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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Fifty Peso Previews NBA 2011-12: Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks

Major Additions: Tracy McGrady, Jerry Stackhouse
Major Subtractions: Jamal Crawford


     The Hawks decided to keep the nucleus of their team, gaining McGrady while losing 6th man Crawford, in the hopes that yet another year of playing together will finally be "it" for this team that has played together for years.  The Hawks, however, are still a team that struggles mightily against good defensive teams.  Unless Josh Smith decides to completely reach his potential and Joe Johnson defies father time, the Hawks may be doomed to yet another loss in the playoffs.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (2nd round)

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Fifty Peso Previews NBA 2011-12: Central Division

Chicago Bulls

Key Additions: Rip Hamilton

Key Subtractions: None

     The Bulls had quite a year last year, seeing the emergence of Derrick Rose as the league Most Valuable Player and the defensive dominance of Coach Tom Thibodeau.  In the playoffs, though, the seemingly complete Bulls showed some holes in their game which cost them against the Miami Heat. The Bulls think that the addition of Hamilton and another year of maturing will be enough and they may be right. The key for them will be Carlos Boozer. The Bulls need a solid presence down low and Boozer should be the help Rose needs if they want to take the next step.

Fearless Forecast: At least the Eastern Conference Finals

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Fifty Peso Previews NBA 2011-12: Atlantic Division

It's that time of the year again! All NBA teams are undefeated and looking forward to the season.  Not all of them will do well, however, and only one will emerge as champion.  Who will do well and who will fail?  I present this season's fifty peso previews.

Boston Celtics

Key Additions: Brandon Bass, Keyon Dooling

Key Losses: Jeff Green, Glen Davis, Shaquille O'Neal

     The aging Boston Celtics, while losing key pieces and even losing David West in the free agent race, still look formidable.  The big 4 of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo all look ready to make another run at the title.  Word is Jermaine O'Neal is back to health and Marquis Daniels has become more comfortable with the system.  If the big 4 get ample support, then they can keep healthy enough to be dangerous in the playoffs.

Fearless Forecast: At least Conference Semi-Finals

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My PBA All Star Ballot (Veterans)

     The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) opened the All Star Game voting early and they have also brought back the Veterans versus Rookies, Sophomores and Juniors (RSJ) format.  While I disagree with both decisions, I have cast my ballot for the annual event.  Since the PBA has become a guards' league some two or three years ago, I'm not voting strictly by position.  The 14 slots i will divide by 2 big men, 4 forwards, 4 guards and 4 of any position


2 Bigs - Sonny Thoss and Kelly Williams

     While Alaska had their worst conferences in years (maybe a decade), the good thing that has emerged has been Thoss' game.  Thoss has established his post game and made himself a reliable scorer and his rebounding and defense has come around as well. New Aces coach Joel Banal has given Thoss more touches and he has responded with an All Star performance.  Williams, meanwhile, has been the Texters' pillar of strength.  As injuries beset Talk and Text, Williams has scored, rebounded, defended and even brought the ball down the floor for the defending champs.  As much as people talk about Jimmy Alapag being the leader, Williams has shown up to be the team's heart and soul.

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My PBA All Star Ballot (RSJ)

     The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) opened the All Star Game voting early and they have also brought back the Veterans versus Rookies, Sophomores and Juniors (RSJ) format.  While I disagree with both decisions, I have cast my ballot for the annual event.  Since the PBA has become a guards' league some two or three years ago, I'm not voting strictly by position.  The 14 slots i will divide by 2 big men, 4 forwards, 4 guards and 4 of any position.


2 Bigs - Japeth Aguilar and Rabeh Al-Husaini

     The PBA is thin in the frontcourt, especially in the RSJ roster.  Aguilar, already the league leader in blocks, should be an automatic choice.  While inconsistent, he has played great, included a 7 block game and making the winning basket and steal in the recent game against Petron.  Plus, his freaky athleticism is showcased best in exhibitions like this one and it will ensure that the crowd will have a good time. Rabeh Al-Husaini is the other obvious choice. While he may be injured now, he should be available by the All Satr Game, and while I usually pick players who prove themselves during the season, the thin list predicates his inclusion. 

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The Unseen

     With the Sinag Pilipinas Basketball Team running roughshod over their opposition on their way to winning the basketball gold medal in the 26th South East Asian (SEA) Games, it's easy to overlook certain things, good or bad.  Here are just some that may have been unseen.


Cliff Jumping a.k.a. the other Chris

     The least known among the players were Filipino-Americans Cliff Hodge and Chris Ellis of the PBA D-League NLEX Road Warriors, but they won't be as anonymous now.  Both have shown tremendous athleticism which of course made them instantly popular, but it's clear their time with Sinag will do them tremendous credit.  Both need more work, especially in terms of decision-making so that they can harness their athleticism properly.  Hodge plays hard and seems willing to do dirty work, but developing a more steady outside shot and better defensive rotation instincts will make him a PBA star.  Ellis jumps out of the building and seems comfortable scoring from everywhere, but he needs to cut down on turnovers and develop more defensive skills for someone as athletic as himself.  It may serve them in good stead to hold off the PBA first and join Gilas for additional seasoning. 


Ditching Iverson

     Coming into the SEA Games, one of the worries was that both point guards of Sinag, Emman Monfort and RR Garcia, were shoot first guards, or what I call graduates of, "The Allen Iverson School for Non-Passing Point Guards."  Their play in the SEA Games disproved that and made me a believer.  Monfort and Garcia got their shots and points, but made it their first priority to get teammates involved.  Their passing both in fastbreak and drive and dish situations were impeccable and went a long way in helping the Philippines dominate.  This actually makes them better players and makes me wonder why they don't play like this in the UAAP.  Perhaps they should.


