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Bombers, Generals have eyes on F4
Jose Rizal University will have its coach Louie Gonzales back as it clashes with Emilio Aguinaldo College today in a game that could make or break both team’s Final Four bids in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena......»»
JRU coach returns as Bombers, Generals collide in crucial game
Jose Rizal University will have its coach Louie Gonzales back as it clashes with Emilio Aguinaldo College Tuesday in a game that could make or break both team’s Final Four bids in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena......»»
Bulldogs, Eagles collide as UAAP hoops returns from short break
Second-running National University tries to stay on its lane to the Final Four and a twice-to-beat bonus as reigning champion Ateneo eyes to restabilize its shaky drive so far in a crucial duel in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City......»»
Tigers break through vs Tamaraws to end 19-game slump
After losing 19 consecutive games dating back to last season, the UST Growling Tigers have notched a win in UAAP Season 86 play, overpowering the FEU Tamaraws, 68-62, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City......»»
Pirates chalk up fifth win on searing fightback
Lyceum of the Philippines University turned on the defensive switch in its return from the halftime break as it rallied from 24 points down to turn back a gritty Arellano U side, 89-77, in overtime yesterday and solidify its grip of the lead in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena......»»
SHAABAA Season 26 ‘All Star Day’ slated on Sunday
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season 26 will take a break from its hardcourt action to make way for its much-awaited “All-Star Day” on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at the Magis Eagles Arena in Mandaue City. The “All-Star Day” will feature numerous activities starting at 12:30 p.m. The post SHAABAA Season 26 ‘All Star Day’ slated on Sunday appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
How ‘Here Lies Love’ co-producer found his mark on Broadway
When Here Lies Love, the hit musical about former First Lady Imelda Marcos, made history by debuting on Broadway debut with an all-Filipino last July, one of its co-producers, Don Michael H. Mendoza, also reached a career milestone. His goal of putting his name on a Broadway show before turning 40 came true now that he’s 34. [caption id="attachment_172743" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Don Michael Mendoza with Daily Tribune’s (from left) Dinah Ventura, Jojo G. Silvestre, Gigie Arcilla, Vangie Reyes, Marc Reyes, Raffy Ayeng, Gibbs Cadiz and Nick Giongco.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172742" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Always ask for what you want because the worst that can come back is a no.’ | Photographs Courtesy of Daily Tribune.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_172741" align="aligncenter" width="525"] DON Mike Mendoza with Daily Tribune’s Jojo G. Silvestre and Dinah Ventura.[/caption] It happened, and it’s not just any show. It’s the first Filipino musical on Broadway,” he tells Daily Tribune’s Dinah Ventura and Jojo Silvestre in an interview on their online show Pairfect. “It’s very important to me because a lot of my career is based on the idea of D,E & I — diversity, equity and inclusion — especially in a country like America that’s a melting pot. “It’s very important to make sure that unrepresented voices and communities are brought to the front. To be part of that, for me personally, is an incredible honor because it’s exactly aligned with how I live my professional life every day, every year.” “For the Fil-Am community,” he adds, “I think it’s important for people to see themselves in that arena, whether be as a producer, an actor, or a stagehand, or on the creative team as an assistant director. You know, it says a lot when someone tries to reach that can see themselves in a role that they want to achieve. “Because for a long time, my role models were very few. They’re mostly Americans, they’re white people. And I wanted to be an actor and my only acting influences in the media was Paolo Montalban. He was in Cinderella, American Adobo… He’s now a friend — which is amazing! But I didn’t really have many role models. So, to our community, both Filipino and Fil-Am, they can now look at this production and say, whatever they feel is their career path, ‘I can do it, too.’ So, it’s very powerful.” Beginnings Don Michael Hodreal Mendoza, nicknamed Don Mike, was born in Washington D.C., the capital city of the United States, to immigrant parents. His father Donald Mendoza’s family hails from Cavite and is involved in local politics. His mother Maria Leonila Hodreal has families in Marinduque (maternal side) and Bicol (paternal side). His grandfather Querubin Hodreal created what is now known as the Easy Rock Manila radio station. “My mom, who’s part of that legacy, says even though we’re in the States I somehow ended up doing what our family does, in entertainment and media,” he says, beaming. From Washington D.C., Mendoza’s nuclear family moved to the city of Pittsburgh in the Pennsylvania state, where he grew up. “But I was also raised here in Manila, in Ayala Alabang, for a couple of years,” he points out. He was then between the ages of six and eight, also starting his education at Montessori Manila in BF Homes. “We’re lucky we’re able to come home a lot, so even though I grew up on majority in America, we’d come home every other year.” That explains why he also has exposure and gets inspiration from Filipino movies and entertainment. Mendoza started performing in school plays and high school musicals “for fun.” For college, though, he “needed to study that wasn’t the arts because immigrant families want you to do something that makes money in their eyes.” So he took up broadcast journalism and political science at the American University in D.C. But he didn’t like political science, so he dropped it and added musical theater to his studies without telling his parents until he got into the program. After graduation, he was torn between two goals: becoming a Broadway actor like Jose Llana, who currently plays the late President Ferdinand Marcos in Here Lies Love, and becoming the “Filipino Anderson Cooper.” He ended up staying in D.C with a job in marketing, which eventually became his master’s degree. Mendoza started auditioning and trying to get into shows. “But I wasn’t getting cast the way I wanted to,” he recalls, “because it’s very hard for a Filipino, an Asian male actor to get parts, unless you decided to be in Miss Saigon, which was one of the only very few shows that hire Asian people. So, I kinda fell into producing.” That was when he met a fellow Fil-Am, Regie Cabico, who’s 20 years older than him and became his mentor. He remembers Cabico telling him, “The way to be successful for someone like us in the arts is to start your own opportunities.” Thus, the birth, in 2012, of their company, La Ti Do, which is into production of cabarets and concerts. “I met so many people and worked with so many actors and performers without knowing it’s producing,” he says, smiling at the memory. “I just realized producing means organizing. It means you’re in charge, you’re putting things together and hire people. In those 10 years, I was able to produce small musicals and concerts and special events.” He then put up his own DMH Mendoza Productions, which has La Ti Do as its cabaret-concert arm, to allow him to “produce bigger and more incredible things.” For starters, he produced the off-Broadway play Hazing U that tackles violence in fraternities. Around that time, February 2023, he heard about Here Lies Love being restaged, this time on Broadway. The musical created by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim originally premiered off-Broadway in 2013 at The Public Theater in New York City. A year later, it moved to the Royal National Theater in London, England, and then was restaged at Seattle Repertory Theater in the US in 2017. Mendoza admits with regret that he missed seeing Here Lies Love’s off-Broadway premiere and thought he’d never see it ever again “just because Filipino things don’t usually last very long in America.” So when he heard it was coming to Broadway, he basically called everybody he knew who’s involved in the production to ask how he could help. “I wasn’t really looking for a producer stature,” he says. “I said to many people I’m willing to sell t-shirts in the lobby just to support this show.” It turned out his good friend Lora Nicolas Olaes, who he stayed with in New York, was in the first workshop of the show in 2011, and she personally knows one of the lead producers, Clint Ramos. Olaes then connected Mendoza and Ramos via email, which led to Mendoza joining the Here Lies Love production team. “I’m still having trouble