MANILA, Philippines – The twice-to-beat Che’lu San Sebastian College Revellers staged an 80-72 comeback victory to eliminate the 5th-seeded Gamboa-St. Clare Coffee Lovers at the kick-off of the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup playoffs on Tuesday, April 10.

With the win, Che’lu now moves on to face the first-seeded Akari-Adamson Falcons, who clinched the top spot and outright semis berth after their final regular-season win against JRU.

Jeff Viernes returned from a pro ball stint in Thailand to lead Che’lu with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists off the bench. Kent Ilagan made up for a dismal first 3 quarters and led the Revellers’ comeback with an 8-point rally in the clutch to end with 10 points and 9 boards.

However, it was the do-or-die Gamboa who led for a majority of the game. Chris Bitoon made that happen with a red-hot 8-0 personal run in the first quarter to lead Gamboa at 10-4. He ended the period with 12 points as his team led 27-16.

Bitoon drained another triple early in the second for the 34-26 lead, but Che’lu slowly chipped away with Viernes at the helm. Four different players scored in a quarter-ending 8-0 run as Gamboa clung to a 3-point lead at the half, 40-37.

The Coffee Lovers again extended to a small 52-45 lead, but Samboy De Leon erased that with back-to-back fastbreak layups to inch within 3 once more, 49-52. Gamboa ended the 3rd 56-52 off two foul shots from speedy reserve Joshua Fontanilla.

At the payoff period, De Leon sank a corner triple to tie the game at 58 for the first time since the opening quarter. This would spark a 13-3 run that included back-to-back long bombs and a putback lay-in from Ilagan. All of a sudden, Che’lu held a 66-60 lead in the last 4 minutes and never looked back. Fontanilla and Mohammad Pare tried to mount a comeback, but former AMA big man Jay-R Taganas bullied down low for an and-one to seal the deal.

Five players scored in double-figures for Gamboa’s last stand, led by Bitoon who ended with 19 points after a blazing first quarter. Meanwhile, Pare anchored the team on both ends with 12 points and a game-high 16 boards for the double-double finish.

The Scores

Che’lu-SSC (80) – Viernes 22, Ilagan 10, De Leon 9, Ablaza 9, Bulanadi 7, Costelo 6, Batino 6, Taganas 5, Collado 4, Faundo 2

Gamboa-St. Clare (72) – Bitoon 19, Fontanilla 13, Pare 12, Dionisio 12, Jackson 11, Rubio 5, Hallare 0

Quarter Scores: 16-27, 37-40, 52-56, 80-72. 

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Different basketball leagues have sprung up all over the country but PBA commissioner Willie Marcial doesn't see them as a threat and he has a pretty good reason for it. 

When the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) started, people were quick to compare it to the PBA, Asia's first pay-for-play league. 

Basketball fans, most especially on social media, have commented how the MPBL is a better league than the PBA as it follows a home and away format, just like how the NBA does it in the US. 

The MPBL also gives opportunities to homegrown players, meaning teams, for example the Valenzuela Classics, are well-represented by their own local heroes. 

But instead of treating them as competition, Marcial said different sports leagues are avenues that give livelihood to players, coaches and the common people. 

"Sa akin, kapag sports organization ka, kahit anong sport, kahit basketball ka o volleyball, dapat hindi threat," said Marcial during a visit at the Rappler office last April 5. 

(For me, no matter what sports organization you belong to, no matter what sport, be it basketball or volleyball, you should not be considered a threat.)

"Nakakatulong ka sa bata, nakakatulong ka sa coaches, nakakatulong ka sa ballboys na magkaroon ng trabaho. Ultimo sa venue, 'yung mga tindahan, mga stall doon natutulungan mo." 

(You are helping the players, you are helping the players and you are helping the ballboys to have jobs. Even the people around the venues, people who own stores and stalls, you are able to help them.)

"Sa akin, hindi dapat kumpetisyon yun. Nakakatulong sa economy natin at nakakatulong sa mga tao. Bakit natin ipagkakait 'yun?" added Marcial. 

(For me, they should not be considered competition. They are helping the economy and they are helping the people. Why should be deprive them of that?) 

Watch Marcial's full interview here about his plans and aspirations for the PBA. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Lindsay Stalzer used her experience to deliver the crucial blows that lifted Petron to a 25-14, 23-25, 15-25, 25-14, 15-13 victory over Cocolife Tuesday, April 10, in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Stalzer shattered the 13-all deadlock with back-to-back hits in the deciding set en route to this impressive win in the penultimate day of the classification round of this tourney bankrolled by Isuzu and UCPB Gen with ESPN5 as official broadcast partner.

Petron shut down the classification round with a 9-1 win-loss mark and captured a handsome chance of regaining the top spot of this prestigious women’s club league that also has Mikasa, Asics, Senoh, LGR and Grand Sport as technical partners.

The Blaze Spikers, however, have to wait for the result of another crucial battle between erstwhile leader F2 Logistics and Foton.

The Cargo Movers and the Tornadoes were still playing at press time.

“We’re not concerned if we end up No. 1 or No. 2,” said Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos, noting that they have to be at their best either against eighth-seed Smart or seventh-seed Generika-Ayala in the quarterfinals where they will be coming in with a twice-to-beat advantage.

“We can’t be complacent, especially with what happened in our last game (against Sta. Lucia). It was a lesson learned and we would carry that as we go along (in our journey),” he said.

Stalzer, the former Most Valuable Player who is on her fifth year of duty, delivered 21 kills for 22 points while Hillary Hurley chipped in 13 attacks to finish with 15 points for the Blaze Spikers, who spoiled the debut of FIVB World Grand Prix veteran Marta Drpa for Cocolife. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Corporation chairman and president Ramon S. Ang was all praises for the 4-peat PBA Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beermen at the SMB Victory Party on Tuesday, April 10, at the SMC Complex in Mandaluyong.

However, the dominant Beermen still weren’t safe from a little… fatherly advice from Boss RSA.

“’Wag po tayong magyayabang,” he said. (“Let us not boast.”)

{source} <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="ht" dir="ltr">SMC President and Chairman Ramon Ang praises &quot;low-profile&quot; coach Leo Austria, tells Beermen &quot;Wag magyabang.&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/okgTZzzMHG">pic.twitter.com/okgTZzzMHG</a></p>&mdash; JR Isaga (@JRnalistic) <a href="https://twitter.com/JRnalistic/status/983665454165065728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source} 

Ang then went on to reminisce on the less-than-memorable days of the Beermen, before they were the Grand Slam-hunting juggernaut they are today.

