MANILA, Philippines－ The 2017 SEABA Championships has officially kicked off.
Hosted by Manila this year, the regional meet witnessed Indonesia, Thailand, and Gilas Pilipinas entering the win column on the opening held on Friday, May 12 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Philippine team catapulted to a 100-point lead late in 4th quarter, and capped off Day 1 with a 147-40 victory against neighbors Myanmar.
Check out the photos below for a look at Gilas' opening game win!
– Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – There were no expectations of an upset when Myanmar faced the Philippines on Friday, May 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. But a 107-point beating made it more clear that the country’s path to being competitive in basketball remains lengthy and bumpy at best.
“Philippines.. everybody.. they are two levels above us,” said coach Ten Kok Heng after his young Myanmar squad bowed down, 147-40, in the 2017 SEABA Championships opener.
The Burmese squad, assembled only a month before the tournament, is comprised of very young and inexperienced players with the oldest only at age 23, and the youngest at 18.
The team was so battered and the outcome inevitable since the first quarter that the Filipino home crowd found themselves cheering for every Myanmar basket – particularly their 5 3-pointers.
Asked about the basketball landscape of Myanmar, Ten Kok Heng admitted they had a “long way to go” before truly becoming winners. The country is still in transition to a democracy after decades of military rule.
Despite the demolition job they had to endure, the coach expressed pride over the fight his players showed.
“I’m proud of my boys because they never give up,” he said before conceding. “In terms of size, physicality, we totally lost to them. I have nothing to say. It was just sure that we’re going to lose these games.”
Though still a new team, it would seem the players are in good hands under the tutelage of Ten Kok Heng, a coach who knows what it takes to top the region in basketball.
Ten Kok Heng, a Malaysian, was part of the 1989 Malaysian squad that shockingly took down the Philippines in the gold medal match during the Southeast Asian Games.
“With proper playing and training, maybe 5 or 6 years you can see (they can be better),” he said. “Imagine they have a big population.”
Seeing as the team was assembled only last-minute, Ten Kok Heng is optimistic about their chances come the SEA Games in Malaysia this August.
“I’m very sure that when the SEA Games come, we will play better as a team.”
Myanmar next plays Vietnam on Sunday, May 14 at 5 pm. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – There was silence for the most part inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday night, May 12. Silence during the Philippine national men's basketball team's first game to open the 2017 SEABA Championships.
But it was not the kind of hushed, apprehensive quiet born from the doom of yet another impending defeat, as the hope of an upset was slowly extinguished with each second ticking away. It was not the silence that followed after a once boisterous, hopeful crowd began to absorb the reality that its most cherished team will be beaten down again by someone bigger than them.
This one was more of a satisfied, blissful silence. The home fans were enjoying themselves all throughout a game for a change, marveling at the suddenly almighty Gilas Pilipinas.
For once, Filipinos came into a game confident of the results, and so they could sit back and calmly watch, cheering only for the highlight-reel plays and the opponent's few baskets made.
"I told the players that a lot of times in international competition tayo ang dehado (we're the underdogs)," coach Chot Reyes pointed out the character shift for this SEABA plot to his players.
"It's very rare that we come into a game na tayo ang lyamado (that we have the upperhand)."
(IN PHOTOS: Gilas clobbers overmatched Myanmar to open SEABA)
It's not unfamiliar (as this occurs every other year) but it's also not the traditional Gilas Pilipinas narrative that's captured the curiosity of western basketball nations.
The national team's last venture in international hoops was the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July 2016, where their Rio Olympic dreams went to die against the likes of Tony Parker's France and the very disciplined New Zealand.
Before that, Gilas weathered the FIBA Asia Championship but once again sat in second place after getting overwhelmed by the taller, longer Chinese in the final.
Then there was the 2014 FIBA World Cup, where players recalled looks of shock as other teams watched the diminutive Filipinos disembark from the bus in Spain, as if they were wondering what business those little guys had in a world basketball tournament.
The Filipinos had been treated as the underdogs. When those teams underestimated them, Gilas gave teams like Argentina a scare. In the end the Philippines finally made Senegal pay for that miscalculation in a lone win that was meaningless in the tournament, but meant everything to the country.
The biggest advantage of playing at home for Gilas is the inevitable crowd support. But on Friday night the team seemingly did not need it. Gilas was just fine on its own as it tore apart an overmatched Myanmar side comprised of woefully inexperienced 18- to 23-year-olds.
(READ: Myanmar has ‘long way to go’, says coach who beat PH in 1989)
Acutely aware of the position Myanmar was in, Gilas had no intentions of letting up, even if they may have looked like bullies to some.
"It's a very fine line. Kung magbaboy naman kami (If we fool around), if we don't defend them, let them lay-up, and if we don't take shots or take haphazard shots and make haphazard plays, then that's a bigger sign of disrespect, not only for the opponent, but for the game," Reyes explained.
"We talk a lot about winning the right way, playing the game the right way, and you know I'm sure even for Myanmar, they wouldn't want it any other way."
There were obvious concerns over Gilas slacking off against a weaker opponent, which is why the coaching staff emphasized the only numbers that would matter to them for the night would be hustle stats.
And while the Philippines had its sloppy moments, they still thrashed Myanmar by 107 points, 147-40, breaching the 100-point lead with under two minutes to go.
"We've been on the opposite end, when we traveled in 2013 and 2014. In all our travels, we've been on opposite ends of these scores as well. When we played Australia in France, when they beat up on us," Reyes recalled.
"When we played the other World Cup teams, we've been on the other end of the stick, so we know how it feels. And even when we were a lot smaller and a lot less talented than the other teams, we never expected them to take it easy on us, because it's basketball."
In these parts, however, it's a different story.
The Filipinos have been such a dominant force in the Southeast Asian region that it was normal to send collegiate stars to compete in regional tilts, rather than the professional players. So with naturalized center and former NBA player Andray Blatche flanking this Gilas 12 of mostly PBA veterans sprinkled with cadets, there was talk about the lineup being "overkill."
