New ROS coach out to build a culture of excellence
By JEREMIAH SEVILLA Chris Gavina was wearing a quite unique face mask in his head coaching debut for Rain or Shine in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday. Gavina donned a black face mask with the word “culture” spelled in capital letters and printed in white during the Elasto Painters’ gritty 83-82 victory over […].....»»
Sweep by Beermen helps Gin Kings build character, says Cone
Despite Barangay Ginebra’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup exit, Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone said the team underwent essential character development that would help them in the All-Filipino edition......»»
Converge s Ayo hopes to build momentum with 1st win, blasts tanking allegations
Despite finally getting their first win in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup, the Converge FiberXers still have a thorn in their side, head coach Aldin Ayo said......»»
Ginebra sets Inspire camp
Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone said yesterday he’s taking the team to Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba for a four-day training camp starting Monday to build up for the PBA season which opens with the Commissioner’s Cup tomorrow. Ginebra’s first game is scheduled against Converge at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Nov. 17......»»
McKeown becomes first woman to hold every backstroke world record
Australian Kaylee McKeown said she was "super stoked" after becoming the first woman to hold world records in all three backstroke disciplines by smashing the 50m mark. The 22-year-old clocked 26.86 seconds at the World Cup in Budapest on Friday to better the previous best of 26.98 set by China's Liu Xiang in 2018. "I am super stoked with that," said McKeown, who is a red-hot favorite to dominate in the pool at next year's Paris Olympics. "The only thing I can keep doing is training hard and keep believing in myself and believing in my coach. "I never saw myself as a sprinter so it's really nice to have that under my belt. "Next year is going to be a really tough year so the more confidence I can build, the better," she added. McKeown has held the 100m world record since June 2021 and bagged the 200m in March. She swept the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke titles at the world championships in July and also owns the Olympic 100m and 200m golds. The 50m back is not contested at the Olympics. mp/smw © Agence France-Presse The post McKeown becomes first woman to hold every backstroke world record appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Budget Usec Tina Canda has passed away
Former Budget Undersecretary and Officer-In-Charge Tina Canda has passed away, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) confirmed on Thursday In a statement, DBM said Canda passed away last Wednesday evening (23 August), coinciding with her 41st anniversary of service in the agency. Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said DBM is deeply saddened and in mourning over the loss of Canda, saying that the undersecretary was the agency’s "tower of strength." The DBM chief described Canda as “a gentle soul with a strong, dependable character” who spent endless hours poring over paperwork to ensure they reached the deadlines. “Her courage and relentless work ethic were most evident when, despite having been diagnosed with stage-4 cancer, she reported for work every day with her usual dogged determination and even diligently attended the Congress hearings in 2022. Despite her trials and tribulations, she bravely soldiered on,” Pangandaman said. “For an unbelievable 40 years of public service, Usec Tina gave it all in pouring out four decades of passion for service, hard work, and loyalty to DBM,” Pangandaman added. Pangandaman said Canda is the "ultimate mentor and coach" of her colleagues who become "better public servants," not just through words and concepts but because of her example. She added that Canda was a brilliant leader, leaving behind a legacy of policies, best practices, and a solid work ethic in the DBM. The secretary also extended her sincerest condolences to the family and close friends of Canda, while expressing gratitude to the departed undersecretary for her lifelong commitment to the agency. “We highly and sincerely appreciate the wisdom you have shared and will vow to build upon your legacy to provide better service for our countrymen, just as you have taught us. May your soul rest in eternal peace, Usec. We love you,” she concluded. The post Budget Usec Tina Canda has passed away appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lionel Messi signs contract with Inter Miami through 2025