“Talagaang naaawa ako ‘pag napapanood ko ‘yung team natin noon,” he said. “’Di po tayo halos maka-match. Naaalala niyo ba ‘yung galing ni Jimmy Alapag? Nagmukha tayong kawawa. ‘Nung dumating ‘yung Jayson Castro, saksakan ng galing. Ngayon po, nabigyan tayo ng Diyos ng kaunting swerte.”

(“I was really pitiful of us while watching our team before. We almost couldn’t match up. Do you remember the skill of Jimmy Alapag? We looked weak. When Jayson Castro arrived, he played really well. Today, God has given us a bit of luck.”)

{source} <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Four-time MVP June Mar Fajardo participates in the introductory toast at the San Miguel Victory Party at the SMC Complex. <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/ShlfJibDaQ">pic.twitter.com/ShlfJibDaQ</a></p>&mdash; JR Isaga (@JRnalistic) <a href="https://twitter.com/JRnalistic/status/983664519628009473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source} 

“Kaya po tayo, 'wag po tayong magyayabang,” he repeated. “We are providing good entertainment to everybody.”But the chairman did wish for more success for the Beermen, saying that he is praying for the coveted Grand Slam, as the venue exploded to cheers.

SMB is heading to the Commissioners’ Cup on April 22 dominant as ever, this time employing the services of import Troy Gillenwater and their 2018 1st overall pick Christian Standhardinger, who is still playing for the Asean Basketball League’s Hong Kong Eastern. The Fil-German is currently on a collision course with the other San Miguel, Alab Pilipinas, in the ABL semifinals. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It will be Muntinlupa versus Batangas City for the MPBL-Anta Rajah Cup championship.

The Angelis Resort-backed Cagers fought back from 14 points down before pulling off an 81-70 triumph over the Gamboa Coffee-supported Parañaque Patriots Tuesday night, April 10,  before a jampacked crowd at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.

The Cagers drew inspiration from the solid support of the hometown crowd and found an unlikely source of energy off the bench as Dhon Reverente played his best game of the conference.

Reverente came off the bench and finished with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds. His point output matched his career-high while also recording career-high in rebounds. He provided the spark needed by the Cagers, who fought back from a 48-34 deficit before completing a comeback win. 

Chito Jaime as expected carried the brunt of the offense of the Angelis Resort-backed Cagers as he finished with 22 points on top of six boards.

The Cagers also got their usual balance scoring game as Allan Mangahas poured in 18 markers, pulled down six rebounds and dished out five assists ina solid all-around game. Felix Apreku also had a monster game, scoring 11 and grabbing 16 boards. 

Harold Arboleda led the Patriots with 18 points while team captain Jemal Vizcarra contributed 17. Juneric Baloria was limited to 11 markers.

With only a day to prepare, the Cagers will travel all the way to Batangas City on Thursday, April 12 at the start of their best-of-five championship series.

 The Tanduay-backed Athletics had yet to lose at home and they want to carry that momentum heading to the championship series that has a format of two-two-one, which will give

Makati 6th expansion team

Makati became the 6th expansion club of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, increasing the number of participating teams to 16.

On Tuesday night, April 10, the MPBL family welcomed the city of Makati as the newest member of the fledgling regional basketball league, which uses the home-and-away format.

MPBL officials headed by commissioner Kenneth Duremdes, assistant commissioner Satar Macantal, and operations head Zaldy Realubit joined Makati team owners Paolo Orbeta and Paolo Pineda and team manager Martin Arenas during the contract signing.

The other league newcomers are Pasig, San Juan, Laguna, Team Rizal and Manila.

According to Arenas, Makati is looking to field in a team composed mostly of citizens of Makati to be reinforced by five ex-pros. The group wil conduct tryouts April 14 and 15 at the Barangay San Isidro and the Makati Sports Complex from 12 noon to 3 p.m. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – The 61st Palarong Pambansa opens on Sunday, April 15 in Ilocos Sur. 

In a press statement released by the Department of Education (DepEd), Secretary Leonor Briones has primarily cited the province’s state-of-the-art sports facilities in choosing the host province for this year’s Palarong Pambansa. (READ: DepEd, Ilocos Sur ink partnership for Palarong Pambansa 2018)

Palarong Pambansa gathers more than 12,000 young Filipino athletes from all over the country, playing in different sports and disciplines to promote camaraderie and sportsmanship among students.

Often cited as the culmination of year-long competitions, student-athletes from elementary and high school look forward to getting a spot in the roster to represent their region in the annual national competition. (READ: Things to know about Palarong Pambansa, the PH's largest youth sporting event)

This year, DepEd also tied up with the Philippine Sports Commission in training campus journalists to cover the annual schools-based sports event. (READ: DepEd, PSC to train campus journalists for Palarong Pambansa 2018 coverage)

Follow all updates from Rappler's team in Vigan, Ilocos Sur on Rappler's live blog below:

#PalarongPambansa2018 - Curated tweets by RapplerSports

– Rappler.com

Palarong Pambansa 2018 stories:

• Palaro record-breaker Sylvian Abunda aims for back-to-back gold in javelin

ROME, Italy – Kostas Manolas sent Roma through to the semi-finals of the Champions League after an incredible 3-0 victory over Barcelona at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday, April 10, saw them overhaul a 4-1 first-leg deficit and advance on away goals.

Manolas, who along with captain Daniele De Rossi scored the two own goals at the Camp Nou that looked to have sent Roma out, was mobbed by his delirious teammates after glancing home a brilliant headed winner with 8 minutes left that sent the Roma supporters into raptures and left a dazed and confused Barca wondering what had hit them.

"All that counts is that we got to the semi-finals against the best team on the planet," Manolas said after a historic night for the Serie A club, who have made it through to the last 4 of Europe's top competition for the first time in 3 decades.

"We all believed, we didn't think about the first leg and unfortunate episodes."

It was last week's other own goal villain De Rossi who got the home fans believing in the impossible when he converted the penalty that made it 2-0 13 minutes after the break. 

The local hero was also the architect of the brilliant Edin Dzeko's 6th-minute opener, floating a pinpoint pass that the Bosnian took down expertly and poked past Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

"Just imagine what this triumph means for us," said De Rossi.

