Hidilyn Diaz and The Story of the Filipina

This is a story of perseverance.

Hidilyn Diaz, was a wild card entry into the 2008 Olympics, chosen by the Philippine Weightlifting Association. It was, for all intents

and purposes, an exposure trip.  She performed creditably.  In 2012, she qualified for the Olympic games by placing 9th in the Continental tournaments.  Despite the obvious improvements, she fails to clear a brave attempt at 118 kgs in the clean and jerk, leaving her out of medal contention.  In 2016, she wins 3 bronze medals in IWF World Weightlifting Championships and qualifies for the Olympics.  A full 12 years of constant competition and she readied herself once more as she strapped on the three stars and a sun. 

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The Duncan Point

So it did happen.

After a particularly surprising beat down loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan has announced his retirement.  There is, of course, sadness all around.  While many have recognized the effects of Father Time has had on even the Big Fundamental, they see one more possible championship run in him; or at the very least, a farewell tour like fellow retiree Kobe Bryant.

Once the initial, violent sadness dissipates, tributes will come in.  Championships will be counted (Duncan won 5 NBA Titles and an Olympic Gold Medal).  Statistics will be analyzed (He is one of only two NBA players to score over 26000 points, grab over 15,000 rebounds and block 3,000 shots). Skills will be revered (He had tremendous footwork and dribbling skills for a big man and an unflappable bank shot).  His humility will be celebrated (Players and coaches alike pick him to be the best teammate and extremely coachable). His loyalty exalted (He is one of only 3 NBA players to retire after playing more than 18 seasons with 1 team).

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Kobe and the P Word

Whenever a player retires, or a person passes away, the lure to romanticize their careers and/or lives is strong. I am, however, not a fan of Kobe Bryant, so the lure is not as strong. Yet I caution myself as I write this piece as I want to get this right.  Kobe Bryant, one of the NBA’s greatest players, will be remembered for a great deal of things; he made sure of that.  The question is, “What will he be most remembered for?”

How about his five NBA Championships?  Perhaps two Olympic gold medals will top your list.  There’s that unsavory incident of a sexual crime allegation in Denver, where he ended up not guilty of a crime, but himself confessing to adultery.  There was also a civil case that followed which was settled quietly. Maybe his Most Valuable Player Award and multiple inclusions in the All NBA lists?  There was his much publicized rift with Shaquille O”Neal which led to Shaq heading to the Heat.  How about Kobe torching the Raptors for 81 points in a single game? Everyone probably still remembers his expletive-filled rant at his teammates and team officials during a public practice session just last year.  I’m sure many would remember his renaissance man qualities, able to conduct press conferences (including his latest one) in English, Spanish and Italian.

If one remembers Kobe for any one of these, or even all of these, they would not be wrong.  They would be incomplete though.

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Remember This Story

It was, certainly, a head kick heard around the world.  Holly Holm knocked out erstwhile unbeaten Ronda Rousey to win the UFC World Women's Bantamweight Championship.  As referee Herb Dean stopped the fight, the world reacted with shock, disbelief, inspiration and "I told you so's," but here's the thing.

It's not a story of the perils of living a rockstar life.  Yes, Rousey had movie and commercial shoots, TV guestings and events, but she's always been a strong woman who could multi-task. there was never an occasion where she didn't train enough.  People love to bring out this story to any fighting champion with crossover personality, but there was never an occasion where she didn't train enough.  Rousey is a training junkie. She made weight and didn't look dehydrated.

It's not a story of hubris or good vs evil either.  Yes, Rousey had the scowl, the fighting words, the weigh in snafu and the refusal to touch gloves while Holm was gracious and mostly silent. But to infer that one protagonist is good while the other is bad makes no real observation other than the commenter is a casual fight fan.  Fights are fought outside the ring as much as in it and fighters build and cultivate the personas that help them win.  Holm projects the "I'm silent but I am a killer" vibe; Rousey projects the "I will get on you and destroy you" vibe.  Neither lady is as simple as just the persona they project.

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Why Do We Do This To Ourselves?

Watching Gilas battle China for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship was difficult, almost painful even.  From the pre game and in game shenanigans, partial officiating, to the unruly crowd, to the shots that went in and out, it was a nightmare.  It was the worst case scenario.  It was watching a time bomb count down and any wire you cut results in explosion anyway.  It was like watching your friend or your relative go after something or someone they want when it was clear to you and to them the odds would never be in their favor.  It was like that scene in the Matrix, when the character Switch realized she was going to die because they were betrayed.  “Not like this,” she lamented.

