We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Beat the Holiday Blues: 3 Tips to Get Back to Working Shape
As the holiday season winds down, many of us are saying goodbye to lazy days and hello to work again. It might feel a bit tough, but it’s also a chance to kickstart a fresh beginning. So, how can you make this shift and come back to work without too much stress? Let’s check out […].....»»
Tenorio makes PBA comeback after beating Big C
Barangay Ginebra's LA Tenorio will be making his long-awaited comeback to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after successfully beating colon cancer. Tenorio, who underwent a six-month treatment in Singapore, is now in remission and ready to step back onto the court. The 39-year-old point guard expressed his excitement and high spirits ahead of his first game in 10 months. Despite acknowledging the challenge of readjusting to competitive basketball, Tenorio is determined to fit in seamlessly with his teammates. He also expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, management, coaches, and the entire sports community for their support during his recovery. Tenorio, known as the Iron Man for his impressive streak of 744 consecutive games in the PBA, had his streak interrupted due to a groin injury and subsequent cancer diagnosis. During his time away from the game, he served as an assistant coach for Gilas Pilipinas in the 19th China Asian Games, where the Philippines emerged victorious......»»
The living ruins of Perge
Deserted temples. Columns on the ground. Crumbled boulders. Crushed stone upon stone. Cracked walls and pavements. Isolated statues. They are all mute witnesses to the ancient city of Perge, also known as Perga. Nestled along the breathtaking shores of Antalya, some six hours drive from Turkey’s capital Ankara, Perge is a remarkable archaeological site which boasts of a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age and flourished under Hellenistic and Roman rule. We were absolutely captivated with architectural wonders and its well-preserved onlookers of the past, which hold secrets from the old world. Notably, this is the birthplace of influential Greek mathematician Apollonius, who developed the now-familiar — yet taken for granted — conic concepts of the circle, ellipse, parabola, and the hyperbola. And perhaps this genius rubbed off on the structures — as each was a sight to behold in their own right. Perge was likewise mentioned in the Bible particularly in the Acts of the Apostles written by Saint Paul of the road to Damascus fame. The metropolis served as a stepping stone for other areas in central Turkey where the Apostle of the Apostles would preach the word of God. Here are five spots you should visit on your trip to the ruins of Perge: Columned Main Street: The Beating Heart Our journey initially led us to the Columned Main Street, a marvel that was once the beating heart of the community and was the artery of the north-to-south direction. Twenty-two meters wide, it hosted the bustling markets and was the vibrant social hub as well. In addition, it connected to other major sites of importance. It must be noted that unlike other settlements of yore, the gran via did not follow a perfect straight path — it wrapped around the plots erected during the Hellenistic Period. [caption id="attachment_200851" align="aligncenter" width="1310"] PROPYLON[/caption] Propylon: Gateway to the Sacred Our next stop was the Propylon, with its towering columns and intricate carvings. It was symmetrically designed with a two-step marble covered platform, filled with smooth granite columns in Corinthian style, plus geometric and floral decorative reliefs. This monumental entry led citizens to the sacred precinct. Built in the year 197 to 211, this impressive edifice was the introduction to the major area of Perge and was as a zone of transition to and fro the main layout. [caption id="attachment_200852" align="aligncenter" width="1309"] 12,000-seater Stadium.[/caption] Stadium: Sports and Laurels Our following destination was the majestic Stadium, a 12,000-seater arena which was the venue of sporting events, from chariot races to athletic competitions. It drew in the crowds — from commoners to royalty. It gave glimpses into the entertainment options of the aged civilization, as it showcased different seating tiers, perhaps based on one’s caste. [caption id="attachment_200850" align="aligncenter" width="786"] Hadrianus’ Arch[/caption] Hadrianus’ Arch: An Iconic Portal We then encountered Hadrianus’ Arch, an entrance dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian. This stood as a symbol of their loyalty to the Roman Empire, while also spotlighting its artistic and architectural prowess. Through the centuries, only four pylons have survived — and yet, it remains adorned with great beauty. We stood in awe of carvings of the Greek Goddess of the Hunt Artemis, and Greek Goddess of Luck and Fortune Tykhe, alongside revered emperors Divus Augustus, Divus Nero and Divus Traianus. [caption id="attachment_200841" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Southern Bath[/caption] Southern Bath: A Sanctuary of Ritual and Hygiene Our final stop was the Southern Bath, one of two major hygienic and communal complexes. Dating between first to second century AD, it was embellished with sculptures known as the Three Graces, together with deities like Athena, Nemesis, Hygieia, Asklepious and Genius. This was a congregation zone where inhabitants met not just to bathe, but also for recreation and relaxation. The interiors consisted of connecting rooms, namely, the changing quarters, then the swimming pool, a cold bath, and finally, a hot bath. They may then emerge to enjoy other physical activities. These are our five magical postcards. What’s yours? The post The living ruins of Perge appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rolling Stones return with a little help from a Beatle
The Rolling Stones burst back to life on Friday with "Hackney Diamonds", their first album in 18 years, featuring megastar cameos from Elton John, Lady Gaga and even their old rival, Paul McCartney. Now in their seventh decade of making music together, the legendary British band is back with their 24th studio album. McCartney joins in for the first time, playing bass on the punky "Bite My Head Off". Back in their 1960s heyday, much was made of the rivalry between the Stones and the Beatles, but it was always more marketing than reality, with John Lennon singing on the Stones' "We Love You" in 1967. "Paul and I have always been friends," Stones frontman Mick Jagger, 80, told France 2 this week. McCartney's appearance was something of an accident, Keith Richards told Guitar Player magazine. "He happened to be around and dropped by," Richards said. "I don't even think he intended to play bass on a track, but once he was in there, I just said, 'Come on, you're in. You ain't leaving till you play.'" While McCartney and Elton John's contributions are somewhat hard to pick out, Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder make more of an impact on "Sweet Sounds of Heaven", a blues-y ballad in the vein of classics such as "You Can't Always Get What You Want". 'Hackneyed duds' Reviews have been mostly polite rather than gushing. The Guardian gave it four stars, saying: "If this is the end, they're going out with a bang", while the LA Times called it "surprisingly spry, sparked by the deathless riffs". There has indeed been plenty of hype ahead of the release, with some saying it is their best piece of work since "Some Girls" in 1978. But others were deeply unimpressed by the sleek production from Andrew Watt, used to working with popstars like Justin Bieber and Dua Lipa. "Hackney Diamonds" is old London slang for "broken glass", but was used as a pun by Pitchfork, who called the album "a bunch of hackneyed duds, polished until the character has disappeared." No one is pretending it comes close to the legendary run between 1968 and 1972 that saw the release of "Beggars Banquet", "Let It Bleed", "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile on Main St." in quick succession. Nor does it head in any new directions. "The group seemed to concede years ago that, with such a legendary discography, new albums and attempts at new styles are almost superfluous," wrote Variety. "(But) if there's a better way to end the Rolling Stones 60-plus-year recording career, it's hard to imagine what it could be," it added. The post Rolling Stones return with a little help from a Beatle appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