"It's about as much as I could have hoped for tonight."

Just as they were at the Camp Nou, Roma were aggressive from the off, and Dzeko gave the home side a deserved early lead, brilliantly bringing down De Rossi's clipped through ball and holding off Samuel Umtiti to score.

Roma doubled their tally in the 58th minute when Dzeko was chopped down by Gerard Pique and De Rossi slotted home the spot-kick.

Eusebio Di Francesco's side smelled blood, and with the raucous crowd urging their team they tore into wobbling Barca.

De Rossi flashed a header wide in the 69th minute, and 10 minutes later it looked like Ter Stegen had saved the away side's skin with an incredible close-range stop from Stephan El Shaarawy.

However with just 7 minutes left, Manolas met another fizzing Aleksandar Kolarov corner with an unsaveable header, sparking wild celebrations on and off the pitch.

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="eu" dir="ltr">DAJEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeifefefbejfwjofnwjfnwjfbrufbwfubweufbewfuewbewbfwejfwjlfjfwfjlwfjbfjwfbwjfbwjofwjfnewjofnewjofnwjfnweAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RomaBarca?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RomaBarca</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASRoma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASRoma</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a></p>&mdash; AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialASRoma/status/983805519017271296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source}

Barca finally came out of their shells as Roma tried to hold on to the result, but the hosts held on brilliantly to see the result out and go through to the semis for the first time since 1984, when they lost the final at home to Liverpool, Tuesday's other victors.

"I am responsible. I make the team, I prepare it. That is the case if we win or lose. I put out the same team as last week," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde.

"It is a painful defeat. We wanted to keep going. Now we must lick our wounds. There are other competitions and we must try to win them because we have won nothing yet." – Rappler.com

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola blasted Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz and lamented a number of decisions that cost his side dear after a 2-1 home defeat by Liverpool on Tuesday, April 10, sealed a 5-1 aggregate Champions League quarter-final win for the 5-time European champions.

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/ZPxfELXj0F">pic.twitter.com/ZPxfELXj0F</a></p>&mdash; Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/983805317988405249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Guardiola was forced to watch the second half from the stands after being sent off for his protestations at the break as free-spending City's dreams of conquering the Champions League for the first time were dashed for another season.

City led 1-0 on the night at that stage after Gabriel Jesus's second-minute opener, but the hosts felt aggrieved after Leroy Sane had a second goal wrongly disallowed for offside just before half-time.

"It's different to go in 1-0 at half-time to 2-0," said Guardiola, who also believed Liverpool's opener in a 3-0 first-leg win at Anfield last week should have been ruled out for offside.

"When the teams are so equal the impact of these decisions is so big."

Mohamed Salah booked Liverpool's place in the last 4 for the first time in a decade when he coolly chipped home his 39th goal of the season 11 minutes into the second half before Roberto Firmino inflicted a 3rd consecutive defeat on City for the first time in Guardiola's near two-year reign.

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THIRTY. NINE. GOALS. <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/CbzaAtChsN">pic.twitter.com/CbzaAtChsN</a></p>&mdash; Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/983811327331389441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source}

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp hailed the maturity of his side to see out a first-half onslaught.

"The boys found a solution. We had these two or 3 moments already at end of the first half so it was easy for me and the boys to see the development of the game and that we are already through the whirlwind," said Klopp.

Liverpool trail City by 17 points in the Premier League, but have now beaten Guardiola's men in 3 of their 4 meetings this season.

"I really think they are the best team in the world at the moment but I knew we could beat them," added Klopp.

"We should enjoy the moment. It was a while ago Liverpool was in the semis and I was in the semis and now we are there together."

Perfect start 

Guardiola admitted beforehand that his side needed the "perfect" performance and the hosts got the perfect start as they opened the scoring after just 117 seconds.

Liverpool were unhappy at Mateu Lahoz in what was to be the start of a controversial night for the Spaniard when Virgil van Dijk claimed he had been pushed by Raheem Sterling in the lead-up to the goal.

The referee was unmoved, though, and with the Dutchman out of position, Fernandinho's through ball found Sterling and his low cross was swept home by Jesus.

Salah had been an injury doubt after limping off in the first leg, but Liverpool were unable to spring the Egyptian free in the first 45 minutes as City peppered the visitors' box with crosses without finding the final touch.

Bernardo Silva saw a deflected effort spin just wide and then rattled the post with a deflected long-range strike.

"The first half was so good," added Guardiola. "(We) hit the post from Bernardo, but when you arrive you have to try to score the second goal."

The turning point came seconds later when Sane turned into an empty net after Loris Karius's punch came back off his own player James Milner.

Guardiola ran onto the field at half-time to pull his protesting players away from the official before embarking on his own rant at Mateu Lahoz that saw him watch the second half from the stands.

City understandably failed to maintain the intensity of their first-half display and Salah got the decisive goal when he followed up after Ederson had denied Sadio Mane with a wonderfully-judged chipped finish past the despairing Nicolas Otamendi in the 56th minute.

City's terrible week after also blowing the chance to seal the Premier League title against local rivals Manchester United at the weekend was rounded off 13 minutes from time when Otamendi was caught in possession and Firmino slotted in off the far post.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Fifteen-year-old Trisha Nicole Canayan Nayao, a Grade 9 student of Don Bosco High School in Poblacion South, Lagawe, Ifugao, dominated the rhythmic gymnastics event of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) 2018 Meet held in Abra last February.

Trisha will be among the athletes to watch in this year's edition of the Palarong Pambansa which kicks off Sunday, April 15, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. 

Gymnastics has evolved in Ifugao from an obscure sport to a virtual gold mine, accounting for 16 of the 36 gold medals the province harvested in the CARAA. Trisha contributed 3 golds in that regional meet.

Trisha brought home a total of 6 medals for rhythmic gymnastics – 3 golds for ball, team championship, and individual all-around, and 3 silvers for hoop, rope, and clubs.

Her journey in gymnastics began when she was in Grade 1. She watched a routine and was inspired by the graceful and expressive movements of the gymnasts. In Grade 3, she started stretching exercises, and the rest, they say, is history.

 But it is her family that motivates her to become the best gymnast she could be. They are the ones who cheer for her, and encourage her to keep on fighting no matter the outcome. Even if they are busy with their jobs and studies, they will always find time to watch and support her during competitions.