today saying I’m a co-producer. I’m so used to just doing rather than labeling,” he says. “It’s been a wild ride from then till now. I don’t regret any of it. It’s been the best experience so far.” He then shares that having an all-Filipino cast and a predominantly Filipino production team is very important for the lead producers. Two of the five are Filipino: Clint Ramos, a Tony award-winning costume designer, and Jose Antonio Vargas, a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist. This extends to other producers, such as Hal Luftig, Diana DiMenna and Patrick Catullo, as well as to musical writers David Byrne and Fatboy Slim. “They wanted to reach beyond the cast and make sure that the show is escorted into Broadway by Filipinos because it’s a Filipino story,” Mendoza points out. Aside from Llana, the main cast is made up of Arielle Jacobs (as Imelda) and Conrad Ricamora as (Ninoy Aquino), with Lea Salonga (as Ninoy’s mother Aurora) in a limited run until 19 August. “It’s beyond the cast. So our creative team, our production team, our stagehands, everybody. Even our house staff, some of them are Filipinos. We really wanted to make a mark on Broadway. That’s how it came about. So that was an early decision. Because the off-Broadway production was mixed. It was not all-Filipino. It had Ruthie Ann Miles as Imelda. She’s not Filipino. It was hard to move from her and bring in Arielle Jacobs, who is just as amazing, but, you know, it was very important for the team to be culturally accurate. Because it’s our story.” “It’s our show,” he reiterates. “Let’s bring it to the world. Our people are playing themselves. I’ve said this in an interview: The general public is trained to love Filipino as other ethnicities. This is the first time we’re training them to love us, Filipinos, as ourselves.” Musical textbook Mendoza’s fellow co-producers include Salonga and Fil-Am celebrities like comedian Jo Koy, musical artist H.E.R. and rapper Apl.de.ap. “Our show is a musical textbook,” he explains. “It’s a musical built around facts, what happened historically during her lifetime. Our whole goal for the show is to present to you what happened with, of course, entertainment attached to it. There’s a misconception that it’s a documentary. It is not. It’s musical theater. It’s supposed to be fun. You see what happened. “We empower our audience to make their own decision. We don’t tell them, ‘This was a bad person. This was a good person.’ Here’s what this person did in their life and how she was affected by her surroundings, and go home and do the research. You figure it out. We liken it to giving someone a Zip file of Philippine history in the 21th century and you go home and unzip the Zip file to get into the details. “But we give you an overview. It’s really up to the audience when they leave the show. I know it’s the goal of our writers and directors to not impose an opinion. We’re just here to entertain and make you learn. When you leave, it’s up to you.” Mendoza happily reports that Here Lies Love is being received “very well.” He adds, “The critics have come and said really wonderful about the show, especially the ones we’re nervous about, like the New York Times, or The Washington Post, or the Wall Street Journal. It trickles down to everyone who’s seen the show. I think we’re so proud and excited that it’s well-received. Audience members love it, they keep coming back.” He also notes that audiences are “pretty diverse. You see Filipinos, you see Americans, you see visitors. It’s really a big hodge-podge of different people. We’re happy about that, too. It’s not biased to just one community.” Indeed, Mendoza is living his dream and he has this piece of audience for the younger generation who also hopes to break into theater or arts in general: “Always ask for what you want because the worst that can come back is a no.” He then shares what she’s picked up from Kris Jenner: “If somebody says no to you, you’re asking the wrong person. Keeping asking for what you want. Not just manifesting, but really it’s just speaking up. Nobody can read your mind. Nobody can see what’s happening in your mind and in your heart. So if you express it, you ask and you’ll get there. It may not happen in the timing that you want, but it will happen if you keep pushing.” The post How ‘Here Lies Love’ co-producer found his mark on Broadway appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rosé Curse?: BLACKPINK’s Rosé reacts to Andrea Brillantes- Ricci Rivero split