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has signed a contract until 2025 with Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer team announced on Saturday. The 36-year-old striker who sparked Argentina to a World Cup title last year in Qatar, is set to be unveiled by the team in a Sunday ceremony and expected to join Inter Miami on the pitch as early as Friday. "I'm very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States," Messi, who moves from Paris Saint-Germain, said in a statement. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's arrival in Miami has already caused a sensation and is expected to spark greater interest in the game and MLS across the United States. It's also hoped he'll revive the fortunes of a Miami squad at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference at 5-13 with three drawn. "This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project," Messi said. "The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set and I'm very eager to start helping here in my new home." Messi's debut match is planned for Friday when Inter Miami will host Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, a revamped competition between MLS and Mexican league squads. It's the biggest boost for the North American league since English star David Beckham, now a co-owner of Inter Miami, joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. He launched the MLS Miami squad in 2020 after years of trying to find a stadium site. "Ten years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city, players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much," Beckham said in a statement. "Today that dream came true. "I couldn't be prouder that a player of Leo's caliber is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person, and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community. "The next phase of our adventure starts here and I can't wait to see Leo take to the pitch." World's greatest Inter Miami head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino has managed Messi in two separate prior stints –- with FC Barcelona in the 2013-14 campaign, winning the 2013 Spanish SuperCup, and from 2014-2016 with the Argentine national team. Messi captained the Albiceleste to victory at the 2021 Copa America as well as the Qatar World Cup and has 103 goals in 175 appearances for Argentina. "We're overjoyed that the greatest player in the world chose Inter Miami and Major League Soccer," MLS commissioner Don Garber said. "His decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our league and our sport in North America. We have no doubt that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a league of choice for the best players in the game." Messi is set for a glitzy arrival ceremony on Sunday at "The Unveil" with 18,000 expected to watch his first public event with his new club, followed by his first news conference with Inter on Monday and first training session with the club on Tuesday. "I'm honored to welcome Leo Messi and his family to their new home," Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said. "We made a promise to build an ambitious club that would attract the world's elite players... a heartfelt thank you to our fans that never stopped believing. Together we will continue to turn dreams into reality." The post Lionel Messi signs contract with Inter Miami through 2025 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Paranada, three more Fil-foreign recruits, link up in UST
Kyle Paranada banners the four Filipino-foreign players coming to the University of Santo Tomas as the Growling Tigers continue to build their squad under head coach Pido Jarencio. Paranada averaged 11.64 points, 4.21 assists, 2.86 rebounds, and 1.64 steals in 23 minutes for UE last year in UAAP Season 85 as the Red Warriors missed the Final Four with a 5-9 win-loss record. He will sit out the upcoming UAAP Season 86 via residency but he will be available for two seasons. Ashon Andrews will play for the Tigers after only playing three games in the preseason with the University of the Philippines. Geremy Robinson Jr., son of former PBA import Geremy Robinson, will try his luck in UST after riding the bench last season at De La Salle University. Robinson Jr. will be eligible for four more playing years in the UAAP. Leland Estacio averaged 3.6 points on 40 percent shooting from three, and 1.6 boards in 11.8 minutes in his sophomore year for West Valley College in Saratoga, California, and will play for UST for two years. Jarencio stressed UST is also gearing up for future seasons, something rival schools like La Salle, UP, and defending champion Ateneo de Manila University have been doing. "This is a preparation for the future and I am happy with the bond they are sharing. This is proof that they believe in the system we want to execute here in UST," Jarencio said. "They're joining the team now so that they can understand the system. Once they play, they'll be ready." This new batch of Tigers will join the likes of Nic Cabañero and SJ Moore as they seek to forget last year's 1-13 record in UAAP Season 85. The post Paranada, three more Fil-foreign recruits, link up in UST appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Expanding my Reach and Impact
Forging the future is a theme that speaks to the importance of taking action today to create a better tomorrow. As a book author, life coach and climate change advocate, my vision for the future is to continue empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives, become effective leaders and take action towards mitigating climate change. As an international author, my mission is to share my knowledge and insights with a global audience. Inspiring through my published self-help books can help individuals unlock their full potential and achieve their goals. I believe that everyone has the ability to live a fulfilling life, and my goal is to help them explore their purpose and deepest essence of their being. In the coming years, I plan to build on my current and past successes by expanding my reach and impact. I will continue writing books that provide practical