"BLESSINGS"

What if the WORLD will really END next week, what will you do? Medyo familiar na Question kung napanood nyo na yung "24/7 In Love". Kung ako ang tatanungin, siguro magfa-flashback muna ko ng nangyari saken at kung anung mga blessings nakuha ko this year:

As far as I can recall, completion nalang ng thesis namen yung hinihintay ko para makagraduate. Luckily, di naman nagtagal at nakuha ko din ang inaasam na "0" Units Left sa Curriculum ko, parang katumbas na yun ng isang matamis na "OO" mula sa nililigawan mo. Eto na siguro yung FIRST blessing na natanggap ko this year; not only for me, but also for my family.

January din nung natanggap ako sa work ko ngayon. I was not really planning to apply, but my college friend referred me there. Funny thing was sya pa yung di tumuloy (adik lang... hehe...). So when the offer was there, I immediately grabbed it. This was considered as my other blessing. 

After I graduated last February, direcho na sa work (siguro after 2 weeks). Kabado syempre first job eh. First time kong mapunta sa "Outside World" or sabi nga nila, "The Real World". Not sure what will happen; not sure what to expect. Good thing was it really went well. I met 14 strangers which suddenly became 14 new acquaintances. Kaya nga kahit sobrang hirap ng training, nandun parin yung fun side kasi I met new friends. Sa office nadin ako nag-spent ng Birthday ko nun, which was another blessing kasi God given me another year to live, grow and mature. Hulaan nyo nalang yung age ko, hehe...

It was a roller coaster ride during the training days; malungkot kasi may mga nawala samen after every part of the training, masaya kasi nakaabot ako hanggang dulo. At the end, 4  nalang kaming natira ng mga kasama ko. Pano ba yan, blessing na naman (namumuro na... hehe..). Pagka-deploy ko sa floor, I met my FAMILY in the office: TEAM CHARLIE. Dahil newbie, shy-mode pa ko nun. But along the way, nakilala ko yung members ng team, mas naging kumportable ako. Nawala yung takot or kaba ko kasi I know that I'm in good hands with the people I am right now. Along the way, na-Regular pa ko. BLESSINGS!

After a few months of knowing the team better, nakilala ko din yung ibang dating members ng team (tenured na kasi sila, in short, matanda na... hehe...). Dun ko nakilala yung taong di ko akalaing magiging malaking part ng buhay ko; itago nalang natin sya sa pangalang "MOO" (pustahan tayo nung binasa mo yun katunog talaga ng tunog ng cow... hehe...). At oo, yung picture sa kanan, kamukang-kamuka nya talaga yan, PRAMIS! Kaya di na kayo mahirapang mag-imagine kung anung ichura nya. Anyway, ilang beses ko syang nakasamang kumaen sa office, siguro kasi kasama din namen yung ibang Charlies. Pero nung tumagal, nagkaroon ng time na kaming dalawa nalang; lalo na pag bumibili kami ng "Taho". Nagkakachat nadin kami sa YM nun at nakatext din. Di ko makalimutan nung binilan ko sya ng Coin Purse galing Baguio (sweet ko noh? hehe...). Simula palang yun. The good thing was, I really met my CLOSEST friend sa office. BLESSING!

Siguro nga yung maganda nameng friendship yung naging simula nung mga susunod na events (wow meh ganong peg? hehe...). Inaamin ko nung umpisa, di talaga ako sure kung anu ba talaga. At first kasi, I had someone; She had someone. Pero nung tumagal, I realized, sya na nga ata yung hinihintay kong "ZING". Honestly, hindi naging madali ang lahat. Yung feeling ko that time yung same feeling ko nung thesis days namen. And just like those times, I need to give and show my best para lang makamit yung matamis na matamis na "OO". 

There were indeed a lot of bumps along the road, which almost made me decide to backout. Lalo na yung sabi nilang "Hindi lahat ng gusto mo, makukuha mo." Eh kaso Dugong Ginebra  to, so Never Say Die!  Natambakan man ako, I made a great comeback. Kaya nung September 13, 2012, binigay na ni Lord yung pinakamagandang blessing na natanggap ko this year: yung MOO (Matamis na OO) ni MOO. 