USJ-R Jaguars bags three wins in Week 2 of the Cesafi Esports League
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars dominated week two of the Cesafi Esports League’s (CEL) Mobile Legends Bang Bang on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USP-F) Lahug campus. The Jaguars clinched three wins and one draw in their four-scheduled matches. They started with a lackluster draw against the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats, 1-1. Joseph “Wanji” Burgos paced the Jaguars with 10 kills, 3.5 assists, and 5.25 kill, death, and assist (KDA) average. After the draw, the Jaguars didn’t look back and won all their three remaining matches. They started off with a 2-0 win against the Southwestern University-Phinma Cobras with Steve Pritz “Stevensanity” Casas emerging as the top player with a KDA average of 1.67. They went on to beat the host team, the USP-F Panthers, 2-0, behind Edrian Vince “Sera” Arriesgado, who had averaged 15 KDA. Lastly, USJ-R capped off their fruitful day with another 2-0 win against the University of the Philippines (UP- Cebu), with Burgos leading them anew with his 5.58 KDA. On the other hand, CIT-U clinched two wins despite losing one of their matches to USJ-R. They beat UP Cebu, 2-0, and SWU-Phinma, 2-0. Also, UP Cebu snagged a victory over USP-F, 2-0, while SWU-Phinma prevented a winless day by beating USP-F, 2-0. RELATED STORIES Jaguars lead Cesafi Esports League pre-season tourney Mandaue City, USJ-R, UCLM, shine in two separate Esports events Cesafi: USJ-R Jaguars now 3-0.....»»
CIT-U snaps three-game losing skid with a win over Verallo
CEBU CITY, Philippines— After three disappointing defeats, the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats finally earned their first sweet victory in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) men’s basketball during their game against neophytes, the Felipe Verallo Foundation College (FVFC) Blue Dragons, 83-71, on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the Cebu Coliseum. The Wildcats, who became viral for their 74-point loss,75-109, against the University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters earlier this month, found their winning ways on Sunday with rookie John Rey Guinita leading them with 26 points. Guinita perfectly balanced his scoring after he tallied 13 points in each halves of the game. Edwin Charles Jao contributed 14 points, while Jim Brent Taala added 12 markers, nine of which came from beyond the arc. The victory improved the Wildcats’ record to one win and three losses, while the Blue Dragons of head coach Titing Manalili fell to a 0-4 (win-loss) record putting them at the bottom of the team standings. Francis Earl Solis scored 14 points for Verallo, while John Gellego added nine points in their losing efforts. CIT-U has a chance to grab a back-to-back win as they take on another newcomer, the Benedicto College Cheetahs, on October 21, while Verallo returns into action on the same date against the formidable USJ-R Jaguars. CEC 65, CIT-U WILDKITTENS 44 Contrastingly, CIT-U’s high school squad bowed down to the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons, 65-44, also on Sunday. Caelan Mack once again topscored the Dragons. This time he tallied 17 points, while Xerxes Duran scored 14 points. Jyle Roa added 13 markers and Lybron James Lamo chipped in 10 markers for CEC. Ezekiel Zamora scored 12 points for CIT-U, while teammate Sam Kyle Aballe had eight points in their defeat. CEC improved to a 4-1 card to stay at the No. 3 spot in the high school team standings, while the Wildkittens dropped to the sixth spot with a 1-2 slate. USC 64, DBTC 57 On the other hand, the University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors ended their four-game losing skid by beating the Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) Greywolves, 64-57, in the other high school game on Sunday. The win improved USC’s record to 1-4 slate, while DBTC’s losing woes continued as they dropped to a 0-5 card. Kent Dave Chavez unloaded 18 points, while Bhenz Daug contributed 10 points for USC. Jefferson Villareal spoiled his 17-point outing.....»»
SB19, Francine Diaz, Ivana Alawi big winners at TikTok Awards Phl 2023
Phenomenal P-pop group SB19 and some of the country’s most popular actors and social media content creators were among the big winners at the “TikTok Awards Philippines 2023,” held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on 30 September. SB19’s “Gento,” which topped local and foreign charts and has been covered by many K-pop groups and international dancers, won Song of the Year. [caption id="attachment_191701" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Francine Diaz | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/FRANCINE DIAZ[/caption] Dirty Linen and Fractured Actress Francine Diaz emerged as Celebrity Creator of the Year, besting nine other nominees including David Licauco, Barbie Forteza, Dennis Trillo, Yeng Constantino, Maris Racal, Jillian Ward, Yassi Pressman and Rayver Cruz. [caption id="attachment_191702" align="aligncenter" width="525"] IVANA ALAWI | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/IVANA ALAWI[/caption] Popular vlogger-turned-actress Ivana Alawi won “Shop Creator of the Year,” beating actresses Kiray Celis, Sherilyn Reyes-Tan, Iwa Moto, twins Joj and Jai Agpangan, and content creators Nicole Caluag, Akosi Dogie, Queenee Mercado, Momshie Odille and Michelle Ho of My Best Mommy Life. Meanwhile, Arshie Larga was hailed as “Tiktok Creator of the Year.” The popular pharmacist-TikToker, who is known for his informative yet entertaining content, looked back on his TikTok journey and thanked God, his family and his supporters for appreciating his work. In his acceptance speech, he urged his fellow content creators to be a force for good in society: “Let’s always use our platforms wisely and responsibly, and ‘yung clout natin gamitin sa tamang paraan, not just to entertain but to inspire.” The complete list of winners of the TikTok Awards Philippines 2023: TikTok Creator of the Year: Arshie Larga Dance Creator of the Year: Niana Guerrero Comedy Creator of the Year: Spencer Serafica Effect House Creator of the Year: Andie Rabino Popular Creator of the Year: Carlyn Ocampo Celebrity Creator of the Year: Francine Diaz Song of the Year: SB19’s “Gento” Popular TikTok Shop Creator: Ivana Alawi Popular TikTok Shop Brand Owner: Viy Cortez Rising Creator of the Year: Miss Deliciousness Livestreamer of the Year: Krizel Yuson Entertainment Creator of the Year: Jezreel Ely Breakthrough Entertainment Partner: ABS-CBN News Publisher of the Year: News5 Educator of the Year: Chinkee Tan Beauty Creator of the Year: Teree Daisuke Fashion Creator of the Year: Jeanette Ong Foodie Creator of the Year: Abi Marquez Gaming Creator of the Year: Archerperezz Sports Creator of the Year: Bianca Bustamante The post SB19, Francine Diaz, Ivana Alawi big winners at TikTok Awards Phl 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former gang leader charged with rapper Tupac Shakur’s 1996 murder