guidance and inspiration to individuals around the world. I will also be launching online courses and workshops, as well as campus tours, that will help the youth and individuals develop self-awareness and leadership skills. As a mental health practitioner, my mission is to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and provide support to those who are struggling. I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that everyone should have access to mental health resources and support. I intend to propagate the cause through campus tours to educate the youth prioritize their mental health and overcome any challenges they may be facing. Self-awareness is an essential tool for effective leadership, and effective leadership is essential for success. As I quote from my book: “Self-leadership is a prerequisite to organizational leadership.” It is always important to learn how to lead the self before others, even in dealing with our personal relationships. As a climate change advocate, I believe that the prospects for the coming years are both challenging and exciting. The challenge lies in the urgent need to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change. However, the exciting prospect is that we have the opportunity to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all. I am launching the first “The Green Gala Awards 2023” that will be held on 8 November 2023, which marks the 10th year of Typhoon Yolanda in partnership with the Climate Change Commission of the Philippines, with private companies and various organizations who commit to support the environment. This is going to be a yearly event that will recognize individuals and companies who are climate change action heroes in their own capacities, and to raise funds for various environmental projects. I am excited about the future and the opportunities it holds for book authors, life coaches and climate change advocates. I am committed to continuing my work of empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives, become effective leaders and take action towards mitigating climate change. I am confident that the prospects of life coaching in the coming years are bright, and I look forward to being a part of this positive change. ***** Marichelle “Mache“ Torres-Ackerman is an entrepreneur, educator, philanthropist, international author, leadership/transformational life coach, socio-civic leader and environment advocate. She is a retired school owner of family-owned business, St. James College System, and the CEO and president of the Jaime T. Torres Educational Foundation Inc. She is currently pursuing Public Leadership Credentials at the Harvard Kennedy School. The post Expanding my Reach and Impact appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Dad movies’ to watch with the family
Planning to just stick to your couch and stream movies on Father’s Day? No problem. Here are my top seven picks of ‘dad movies’ to stream right now. Have your dad join you, or the entire family, for a Father’s Day marathon and bond with laughter and tears! ‘FIELD OF DREAMS’ (1989) Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) is a dad to Karin. He’s also a famer suddenly swept into a controversy when he decides to build a baseball diamond on his land — just because a mysterious voice whispered it into his ear. This popular and absorbing fantasy-drama has already become a cult classic for its themes of chasing one’s dreams and, of course, family. Rent on iTunes ‘LIAR LIAR’ (1997) One of the best comedy fantasies in the ‘90s, Liar Liar is surely going to be a big hit to your home-viewing with your dad. Sure, you may have seen this already, but so what? Carrey plays an attorney who is not only dishonest, he often breaks his promises to his poor son, Max (Justin Cooper). When Max wishes his dad would stop lying for 24 hours, it’s a riot! Rent on iTunes [caption id="attachment_146055" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF universal pictures | JIM Carrey as Fletcher Reede in ‘Liar Liar.’[/caption] ‘MRS. DOUBTFIRE’ (1993) This is one of the late Robin Williams’ most memorable classics. Divorced dad Daniel (Williams) is extremely bothered that he has limited access to his kids. So he dresses as an elderly British woman and applies as a nanny to his ex-wife Miranda (Sally Field) just to be with his kids every day. Both hilarious and touching, it never fails to engage you no matter how many times you’ve seen it. Stream on Disney+ ‘CINDERELLA MAN’ (2005) Inspired by the life story of world heavyweight boxing champion James J. Braddock, Ron Howard’s weeper Cinderella Man is set during the Great Depression. Braddock (Russell Crowe), a washed-up actor, struggles as a manual laborer to feed his family. With his morals and integrity intact, he is a father whose love for his family knows no bounds and gives them wisdom in the midst of adversity. Unforgettable. Stream on Disney+ ‘KING RICHARD’ (2021) This is the fact-based movie that earned Will Smith his Oscar Best Actor award after slapping Chris Rock on national TV. Whether you hate Smith or not, you’re gonna be stunned by his superior performance as the super-inspiring father and coach to celebrated tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. Stream on HBO Go ‘THREE MEN AND A BABY’ (1987 Directed by Leonard Nimoy, and based on a 1985 French script, it follows three New York City roommates Peter (Tom Selleck), Michael (Steve Guttenberg) and Jack (Ted Danson). All men are successful and satisfied with being single. But when a baby is abandoned in front of their apartment, they became instant dads. Funny and heartfelt. Stream on Disney+ ‘DADS’ (2020) This AppleTV+ original documentary explores modern fatherhood. The great thing about this docu is that it features all types of dads. We get testimonies from ordinary dads around the world and even famous comedians. Sweet, positive, oftentimes funny — and, yes, prepare to wipe a tear or two. Stream on AppleTV+ The post ‘Dad movies’ to watch with the family appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lakers hope James continues, but say he has ‘earned right’ to retire