"Dito sinasabi nila na overkill pero actually hindi naman eh. Nilalabas lang namin 'yung laro namin na nandito tayo sa lugar natin (Here they say it's overkill but actually it isn't. We're just playing our game here at home)," said forward Calvin Abueva, who led Friday's scoring with 22 points.
"Siyempre, nandito tayo sa magaan muna 'yung kalaban pero don't underestimate that kasi lahat ng teams talagang naghahanda (Of course, we're playing weaker teams first but don't underestimate that because all teams will be prepared)."
Abueva is right. Teams in Southeast Asia are always raring for the honor of taking down the Philippines. Indonesia, for one, is the only other squad this SEABA that brought an import with them (although his clearance is yet to be resolved). An upset could be just around the corner if Gilas isn't careful.
"Kailangan mo i-treat as a regular game para 'di kayo magkaroon ng bad habits in the future na mga games na mas mahirap (We need to treat it as a regular game so we don't develop bad habits in the future when games become more difficult)," explained newcomer Allein Maliksi.
"Ang mindset is, when you smell blood you go for the kill, mahina na nga eh tapos lalaruin mo pa. 'Di naman sa inu-underestimate natin kasi siyempre alam natin na kayang kaya, bakit mo pagbibigyan 'yung kalaban?"
(The mindset is, when you smell blood you go for the kill, it's a weaker team already so why would you toy with them. We're not underestimating anybody because we know they can play but why would we take it easy on them?)
The Philippines is the top squad in the region and is ranked 27th in the world, climbing a few spots over recent years. This was why it served as placeholder for the Asian Qualifiers draw– although the overwhelming expectation is that's already a done deal, barring a massive upset in this tournament.
Come August, should the Philippines win here and qualify, Gilas will revert back to its original role as perpetual underdog.
When they move on to the Asian Qualifiers – where they'll battle another world powerhouse in Australia – and make the slow, difficult march toward potential 2019 World Cup and Tokyo Olympics slots, it'll be back to familiar storylines.
For now, this is a welcome plot twist, a respite from the old wearying story arc. A reminder that the Philippines has some dominating basketball powers to speak of.
It shouldn't be the norm, naturally. Gilas should press on with its aspirations of being competitive on the world stage. But it must feel good to be on top again – at least for this week. – Rappler.com
WEST BROMWICH, England - Substitute Michy Batshuayi's dramatic 82nd-minute winner gave Chelsea the Premier League title following a hard-earned 1-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Friday, May 12.
The Belgian striker's late goal at The Hawthorns took Antonio Conte's side 10 points clear of second-place Tottenham Hotspur, who have only 9 points left to play for.
It is Chelsea's second title win in 3 seasons, their sixth in total, and comes at the end of former Juventus and Italy coach Conte's first season as manager.
"This is a great achievement for the players," Conte told Sky Sports in a pitch-side interview after breaking away from his players' jubilant celebrations.
"I thank them for their commitment and work-rate. They showed me a great attitude to try to do something great this season. After this win we must be happy, we must be pleased.
"It wasn't easy for me to arrive in England and try different habits, a different language and inherit players after a bad season."
A video posted on Chelsea's official Twitter account showed reserve goalkeeper Asmir Begovic tipping an ice bucket over Conte as he entered the changing room while Diego Costa sprayed him with champagne.
Batshuayi, the understudy to Costa, had only been on the pitch for seven minutes when he scored the winning goal - his first in the league since August.
"It's good. It's the best day for Chelsea today," said Batshuayi, who arrived from Marseille last year in a £33.2 million ($42.8 million, 39.1 million euros) transfer.
"Everybody is happy. It's great to take the trophy."
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas said: "I thought it was going to be one of those days. We had so many chances in the first half and then we got a bit nervous.
"The beauty of football: a player who didn't play a lot scores the winning goal for the championship."
Conte, who claimed three Serie A titles as Juventus coach, has restored Chelsea to the winners' circle by rebuilding from the chaotic end of Jose Mourinho's second reign.
Two years after Mourinho led Chelsea to the title, Conte has stitched the London club back together after dressing-room unity unravelled under Mourinho during a horrendous title defense last season.
The Italian's side finally broke through West Brom's stubborn resistance with eight minutes remaining and will now chase the double when they face Arsenal in the FA Cup final on May 27.
Conte celebration
Chelsea were almost stunned inside 30 seconds as West Brom created the game's first chance.
Darren Fletcher's lofted pass found Salomon Rondon and his flicked header drew a smart save from Thibaut Courtois.
Chelsea quickly began applying pressure, but West Brom had a huge chance on the counter-attack when James McClean seized on a loose pass and raced 50 yards into Chelsea territory.
But his attempted pass to Rondon was poor and the Venezuelan was crowded out by Chelsea defenders.
Chelsea were becoming frustrated in their efforts to breach the Baggies' defense, but Fabregas nearly broke through with a snap-shot that flashed half a yard wide of the far post.
Chelsea might have broken the deadlock just two minutes into the second half when a powerful cross-shot from Victor Moses was turned around the post superbly by West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Yet there was almost a shock for Chelsea when Rondon escaped a challenge from David Luiz and raced clear, only for Cesar Azpilicueta to make a vital, saving challenge.
Rondon then teed up substitute Nacer Chadli, who fired a shot narrowly wide.
But with eight minutes remaining, Chelsea finally struck as Azpilicueta broke into the West Brom box and crossed from the right for Batshuayi to force home from close range.
Conte charged onto the field in celebration, while West Brom stewards were forced to eject three pitch invaders before the game could be completed and Chelsea could celebrate the title.
"We didn't need Chelsea to get a bit of luck," said West Brom manager Tony Pulis.
"We needed to have the breaks go for us. We contained them well. No-one can say they had an easy game."
Long-standing captain John Terry will lift the Premier League trophy after Chelsea's final game of the season at home to Sunderland on May 21, which will be his last match for the club.
"These boys have been on the field doing it week in, week out," Terry said.