A quarter of a century after Tupac Shakur was gunned down in a gang feud in Las Vegas, a man was charged Friday with his murder, a killing that came to symbolize the violence of gangsta rap as it surged into the mainstream. Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 60, had long acknowledged his involvement in the slaying, boasting he was the "on-site commander" in the effort to kill Shakur and Death Row Records boss Marion "Suge" Knight in revenge for his nephew's assault. Davis' early morning arrest Friday followed 27 years of investigations by police, who had been frustrated by an apparent lack of useable evidence, and came two months after they raided his home in Henderson, just outside Las Vegas. "The presumption is great that he is responsible for the murder of Tupac Shakur, and he will be found guilty of murder with the use of a deadly weapon," prosecutor Marc DiGiacomo told a court in Nevada. Shakur, the best-selling hip-hop artist behind hits such as "California Love," "Changes," and "Dear Mama," was already a huge star in the world of rap when he was gunned down in Las Vegas on 7 September 1996. He was just 25. He was signed to Death Row Records, an outfit associated at the time with Los Angeles street gang Mob Piru, which had a long-standing beef with the Southside Compton Crips. DiGiacomo said on the day of the murder, Shakur and Death Row Records co-founder Knight were in Las Vegas to watch Mike Tyson fight. In a hotel elevator lobby, they set upon Crips member Orlando Anderson, the nephew of Davis. "(Davis) formulated a plan to exact revenge upon Mr Knight and Mr Shakur" for this beating, DiGiacomo said. "He acquired a 40-caliber Glock firearm from a drug associate. "He gets into (a light-colored) Cadillac and he provides the 40-caliber Glock firearm to one of the two individuals in the back seat," and the group set off to find their intended victims. The two rap moguls were spotted in a car on a Las Vegas street. "They pulled up next to the vehicle and the rear passenger fired a number of rounds out of that vehicle striking Mr Knight in the head and Mr Shakur several times," DiGiacomo said. Shakur died in a hospital several days later. Knight survived. The prosecutor said what happened that night had been largely understood by investigators for many years, but they had not had sufficient admissible evidence to advance the case. That began to change when Davis, reportedly the only person in the car that night still alive, published an autobiography and spoke about the crime for a TV show. "He admitted to being the front right passenger in the light Cadillac and that he was the on-ground, on-site commander of the effort to kill Tupac Shakur and Suge Knight." A court hearing in the case was scheduled for next week. Rivalry Shakur had a brief but stratospheric career, rapidly rising from backup dancer to self-styled gangsta rapper and one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, selling 75 million records. He became a key figure in a vaunted rivalry, egged on by promoters, between East Coast and West Coast hip-hop. Though born in New York, Shakur moved as a teenager with his family to California, becoming one of the most identifiable figures in the West Coast scene. Shakur's murder was followed six months later by the shooting death in Los Angeles of his rival, East Coast rapper Christopher "The Notorious BIG" Wallace. The investigation's slow progress led to accusations police were not trying hard enough to find the killers of young Black men. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill on Friday said that was not true. "I know there have been many people who did not believe that the murder of Tupac Shakur was important to this police department," he told reporters. "I'm here to tell you, that was simply not the case. It was not the case back then. And it is not the case today. "Our goal... has always been to hold those accountable and responsible for Tupac's violent murder accountable." The post Former gang leader charged with rapper Tupac Shakur’s 1996 murder appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Uy sizzles in rain, rules ICTSI Del Monte
Daniella Uy battled back from three strokes down and won for the second straight time with a closing two-under 70, beating Seoyun Kim of Korea and amateurs Mafy Singson and Velinda Castil by two in the ICTSI Del Monte Championship here yesterday......»»
Rolling Stones album of new songs out next month
The Rolling Stones will release their first album of new music in 18 years next month, lead singer Mick Jagger, fellow founding bandmate Keith Richards and bass guitarist Ronnie Wood announced Wednesday in London. The album, "Hackney Diamonds", is the first since the death of drummer Charlie Watts in 2019, and the first containing original material since 2005's "A Bigger Bang". "We didn't want to make just any record and put it out," Jagger, 80, told a launch event at the Hackney Empire theatre in east London, hosted by US talk show host Jimmy Fallon and livestreamed on YouTube. "I'm not saying we're big-headed about it but we're pleased with it and we hope you all like it," the octogenarian rocker said. The Stones' 24th studio album, set for release on October 20, has 12 tracks, with the single "Angry" the first to come out. Wood, 76, confirmed during the launch that superstar Lady Gaga features on another, "Sweet Sound of Heaven", adding she "sings really sweet" on it. Two of the tracks were recorded with Watts in 2019. The others feature Steve Jordan, whom Watts recommended to replace him. "Ever since Charlie's gone it's different," said 79-year-old guitarist Keith Richards of recording the new album without one of the band's founders. "He's number four, he's missing, he's up there. Of course he's missed incredibly." Already acclaimed "Hackney diamonds" is English slang for the shards of glass left scattered on the ground after smash-and-grab robberies, and refers to the historically working class east London neighbourhood. "It's like when you get your windscreen broken on a Saturday night in Hackney," Jagger joked. Throngs of people crowded outside the event venue, including those without tickets who came out of curiosity and hoping to spot the band. "I've been following the Stones since I was four years old and I'm from round here -- it's my backyard," said musician and fan Rory McGlinchey. "It's crazy that they're here!" Wearing a Rolling Stones t-shirt, he said the new release was "great news". "Can't wait," he told AFP. Critics have already hailed the release as the band's best work in many decades. Will Hodgkinson, rock and pop critic for Britain's The Times newspaper, said it is "unquestionably the best Stones album since 1978's 'Some Girls'". "Variously poignant, irreverent, anarchic and, in one gospel-tinged moment, quite spiritual, it touches on all the aspects we love about the band, glued together by the rambunctious energy they have made their own since the early Sixties," he wrote. The Daily Telegraph's music reviewer Neil McCormick said "Angry" was "their best single in four decades". The Stones also unveiled the single's typically rock'n'roll video. It sees the band playing from Los Angeles' billboards as scantily-dressed, leather-clad "Euphoria" actress Sydney Sweeney writhes to the soundtrack in the back of a convertible red Mercedes driving through the city. Teaser The Rolling Stones' last studio album was 2016's "Blue & Lonesome", which was made up of blues covers. "We've been very lazy," said