As Gabe Norwood crumpled to the floor from a finger to the eye and the referee just watching the ball go out of bounds, there was really only one question.  

Why do we do this to ourselves?

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Grab and Believe

It was supposed to be simple. A historic win in the World Cup in 2014 meant the most logical conclusion would be that the same Gilas team would represent us in this year's FIBA-Asia Championships, but as is our country's wont, things got extremely complicated. Players started getting injured, backing out of the Gilas line up. Questions began building up. Why did so and so back out? Is he really injured? What in heaven's name is Plantar Fasciatis? Why is so and so included in the line up? Can he make a contribution in the international game?

At the end of the day (or the month of July) Coach Tab Baldwin of Gilas 3.0 was left with a 17 man pool with only 6 holdovers from Gilas 2.0, one of which just came out of retirement. The others were split into 4 groups. First, those who many questioned if they were too old to be useful. Second was the group many questioned if they were too volatile and unpredictable to be counted on. Third was a group some questioned if their recent suberb play was only because they played for weaker teams. Last was the group many questioned if they were too raw to make a difference. Many feared these unexpected, seemingly unreliable players spelled trouble and some started to turn angry at those who said "No" to the call of the nation. 

But life's best stories are always filled with seemingly "unfit" people being thrust into the spotlight. Take the world's best-selling book, the Bible. Moses, Noah, Gideon, David, Matthew, Zachaeus, all names that, when they were entrusted an enormous honor or task, people scoffed or got nervous about. Then, they took their opportunity, believed and made the most of them. That's how they became noteworthy. That's how they became heroes. 

People feared Asi Taulava, Don Don Hontiveros and Sonny Thoss to be too old. Given the opportunity in the Jones Cup, they came up big, each leading us with big baskets to power us to wins. Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario were feared to be raw but they showed veteran composure and toughness and made laudable contributions. People bristled at JC Intal and Aldrech Ramos being given slots, but their outside shooting was invaluable to our halfcourt spacing and their length added versatility to our defense. The unpredictability people feared with Terrence Romeo and Calvin Abueva turned out to be the positive energy and bravado the team needed to regain that swagger we thought we had lost in Estonia. 

It's simple, really. Many feared and questioned each and every one of these guys' inclusion into the line up, but each and every one of them grabbed their opportunity, believed, and showed us their Puso. That's how they have become noteworthy. That is how they have become our heroes. 

Now, as the FIBA Asia Championship nears, we also get an opportunity. We get an opportunity to stop concentrating our energies on hating/shaming those who said "No" to the call of Gilas 3.0. Instead, we get an opportunity to cheer and support those who have stepped forward, despite the questions and doubts surrounding them. Are we going to grab this opportunity? Are we going to believe? Are we going to be noteworthy? 

I'm in. 

The Head and the Heart

     A prominent "0" stands under the Win column of the Philippines' standings in the 2014 FIBA World Cup of Basketball.  As the group stages come to a close, however, it's prominence is overshadowed by something else.  The Philippine Men's Basketball Team, Gilas Pilipinas, has captured the world's attention.

     Oftentimes, we are warned that letting our hearts decide over our heads is a prescription for disaster.  Being too emotional leads to poor decision-making; it clouds judgement.  The head is stable; it protects you from being hurt by telling you to avoid any possible pain.  To live with your heart on your sleeve is to open yourself to tremendous hurt.  Yes, following your heart to pursue your passions, your childhood dream, your one great love, is a recipe for incomparable heartache.  

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The Drive

      Today, I woke up late.  I woke with a start because I was going to be late for lunch shift at Quirky Bacon but as I started to get up, I checked my phone and I was shell shocked by the news.

      In the world of sports, the athletes most people remember are those who win titles, but the athletes most athletes remember are those who battle with a fire so contagious it affects everyone's game. Former National Bowling Team player and International Bowling Champion Ernesto "Joonee" Gatchalian was both.

