Pinoy Pride 2009

     The year has not been kind to the Philippines, from super typhoons, to corruption scandals to a reprehensible massacre, but the country has also been blessed with achievements by its people.  From award-winning films to CNN's Hero of the Year, the Filipino has stamped her class onto this world.  Sports was another field the FIlipinos excelled in, and as my year ender for 2009,  I am naming my Pinoy Pride 2009 Top Filipino Athletes.

5.  Philippine Track Team


     The much-maligned track team stepped up this past SEA Games.  While eyes were mostly on the Taekwondo and Boxing teams, the tracksters quietly put together one of their best performances of recent history, winning a total of seven gold medals, including record-setting performances in hammer throw (Arniel Ferrera) and long jump (Maristella Torres).  While none of these tracksters are expected to make waves on bigger stages like the Asian Games or Asian Championships, it's still nice to win in the SEA Games level.

4.  Cecil Mamiit (Lawn Tennis)


     The Filipino American who was touted as the key figure to revitalizing lawn tennis in the country did not disappoint, leading the Philippine Tennis Team to a two gold, two silver and three bronze medal finish in the 2009 SEA Games.  The former 71st-ranked player in the ATP Tour accounted for two of the gold medals (Singles and Team Event), including an unprecedented all Filipino final against Treat Huey.  While I maintain that Mamiit's continued exposure, while giving the country victories, may stymie the growth of young players like Nino Alcantara and P.J. Tierro, it is still nice to know that he is around, especially when we are bleeding for gold medals in the SEA Games.

3.  Wesley So (Chess)


     With Philippine Chess Teams consistently fumbling, even in the SEA Games, it's nice to know that a true superstar has finally come out for the Philippines.  16 year old Wesley So, who emerged as the country's first GM, took the chess world by storm with a gutsy performance in the 2009 World Chess Cup.  While he didn't take home the grand prize, So bewildered and stunned the well-established cast of players by defeating several experienced and highly-touted individuals.  The Filipino Super GM (ELO rating 2640) first defeated GM Gadir Guseinov of Azerbaijan (ELO 2625) in the first round before thrashing Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine (ELO 2735).  Then, So continued his winning ways against the Gata Kamsky of the United States (ELO 2695), booting out the defending World Chess Cup champion.  While he lost his next match against Russian Super GM Vladimir Malakhov (ELO 2705), So went down fighting, extending their match into a tie breaker round.  So's magical run was the best in Philippine history, not bad for somebody who still can't vote or buy liquor.

2.  Rubilen Amit (Billiards)


     Pool has always been a source of pride in this country, but rarely does the country recognize its female stars.  Blame it on the overwhelming presence of legends like Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante, but this year, Rubilen Amit made a case to be remembered.  The diminutive, soft-spoken pool player made 2009 a career year, taking in not one but two world championships, the 2009 Women's 10 Ball World Championship and the 2009 World 10 Ball Mixed Doubles Championship (with Reyes).  As if she feared she would still be forgotten, Amit then went ahead and produced a two gold performance in the 2009 SEA Games, winning both the 8 ball and 9 ball events.  If the Filipino people get excited about pool, it might not be just because of our male players anymore.  Amit has stamped her class.

1.  Manny Pacquiao (Boxing)


      It's quite an obvious choice, really.  Him fighting is already enough to warrant him the top spot, what with his fights uniting the country and stopping crime temporarily.  This year, though, Pac Man stepped into the history books by winning a seventh world title in a seventh weight division.  He has effectively proven that he is the greatest FIlipino fighter of all time, and he has made a case for being the greatest Asian boxer of all time.  Even long time boxing scholar Burt Sugar has indicated that Pacquiao should be placed in the top 25 of all time, a list that includes Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali.  Now, all Pacquiao has to do is finish off an obviously scared Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny's career would be one for story books.