Jagger. "We've been on the road most of the time." The band teased the release of the new album through a spoof advert in the local Hackney Gazette newspaper. The cryptic ad, which also appeared in sister title the Islington Gazette, referenced several of the band's best-known songs including "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", "Gimme Shelter" and "Shattered". The ad went on: "Opening our new store on Mare Street, September 2023. Our friendly team promises you satisfaction when you say gimme shelter we'll fix your shattered windows." Clues that the ad was not for a bona fide east London glass repair business included a miniature version of the band's famed lips logo to dot the letter i. The ad -- in the same font as the "Some Girls" album -- also says the firm was established in 1962, the same year the band was formed. Last year the Stones travelled through Europe for their 60th anniversary tour which featured stops in cities including Madrid, Milan and Munich, and also a performance at British Summer Time (BST) festival in London. Asked for the secret to their decades-spanning musical marriage, Jagger quipped: "not speaking too often". "How to say shut up politely," added Richards. The post Rolling Stones album of new songs out next month appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Batch 2001 win second straight in SHAABAA
CEBU CITY, Philippines—The ARQ Builders-Batch 2001 logged back-to-back victories after beating Speed Demon Vivant-Batch 1994/95/96, 60-51, in Division A of the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season 26 at the Magis Eagles Arena in Mandaue City on Wednesday evening, August 30, 2023. The win followed Batch 2001’s 68-65 win against Division A’s The post Batch 2001 win second straight in SHAABAA appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Make way for a new Atayde in showbiz: Gela, the younger sibling of Arjo and Ria
There are now five Ataydes in Pinoy showbiz, although two of them do not use the surname for their showbiz work. There used to be only two actor Ataydes: Arjo and Ria. A third one will be introduced on 28 August as an actor in the latest ABS-CBN series Senior High: Gela Atayde, who has just made a name for herself as part of a team that emerged world champion in an international hip-hop dancing competition in the US. So who are the two Ataydes who don’t go by that surname in showbiz? Sylvia Sanchez and Maine Mendoza. The former is the mother of Arjo, Ria and Gela, while Maine is the brand-new Mrs. Arjo Atayde. She married Arjo on 28 July in Baguio City. [caption id="attachment_175680" align="aligncenter" width="893"] Sylvia Sanchez And Maine Mendoza-atayde. | Photograph Courtesy of Ig/sylvia Sanchez[/caption] Businessman Art Atayde is the father of Sanchez’s actor children. They have another son, Xavi, the youngest in the family. There are no talks (yet?) about Xavi wanting to join showbiz. Sanchez having three children active in front of the camera may be matched by Pen Medina, who has four sons who are actors, too, though not as prominently as Sanchez’s children. Medina’s thespian sons are Ping, Karl, Alex and Victor. Ping now appears with his father Pen in ABS-CBN’s Batang Quiapo. Alex, Karl and Victor, meanwhile, have played major roles in indie films. We personally know that Pen also has a lovely grown-up daughter, but she is not interested to become an actor. (Pen and I had theater workshops in our youth conducted by Joonee Gamboa and the late Adul de Leon. It was in those workshops that Pen met the would-be mother of their children.) Further back, it’s actually actor Eddie Gutierrez who used to have three sons and one daughter in showbiz: Tonton Gutierrez, Ramon Christopher (who started in showbiz without using a surname), Ruffa Gutierrez, Richard Gutierrez and his twin Raymond Gutierrez. Just a few years ago, another female Gutierrez — Janine — joined showbiz. She is the daughter of Ramon Christopher, more popularly known as “Monching,” whose mom is the singer Pilita Corrales. Janine’s mother is actor Lotlot de Leon, one of the two adopted daughters of then-couple Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon. Tonton is Eddie’s oldest child, and his mother is beauty queen-actress Liza Lorena. A few years after he had a son with Corrales, the elder Gutierrez married Annabelle Rama, and Ruffa is their first child and only daughter. They had another son, nicknamed Rocky, before they had the twins Richard and Raymond. World championship Gela Atayde has just gotten back from the World Hiphop Dance Championship in Phoenix, Arizona where her team, Legit Status, won the world championship on 6 August by beating 54 other teams. Gela, 21, speaks with as much overflowing self-confidence as her Kuya Arjo and Ate Ria. At her media launch in Morato, Quezon City a few days ago, Gela declared that she really likes to be recognized as a dancer and to be able to hone her acting career at the same time. “One of the big reasons why I really wanted to enter showbiz was to introduce dance. I guess as a dancer, I realized that it is not as appreciated as we hope it would be. So I guess for me since I was given the opportunity to do it, I want to explore and show everyone what dance is all about — not just hip-hop but maybe other styles so it can be talked about more often,” she said. Her first ABS-CBN project is the series Senior High, which will see her playing a campus dancer and acting alongside her mother Sylvia as well as young stars Andrea Brillantes and Kyle Echarri. The series, produced by Dreamscape Entertainment, replaces Iron Heart, topbilled by Richard Gutierrez. The upcoming show recently trended on social media as it featured SB19’s hit song “Bazinga.” Also in the show’s cast are Juan Karlos, Elijah Canlas, Zaijian Jaranilla, Xyriel Manabat, Daniela Stranner, Miggy Jimenez and Tommy Alejandrino, along with Angel Aquino, Baron Geisler and Mon Confiado. Senior High will be released on 28 August, 9:30 p.m. via the Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, JeepneyTV, A2Z and TV5. It will also stream on iWantTFC and on TFC. It’s a season of “revenge” entertainment at ABS-CBN. The just-concluded series Dirty Linen had a family avenging the death of their loved ones in the hands of a greedy well-off family, while the forthcoming film A Very Good Girl, starring internationally acclaimed actor Dolly de Leon and Kathryn Bernardo, is likewise powered by a revenge yarn. The post Make way for a new Atayde in showbiz: Gela, the younger sibling of Arjo and Ria appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Russian reporter ‘savagely’ beaten in Chechnya