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Fighting the Good Fight

     The only goal a good documentary should have is to shine the light of truth on an otherwise hidden or unknown subject.  Whether it's to expose a government's ineptness to handle a terrorist attack or the terrifying effects of eating fast food everyday, documentaries need to surprise and move people and their emotions with an unadulterated dose of the truth.  The problem that faced the directors, Oscar winner Leon Gast (When We Were Kings) and Filipino american Ryan Moore, was that their only subject, Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, is one of the world's most recognized faces.  Pacquiao's day to day routine and life story have been well documented, too well documented , in fact, that showing a new side, a new truth is a herculean task.

     Predictably, the documentary tracks Pacquiao's rags to riches story, from a small fishing village in General Santos to the small city in Saranggani and then later the streets of Malabon.  It also predictably tracks Pacquiao's amazing (and still ongoing) boxing career, from his early Philippine and Asian wins to his startling rise to greatness on the world stage.  But to say that the documentary is a predictable reel with the hopes of bolstering Pacquiao's future political career would be just too lazy.  The documentary provides a hidden, unexpected gem that only real silence will allow.

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Perils of Being a Visionary

     Being a visionary is tough. By definition you alone (or at most, a couple of people) see the vision of greatness you have in mind and most of the time, you're labelled as insane, arrogant or foolish. (Props to you if you get all 3.)

     When Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) took over the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), he saw a grand vision. He then put us on the road to that vision by setting up the Gilas program. Gilas 1 was the 1st crack. Rajko Toroman, himself a trail blazer who led Iran to the Olympics, gathered a group of amateur stars to form a national team who would play only for the national team. It was ambitious. Gilas 1? A fourth place finish, courtesy of yet again a heartbreaking loss to Korea, was the Philippines' best FIBA Asia finish since 1985. No Olympic berth? No PBA stars? Internet 'experts' and 'pundits' had a field day.

     "Insane, arrogant and foolish," they said. They didn't get it.

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Cooking Up a Champion

     Chefs worth their salt always seek to modernize their dishes. They know its importance in order to stay relevant, hip and most importantly, competitive. Before this sports blog gets confused for a food blog, let me get into it now.

     One of the keys to modernizing a dish is to tweak the cooking method. After braising the adobo, you can choose to fry or even grill the meat. Change up the method and you change up textures and taste to improve the dish. As Coach Luigi Trillo stepped in as the Alaska Aces coach, he made it known the Triangle Offense would be back. What he did, though, was tweak it. Same principles but their offensive plays no longer always started at the post. A double high screen here, a cut there, it was clear this wasn't your dad's triangle. Even triangle pioneer Tim Cone admitted, "They're (Aces) doing things we don't do. He (Trillo) has made it into his own."

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The Real Manny Pacquiao

     Everyone by now knows Pacquiao's story.  A terrible childhood littered with days of hunger and hardship, a left hand and a ferocious fighting heart that brought him fame in boxing, a partnership with Freddie Roach that produced championships in 8 different weight divisions.  Everyone knows about Pacquiao's lightning quick speed, powerful left hand and blazing hand speed. Definitely, everyone knows of Pacquiao's off the ring problems, including extra marital affairs and uncontrolled gambling.  Everyone knows Manny Pacquiao, Fighter of the Year, sure-fire Hall of Famer, congressman and one-time pound-for-pound champion.  

     Or do we? 

       The downside of fame, I've found, is never about the loss of privacy. Oh please.  It's not even close. The greatest problem is perception.  People will always have opinions of you.  Right or wrong, with evidence or without, you and your actions will be judged by people you don't know about and their opinions will be right, according to them.  They'll believe they know how you think.  They can name your innermost desires and think the way you think. They will judge you, they will love you, they will hate you and that will be that. 

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No Hater Zone

     When Lebron James made his epic laugher slash middle finger, "The Decision," the sporting world seemingly split between haters and defenders.  Fans were quick to point out that James was well within his rights to leave Cleveland as a free agent, and the so called, "haters," who were calling for loyalty, respect and good taste, were deemed too "emotional." It just seemed like the two sides were constantly fighting with neither side getting the real point.  I weighed in on it, with one of my favorite articles , but I think mine didn't get the real point across either. 

     The Whore of Akron, written by Esquire writer, Scott Raab, does the best job by far.  Written throughout the year after James moved to the Miami Heat, Raab brings out a more complete picture of Cleveland's view of things.  He weighs in on the whole brouhaha, laying in facts, interspersed with his own commentary and coupling them with his own personal and family life.  Looking at the title, it would seem to be nothing but a novelized version of Anti-Lebron rants, but even if I'm a self-confessed Lebron "disliker," I was very glad to discover that it wasn't.  