In return, Trisha always goes the extra mile in academics or sports. She is consistently included in the academic honor roll. Even when in pain during rehearsals, she gets through it, and even manages to be her funny self despite the pressure.

“She knows that she just needs to stay focused and maintain discipline as part of developing and refining her attitude towards what she must achieve,” her coach, Rhodora Buhong, said.

Because of her hectic training schedules, she misses most school activities, and her academic performance is inevitably put at risk. But Trisha exerts extra effort to maintain her status.

Another admirable trait of Trisha is her faith in God.

“He died for us, so I play for Him,” Trisha said, acknowledging that Jesus died on the cross for her cause.

Her love for her family, the sport, and the Lord Almighty fuel this young gymnast’s will and desire to dance through life’s rhythms. – Rappler.com

Follow all updates from Rappler's team in Vigan, Ilocos Sur on Rappler's live blog below:

#PalarongPambansa2018 - Curated tweets by RapplerSports

MANILA, Philippines – Former TNT KaTropa import Glen Rice, Jr. continues to be quite the hothead, as he was recently released from the Israeli Basketball Premier League after punching teammate Guy Pnini on Monday, April 9.

According to Bleacher Report and Israeli-based site Walla Sports, Rice got into a heated argument with team captain Pnini, which ended with Rice decking Pnini near the eye and sent him down bleeding.

While on the surface it seemed like a one-time thing that led to his expulsion from the league, Walla Sports detailed that in fact, he had it coming for a long time.

According to rough translations from the Hebrew site, the 27-year old Rice also tussled with team physiotherapist David Moore two weeks prior. The site says that Rice was not satisfied with the treatment he was getting, so he went through Moore’s belongings which did not sit well with the physiotherapist. As a result, Rice punched him as well.

Then Walla further reports of Rice’s other misdemeanors, including threatening fans and slamming the ball whenever he doesn’t get favorable calls.

One of the team’s associates summed it up best, “Glen started to lose it a long time ago.”

Rice was averaging 24.3 points as the team’s best player before his off-court antics got the best of him. He’s bounced around across the globe as a player, with stints in the NBA, NBA D-League, IBPL and of course, the PBA.

In his last game with TNT against Ginebra, Rice was ejected for flipping the middle finger, and for disrespecting team and league officials as he accumulated a flagrant 1 and technical fouls. He was then slapped with a P26,000 fine from the PBA and $10,000 by TNT for violating his contract that obligated to conducting himself in “gentlemanly manner at all times.”– Rappler.com

*$1 = P51.44

MANILA, Philippines – In the Rappler Talk  last Thursday, April 5, Azkals mainstays Phil and James Younghusband dropped by to share their stories of the Philippines' first AFC Asian Cup qualification. 

The Philippine Azkals went down to the last stretch of the qualifiers to make the historic berth happen. The team failed to capitalize on the early opportunities as they drew in Yemen and and in Nepal, mostly due to missing their key cogs due to injury. 

Although things fell into place starting from the draw until their last game against Tajikistan at home, the Younghusbands stand firm on the fact that it wasn't just luck that brought them to the Asian Cup, but it was a collective effort from the team on and off the field.

"I mean anyone can make any excuse or give any reason. You can say the luck of the draw or we can say we have to travel 25 hours to places. There are a lot of things that people don't know about and behind the scenes, so a lot of the preparation that goes on and off the field that people are unaware of," said Phil. 

Phil also encourages fans and supporters to be more positive heading into the Asian Cup, as the progress of the Philippines has been unbelievable. For a country that does not overflow with resources for football, it's already a great achievement to join the ranks of other countries whose number one sport is football. 

"I think people have to be more positive too much negativity for me and focus more on the good things and the upside," said Phil. 

"You can put it all in perspective and it's amazing that where the Philippines has achieved,  we want to be more consistent and continue with success." 

2018 AFF Suzuki Cup 

The Azkals will be making an appearance in the AFF Suzuki Cup again this year, but with more pressure to prove themselves to the world that they are one of the best teams in Asia. This includes redeeming themselves from the 2016 edition, where they failed to make it past the group stage.

Having experienced the same pressure in the last game against Tajikistan, the Azkals are hopeful that it will give them renewed confidence during the Suzuki Cup. 

"Yes, there is pressure but we enjoy pressure and we proved that and the last game. This recent achievement can give us confidence as well going into the Suzuki Cup," said James. 

"Beyond this, I want to achieve more, I’m sure Phil wants to achieve more, I’m sure the coach wants to achieve more, I’m sure Dan wants to achieve more, I’m sure the players want to achieve more. We just want to be hungry and what we’re looking for in the Suzuki Cup is at least to get into the final or [become] champions." 

According to reports, this edition of the Suzuki Cup will do a home-and-away format starting from the group stages to solve the lopsided attendance issue in the previous years. Instead of playing with two groups of 4 teams each, there will be more games as each group will have 5 teams each. 

This will give more chances for Azkals fans to watch games live at home and become the 12th man of the team again.

Phil also noted that this Suzuki Cup would be a good prequel to the Asian Cup as Thailand and Vietnam will also be competing in both tournaments. However, he hopes that new format of the Suzuki Cup not be harmful to the fitness of the players before the Asian Cup. 

The Philippines Football League (PFL) is already set to end in August 2018 by loosening up the game schedules to make way from the Suzuki Cup. 

"We hope that the scheduling with the domestic league and all the games happening in the Suzuki Cup that it’s not too much before the Asian Cup because we want to be going to the Asian Cup in our best condition possible," said Phil. 

Moving forward

Both Phil and James Younghusband also agree with Azkals manager Dan Palami's plans for the rest of the year until the Asian Cup. 

The Azkals already proposed plans to bring in new Fil-foreigners who are currently competing Europe such as Raphael Obermair, Gerrit Holtmann and Jesper Nyholm, to name a few. 

Being Fil-foreigners themselves, James admits that it has been a long-time issue that majority of the team are not pure-bred Filipinos or are Filipinos residing elswhere in the world. However, the Younghusbands are in support of Fil-foreigners who are wholeheartedly willing to play and contribute to the national team just like them. 

"Let’s all be serious here, we’re all Filipinos here in the country and we want to play for the Philippines and we all wanna do well together. I mean like if a player is good enough and he has Filipino blood, they should be playing for the national team and if they could contribute their football skills and help us achieve more things, then let’s do it," said James. 