An award-winning Russian investigative journalist is in hospital after being badly beaten by armed assailants during a trip to Chechnya, her newspaper and a rights group said. The attack happened early on Tuesday as well-known journalist Elena Milashina and Alexander Nemov, a lawyer, were traveling from the airport. Her newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, published a video of Milashina in hospital with her head shaven and covered in a green-colored dye -- used to target Kremlin critics -- and her hands bandaged. She said the attack, which included having a gun held to her head, was linked to her "professional activity in Chechnya." Milashina has covered rights abuses in Chechnya, the Caucasus republic ruled by former warlord Ramzan Kadyrov, for years. She came to Grozny on Tuesday to attend the sentencing of Zarema Musayeva, whose husband and sons have fallen foul of the Kadyrov regime but did not make it there. "It's a sensitive case," she said, calling Musayeva a "hostage." Musayeva later was handed 5-and-a-half years on fraud charges widely seen as political revenge against her family. Milashina recounted the attack in a video shared by Novaya Gazeta: "They came, they threw out the driver, the taxi driver from the car. They jumped in, pushed our heads down, they tied my hands, put us on our knees with a gun to the head," she said. "They did everything nervously. They didn't manage to tie my hands properly." The Memorial human rights group said the pair were "savagely" beaten. She said she was taken to neighboring Ossetia for safety and the newspaper said she will go back to Moscow once a medical team examines her. Not welcome Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a briefing that President Vladimir Putin had been informed. "We are talking about a very serious attack that requires vigorous measures," Peskov said. Kadyrov, who has been accused of persistent rights abuses in his restive region, said in a statement online he had instructed officials to determine who was behind the attack. "The authorities began to work immediately after the announcement of the incident," the statement read. But his rights ombudsman Mansur Soltayev said Milashina was "not welcome by a large part of the public" in Chechnya. He said this was especially true during Moscow's Ukraine offensive, during which "the Chechen nation supports the efforts of the president of Russia." The media rights group Reporters Without Borders said it was "horrified by the savage attack" on Milashina. And the rights group Amnesty International urged Russia to investigate the "vicious" beating. Milashina's paper Novaya Gazeta, Russia's top independent publication, said she and Nemov were in a hospital in the Chechen capital Grozny. Novaya Gazeta in February last year said that Milashina had to leave Russia temporarily after receiving death threats from the Chechen leadership. The paper, whose chief editor Dmitry Muratov won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021, has since 2000 seen six journalists and contributors killed, including investigative reporter Anna Politkovskaya. By focusing on rights abuses in Chechnya, Milashina has followed in the footsteps of Politkovskaya, a fierce critic of the Kremlin's policies in Chechnya, who was shot dead in 2006. Russian human rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying that the incident "should be carefully investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice". The post Russian reporter ‘savagely’ beaten in Chechnya appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Air travel to soar near record in 2023: industry group
Airlines will fly 4.35 billion passengers this year, close to the 2019 record as the industry bounces back from the Covid pandemic, an industry group said on Monday. The sector will also be back in the green, with net profits forecast to reach $9.8 billion in 2023, or double previous estimates, boosted by the end of China's Covid restrictions, according to the International Air Transport Association. The association added that its 2022 losses were half as bad as previously estimated at $3.6 billion. "Airline financial performance in 2023 is beating expectations," IATA director general Willie Walsh said in a statement during the association's annual general meeting in Istanbul. "Stronger profitability is supported by several positive developments. China lifted Covid-19 restrictions earlier in the year than anticipated," Walsh said. While jet fuel prices remain high, they have moderated over the first half of the year, he added. Inflation surged worldwide as Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 sent energy costs soaring, but oil and natural gas prices have fallen since then. "On the cost side, there is some relief," Walsh said. "Economic uncertainties have not dampened the desire to travel, even as ticket prices absorbed elevated fuel costs," he added. The pandemic devastated the airline industry, which lost $137 billion when countries imposed lockdowns and closed borders in 2020. The sector lost another $42 billion in 2021 and was still in the red last year as China, a major market, continued to enforce Covid restrictions that were finally lifted in December. The post Air travel to soar near record in 2023: industry group appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China claim record 13th Sudirman Cup badminton title
China claimed a record 13th Sudirman Cup title on Sunday, defeating South Korea on home soil at the first major sporting event in the country since the lifting of pandemic restrictions. Cheered on by a raucous crowd brandishing red and white thundersticks and loud horns in the eastern city of Suzhou, China made short work of the Korean side, beating them 3-0. Chen Yufei defeated world number two An Se Young, 21-16, 22-20, in the women's singles to seal the victory, prompting the packed stadium to erupt in cheers and the entire Chinese team to rush onto the court to dance in a circle. The mixed team event is one of badminton's most important tournaments, and the stakes were higher than usual this year because performances will count towards qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. "I am very happy to play at home," men's singles player Shi Yuqi said. "When you can feel that the audience is cheering you on, your own state will also be mobilized very well." Virtually all international sports events ground to a halt in China after the coronavirus pandemic emerged there in late 2019, with the notable exception of last year's Beijing Winter Olympics which were held in a virus-secure "bubble". China had come through a tricky semi-final against Japan on Saturday, with the men's doubles pair of Liu Yuchen and Ou Xuanyi saving four match points before finally prevailing. "Watching the game yesterday gave me a stomach ache and a little dizziness, so I didn't sleep until after two o'clock," Shi said. South Korea beat Malaysia 3-1 on their way to the final on Saturday. On Sunday, Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong lost the opening game of the mixed doubles but pulled it back in a tense point-for-point second game to eventually triumph 18-21, 22-20, 21-8. A jubilant Zheng jumped up and down in excitement, ripped off his shirt, and threw it into the crowd. His partner Huang threw her racket to a delighted spectator. Asked afterward about how they were preparing for the Olympics, they said, "Let's just get the (qualification) points first". South Korea's Lee Yun Gyu was easily outmatched in the men's singles, unable to deal with Shi's powerful smashes and laser focus. The long rallies between Chen and An drew gasps from the crowd, with the world number two looking increasingly frustrated as the match wore on. But Chen managed to get the upper hand, ensuring that China defended its title yet again. The post China claim record 13th Sudirman Cup badminton title appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vigan City launches tourist passport as it celebrates its arts festival
