GINEBRA SUBDUES PRE-TOURNEY FAVE SMB IN FIERY START

Mark Caguioa marked his return from a one-year layoff with a 17-point showing Wednesday night, helping Barangay Ginebra get to a winning start in the 2009-2010 KFC PBA Philippine Cup.

With Caguioa pouring 15 in the second half, the Kings sustained the momentum of a decisive second-quarter romp on the way to a 98-86 win over the San Miguel Beermen before a good crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.

Eric Menk and Jayjay Helterbrand also made their presence felt as the Kings got past the team that beat them in a classic title duel in the most recent Fiesta Conference.

"We caught them off-guard. They relaxed a bit as they're probably still feeling championship high. On our part, we just don't want to get beaten again," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.
"It's just a first game. Everybody's feeling around, trying to get right chemistry. But it's nice to win. Hopefully, we can get to sustain it throughout the conference," Uichico added.

The Beermen started well but were outmaneuvered and outplayed by the Kings in the last three quarters of the game marred by two flagrant fouls committed by Danny Ildefonso and Denok Miranda on the cocky Ronald Tubid.

Caguioa returned from a long layoff with a flourish, going 7-of-12 from the field and also coming through with two free throws, two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 28 minutes of action.
Uichico said the prolific guard/forward is just about 80 percent back in shape.

"His rehab and strengthening are still going on. Hopefully, he regains his old form during the season," said Uichico of Caguioa who missed the 2008-09 campaign due to knee surgeries.

Menk paced the Kings with 18 points that went with nine rebounds while Helterbrand, the 2009 league MVP, shared 17 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

Danny Ildefonso led all scorers with 19 points.

The Kings hit their strides in the second period, converting 57.9 percent of their shots to surge ahead, 49-43, at halftime.

They were off to a slow start, outplayed by the Beermen early on as they trailed at 21-29 in the opening period.

Ildefonso was productive coming off the bench, piling up 14 points on 7-of-10 field-goal shooting in the first 24 minutes of play. Menk had nine points and four rebounds also coming off the bench for the Kings. (SB)

The scores:

Ginebra 98 -- Menk 18, Caguioa 17, Helterbrand 17, Tubid 12, Wilson 10, Mamaril 7, Villanueva 6, Intal 4, Baguio 4, Cruz 3, Alvarez 0.

San Miguel 86 -- Ildefonso 19, Cortez 10, Santos 9, Villanueva 8, Hontiveros 8, Miranda 7, Pennisi 7, Tugade 6, Pena 6, Eman 4, Racela 2, Seigle 0.

Quarterscores: 21-29, 49-43, 75-65, 98-86

SOURCE: http://www.pba.ph/topstories/ginebra-subdues-pre-tourney-fave-smb-fiery-start

Thanks, Bro!!!

September 26, 2009 - Manila, Philippines.

I woke up that day by greeting my high school friend a Happy Birthday through text. I thought it would only be any other day. What I didn't know was that that day would be one of the most unforgettable day of my life.

I was ready to go to school and take our final exam in Logic 2, when a familiar foe came - the rain. I went out with my slippers on; carrying my bag, umbrella and a plastic which contains my shoes. Then I rode the jeepney going to Quiapo, since we all know that España is going to be flooded. What I didn't know was that the way going to Quiapo was also flooded. There were two things in my mind that time: I will be stranded and be late for my Finals. Guess what, I was right.

I went out of the jeep - wet and frustrated. I tried to find any vehicle that could take me to Quiapo. There were a lot of pedicabs, but the fare that they wanted was so high for a very short distance. Good thing there was a not-that-old man who agreed to take me to a jeepney station going to SM Manila for only P20. It was a relief.

From there, I rode the jeep upto SM Manila. So far, I've spent P34. The dilemma doesn't stop there. The water at Manila City Hall was about as high as my knees. I didn't had any choice but to cross the street and get to school immediately. That time, my clothes and bag were really wet.

It was pretty obvious that classes were already suspended, but considering Mapua, they will never suspend classes easilly unlike other schools. That's the reason why I pushed through. I arrived at school - wet and frustrated. I went straight to our organization's tambayan to sat down for a while and rest. I've waited for about 4 hours until the storm stops. Then, I went out and tried to reached my tita's house what ever happens.

From Mapua, I rode a pedicab upto Recto, which costs P50. After that, I really don't know what to do next. It felt like I was in the middle of nowhere: it was dark and there were waters everywhere. Honestly, I almost cried for being stucked there, almost hopeless of getting home. That time, I only got to choices: to walk through the flood or stay there until morning.

But God was really kind to us. Pedicabs started to came to our place. We started to talk to them whether they can bring us to our destinations. Luckily, they agreed. Since the water was so high, we needed to ride on top of the pedicab. Although risky, I had no choice. That's the only answer to my prayers.

For almost two hours, me and my newly found companion, traveled through what has been a sea above the streets. The water was about half-body high. During that time, I really didn't imagined that I could still go home.

It was 8:30 P.M. when I got home at my tita's house. I spent P584 (500 for the last ride, there were two of them so they had 250 each. Why 500? It was really very far and considering our situation that time.) , not including how much I spent for food.

No matter how much I spent; no matter how wet my clothes and things are; what was important was that I got home safe and sound.

Thanks, Bro! =)

Kings still trying to become bigger, meaner

Ginebra's bid to become taller and bigger in the coming PBA season is far from over.

Kings coach Jong Uichico yesterday told Malaya his team has until early next month to come up with the additional ceiling that will help them contend with the rest of the teams.

"We're still filling up some of our spots and hopefully we can put the finger on the final lineup we want by the end of this week," said Uichico.

What is definite for Uichico is the idea of which teams to keep up with.

"Talk N Text, San Miguel Beer and Purefoods, because they can effectively play big or small. I don't have that luxury yet," said Uichico.

The Philippine Cup opens on Oct. 11 and Uichico hopes to have a contending roster by then, including four major players, Mark Caguioa, Junthy Valenzuela, Eric Menk and Jayjay Helterbrand, who should be completely healed from their injuries.

Caguioa is already practicing with the team after missing the entire season-ending Fiesta Conference due to a knee injury while Valenzuela is already strengthening his own knee that was operated on last February.

Menk suffered from a strained muscle between his calf and Achilles tendon and is set to return next week from a US vacation while Helterbrand has been given until the first week of September to heal his hamstring injury.

Uichico stressed they are closely watching the progress of Caguioa and Valenzuela.

"With Mark, so far so good. He's been reacting positively to intensive training, pero ang tinitingnan namin how his knee will react kapag sunod-sunod na ang games at practices. Baka kasi mag-react negatively, pahinga na naman siya ng matagal," Uichico said.

"Si Junthy naman, question mark pa rin pagdating sa basketball stage," Uichico added. "Any time now, baka maalis na ang sakit, then he can start going 100 percent na sa strengthening. But we're giving him an extra month, to see how it goes."

The return of Caguioa, Helterbrand and Valenzuela, however, can only add on to Ginebra's intrinsic strength, which are its small men that includes Cyrus Baguio, Chico Lanete, Ronald Tubid and Sunday Salvacion.

The team's real problem lies in the frontline, as showcased in its Fiesta finals against eventual champion SMB.

"Once we went big, we sacrificed so much in offense. Once we went small, outmatched naman kami," he pointed out.

Trades with Purefoods have netted Ginebra slotman Enrico Villanueva and forwards Rich Alvarez and Paolo Bugia, as well as playmaker Celino Cruz. Noli Cortez - Malaya Online Edition

SOURCE: http://www.ngetstudio.com/news/?id=b658f49c-e275-4c73-b314-75ed9d2f03fd

Another Saw 6 Poster...

That's it... The posters really kept on coming...

I wonder when will the Official Trailer finally comes out..?

SAW 6: Here it comes...

Hmm... look what we got here...

A poster of the upcoming film, "SAW 6"...

It looks kind of dark and creepy this time...

Anyway, try watching the teaser trailer in: http://www.saw6film.com/

Harper's Island DVD Edition... I Can't Wait For It!

