Monday, July 27, 2009

WWE NIGHT OF THE CHAMPIONS LIVE ON TAMBAYAN

WWE NIGHT OF THE CHAMPIONS LIVE ON WWW.TAMBAYANSAOVERSEAS.COM
click HERE to watch

Friday, July 17, 2009

Pacquiao is 2009 ESPY Awards’ Best Fighter

He is considered the best pound-for-pound boxer but how does Filipino phenom Manny Pacquiao stack up against equally successful mixed martial arts fighters?

Well, the “Pacman” rises above the best MMA fighters, judging from the final results of the 2009 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly awards or ESPY.

The 30-year-old Pacquiao won the “Best Fighter” plum in the prestigious awards handed out by famed American cable TV network ESPN to honor the year’s outstanding athletes in major sports.

Pacquiao beat out MMA stars Lyoto Machida and Anderson Silva and fellow boxer Sugar Shane Mosley for the prestigious award.

The pride of General Santos City earned the nod of ESPN’s online voters for his sensational dismantling of erstwhile IBO light-welterweight boss Ricky Hatton last May, and his demolition of Oscar De La Hoya five months before.

Machida was nominated for his knockout victory over erstwhile unbeaten Rashad Evans, which clinched for him the light-heavyweight title at UFC98; Silva for his wins over Patrick Cote, Thales Leites and James Irwin; and Mosley for his stunning TKO victory over Mexican Antonio Margarito.

Pacquiao’s jaw-dropping KO of Hatton was also in the shortlist for the “Best Play” award but lost out to the Ben Roethlisberger-to-Santonio Holmes last-minute touchdown catch in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Super Bowl XLIII win over Arizona.

Others which vied for “Best Play” were Washington Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin’s goal opposite the New York Rangers during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs and Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree’s game-winning catch against the Texas Longhorns.

As ESPY’s Best Fighter, Pacquiao joins an elite line-up that reads like the who’s who in world sports that includes Michael Phelps (Best Male Athlete and Best Record Breaking Performance); LA Lakers (Best Team); Lorena Ochoa (Best International Female Athlete and Best Female Golfer); Usain Bolt (Best International Male Athlete); LeBron James (Best NBA Player); and frequent winner Tiger Woods (Best Golfer).

Pacquiao’s ESPY award came on the heels of his earlier achievements as one of the world’s 100 most influential people by Time Magazine and as a top 10 member of Forbes’ richest athletes in the world. – GMANews.TV

2009 ESPY Winners

Best in Sport
Best Female Athlete: Nastia Liukin, Gymnastics
Best Male Athlete: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Moment: US Swim team wins thrilling finish in Olympic relay
Best Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Best Coach/Manager: Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers
Best Game: Steelers vs. Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII
Best Championship Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Play: Roethlisberger to Holmes Super Bowl Winning TD
Best Upset: US Soccer shocks Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals
Best Breakthrough Athlete: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Best Record Breaking Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Sports Movie: The Express: The Ernie Davis Story
Best Male College Athlete: Tim Tebow, Florida Football
Best Female College Athlete: Maya Moore, Connecticut Women’s Basketball
Best Male Athlete with a Disability: Jason Lester, Ironman Triathlete
Best Female Athlete with a Disability: Erin Popovich, Swimming
Best International Male Athlete: Usain Bolt (Jamaica, Sprinter)
Best International Female Athlete: Lorena Ochoa (Mexico, Golf)

Individual Sports
Best Baseball Player: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
Best NBA Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Best WNBA Player: Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
Best NFL Player: Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
Best NHL Player: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Best MLS Player: Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
Best Male Action Sports Athlete: Shaun White, Skateboarding/Snowboarding
Best Female Action Sports Athlete: Maya Gabeira, Surfing
Best Bowler: Norm Duke
Best Driver: Jimmie Johnson
Best Fighter: Manny Pacquiao, Boxing
Best Male Golfer: Tiger Woods
Best Female Golfer: Lorena Ochoa
Best Jockey: Calvin Borel

Special Awards
Arthur Ashe Courage Award: President Nelson Mandela
Jimmy V Award For Perseverance: Don Meyer, Northern State University coach
Best Comeback: Dara Torres, Olympic swimmer.

BEERMEN END 4-YEAR TITLE DROUGHT

In the end, talent and pride prevailed over character and attitude.

