Monday, 15 August 2011

2011 Jones Cup Finale

This year's Jones Cup Basketball tournament has definitely been the best in recent years.

My reasons?
- Tournament format changed. Previously there was no elimination games and the winner was decided by overall points throughout the tournament. This year, two knock-out round inserted after round robin format. Result - Thrilling playoff games!

- All teams fielded national teams. With the London Olympic qualifiers and Asian Cup just around the corner, all Asian countries that participated in the tournament sent their best players to compete. Result - Highly competitive games.

- The rising of Korea Republic and Smart Gilas Philippines. The Koreans entered the final game of the tournament as the number one seed beating the likes of Iran, Philippines, and Chinese Taipei while the Smart Gilas team shocked two-time defending champions Iran by beating them in the first game of the tournament. Result - Excitement headed to Asian Cup as teams are more competitive.

- Hamed Haddadi. The guy who beat my two teams - Korea and Philippines - was phenomenal. Sure, the towering height played an enormous advantage to him, but even 7 footers from Korea and Philippines could not stop this man. Back to back dominating 36 and 37 points in the Semi-finals and Finals respectively was too much for the rest of the league. This man surely belongs to the NBA. Result - Iran champions for the third time.



Wednesday, 3 August 2011

NBA Allstars in the Philippines!

A dream started by Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan and his team has become a reality for us. MVP as his known and his foundation led by Coach Reyes brought 9 NBA Superstars to the Philippines last July 2011. For the first time, we witnessed current (not retired) NBA superstars in action as a collective unit and it was truly a dream come true.

Unveiling of Smart Araneta Center!
Photo op with Smart Gilas and Smart All-stars with the Man who made this possible - MVP.
Fear the Beard!!!
Durant warm up - Key for shooting... Backpack?
Cp3 stretching and warming up!
Lets GET IT ON!!! TIP Off!
Sweetest Jumpshot in the world right there!
The real MVP! D-Rose missing two free throws badly!
The Star of the weekend! The planking machine! J. Mcgee!
This is where it gets serious.

Half time show - are they cheerdancers? I was actually confused.
More highlights of the night with Pacman coming over to give a call to Kobe!
The man who 20 thousand people in Araneta wanted to destroy. The lucky guy who got Kobe's shoes.
Kobe thanks everyone for the support - and for 400,000 dollars.hehe
The golden ticket that made it all happen... Thanks for making my Dream Come True! You're the best!

Cover Wars! NBA, NFL, FIFA!

Its official! Covers are out for NBA 2k12, NFL Madden 2k12, and FIFA 2012 all brought to us by EA Sports.

Truly a delight for Sports Fans out there, EA has consistently delivered the best sports gaming platform and this just adds to there growing legacy for Sports Games.

For those thinking what to buy, my suggest is to buy them all! If you're a sports fan, you definitely have to try them all. If you're not, still try it. It will convert you and you will get hooked.

FIFA Cover being graced by Wayne Rooney for the 7th time now! Surprisingly being joined by Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere.
NFL Madden Cover represented by last year's breakout star Peyton Hillis.
The grandest of all covers, NBA 2k12 represented by Legends... Jordan... Bird... and Magic...

First up for me is Madden - Release date confirmed as August 31, 2011.

Time to save my lunch money for this starting today.

FHM 100 Sexiest in the Philippines!

Feel the Thrill!!! Brought to us by Premier Condoms, the FHM 100 Sexiest women in the Philippines was launched in The World Trade Center. I wss one of the lucky few who was able to witness the spectacle and it sure was thrilling to watch.

Although this has nothing to do with sports, it has something to do with balls... just kidding!

The Ladies...


Hayden Kho anyone?
Looking good at 60+ years old or something...

Well, hello there?

The number one sexiest Female in the Philippines. Ms... Sam Pinto!!!
Brought to us by the number one men's magazine in the country - FHM!

Thursday, 28 July 2011

Azkals run ended on high note...


Philippine Azkals falls 2-1 to Kuwait, 5-1 in Aggregate. But the final scoreline does not indicate how the match went because the Azkals showed that it can compete with other Asian Powerhouses.