Wohoo! A DVD Edition of my favorite mini-tv series, "Harper's Island".

I can't surely wait for it to come out. I will really save money to buy the original one (of course, original is always the best).

They said it will be released this September 8. I hope they deliver it immediately here in the Philippnes.

So, other fans of the show out there, let's start saving right now!

BEERMEN END 4-YEAR TITLE DROUGHT

In the end, talent and pride prevailed over character and attitude.

San Miguel Beer outplayed Barangay Ginebra in the grandest stage of a title playoff -- Game Seven -- fashioning out a convincing 90-79 victory to bag the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference crown before a roaring crowd of over 20,000 at the Araneta Coliseum.

"Ginebra will always be a never-say-die team. They have that great character and attitude. But when we're tested after the Game Five loss, we showed our talent as well as our pride as a champion team," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen moments after the championship.

Gabe Freeman, the tournament Best Import awardee, proved too hot to handle in this eventful evening, bulldozing his way to game-highs of 29 points and 18 rebounds.

Then there were Jonas Villanueva, Marc Pingris, Danny Ildefonso, Mike Cortez and Mick Pennisi also rising to the occasion as the Beermen frustrated the Kings and their throngs, thus, notching the franchise's 18th championship overall.

Tanquingcen kept his mastery of friend and mentor Jong Uichico in playoff battles in earning a third personal championship. The youthful SMB tactician won his first two titles with Ginebra.
"Nagkataon lang yon," said Tanquingcen, downplaying his fourth win in as many playoff tiffs with Uichico.

"It took us quite sometime to close it out and I would like to apologize, knowing the high expectations of the management and the fans on us," Tanquingcen also said. "I had to admit we really have a powerhouse team. But when tested, it took us talent and pride to get the championship."

The Beermen made it a come-from-behind victory, clinching it with victories in Games Six and Seven.

Villanueva, the season's Most Improved Player, came through with 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in Game Seven and went home with the FERN-C Finals MVP trophy. He wound up with averages of 11 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in the series.

With the win, San Miguel preserved its great ride in the classification round leading to outright entry into the Final Four.

Ginebra, second placer in the prelims, also gained automatic semis entry and proved to be a worthy finalist. But two missed shots at closing out the series had them yielding the coveted crown.

Freeman frolicked in the do-or-die setto, coming through with his 22nd triple double in the tourney.

David Noel, meanwhile, floundered in the face of tough adversity, struggling with a 3-of-11 shooting and committing a game-high six turnovers.

SMB took control right in the opening quarter and held on to the finish in frustrating Ginebra and its die-hards.

The Beermen opened a sizable lead, 24-11, right at the onset of the game as Freeman asserted himself early, making nine points and five rebounds in the opening quarter.

The Kings came to within one at 35-36 but Freeman, Ildefonso, Villanueva and Mick Pennisi worked on a 9-2 closing run to take the half at 45-37.

It took the exploits of Jayjay Helterbrand for the Kings to prevent the Beermen from pulling away in the first 24 minutes of play. Helterbrand was seven-of-eight from the field for 15 points on top of four rebounds and the same number of assists in the first half.

It was an action-packed first half that saw the Beermen outrun the Kings, producing 10 points off the breaks, two more than that of Ginebra. (NC)

The scores:

San Miguel 90 -- Freeman 29, Villanueva 15, Pingris 12, Ildefonso 10, Cortez 9, Pennisi 8, Washington 5, Hontiveros 2, Racela 0, Pena 0.

Ginebra 79 -- Helterbrand 25, Menk 12, Tubid 10, Reavis 9, Noel 8, Lanete 6, Wilson 5, Baguio 4, Mamaril 0, Salvacion 0.

Quarters: 25-15, 45-37, 70-60, 90-79

=============================================

SOURCE: http://www.pba.ph/topstories/beermen-end-4-year-title-drought

SAN MIGUEL FORCES GAME 7

San Miguel Beer is a proud ball club which won't just fade away in a battle.

The Beermen fought with great resolve with their one foot in the grave, stalling the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 98-84, and forging a deciding Game Seven in their Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference title showdown at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

Gabe Freeman and his teammates frustrated the Kings and their huge throngs, pulling off an emphatic win to bring the best-of-seven series to full distance.

One goes home with the championship and the other the runner-up trophy as the two teams clash in a do-or-die setto at 7 p.m. Friday in the same venue.

Ginebra has a perfect record in two Game Seven engagements. San Miguel, on the other hand, is 2-4, losing their last three outings.

"We haven't done anything yet because we just tied the series. God put us in the situation to test us. It's how we respond to adversity. That would define us as an individual and as a team," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

"It didn't happen tonight and we now have to do it Friday. It's a jump ball. A 50-50 percent chance of winning isn't bad at all," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

The Beermen battled with a resolute defense and a massive offense as they seized control in the second period and held on to the finish.

"Hindi sila maka-convert and we really had a hand in practically all their shots. It boiled down to defense and rebounding tonight," said Tanquingcen.

"Plain and simple, we failed to convert our shots," said Uichico.

Freeman went 9-of-13 from the field and finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds for his 21st triple-double game -- the most by any player in the tourney.

Making the job easier for the Beermen was Danny Ildefonso, Mike Cortez, Dondon Hontiveros, Jonas Villanueva, Jay Washington, Marc Pingris and Mick Pennisi all rising to the occasion.

The Beermen shot better from the field and dominated the boards as they got back at the Kings for the third time, thus, preserving the yours-and-mind trend in the series.

The Kings shot only 39.7 percent from the field with main man Jayjay Helterbrand among those doing bad, going 0-of-5 from the three-point arc and 4-of-5 from the two-point zone.

The Beermen cut loose from a see-sawing contest towards the end of the first half, racing to a 13-point lead before settling for a 44-34 spread at the turn.

The two teams both came out playing with great determination, fighting through nine lead changes before the Beermen established control.

Hontiveros sank two triples, highlighting a 16-2 salvo that opened a 44-31 advantage for the Beermen.

Sunday Salvacion made it a more manageable deficit for the Kings as he rifled in a trey coming off the bench in the closing seconds of the first half.

The Kings were ahead at 29-28 before going on a dry spell, making only five points in the last five minutes of the opening half.

The Beermen broke away while shooting 47.4 percent in the second period. The Kings, on the other hand, struggled with a 28.6-percent clip in that stretch.

SMB closed the half with a spirited run despite Freeman on the bench with three fouls.

Freeman, however, had his hand as the Beermen stretched their lead to 15 at 61-46 midway through the third. The fiery SMB import tossed in 12 points in the period, including seven straight through a three-pointer and back-to-back slams. (NC)

The scores:

San Miguel 98 - Freeman 24, Ildefonso 18, Cortez 12, Hontiveros 11, Villanueva 9, Washington 8, Pingris 6, Pennisi 5, Pena 3, Racela 2, Custodio 0.

Ginebra 84 - Noel 16, Menk 15, Tubid 13, Pacana 9, Helterbrand 8, Wilson 7, Salvacion 6, Reavis 6, Lanete 2, Baguio 2, Artadi 0, Mamaril 0.

Quarterscores: 17-19, 44-34, 68-61, 98-84

SOURCE: http://www.pba.ph/topstories/san-miguel-forces-game-7

GINEBRA A WIN AWAY FROM SUCCESSFUL FIESTA DEFENSE

David Noel redeemed himself big time from being the goat the last time, keying a Barangay Ginebra win Monday that sent the Kings to the threshold of the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference championship.

Noel rifled in six triples and a total of 29 points, with 13 coming in the payoff period, as Ginebra pulled off a 106-98 victory over a stunned San Miguel side for the pivotal 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven championship series.

Jayjay Helterbrand and Eric Menk endured pains and had significant contributions in the crucial Game Five win fashioned out before a crowd of over 12,000 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Kings become the first team to successfully defend a championship if they can wrap it up in Game Six Wednesday or in Game Seven Friday.

