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!

Hole in One

I can still remember that Friday night when we celebrated New Year’s Eve. We’re altogether eating foods and lighting up the skies. It was fun and I thought to myself that next year would be a good one for me. So last year, I had high hopes for 2011. And indeed I was not disappointed.

Many would think that I’m looking for luck, but no; I’m looking for moments that would likely to challenge me and develop me more as a person. Besides 2011 was when I graduated from High School and started College. Though the transition was fast, I still think I did well and coped up with everything.

The year 2011 is ups and downs for me; I’m not the only one, I know. But I didn’t imagine things like these to ever come to me, I was surprised and it showed how immature I was during those times. I was not bold enough to face every situations whole heartedly. I was so cocky and very confident on things that I do. Eventually, I had some humbling moments that reminded me to put my feet on the grounds. I woke up and came up with ideas on how I would improve myself. Everything’s not easy and I can’t even imagine that I can do those things alone. I was hurt and challenged all these times.

There’s so many first times for me this year; I’m not gonna mention them all because it’ll take some time and ink, no, not ink,oh never mind. So I decided on some things and discovered many lessons. Sometimes you must do it alone and prove that you’ve grown-up, that’s one of them. But always remember that things won’t come easy and later on, you’ll need some company to help you through these rough times. Remember that.

It’s hard to adjust, it’s hard to learn, it’s hard to blend in to some things you’re not used to have. But that’s life, you must find happiness with all that you have.

Now I’m here trying to summarize all things that I’ve been through this 2011, but it’s hard. So I put it into some words and made it easy for everyone. The little boy turned to be someone who knows how to face things with confidence. And I’m proud, though I know I still have so many things to face. I have my family and friends so I’m ready, well, especially I have myself and God.

Maybe one of the greatest things that I’ve done this 2011 was to write songs and blog. I’ve learned to expressed myself more freely and release my feelings via pen and paper (computer or some gadgets).

I’m still growing up and developing. Right now, I’m just praying and hoping that next year would be nice for all of us. May we have the strength to overcome trials and face challenges.

I’m ready for next year and I’m thankful for 2011. Everything that was needed to make me grow just happened to me. Hole in one indeed.

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Happy New Year everyone! May all of us be Blessed with good health.

All photo credits go to their respectful owner/s.