      With these stunning sports achievements this year, it only makes sense that Filipino sports fans have a lot to look forward to in 2010.  Let's hope 2009 was not a fluke, and that it's a fiery start.


photos courtesy of tonylee.idv.tw, tennis-x.com, wikipedia.com, mannypacquiao.ph and rojo.com

Playing Santa

     It's Christmas time again and since it's the season for giving, I made a list (a la Santa) for those who have been naughty and nice in the sporting world.  If only I had the means to actually give these gifts...

T.Y. Tang (Rain or Shine Elastopainters/PBA)


Naughty or Nice.  Nice.  T.Y. has been a consummate professional this conference, despite his uneven playing time.  Even with Coach Caloy Garcia's mood swings regarding Tang's playing time, the former Xaverian has always come ready to play.


Gift: More and regular playing time.  Given more chances, Tang will undoubtedly prove himself worthy and give the Elastopainters a steadier hand at the point position, which would give the team the more fluid offensive sets that they need.


Cleveland Cavaliers fans


Naughty or Nice: Nice.  Despite years of losing, a head coach too afraid of his star player and a star player endlessly flirting with moving to another city, Cleveland fans have never booed their home team.


Gift: A better run organization with a tougher coach and a lower maintenance superstar.  Cavs fans have been quite loyal over the years, enduring heartache after heartache.  They deserve better than an organization signing up old guys in the hopes of getting their star player to stay.  They deserve better than the inutile Mike Brown or the prissy Lebron James.

Nate Robinson (New York Knicks/NBA) 


Naughty or Nice: Naughty.  The diminutive slam dunk champ has finally frustrated Coach Mike D'Antoni with his childish behavior, lack of defense and on court antics, which include shooting at the opponent's basket as time expired in the 2nd period.


Gift: A reality check.  What team would tolerate his childish antics and give him actual playing time?

John Cena (World Wrestling Entertainment)


Naughty or Nice: Nice.  The WWE's poster boy has been ubiquitous in the wrestling squared circle, but he has also been generous with his time.  Other than entertaining US troops overseas, he has granted over 140 wishes for kids in the Make-a-Wish Foundation.


Gift: A better story line other than his current, "Never give up." storyline.  Hardcore fans need a deeper more soap opera type story line so that they can cheer for him again.

Tiger Woods (Golf/PGA)


Naughty or Nice: Naughty.  The one-time unimpeachable "nice guy" of sports has now been embroiled in quite a mess as alleged lovers are popping up everywhere, while his wife is threatening to leave him.


Gift: Private sessions with Dr. Phil for him and his wife.  Brother needs some tough love from the bald one.


Serena Williams (Tennis/WTA) 


Naughty or Nice: Naughty.  Angry with a line judge after what she perceived to be a botched call, Williams proceeded to threaten the judge with bodily harm, including an alleged death threat.


Gift: Anger Management classes from Jack Nicholson's character in "Anger Management."  Goose Fraba....  Goose Fraba....


Siot Tanquincen (San Miguel Beermen/PBA) 


Naughty or Nice: Nice.  Given a talent-laden squad filled with at least 8 All Stars, Coach Siot has managed to keep the team cohesive and they are now atop the standings in the PBA.


Gift: 15 to 20 minute quarters.  He needs more time to be able to give each of his talented players the playing time they deserve.


Jose "Peping" Cojuangco (Philippine Olympic Committee)


Naughty or Nice: Naughty.  Just to show that he is in control and no one should stop him, he convinced (or coaxed, depending who you ask) cyclist Maritess Bitbit to pull out of the South East Asian Games as a sign of protest, taking away Bitbit's chances of taking home 3 golds and almost PhP 900,000 in incentives this Christmas.


Gift: Lump of coal.  


     Do you have suggestions for christmas gifts for your favorite sports figures?  Feel free to comment!


photos courtesy of art.com and en.wikipilipinas.org

Shorts: False Positives

(Each week, From the Fifty Peso Seats has a weekly edition of shorts, compilations of interesting but short posts of developments and trivia about the sporting world.)