Kaya nga bukas, December 13, 2012, 3 months after that very SPECIAL DAY, gusto kong malaman nya kung gaano ako ka-blessed for having her in my life. Na lagi syang nandyan through my ups and downs. Yung pagiging understanding nya, caring, loving at kung ano2x pa na may "-ing". Gusto ko ding mag-sorry for those times na nag-aaway kame and if ever may shortcomings ako to her kung minsan. Pero to sum all up, I LOVE YOU MOO! At naniniwala akong madaming pang BLESSINGS  na darating; hindi lang saken, kundi para sating dalawa. At if ever man mag-end nga ang mundo next week, super saya ko kasi isa ka sa mga BLESSINGS na natanggap ko habang nabubuhay ako. :)

- John Lloyd #13

How AMAZING "The Amazing Spider-Man" is?

The most-awaited REBOOT of our favorite web-slinger, "SPIDER-MAN", is now being shown all over the globe. Some said it was pretty AMAZING; while others thought it was way too early to have this film to be rebooted.


And since it was a REBOOT, we couldn't REMOVE the fact that it will, and it will be compared to the original film that was shown way back 2002 (Dear Tobey and Kristen... both will be sorely missed... hehe...). But since "Spiderman 4" didn't pushed through, they suddenly decided to have this instead. Well, without further ado, here are some points of comparison between the two blockbuster films:


WARNING: Spoiler Alert!


1.) The Beginning:

2002 Spidey movie started when Peter Parker was already in highschool; he currently stays at his Uncle Ben and Aunt May's house; and he was very much secretly in-love with his childhood crush Mary Jane Watson.


While, 2012 Spidey movie started way back when Peter Parker was still a child; he was with his parents and then left under Uncle Ben and Aunt May's custody; and very much secretly in-love with Gwen Stacy (when he reached highschool).

Verdict: 2012 Spidey has the upper hand since it is much closer with that from the comic book. And, we had a glimpse of Peter's parents as well.


2.) The Transformation:

In 2002, Peter, Mary Jane, Harry and the rest of the class went on a fieldtrip at a genetics laboratory. From there, one of the genetically engineered super spiders got escaped. While Peter was taking pictures of, who else, Mary Jane, he was suddenly bitten by that spider. By the time he went home, he passed out; and, woke up having a clear eye sight, great reflexes, and a more muscular body. He discovered as well that he can climb on walls and has the ability to emit web strings. He also tried to jump from one rooftop to another; and, swing from one building to the other.

In 2012, upon knowing the whereabouts of his father's old friend, Dr. Connors, Peter went to Oscorp and pretended to be an intern. From there, one of the genetically (yes, genetically once again...) modified spiders bit Peter before he left Oscorp. He immediately discovered his extraordinary abilities when he was riding the train on his way home.

Verdict: It's a tie. Peter + Spider Bite + Group of Students + Leading Lady = Spider-Man.

3.) The Uncle:

Uncle Ben was been a casualty for both films. In 2002, Uncle Ben  drove Peter to the public library knowing he needed to make something for school. But instead, Peter was going to a wrestling match to earn money to buy a car that he can brag with Mary Jane. If you're a fan of this film, this is the scene where the famous line, "With great power, comes great responsibility." came from. After the match, Peter was about to go home when he saw a lot of people gathering around. In his surprise, it was his Uncle Ben bleeding from a gunshot.

In 2012, Uncle Ben and Peter had a little confrontation about his father and his disappearance. Peter walkout from home and Uncle Ben  decided to follow him. Peter went to buy something from a convenience store where a thief stole some money from the tills and ran away. While Peter was about to go home, he heard a gunshot and take a look what it was. In his surprise, it was his Uncle Ben bleeding from a gunshot.

Verdict: It's a tie again. Uncle Ben died on both films because of.... Peter! If not for
Peter, he will still be alive. Poor Uncle Ben.

4.) The Best Friend:

Verdict: No doubt - 2002 Spidey wins this since he's with Harry Osborn; and 2012 Spidey isn't. (Better watch out for the sequel, Harry may be there... together with his father, Norman Osborn... )


5.) The Girl:

2002 Spidey is very much in-love with his childhood crush, Mary Jane Watson, played by Kirsten Dunst, who lives just around the neighborhood. Peter could not do anything to get Mary Jane's attention. And because of that, she even ended up being in a relationship with Peter's best friend, Harry. Spidey, I mean Peter, wasn't able to get the girl until the last scene and the sequel. Mary Jane was always been taken captive for all three movies. Again, if you're a fan of the movie, you do remember the scene when Spidey and Mary Jane kissed... while Spidey was hanging upside-down. (Good job, Spidey!)

2012 Spidey has a very big crush with his highschool classmate, Gwen Stacy, played by Emma Stone. Spidey, again I mean Peter, was able to get the girl on the middle part of the film. The cool thing was that Gwen knew that Peter and Spider-Man was the same person. Gwen and Peter also had some kissing scenes but not as great with the 2002 Spidey film. Take note: she's one very tough blondie as well (compared to other leading ladies...).