Los Angeles Lakers team chief Rob Pelinka said Tuesday he hoped LeBron James would continue his NBA career but said the NBA superstar had "earned the right" to retire. James, 38, stunned the basketball world late Monday after telling ESPN he was considering calling time on his glittering 20-season career in the NBA. His comments came after a 40-point display in the Lakers' 113-111 defeat to the Nuggets, who advanced to the NBA Finals after completing a 4-0 sweep of the 17-time champions. James' retirement hint appeared to catch many -- including the Lakers front office -- off-guard, given that James signed a two-year contract extension with the team last August. Lakers general manager Pelinka said Tuesday that he and head coach Darvin Ham will hold talks with James soon to discuss his future while emphasizing the club would support whatever he chose to do. "Coach and I will speak to LeBron in the coming days," Pelinka said. "We all know that he speaks for himself and we'll look forward to those conversations when the time is right. "But I will say this -- LeBron has given as much to the game of basketball as anyone who's ever played. "And when you do that, you earn the right to decide whether you're going to give more." Pelinka said it was possible James had reached an "inflection point" in his career. "Our job at the Lakers organization is to support any player on our team if they reach a career inflection point," Pelinka said. "LeBron is surrounded by incredible people. I'm sure he'll have conversations with them. In the coming days we’ll be in contact with him and his team and really providing nothing but support for him. "Obviously, our hope would be that his career continues. But we want to give him the time to have that inflection point and support him in everything he does." Ham echoed Pelinka's comments, praising James for his input during a season that saw the Lakers make a disastrous 2-10 start before retooling their roster and making a deep run in the playoffs. "I think I was ready to retire last night too," Ham joked. "But in all honesty and seriousness, LeBron has earned the right to do whatever he wants to do. "I just want to thank him ... especially him, for being a consistent resource for me as a first-time head coach. "I've been around the game for a long time, and he was the most supportive, knowledgeable, communicative resource that I had all year. He was right there front and center for me and my staff. So he's earned the right to decide whatever he wants to do." Pelinka meanwhile said that the Lakers hoped to keep the core of the roster that finished the season as they build for the future. "We're incredibly proud of this group ...keeping that continuity is going to be very important," Pelinka said. "We ultimately got knocked out by a team that has great continuity. They've got a group of players who've been together for several seasons and it shows in the way they play. So continuity is a high priority for us." The post Lakers hope James continues, but say he has ‘earned right’ to retire appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Heat on brink of NBA Finals after 128-102 win over Celtics
The Miami Heat knocked the stuffing out of the Boston Celtics on Sunday, powering to a 128-102 victory to take a 3-0 stranglehold on the NBA Eastern Conference finals. The Heat, who host game four on Tuesday, are one win away from reaching the NBA Finals against either the Denver Nuggets or Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics meanwhile are battling the weight of history -- no NBA team has rallied from 0-3 down to win a best-of-seven playoff series. Heat talisman Jimmy Butler could afford a relatively quiet 16-point night as point guard Gabe Vincent led the way, connecting on 11 of 14 shots from the field, including six of nine from three-point range, on the way to a game-high 29 points. Duncan Robinson added 22 points off the bench for Miami, who are vying to become just the second eighth-seeded team -- after the 1999 New York Knicks -- to reach the NBA Finals. Unlike in their first two wins of the series in Boston, there would be no need for the Heat to claw back a double-digit deficit. In front of a pumped-up crowd at Kaseya Center in Miami, the Heat dominated, Boston unable to build on an early three-point lead in the face of a total team effort from the hosts on both ends of the floor. "I don't know if 'surprised' is the word," Vincent said of the lopsided result. "We played well tonight. We defended. We made shots. We forced them into turnovers." "The next game, the mentality is to come out and compete at a high level, defend, try to make the right read every time offensively and just play good basketball. "It's the first to four games. We are not