Andrea Brillantes remains a lucky fan girl when it comes to the South Korean girl group BLACKPINK. On 8 August, coinciding with the mega group’s seventh anniversary, BLACKPINK member Rosé went on Instagram live to talk and celebrate with her fans (commonly known as BLINKs). Among the many BLINKs who tuned in to watch Rosé’s Instagram live was Andrea Brillantes, who also went to the girl group’s sold-out concert at the Philippine Arena last March 2023 with her then-boyfriend Ricci Rivero and was singled out by BLACKPINK from among the crowd. The Kadenang Ginto actress had held up a “promposal” sign,” which Rosé and Lisa noticed in the middle of the show. During the livestream, the singer asked BLINKs their most memorable moments as fans of the group. Brillantes immediately whipped up an answer: “My fave memory was when you noticed me for my promposal.” Rosé caught Brillantes’ comment and reacted to it: “When I noticed you for your proposal. Oh, was that you? I think it was somewhere in Southeast Asia, where was it? I don’t know (where it was), but I do remember (the proposal). I do. We have never done that before,” Rosé said. Brillantes responded by updating the K-pop star on her relationship status: “We broke up now.” Rosé looked shocked upon reading the reply. She covered her mouth and said, “Oh no, I’ll pretend I didn’t see that.” Brillantes quickly assured the BLACKPINK star that she was happy and doing well now, to which Rosé replied: “I’m happy that you’re happy.” In April last year, Brillantes and Rivero officially became a couple. However, the relationship was short-lived following cheating allegations against the basketball player. This is not the first time Brillantes has proven her “lucky girl syndrome” when it comes to interacting with foreign artists. Last July, she got to talk to Sabrina Carpenter during the latter’s Manila concert. There is also a running joke on social media about the “Rosé Curse” — that celebrities who take a photo with Rosé allegedly invariably end up splitting with their respective partners. The “Rosé Curse” began in September 2021 when model Gigi Hadid had a photo with Rosé — only to announce her break-up with singer Zayn Malik a few weeks later. Since then, other celebrity couples have supposedly also fallen victim to the curse, such as Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn, Florence Pugh and Zach Braff, Bella Poarch and her non-showbiz husband, and Kendall Jenner and basketball player Devin Booker. The post Rosé Curse?: BLACKPINK’s Rosé reacts to Andrea Brillantes- Ricci Rivero split appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rosé Curse?: BLACKPINK’s Rosé reacts to Andrea Brillantes-Ricci Rivero split
Andrea Brillantes remains a lucky fan girl when it comes to the South Korean girl group BLACKPINK. On 8 August, coinciding with the mega group's seventh anniversary, BLACKPINK member Rosé went on Instagram live to talk and celebrate with her fans (commonly known as BLINKs). Among the many BLINKs who tuned in to watch Rosé's Instagram live was Andrea Brillantes, who also went to the girl group's sold-out concert at the Philippine Arena last March 2023 with her then-boyfriend Ricci Rivero and was singled out by BLACKPINK from among the crowd. The Kadenang Ginto actress had held up a "promposal" sign", which Rosé and Lisa noticed in the middle of the show. During the livestream, the singer asked BLINKs their most memorable moments as fans of the group. Brillantes immediately whipped up an answer: "My fave memory was when you noticed me for my promposal." Rosé caught Brillantes' comment and reacted to it: "When I noticed you for your proposal. Oh, was that you? I think it was somewhere in Southeast Asia, where was it? I don't know [where it was], but I do remember [the proposal]. I do. We have never done that before," Rosé said. Brillantes responded quickly to the K-pop star, updating her on her relationship status: "We broke up now." Rosé looked shocked upon reading the reply. She covered her mouth and said, "Oh no, I'll pretend I didn't see that." Brillantes quickly assured the BLACKPINK star that she was doing well now and happy, to which Rosé replied: "I'm happy that you're happy." In April last year, Brillantes and Rivero officially became a couple. However, the relationship was short-lived following cheating allegations about the basketball player. This is not the first time Brillantes has proven her "lucky girl syndrome" when it comes to interacting with foreign