[caption id="attachment_129307" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROEL HOANG MANIPON FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE | Vigan City mayor Jose ‘Bonito’ Singson Jr., city and province officials and special guest, former senator Nikki Coseteng, led the launch of the Vigan City Tourist Passporton Calle Crisologo.[/caption] Vigan City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Ilocos Region, and its main draw is the handsome heritage houses, the Filipino bahay na bato, that date back to the Spanish colonial era. These old houses cluster around Calle Crisologo, the heritage center of the capital of the province of Ilocos Sur in northwestern Luzon Island, and the area, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, has highest concentration of heritage structures in the Philippines. The city also has several museums, extraordinary for regions outside of Metro Manila, and traditional crafts such as pottery and textile weaving still survive and had become tourist attractions. It also affords visitors a taste of the food of the Ilocano people, the dominant ethnic group in the region, such as pinakbet, poque-poque, tinubong, their version of the empanada and bagnet. [caption id="attachment_129306" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Iconic bagnet was one of the Ilocano dishes served during the passport launch.[/caption] The local government has been concocting touristic events and products to entice more visitors, especially now that tourism in the area is recovering from the lockdowns because of the coronavirus pandemic and the July 2022 northern Luzon earthquake, which damaged several old structures in the area including the 19th-century Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle and the Saint Augustine of Hippo Church of neighboring town of Bantay, which remain closed until today. One of the city’s touristic efforts is its own tourist passport. Using a tourist passport has recently become a fun activity for tourists in several areas around the world. In Taiwan, for example, tourists earn cute stamps on their passports on every destination and landmark they visit. In the Philippines, the Department of Tourism issued Jose Rizal passports in 2011 in celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of the Filipino writer and hero. Tourists earned stamps in sites associated with Rizal all over the Philippines such as his birthplace in Calamba, Laguna, and his place of exile in Dapitan, Zamboange del Norte. Tourists who completed their stamps earned prizes. [caption id="attachment_129308" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The tourist passport is said to have a rewards system, aimed at boosting local businesses, and holders earn stamps by patronizing stores, restaurants and other establishments.[/caption] In Vigan City, the passport is a way to boost local businesses, according to its mayor, Jose “Bonito” Singson, Jr., who is from the province’s most dominant political clan and who spearheaded the venture. The Ciudad de Vigan Pasaporte de Turista is said to have a rewards system, and holders earn stamps by patronizing stores, restaurants and other establishments in the city. The launch of the tourist passport on 28 April served as the opening event of the Viva Vigan Binatbatan Festival of the Arts, which ran until 5 May. The Binatbatan is one of three main festivals of the city, strategically scheduled throughout the year. The Longganisa Festival in the early part of the year is inspired by the city’s popular version of the Filipino pork sausage, while the Raniag: The Vigan Twilight Festival in October features the celebration of Halloween and the traditional local undas, which honors the departed. Binatbatan is in the middle of the hot, dry season, and highlights heritage, creativity and culture. The launch was held on charming Calle Crisologo led by Singson, a whole day affair starting with a motorcade in the morning and an al-fresco program with dinner in the evening. The event was attended by provincial and city government officials and employees, visitors and special guests such as former senator Anna Dominique “Nikki” Marquez-Lim Coseteng. [caption id="attachment_129303" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A beautiful setup for the launch of the Vigan City Tourist Passport on Calle Crisologo, famous for its heritage houses.[/caption] The tourist passports were readily made available to purchase through booths placed on the main street, at the city hall and online at www.vigancity.gov.ph. Singson hinted at more tourism projects to come. The Binatbatan Festival started rolling. A mural, a collaboration among local artists, has just been unveiled at the Plaza Burgos, where Art in the Park was held on 29 April, including an art exhibit and a painting contest. At night, several groups performed at the Vigan Dance Festival 7. The Food and Trade Fair, at the Boardwalk on Govantes Dike, by the banks of Mestizo River, and the Abel Product Expo were opened on that day. [caption id="attachment_129305" align="aligncenter" width="525"] An on-the-spot art contest at Plaza Burgos.[/caption] On 30 April, the Capture the Vigan Experience: On the Spot Photography Competition was held with the theme “Time Travel” for the Professional Category and “Ilocano Heritage Hospitality” for the Amateur Category, as well as the Television and Music Video Competition. While the Black and White Photography Exhibit was mounted on Calle Crisologo, the Abel and Recycled Costume Ramparade featured designs using recycled materials and the local hand-woven textile at the Vigan City Hall. Other festival events and activities included the Abel Iloco Fashion Show and Competition, the Damili Jar Painting Competition, Reynas ti Mayo, Kalesa Parade and Competition, Carabao Painting and Pasagad Dressing, Ramada Traditional Games, a skateboarding competition, and the Binatbatan Tattto and Band Festival. The festival concluded with the street-dancing and showdown competition, a regular fixture in recently created Philippines festivals. Contingents of young performers danced on the streets in colorful costumes carrying batbats or bamboo sticks, and mimicking the movements of the batbatin, the traditional process of taking the seeds out of the dried fiber of the kapok, or kapas in Ilokano, by beating the cotton-like material with sticks, which the festival memorializes and from which it derived its name. The post Vigan City launches tourist passport as it celebrates its arts festival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Timberwolves hold off Nuggets to stay alive, Warriors edge Kings
Anthony Edwards scored 34 points, including a three-point dagger with 11.5 seconds left, as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 114-108 in overtime Sunday to stay alive in the NBA playoffs. Western Conference top seeds Denver, led by 43 points from reigning two-time Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic, closed regulation on a 12-0 run to force overtime. But they were out-scored 18-12 in the extra session at the Target Center in Minneapolis as the Timberwolves pulled within 3-1 in the series. Minnesota still face a daunting task -- no NBA team has come back from 3-0 down to win a best-of-seven series. "See you in Denver, we're going back," said Edwards, whose 16 third-quarter points keyed a Timberwolves charge that carried them to a 12-point lead midway through the fourth. Mike Conley added 19 points for Minnesota. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 17 points with 11 rebounds and Rudy Gobert added 14 points and 15 rebounds as the Timberwolves withstood another big night from Jokic. The Serbian star matched his playoff scoring high and added 11 rebounds and six assists. The teams swapped the lead four times in overtime, but Nuggets coach Michael Malone said too many defensive lapses in the extra session doomed his team. "You hold them to 16 points in the fourth quarter, then (they have) 18 in five minutes," Malone said. "That's the hardest thing to stomach about this game is that when the game was on the line, we were unwilling and unable to get the necessary stops." 'Sloppy' Curry It was the second Western Conference thriller of the day, after the Golden State Warriors held off a ferocious fourth-quarter fightback from the Sacramento Kings to secure a 126-125 victory that leveled their series at two games apiece. Harrison Barnes almost snatched victory for Sacramento at the buzzer, but his long-range effort bounced off the rim to leave the NBA champions celebrating. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 32 points -- and breathed a sigh of relief after two uncharacteristic blunders in a frenetic finale at the Chase Center. Curry missed a wide-open three-pointer with his team-leading 126-121 with less than a minute remaining. He then erroneously called a timeout when the Warriors had none left, earning a technical foul and allowing Sacramento's Malik Monk to make it a four-point game with a free throw. De'Aaron Fox's three-pointer pulled Sacramento within 126-125 and Curry missed another floater to give the Kings a final chance. "It was kind of sloppy not knowing how many timeouts we had left, and a couple of dagger shots didn't go in -- but we did what we needed to do defensively in those last 10 seconds," a relieved Curry said. Klay Thompson added 26 points and Jordan Poole had 22. Draymond Green, back from suspension, scored 12 points with 10 rebounds and seven assists off the bench to help the Warriors withstand a 38-point performance from Fox. Knicks, Celtics close in In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics moved within a victory of advancing, the Knicks beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-93 and the Celtics downing Atlanta 129-121 to each take 3-1 series leads. Jalen Brunson drained five three-pointers on the way to 29 points for the Knicks, who again electrified Madison Square Garden. With just one win from three more games the Knicks can advance past the first round for the first time since 2013. Darius Garland led Cleveland with 23 points but Donovan Mitchell scored just 11 -- only two in the second half. The Cavs will try to extend the series when they host game five on Wednesday. The Celtics can wrap up their series at home on Tuesday after bouncing back from a disappointing game-three defeat with a convincing victory in Atlanta. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored 31 points apiece for the Celtics, each delivering a dunk in the final minute as the Celtics thwarted the Hawks' final rally bid. Hawks star Trae Young finished with a game-high 35 points and handed out 14 assists. But Boston stepped up their defensive intensity and had an answer for every Atlanta run, never trailing after the first quarter. Brown got off to a slow start, making just one of his first seven shots. Then he got rid of the protective mask he's worn since suffering a facial fracture in February and made 11 of 15. "Maybe it was all in my head," Brown said. "I took it off and started to turn things around a little bit." The post Timberwolves hold off Nuggets to stay alive, Warriors edge Kings appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Warriors down Kings to level series; Knicks and Celtics on brink
Stephen Curry scored 32 points as the Golden State Warriors held off a ferocious fourth-quarter fightback from the Sacramento Kings to secure a series-leveling 126-125 victory in the NBA playoffs on Sunday. Harrison Barnes almost snatched victory for Sacramento on the buzzer, but his long-range effort bounced off the rim to leave the NBA champions celebrating a result that leaves them tied at 2-2 in the best-of-seven series after dropping games one and two. In the East, meanwhile, the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics moved within a victory of advancing, the Knicks beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-93 and the Celtics downing Atlanta 129-121 to each take 3-1 series leads. Curry breathed a sigh of relief after two uncharacteristic blunders in a frenetic finale at the Chase Center. The Warriors talisman missed a wide-open three-pointer with his team-leading 126-121 with less than a minute remaining. Curry compounded that rare miss by erroneously calling a time-out when the Warriors had none left, earning a technical foul and allowing Sacramento's Malik Monk to make it a four-point game with a free throw. A superb De’Aaron Fox three-pointer from 28 feet then left Sacramento within one at 126-125, and when Curry missed another floater, the Kings had a chance to win it only to see Barnes's late effort bounce out. "I ain't gonna lie, I thought it was the smartest play in the world," Curry said of his timeout call after a failed challenge had cost the Warriors their last time out. "I looked over at the bench and everybody was shaking their head. "But we did what we needed to do defensively in those last 10 seconds," a relieved Curry said. "We've protected home court, and now we move on." Barnes's late miss was the final act of a thrilling battle between the Western Conference rivals that saw the lead change hands no fewer than 19 times as momentum ebbed and flowed throughout. Golden State looked to have turned the screw decisively in the third quarter, outscoring the Kings 37-23 to start the fourth with a 10-point advantage. Sacramento, however, came surging back with a 7-0 run to start the final quarter and only a handful of points separated the two teams in the waning seconds. Curry led the Warriors' scoring with 32 points while Klay Thompson added 26, including four three-pointers, and Jordan Poole had 22. Andrew Wiggins added 18 points while Draymond Green, returning after suspension, had 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists off the bench. Fox produced a dazzling performance for Sacramento with 38 points while Keegan Murray added 23 and Monk 16. The Kings host game five on Wednesday. In New York, Jalen Brunson drained five three-pointers on the way to 29 points for the Knicks, who again electrified Madison Square Garden. With just one win from three more games the Knicks can advance past the first round for the first time since 2013. New York led by as many as 15 on the way to a nine-point halftime lead. A big third quarter saw the Cavs sneak into a narrow lead before a sustained Knicks rally in the fourth. Brunson was one of four players in double figures with R.J. Barrett providing offensive support with 26 points. Darius Garland led Cleveland 23 points but Donovan Mitchell had a game to forget after finishing with just 11 points -- only two in the second half. The Cavs will try to extend the series when they host game five on Wednesday. The Celtics can wrap up their series at home on Tuesday after bouncing back from a disappointing game-three defeat with a convincing victory in Atlanta. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored 31 points apiece for the Celtics, each delivering a dunk in the final minute as the Celtics thwarted the Hawks' final rally bid. Hawks star Trae Young finished with a game-high 35 points and handed out 14 assists. But Boston stepped up their defensive intensity and had an answer for every Atlanta run, never trailing after the first quarter. The post Warriors down Kings to level series; Knicks and Celtics on brink appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sixers sweep Nets to advance, Suns on brink as Heat burn Bucks