"Game Six will be a hell of a game. For sure, gusto nilang tumabla kami naman gusto ng tapusin ang series," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

The Ginebra players said their biggest motivation is for them to no longer return to practice after Game Six.

San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen, however, remained confident they can force a deciding Game Seven.

"I'm still optimistic about it. God gave us the opportunity to be here. The eight other teams would kill themselves to be here. No big reason to feel down. They still need to win a game to get the championship. We just have to get even in Game Six then take it from there," said Tanquingcen.

"Good thing Jayjay (Helterbrand) and Eric (Menk) were able to play. And David, being a real competitor, made up for his crucial free throw misses in Game Four in a big way tonight," said Uichico.

"We like to be up 3-2 but we know what San Miguel is capable of doing. We hope we can play better and be luckier Wednesday," Uichico added.

Outplayed by Gabe Freeman Wednesday, Noel turned things around by stepping up early and playing aggressively throughout this time.

He sent his SMB counterpart to the showers early by fishing his sixth and final foul with 3:01 left in the contest.

"David doesn't want to leave a bad taste in the mouth. He really wanted to redeem himself from that Game Four missed free throws," said Uichico.

Freeman got into foul-trouble situation early and finished with only 16 points and 10 rebounds in only 24 minutes of action.

The Kings, the reigning Fiesta Conference champions, pummeled the Beermen with Freeman on the bench, erecting two 16-point margins before settling for a 56-42 spread at the half.

In the first four games of the series, the biggest lead Ginebra enjoyed in the first half was only 13.

"Basically, everybody were off tonight and we dug a hole so deep for us to overcome," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

The Kings stretched their lead to 18 early in the third quarter and showed great poise and confidence in fending off a San Miguel rally in the final canto.

David saved his best for last, pouring in 13 in the payoff period to personally quash the Beermen's comeback bid.

Noel, Helterbrand, Menk and Chico Lanete combined for a 7-of- 9 three-point shooting to highlight Ginebra's torrid assault in the second period.

Back-to-back treys by Noel and Lanete gave the Kings their first double-digit spread at 44-33 with 2:26 left in the first half.

They went on a roll with the team enjoying a remarkable 61.9-percent field-goal shooting in the second quarter, compared to San Miguel's 38.1-percent clip.

The Beermen, however, waged a searing in the third period, riding largely on the exploits of Bonbon Custodio and Mike Cortez as they charged to within one at 68-69.

They came back to life even as Freeman returned to the bench after picking a fourth foul with 4:42 left in the quarter. (NC)

The scores:

Ginebra 106 - Noel 29, Menk 18, Lanete 14, Tubid 14, Helterbrand 9, Wilson 8, Mamaril 6, Reavis 5, Salvacion 3, Pacana 0, Baguio 0.

San Miguel 98 - Cortez 23, Freeman 16, Ildefonso 14, Villanueva 9, Hontiveros 9, Pennisi 7, Custodio 6, Washington 6, Pena 5, Racela 3, Gonzales 0, Pingris 0.

Quarterscores: 23-18, 56-42, 71-68, 106-98

SOURCE: http://www.pba.ph/topstories/ginebra-win-away-successful-fiesta-defense

SAN MIGUEL PULLS EVEN, 2 - 2

GABE Freeman is not the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference Best Import for nothing.

Freeman came up with the most crucial plays down the stretch as San Miguel Beer scored a 106-104 escape over Barangay Ginebra Wednesday to bring their championship series at the Araneta Coliseum to square one anew.

Freeman's basket off his own offensive rebound and pair of charities in the last 13.5 seconds gave the Beermen a 105-101 lead that would prove critical when one is playing a team like the Kings.

And Ginebra reprised its never-say-die attitude once more, with Noel draining a clutch triple off a timeout, putting the crowd favorites within one, still 10.7 ticks left.

Then all went for naught after Mike Cortez split his charities just one second later.

In the frenetic series of events that ensued, Ginebra coach Jong Uichico was not able to call his lone remaining timeout and Chico Lanete and Ronald Tubid, instead of going for a mere equalizer, each missed their respective three-point try.

The victory should be a sweet one for SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen, coming as it did on the heels of a 103-116 loss in Game 3. Yet he first opted to lash out at the game officials for what he termed as being drawn in by the predominantly pro-Ginebra crowd.

“Not taking anything away from Ginebra because they played really hard and they shot very well. But we're not getting any breaks from the refs,” he said, partly referring to the 28 fouls called against them.

“Konting kanti kami, foul agad ang tawag. Pag nakanti mo kahit balahibo lang nila, nasa foul line na sila,” he said. “Pero it's human nature. We just have to deal with it.”

Uichico said it all boiled down to SMB's 24 offensive rebounds which the Beermen translated to 23 points.

“Just take two or four points off those we could have won it,” he said.

Freeman wound up with 23 points and 21 rebounds, with Dondon Hontiveros adding 19 points and Cortez and Danny Ildefonso combining for 33.

Newly-crowned season MVP Jayjay Helterbrand and Noel each had 22 points for Ginebra, although the former had to sit out the game's last three minutes when his injured hamstring acted up, prompting Uichico to rest the newly-crowned MVP.

Noel also had 18 rebounds and four assists, but missed three straight free throws in the last 16.2 seconds, following Freeman's putback.

The game had 18 deadlocks and 17 lead changes, the most in a PBA championship game since Talk 'N Text and Red Bull forged 13 and 23, respectively, in their 2002 Commissioner's Cup finale.

Despite Tanquingcen's post-game insinuations, SMB actually held sway for majority of the fourth quarter, building on what Hontiveros started in the period by posting the game's biggest difference at 99-92, off Cortez's triple, still 3:16 left.

But Ginebra tenaciously crept itself back into the game, led by Eric Menk, who spiked his 21-point output with five points in a 9-2 counter capped by Noel's free throws that tied it up at 101, 37.6 remaining.

“At least we had a shot,” noted Uichico.

Earlier, Hontiveros made a mockery of newly-named All-Defensive Team member Ronald Tubid, hitting three straight triples to rally the Beermen from a 71-73 deficit and propping them to an 81-76 lead.

Sunday Salvacion's triple gave Ginebra a 61-56 lead inside the first five minutes of the third period, but the trend that begun in the first half continued as the two teams remained entangled in a tight embrace.

The return of Ildefonso and Marc Pingris, fined and suspended the last time out for trying to go after a Ginebra fan, was expectedly greeted with derision by the predominantly pro-Kings crowd who repeatedly jeered the two.

Still it was SMB which took the half, 47-46, mainly due to Cortez, who went 2-for-2 from beyond the arc and 3-for-4 inside it for 12 points in the second period.

Freeman was no slouch either as he already teetered on the brink of a double-double with nine points and 12 boards at the half.

Helterbrand and Noel prevented Ginebra from falling too far behind as the former scattered 12 of his 14 first half points in the second period with the latter notching 12 points and eight rebounds.

The Beermen actually led by as much as 22-16 early but no immediate breakaway was forthcoming as the two teams battrled through 10 deadlocks and eight lead changes in the first 24 minutes of play.

The scores:

San Miguel 106 - Freeman 23, Hontiveros 19, Cortez 18, Ildefonso 15, Villanueva 9, Washington 9, Pena 7, Pingris 6, Racela 0, Pennisi 0.

Ginebra 104 - Helterbrand 22, Noel 22, Menk 21, Tubid 10, Reavis 10, Baguio 9, Salvacion 5, Lanete 2, Mamaril 2, Wilson 1.

Quarters: 24-26, 47-46, 71-73, 106-104.

SOURCE: http://www.pba.ph/topstories/san-miguel-pulls-even-2-2

NOEL TD PROPELS GINEBRA TO 2 - 1 LEAD

EVEN when he is not on his usual offensive mode, Jayjay Helterbrand still finds ways to help Barangay Ginebra.

Like what he did Sunday, chipping in a bit of a coaching suggestion which proved crucial and enabled the Kings to fashion a come-from behind 116-103 win over San Miguel Beer in their Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference championshiop duel at the Araneta Coliseum.