artists. Last July, Sabrina Carpenter talked to Brillantes mid-stage during her Manila concert. But there is also a running joke on social media about the "Rosé curse" — that celebrities who take a photo with Rosé allegedly invariably end up splitting with their respective partners. The "Rosé curse" began in September 2021 when model Gigi Hadid had a photo with Rosé – only to announce her break-up with singer Zayn Malik a few weeks later. Since then, other celebrity couples have supposedly also fallen victim to the "Rosé curse," such as Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn, Florence Pugh and Zach Braff, Bella Poarch and her non-showbiz husband, and Kendall Jenner and basketball player Devin Booker. The post Rosé Curse?: BLACKPINK’s Rosé reacts to Andrea Brillantes-Ricci Rivero split appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go commends Phl Para teams
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed Senate Resolution no. 713, commending and congratulating members of the Philippine Para Teams for their exceptional performance in the 2023 Southeast Asian Para Games held in Cambodia from June 3 to 9. The resolution recognizes the athletes’ dedication and talents, which led to the outstanding achievement of securing the 5th overall championship in the prestigious regional multi-sport event, which brought together para-athletes from across Southeast Asia. “Through your remarkable achievements, you have not only shown your remarkable abilities as athletes but have also inspired countless individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams and break barriers. Your participation in this prestigious regional event exemplifies the true spirit of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and unity,” said Go. The resolution highlighted the remarkable achievements of the Philippine Para Teams, who displayed grit and determination throughout the competition. The country has successfully obtained 117 medals, with an impressive tally of 34 gold medals; 33 silver medals; and 50 bronze medals. This remarkable feat has brought the country to the 5th overall champion ranking. “As a nation, we are grateful for the countless hours of training and sacrifices you have made to represent the Philippines in the international arena. Your achievements serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement for others, proving that with perseverance and hard work, anything is possible,” he said. The resolution encouraged the Philippine government to continue its commitment to para-sports development as well as increase funding and support for para-athletes to further hone their skills and represent the nation in future international competitions. Meanwhile, Go continues to strengthen the sports sector in the country through proposed legislation. His initiatives aim to establish the Philippine National Games and expand benefits for para athletes, with the vision of transforming the nation's sporting landscape and providing a solid foundation for athletes to excel in national and international platforms. The proposed Senate Bill No. 423, known as the Philippine National Games Act, seeks to create a platform for athletes, especially young individuals, to showcase their skills and compete at the national level. The goal is to promote inclusivity, encourage grassroots participation, and discover and nurture exceptional talents in various sports disciplines. Through this nationwide multi-sport event, the Philippines aims to cement its status as a "Sports Powerhouse in Asia" and engage the youth in sports to steer them away from drugs. Go has filed SBN 2116 in a bid to amend Section 8 of Republic Act No. 10699 or the "National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act." The proposed legislation aims to enhance benefits for para athletes, recognizing the challenges they face and aiming to make sports development more inclusive and supportive. If approved, the bill will provide equal opportunities and recognition to para athletes, ensuring they receive incentives comparable to other national athletes competing in international competitions. Go emphasized that government support is crucial, especially for athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds, as it helps ease the financial burden of training, equipment, and participation in competitions. His proposed measures aim to create a sustainable and supportive environment for athletes, empowering them to focus on their athletic pursuits and achieve their full potential. “I urge my fellow lawmakers for their support. These proposed bills bolsters our sporting landscape in the country by fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and support for athletes at all levels,” Go stressed. “By providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents and by offering comprehensive support, we can nurture a new generation of world-class athletes and para athletes who can bring honor and pride to the nation,” he said. The post Bong Go commends Phl Para teams appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Man’s measure
