1. That one goal by the way, was from a ground cross/pass to Mulders. That goal was made on the second half. At least, after that goal, we knew that we had something within the team. And so, we looked forward to the second game.

Second game, Day Two, against the scary team of Vietnam. I was so happy back then on how we passed the ball / how the midfielders controlled the ball that created that much chances, unfortunately, the finishing was not there for us during the first half. So the subs came in, Guirado, Caligdong and Angeles. Fresh legs ran the floor and made Weiss smile from the stands. Weiss, if you guys can still remember, was ejected because of that act – which was not that proper at all. Forget that, Guirado was so active during that match. One, two dribbles and a wonderful pass to the running Chieffy Caligdong. The Captain with the first touch and a dribble and boom, a fantastic goal! Oh how picture perfect that goal is! So we won that game, 1 – 0. Thanks to that save by THE ED SAcapano (and his friend, crossbar)!

That was the motivation that the Azkals needed. Now all that we need is a win on Day Three – the final day of the group stages.

Against Myanmar, we noticed the fast-paced match that the Burmese wanted. The first half was entertaining but not that exciting. No goals to tell. No goals to seal the deal for the Filipinos. Second Half, the Azkals made runs and crosses. Before even the match started, I predicted a goal from Phil Younghusband. Phil is too good of a striker to have no goals at all. Come on, once and for all, he’s Phil! So his shots during the First half were on target. Wow, powerful and accurate shots! From there, I was so sure that Phil would make a goal or two – and so he did. A first touch from the right side and a kick right through the left corner of the goal – a perfect goal that two goalkeepers won’t even save! That removed the pressure out of my mind, honestly. Thanks to the active plays of Guirado, De Jong, De Murga and others. Guirado, he’d been playing fantastic football since Day Two – the same physical and speedy player. Then the officials announced the 5 minute injury time – sorry Myanmar, Guirado just made that look easy. One on one with the Goalkeeper, an accurate kick was all that needed. There you go! A shout from me and a call for full time. Great job!

With these wins, we’re now going to the Semi-Finals. Welcome, Philippine Azkals! Welcome to Manila, AFF Suzuki Cup! Let’s get the trophy once and for all. BELIEVE!

2012 NBA PLAYOFFS (1st Round Prediction)

If the NBA Playoffs would start today, these teams would likely to match-up with each other. I’ve weighed the stats and the momentum that each team has to come up with this overall prediction on which teams would go on to fight for the 2nd Round of the NBA Playoffs. Here it is, the table with the predicted results:

EASTERN CONFERENCE	WESTERN CONFERENCE
vs.  (1) CHICAGO vs. (8) Philadelphia (Chicago would win this series 4 – 2)  vs.  (2) MIAMI vs. (7) New York (Miami would win this series 4 – 2)  vs.  (3) INDIANA vs. (6) Orlando (Orlando would win this series 4 – 3)  vs.  (4) BOSTON (1A) vs. (5) Atlanta (Boston would win this series 4 – 3)	vs.  (1) SAN ANTONIO (1A) vs. (8) Phoenix (San Antonio would win this series 4 – 1)  vs.  (2) OKLAHOMA CITY vs. (7) Dallas (Oklahoma City would win this series 4 – 2)  vs.  (3) LOS ANGELES vs. (6) Denver (Los Angeles would win this series 4 – 0)  vs.  (4) LOS ANGELES vs. (5) Memphis (Los Angeles would win this series 4 – 3)

Let’s discuss the Eastern Conference first: The Bulls would surely win this one but they would have a hard time. Why? Because I think, D. Rose would still be in that process of adjusting to a team that have been a winner even if he had to sit down for a while because of his injuries. But still, the Bulls would not win this series if not for the leadership of the last season’s MVP. Then we go to the team of three superstars, the Miami Heat. The Heat would go up against the tough team of New York Knicks. I heard that Jeremy Lin would be back for the Playoffs and I’m not sure about Amare. If both players would come back, they would surely be a dangerous team to beat because Carmelo Anthony, as of the moment, is on fire and is surely in shape for the Playoffs. I would like this series to go down to a do-or-die game 7 but I’m sure the Miami Heat would not let it happen this time. Pacers against the Magic is not that thrilling for me, but I’m sure it would be a fine series. Orlando would win this one in 7 with the use of their Magic. On the next series, I’m thinking of a war. Either team can win this series but I would like to give the upper hand to the “experienced” players of the Boston Celtics. I know that Josh Smith and the whole Atlanta Hawks is on fire, but this team Celts would arguably stop the Hawks again.