Undertaker and Vitor say, "Not Yet."

     Coming in with a wave of success, skills and hype, it's easy to be swept up in calling Kiefer Ravena, "The Phenom."  International ball, however, has a funny way of revealing what aspects players need to work on and Ravena's list is larger than people would like to admit.  At this point Ravena is already a tremendous talent. He can shoot the mid range, step back and pull up jumper accurately which is more than his dad could ever do, he is ultra quick and athletic (a fast break savant)  and he is whip smart (his basketball IQ is tremendous). Yet, his defensive play left Sinag in the cold several times. He can steal the ball but he goes for it too often and his one on one defense suffers because of it.  Many an opponent has blown past him, leaving Greg Slaughter or Cliff Hodge to cover for him. He also needs to shoot better from the 3-point line and he needs to learn the point guard spot faster if he wants to maintain his "status" in international ball and in the PBA.  With all that being said, he is a tremendous talent and asset to any team even at 18 years old.  Perhaps instead of "Phenom," he should be dubbed, "The Prodigy," because that what he really is.  


The Old Hand

      As everyone celebrated the basketball gold, the names of Slaughter, Ravena and Bobby Ray Parks were dropped as the heroes, as well they should.  One name, though, has not been mentioned and it is easy to see why.  Captain Chris Tiu's contributions are easy to overlook as he posted ordinary numbers but his effect on the game was no way near that.  Tiu, who faced infinitely better competition in his last 3 years with Smart Gilas, looked bored at times in the elimination round.  In Sinag's last 2 games, however, when they seemed to face just a tinge of competitiveness from Malaysia and Thailand, the "old guy" perked up. Whether it was assists, steals, lay ups or just plain old words of wisdom, Tiu's mark was indelible.  In both games, Tiu played an average of 8 to 10 minutes per half, and he entered when Sinag needed separation.  In both games, Tiu led Sinag's 2nd five increased the lead and put the game out of reach, leaving the 1st five to clean it all up with the fast break highlights.  In the Malaysia game, Tiu entered the 3rd quarter with Sinag leading by 3.  A few steals, assists and points later, he left the game for good with Sinag leading by 25.  In the finals against a more competitive Thailand, Tiu came in with Sinag protecting a 4 point lead.  10 minutes, a few lay ups, spin moves and passes later, he left with Sinag leading by 20.  Some wondered, but that is why Coach Norman Black never started the Gilas captain.  You send in the guy when the young ones need to reminded on how to play.

5 Things the NBA Lockout is Making Me Miss

     The Southeast Asian Games are coming up and Manny Pacquiao has a fight in less than a week's time, but a lot of sporting hearts in the Philippines are still unfulfilled.  The culprit is the NBA Lockout, which for reasons valid or not, has gone on for far too long.  It's deprived sports fans like me from finding out some of the most interesting things, and here are my top five.


5. Peace Brothers!!!

     For some, it's completely stupid, and as much as I love a good debate, I really can't argue on this point.  Ron Artest has successfully changed his legal name into Metta World Peace in his hope to promote well, um... world peace.  This means that his latest Laker jersey would read either "World Peace" or "Peace" on his back.  Imagine the possibilities for the TV commentators.  "What a hard foul by World Peace!" or "Peace calls a timeout." or "Kevin Durant has been shut down by World Peace!" 


4. New Blood


     This year's crop of rookies is considered a lean one, but there are interesting stories there. Did the Cavs pick the right number 1 pick in Kyrie Irving? What about the long-awaited Ricky Rubio? Will his game translate well in the NBA?


3.  Coaching Carousel

      As usual, the roster of NBA coaches has changed and these new coaches, whether 1st time coaches like Mark Jackson of the Golden State Warriors or those brought back for another run like the Houston Rockets' Kevin McHale, bring intriguing prospects. Whose coaching philosophies will bring positive changes to their teams?  Can Mike Brown handle the circus that is the Los Angeles Lakers? Who will be the 1st coaching casualty of the season and is there ANY possibility that Jerry Sloan will come back to coach?!?


2.  Emergence


     Last year saw the slight decline in Kobe Bryant's game and the shrinking of Lebron James'.  In the same year, though, emerged Derrick Rose and Kevin Durant.  The MVP and Scoring Champ, respectively, emerged as the league's newest bonafide superstars, leading their young teams into the conference finals.  Will the two remain as the league's greatest individual talents or will new names emerge yet again? Will the old, supposedly forgotten names come back with a flurry?


1.  Deadlines

     For some teams, the pressure is not as large to win immediately.  The Mavericks just won an NBA title, so no one will really burn them in effigy if they fail to repeat.  The Bulls and Thunder are young and another year deep in the playoffs with no title won't be too bad.  For some teams, though, the pressure is huge.  The Boston Celtics and the San Antonio Spurs are aging and probably have only this year to win again or face the team blowing up.  The Orlando Magic have only this year to win as well or Dwight Howard will probably leave to free agency.  The Miami Heat have spent over a hundred million (and more in PR money) to bring in their "Big Three" of Dwayne Wade, Lebron James and Chris Bosh.  Another year without a title could break Heat President Pat Riley's patience.  Can these teams beat their deadline? At best, only one of them will.