David Noel notched a first PBA career triple double with 32 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, but Helterbrand's coaxing of coach Jong Uichico to try a defensive maneuver helped Ginebra rally back from what was once a 13-point deficit and into a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

“I thank him for suggesting we use Willy Wilson on Jay Washington,” related Uichico. “I said yes because what I was doing wasn’t working. He said, 'Let’s play Willie and see what he can do.' So I started him in the second half and it worked out well.”

Excellent, in fact, as Wilson anchored the defense that held Washington to just four second half points after the former already had his finals average of 18 points in the first two quarters.

The Kings' defensive stance also proved critical as they forced the Beermen to commit eight of their total 15 turnovers in the fourth period, all during the quarter's first nine minutes that helped fuel the former's charge.

Offense was simply no problem as the likes of Noel, Cyrus Baguio and Helterbrand joined hands in giving Ginebra as much as a 106-93 lead, a difference they maintained until the end.

Even SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen had to admit those turnovers were costly. So did getting outscored by 68-42 in the second half, inclouding 40-25 in the final period.

“We shot ourselves in the foot. We can't expect to give up 40 points in one quarter and win,” he said.

The defense on Washington, as well as the absence of the suspended Danny ldefonso and Marc Pingris, could also not be used as an alibi, Tanquingcen added.

“If we play our defense, it's not gonna be an issue,” he maintained. “We've got enough people to fill up what is needed. If we, as a unit, don't defend it's gonna be difficult for us.”

As it did so well in the series opener, Ginebra made up for its lack of size with its quickness and speedy ball movement to whittle what was a 13-point halftime lead to the game's first deadlock at 71, before it went into the final quarter behind by just 76-78.

And there was also hustle, which Baguio typified most in the fourth with some looseball recoveries and offensive rebounds that Noel and Billy Mamaril translated into baskets for a 10-0 run.

Helterbrand actually started that surge with a fastbreak basket, before Baguio and Noel each drained a triple and Noel a short jumper for a 90-82 spread, 8:46 left, leaving the predominantly pro-Ginebra crowd of more than 13,500 delirious.

Jonas Villanueva's penetrations usually led to Freeman baskets, but the Kings kept their poise and even stretched their lead to 13 pointson back-to-back treys by Noel and Baguio, only 3:12 left in the game.

Earlier on, Tanquingcen's words about not missing the services of Ildefonso and Pingris, who were suspended for the game and fined for trying to go after a Ginebra fan right after a 95-78 Game 2 win, would be proven correct.

Not with Washington and Mike Cortez inflicting the most damage early, enabling the Beermen to seize control and take a 61-48 lead into the break.

Washington has already reached his average in only 17 minutes of first half action, scoring 13 straight that was spiked by three triples and highlighted SMB's charge from an already imposing 54-48 lead.

Ginebra could have been in a deeper hole if not for Ronald Tubid and Noel.

After not even making any attempt in a six-minute relief stint in the first period, Tubid sprang to life in the second with nine points while Noel mostly carried the fight for the Kings in the opening quarter with 10.

The scores:

Ginebra 116 - Noel 32, Menk 16, Tubid 13, Baguio 12, Salvacion 11, Helterbrand 9, Wilson 8, Reavis 7, Mamaril 4, Lanete 3, Intal 1, Artadi 0.

San miguel 103 - Freeman 25, Washington 22, Cortez 15, Hontiveros 12, Pennisi 10, Villanueva 9,Pena 6, Gonzales 4, Eman 0, Racela 0.

Quarters: 21-29, 48-61, 76-78, 116-103

SOURCE: http://www.pba.ph/topstories/noel-td-propels-ginebra-2-1-lead

SAN MIGUEL GETS BACK AT GINEBRA, SERIES TIED 1 - 1

Beaten on defense and on rebounding in the series opener, San Miguel Beer turned the tables on Barangay Ginebra Friday, pulling even in the second game of the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference best-of-seven finale at the Araneta Coliseum

The Beermen got back at the Kings, 95-78, in a game with an ugly finish seeing Danny Ildefonso and Marc Pingris attack a heckling fan at the gallery.

The two SMB players are likely to get stiff sanction because of the incident. They're summoned to appear at the PBA office Saturday morning.

"The lesson we got is that we really have to keep our composure whatever the situation is. We can't show any mental weakness. We have to be strong every step of the way. It's a given that they would have the crowd on their side," said SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen.

For the Beermen, it's a sorry finish to a splendid showing.

The Beermen fought with limitless energy and enthusiasm, overcoming limited minutes played by import Gabe Freeman because of fouls.

"Basically, we just came out more prepared tonight," said Tanquingcen.

"We're mentally prepared and obviously we're able to defend better. We were badly beaten in rebounding in Game One and that's one concern we made sure to take care of," Tanquingcen added.

The Beermen dominated the boards, cashing in heavily on offensive rebounds.

Freeman came through with 23 points and 17 rebounds though playing in and out after picking a fourth foul early and Jay Washington, Marc Pingris and Dondon Hontiveros had their contributions as the Beermen rebounded strong from a 96-102 defeat Wednesday.

The Beermen established control on a 17-6 attack in the first half and went on to dominate the Kings all the way to the finish.

SMB lorded it over the boards, grabbing 57 rebounds to Ginebra's 40. And even with Freeman on the bench, the Beermen got the rebounds.

Pingris pulled down two offensive rebounds leading to back-to-back three-point plays that sparked an attack, breaking the Kings' back at 90-76.

Jay Washington knocked in three triples and a total of 17 points while Freeman added 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks as the Beermen took the half at 50-44.

As in Game One, Paul Artadi got the Kings to a quick start but the Beermen managed to make the right adjustments early, seizing control in the second period.

The Beermen unravelled a 17-6 run bridging the first two quarters to surge ahead at 25-22.

The two teams figured in a fierce shootout midway through the second period highlighted by an exchange of electrifying slams from David Noel and Freeman.

The Ginebra import drove through the middle and executed a two-handed jam then his SMB counterpart answered with a right-handed throw-down off an alley-oop pass by Mike Cortez. Both plays drew tremendous applause from the crowd.

The Beermen led by 11 at 44-33 but the Kings drew within six at the turn on an 11-6 closing run by Artadi and Ronald Tubid.

Artadi capped his 11-point first-half production with a three-pointer then Tubid scored all of Ginebra's last eight points in the second quarter. (NC)

The scores:

San Miguel 95 -- Freeman 23, Washington 17, Pingris 14, Hontiveros 14, Villanueva 8, Ildefonso 6, Racela 4, Pennisi 4, Pena 3, Cortez 2, Eman 0, Gonzales 0, Calaguio 0.

Ginebra 78 -- Noel 20, Helterbrand 15, Tubid 12, Artadi 11, Baguio 7, Reavis 5, Mamaril 3, Salvacion 3, Menk 2, Lanete 0, Intal 0.

Quarterscores: 20-22, 50-44, 71-64, 95-78

SOURCE: http://www.pba.ph/topstories/san-miguel-gets-back-ginebra-series-tied-1-1

The Story About A Girl... (True Story)

It was way back first year college when I started to commute and travel to Manila by myself. It was indeed a very different feeling compared to my previous life: travelling with my family. Well I guess that's how life goes, besides, I'm already in college.

My college life began as early as 4:00 in the morning. Well, I needed to woke up that early since my class starts at 7:00. Yes, it was quite difficult and very tiring to do it everyday. As I said, that's how life goes.

I only had one hour to prepare: which includes taking a bath, eating breakfast, brushing my teeth, and suiting up for school. Luckily, we really don't have polos and black pants for uniform, a shirt and pants were enough. At 5:00 A.M., I'm ready go.

The skies were really dark. The wind was so cold. I was just like travelling at night. But although it was too early, there were already a lot of fellow commuters, young and old.

By the time I rode the famous Jeepney, all I think was just to have a safe travel and never be late at school. I didn't imagined there were going to be a lot of surprises that awaits me.