satisfied with three." Boston star Jayson Tatum scored 14 points and Jaylen Brown added 12, but Tatum made just one of his seven three-point attempts and Brown missed all seven of his as the Celtics connected on just 11 of their 42 three-point attempts. Miami made 19 three-pointers on 39 attempts, connecting on 46 of their 81 shots overall. "As you can tell, the rim was as big as the ocean for everybody," said Miami center Bam Adebayo, who thrilled the crowd with a pair of alley oop dunks and a spin around Brown for a one-handed slam on the way to 13 points. "(We were) making the extra pass, making the right pass and everybody played together." Caleb Martin scored 18 points off the bench for Miami. Max Strus chipped in 10 and the Heat didn't miss a beat when veteran Kevin Love departed after less than five minutes with an ankle injury. The Heat closed a fast-paced, physical first quarter on a 9-2 scoring run to lead 30-22 and pushed their lead to as many as 22 points in the second quarter. Boston managed to cut the gap, but with the Celtics again struggling from three-point range and with turnovers, Miami's 61-46 halftime lead represented the biggest halftime deficit faced by Boston this post-season. There would be no re-set for the Celtics in the third quarter. They had managed to trim the deficit to 12 early in the second half, but Miami out-scored them 32-17 to take a 93-63 lead into the fourth. Tatum and Brown combined for just three baskets in the third, Miami's dominance evident on back-to-back Boston possessions midway through the period when Adebayo blocked Tatum's shot on one and Martin came up with a steal to set up a Strus three-pointer. The shell-shocked Celtics went more than three minutes in the period without scoring. "I don't even know where to start," Brown said. "I feel like we let our fan base, organization down, we let ourselves down, and it was collective. We could point fingers, but in reality, it was just embarrassing." Boston's first-year coach Joe Mazzulla, who took the helm after Ime Udoka was abruptly suspended before the season for an improper workplace relationship, took the blame for the Celtics' disjointed performance. "I just didn't have them ready to play," Mazzulla said. "Whether it was the starting lineup or it was an adjustment, I have to get them in a better place ready to play, and that's on me." The post Heat on brink of NBA Finals after 128-102 win over Celtics appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl lady spikers face Cambodians
The Philippines could take advantage of a favorable schedule in Group B to build momentum in its mission to end an 18-year podium drought in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games women’s volleyball competition in Cambodia next month. Pitted against the host team to start the hostilities on 9 May, the seasoned Filipinas are the overwhelming favorites facing the Cambodians who are making a debut in the division since the country joined the biennial meet in 1961. Driven by the success of its men’s team which won bronze in last year’s pandemic-delayed Hanoi SEA Games, Cambodia decided to field a fledgling women’s squad hoping to get a good result on home soil. “We are ambitious, so we want to be well prepared and take the opportunity to enter women’s teams (indoor and beach volleyball) for the first time at the SEA Games. We believe the technical skills of our players will be close to the top teams – and certainly better than some nations in the region,” a confident Volleyball Federation of Cambodia secretary-general Aing Serey Piseth said in an interview with the Phnom Penh Post. But the battle-tested Pinay Spikers are sure to exploit all their advantages in skills, experience, and firepower to give the still wet-behind-the-ears Cambodians a rude welcome to jumpstart their campaign to win a medal for the first time since claiming bronze in the 2005 Manila edition. Game time is set at 7:30 p.m. (Cambodia time) at the Morodok Techo Elephant Hall. The Nationals, who finished fourth in the previous contest, hope to use a win against the home team as springboard when they face last edition’s silver medalist Vietnam on 10 May. The Philippine team, skippered by Alyssa Valdez, will wrap up the group stage against underdog Singapore on 11 May. Bracketed in Group A are defending champion Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar. The top two teams in the group stage will face off in the crossover semifinals. The Nationals are currently in Japan for a two-week training camp which will wrap up on 28 April. Joining Valdez in the 14-woman roster handled by Brazilian head coach Jorge Souza de Brito are her Creamline teammates Tots Carlos, setter Jia Morado-de Guzman, Ced Domingo, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabo and libero Klya Atienza. Also in the squad are Chery Tiggo’s Mylene Paat, Gel Cayuna and Chai Troncoso of Cignal, Dell Palomata of PLDT, and Choco Mucho’s Cherry Nunag and Kat Tolentino and Akari’s defense specialist Bang Pineda, a last-minute replacement for injured PLDT libero Kath Arado. Meanwhile, the men’s national team opens its campaign on 3 May against defending champion Indonesia in Group A. Inserted in the group of death following a re-draw, the Filipinos will then take on Cambodia on 4 May before squaring off against Singapore on 6 May. The post Phl lady spikers face Cambodians 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......»»