"It's been a delight to sit and watch, a different perspective. The togetherness was shown from day one."– Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines - Exactly a week has passed since the De La Salle University Lady Spikers swept the Ateneo Lady Eagles to retain the Women’s Volleyball title in Season 79.
It has also been a week since the league’s two star setters, Kim Fajardo and Jia Morado, whispered their final farewell to the UAAP stage in two completely different manners.
While Fajardo rightfully and joyously celebrated the Lady Spikers’ two-peat, Morado opted for a tranquil, graceful exit from the collegiate ranks.
A legacy in La Salle
Saturday, May 6 was an eventful day for Fajardo, to say the least. Right before Game 2 of the Finals series against Ateneo, the 5th year playmaker received two plums as the regular season’s Best Setter and Best Server.
On the way to the Big Dome, head coach Ramil de Jesus cautioned the Lady Spikers to remain focused on the task at hand even after the individual recognition rites. With Fajardo leading the way, the Taft-based squad managed to pull through and stopped the Lady Eagles from forcing a championship rubber match.
“Sabi ko sa kanila, atin ‘to. Walang bibitaw,” said the DLSU team captain. “Sobrang sarap, hindi ko alam kung paano ie-express. Sobrang saya ko talaga.”
(I told them to hold on, that this is ours. It’s a really pleasant feeling, I don’t know how else to express it. I’m just really happy.)
The Batangas native added that while she felt happy upon hearing that the team wanted to dedicate this title for her, she also wanted the sweet victory to inspire the younger Lady Spikers for the years to come.
“Gusto ko sila maglaro para sa kanila, gusto ko sila magkaroon din ng name for them,” shared Fajardo. “[Pero] sabi ko,kung makakalaro sila nang maayos, at dine-dedicate nila sa kin ‘yun, why not?”
(I wanted the team to play for themselves, to have their own names established. [But then] I told myself, if they play well and they wanted to dedicate the win for me, why not?) (READ: Welcome to Kim Fajardo’s last dance)
Fairytale ending
After snatching the volleyball crown back in Season 78, the skipper was all but decided on whether she’ll utilize her final playing year for La Salle.
Now that everything is said and done, Fajardo, who tallied 6 markers along with 43 excellent sets in her last dance, couldn’t help but look back at the memories - both good and bad - she has made with her teammates and coaching staff during her time in Taft.
“Pinapagalitan niya [Coach Ramil] ako parati eh,” Fajardo shared with a laugh. “Mamimiss ko sila talaga. Hindi nakikita sa TV kung papaano sila sa labas ng court. Mamimiss ko talaga ‘yun.”
([Coach Ramil] always scolds me. I will really miss them. People don’t see on TV how we are as a team outside the court. I will really miss them.)
Like a perfectly sculpted storybook ending, Fajardo steps away from the collegiate stage with no regrets and some of the best decisions of her life and career.
“Siyempre naman po, worth it lahat ng nangyari sa akin, (everything was all worth it).”
Ace in Katipunan
The narrative wasn’t woven the same way, however, for Ateneo’s captain and ace setter Morado. The 22-year old kept mum back in the locker room, but shocked everyone when she divulged the decision to forego her final eligibility year during her community speech in the Church of the Gesu at Ateneo.
Before her, the Blue Eagle crowd remained consistent with “One More Year” chants, hoping that their star playmaker, like Fajardo, would decide to suit up for a 5th straight year.
Little did they know that what would come after would break the hearts not only of the Lady Eagles, but also of numerous volleyball fans around the country.
But just like in other aspects of life, one has to eventually move on.
“It was an honor to play for the Blue and White,” a tearful Morado declared during her speech.
“As much as it hurts to say, I’d like to move on, and I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my life. I know it won’t be easy to understand why.”
Her quiet yet riveting departure and refusal to steal the limelight during the championship game say a lot about the former Best Setter’s character. But Morado, in her own simple way, has definitely stamped a personal mark in both Ateneo and Philippine volleyball.
The setters’ exit
Longtime La Salle mentor De Jesus meanwhile believes that no matter how hard they try, the Lady Spikers won’t be able to find nor replace a legend that is Kim Fajardo.
“Paano papalitan ‘yung Kim Fajardo? Mahirap ‘yun, iisa lang ‘yun eh. Nag-iisa lang ang Kim Fajardo.”
(How do you replace Kim Fajardo? You can’t, because there’s only one Kim Fajardo.)
The league won’t likely find another Kim Fajardo or Jia Morado soon. The two may have already put an end to their respective UAAP chapters, but this surely isn’t the last we’ll see of them. －Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Time for Day 2.
Gilas Pilipinas moves on to facing Singapore in the second day of the 2017 SEABA Men's Championship on Saturday, May 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tip off is at 7 pm.
The Philippines is off to a great start with a 107-point beating of lowly Myanmar Friday night, flexing its muscles with a lineup that includes naturalized center Andray Blatche.
Also on the day's schedule are games between Vietnam and Thailand at 3 pm, followed by Indonesia locking horns with Malaysia at 5 pm.
Bookmark this page for Rappler's live updates of Day 2 of competition.
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– Rappler.com
CEBU CITY, Philippines - Through the years, Cebuano football players have made their impact outside Cebu in collegiate leagues like the UAAP. Their presence has become more evident in recent football competitions.
In the just concluded UAAP men’s football competition which the Ateneo Blue Eagles won via a 1-0 edging of the FEU Tamaraws in last weekend’s championship game, there were 12 players from Cebu playing for different university teams.
There’s Lawrence Colina, Eddie Alivio and Hayeson Pepito of the NU Bulldogs; Kintaro Miyagi of the UP Fighting Maroons; Mark Arranguez and Dominique Canonigo of the FEU Tamaraws; Enzo Ceniza, Jimmy Haosen and Marc Nacional of the Ateneo Blue Eagles; and Nico Villacin, Raphael de Guzman and Jeremiah Bernaldez of the DLSU Green Archers.