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Judging the "Chotness" of It All

     When the PBA changed the All Star game format back to a "Veterans vs RSJ (Rookies, Sophomores, Juniors)" this season, many assumed it was to take advantage of the rich rookie class that came from Smart Gilas.  While this may turn out to be a shrewd move, business-wise, an interesting by-product has come about.  Chot Reyes as, "national coach 2.0" may get an early aptitude exam as well.

     The Veteran All Star line up have been finalized:

Starters: Mark Caguioa, JC Intal, Mark Pingris, James Yap and Arwind Santos
Bench: Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams, L.A Tenorio, Sonny Thoss, Gabe Norwood, Gary David, and Alex Cabagnot

     The RSJ Team, meanwhile, will have:

Starters: JVee Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, Dylan Ababou and Josh Urbiztondo
Bench: Japeth Aguilar, Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Rico Maierhoffer, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Chris Ross

     Apart from the weird starting line ups which features no centers, no point guards on one side and two on the other, what is most interesting is that, it is like Smart Gilas 1 versus Smart Gilas 2.  The veterans features 10 of the 16 players Chot named to the new national team pool.  Only controversial choices Rico Villanueva, Jason Castro, Larry Fonacier (plus Ranidel de Ocampo) are missing.  Meanwhile, the RSJ team features seven (eight if Al-Hussaini is included) of the Rajko-trained Gilas ballers in their team.  Missing only are non pros Chris Tiu, Greg Slaughter and Aldrech Ramos.  Of course, since the line ups are not complete, it hardly gives us an accurate picture, but it does pose some interesting questions.

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The "Most" List

     When I started this blog, I never meant for it to last this long, but a couple of Philippine Blog Awards nominations pretty much nudged me to continue writing.  This, believe it or not, is the 200th post of From the Fifty Peso Seats.  Not bad, eh? So here's the "Most" list, my quick compilation of the posts with the "mosts." Sorry. I just had to type it. 

Most Read: Top 10 "Top 10s" Most Beautiful Women in Sports

Link: http://fiftypesoseats.blogspot.com/2010/05/top-10-top-10s-most-beautiful-women-in.html

Highlight: The Melina ring entrance video justifying her number 1 position

Ana Ivanovic:placed 2nd in my list

     As part of my celebration in reaching 100 posts, I wrote 10 "Top 10" lists and this one was wasily the most popular, and easiest to write.  It helps that internet searchers find this post after searching for their favorite female athletes.  By the way, the first paragraph explains how I am not sexist by writing this post, just in case you're wondering.

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Oh Please

     Every sports fan has probably heard about it by now.  Two members of the Azkals, the Philippine Men's National Football Team, were accused of sexual harassment by AFC Commisioner and former presidential daughter Cristy Ramos Jalasco.  Now, people have apparently decided to take sides on this issue in a classic he said/she said situation, but there really is no side to take.  There is only the truth.  If Angel Guirado and Lex Moy did what Ramos Jalasco alleged, then they must pay.  If they didn't sexually harass her, then she must explain her actions and resign from her position.  

     The real dangerous issue here though is not the incident itself.  Yes, it's a serious matter, but both parties are adults here, with enough influence to ensure justice is done.  The real danger is in the resulting prose coming out of supposed respected members of the media.  It started with the papers, reviving the same prose the PBA and its players had to endure; about how Fil-Ams and other FIlipinos of mixed heritage are not "real" Filipinos and how they bring nothing but trouble.  Last time, during the wave of FIl-ams invaded the PBA, supposed experts accused them of "stealing" jobs from "true-blooded" Pinoys and condemned them as if it were the Spanish Inquisition.  Now, it's beginning again. From Al Mendoza to Recah Trinidad to Manolo Inigo, the hate just spilled out, blaming their mixed origins, accusing them of lacking manners and breeding.  Then there was this, by GMA7 reporter Arnold Clavio.  Never mind that he is from GMA7, the rival network of ABS CBN, which supoprts the Azkals.  At the 50 second mark, Clavio turns from a blowhole into a full-pledged ass.  