Azkals captain Phil shares the same sentiments, but argues that recruiting Fil-foreigners is a short-term solution in fortifying the squad, while developing football in the Philippines should be a long-term effort. 

"It’s important that we make sure the programs are in place and we’re doing the right things and we’re making the right decisions to ensure that players growing up here are getting the right training, getting the right amount of exposure, playing enough football, and doing the right things to make sure that they’ll progress and play for the Azkals, the national team as well," said Phil. 

"Rob [Gier] put it in nicely and said 'the blood that flows through the players that grew up here is just as strong as the players who grew up abroad'. So we’re very much Filipino. We grew up with the Filipino values, we may have a different upbringing in football, but that doesn’t make us not Filipino." 

The Younghusbands also agree with Palami's intention of providing TV broadcast for PFL and Azkals games, especially through a 'bayanihan' initiative. This is patterned after getting a 3rd party to collect donations from people in any amount. 

For James, showing more Philippine football on TV will be able to push the sport to the younger generation, which will spark a development in Philippine football from the grassroots level.

"Getting the funds together to really push the sport and develop it here because we want to develop the sport for the young generation. The young kids who are training right now, and maybe [those] who watched the game against Tajikistan want to achieve more for the Philippines," said James. 

Phil validates Palami in the fact that public who will contribute funds to Philippine football in their own way will be able to cherish the sport even more. Aside from the 'bayanihan initiative', Phil encouraged the management to explore all possibilities of promoting the sport in the Philippines. 

"I think the best thing to do is to investigate all possibilities, to look into all possibilities in making sure that we have the best exposure, the sport has the most exposure possible and there’s progress," said Phil.

Watch full Rappler Talk video here.  – Rappler.com

LONDON, United Kingdom – Anthony Joshua wants to face fellow unbeaten world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder next, rather than Alexander Povetkin, the British boxer told the BBC on Tuesday, April 10.

Joshua unified the World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organisation heavyweight titles by outpointing New Zealand's Joseph Parker in Cardiff on March 31.

Immediately afterwards, he called out Wilder, the American who holds the World Boxing Council's heavyweight belt.

The winner of a Joshua-Wilder fight would be the first man to hold all four major heavyweight titles simultaneously.

But Povetkin is the WBA's mandatory challenger.

The Russian, whose only defeat in a 35-fight professional career came against Wladimir Klitschko in October 2013, demonstrated his punching power with a brutal knockout of Britain's David Price on the Joshua-Parker undercard.

"I'd rather fight Wilder so if Povetkin can wait some time in 2019, that would be ideal," said Joshua, 28.

"This is the issue when you hold more than one belt," Joshua added. "You have to abide by each of the governing bodies' rules.

"Some people would prefer there be one belt and one heavyweight champion. That is what we are working towards, wanting to fight Wilder.

"But each belt comes with eliminators and who you have to fight next, and Povetkin is one of them.

"Hopefully he can be patient but, if not, I don't think it would make sense giving up this belt so if I have to fight Povetkin then so be it."– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Reigning champions De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers clinched the twice-to-beat advantage and eliminated the Adamson Lady Falcons in 4 sets, 25-21, 25-15, 22-25, 25-18, on Wednesday, April 11, at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Trailing Adamson in the 4th set, the Lady Spikers rally from the deficit with 6 unanswered points capped off by Kim Dy’s attack. After Michelle Cobb’s service error, DLSU continued to lock down the Lady Falcons as Desiree Cheng’s ace closed out the match.

Adamson was one of the schools that stunned the defending champions in the first round, defeating them in 4 sets.

With Adamson’s loss, the final cast of the UAAP Season 80 Final 4 are DLSU, Far Eastern University, Ateneo and National University.

The Lady Spikers move up to 11-2 while the Lady Falcons fall to 5-8 and are on a 3-game losing streak.

Dy led the Lady Spikers with 17 points off 13 spikes, one block and 3 aces. Michelle Cobb made 4 out of the team’s 18 aces while making 32 excellent sets.

Former DLSU Lady Spiker Eli Soyud topscored for Adamson with 17 points while captain Jema Galanza followed with 12 points.

After Aduke Ogunsanya made back-to-back aces, the Lady Falcons sparked a 7-0 run to cut the deficit to two, 15-13. An ace by Galanza made it a one-point game, but the Lady Spikers pulled away to take first set.

The Lady Spikers continued to silence the Lady Falcons in the second set with a 6-0 run to break away from the 10-10 stalemate. After pulling it to a 10-point lead, 23-13, setting errors by Michelle Cobb cost the Lady Spikers two points until Kim Dy closed out the set for a 2-0 match advantage.

The Lady Falcons’ defense suffered as they gave up a total of 8 aces in the second set.

Adamson head coach Air Padda sent in Chiara Permentilla, who was supposedly out for the season. Permentilla made immediate impact especially on the service line as she made two aces that gave Adamson the lead.

After the Lady Falcons led 18-10, DLSU blasted with 6 unanswered points that cut the deficit to two, 16-18. Adamson maintained the lead as Galanza’s attack took the 3rd set and prevented a sweep.

The Scores

DLSU (3) – Dy 17, Cheng 13, Baron 11, Luna 9, Cobb 6, Tiamzon 5, Ogunsanya 4, Ipac 1.

Adamson (1) – Soyud 17, Galanza 12, Dacoron 7, Permentilla 4, Roque 2, Paat 2, Emnas 1.

– Rappler.com

====

Reigning champions De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers clinched the twice-to-beat advantage and eliminated the Adamson Lady Falcons in 4 sets, 25-21, 25-15, 22-25, 25-18, on Wednesday, April 11, at the Filoil Flying V Centre. 

Trailing Adamson in the 4th set, the Lady Spikers rally from the deficit with 6 unanswered points capped off by Kim Dy's attack. After Michelle Cobb's service error, DLSU continued to lock down the Lady Falcons as Desiree Cheng's ace closed out the match.

Adamson was one of the schools that stunned the defending champions in the first round, defeating them in 4 sets. 

With Adamson's loss, the final cast of the UAAP Season 80 Final 4 are DLSU, Far Eastern University, Ateneo and National University.

The Lady Spikers move up to 11-2 while the Lady Falcons fall to 5-8 and are on a 3-game losing streak. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Donnie "Ahas" Nietes is taking his career up a notch as he moves to 115 pounds. 