These players also play big roles in their respective teams. In fact, Ceniza, a rookie in this year’s 79th season, was named into the Mythical 11 alongside Jordan Jarvis, whose mother traces her roots to Cebu. Jarvis, who also plays for Ateneo, was also named Rookie of the Year, this season.
Before Ceniza and Jarvis, there were Canonigo, who was named MVP when FEU won their fifth straight juniors title in Season 77 and was twice the Best Midfielder, and Arranguez who was named Best Striker as well in Season 77.
Colina was also named into the Mythical 11 last season and was even in the running for this season’s Golden Boot award when he brought his score count to 6 goals alongside eventual Golden Boot awardee Javier Gayoso when he scored a hattrick in NU’s 3-0 blanking of DLSU. Colina, however, was sidelined by a knee injury and was ruled out of the season during the second round of the competition.
Colina and Canonigo said that when they first started playing for their respective teams in Manila, it took them awhile to adjust.
“At first oo, kay di bya mi pareho ug culture or environment nga ge gikanan but as time passes by naka adjust raman pud nuon,” Colina said.
(At first yes because we did not come from the same culture or environment but as time passes by, I was able to adjust.)
As for Canonigo, his problem was getting homesick. “Una ga lisod dre kay ma homesick pero mga after 2 weeks kay medyo nawala na.” (At first I had a hard time here because I got homesick but after two weeks, it eased a bit.)
Both boys said they never experienced being discriminated on the pitch despite being from the province.
“Nice kaayo. Respeto kaayo sila sa mga bag'o ila pud mi gi tudluan sa mga basic skills,” said Canonigo of how the other players treated him. (It was very nice. They respect the new ones and they also teach us the basic skills.)
Arranguez, for his part, however said that discrimination is something that will always be there but not in a major way. Instead of answering back, he says he’d rather let his game do the talking for him.
All 3 admitted that playing in the UAAP is more competitive than playing in the CESAFI, Cebu’s own version of the UAAP.
“Lahi ra jud siya sa UAAP because labanan kasi ng pride eh so dapat talaga naa jud kay pride. CESAFI man gud sauna kay murag wa lang, like oo duwa madaug mapildi murag okay lang, ana gani,” said Colina.
(It is really different from the UAAP because it is a battle of pride which means you have to have pride. In the CESAFI, it’s like it is nothing, like yes you play, you win, you lose, all is just fine, just like that.)
Perhaps spelling the difference between the two inter-school leagues is that before the UAAP season opening, UAAP school members hold a pep rally to introduce their teams in different sporting events in their respective universities and thus drum up pride and support for the teams when they finally see action in various competitions.
Arranguez said he wishes that the CESAFI football competition would follow that of the UAAP so it would get a wider recognition.
All 3 said they are very proud with the growing number of Cebuano football players making their presence felt in the UAAP.
“Oo, kay syempre makita sad nimo ang product sad sa mga coaches dre or sa grassroots dre Cebu dili kay puro kamaynilaan nalang tanan or taga asa ang mga player didto,” said Colina.
(Yes because we can also see the products of the coaches here or the grassroots here in Cebu and not just products of Manila or wherever the other players come from.)
As for other Cebuano players aspiring to also get to play in the UAAP, Colina has this advice: “Just don’t stop believin', dreaming, reaching for your goals! Kay ako sad bitaw wa man sad gyud koy alamang ani nga didto gyud diay ko maka skwela.)
(Just don’t stop believin’, dreaming, reaching for your goals! Because even me, I had no idea that I’d be able to study there.)
Canonigo adds that they should be diligent in their training and always play their best because they’d never know if a recruiter is around and they would get noticed.
To which Arranguez adds “dapat every game buhaton ang best kay wala biya ta kabalo kanus-a naay mag scout dili ra para UAAP.” (They should do their best in every game because we’d never know whenever there is someone scouting not only for UAAP.) – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines - Heads up, volleyball fans.
Ahead of the ‘Clash of Heroes,’ a fundraising event for the benefit of the Philippine volleyball squads participating in the Southeast Asian Games this August, was the announcement that Alyssa Valdez, Myla Pablo, and Elaine Kasilag will not be able to provide a show for spectators on Monday, May 15 at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The news was shared by Rolando Delfino and Alan Acero, team managers of the Valdez’ Premier Volleyball League (PVL) club team Creamline Cool Smashers through the squad’s official Facebook page on Saturday, May 13.
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“We regret to inform you that Alyssa Valdez will not be able to participate in the Clash of Heroes event on May 15, 2017,” the statement read.
“The Creamline Cool Smashers are in the middle of a tight tournament schedule in the Premier Volleyball League, where Aly has played in straight game days and has had to do more for the team in light of the continuing delay of the release of the ITCs (international transfer certificates) required for our imports to play.”
“We cannot risk injury to her from overplay.”
Even with Valdez’ non-participation, the Cool Smashers office said that they are still extending their utmost support for the Creamline captain’s duties for the national team, and are hoping for the understanding of the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. (LVPI)
“We hope the LVPI understands this decision. Rest assured that our team is committed to providing support to the extent possible for her to fulfill her commitments for flag and country,” the post added.
Valdez was tapped to play for the Pilipinas-Blue roster of the benefit tournament, alongside Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo, Kim Dy, Dawn Macandili, and Jovelyn Gonzaga, among others.
Meanwhile, Elaine Kasilag and Myla Pablo of the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors will also be missing the Clash of Heroes action due to injuries, according to a press release sent out by team manager Eric Anthony Ty.
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sorry Lady Warriors fans :( I hate to be the bearer of bad news but... <a href="https://t.co/H7kCN8px45">pic.twitter.com/H7kCN8px45</a></p>— Eric Anthony Ty (@ericanthonyty) <a href="https://twitter.com/ericanthonyty/status/862997343943118848">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
"I wish that the organizers of the Clash of Heroes took the time to formally inform us of their intention to have our players participate in their event so I could have requested the PVL to reschedule our game on the 16th in order to give way to the Clash of Heroes," said Ty on his post.