     His masterpiece of a speech included, "Hindi naman kayo Pilipino.  Nagpapanggap lang kayong kayumanggi." ("You are not Filipino. You are pretending to have caramel complexion.")  Not to be a smart aleck, but Moy looks pretty kayumanggi to me.  Seriously, though, this is where everything becomes a farce.   This is such an old issue and the fact that it's resurfacing just shows how much racism is prevalent in our nation, most likely brought about by the numerous foreign countries which occupied us. 

     Oh please.  Since when did being Filipino become a matter of blood or color? If Clavio and all these writers are so adamant about being true Filipinos then they need to excuse themselves as well, unless they are of pure blood from the Filipino indigenous tribes.  After all, they're looking for "real" FIlipinos here.  How can Jose Rizal be a true national hero then, when he is of mixed origin? 


      Being Filipino has never been about skin color, race or place of birth.  That is why you can be born anywhere and still be Pinoy.  Being Filipino has always been about heart.  It is about love of country and family, respect for elders, ingenious adaptability and warm hospitality.  It is about deciding to sacrifice your body, blood, sweat, tears to play for the country.  It is about declaring to the world that you are proud of your roots.


     If there really are Filipinos of mixed heritage that err, then I'd be the first to stand in line in condemning them.  If all we have are allegations,  then it is intensely stupid to condemn all of our national athletes of mixed heritage. Heck, even if Guirado and Moy are found guilty, it is still stupid to condemn all the other athletes.  These are men and women who chose to play here and represent us.  They have the ability to compete and they chose to declare their FIlipino citizenship and help make us proud and lift our country's morale.  To call them anything less than true Filipinos is a hate crime. Plain and simple. 


photos courtesy of ellentordesillas.com, azkalsfootballteam.com 

The Long (and Hard) Road

     Recently, former Ateneo guard/forward Kirk Long expressed his desire to play in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).  Knowing full well that his American heritage prevents him from applying, he is apparently taking steps to get the PBA to make an exception to his case.

     Kirk, the son of Faith Academy pastor Jeff Long, was actually born and raised in the Philippines, where their family has spent their years spreading the word of God.  The younger Long joined the Ateneo Blue Eagles in 2007 and became an integral part of their unprecendented 4 championship run.  He also played 4 years of high school basketball, giving him 9 years of playing experience here in the country.

     This Long case is bringing back the arguments brought on when Alex Compton, another player of pure American heritage born in the Philippines, applied for the PBA as well and here are just some of my short (pun intended) random thoughts about this whole situation. 

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Fifty Peso Previews NBA 2011-12: Southwest Division

Dallas Mavericks

Major Additions: Lamar Odom, Vince Carter
Major Subtractions: Tyson Chandler, Caron Butler

     The Mavericks couldn't have picked a worse way to begin their title defense by enduring a lockout.  Losing a vital defensive cog in Tyson Chandler, playing veterans in a compacted schedule and incorporating two new key players has left them in disarray.  While the Mavericks have seemed to find some footing, the real key for this team is to survive the regular season and redevelop their camaraderie to make another run at the title.  On paper, the task seems impossible, but then again that was what everyone said last year before Dirk Nowitzki just Dirk Nowitzki'd everyone.

Fearless Forecast: At least 2nd round of the playoffs

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Fifty Peso Previews NBA 2011-12: Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors

Major Additions: Nate Robinson, Kwame Brown, Brandon Rush
Major Subtractions: None

     The Warriors' owners are determined to give the fans a team embarking on a new and better direction, but that is a tall order, especially this season.  The Warriors remain a small team with very little frontcourt presence.  As new coach Mark Jackson faces his own acid test, the Warriors will fight an uphill battle, especially with injuries continuing to hound an already limited roster.  Guard play from Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry and Nate Robinson will net them lots of points.  Wins are a different matter and even if they develop the kind of defensive toughness Jackson intends to give them, it won't matter much this season.

Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season

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Fifty Peso Previews NBA 2011-12: Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets


Major Additions: None
Major Subtractions: None


     The Nuggets are looking for a drama-free year after the whole Carmelo Anthony trade situation last year.  They have the right line up for it, as there are no clear stars on the team.  The Nuggets have great pieces in Ty Lawson, Andre Miller, Nene and Danilo Gallinari, and they are looking to continue their run and gun ways. That will mean exciting basketball and a slot in the playoffs.  The Nuggets will make the playoffs again, but they do need someone, perhaps Nene (he of the new massive contract) to rise and take the cudgels as the go-to-guy if they want to go deep in the playoffs.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round)

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