Trouble in the Bedroom?

     The Smart GIlas Philippine National Basketball Team recently signed former NBA player Jamal Sampson to be its naturalization candidate, replacing the troubled C.J.Giles.  A few days after signing though, Sampson came up limping with a sore back in Gilas' game versus the Barako Bull Energy Boosters.  Rumors started to swirl that Sampson hid the injury so that he could sign first, but Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Noli Eala assured the public that there was no hidden pre-existing injury.  Eala claimed that Sampson not only underwent a thorough physical, but also participated in tough practices and drills with the GIlas Team, showing the injury came up only recently.  Eala also assured that Sampson is seeing chiropractors for the back injury deemed to be not serious.  It seems the back injury could have been brought about by problems with Sampson's bed. In spite of Eala's assurance, this is still not an auspicious beginning for Sampson's career with Gilas.

Scrooge in a Tie

      With the Phil Cycling deep into election trouble, 12 of 13 cyclists from the Philippines were barred from competition in the 27th South East Asian Games in Laos.  The only cyclist allowed to compete, veteran Maritess Bitbit, signified that she wanted to compete, but then submitted a letter declaring her intention to withdraw from the race.  Days later, Bitbit was depressed as she told family and friends that she desperately wanted to compete, but was prevailed upon by Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose "Peping" Cojuangco to withdraw.  Cojuangco coaxed her to withdraw to "show sympathy" to her other fellow cyclists who were barred from competition.  

     With Bitbit expected to bring home as much as three gold medals, the resignation has cost her around PhP 600,000 in cash incentives from the government.  With athletes receiving meager allowances every month, that amount would have been a boon to Bitbit and her family.  Furthermore, the three golds would be a big boost to the Philippine campaign as it is currently struggling in 6th positions in the overall medal tally.  This piece of unfortunate developments is made extra rich by the fact that the cause of the election trouble, Cojuangco (who held the original Cycling elections and then pulled the recognition after) was callous enough to impress upon Bitbit the need to, "sympathize."  It will be a cold Christmas for Bitbit as she also expects to retire soon, and she only has Scrooge to thank for that.

Talking Teng

     In an earlier post,  Noy Noy for Prez?, I wrote about the perils (and advantages) of being a "2nd generation star," and 18 year old, 2009 UAAP Rookie of the Year Jeric Allan Teng fits the bill of a "2nd generation star," to a "T."  Despite the pressures of being the son of former PBA All Star Alvin Teng, this 6'2" shooting guard wasted no time in translating his transcendent high school game into the collegiate ranks, becoming only the second Xavier School alumnus to win the UAAP Rookie of the Year award.  Busy with his studies (BS Commerce) Recently, Jeric, who admitted that he preferred to take a game winning three point shot over a drive to the hoop, honored Fifty Peso Seats by taking the time to do an interview.  Below are the excerpts.



Fifty Peso Seats: Was winning the rookie of the year award one of your goals last year?


Jeric Teng: Well, i think it was one of my goals, but my main goal was to win the championship which i failed to achieve.


FPS: Aside from yourself, who do you think was happiest when you won the award?


JT: Aside from myself,  i think (the) one person who was really happy was my dad. According to him, it was a good feeling for him to see his son achieve something.


FPS: How much of an influence did your dad have on your game?


JT: My dad was and is a big influence on my game. He serves as my guide when I play.  Actually, he's my guide on and off the court.


FPS: With Dylan Ababou (Smart Gilas) and Kasim Mirza (Philippine Patriots) out of the line up, do you expect to be UST's go to guy this coming season?


JT: I think i may possibly be one of the go to guys for UST, so I need to improve my game and make the adjustments necessary.


FPS:  Do you have plans of going pro? how about playing in the PBL?


JT: I do have plans being a pro, if possible. I also have more concrete plans for the PBL since i am one year away to be eligible to play in that league.

FPS:  With your dad being called, "Robocop," some Xavier (his old high school) alumni have called you, "Robokid." How do you feel about that monicker and would you like to have a different monicker?