"At all events, we assure our fans that we fully support both Myla and Elaine in their dreams of making it as members of the national team." – Rappler.com
. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – The U16 tournament finally tips off in Day 3 of the 2017 SEABA Championships here.
The Philippines' own Batang Gilas will debut against Singapore at 12 noon on Sunday, May 14 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while their big brothers at Gilas Pilipinas will lock horns with Malaysia at 7 pm.
Also on the day's schedule are the following games:
10 am: Malaysia vs Indonesia (U16)
3 pm: Thailand vs Indonesia (men's)
5 pm Myanmar vs Vietnam (men's)
Bookmark this page for Rappler's live updates of Day 3 of competition.
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– Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – It was not the massive blowout similar to Myanmar's 24 hours ago, but it was a lopsided victory nonetheless.
Gilas Pilipinas rolled to its second straight victory, making quick work of Singapore, 113-66, in the 2017 SEABA Men's Championship on Saturday, May 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Calvin Abueva once again shined coming off the bench with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Andray Blatche added 14 points and 9 rebounds wihle Allein Maliksi likewise had 14 markers.
The Philippines appeared to have settled down against Singapore – which proved a better foe than Myanmar – lessening sloppy plays while concentrating on executing their sets. The Filipinos led by as many as 51 points late in the contest.
The team looked more locked in as the Singaporeans still had 5 players in double figures led by guard Wong Wei Long's 12 points, including 6 rebounds and two assists.
Determined to execute, Singapore remained as aggressive as possible all throughout. Coach Chot Reyes was particularly unhappy about his team's second half effort.
"We had a very poor second half hustle-wise, effort-wise, I'm not sure it could beat last night's numbers (hustle stats)," said Reyes, who called his first timeout of the tournament in this game.
"We have to remain disciplined to be prepared for the tougher games ahead."
Gilas is gunning for a gold medal in this tournament in order to qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup in August and the Asian Qualifiers in November. To win, the Philippines need only to hold the best record at tournament's end.
The Filipinos' next assignment is Malaysia on Sunday, May 14 at 7 pm.
"Malaysia is a very tough defending team, they're very young but they're long and athletic," noted Reyes.
"I really like their fight, I really like their spunk. So we have to come in and be prepared for Malaysia's style of defending."
Scores:
Philippines (113): Abueva 16, Blatche 14, Maliksi 14, Wright 13, Fajardo 11, Romeo 9, Pogoy 9, Rosario 9, Almazan 8, Jalalon 6, Aguilar 4, Castro William 0.
Singapore (66): Liew 14, Wong 12, Kwek 11, Ng HB 11, D. Goh 10, J. Ng 4, Cheok 2, Lim JY 1, Chia 1, J. Lim 0.
Quarter scores: 31-9, 63-29, 89-51, 113-66.
– Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Former Gilas Pilipinas star Marc Pingris believes the current national team could do with more hustle and effort, even against weaker teams in the 2017 SEABA Men's Championship.
The 35-year-old Pingris arrived late in the second half in time to witness live what was assessed as a dip in effort by the Philippines in a blowout 113-66 victory over Singapore on Saturday, May 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"Baka mga nasa 4 or 5 (Maybe around 4 or 5)," Pingris answered when asked to grade Gilas' effort Saturday, with 10 being the highest.
"Nandoon 'yung pusong maglaro, pero hindi 'yun 'yung 100%. Kasi kung sa tutuusin, pag talagang seseryosohin nila, baka 20 points lang 'yung kalaban (Their heart is there but that's still not 100%. Because if they took it more seriously the opponent might have scored only 20 points)."
It was the second straight game the Filipinos handily won in a tournament where they aim to clinch gold to qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup and the Asian Qualifiers.
Considering the Philippines' basketball might in the Southeast Asia region, the coaching staff set a different goal for Gilas in the week-long tilt. They implored players to excel in hustle stats – numbers not found on standard stat sheets that indicate a team's effort – instead of the usual statistics like points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
Coach Chot Reyes admitted he didn't think Gilas could match or best its hustle numbers against Myanmar after Saturday's game. He was particularly not satisfied with the second half effort.
Pingris, long revered for his effort and energy on the floor for Gilas, explained from a player's perspective how much effort players exert relative to the opponent's competency.
"As a player kasi, pag nakita mong 'di gaanong kalakas 'yung team, parang hindi mo ibibigay 'yung 100% mo – kaya natin ‘yan, lie-low lang tayo. Ganun yung mindset ng player," he said.
"Pero pag natapat mong malakas, example, pag Korea or China 'yan, lahat 'yan magda-dive sa bola eh. 'Yun 'yung gusto kong sabihin na kahit 'di malakas 'yung team, ibigay talaga nila 'yung 100% nila."
(As a player when you see you're not up against a stronger team, you tend to not give your 100% – you think you can defeat them easily so you'll lie low. That's a player's mindset. But when you're against a strong team, for example Korea or China, everyone would be diving for the ball. I want to tell them that even if it's not a tough team, they must give their 100% effort.)
Reyes and his staff are tracking various hustle stats that include deflections, hockey assists (the passes that lead to an assist), screen assists (the screens that lead to made shots), and something the staff calls floor burns – defined by Reyes as "diving on the floor for the loose ball. Padamihan ng gasgas sa tuhod (collecting the most bruises on the knees)."
Other examples of hustle stats that are also tracked in the PBA include contested field goal misses on both two-pointers and 3-pointers, charges taken, and loose ball recoveries.
"I understand from the players' point of view, it's hard to get themselves ready and up all the time for these games, but we have to remain disciplined and prepare for the tougher games," Reyes said.
The Philippines will try to do better on Saturday, May 13, against a Malaysian side that Reyes expects to come out with good defense.
Pingris also noted playing one hundred percent in this tournament is an invaluable opportunity to develop discipline and good habits for the future.
"Kulang pa pero happy naman tayo kasi binibigay nila 'yung best nila," he said.