San Miguel Beer outplayed Barangay Ginebra in the grandest stage of a title playoff -- Game Seven -- fashioning out a convincing 90-79 victory to bag the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference crown before a roaring crowd of over 20,000 at the Araneta Coliseum.

"Ginebra will always be a never-say-die team. They have that great character and attitude. But when we're tested after the Game Five loss, we showed our talent as well as our pride as a champion team," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen moments after the championship.

The Beermen emerged triumphant after a fortnight of fierce battle, dethroning the Kings as Fiesta Cup champs and, in the process, ending their chase for a first title since their 2004-05 Fiesta Conference conquest.

Gabe Freeman, the tournament Best Import awardee, proved too hot to handle in this eventful evening, bulldozing his way to game-highs of 29 points and 18 rebounds.

Then there were Jonas Villanueva, Marc Pingris, Danny Ildefonso, Mike Cortez and Mick Pennisi also rising to the occasion as the Beermen frustrated the Kings and their throngs, thus, notching the franchise's 18th championship overall.

Tanquingcen kept his mastery of friend and mentor Jong Uichico in playoff battles in earning a third personal championship. The youthful SMB tactician won his first two titles with Ginebra.

"Nagkataon lang yon," said Tanquingcen, downplaying his fourth win in as many playoff tiffs with Uichico.

"It took us quite sometime to close it out and I would like to apologize, knowing the high expectations of the management and the fans on us," Tanquingcen also said. "I had to admit we really have a powerhouse team. But when tested, it took us talent and pride to get the championship."

The Beermen made it a come-from-behind victory, clinching it with victories in Games Six and Seven.

Villanueva, the season's Most Improved Player, came through with 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in Game Seven and went home with the FERN-C Finals MVP trophy. He wound up with averages of 11 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in the series.

With the win, San Miguel preserved its great ride in the classification round leading to outright entry into the Final Four.

Ginebra, second placer in the prelims, also gained automatic semis entry and proved to be a worthy finalist. But two missed shots at closing out the series had them yielding the coveted crown.

Freeman frolicked in the do-or-die setto, coming through with his 22nd triple double in the tourney.

David Noel, meanwhile, floundered in the face of tough adversity, struggling with a 3-of-11shooting and committing a game-high six turnovers.

SMB took control right in the opening quarter and held on to the finish in frustrating Ginebra and its die-hards.

The Beermen opened a sizable lead, 24-11, right at the onset of the game as Freeman asserted himself early, making nine points and five rebounds in the opening quarter.

The Kings came to within one at 35-36 but Freeman, Ildefonso, Villanueva and Mick Pennisi worked on a 9-2 closing run to take the half at 45-37.

It took the exploits of Jayjay Helterbrand for the Kings to prevent the Beermen from pulling away in the first 24 minutes of play. Helterbrand was seven-of-eight from the field for 15 points on top of four rebounds and the same number of assists in the first half.

It was an action-packed first half that saw the Beermen outrun the Kings, producing 10 points off the breaks, two more than that of Ginebra. (NC)

The scores:

San Miguel 90 - Freeman 29, Villanueva 15, Pingris 12, Ildefonso 10, Cortez 9, Pennisi 8, Washington 5, Hontiveros 2, Racela 0, Pena 0.

Ginebra 79 - Helterbrand 25, Menk 12, Tubid 10, Reavis 9, Noel 8, Lanete 6, Wilson 5, Baguio 4, Mamaril 0, Salvacion 0.

2008-2009 Fiesta Conference Champions San Miguel Beermen

Congratulations!
2008-2009 Fiesta Conference Champions
San Miguel Beermen

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Beermen foil Gin Kings, Uichico's Fiesta Cup celebration


MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel just won’t give the title of the Motolite-PBA Fiesta Cup to defending champion Barangay Ginebra without a fight.

One good fight that is.

The Finals of the season-ending conference now boils down to one game as the Beermen beat the Kings, 98-84, Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum for a 3-3 standoff in the best-of-seven series.

Game 7 is set Friday also at the Big Dome.

Facing what could have been a horrible ending in a tournament they were projected to conquer, the Beermen responded to the pressure by holding down Ginebra’s ace guard Jayjay Helterbrand to just eight points while at the same time choking the Gin Kings to only a 6-for-25 (24 percent) shooting at the three-point range.