Resurgent Maroons hope to build winning culture in women s hoops program
A comeback victory coming at the expense of the Lady Tamaraws, UP head coach Paul Ramos says it isn't just the wins they're after — rather the confidence in themselves......»»
SHS-AdC Invitational Swim Meet returns with 150 tankers competing
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The excitement continues to build-up for the return of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Invitational Swim Meet on September 24 to 25, 2022 at the SHS-AdC swimming pool in Canduman, Mandaue City. One of the organizers and the Magis Eagles swimming team head coach, Benjoe Gimenez, expects fierce competition […] The post SHS-AdC Invitational Swim Meet returns with 150 tankers competing appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
New ROS coach out to build a culture of excellence
By JEREMIAH SEVILLA Chris Gavina was wearing a quite unique face mask in his head coaching debut for Rain or Shine in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday. Gavina donned a black face mask with the word “culture” spelled in capital letters and printed in white during the Elasto Painters’ gritty 83-82 victory over […].....»»
Tough talk led Suns to sacrifice and build an NBA contender
Phoenix—When Phoenix coach Monty Williams yelled after an early season loss that the Suns had the NBA’s worst starting five, the group sat down and had a long, hard talk. That conversation set the stage for sacrifices, acceptance of roles in a team setting and was a major step in the Suns reaching their first […] The post Tough talk led Suns to sacrifice and build an NBA contender appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Ex-SMB practice player-turned-coach helps build Gilas women s program
Magallanes' efforts, with his West Coast partner in Cris Gopez's Fil-Am Nation Select, are making sure that there is enough talent to go around as the Philippines continues to rise up internationally in women's basketball......»»
Abueva takes on former team as Fuel Masters gun for third straight win vs Aces
All eyes will be on Calvin Abueva as he faces his former team. (PBA Images) Phoenix Super LPG hopes to build on the successful comeback of Calvin Abueva when it battles his former team Alaska on Thursday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center. What Abueva has for an encore will be known in the 4 p.m. opener as the Fuel Masters (4-2) go for a third straight victory against the Aces (4-3), who are also riding on an impressive run of three wins in the last four outings. Unbeaten leader TNT looks to shrug off the rust factor as it aims for a sixth win opposite slumping NLEX (1-5) at 6:45 p.m. The Tropang Giga are slated to see action for the first time in eight days after Monday’s game against the NorthPort Batang Pier was postponed as a precautionary measure after facing the Blackwater Elite last week. One of Blackwater’s player is currently under quarantine after he had an initial positive result for COVID-19. He has since been declared negative in the succeeding antigen and RT-PCR tests. Abueva played as if he was not out of action for 16 months due to an indefinite suspension, posting 21 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists in Phoenix’s 114-110 triumph against NLEX. With Abueva back, many see Phoenix as a team with a legitimate chance of winning the crown, something Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso acknowledges. “We’re in a situation where Phoenix is already playing well, they added Calvin, who would give them an extra spark — extra All-Star. So we’re gonna have our hands full,” said Cariaso as he eyes to keep the same grit that enabled Alaska to buck a 0-2 start. Alaska is coming off a 99-96 victory over Terrafirma last Tuesday......»»