Now it’s time for the Western Conference match-ups: Coach Pop, Timmy, Tony, and Manu would lead the Spurs to another run in the Playoffs once again. They would man-handle the Phoenix Suns with their experience and excellence. Tim Duncan would play like he’s on his 20′s again, and so with the Argentinian, Manu Ginobili. I just hope that they would stay healthy throughout the run. Dallas is not playing like they’re the defending champs, and it’s because they’re a different team now. So I have to give this series to the young guns of Oklahoma City Thunders; to add, they have Durant and Westbrook playing at a high-level, let’s see. The Black Mamba would be back and together with the whole Laker team, they would sweep the series and put away the Nuggets. No doubt, Pau is playing superb basketball and all that the Lakers would have to do, is make sure that Bynum would play mature basketball consistently. The next series, Los Angeles Clippers versus Memphis Grizzlies would be a blockbuster series for their fans. They would go head-to-head with no mercy at all, especially Blake Griffin. Expect high-flying games for the Clippers and post moves from the Grizzlies. Gay and Randolph would be big in this series but Paul and Griffin would be bigger.

These are just my predictions and possibilities could still happen. For example, other teams are still trying their best to get to the Playoffs. The Conference Standings is still not fixed; so let’s see. I’m sure the 1st round would be a treat to the NBA fans.

What do you think guys? Any comments? Reactions? Feel free to express yourselves!

Wrath of the PBA Referees

First of all, I want to congratulate the B-MEG “PLANET” for winning this one! Oh my, you surely deserve this one! And the journey was not that easy right? Oh c’mon, especially if the referees are there acting as your teammates. Ginebra and their fans’ power were not enough to hold down the B-MEG players and the referees. Because if they do, the referees would surely blow their horns and call for a foul. Every drive from the B-MEG players were all “fouled” according to these grade school referees. Foul there and foul everywhere. Go kick Dylan and Vroman right? Well, mission accomplished to these referees.

I would not post this one if not for the carelessness of these officials. They were consistently inconsistent on bringing up their calls. It’s obvious, no one can deny, it was a one-sided game, if not series.

Well, I would not like to forget the calls that you refs also made on Game 4 of the TNT and Barako Bull series where you guys did not gave those two “obvious” Flagrant foul calls that would have changed the complexion of the game for the Bulls.

Dear PBA, please bring back your referees to school and maybe learn BASKETBALL101 again. If not, you’d surely experience the meltdown that you don’t want to see.

Again, congratulations to B-MEG! To coach Tim Cone, to Bowles and to the rest of the players and the planet.

Go PBA REFEREES! Lead B-MEG/TNT to a championship!

Real Madrid FC 1 – 3 FC Barcelona (Real x Barca)

Expect a biased blog post my dear readers. I’m just so happy that Barca won.

I expected a great much and el clasico gave me what I was looking for. I woke up early in the morning just to see the red and blue conquer the men in white, and maybe, see my icon Lionel Messi finish a goal once again.

Perhaps the only positive minute for Real was the first minute. They started the match with a goal, well, it was because of the carelessness of the goalie anyway. Still, a good thing that Real capitalized on it. I became shocked because an early goal was given right away. That time I was thinking if Barca had anything to get the goal back as soon as possible.

So the match went on and the possession by possession game of Barca prevail. Real had some lapses that lead to some goal. Ronaldo just can’t connect, he had I think 3 or 4 shots on goal.

Possession and chances just made Barca won. No doubt that patience prevail during the match. Though Messi didn’t score, he was still terrific from the get go. He passed the ball and created some plays. The accuracy of the passes by Barca was just amazing. My favorite goal was the one made by Cesc, a goal that explains the team play of Barca. Iniesta -> Messi -> Alves -> Cesc. That’s how we do it folks.

I still feel that Barca just controlled the match. And Real just had nothing going on for them. Now I believe that they’re all tied up in the standing which is a good thing for me. I’m a proud Barca fan and I’ll support them all the way. Just please bring them here in the Philippines. If it is just possible.