“We haven’t done anything yet," said SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen. “God put us in this situation to test us. It’s how you respond to adversity that defines you. This thing is far from over. We have one game to go."

Gabe Freeman recovered from early foul trouble once more to finish with 24 points and 12 rebounds while Danny Ildefonso came off the bench to contribute 18 points as San Miguel forged only the 18th Game 7 in a championship series in PBA history.

Helterbrand, bothered by his hamstring injury, shot a miserable 0-for-5 from downtown. Since the second quarter of Game 4, his clip in that region has been 1-for-15.

David Noel led the Gin Kings with 16 points and 11 rebounds. He, however, failed to make a field goal in the two-point area and was held scoreless in the second quarter and to only two in the final period.

“It will all boil down who makes the shots in Game 7," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, not necessarily feeling bad about the outcome on a very special day when he turned 47. “It would have been nice had we won tonight. But I’m already happy with the success we had and the blessings that I have."

Witnessed by 16,039 fans, mostly Ginebra fans, the game was tense until San Miguel tore the game apart in the second and third quarters. The Beermen led by 10 after the first half and then stretched it to its biggest at 15 (61-46) on a dunk by Freeman with 5:29 left in the third period.

Ginebra’s best effort was to cut it down to within 64-61 on an Erik Menk basket. But the Beermen scored the last four points of the period before coming through with a 9-4 run to take total control, 79-65.

San Miguel again outrebounded Ginebra 47-39 and had more assists 18-13. – GMANews.TV

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Pacman camp eyes Mosley at 143 lb

MANILA, Philippines – Shane Mosley is suddenly back in the picture.

Manny Pacquiao’s lawyer, Franklin Gacal, yesterday said if Miguel Cotto insists on the catchweight of 145 lb, the Filipino boxing icon might be forced to consider Mosley as his next opponent.

“We will not agree to 145 pounds. And if Cotto insists, we’ll go for Mosley,” said Gacal from Davao City.

Top Rank president Bob Arum wants Pacquiao to face Cotto, the reigning WBO welterweight (147 lb) champion from Puerto Rico, on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas. But no deal has been forged yet, not on the date, weight or purse.

“No definite date yet or any other details have been agreed upon,” said Pacquiao the other day.

Pacquiao, 30, said he wants to fight on Oct. 17 but Arum explained that it wouldn’t be a good date because of the Major League World Series, and that it would be hard to compete with the mother of all baseball games.

“Regarding the date, maybe we can give in to what Bob Arum wants although Manny really wants to fight in October. But there’s the baseball thing so maybe we can agree on November,” said Gacal.

Both Pacquiao and Cotto are under Top Rank, and it should have been easier for Arum to seal the deal. But again, the weight issue, Gacal added, is turning out to be a real weighty issue.

“Manny will be giving up too much if he agrees to fight Cotto at 145. We want him at 143 and if he insists otherwise, then we’ll look at Mosley if Mosley is still available,” said the Filipino lawyer.

“Cotto is an inch taller than Manny and definitely he’s heavier. He’s got a bigger body, too. I think Manny will be short-changed if he agrees to 145. And it should be us dictating the terms, not Cotto,” said Gacal.

Mosley, the WBA welterweight champion, was so eager to face Pacquiao he said he’d fight at 144 lb, and settle for 40 percent of the purse. But the native of Pomona, California, had given up on the fight when it seemed all’s well for a Pacquiao-Cotto fight.

“Mosley said he’s willing to fight Manny at 144. Maybe we can drag him down to 143. So if Cotto insists on 145, we’ll got for Mosley,” Gacal added.

At 5’9” Mosley is easily two inches taller than Pacquiao, but the American champion will be 39 by September. Cotto will turn 29 in October.

Mosley is under Golden Boy Promotions, whose president, Oscar dela Hoya, recently played a round of golf with Cotto at the Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club in Puerto Rico.

Ginebra rips SMB, nears PBA crown


Game Today (Araneta Coliseum)

7:00 p.m. — San Miguel vs Ginebra (Game 6)

Barangay Ginebra recovered from a major power failure in the third quarter to beat San Miguel Beer, 106-98, and move onto the threshold of retaining its crown in the PBA Fiesta Cup last night at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Kings appeared to be in firm control of the game after unleashing a whirlwind assault in the second quarter that saw them take a 16-point lead – thanks to torrid shooting of Chico Lanete, import David Noel and Jay Helterbrand.