"Sa next game, ibigay nila 'yung 100% nila. Parang practice sa umaga 'yan eh. Pag 'di ka nag-practice ng 100%, hindi mo malalabas 'yung 100% sa laro."
(Still not enough but we're happy they're doing their best. In the next game, they should give it 100%. It's just like practice in the morning. If you don't practice 100%, you won't play 100%.) – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Although his team got pummeled, Singapore's Australian coach Franco Arsego is appreciative of the upside of having a higher caliber team like Gilas Pilipinas to compete against in the Southeast Asian region.
"It's great to have a team like that in our region, so that all nations can continue to develop," he told reporters after Singapore fell, 113-66, against the Philippines.
"The better the competition, the better the players become and I think that showed tonight. That was an example of what can happen when you play the better teams, you have to learn how to handle it."
Singapore fared better than Myanmar against Gilas, executing its set plays, showing aggressiveness on the defensive end, and making some outside shots.
Arsego, who said his team is in transition under his system, was happy they achieved their targets for Day 2 of the 2017 SEABA Men's Championship. He is steering Singapore into constant progression and sustaining improvement, and their play against Gilas was a step in the right direction.
Looking at the Philippines, Arsego is optimistic it could make it to the second round of the Asian Qualifiers, should Gilas win this SEABA tournament and qualify. The region's slot is grouped with powerhouse Australia, along with Japan and Taiwan.
"I just love the team that coach Reyes has put together. It has youth, it has balance, it has size, great 3-point shooting. It's a great team," he said.
"I really look forward to seeing them play at the qualifiers. I think they potentially can be one of the teams to move through in their grouping. I'm not quite sure how it pans out after that, but yeah, I wish them all the best."
Singapore will next face Malaysia on Monday, May 15. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – The name on the back of Allein Maliksi's jersey caught the attention of Filipino fans in the 2017 SEABA Men's Championship when they noticed a slight change: his last name was spelled Malicsi, instead of Maliksi.
The 29-year-old Star Hotshots swingman explained how this was a result of a typographical error on his birth certificate, which led to his passport now bearing the "Malicsi" spelling.
"Kasi 'yung dati kong birth certificate letter C 'yung Maliksi, sa passport na inapply ko letter C. Tapos 'yun na 'yung finollow muna nila kasi 'yun yata rule sa (FIBA)," he shared.
(In my birth certificate Maliksi was spelled with a C, so in my passport it was also a letter C. So that spelling was followed because of the FIBA rule.)
FIBA, basketball's world federation, follows the names on players' passports when it comes to jerseys.
A similar confusion arose in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship also held in Manila, when guard Jayson Castro played in a jersey with "William" on the back.
Castro's legal documents still contain the last name of his American father despite him already adapting his mother's last name after his parents divorced. He still uses William for international competitions at present.
Only the spelling has changed for one of Star's go-to scorers in this tournament, having averaged 17 points 4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds so far in two games. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Ready.
The road towards the Southeast Asia Basketball Under-16 tournament was far from easy as Batang Gilas poured everything they had during trainings.
Coach Michael Oliver told Rappler that the team was having a difficult time adjusting to one another on and off the court, extra work needs to be exerted in order to achieve team chemistry.
Despite this, coach Oliver shared the Batang Gilas, with its pool of talented players, more than ready to make the country proud in this year's SEABA. They'll open their tournament up on Sunday, May 14 against Singapore at noon.
Check out how one of the Batang Gilas practices looked like below.
– Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines－Kids with big hearts.
'Puso' has always been the foundation of Gilas Pilipinas and it is no different for Team Philippines' representatives for the SEABA Championship Under-16 tilt as the boys of coach Michael Oliver promised to play all-out, all-heart.
"It's a privilege to be able to play for my country at my age," said the 14-year old big man Kai Sotto. "I'm so happy and excited. We are going to give everything we've got."
Batang Gilas was true to their word as the boys clinched an overwhelming 108-42 outing in their first game in the tournament against Singapore on Sunday, May 14.
According to coach Oliver, this year's Under-16 Philippine team is not just overflowing with height advantage but also talent, "We'll be utilizing our guards for speed and our big men to dominate the boards."
Here are the Batang Gilas players representing the Philippines in the Southeast Asia Basketball tournament happening from May 14 until May 18.
– Photos by LeAnne Jazul, reports by Alexx Esponga/Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines - Batang Gilas dragged Singapore to a one-sided thrashing, 108-42, to begin the SEABA U16 Championship on Sunday, May 14 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The boys of coach Michael Oliver dominated the entire game, already finishing the first quarter with a 21-point advantage that team Singapore wasn't able to recover from.
Batang Gilas committed several errors in the second quarter but revived themselves to push a 7-0 run in the last 4 minutes making it 49-22.
Point guard Rence Padrigao extended the lead to 54-24 after shooting a trey followed by an easy layup two minutes before the third quarter buzzer.
In the last quarter, the Batang Gilas unleashed a 15-3 rally which sealed the deal for the Blue and White.
"The boys had a hard time adjusting in the first quarter but luckily they were able to recover fast and focus on their defense," said coach Oliver. "In terms of defense, we're okay, but we have to work on with our offense. But the game plan to be aggressive on defense was played out well."
Kai Sotto, Batang Gilas' 6-foot-11 center, showed his supremacy with 17 points and 5 rebounds while Terrence Fortea contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds for Team Pilipinas.
Rence Padrigao and big man Rafael Go turned in 14 and 11 points to Batang Gilas, respectively.
"I'm happy with our first game and glad we had a good start," said Sotto. "I'm excited for our next game."
All players on the Philippine team saw action, and coach Oliver confirms he will be changing the starting lineup from time to time.
"We're hoping to give all the players the chance to play as starters so they know how it feels," coach Oliver said.
Despite the good start, coach Oliver said there are improvements he'd like to see in their next game when they face Indonesia at 12 noon on Monday.
"I think Indonesia is faster so we need to prepare. We had a total [of] 19 turnovers. We also need to improve our free throw shooting," said Oliver.