The absence of Shrock - probably their best player - and Aly the captain, has hurt the Azkals during their first leg which they ended up losing 3-0. But the second leg definitely was more competitive on their side and has resulted to a fascinating match.

Although the lose means that they are eliminated for world cup qualifying, it is interesting to see how this team progress and compete in the coming years. Given that more quality players are coming here and more attention is given to the sport, the only thing we need is funds!

Sunday, 24 July 2011

Uruguay wins Copa America!


Uruguay won the Copa America for a record 15 times! Yep, that's more than the total of Argentina and Brazil. With the most outstanding player of the tournament Luis Suarez and another phenomenal player Diego Forlan leading the way, there was no stopping Uruguay to win in record breaking fashion.

No doubt that Uruguay was the clear favorites to win the finals, but with Argentina and Brazil falling to lesser opponents in the quarterfinals, it was hard to predict what would have happened in the match. But again, with two quality goal scorers that has had most success in the international stage the match was never in doubt once it has started.

Certainly the dark horse no more, they are indeed a formidable team after going through the Semi-finals in the FIFA World Cup and winning the Latin American Championship, they will be a team to watch out for in Brazil 2014.

Thursday, 21 July 2011

Have you been to The Village?

Courtesy of online coupons, my girlfriend and I were able to experience the luxurious lifestyle of members of The Village Sports Club in BF Homes Paranaque. The recently opened Sports Club boasts 3 Swimming pools, 2 Badminton Courts, a Basketball Court, Tennis Court, Futsal Court, and Football field. But to play sports is not the only reason people join this exclusive club, members also get to enjoy and relax in their private Gym, Sauna, and Spa.

Membership costs 455,000 pesos for 1 nominee but 675,000 pesos for 2 nominees. This is excluding the other fees such as for court rentals and other amnesties.

But we were able to experience being a member for a day for 400 pesos each and we documented our journey to The Village...



The Locker Room looked more like a spa than a fitness club.


Hotel Showers! The best!


Entrance to Sauna and Steam Room.


The Gym is actually not as impressive as Fitness First's gym, well mainly because a lot of equipment for hardcore body builders are missing.


The big machine called "Kineses" actually costs 500,000 pesos - enough to buy myself a gym at home.


The view of their courts. Very impressive with Hanes as their sponsor.


Basketball Court. Quality of court is Great because this was registered under FIBA which probably says it all. Wooden court, well ventilated, nice ring/board. Only downside is few people can watch from the bench.


Failed attempt to picture the futsal court. Floor is non-slip type and size is okay. I like the use of Nets surrounding the court since you don't have to chase for the ball if it goes outside. Again, downside is there is no bench.


Badminton Court. A bit dark because no one was playing on this side. Good quality courts although there are only 4 courts to be used at a time.


Outside there was a football field. Grass might not be in the best condition. Field is a bit small. This will only cater to 5-aside or 7-aside football at most.


Failed attempt to picture Tennis court. We could not go in to take the picture. Only one hard court. The court looks good since it's new, but personally do not like outdoor courts because of the extreme heat or constant rain here in the Philippines.


Olympic sized pool but its only about 6 feet.




Also a place for the Kiddies to play and swim.


Extreme sports lead to extreme hunger. This is where people can eat. Kulinarya Restaurant which overlooks the entire swimming pool.


The Menu... Priced just right, and taste is surprisingly good with the ones we've ordered. Although more variety needed since these are only for snacks. Pizza is a bit overpriced so we did not order any.


Beverage... Did not order any because of all the swimming prior to eating.


Her order... Pasta Aglio Olio (P150)
Cheapest in the Pasta Category - Capers, spanish sardines, and full of olive oil! Taste was okay but a bit too oily for me. Good for one person only.


His order... The Village Burger (P160)
Their specialty burger - with crunchy potato chips at the side. I loved the meat! Did not care about the rest. Looks big but is good for only one person.

This Village experience was awesome! The facilities were new and hi-tech, food was good, and the place was very private and relaxing. I would definitely come back for all this. But with the membership price you pay and all the fees for the different facilities... Is it worth the price?

Visit...
The Village Sports Club
El Grande cor. Tropical Avenue BF Homes Paranaque