But all of a sudden, the Beermen came alive with Bonbon Custodio and Mick Pennisi making one big shot after another that pushed them to within, 68-69, on a jumper by Jonas Villanueva.

Former MVP Erik Menk ended the team’s long scoring spell with a power play for a 71-68 going into the final 12 minutes.

Pennisi highlighted that salvo with a rare four-point play that somehow energized his teammates.

The Kings, however, greeted the start of the fourth quarter with another big explosion to take a 13-point lead, 85-72, before holding another San Miguel rally to take a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven title series.

Ginebra can clinch its 9th title with another win tomorrow.

Noel finished with 29 points, 13 in the fourth, while Helterbrand contributed 9 points.

“Helterbrand and Erik were able to play today, we shot very well tonight, we know what San Miguel is capable of. Hope we can get luckier on Wednesday,” said coach Jong Uichico.

The Kings used a strong 21-7 blast late in the second period to pad their lead to 56-40 with 21.8 seconds left before halftime.

Lanete shone brightest in that run as he accounted for three of five triples. Import David Noel and Jayjay Helterbrand, the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP), also made a triple each.

Halftime ended with the Kings up, 56-42.

Ginebra actually took a 23-18 lead in the first period, and was ahead, 31-23, early in the second quarter before San Miguel made its own run that shoved the Beermen to within, 32-33 on Dorian Pena’s pair of free throws off a Willy Wilson foul.

Wilson answered with a lay-up, before Hontiveros split his free throws.

Mike Cortez paced the Beermen with 23 points.

Ginebra106 — Noel 29, Menk 18, Lanete 14, Tubid 14, Helterbrand 9, Wilson 8, Mamaril 6, Reavis 5, Salvacion 3, Pacana 0, Baguio 0.

SanMiguel 98 — Cortez 23, Freeman 16, Ildefonso 14, Villanueva 9, Hontiveros 9, Pennisi 7, Custodio 6, Washington 6, Pena 5, Racela 3, Gonzales 0, Pingris 0.

Quarters: 23-18, 56-42, 71-68, 106-98.

Gin Kings hope to reign anew

MANILA, Philippines – The Barangay Ginebra Kings are a heartbeat away from repeating as champs.

With the pivotal 3-2 lead, the Barangay Ginebra Kings go for the kill against the embattled San Miguel Beermen, hoping to wrap up the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference crown in Game Six that is expected to draw another capacity crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.

Jayjay Helterbrand, the season MVP winner, wants it done so he can be with the members of the Powerade RP team leaving the country tomorrow for the Jones Cup competition in Taipei.

Import David Noel doesn’t want to settle for anything less than the PBA championship after passing up an invitation to play for the New York Knicks in a summer league now ongoing in the US.

The rest of the Kings are raring to deliver the killer blow to become the first team in seven years to successfully defend a title in the league.

“It will be a hell of a game. It’s going to be a war because they want to get even while our team wants to finish the series,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

Chico Lanete, who played a key role in their 106-98 win in Game Five, said their biggest motivation is for them not to return to practice anymore after Game Six.

“We’re already tired. We want to rest with the championship trophy in our hands,” said Lanete.

San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen, however, is confident they can force a deciding Game Seven.

“I’m still optimistic about it. God gave us the opportunity to be here. The eight other teams would kill themselves to be here. There’s still no reason for us to feel down because they still need to win a game to get the championship. We just have to get even then take it from there,” said Tanquingcen.

No team has two in a row in the series. If the trend continues, San Miguel is expected to extend the series to a final showdown.

Despite being on the threshold of a title conquest, Uichico remains wary of an SMB comeback.

“We like to be up 3-2 but we know what San Miguel is capable of doing. We hope we can play better today ,” said Uichico.

The Kings outplayed the Beeremen as Noel redeemed himself from being the goat in Game Four while Jayjay Helterbrand and Eric Menk had significant contributions despite enduring injuries.

“Good thing Jayjay (Helterbrand) and Eric (Menk) were able to play. And David, being a real competitor, made up for his crucial free throw misses in Game Four in a big way,” said Uichico.