Scores
Philippines (108) - Sotto 17, Padrigao 14, Fortea 14, Go 11, Guadana 9, Pascual 9, Calimag 9, Lazaro 7, Lina 6, Cortez 6, Chiu 4, Tan 2
Singapore (42) - Teo TL 9, Tor 9, Li 4, Amado 4, Teo ZM 4, Chuabio 4, Chin 4, Soh 2, Tan 2, Lacsado 0, Razali 0, Lim 0
Quarter Scores: 33-12, 56-26, 84-35, 108-42. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines－ Behind every champion is another champion, and behind every athlete’s success is a mother figure’s unconditional love and support.
On Sunday, May 14, Filipinos celebrated a special day to pay tribute to all mothers, single fathers, and mother figures who have taken their roles as nurturers and served as inspiration for the next generation.
The country’s own volleyball stars are no exception, as they took some precious time off from on-court duties to celebrate the day with their moms and paid homage to them through social media.
Take a look below to see how some of your favorite athletes celebrated Mother’s Day 2017!
Gretchen Ho
{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.5% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUBFeRqFX2i/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">The real #womaninaction If there are three things that I love about my mom.. First would be her SELFLESSNESS. She never stops thinking of us in any decision that she would make. She's always there to support us, and make sure we have everything that we need. Second would be her STRENGTH. She is able to endure anything and everything. Yet she still manages to stick to her strong moral character. Third would be her GOOD LOOKS I am proud to have a beautiful, cool, and young-looking mom!!! Hahaha! I love you mom! O ayan na ha, maganda ka na dito sa picture! It's time to be there for your mom like never before! Watch this video: https://youtu.be/321EaA3jJs4 (Link on profile ) #TimeForMom #LiveNeverBefore @LiveSmart</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-05-13T03:11:12+00:00">May 12, 2017 at 8:11pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}
Tin Tiamzon
{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:44.526901669758814% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUDQ_EsA8fz/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Unconditional love can be found in a mother's love Thank you ma for supporting us in everything we do. I'm your number 1 fan ma! You're my rock and my anchor. I love you ma! So so much HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY </a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Ernestine Tiamzon (@ernietiamzon) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-05-13T23:30:16+00:00">May 13, 2017 at 4:30pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}
Kathy Bersola
{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.5% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUD6AK9h3X4/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Raising four big babies into decent, *intellectual*, and responsible giants ain't a joke. Don't know what I'd do or where I'd be right now without you, Mom. You inspire me to be excellent. Happy Mother's Day to my #MotherOfPearls -------------------------- Do you also have a pearl of a mother? Tell us about her. Don't forget to join our promo and get a chance to win a shirt from Perlas. #PerlasSpikers @perlasspikers</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Kathy Bersola (@kb08_) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-05-14T05:28:41+00:00">May 13, 2017 at 10:28pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}
Aby Marano
{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUB3WG9jokG/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I admire her so much for being such a strong woman - for raising us alone, for taking care of us alone, for working alone, for making sure things will be easier for us, for making us feel that she's enough and for loving us unconditionally. Thank you ma! Alam mo naman kung gaano pasaway ang iyong dalaga, pero love kita. #HappyMothersDay @evelynmarano How about you? How do you #ConnectForReal @rachdaquis13 @vinemarcella @jericoestregan</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by abigail marano (@abymarano) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-05-13T10:26:59+00:00">May 13, 2017 at 3:26am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}
Gizelle Tan
{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:33.24074074074074% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUEQTOMg7F_/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Happy mother's day to Mrs. Tan! Thank you for your unconditional love and support! We love you</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by gizellejessica (@gizellejessica) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-05-14T08:43:31+00:00">May 14, 2017 at 1:43am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}
Alex Cabanos
{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUDnqmJF23J/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Happy Mother's day @annacabanos </a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by alexcabanos (@alexcabanos) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-05-14T02:48:27+00:00">May 13, 2017 at 7:48pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}
John Vic De Guzman
{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUD3cuogwOr/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Para sa aking MVP (Most Valuable Parent) @mharizortiz - I love you very much! Happy Mothers Day! </a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by John Vic Ortiz De Guzman (@johnvicdeguzman) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-05-14T05:06:22+00:00">May 13, 2017 at 10:06pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}
Kat Tolentino
{source}<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:39.9537037037037% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUEMr4AloNu/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Happy Mother's Day! To our #1 supporter no matter how far away. We cannot thank you enough for all that you do, Love you </a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Katrina Tolentino (@katrinamaetolentino) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2017-05-14T08:11:56+00:00">May 14, 2017 at 1:11am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}
－Rappler.com
PESCHICI, Italy - Whether he likes it or not, Rafael Nadal will seek to rubber-stamp his status as the favorite for the French Open when he heads to the Rome Masters Monday, May 15 looking to underline his return to form on clay.
World number one Andy Murray may have wowed the crowds at the Foro Italico last year when he bossed Serbia's four-time champion Novak Djokovic in the final to claim his maiden win in the Italian capital.
But what was just the Scot's third title on the surface, following wins in Munich and Madrid, has never looked further away.
A year on from a triumph that suggested Murray had finally mastered the toughest surface of them all, the 29-year-old is back to square one after a humiliating exit to unseeded 20-year-old Croat Borna Coric before the business end of the Madrid Masters began earlier this week.
By contrast, Nadal cruised to a 14-0 win record on clay when he ousted long-time rival Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Currently ranked fifth in the world, the Spaniard will now meet Austrian Dominic Thiem in the final.
"It is a great result," said Nadal. "To win against Novak by that score you have to be playing very well, otherwise it's impossible."
Yet Nadal, coming back into form after two underwhelming years, was quick to play down suggestions he was already the favourite for the French Open and, by default, the Rome Masters - a tournament he is looking to win for the eighth time.
"I know that I am playing well. I'm on the right track," added Nadal.
"It's really important being able to make it to another final in a Masters 1000, especially here in Madrid, at home. Right now I'm not thinking of anything else."