What a great start for my day. God Bless and keep in touch.

To conclude: FC BARCELONA is STILL the BEST team in the world. ¡Visca elBarça!

All photo credits go to their respectful owner/s.

Azkals VS LA Galaxy

The Azkals and LA Galaxy game is such a nice ending for what a great year for the Philippine football. I can see our future in 5 years. Oooh, I’m ready.

Philippine Azkals (left) VS LA Galaxy (right)

The first half of the game was closed, I thought the team did a great job. James Younghusband was so active; he’s all around the area actually. But of course, Phil standout because of that fantastic one-on-one goal during the 40th minute of the game. I became so ecstatic. Yes I did. I waited for this game for such a long time. All the players did well, though there were some miscues and incomplete passes. But that’s alright because Pacquiao arrived at the last minutes of the first half. I’m sure he’s not expecting that something good will happen to him at the end of the game.

Along with all the efforts of the Azkals during the first half is the fact that LA Galaxy made the match more exciting. The accuracy of the passes, the spacing and the show of David Beckham. Yes, he was fantastic tonight. The first half ended and I thought Azkals had a big shot on this one.

The second half arrived, and Azkals just got destroyed by the LA Galaxy. Different players scoring here and there, making it a night to remember for all the Azkals players. It was just lopsided. I thought Azkals played out of sync but I would also like to give all the credits to the defense of the LA Galaxy. They made Chieffy Caligdong turn into silent mode.

The game ended with the score of 6 – 1 in favor of the visiting team. Nonetheless, Azkals has nothing to be ashamed of. They showed a great character and to add, fighting a champion club ain’t easy. It’s like that they’ve been together for years. So major props to all the Azkals players!

So here is why PacMan got lucky. He became the recipient of Beckham’s jersey. Of course boys and girls would be jealous of that. You would like to wear his shirt while playing football!

So, thank you LA Galaxy for bringing some excitement here in our country. Hope you’ll come back and we’ll surely make you pay. Ooops, I’m just kidding anyway. Just be back and play some more games.

Actually I’ve thought of something great. How about putting Rooney, Villa, Casillas, Ronaldo, and Messi in one team? Then fight Azkals! That would be epic. That’s just a dream anyway. Or if that’s impossible, just bring ManU or FCB and let them fight the Azkals. That’ll be more exciting!

All photo credits go to their respectful owner/s.

Pacquiao-Marquez III: A Controversial End

You can put this one to the list of “The Most Controversial Boxing Fights” ever. They both deserved to win actually.

I’ve been waiting for this fight for like 20 days before Nov. 13; I actually bought a ticket to watch PacMan live but unfortunately, my commitments wasted it. Going back to the fight, I thought Marquez controlled the first half of the fight. He was dominant since the first round and did everything right. My tweeps were tweeting things like “what happened to Pacquiao” and things like that. I was also wondering why Pacquiao is not showing up. I mean, I’m not used on seeing Pacquiao receiving punches from his opponent. 

The Last half of the fight will go to Pacman, but I didn’t say that Marquez got tired as of this moment. Marquez continued to fight and that made me decide that Pacquiao has a slim chance of winning this game.

I was holding on to that slim hope; I’m still hoping that Pacquiao will still win the fight. I was so nervous; the fight was so intense.

As the Round 12 ended, I was so shocked. I thought Marquez will win the fight BUT I still got the feeling that Pacman would not allow this huge upset. I waited for the decision.. I waited.. I ate my lunch (Ooops, that’s unnecessary I think).. The judges made their decisions.. It ended up like this: Pacquiao with a Majority Decision win. I was like, OH GREAT! YEAH YEAH YEAH!! But I’m not that convinced that Manny won the fight. I’m not saying that Manny is not deserving but I think he’s not himself during that fight. But again, I’m still proud that Manny won the fight.

To end this one, I would like to congratulate Marquez. Major props to him. He was great; he did everything very well but maybe, it’s just not your time to defeat PacMan.

Now who’s up for a PACQUIAO-MARQUEZ 4? Or do you prefer to watch PACQUIAO-MAYWEATHER 1? (Why did I included “1” there? Oh never mind.)

All photo credits go to their respectful owner/s.

**This post was first posted on 11/13/11 on my Tumblr Blog**