Verdict: Gwen Stacy wins this round. Well, she's Peter's original love team. And she's blonde (who doesn't love blonde girls, right?) Although, sad to say, she will eventually die (ooopss, spoiler once more..).

6.) The Villain:

2002 Spidey movie had Norman Osborn a.k.a "The Green Goblin", played by Willem Dafoe, as Spidey's main villain. Norman was like a father to Peter even from the beginning. But of course, he needed to be BAD (I mean, really BAD) and transform himself to Spider-Man's enemy. Although he really didn't turned to a real green, scary goblin -- instead, he wore a green, scary goblin helmet! At the end, he was killed by his own glider. This made Harry think it was Spidey who killed his father, and then he turned into... well, that's another movie. Anyway, Dr. Curt Connors has some scenes as well in this film.


2012 Spidey movie had Dr. Curt Connors a.k.a "The Lizard", played by Rhys Ifans, as Spidey's main villain. Dr. Connors was Peter's father's co-worker and friend when he was still alive. But of course, he needed to be BAD (again, really BAD) and transform himself to Spider-Man's enemy. Unlike the Green Goblin, he transformed to a giant lizard. At the end, he didn't die; but he losts his dream right arm. He was placed behind bars and was last found talking with someone in the shadows (oopss... spoiler alert). Anyway, Norman Osborn was not really shown in the film, but he was mentioned a couple of times.

Verdict: It's a tie. Both were good at the beginning. Both became bad at the middle. Both became good once again at the end. Both are... GREEN!


And the last category...


7.) The Hero:

2002 Spidey was played by Tobey Maguire. He indeed has a very splendid portrayal of the hero web-crawler in this film. He did the same on the second film.And he was "ok" in the third film (sorry, the third film was not really that good... just like what others say). Although it's sad to see him go and not be playing Spidey anymore (there was supposed to be a 4th sequel), he will always be remembered.

2012 Spidey was played by Andrew Garfield. Since it was a reboot, there were a lot of expectations on him and on the film. They even think he was so skinny and the suit was indeed not that good (since it seemed to be too tight). But after watching the film, personally, I think he did a really good job. It will be exciting to see him back for the sequel (maybe in 2014).


Verdict: It is indeed very hard to tell who gains the upper hand for this. Maybe after 1 or 2 more films for "The Amazing Spider-Man", we can predict who's better. For now, it will be a tie!




And the winner is...

Final Verdict: 2012 Spidey movie wins at the end (leading by a point). But then again, 2002 Spidey movie, together with its director, actors, and everyone from the film, will never be forgotten. Moving forward, let's wait and watch out for the possible sequel of "The Amazing Spider-Man" (hopefully this 2014) and continue with the guessing game of who will be the next villain.

'Till then, adios!


- Brent "Spidey wanna-be" De Guzman

"Titanium 3.0: The Beginning"

(This story is completely fictional...)

Long time ago, there were two kingdoms, "Titania" and "Malwaria", which have been long time rivals ever since their great ancestors.

Kingdom Titania, led by their leader King Titanium Maximus the 2nd, who fights for what is right and good; while Kingdom Malwaria, led by King Titanium's nemesis King Virusa, just wanted extreme power over the weak.

But King Titanium was too old to continue to lead the kingdom against the enemy, that's why his only son, Sir Titanium Maximus the 3rd, was trained ever since he was a young boy. For when right time comes to replace his father, he'll be ready. Titanium the 3rd, together with the other knights, underwent a lot of training to acquire different skills to beat the King Virusa's army. Those skills include the lightning "Speed and Performance", "Automatic Protection and Defense", "Light on Memory/Footprint", "Easy Installation", and "Intuitive Interface". Each fighting skills were more improved compared to that of the skills of his father.

One special addition to his skill was the "SPN" or "Smart Protection Network". This will probably help the kingdom to be more secured.

By the time Titanium the 3rd was done with his training, he was immediately summoned by his father to transfer his crown and make him the kingdom's new leader. All the people all over the kingdom believed that he truly deserved it.

Newly proclaimed King Titanium the 3rd led the army to protect everyone from the evil soldiers of King Virusa who wanted to conquer their kingdom. But because of the strong features of the new king, King Virusa's army wasn't able to equalize their strength and decided to retreat.

Although King Titanium the 3rd won the battle, he knows that the enemy will return. But they will be ready once that time comes!

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