JT: Well, Robokid is nice. Actually, my friends and teammates also give me lots of monickers like, "Roboteng" and "Tengminator."  I think "Tengminator," is cool.


FPS: Some so called experts have declared your brother, Jeron (national U16 team member) to be better than you.  How true is that?


JT: Indeed, there are a lot who say that my brother jeron is better.  I think that may be true.  In any case, I am very happy that he has achieved a lot already despite being just 15. People should watch out for him.


FPS: Given the chance, would you like jeron to join you on the UST squad?


JT:  It would really be nice to play with my brother, just like we did in Xavier.  However, it will be his decision when the time comes, and i will be happy with whatever his decision may be.


FPS: Who do predict to be the NBA champs this coming season?


JT: I see a championship for Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.


FPS: Which basketball player (past or present) do you admire the most?

JT: I admire my dad because he didn't have much talent and also, he was small for his position but because he was hardworking, he was able to play long in the pros. he always tells me that hardworking players can sometimes beat talented players.

     Humble, a good head on his shoulders and a dad who has been there and done that, it's obvious that Jeric Teng's basketball career, despite being stellar already, has yet to see its greatest moments.  That's definitely good news to basketball fans like us, and bad news for any of his opponents.

photos courtesy of pinoyteens.net and jeric teng

Foot in Mouth Disease

     Trash talking has its place in sports, no question about it.  I find, though, that trash talking, bragging and the like are all more acceptable when the one doing the talking can actually back it up.  When they don't, well, they're just plain irritating or infuriating.  Check out some of the sports figures who talked the trash talk, but couldn't or wouldn't walk the proverbial walk.

Lebron James (NBA) - The King, who was confident enough to actually make and wear horrible-looking " LBJ-MVP" shirts, proclaimed last year that he was finally giving the fans what they want by joining the Slam Dunk Contest in the 2010 All Star Game in Dallas.  Recently, though, James revealed to reporters that he was now "50-50"  about joining, despite guaranteeing to Cheryl Miller in last year's All Star Weekend that he would.  His explanation for waffling? "I don't know if you can get it back to the 80s and like in '98 when Vince (Carter) was in it. It was more about the dunks and less about what was going on around the dunks. We'll see what happens." (quote courtesy of Ball Don't Lie)  Yeah, that gives a clear reason why he is thinking of backing out?  Btw, Lebron, you better read up because Vince Carter won the dunk contest in 2000.


Olivia "Bong" Coo (Bowling) - The former world champion made bold proclamations as she ran for the Secretary General position in the 2007 PBC Elections.  Promising a transparent administration and better way of running the national team, Coo was able to hoodwink the PBC into electing her.  Shortly after that and continuing until the present, PBC has been rocked by numerous allegations of missing or misused funds, a total of 5 coaches have been signed and then replaced, two coaches have resigned and 4 national team players have retired because of national team favoritism and mismanagement.  It was like her "extra curricular" activities during her wild past effectively killed her short term memory and prevented her from fulfilling any of her campaign promises.

Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (Mixed Martial Arts) - The former light heavyweight champion was quite eloquent with his pre and post fight trash talking, trading barbs with Rashad Evans and also declaring he was not afraid of current champ Lyoto Machida.  Against rival coach Evans in The Ultimate Fighter Season 9,  kept up the arrogance and gave every indication that he couldn't wait to fight.  Then, he suddenly signs up to star as B.A Barracus int he A-Team revival, effectively delaying his already scheduled fight with Evans.  When UFC President Dana White displayed his displeasure at having to move the fight, Jackson then claimed he was pissed at White disrespecting him so he retired.  Not exactly the tough guy move his movie character would make.  I pity the fool.