Day by day, different people, different faces. But there was, indeed, an exception: a young lady which seems to be a fellow college freshman. Hmm... Why exceptional? The story begins here:

At first, she was just a common fellow commuter which also travels from TMC, Cavite to Lawton, Manila.

Yes, she also studies in Manila, just like me. But she was wearing civilian clothes, that's why I didn't know from what school she was.

But as days passed by, that young lady became a very familiar face. Most of the time, we traveled in the same jeepney and bus. The problem was, I really don't have the guts to introduce myself to her. I felt that time, she already noticed the same thing: I also became a very familiar face.

Two and a half months had gone by, nothing really happened. I still continue to travel alone every morning. But the girl with the familiar face wasn't there anymore. I really blamed myself why I wasn't able to know her. I even wished and prayed to God for me to see her again. But again, that's how life goes.

The End?

Hmm... not really.

It was in second term when I got a first glimpse of a concert at Mapua. But due my very, very far home, I needed to live by 8:00 P.M. I went home with my dad since he went to a place nearby our school.

I even forgot that Ginebra had a game that night. Luckily, the TV in the bus was on and it shows the PBA. The game was finished just before we went off board. I was glad Ginebra won that game.

When we're inside the jeep, I really felt sleepy so I tried to rest and close my eyes for a while. We were already near the town proper, about 2 kilometers away, I heard a very familiar voice.

A voice which I've heard before. I took a glimpse at that person. She really looks familiar, but I wasn't sure if it was really her.

My question was just answered by the time she said, "Para po!" and went out the jeep. It was indeed that girl, the one with the familiar face. She was already wearing their school's uniform - she studies in Letran.

Too bad she already went off board before I realized that it was really her. It was just another opportunity wasted.

Well, there was one thing I've learned: things really happen at the time you don't expect them to... The End...

GINEBRA TAKES GAME 1

Barangay Ginebra jumped out of the starting gate and sustained a searing pace on a massive offense, hacking out a 102-96 win over San Miguel Beer in the opener of the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference finale at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

The Kings converted 40 percent of their shots from the three-point area and outperformed the Beermen on the offensive board to fuel a torrid assault leading to their stirring victory at the start of the race-to-four-game series.

"Naka-swerte. We shot pretty well at the start then our defense worked in the second half. Naka-sagot kami sa opensa ng San Miguel when they started to get streaks," said San Miguel coach Jong Uichico.

"We like that situation na maka-una. Baka hindi kami nakasabay kung sila ang naka start ng malakas," Uichico added.

"We're not mentally prepared to play this game. It's not an excuse. Lahat lang talaga, from the coaches to the players, not prepared mentally," rued San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

"We let them convert 40 percent from the three-point area and get the offensive rebounds when they missed their shots. Our defense shouldn't stop in having them missed their shots. We should only stop when we already get the ball," Tanquingcen added.

Ginebra came out smoking, led by as many as 18 points and fended off a San Miguel rally at the finish with top gun Jayjay Helterbrand and five other Kings playing key roles.

Helterbrand and Paul Artadi got the team to a big start then Sunday Salvacion, Cyrus Baguio and David Noel took over to sustain the pace before Ronald Tubid had his key contributions helping hold off the SMB chase.

"We're still in the drawing board. It so happened that what we talked about and what we planned works in this game," said Uichico.

"We like this situation, winning Game One. But a first game is just a first game. It takes four games to win and we know the talent of San Miguel. They can be so overpowering that we really need to exert extra effort," Uichico added.

Helterbrand led all scorers with 21 points and added seven assists and six rebounds in a sterling performance in 38 minutes of action.

Baguio, Tubid, Artadi and Noel also scored in double figures for the Kings who surprisingly dominated the favored Beermen, leading by as big as 18 at 81-63.

The Beermen came threateningly close in the homestretch but the Kings stayed intact, holding SMB at bay on clutch shots by Tubid at the finish. Tubid fired seven of his 14 points in the last 32 seconds.

The Kings took an early double-digit spread at 19-9 and led by 17 at 53-36 before settling for a 53-41 spread at the half.

Helterbrand and Artadi started strong with the former going 4-of-7 from the three-point area and totaling 19 points in the first half and the latter knocking in three triples and a total of 11 points in the first five minutes of the contest.

With Gabe Freeman and Jay Washington hitting their strides, the Beermen came within two at 24-26 only to see the Kings make another decisive attack to rip the game apart at 53-36 with 1:54 left in the second quarter.

Helterbrand converted three of four three-point tries in the second period, the last capping the big blast that gave them the 17-point margin.

The Beermen made it a more manageable deficit as they scored seven unanswered points the rest of the first half. (NC)

The scores:

Ginebra 102 -- Helterbrand 21, Baguio 17, Tubid 14, Artadi 13, Noel 13, Salvacion 9, Lanete 5, Mamaril 4, Intal 2, Menk 2, Reavis 2.

San Miguel 96 -- Washington 19, Villanueva 18, Freeman 16, Cortez 12, Hontivoeros 11, Racela 7, Ilderfopnso 4, Pena 4, Pennisi 3, Pingris 2.

Quarterscores: 26-22, 53-41, 81-65, 102-96

SOURCE: http://www.pba.ph/topstories/ginebra-takes-game-1

Kings brace for Finals duel with Beermen

Too much power and too many weapons in so organized a team.

That's what San Miguel Beer displayed to the fullest in handing Burger King a 118-103 whopping last Sunday evening to secure the second finals berth in the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

It took some time before the Beermen were able to unleash the full might of their well-stocked arsenal. But when they did they were simply unstoppable in their bid to close out the best-of-seven semifinal series in six games and realize a league-best 29th finals appearance.

The Beermen forged a return finals duel with the defending champion Ginebra Kings, who earlier bundled out the Elasto Painters 108-100 and also closed out their own series via a 4-2 count.

It will be the fourth finals duel between the sister teams and Tanquingcen was quick to say fans will be in for another treat.

"It's gonna be an exciting series. It's something different from our battle with Burger King," said Tanquingcen, a former assistant to Ginebra coach Jong Uichico when the Kings beat the Chot Reyes-mentored SMB team for the 2006-07 Philippine Cup title.

Things will be drastically different now.

"This is something new because I'm up with coach Jong for the first time in the finals. I enjoy playing against them kasi pagi-isipin ka ni coach Jong, kaya I look forward to playing them," said Tanquingcen, adding neither team has a clear edge.

"I would not say na dehado kami. You have to deal with Ginebra. It's going to be a different feeling now and I'm sure ganoon din sila sa amin," he stated, before pointing out what should be a major factor in the "Last Dance."

"The key is gonna be guys being free from any injuries."

Gabe Freeman dished out a double-double job with 26 points and 14 rebounds and four locals had at least 14 points each as the Beermen broke the game wide open in the third quarter to lead by as many as 20 points thrice, the last at 92-72.

Due to foul trouble, Freeman was on the bench for majority of the period.

But SMB turned to Danny Ildefonso and Jonas Villanueva in leading their attack that resulted in the Beermen rattling off 39 points against BK's 22.

With nobody among them able to fully step up and take charge, the Whoppers would come no closer than 15 points the rest of the way as they settled for a one-game playoff with Rain or Shine for third place. Noli Cortez - Malaya Online Edition

SOURCE: http://www.ngetstudio.com/Barangay_Ginebra_Kings/news/?id=7b3ade83-25f3-45bb-a7e1-9039eefade40

Ginebra books return trip to Fiesta Cup finals

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra finished off Rain or Shine with a 108-100 win in Game 6 Sunday night to earn a return trip to the finals of the PBA Fiesta Cup.

The defending champions held the Elasto Painters’ import Jai Lewis to just six points in his lowest output in the semis as the Kings clinched the best-of-seven series, 4-2.

“We really had a hard time against them (Elasto Painters)," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, who will be seeking to nail down his ninth PBA title and the third with the Gin Kings. “They really pushed us to the limit, forcing us to play above our normal game."

Ginebra will try to defend its crown it won against then Air21 last season. The Gin Kings triumphed in that series 4-3.