Only because my barber — not Kuwatog, mind you — would not stop talking about it between snips here and there — I got an earful on a burning issue of the day. That the raging debate escaped someone supposedly with a nose for news betrayed the arena where people have been bashing one another over it. Where else, but on social media. If only to ensure that he was wide awake as he gingerly passed the razor over my nape and sideburns (sideburns, really?), I interjected as needed to break his monologue. Such is the lesson every man should learn early in life, aside from how to spit-shine his shoes. Yes, a man is judged by the state of his footwear — and measured too by his shoe size. LOL. A baseless correlation, right, Kuwatog? But back to the lesson. That lesson is that if there’s one person a man should be able to trust, it’s none other than his barber. In his hands, a man could rest assured of catching some shut-eye and still getting up from the chair. Sweeney Todd, I am going nowhere near your bloody shop. Neither am I going to stick my neck out for you nor your delectation. My barber talked — no, make that pontificated — on how wrong it was for Mimiyawn (or Mumu-yun or Mamasan, or whatever) to say that one should not date someone who had no money, lest she end up dirt poor for life, trapped with a loser. I didn’t know the context of that influencer’s gab, and I was just too sleepy or lazy, or both, to pass judgment either way — pro or against. But surmise I did that the one being admonished was poor too. For if you’re rich and you swim outside your gilded “haves” pond, you being a pricey or prized Lapu-lapu taking a chance with a have-not “tilapia” might just have a happy ending, after all. Think of it like Mozart’s Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star: They may run through a gamut of variations, but whether the rudimentary first, the jazzy fifth, or the nearly macabre sixth, they all, nonetheless, sizzle and sparkle. Truly, a mere variation of women predisposed to having diamonds as their best friend — of marrying a 4-EME man: Matandang mayaman madaling mamatay (an old rich man with one foot in the grave). ‘Tis a well-told story, the love-triangle plot of the musical Fiddler on the Roof: Of the maiden Hodel being set up to marry Lazar Wolf, the town’s rich butcher old enough to be her dad, Tevye (played by Topol in the movie adaptation). You reading this, go ahead if you would, sing “Traditions” or “If I Were a Rich Man” ala Topol, or, more in line with the discussion, Hodel’s “Matchmaker, matchmaker,” especially the meaty: Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Plan me no plans I’m in no rush Maybe I’ve learned Playing with matches A girl can get burned So, bring me no ring Groom me no groom Find me no find Catch me no catch Unless he’s a matchless match. Hodel, of course, followed her heart’s dictates and ended up marrying the student from Kiev, Perchik, but amid the Russian Revolution of the 1900s, we were left hanging, asking whatever happened to the young lovers. My wife, she married into wealth, after biting into the ruse during a date that she had to pay for the burgers and fries because I left my ATM card at home. Told and retold as a funny cautionary tale, my daughters never ceased to find hilarious the “secret” that there was no ATM card to speak of at the time. My old paper was taking my newspaperman’s pay from the “petty cash” box, so how could there be an ATM? Haha. My wife, she married into wealth. Not wealth in terms of pesos, but a wealth of experiences in detaching one’s happiness from what’s in your pocket or wallet. Relax, I’m still working on it, but in my own sweet time. The post Man’s measure appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
TVJ’s exit from TAPE, Inc. can make or break the noontime arena
Forty-four years of watching Eat Bulaga is a hard habit to break......»»