Built by Bo, bonded for Bo, believe in Bo
This is not the first time that Bo Perasol has had a recruiting haul this huge. Now heading into his fifth season in the University of the Philippines, he has brought in blue-chip recruits such as Gerry Abadiano and Carl Tamayo and talented transferees like Joel Cagulangan, CJ Cansino, and Malick Diouf to a team that already has Bright Akhuetie, Kobe Paras, and Ricci Rivero. And don't forget that Gomez de Liano brothers Javi and Juan are only sitting out the next season - and what lies beyond for them is yet to be determined. This is not that different from his time in Ateneo de Manila University when he scored UAAP Jrs. Season MVP Jerie Pingoy, UAAP Jrs. Finals MVP Hubert Cani, NCAA Mythical selection CJ Perez, and NCAA Jrs. standout Arvin Tolentino in his first few years. Those promising prospects then joined forces with Blue Eagle stalwarts Kiefer Ravena and Von Pessumal Unfortunately, all of Pingoy, Cani, Perez, and Tolentino - along with the rest of the so-called "Magnificent 7" - found themselves with academic deficiencies and, therefore, ineligible by the blue and white's standards. Not long after, they transferred to different schools and squads and then had varying degrees of success. Will Coach Bo's tale get a different ending this time with the Fighting Maroons? Perasol is making sure of that. "From my experience in Ateneo, natuto ako. Ngayon, meron kaming grupo sa programa na nagha-handle lang ng academics ng players," he shared. He then continued, "Sinasamahan sila sa mga klase, pinapakilala sa mga propesor, ine-explain na player natin yan, pag merong problema, coordinate lang po tayo." Apparently, this academic assistance team is made up of former student-managers who have graduated. Now, their first job is all about seeing to it that State U would not have to go through the same sort of headache Ateneo had with its "Magnificent 7." With that, you could be sure that UP's pillars of honor and excellence still stand strong even as all these new faces join Men's Basketball Team. "Walang special consideration. Pumapasok sila, bumabagsak sila. Binibigyan sila ng extra work, humihingi sila ng extra work," Coach Bo said. He then continued, "Ang ine-explain ko lagi sa players at sa professors, ang mahalaga, basta masipag pumasok at nagpapakita ng intensyong matuto." STARRING AND STRIKING At present, just about everybody is still getting used to blue-chip recruits and talented transferees going for UP. That is why there are more questions than answers each and every time they announce a new player. And along with the question of whether or not all these new faces would be up to par in terms of the honor and excellence the Philippines' prime public university prides itself in, there is a question of just how the Fighting Maroons got here in the first place. How could State U, not that far removed from its self-proclaimed "dark days," get all of these players? And not just players, at that, but many big name players. The categorical answer? The program could now afford it. "Meron nang pondo salamat sa sponsors," head coach Bo Perasol explained. "For example, kung makikita mo lang yung patches sa harap ng jersey, malaking pera yun. Nag-aagawan ang marami para dun." At present, the shot-caller said that UP has eight corporate sponsors all getting together for the funds for the program. And unlike Ateneo which has Manny V. Pangilinan or National University which has Hans Sy as primary backers, the Fighting Maroons' system is quite different. "Ang source ng funds ng UP, halos lahat galing sa alumni. Tapos lahat yun, mina-manage ng nowheretogobutUP," coach Bo said. According to its website, nowheretogobutUP (NTGBUP) is "a volunteer group of UP alumni that aims to help, assist, and support the development, improvement, and advancement of the varsity program of UP." All of the finances it manages, however, are not necessarily donations. As Perasol put it, "Yung model ng UP is unique kasi yung support nila, kailangan may balik din from us." For example, the tactician said that many of their players have made appearances, online in this continuing COVID-19 crisis and in person prior to the pandemic, to cheer up employees of Palawan Pera Padala, one of the team's sponsors. More importantly, Coach Bo reminded yet again that the only reason they have all these new faces is because they have to. He pointed out how Abadiano and Filipino-American Sam Dowd would make up for the losses of Jun Manzo and Juan GDL as well as how Diouf and Cansino are already waiting in the wings once Bright Akhuetie and Ricci Rivero graduate. "We're also recruiting for the impending need," Perasol said. "Hindi naman ito biglaan. Since nagsimula kami rito, we all did this nang dahan-dahan lang. Kaya rin yung support from alumni for funding, hindi na rin naging mahirap." DREAMING Still, the mere fact that UP is now a big-time player on and off the court in collegiate basketball seemed so farfetched just five years ago. Before Bo Perasol, the Fighting Maroons were stuck in a vicious cycle. Now, though, they have back-to-back playoff appearances and have traded blows with traditional powerhouses for recruits and transferees. All of this made possible because the very moment he came in, Coach Bo already knew the secret to success. "You cannot build a program without funds," he said. Perasol furthered that his biggest takeaway from his time in Ateneo was that