They await the winner of the other semifinal duel between San Miguel and Burger King, where the Beermen enjoy a 3-2 lead.

Ronald Tubid and import David Noel each had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Jay-Jay Helterbrand and Paul Artadi chipped in 17 points apiece in a balanced offensive where only one Ginebra player – Willy Wilson – failed to score.

TY Tang scored a career-high 24 points and virtual Rookie of the Year Gabe Norwood added 22 for the Elasto Painters, who fought as hard as they could even with Lewis struggling big time from the floor.

Lewis was held down to merely 2-for-6 shooting and pulled down 12 rebounds. He had very limited touches and was often triple-teamed when he got hold of the leather. He made his first field goal with 4:46 left in the fourth period when Ginebra was ahead comfortably, 98-85.

“Our defense on Lewis was the key," said Uichico. “It was a team effort.

"Still, Rain or Shine didn’t go out without a fight. It managed to threaten Ginebra at 83-79 with 11:11 to go in the fourth quarter, before the Gin Kings detonated a 15-6 bomb where Noel, Cyrus Baguio and Sunday Salvacion each had a triple.

That run carried Ginebra to a comfortable 98-85 lead, and the Elasto Painters could get no closer than 102-97 on a triple from Tang with 57 seconds remaining. - GMANews.TV

The Scores:

Ginebra 108 - Noel 23, Tubid 23, Artadi 17, Helterbrand 17, Reavis 8, Salvacion 6, Mamaril 5, Baguio 5, Lanete 3, Intal 1, Wilson 0.

Rain or Shine 100 - Tang 24, Norwood 22, Arana 15, Ibanes 11, Reyes 11, Lewis 6, Isip 6, Laure 5, Dulay 0, Wainwright 0.

Quarter scores: 31-21, 60-53, 81-76, 108-100

SOURCE: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/166134/Ginebra-books-return-trip-to-Fiesta-Cup-finals

GUNS ABLAZE, GINEBRA DRUBS RoS

Kings move a win fom Finals

Barangay Ginebra picked up from where it left off Wednesday, outclassing Rain or Shine for the second straight game for a 96-85 win and the 3-2 lead in their own side of the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference best-of-seven semifinals series at the Araneta Coliseum Friday.

The Kings established control early and sustained the charge, making it two in a row versus the Elasto Painters to move a win shy of a return stint in the reinforced conference finale.

The reigning champions go for the clincher in Game Six Sunday or, if still necessary, in Game Seven Wednesday.

"It's really been a tough series. Hopefully, we've got the right attitude now how to deal with this team and we can pull it through Sunday," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

"I'm guessing that we're now playing Rain or Shine with the right frame of mind. At the start, human nature siguro na nagrelax konti ang mga players namin because we beat them twice in the elimination round. We beat them playing with an all-Filipino lineup in the first game then we routed them in the next," Uichico added.

The Kings stayed focused on the job at hand and played relentlessly for the second straight game Friday, winning it in a wire-to-wire fashion.

David Noel was at his best at least in this series, coming through with 28 points and 17 rebounds.
Ginebra walloped Rain or Shine with Noel outperforming Jai Lewis and the Ginebra locals doing the same against their Rain or Shine counterparts.

Jayjay Helterbrand led the locals with 19 points and emerged Best Player of the Game for the third time in the series. He won the honors in all their won games.

Ronald Tubid was another Ginebra player who finished in double figures, going 2-of-5 from the three-point area, 2-of-5 from the two-point zone and 3-of-3 from the stripe for 13 points.

Lewis, with only 15 points, already wound up as the Painters' top scorer.

"Playoffs are about adjustments. Mukhang nahirapan mag-adjust ang Rain or Shine in a day's break. That's why I'm really hoping we can finish it Sunday, baka maka-adjust pa sila," said Uichico.

The Kings jumped the gun on the Painters, taking the first quarter at 23-13 and the half at 49-34.

Ginebra dominated the opening half with a torrid shooting which Rain or Shine had no answer for.

Noel was 2-of-3 from the three-point area and 4-of-7 from the two-point zone with the entire team hitting at a 48.6-percent clip as against Rain or Shine's 32.6-percent marksmanship in the first half. (NC)

The scores:

Ginebra 96 -- Noel 28, Helterbrand 19, Tubid 13, Baguio 8, Artadi 7, Reavis 7, Lanete 4, Intal 3, Wilson 3, Salvacion 2, Se 2, Mamaril 0.

Rain or Shine 85 -- Lewis 15, Tang 13, Arana 12, Isip 11, Reyes 11, Norwood 8, Wainwright 7, Ibanes 3, Salangsang 3, Laure 2, Dulay 0, Andaya 0.

Quarterscores: 23-13, 49-34, 74-59, 96-85

SOURCE: http://www.pba.ph/topstories/guns-ablaze-ginebra-drubs-ros

Ginebra-Rain or Shine series back to square one

With the specter of elimination threatening their season, Barangay Ginebra did what is necessary to stay on course in their bid for a title repeat.

Jayjay Helterbrand poured in 11 of his 21 points in the third quarter and the defending champion Kings broke loose for a 86-70 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 4 Wednesday night to even their semifinal series in the Motolite PBA Fiesta conference at two-games apiece.

The Kings were in control the entire game, displaying the kind of urgency and poise that lacked their game in the first three encounters.

"It's good we survived this game. Now, we know things won't be as easy we thought it would be," offered Uichico, adding the Elasto Painters were a hard read.

"They're (ROS) tough. So were really have to play with our A-game every night," he said.

The Kings set the pace of the game by playing aggressively on both ends.

After a close first quarter, the defending champions seized control in the next period by holding the Elasto Painters to an 18 percent shooting (4-of-22) then ripped the game wide open in the third quarter with a flurry of three-pointers led by Helterbrand.

Game 5 is set at 7:30 p.m. also at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ronald Tubid scored 14 points before being ejected with 2:38 left in the third quarter after picking up his second "technical foul". Import David Noel added 10 points and as many rebounds and helped Billy Mamaril and Rafi Reavis in slowing down ROS import Jai Lewis.

The Elasto Painters struggled all night, unable to get their rhythm because of poor shooting and the seemingly lack of energy that got them going the first three games. Their total score was the lowest by any team in the conference, the previous low coming in their 114-71 loss also to Barangay Ginebra in the playoff for the second outright semis berth last May 24.

Lewis once again frolicked in the lane with 15 rebounds and led all scorers with 23 points, but he was the only ROS player in double figures.

The Elasto Painter made just 28 of 92 attempts (30 percent) and shot just as bad from the line (13-of-32).

After Lewis pulled Rain or Shine to within 26-29, Tubid knocked in a three-pointer then made two free throws that led to a 14-7 run as Ginebra marched to their locker room holding on to a 43-33 lead at halftime.

The lead was still 10 early in the third when Helterbrand drilled in two successive three-pointers that sparked a telling 26-6 blast as the Kings stretched their margin to 66-41.

Ginebra knocked five threes during that run with Helterbrand going 3-of-4. (DBC) PBA.ph

The scores:

Barangay Ginebra 86 -- Helterbrand 21, Tubid 14, Noel 10, Salvacion 8, Intal 7, Reavis 7, Mamaril 6, Baguio 5, Lanete 3, Artadi 3, Wilson 2, Kramer 0, Pacana 0.

Rain or Shine 70 -- Lewis 23, Tang 9, Isip 8, Arana 7, Wainwright 7, Reyes 5, Salangsang 5, Norwood 3, Laure 3, Dulay 0, Andaya 0, Ejercito 0.

Quarterscores: 23-22, 43-33, 72-53, 86-70

SOURCE: http://www.ngetstudio.com/news/?id=2160ceb4-725b-42cb-8343-e4f55e9add43

Upcoming Movies for 2009...

The following are some of the movies which I really wanted to watch once they are shown in the cinemas. Hope you like them too:

1.) "Sherlock Holmes" - this movie will always be on the top of my list. I've waited so long to be able to watch my favorite fictional character on the big screen. It will be coming out this December so we still need to wait for a while before we see Robert Downey Jr. in a Shelock Holmes outfit.