Lady Spikers go for twice-to-beat
League-leading De La Salle University sets its sights on securing a Final Four twice-to-beat advantage in a clash with Adamson University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Ahead of the pack sporting a 10-1 win-loss record, the Lady Spikers only need to hurdle the Lady Falcons in their 2 p.m. encounter to assure themselves of a Top 2 finish with just two weeks left before the elimination round closes. On the other hand, Adamson, which shares the second to fourth spot in the standings with an 8-3 card tied with idle University of Santo Tomas and defending champion National University, shoots for a semis berth. La Salle bounced back mightily from a sorry four-set setback at the hands of UST before the Holy Week break with a convincing, 25-15, 25-16, 25-16, win over University of the Philippines last Sunday. Rookie Angel Canino is expected to show the same aggressiveness she displayed in the Lady Spikers’ first round win over the Adamson, 22-25, 25-14, 25-16, 25-19, last 19 March when she dropped 21 points. Aside from Canino and usual scorers Thea Gagate, Fifi Sharma and Jolina dela Cruz, La Salle has also a new weapon in rookie opposite spiker Shevana Laput. The 6-foot-1 winger made an immediate impact in her first start last game as she poured in nine points. But despite their height and depth advantage and with the semis bonus within reach, Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo doesn’t want his players to look too far ahead. “We need to continue the right things we are doing. Just take it one game at a time. Our mindset right now is to finish the second round the right way,” he said. The Lady Falcons are fresh from a 25-16, 25-19, 20-25, 27-25, victory over University of the East last Saturday. Adamson will rely on Kate Santiago, Trisha Tubu, Lorene Toring and setter Louie Romero to get back at La Salle. Meanwhile, Far Eastern University tries to salvage its semis bid in a must-win game against Ateneo de Manila University at 12 p.m. Holding a 5-6 card, the Lady Tamaraws need to sweep all of their remaining three games wish that one from the Lady Falcons, Tigresses and Lady Bulldogs won’t reach nine wins to force a playoff for the last Final Four seat. FEU beat Ateneo in five sets in the first round. Both teams are coming off setbacks with the Lady Tamaraws bowing down to the Lady Bulldogs in straight sets while the Blue Eagles missed the semis for the first time in 14 years after losing to the Tigresses in four frames. A win by Ateneo (4-7) will put the semis race to a close. In men’s play, Ateneo (5-6) and FEU (6-5) at 10 a.m. while La Salle (6-5) and Adamson (1-10) meet at 4 p.m. The post Lady Spikers go for twice-to-beat appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Laput makes heads turn
Rookie Shevana Laput did not disappoint on her first start for De La Salle University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament. Fresh from a long Holy Week break, the semifinals-bound Lady Spikers turned to the Filipino-Australian recruit for points at the opposite position during their clinical 25-15, 25-16, 25-16 win over University of the Philippines on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The 6-foot-1 Laput, who saw limited minutes in La Salle’s first 10 games, produced nine points to help her squad get back on the winning track after seeing its nine-game winning streak snapped before the long lull. Long-time Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo was not surprised at all with Laput’s output. La Salle did not waste time in developing Laput during the break as an added weapon on the wing to give head coach Ramil de Jesus another opposite spiker option besides veteran Baby Jyne Soreno with Leila Cruz sidelined for the rest of the season due to a right knee injury she sustained at the start of the second round. “Actually, we expected that performance from her since we focused on preparing her for the role during the Holy Week. So, we really expected her to deliver,” Orcullo said. Laput expressed gratitude for the trust given to her despite being one of the new members of the Lady Spikers, who are eyeing to reclaim the crown it last held back in 2018. “It feels great. It just shows that I developed and improved as a player and the coaches trust my abilities to have me play in the first six. It's great and it's an honor,” Laput said. The towering spiker played an inspired game with her family including brother James, who plays for Magnolia Hotshots in the Philippine Basketball Association, watching live. “It's a great feeling that my family is supporting me. My mom and my little sister, actually, surprised me this week. They came on Thursday. It's their first time watching a live game,” the head-turner said. “I'm definitely nervous having them there supporting me, it feels like I need to perform (well). It's a great feeling to know that your family is there supporting you.” With its 13th straight Final Four appearance secured, La Salle now shifts its sights on clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the semis. The Lady Spikers battle Adamson University on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena to assure themselves of at least a playoff for a Final Four bonus. After that La Salle will face Ateneo de Manila University on 23 April before wrapping up the elimination round against winless University of the East on 29 April. Orcullo bared La Salle’s coaching staff has been preparing Laput to play a much bigger role in the coming games. “We need to build her confidence with the second round drawing to a close,” he said. “So that heading into the semifinals and hopefully in the finals, she will have that confidence in her and that anytime her number is called she’ll be able to deliver.” The post Laput makes heads turn appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UST’s Hernandez is UAAP Player of the Week