Nietes, the longest-reigning Filipino boxing world champion, vacated his International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight belt and was slated to vie for the vacant Wold Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight title. 

"Today, I have made my decision to move up to 115 and vacate my IBF flyweight world title, this is the challenge I have been waiting for," said Nietes through ALA Promotion's Facebook page on Wednesday, April 11. 

"To go up in weight is never easy but this is my dream, to become a 4th division world champion and to fight all the big names at super flyweight." 

{source}<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FAlaPromotions1%2Fposts%2F1632272016820305&width=500" width="500" height="611" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>{/source}

The 35-year-old is currently ranked by the WBO as the number one super flyweight contender.

After successfully defending his IBF flyweight belt by knocking out Juan Carlos Reveco in Los Angeles, USA last February 25, Nietes had expressed his desire to fight Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzales in the super flyweight division. 

(READ: Nietes on moving up to super flyweight: 'Desididong desidido na talaga')

Nietes (41-1-4), who also held the WBO minimumweight and light flyweight titles, also has World Boxing Council super flyweight champ Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Mexican Juan Francisco Estrada as his other targets. 

"This is a new challenge for me and I am very happy that ALA Promotions has supported me to pursue my dream of a 4th division world title," said Nietes. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws trounced the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-17, 25-15, 25-20, on Wednesday, April 11, at the Filoil Flying V Centre. 

FEU showed no mercy on the Lady Warriors as they started the 3rd set with a 8-0 run. UE closed the gap at 14-12, but the Lady Tamaraws blasted with a 8-2 scoring run. The Lady Tamaraws were two points away from taking the match until they gifted UE with two of their errors, 23-18.

Cel Domingo brought it to match point and UE took another two points to cut the deficit to 4, 24-20. Jerrili Malabanan capped off the long rally by scoring off the block to close the match.

The Lady Tamaraws easily move up with a 9-4 record, tying Ateneo at second place. The Lady Warriors remain at the bottom of the standings at 2-11.

Domingo topscored for the Lady Tamaraws with 16 points off 12 spikes and 4 aces. Bernadeth Pons and Jeanette Villareal scored 13 points apiece. 

Shaya Adorador and Me-an Mendrez scored 11 points each for the Lady Warriors. UE made zero aces in this game.

The Lady Tamaraws started the game strong with a 6-0 start that saw them dominate the set until the end. The Lady Warriors only came as close to 5 points, 19-12, in the first set.

FEU rode on their first set momentum and pulled away to a 9 points lead punctuated by Cel Domingo’s back-to-back aces, 20-11. The Lady Warriors managed to take only 4 points away in the last stretch and Shaya Adorador’s service error gave FEU a 2-0 match advantage.

The Scores

FEU (3) – Domingo 16, Pons 13, Villareal 13, Basas 8, Negrito 5, Malabanan 5. 

UE (0) – Mendrez 11, Adorador 11, Rodriguez 3, Bendong 2, Abil 1, Catindig 1, Baliton 1. 

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Global Cebu FC absorbed another draw to FC Thanh Hoa, 3-3, on Wednesday, April 11, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. 

Daryl Roberts won the scramble off Paolo Bugas' corner kick as his header found the the back of the net for the equalizer in the 90th minute. 

Global Cebu remains at the bottom of Group G with 5 points as they stand at 1-2-2 while Than Hoa holds an identical record and 5 points. 

Regardless of the result, Global and Thanh Hoa have been eliminated from advancing to the ASEAN zone semi-finals. 

Thanh Hoa opened the scoreline early in the 2nd minute as Edward Ofere beat 3 defenders and slotted the ball past Patrick Deyto. Rufo Sanchez answered back with a half-volley from the right flank which was sent to the top-corner in the 6th minute. 

In the 25th minute, Le Thanh Binh caught the Global defense napping and fired an out-of-the-box shot that found the back of the net to lift Thanh Hoa from the early stalemate (2-1). 

Towards the last stretch of the first half, Global was almost blessed with a gift as Trinh Dinh Hung's clearance went just wide, almost hitting an own goal. 

Global gained possession in the first 5 minutes of the second half, but failed to convert its chances. In the 57th minute, the Vietnamese broke down the Global defense and Hoang Dinh Tung sent the ball past helpless Deyto that widened the score, 3-1. 

The home side scored again in the 81st minute as an early cross found Wesley Dos Santos who converted with a header to cut the deficit to one, 3-2. 

According to Global Cebu FC head coach Marjo Allado, the team had "nothing to lose", so they took a risk in changing up the strategy after Thanh Hoa's 3rd goal. 

"We took a risk and put tall players up front and our only plan was to play long ball because their centerbacks, fullbacks, and backline [are] a bit small and we’re physically stronger than them, so we always have 4 players on top of the penalty box to receive the long balls," said Allado.

Global Cebu's last group stage game will be against Bali United on Wednesday, April 25, in Bali. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Elbren Neri, who quit his college studies to concentrate on athletics, upset 2017 SEA Games silver medallist Marco Vilog to win the 800 meters at the Singapore Open on Wednesday.

Neri became the Philippines' lone gold medallist in the two-day meet after Vilog, Eduardo Alejan Jr in the 400 meter dash and Michael del Prado in the 400-meter hurdles captured silvers.

Harry Diones came in third in the triple jump, nearly a meter off his own Philippine record.

Neri was in his fourth year at the UST College of Education when he decided to give athletics a go in 2016. He became a training partner of the national middle distance squad but remained in the shadow of Merwin Guarte, the country's top runner at this distance.

In the Singapore race, Neri burst out of final bend into the last straight, with Vilog way behind. Neri won in 1:53.89 followed by Vilog's 1:55.87.

"Hindi ko po kasi inasahan na manalo ako. Yung partner ko kasi Silver ng Sea Games kaya parang hindi po ako makapaniwala na manalo ako," said Neri when asked over Messenger. (I didn't expect to win. My partner, whom I beat here was the SEA Games silver medalist in this event.)

Alejan with 47.84 was a far second to Muhammad Suhaimi of Malaysia's 47.33 in the 400m.

Del Prado clocked 53.26 in a rare effort at the 400-meter hurdles, where his uncle, Jaime Grafilo was the 1981 Southeast Asian Games champ, trouncing Renato Unso, current secretary general of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association.