2.) "Year One" - well, it's Jack Black, so what's not to love? hehe...He's really one of my favorite comedians in Hollywood. Go Jack!

3) "New Moon" - one of the famous book-turned-movie of this generation, they even managed to start shooting this one. Does it mean the next one will also be shown next year? Hmmm...Twilight Saga every year...

4.) "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" - our famous prehistoric gang is back for another funny and exciting adventure; and now they found themselves hanging around with the dinosaurs. Unlike the previous installments, this will be shown in 3-D! Just imagine having a face to face encounter with the T-Rex.

5.) "Public Enemies" - with Johnny Depp and Christian Bale on the cast, this will surely be a great hit. Another detective-robber-hunt story set in 1933-34 when John Dillilnger, played by Depp, became public enemy number one. The question is: will Batman be able to capture Captain Jack Sparrow?

6.) "The Final Destination" - also known as Final Destination 4: 3-D, continues the tradition of gruesome-teenager movie. Premonitions and tragic deaths were the best ingredients of this movie franchise, so watch for it!

7.) "A Christmas Carol" - a book adaptation of Charles Dicken's famous novel. The movie stars funnyman Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who needs to change his ways before it's too late. The film was also in 3-D format.

8.) "2012" - another film about the end of the world. It was said that our ancestors already had some warnings for mankind about the upcoming end of everything. But despite of these, man surely ignored what has to be their only way to survive.

9.) "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel" - the chipmunks trio are back to face "The Chipettes" in the $100,000 Battle of the Bands. As expected, this will be another great hit, especially for kids.

10.) 'Saw 6" - the sixth installment of the never-ending story of games and life-learned lessons. Jigsaw's legacy goes on with lots of new twist and turns ready to come out.

-Brent John Nathaniel F. De Guzman

Rain or Shine shocks Ginebra to go up, 2-1

Young and inexperienced, Rain or Shine wasn't really given a second look to go this far in its semifinals series with defending champion Barangay Ginebra.

But just look where the Elasto Painters are -- just two wins away from marching into a first-ever PBA finals stint.

Gabe Norwood tallied a team-high 15 points and three others finished in double figures for Rain or Shine in a 94-88 win over the Kings Sunday in Game 3 of their Fiesta Cup Final Four at the Araneta Coliseum.

"We just want to have fun and winning is having fun for us," said Norwood.

"Kahit ako hindi makapaniwala," said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia. "But it's happening. And we don't want to stop there. We want to achieve more."

The Kings struggled from the foul line behind a 10-of-22 shooting and never really got into the groove as they played catch-up the entire contest.

JayJay Helterbrand paced Ginebra with 17 points, import David Noel added 16 and 17 rebounds while Cyrus Baguio got 16 before getting ejected early in the fourth period following a flagrant foul 2 he committed against Ryan Arana while the Kings trailed, 79-68.

Except for a brief stretch in the third period when JC Intal and Baguio provided the energy for the Kings to rally the team from a 56-41 deficit to within 69-64, Ginebra didn't really have a shot against the inspired Rain or Shine quintet. GMANews.TV

SOURCE: http://www.ngetstudio.com/news/?id=88c96a8c-fdba-4338-8baf-94f29984287f

"Alaala" (Another Self Composition)

I. (c.p G-D-Em-C) 2x
Kapag umuulan... ay naaalala,
Nung tayo'y... magkasama.
Ngunit ngayo'y... ika'y lumayo na,
Ang buhay ko'y... paano na?

II. (c.p G-D-Em-C) 2x
Tuwing magkasama... magkahawak-kamay,
Ngunit ang isip mo'y... hindi mapalagay.
Ng ikaw ay tanungin... ang sagot mo'y iling,
Hanggang kailan ililihim... ang nagbagong damdamin?

Chorus: (c.p G-D-Em-C) 2x
Bakit... ka pa lumisan?
Sa buhay ko'y, ika'y kailangan.
Bakit... hindi na pwede pang balikan...
Ang nakaraan?

Adlib: G-D-Em-C (2x)

(Repeat II except last line: Em-C
Hanggang kailan ililihim... bagong pagtingin?)

(repeat Chorus 2x)

Coda: G-D-Em-C
Oh... Paalam na... (3x)

---G

-end-

"Come and Go" (Another Self Composition)

Intro: G-Em-Am-D (2x)

I. (c.p. G-Em-Am-D) 4x

Time has come... for us to go...

Unforgettable moments... like when we fisrt said, "HELLO!"...

I remember the days... when we're still together...

I will cherish those moments... and it will last forever...

Chorus: (c.p. G-Em-Am-D) 2x

Even if we say goodbye...

I'll never forget... the days that we've cried and...

Even if you're from a far...

You'll always stay in my heart...

Wherever you are...

(Repeat Intro Chords)

(Repeat Stanza I and Chorus 2x)

(Repeat Intro Chords)

II. (c.p. G-Em-Am-D) 2x

Time has come... for us to go...

It's time to follow... where the rivers flow...

Time has come... for us my friend...

I'll never forget you...

Until the end...

-end-

Déjà vu for Ginebra?

Déjà vu - is the experience of feeling sure that one has witnessed or experienced a new situation previously (an individual feels as though an event has already happened or has happened in the near past), although the exact circumstances of the previous encounter are uncertain.

From: http://www.wikipedia.org/

=============================================

That's what other says about the current run of Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings, the most popular basketball club in the PBA. It was just last season wherein they became eventual champions of the PBA Fiesta Conference, still being aired in ABC5/TV5 (which indeed had a better way of broadcasting the league compared to CS9).

But before that, they started 0-5 in the team standings; doesn't had a really great import; and it seems everything they'd done were wrong. Not until they got a very dominant import which was Chris Alexander. From a team that's right down the cellar, they became a championship contender.

So, how can we tell that what's happening right now is a Déjà vu from last season's Fiesta Conference? In some ways, it really looks like a Déjà vu, since Ginebra did start poorly this conference. But again, let's just compare the ones last year from this year:

1.) "Import"

Last Year: First they had Rahshon Turner, who was really not that tall and explosive during their games. During that time, it was Caguioa who seems to be the import because he led the team in scoring.


Next was Ernest Brown, and unlike Turner, he was really very tall. But I guess he only had the height, but doesn't had a very great game.

And lastly, Chris Alexander, the answer to Ginebra's prayers. He was very dominant, especially in rebounding, and led Ginebra to an automatic Quarterfinals seed. Ginebra even won 13 games straight; including the latter part of the eliminations, and a sweep in the Quarter and Semifinals.

They'd won the crown after a decisive game 7 in the Finals. Alexander also won the Best Import of the Conference that season.

This Year: First they brought back Rod Nealy, a very aggresive and scoring import that brought Ginebra straight in the quarterfinals in 2007. But this year was really different from their run during that time.


With a lot of new players in the team, teamwork and consistency can't be found in the Gin Kings. After winning the first game, they'd lost 5 straight games in the conference.Because of all the misfortunes, they decided to change their import. They tapped a former NBA player and US-NCAA Slam Dunk Champion - David Noel. From their, Ginebra just lost 1 game with him, and they got an automatic SEMIS stint.

2.) "Team Roster"

Last Year: They acquired Paul "Kid Lightning" Artadi (from Purefoods), Cris Pacana (Free Agent), Willy Wilson (from Coca-Cola), Alex Crisano (Free Agent), Vic Pablo (Free Agent), Macky Escalona and JR Aquino (ROOKIES), and Junthy "Hitman" Valenzuela (from Red Bull). Almost everyone from above contributed to Ginebra's winning run last season.

Artadi leveled up his game by adding 3-point shooting in his arsenal. Pacana and Crisano had very great performances specially during the playoffs. And the addition of Valenzuela really made Ginebra's guard rotation deeper.

This Year: At the start of the Season, they acquired Junjun Cabatu from the Free Agents List. The next conference, they first acquired JC "The Rocket" Intal and Doug Kramer (from Air21), and Chico Lañete (from Purefoods). They traded Crisano to Red Bull for future draft rights.