UST’s Imee Hernandez imposed her will in the middle in a rock-solid performance to power her team against Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday, 16 April in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the PhilSports Arena. Hernandez punished the Blue Eagles with quick attacks and provided solid defense for the Golden Tigresses with her blocking. When the dust settled, Hernandez notched a career-best 24 points on 19 attacks, three blocks, and two service aces as UST stopped Ateneo, 25-22, 25-20, 27-29, 25-21. Scoring efficiently on a 19-of-31 attack clip, Hernandez helped lead the Golden Tigresses to their third straight win as they rose to an 8-3 win-loss card, tied with Adamson and defending champ NU at No. 2. Hernandez and company likewise strengthened their chances of finishing in the top two of the standings, which merits a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four. With her strong outing, Hernandez earned the citation as the Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week presented by San Miguel Corporation and Philippine Sports Commission with MNL Kingpin, Tinapayan Festival, and Jockey as minor sponsors. Hernandez bested other candidates like teammate Eya Laure, La Salle’s Angel Canino, Ateneo’s Faith Nisperos, and reigning MVP Bella Belen of NU for the citation handed out by print and online scribes covering the beat from 12-16 April. "'Yung mindset ko talagang gawin lang 'yung role ko, kung ano 'yung dapat kong gawin sa loob ng court and syempre ipakita 'yung maturity na dapat mayroon kaming mga seniors," said Hernandez. "Hindi titigil, hindi kami masa-satisfy sa ganito lang. Kailangan malampasan namin palagi. Sabi ni coach [Kungfu Reyes] kailangan everyday nalalampasan mo 'yung ginawa mo today." This marks the second week in a row that a Tigress won the weekly citation, as Laure earned the honor for the period of 29 March to 2 April, before the UAAP took a break for the Holy Week. The post UST’s Hernandez is UAAP Player of the Week appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
La Salle sweeps UP in rebound win
Semifinals-bound De La Salle University rediscovered its winning ways as it cruised past University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-16, 25-16, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The Lady Spikers vented their ire on the Fighting Maroons to improve to a 10-1 win-loss record following a sorry four-set loss to University of Santo Tomas that snapped their nine-game win run before the Holy Week break and moved closer to clinching a Final Four twice-to-beat advantage. La Salle wasted no time in flexing its muscle over its hapless victim with rookie Angel Canino taking the lead on offense with 17 points she collected from 13 kills, two kill blocks and a pair of aces. “After our UST game, we just told them that at least they’ll get a chance to experience what it takes to bounce back. So after the Holy Week, we told them to forget about what happened and focus on how they will get back up after a loss,” Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo said. “At least, they showed it (that they're capable of bouncing back).” Thea Gagate finished with 11 points while Shevana Laput did not disappoint in her first start of the season, chipping in nine points for La Salle. Fifi Sharma and veteran Jolina dela Cruz added six markers each. The Fighting Maroons absorbed their eighth straight loss for a 1-10 slate. Stephanie Bustrillo was the lone UP player in double figures with 10 points while Nina Ytang got nine. The post La Salle sweeps UP in rebound win appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBA to play on Christmas Day
The PBA will roll out a holiday treat for fans with a Commissioner’s Cup semifinal schedule on Christmas Day at the MOA Arena. There will also be a schedule on Dec. 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum before the league takes a break and restarts on Jan. 4......»»
Do-or-die Sunday
Christmas is in the air but for four basketball teams battling to stay alive in their leagues, an early holiday break is farthest from their minds. In the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Rain or Shine and NLEX duel for the last playoff ticket at the PhilSports Arena at 6:30 tonight......»»
Bolts, Road Warriors in make-or-break tiff
Corporate relationship takes a backseat as Meralco and NLEX collide in a make-or-break PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations tussle today at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City......»»
Southpaws easy prey for Manny
Super WBA welterweight champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao has never lost to a southpaw and WBC/IBF ruler Errol Spence Jr., a left-hander, isn’t expected to break the record when they square off at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Aug. 21......»»