Diones took third in the triple jump on countback after being tied with Pratchaya Tepparak of Thailand with 15.88. Lee Kuei-lung of Chinese Taipei won in 15.98 meters, which pales behind Diones' national record of 16.70 meters. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Still a domination, but it was just 5 goals less. 

After shutting them out 9-0 in the AFC Cup opener, Ceres-Negros FC repeated its victory over Boeung Ket FC, 4-0, on Wednesday, April 11 at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  

Ceres remains on top of Group F with 13 points off 4 wins and one draw while Boeung Ket settles at the bottom with 3 points. 

The loss of Boeung Ket eliminates them from qualifying for the ASEAN Zone semi-finals. 

In the 36th minute after Stephan Schrock released the ball to Bienve Marañon as the Cambodian defense came and Marañon fired from edge of the box. In the following minute, Marañon doubled the lead via an assist from OJ Porteria.

In the 69th minute, Marañon completed his hat-trick with another assist from Porteria, this time from the edge of the 6-yd box to triple the lead. 

Takumi Uesato came off the bench to drill Ceres' 4th and last goal just inside the box in the 84th minute. 

Ceres will face Home United on Wednesday, April 25 at Pana-ad Park and Stadium where they hope to make up for their draw in Singapore. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Alab Pilipinas kept rolling after a series sweep over Saigon Heat, stunning the Asean Basketball League (ABL) champion Hong Kong Eastern, 98-94, in Game 1 of their semifinal series at the Southern Stadium in Hong Kong, Wednesday, April 11.

Renaldo Balkman was unconscious all night long, leading all scorers with a record-breaking 46 points on 18/27 shooting with 14 rebounds and 4 assists. Justin Brownlee, meanwhile, just missed out on a triple-double with 16 points, 12 boards and 9 assists. Captain Bobby Ray Parks was no slouch either, chipping in 23 markers and 10 boards as all three leaders of Alab finish with double-doubles in the win.

Balkman’s 46 eclipses the previous ABL playoff best of 45 points set by Justin Howard in the 2015-2016 season.

Eastern early on showed why they were the defending champs, as they stunned the visiting Alab with a 20-6 blitz off the drives and triples of Tyler Lamb. The PBA’s 2018 1st overall pick Christian Standhardinger, meanwhile, made sure his current team got their money’s worth as he grabbed rebound after rebound on the scattered Alab Pilipinas. Parks, however, settled his squad down with a crucial buzzer-beater to end the opening quarter with a 14-25 deficit.

Parks got the momentum he wished for as Alab suddenly blazed to an 8-0 run to open the second, highlighted with hard drives by Renaldo Balkman and a tomahawk flush by Justin Brownlee. From here on it was a shootout, as both squads ran the floor in transition and got bucket after bucket. Alab eventually won the crisscross match after two big triples from Parks and Pao Javelona, who converted a 4-point play on the break to yank away the lead from Eastern, 47-43. Balkman put the exclamation point on a 36-point Alab quarter with a second-straight buzzer-beating layup for the red-shirt visitors, 50-43.

The Philippine team smartly kept their distance in the third with smothering defense and even pulled away some more on offense from the champs. After being down by as many as 14 points in the first quarter, they successfully turned the tables with their own 14-point advantage, 73-59, after a bullying offensive tip-in by Parks with two minutes left in the period. Alab wrapped up the third up 13, 75-62.

Marcus Elliot, however, was not ready to lie down and get ran over at home. Early into the payoff period, he scored 7 straight points in a 12-2 run by the Eastern to cut the deficit to 5, 74-79. However, Balkman just kept on gunning to keep the lead safe for Alab. Standhardinger responded in kind with an and-one at the 3-minute mark of the period to creep within 3, 86-89.

While Balkman was gunning for the ABL record, Lamb and Ki Lee did their thing from the perimeter, tying the game at 94 on two long bombs with 56 ticks left in regulation. However, Balkman was fouled off the offensive board and finally set the new record after going 2/2 from the line. Most importantly, his charities put Alab back up by two, 96-94. Brownlee was fouled after HK blanked on offense and sealed the deal with two more charities for the 98-94 lead.

Alab now goes home for Game 2 on Sunday, April 15, carrying a huge 1-0 lead over the defending ABL champions.

The Scores

San Miguel Alab Pilipinas (98) ­– Balkman 46, Parks 23, Brownlee 16, Domingo 6, Javelona 3, Raymundo 2, Hontiveros 2, Urbiztondo 0, Alabanza 0, Celiz 0

Hong Kong Eastern (94) – Lamb 32, Elliot 22, Standhardinger 18, Lee 10, Moss 5, Lau 3, Tang 2, Xu 2

Quarter Scores: 14-25, 50-43, 75-62, 98-94

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF) wrote a new chapter in its story at MWF Kasaysayan on Sunday, April 8, at The Elements at Centris in Quezon City.

In the main event of international proportions, Mr. Lucha and Singapore Pro Wrestling Southeast Asian Tag Team Champion Eurasian Dragon prevailed over Robin Sane and Hong Kong wrestler Ho Ho Lun, who is also China's King of Pro Wrestling Champion.

Sane and Ho Ho weren't exactly the best of partners; in fact, Ho Ho holds a win over Sane. The duo's uneasy on-off alliance was a stark contrast from the solid teamwork of Mr. Lucha and Eurasian Dragon. The melee soon spilled over to the outside, with Robin Sane and Ho Ho Lun hitting separate dives from the top rope. 

Back in the ring, Ho Ho and Eurasian Dragon went back and forth until the Dragon nailed a modified Russian leg sweep to bring home the win for their team. A brief moment of confusion arose when the bell rang late after the referee's 3-count.

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MWFKasaysayan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MWFKasaysayan</a>: Mr. Lucha and The Eurasian Dragon def. Robin Sane and Ho Ho Lun. The ref’s pinfall and call was quite confusing.<a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/pfKIpk5Kq9">pic.twitter.com/pfKIpk5Kq9</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/982977455001448450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

Frustrated at the turn of events, Ho Ho attacked his own partner post-match. He then sullied Sane's MWF History Maker medal– awarded to the high-flyer at the start of the show – until Mr. Lucha put a stop to Ho Ho's outburst.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After the match, Ho Ho Lun attacked Robin Sane! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MWFKasaysayan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MWFKasaysayan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/WrTRkdFaaU">pic.twitter.com/WrTRkdFaaU</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/982998307340300289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>

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Maria Ozawa 'saved' by Gigz, RG

In the middle of the show, MWF aired a short action movie entitled, "Sagot Kita! Anytime, Anywhere" featuring its resident "action hero" Gigz Stryker and his friend RG.