Afterwards, they got Cyrus "Skyrus" Baguio and Homer Se (from Burger King). Because of this acquisitions, they now had a very deep bench; and the absence of Caguioa and Valenzuela, due to injuries, didn't hurt the team very much.

3.) "The Team's Run"

Last Year: They started 0-5 and they were indeed in the bottom of the standings. Tables just started to turned after the arrival of Alexander.

They only lost 1 game in the second round of eliminations; gained an automatic quarterfinals seed; swept their game with Sta. Lucia and Red Bull in the quarters and semis, respectively.
Alexander had a vital role during the finals, especially in Game 6 wherein they had a come-from-behind win against the Air21 Express.

And they won the crown after a thrilling Game 7, despite of Helterbrand's absence (due to injury); and the injuries from Caguioa, Valenzuela and Artadi.
Helterbrand won Best Player of the Conference, while Menk and Tubid won Co-Finals MVP.

This Year: They won their first game, still with Rod Nealy, but had lost 5 games straight. Just like last season, they fortunes changed when they got the hig-flying David Noel. They also acquired quality players like Intal, Baguio and Lañete whcih really helped them with their run.

They got their chance of going straight to the semis easily, not until they were defeated by Alaska. They almost got a come-from-behind win that game; but instead, they had to battle Rain or Shine once more for the last automatic semis stint. Luckily, they won that game and now they're waiting for the best of seven semis.

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"LAST WORDS"

Well, we can't call it an exact Déjà vu of last season, since Ginebra still didn't win the championship this conference. But until Ginebra's still in the run, calling this conference a Déjà vu isn't over.

That's why Ginebra fans, let's keep our fingers' crossed that they will once again win the crown!

-Brent John Nathaniel F. De Guzman

"Jumper" Versus "Push"

It's not unusual for us to compare a lot of things: which is better, or which is worse; either or neither ways. That's why I'm doing the same thing with these two hollywood movies which I'd watched already.

"Jumper" and "Push", in my opinion, share one thing: A guy which possesses extraordinary powers. But what else do they have in common? their differences? Which is better than the other? Or maybe they're just in the same boat? Hmm... Let's see...

THE STORY:


*"Jumper" - A guy named David Rice, played by Hayden Christensen, discovered he has the power to "Jump" from one place to another; or simply, teleport. But due to a lot of personal issues, especially with his family, he decided to lived by himself.

Well, because of his super powers, he used it to rob a bank; and the rest was history. He then discovered that he wasn't the only one who possesses that kind of power.

And, what's worse is that their kind were being hunted by a group named "Paladins", headed by Roland Cox, played by Samuel L. Jackson. David now battles for his life and protect Millie, played by Rachel Bilson, from all the enemies.

*"Push" - Nick Gant, played by Chris Evans, was born with extraordinary powers which is to "Move" or use telekinesis.

He was separated from his father when he was young, that was the time they're were being hunted by what they called "Division", led by Henry Carver. played by Djimon Hounsou.
Nick grew up alone and stayed in Hong Kong.

He then met Cassie, played by Dakota Fanning. which is a second generation "Watcher" or a person who is able to see the future. Together, they need to be the first to find the case that contains the drug which can kill their kind.

VERDICT: I choose "Jumper" for this part. Although "Push" also has a good storyline, it's not that refreshing to watch because of some predictable scenes. It's also quite boring to watch compared with "Jumper".

THE HERO:

*"Jumper" - Hayden Christensen, who was famous from his role as Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars, played the role of David - a guy with the power of teleportation. He managed to use and control his powers since he was a teenager.

At the first half of the movie, all he did was to travel from one place to another, not knowing that their kind were already been hunted. But after he met Roland,the leader of "Paladins", his life changed. He now needs to be cautious with everything he does and protect his love ones.


*"Push" - Chris Evans, who was famous from his role as The Human Torch from Fantastic Four, played the role of Nick - a guy with a power of telekinesis. Although he was already a grown up, he still doesn't know how to control his powers properly.

Compared to David, Nick already has a knowledge about his enemies, the group called "Division". His life just started to changed when the Division began looking for a girl and a case, which contains a very dangerous drug.

VERDICT: This goes for "Jumper". Although they're both great actors, the problem was that Nick didn't used much of his power through out the film. His power would be far greater than David's only if he used it to its maximum.

THE BAD GUY:

*"Jumper" - A very great actor Samuel L. Jackson plays the role of Roland Cox, the main antagonist of this film. He is the leader of the "Paladins", a group that hunts down all the living "Jumpers" in the world. It was also said that they've been doing this since the medieval times.

Roland doesn't have any super powers, but their group has the latest technologies to make weapons against the Jumpers. They can even trace the "Jump Scars" and make a portal for them to follow a certain Jumper.



*"Push" - Famous from his performance from the movie "Blood Diamond", Djimon Hounsou plays the role of Henry Carver, the main antagonist of this film. Unlike Roland in "Jumper", Henry Carver possesses super powers which is to control peoples' minds - they called it "Push". He's the leader of what they called the "Division", a group also composed of extraordinary beings

Their group's goal is to make an army, composed of different persons with special abilities, to rule over the world. They tried a lot of experiments just to make their army the strongest of them all. The only problem was that those persons kept on dying after being injected by the drug.

Other than the Division, there were also a group called "Triad". This group was also composed of extraordinary individuals who were also for the hunt of the drug.

VERDICT: I go for "Push" this time. The reason is that the bad guys here all possessed super powers, unlike of those in "Jumper". Some of them were even stronger than the main character of the film.

THE LADY:


*"Jumper" - Rachel Bilson plays the role of Millie Harris, David's love interest. She was just a normal person, without any super powers. Both of them knew each other since they were young and even studied in the same school. But because of an incident, they went to separate ways. Millie grew up in their hometown, while David decided to live alone in the city.

After many years, they crossed paths once again. David took Millie to Rome since it was her childhood dream to be there. But because of that, David just placed her into trouble. Millie is now in between the cat-and-mouse hunt of David and Roland.


*"Push" - Camille Belle plays the role of Kira Hudson, Nick's love interest. Unlike Millie, she possesses extraordinary powers - the ability to "push" other people to do whatever she wanted. It was never shown in the film if Nick and her knew each other when they were still young. They just revealed at the latter part that they've been in a relationship before the current events of the film.

Kira escaped from the hands of the Division after she was injected by the drug which makes persons like her to be stronger. It was now upto Nick or Carver who will ever find her first.

VERDICT: I decided to make it a tie. Both has the looks and a great personality. Although Kira has a slighter egde, since she was the one who killed Carver at the end of the film. Well, she has powers, of course.

THE SIDEKICK/S:

*Jumper" - David really doesn't have a certified sidekick in the film. But he was once helped by another Jumper, Griffin - played by Jamie Bell.

There was a part of the story wherein they agreed to be allies against Roland and the Paladins. But later on in the film, they themselves fought just because David wanted to save Millie.



*"Push" - Nick had a lot of helping hand in this film. First, Cassie - a second generation Watcher, played by Dakota Fanning. She's always with Nick all through out the movie. She's even wiser than him. Other members of the group were Emily (a Sniff - has the ability to know everything by just smelling the object), Hook (a Shifter - has the ability to shape-shift objects), and Pinky (a Shadow - has the ability to hide a person or object from Watchers). They were also helped by Wo Chiang (a Wiper - has the ability to wipe/remove ones memory).

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VERDICT: Obviously, "Push" wins this round. Simple: Nick has a better backup compared to David. Their teamwork even helped them defeat the bad guys.

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THE FINAL VERDICT:

Well, both movies won two rounds and a tie, so it means they really canceled out each other. "Jumper" and "Push" have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes with the elements of the story.

It is still up to the viewers which they think the better movie than the other. What's important is that we just don't appreciate the movie because of its cool special effects, but of the story itself. A movie with a boring storyline is indeed a boring one to watch.

That's all for now folks!!!

- Brent John Nathaniel F. De Guzman