Given his past record in Rome, Nadal won seven titles from 2005 to 2013, the 30-year-old Spaniard can look forward to a rousing reception from the notoriously noisy Rome crowd.
Even moreso if he comes up against Murray, who, to his credit, has blamed himself for an early-season slump in form that has placed huge question marks over his chances of a Rome repeat.
"There's no blame on anyone, it's down to me," Murray said after an error-strewn performance against Coric.
Right mindset
But Murray, who said he has been talking to part-time coach Ivan Lendl "every Monday", is hoping fortune turns in his favor.
"Things can turn around quickly in tennis. Borna lost in the qualifying here a few days ago. Now he's in the quarters playing very good tennis. Things can change fast," he added.
"But you need to have the right sort of ideas, correct ideas, understand why you're in the position you're in. Hopefully I can do that with my team and play better in Rome and Roland Garros."
For the third straight clay-court Masters 1000 event, Djokovic and Nadal have been drawn in the same half.
Despite a straight sets defeat to Nadal that suggested the Serb, too, has yet to reach his peak, Djokovic remains buoyed.
"It was a positive week, a positive experience. I take more positives than negatives into the next week in Rome," said Djokovic, the second seed in Rome.
"As I go along, I hope to continue getting better and getting stronger."
In the absence of world number one Serena Williams, who is pregnant, top seed Angelique Kerber has been drawn in the same quarter as Russian Maria Sharapova, who will play Christina McHale in the first round, and Madrid Open winner Simona Halep.
Sharapova returns to the event for the first time since returning from a 15-month doping ban. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines' own U16 national team battered Singapore, 108-42, to open its 2017 SEABA U16 Championship campaign on Sunday, May 14 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But Batang Gilas didn't just defeat Singaporeans. They also beat fellow Filipinos.
Singapore's participating U16 squad here featured 3 young Filipinos mixed in with locals: Reuben David Faustino Amado, David Macaraig Chuabio, and Jack Williams Santiago Lacsado.
While eyebrows will raise elsewhere, Batang Gilas coach Mike Oliver finds it encouraging that Filipinos are spreading the talent around.
"Masaya tayo kasi at least nare-recognize nila 'yung talent ng Filpinos — nagre-represent sila sa other countries," he said after his team's first win. "Happy tayo for them. Especially din for the communities din na nandoon."
(We're happy because at least Filipino talent is getting recognized – they are represented in other countries. We're happy for them. Especially for the communities there.)
The 3 Pinoys accounted for 8 points and 5 rebounds for Singapore in the 66-point beatdown.
The 15-year-old Amado was born in Dasmariñas, Cavite, where both his parents come from as well. He moved to Singapore at 6 years old and is already a citizen of the country, but like many young Filipinos grew up learning basketball on street courts.
"My father introduced the sport to me and when I was in the Philippines, I always play in the outside courts, I always play there," said Amado, who speaks with a Singaporean accent.
Amado, who currently studies at North Vista Secondary School, was Singapore's starting guard and went on to finish with 4 points, two rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal in over 23 minutes.
"Filipinos are very intense. Their defense is very hard," he said of playing Batang Gilas, noting it was an honor to see action on Philippine soil. "It's hard to execute the ball past the half-court line. They are very tall, very big, they play with high intensity."
Meanwhile, forward Chuabio and guard Lacsado were born in Singapore and Taguig, Philippines, respectively.
It's not uncommon for Filipinos to play in other Southeast Asian nations with many pro players taken in as imports in the ASEAN Basketball League. The Philippines has been the top basketball country in the region for decades.
Even if Singapore's U16 coach Hwee Liak Wong does not distinguish between Filipino or Singaporean among his players ("For me, we are all Singaporeans," he said), Oliver pays notice to the subtle attributes that are unique to Pinoy ballers.
"Makikita mo naman 'yung confidence sa laro nila, ‘di ba. Alam mo naman na 'yung mga Pinoy kahit saan mapunta, 'Never Say Die' 'yung attitude nila," he said.
(You'll really see the confidence in their plays. You always know how Filipinos are wherever they go, they have that 'Never Say Die' attitude.)
Batang Gilas next faces Indonesia on Monday, May 15 at 12 noon. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Andray Blatche scored 13 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and passed out 5 assists with his biggest fan watching from the stands: his mom.
(READ: Gilas Pilipinas manhandles Malaysia to stay unbeaten in SEABA 2017)
The 53-year-old Angela Oliver flew all the way here from the US to support her son at the 2017 SEABA Championships. And in doing so mother and son were also able to spend Mother's Day together on Sunday, May 14.
"This is the first year I've seen him play and being here in the Philippines so it was great," she said. "I am having such a wonderful time, the country is beautiful, the people are beautiful, I love it."
Blatche's mother being here is particularly special after winning her battle against cancer in recent years. Blatche fought that battle as well, having to play for the Philippines and be away from his ailing mother several times.
"He loves me to death, he's my firstborn, so we're friends but he doesn't forget about the parenting either. We're great best friends," Oliver said of her relationship with her son before expressing her gratitude to Filipinos for keeping her in their thoughts.
"I'm feeling better and I believe all the prayers Filipinos put up for me, I appreciate it, I love it, thank you so much."
It's a special time for both as Oliver will also celebrate her birthday next week, as Gilas wraps up the tournament.
Oliver has so far been impressed with Gilas Pilipinas' play after 3 straight blowout victories in a tournament they are highly favored to win.
"I'm excited with how they are playing, it's so much fun to see how athletic they are, and jumping, it's great," she said before describing her son's competitive spirit.
"Aggressive, hates to lose, loves the game of basketball, loves teaching the game of basketball, big heart, he's a brand new father so he's got his son in the middle of his hand. He's a great baby."
Oliver will be returning to South Carolina after the tournament while Blatche is set for Atlanta to be with his newborn son, Andray Jr. Oliver expects to watch her son and the Philippines again in the FIBA Asia Cup to be played in Lebanon this August, should Gilas qualify. – Rappler.com