In the film, college student RG – with a thesis in his bag – was targeted by two burly drunkards until the pair turned their attention to a beautiful passerby, played by former Japanese adult film actress Maria Ozawa. The drunkards stole Ozawa's purse, which Gigz and RG tried to retrieve, at first to no avail. 

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Maria Ozawa thanks her saviors, Gigz Stryker and RG at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MWFKasaysayan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MWFKasaysayan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/WfFMU44qFS">pic.twitter.com/WfFMU44qFS</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/982965342891749376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>

{/source}

The action then continued live at The Elements, with Gigz and RG chasing the burglars into the ring. Eventually, Stryker and RG finished off the bandits. Afterwards, Ozawa entered the ring to get back her purse and thank her two heroes.

Danger, danger

Both "Danger" Rex Lawin and his manager Coach Gus Queens were on a mission at Kasaysayan. 

In an in-ring interview with commentator Tarek el Tayech, Coach Gus played a footage from the last event, MWF Open House: Level UP, showing that his talent was not eliminated properly in the History Maker battle royal, won by Robin Sane. 

Then, Lawin sent a message by choking out Tarek until MWF Commissioner Mike Shannon rushed into the ring. Lawin made a beeline for Shannon, but referees prevented him from doing further damage.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rex Lawin shows up and applies a rear naked choke on commentator Tarek el Tayech! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MWFKasaysayan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MWFKasaysayan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/9MIJFLbXkg">pic.twitter.com/9MIJFLbXkg</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/982958494943817729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>

{/source}

Lawin's opponent, Frankie Thurteen, then made his way for their match. But the Grunge Grappler's valiant efforts were met by Lawin's ground-and-pound offense. Ultimately, Thurteen fell victim to Lawin's relentless punches and elbow strikes, prompting the referee to stop the match.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MWFKasaysayan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MWFKasaysayan</a>: Rex Lawin def. Frankie Thurteen via referee stoppage <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mwb9sohu6v">pic.twitter.com/Mwb9sohu6v</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/982960901979451393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>

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Post-match, Coach Gus challenged Australasian Wrestling Federation champion Greg Bownds to a title match. Rex then continued the assault on Thurteen, applying an armlock until a cavalry of PWR stars made the save.

Other matches

At the Kasaysayan opener, Fabio Makisig bested Brother Jomar Liwanag, a disciple of the "late" Moises Liwanag. 

Post-match, when Fabio brought Jomar's bible on stage and opened it, a blinding light beamed from the book, then a white lady stood beside Fabio, who immediately ran away. The white lady then assisted Brother Jomar to the back.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After the match, Fabio brought Brother Jomar’s bible to the back. But a ghost appeared on stage when he opened the bible! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MWFKasaysayan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MWFKasaysayan</a> <a href="https://t.co/7HP6K7eZQD">pic.twitter.com/7HP6K7eZQD</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/982949277977665537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>

{/source}

In tag team action, the team of Aldrin Richards and Hanzello Shilva defeated Mr. Lucha's students Ashura and Kyle Sison. Richards pinned Sison after a fireman's carry neckbreaker.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MWFKasaysayan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MWFKasaysayan</a>: Hanzello Shilva and Aldrin Richards def. Kyle Sison and Ashura<a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/r1aflSHDOh">pic.twitter.com/r1aflSHDOh</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/982953940630171648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Later in the show, Mr. Lucha told his proteges that they would face each other at the next show, but in a pillow fight match.

Finally, Ninja Ryugin ditched "The Glitch" Morgan Vaughn after a Salida del Sol finisher.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="fi" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MWFKasaysayan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MWFKasaysayan</a>: Ninja Ryugin def. Morgan Vaughn<a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/sNA6UEyOYd">pic.twitter.com/sNA6UEyOYd</a></p>&mdash; Michael Bueza (@mikebueza) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikebueza/status/982968453945593857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>

{/source}

Overall review

Picking up from their relaunch in February, MWF had a lot of improvements in their presentation, from an LED screen on the entranceway to better lights and sounds. It also handled the audience and the media well, and treated everyone to a pre-show press conference.

Kudos to its video production team for another stunning intro video. The seamless taped-to-live-action transition in the segment featuring Gigz Stryker, RG, and Maria Ozawa was brilliant. Whoever came up with that deserves a pay raise.

They also smartly utilized Ozawa's star power by incorporating her in a mini-film instead of just appearing at the show for no reason. 

The main event had the MWF crowd on their feet. Ho Ho Lun and Eurasian Dragon were fun to watch, while Robin Sane and Mr. Lucha matched the foreigners' skills with their own athleticism and power.

Rex Lawin's submission game indeed appear dangerous, as he stepped up his imposing attitude in the ring. Coach Gus Queens was terrific on the mic, and so were Fabio Makisig and Morgan Vaughn in their respective segments. Frankie Thurteen showed tremendous heart, while Ninja Ryugin and Vaughn wrestled a decent match.

On the flip side, the first 2 matches lacked the "oomph" factor. It takes two to tango in pro wrestling, so if only one side is performing well in the strikes and slams department, the entire match appears sloppy. 

There were some hiccups here and there, but overall, MWF Kasaysayan was a refreshing experience. MWF offered a taste of their unique brand of Filipino pro wrestling. Time will tell if it was indeed a historic, pivotal event, but this early, Pinoy wrestling fans can bank on MWF's passion to evolve from being an "alternative" to being the main choice.

Rating: B+

Quick results

• Fabio Makisig defeated Brother Jomar Liwanag
• Aldrin Richards and Hanzello Shilva def. Ashura and Kyle Sison
• "Danger" Rex Lawin def. Frankie Thurteen via referee stoppage
• Ninja Ryugin def. Morgan Vaughn
• Mr. Lucha and Eurasian Dragon def. Robin Sane and Ho Ho Lun

MWF's next show will be Maki-Wrestling, Huwag Matakot on Sunday, May 27, at the University of the Philippines (UP) Bahay ng Alumni in Quezon City. – Rappler.com