competing with the traditional powerhouses on the court entailed competing with them as well off of it. "Alam ko yung kakayanan ng Ateneo and siyempre, kakumpetensya ko rin nun yung La Salle so alam ko rin yung kanila. Ganun na rin ang kakayanan ng NU and yung iba pa, kakayanin din nila kung gustuhin nila," he said. He then continued, "Kaya kung ang objective ng programa is to be in the top four, your program should be levelled din sa capacity ng top four." The General Santos native then went on to point out how training in the country or abroad, recruitment local and overseas, housing, and food and nutrition all have costs. "To sum it up, everything you're going to do would entail financing. Hindi ito kakayanin ng UP as a public school dahil wala namang pondo ang gobyerno para dyan," he said. He then continued, "Ang pinakasagot nalang ng school is yung scholarship. And siyempre, yung nag-aaral ka sa UP." That doesn't mean, however, that their hands were tied. In fact, the answer to the questions had always been there. "The good thing about UP is there's millions of alumni all over the world and a lot are successful people and businessmen who are willing to help," Perasol said. BELIEVING Indeed, having educated Filipinos for over 112 years now, UP has, without a doubt, more than a few successful alumni. It was all a matter of uniting - and then unleashing - them. Even before Bo Perasol came home to Diliman, NTGBUP was already organized. They were not necessarily thrilled with the Fighting Maroons, though. "Nung una, dahan-dahan lang, ambag-ambag lang para merong kakainin, pambayad sa dorm. Merong nag-donate ng shoes," Coach Bo said. He then continued, "Pero siyempre, they want first and foremost a program with improvements and direction." NTGBUP and the UP community got just that from Perasol as a 3-11, seventh-place finish in 2015 became a 5-9, sixth-place finish in 2016 in Coach Bo's first year. In his second year, the squad improved to a 6-8, fifth-place finish. From there, the Fighting Maroons have been in the Final Four for back-to-back years now - and even made the Finals in 2018. "Nagsimula maging excited ang alumni nung nagsimula ring manalo," he shared. "When we started winning, nagkaroon hindi lang ng physical support, but financial support as well. We were ascending eh." In his third year at the helm, State U, finally, officially had corporate sponsors. And you know how that year went? That was when they ended a 21-year Final Four drought and then a 32-year Finals absence. Safe to say, the sleeping giant was awoken. "Yes, sleeping giant talaga tayo and when we say nagising, ang pinaka-catalyst was the winning," its fearless leader said. Now, UP MBT has a mean machine of financial support on its back, paving the path for its big-time recruiting haul in 2020. Even better, they now have a loud and proud fanbase that is making up for all the lost time they stayed away during the "dark days." "Actually, sa pitches ko sa recruitment, kasama sa presentation ko yung machi-cheer sila nang ganung klaseng crowd," Coach Bo said. SURVIVING At the same time, though, that loud and proud fanbase expects much, much more from this brand new power. For each and every one of them, Bo Perasol has but one reminder. "What we have done in the past years is to level up lang. We have a new gym, we have all these players, we can train abroad," he said. He then continued, "Pero yung mga Ateneo, La Salle, 20 to 30 years na nilang ginagawa yan. What we did was just to level up alongside them." Again and again, Coach Bo has said that what he has been doing is, put simply, putting UP in the best position to win. Still, with a roster as overflowing with talent as this, he could only acknowledge that just about everybody sees them as having gone championship or bust. Credit to him, however, Perasol was blunt with his assessment that he would also be disappointed if they would not be able to taste their first championship since 1986 sooner than later. "Yes, it will be a failed plan kung hindi tayo makakakuha ng championship in the next three to five years," he said. He then continued, "Yan naman talaga ang plano and ang ginagawa natin ngayon is all going towards that objective." And again and again, he is putting all those great expectations on his shoulders - and on his shoulders alone. "Ako naman, hindi ko rin pwedeng hindi gawin itong ganitong recruitment kasi hindi rin naman ako magkakaroon ng chance kung ganun. I have to be in the best position to succeed so that we are in the best position to succeed," he said. Only time would tell if all the seeds he has sown would bear fruit. But Coach Bo is already guaranteeing that whatever happens then, he would have no regrets. "In the end, alam ko namang babalik ang lahat sa akin. Alam na alam ko namang ako ang leader ng team," he said. He then continued, "Ang mahalaga is we gave ourselves a chance. Anuman ang outcome, basta nabigyan natin ang sarili natin ng pagkakataon." After years and years and years as the laughingstock of men's basketball, it looks like it's now UP's turn to smile and wave. Whether or not that ultimately turns into jumps for joy for their first title in three decades remains to be seen. But maybe, just maybe, Coach Bo is right - this is all worth it just to have a chance to compete. Just remember that in the "dark days," that chance to compete wasn't there at all. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»