     There really is nothing wrong with trash talk and arrogance, but I really recommend backing it up.  Otherwise, one would end up just like these three, who are all suffering from Foot in Mouth Disease.




photos courtesy of sportsnet.ca and mmatko.com

Shorts: Charms and Curses

(Beginning this week, From the Fifty Peso Seats will have a weekly edition of shorts, compilations of interesting but short posts of developments and trivia about the sporting world.)

World Cup Wonder?

     Admittedly, this year's Bowling World Cup lost its luster for me when both of history's greatest, Paeng Nepomuceno and Walter Ray Williams jr. were eliminated before the quarterfinals.  The victory of Canada's Caroline Lagrange, however, makes for interesting conjecture.  Keeping in mind that I just want to have fun, Lagrange's thrilling come-from behind win over Zara Glover of England makes her the fourth straight first time winner of the event.  What's more noteworthy, though, is that this makes it the third women's world champion in four years (2006 Diandra Asbaty, 2008 Jasmine Yeong-Nathan, 2009 Caroline Lagrange) with whom I have taken a picture with in years past.  Furthermore, the lone winner I didn't have a photo op with, 2007 Champion Ann Marie Putney, bowled in a World Cup where no woman had a photo taken with me.  Does this mean I am a lucky charm?  Just kidding. I'm no megalomaniac.  It's just nice to know there is no overwhelming evidence that I'm a jinx.  (Hear that Ateneo?  I didn't cause the championship drought in basketball in the early 2000s, ok?)  Despite this, though, if I were Clara Guerrero, next year might be a good time bowl the World Cup.  Ok ok, enough of this...

Shaq Fu

     First of all, kudos to Shaq for spending for the funeral costs of an American girl who was reportedly murdered.  Her family was struggling to find money to pay for the funeral and Shaq graciously covered all expenses.  Despite that, I have to drop the bomb on Shaq daddy.  Is Shaq a charm or a curse?  In each of his stops in his career, the superstar he leaves behind has their career years shortly after the "Big Aristotle" makes his exit.  The numbers back me up.  Kobe definitely had his best years after Shaq.  After Shaq's unceremonious exit from the Lakers at the start of the 2004-05 season, Kobe played the two best seasons of his career.  In 2005-06, he scored a career-best 35.4 points per game for the season, while in 2007-08 season, Kobe played his best season ever, netting himself the coveted Most Valuable Player Award.  Meanwhile, after bidding goodbye to Shaq in the middle of the 2007-08 season, Dwayne Wade launched career numbers in his first season P.S. (Post Shaq).  "The Flash" poured in career (and league best) 30.2 points per game, on top of 7.5 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game (all career bests).  This year, with Shaq's departure from Phoenix, the entire Suns team seems to have revitalized, none more so than Steve Nash, who at 36 years ols, has shown no signs of slowing down.  Nash is currently putting up personal (and league best) 12.1 assists per game, and he is also shooting career best gield goal and free throw percentages.  If you want to make a real fine point to it, the best Canadian baller is also averaging a career-best 0.2 blocks per game. 

     Is Shaq a curse that when lifted, releases a player's best possible game or is a charm that augments a player's game?  Either way, when Shaq and Lebron inevitably part ways, look for King James to post even better numbers than before.  Scary huh?

Mysterious Lady

     When the story of how Tiger Woods finally married Jesper Parnevik's children's nanny after initially struggling to ask her out was told, everyone agreed it was quite a happy tale for the world's greatest golfer.  Recently, though, allegations of marital dispute, an illicit affair and a mysterious car accident have spurred interest in Elin Nordegren Woods.  Who is she and why did she smash Tiger's car windows?  One thing they should ask is, is she a charm or a curse to Tiger's game?  In five years before Tiger married, he won a total of 32 golf titles and in the five years he's been married, he's won a total of 25.  While injury and a new swing were said to have caused the slight dip in titles won, how do we know those weren't the results of the "Elin curse?"

     Ok guys.  These shorts were all in good fun and to take them seriously might not be good for one's mental health.  There are no such thing as luck and curses, right?  Now, if you don't mind, I have to go clean my rabbit's foot...