The Philadelphia 76ers shrugged off the absence of Joel Embiid to complete a 4-0 sweep of the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA playoffs on Saturday as the Phoenix Suns edged closer to a second-round berth by beating the Los Angeles Clippers. The Sixers advanced to an Eastern Conference semi-final showdown against either Boston or Atlanta with a dominant second-half display to seal a 96-88 victory in Brooklyn. Elsewhere in the East, the Miami Heat thrashed the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks 121-99 to edge ahead of the top seeds 2-1 in their best-of-seven series. In Brooklyn, the Sixers trailed by 11 points early in the third quarter but transformed the contest with an 18-4 run to take the lead before closing out victory with a fourth-quarter rally. The Sixers' win was all the more impressive given the absence of star center Embiid, who suffered a right knee sprain in Thursday's 102-97 victory in game three. Embiid led the NBA with 33.1 points a game and is a finalist for the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Paul Reed stepped in to fill the void and finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Tobias Harris led the scoring for Philadelphia with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while De'Anthony Melton came off the bench to produce 15 points and lead the fourth-quarter surge. Harris said the Sixers were determined to use Embiid's absence as a motivator. "He's the MVP. And when we heard he wasn't playing, I think it was an opportunity for everybody else to really step up and understand that we've got to get a win without the big fellow," Harris told the TNT television network. "The whole group came together today. It's a great win for us and a great way to sweep the series." Asked what his message to the injured Embiid would be, Harris replied: "Hurry up and get your ass back out here." The 4-0 series victory was Philadelphia's first playoff sweep since 1991. Spencer Dinwiddie led Brooklyn's scoring with 20 points while Nic Claxton had 19 points with 12 rebounds. "Getting swept is trash," a dejected Claxton said. "It's not a good feeling." Suns on the brink In Los Angeles, Kevin Durant finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds and six assists to help Phoenix beat the Clippers 112-100 for a 3-1 series lead. Devin Booker plundered 30 points and veteran Chris Paul added 19 in a late burst of scoring as Phoenix bagged their second straight win in Los Angeles. "I'm in a good place and I'm enjoying playing ball," Durant said. "I've been out a few months this season, and I'm just happy I'm out here where the ball is." It means the Suns need just one more win to book their place in the Western Conference semi-finals, with game five set for Phoenix on Tuesday. The Clippers' hopes of squaring the series had been dealt a blow by the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who joined Paul George on the injured list. Russell Westbrook produced one of his best performances for the Clippers with a 37-point display. In Miami, the Heat took full advantage of the absence of Milwaukee's two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, leading by double digits much of the night. Jimmy Butler scored 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting before departing late in the third quarter after taking a hard fall. After visiting the locker room he returned to the bench but with the game in hand did not go back on the floor. Duncan Robinson scored 20 points and fellow reserve Kyle Lowry added 15 as the Heat bench delivered 59 points. "We just came out here and played with some intensity," Lowry said. The Heat will try to level the series on Monday, but Lowry said he knows they'll face a tough task. "Every game is a different game," he said. Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said the team would continue to "monitor" Antetokounmpo, who suffered a back contusion in game one, missed game two and was a late scratch on Saturday. In the late game the Memphis Grizzlies welcomed star guard Ja Morant back after a hand injury as they visited the Los Angeles Lakers with their series knotted 1-1. The post Sixers sweep Nets to advance, Suns on brink as Heat burn Bucks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ginebra, TNT go for broke
Games Wednesday: (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 5:45 p.m. Ginebra vs TNT Series summary: Game 1: Ginebra 102, TNT 90 Game 2: TNT 95, Ginebra 82 Game 3: Ginebra 117, TNT 103 Game 4: TNT 116, Ginebra 104 An all-out war gets underway as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT Tropang Giga collide for an all-important victory in Game 5 of their Philippine Basketball Association best-of-seven finals series on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Action starts at 5:45 p.m. with both squads tipped to be at their best to deliver a win that will put them a heartbeat away from clinching the title of this season-ending conference. According to PBA head of statistics Fidel Mangonon III, the battle had turned into a cold-blooded shootout with Ginebra piling a total of 405 points with 56 three-pointers while TNT compiled 404 points with 55 treys. In Game 3, in fact, the Kings ran wild from the rainbow area, hitting 18 three-pointers to set a franchise record for the most number of treys. But TNT responded in Game 4 as it unloaded a finals record of 21 long bombs to eclipse its previous mark of 20 that it tallied in a 121-119 double-overtime win over Rain or Shine in Game 7 of its 2015 Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven finals series. TNT head coach Jojo Lastimosa said their sharp form from downtown was a product of their good spacing and ball movement. “If you shoot well, most likely, you’re gonna win,” said Lastimosa, also the team manager of the Tropang Giga. “I think what we did was we went back to what we do best. If we have Rondae (Hollis-Jefferson) there as a screener and we have proper spacing, and we can locate shooters on the corner, we know that we’re gonna get shots.” He added they marched into Game 4 with fire in their eyes after realizing their mistakes in Game 3. “The problem with our last game was that we didn’t have good spacing. Rondae was our facilitator and the ball didn’t go to the shooters,” he said. “But in Game 4, Calvin had a lot of looks and it stemmed from our spacing. If it’s your night, it’s your night. We have a lot of heroes, Kib Montalbo was a huge part of this game, and without Roger there, having a broken finger, we need somebody who can step in and help out in the scoring side.” For Montalbo, it’s all about getting prepared, whatever your role is, and in Game 4, he was promoted to become a starter and immediately made a huge impact, scoring 16 points and hitting 4-of-8 treys. “I wasn’t able to play much previously, but I was inserted to the starting position and I just took advantage,” Montalbo said. “For me, it’s about putting in the work because, you’ll never know. Things like that can happen in the finals.” “We also brought that mentality of refusing to lose and Coach Jolas is one guy who doesn’t want to lose,” added Montalbo, who played one of his better games in the tournament capped by a buzzer-beating desperation heave from way, way out to close out the first half. Ginebra coach Tim Cone admitted that Lastimosa, his team captain when he won a grand slam with Alaska in 1996, outwitted him. “We played badly and they we’re off to a good start, so now the series is tied,” Cone said. “It was quite disappointing and, in many ways, it was embarrassing. But it’s a series, so we need to get ready for Wednesday.” Seeing Justin Brownlee, who lost the Best Import plum to Hollis-Jefferson, getting into early foul trouble and watching his team missing 10 of 23 attempts from the free throw line are some of areas Cone sees need some improvement. With Brownlee, a three-time Best Import winner, nursing five fouls, TNT was able to attack his defense, putting to waste his 28-point effort. In Game 2, Brownlee was limited to only 12 points, his lowest in the conference, and went without a three-point field goal for the first time in 77 games. That’s why if there’s one player who can inspire the Kings to regroup, it’s Brownlee, who is on his quest for record seven championships that will make him the winningest reinforcement ever to play in the PBA. The post Ginebra, TNT go for broke appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»