The amiable Ginebra mentor said Noel is determined to win the championship after missing the opportunity to play for the Knicks.

“The offer came Saturday. But a professional that he is, Noel decided to stay on and honor his commitment with us,” said Uichico. [source: Philstar]

Saturday, July 11, 2009

ufc 100 live here

Hurting Helterbrand unsure of Game 5 stint



Jay-jay HelterbrandMANILA, PhilippinesJayjay Helterbrand left the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday with a sore left thigh, making him a doubtful starter in Game Five of the Barangay Ginebra-San Miguel showdown for the Motolite PBA Fiesta Cup championship Monday.

“It appeared his hamstring injury has recurred. His status now is day-to-day, and we can only hope for the best,” Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said.

“Good thing, there’s a long break. We take a rest today (Thursday) and hopefully it helps Jayjay heal his injury. As we resume practice, we have to ask him everyday how he feels,” Uichico added.

Helterbrand sat out the last three minutes of Game Four which San Miguel won, 106-104, on a crucial four-point binge by Gabe Freeman at endgame.

“I opted not to use him anymore so as not to aggravate his injury. If he were able to finish the game, it could have gone the other way. Everybody knows how valuable Jayjay to us,” Uichico said.

Helterbrand, named earlier as the season’s Most Valuable Player, was going great guns when he felt soreness and tightness on his left thigh.

“I didn’t take him out right away. Then we noticed he’s already tight. Since he could no longer move well, Danny Ildefonso got away with two baskets on pick-and-roll plays,” said Uichico.

Helterbrand has been hobbled by that injury for at least two years now.

It was the same injury causing him to sit out almost half of the 2006-07 season. And it was also for the same reason that he, as member of the Powerade Team Pilipinas, missed the recent SEABA championship in Medan, Indonesia.

“A complete rest is all that is needed to heal a hamstring injury. But he can’t get a long rest with the long PBA season, then he still has his commitment with the RP team,” said Uichico.

National coach Yeng Guiao is also hoping for the best for Helterbrand since his other pointguard in Ryan Reyes is also nursing a hamstring injury.

The Nationals leave on July 16 for Taipei for the Jones Cup competition serving as the final basis for the selection of the Final 12 players for the FIBA-Asia championship in Tianjin, China in August.

If the Fiesta Cup championship reaches a deciding Game Seven, Helterbrand and San Miguel’s Mick Pennisi will follow the Nationals in Taipei on July 18.

The series is down to a best-of-three series affair with the two teams splitting the first four games.

Game Five is set Monday at the Araneta Coliseum with league officials opting to take a break Friday and Sunday due to unavailability of a suitable playing venue.

Miller wants out of Alaska

WILLIE Miller doesn’t want to play for Alaska anymore. But before he could get his wish, the Aces must first acquire a corresponding player or set of players they want.

Danny Espiritu, Miller’s agent, yesterday confirmed that his two-time MVP has revealed to Alaska his intentions of bolting from the ball club, which he helped win a championship and play for a fourth franchise finals since entering the PBA in 2001.

Espiritu said that Miller is ‘no longer happy’ with the Aces, whom the former Letran star guided to the 2006-07 Fiesta Conference championship over his former team Talk ‘N Text.

“He’s not happy anymore with Alaska. Worse, napagbibintangan pa siya ng mga ibang tao kapag masama ang laro niya. He’s a two-time MVP and brought championships to his teams,” said Espiritu.

Espiritu and Miller had already talked with Alaska’s board representative and current PBA chairman Joaqui Trillo about Miller’s release. But Trillo said, according to Espiritu, that Alaska will first have to find a suitable replacement for their franchise player.

Coach Tim Cone said in a text message yesterday that Alaska will not part with Miller. “Not on the block, not traded. Teams are calling us but we’re not biting. We are not certainly shipping him.”

Purefoods and Coca-Cola reportedly are the teams interested in Miller, the first guard to win the MVP twice.

The 2008-09 season has been an unmemorable one for the Aces. Voted as the Best Player of the Conference in the Philippine Cup, Miller failed to steer Alaska to the championship, wasting a 2-0 series lead and losing to the Tropang Texters in seven games.

Then, Alaska couldn’t find the right import in the Fiesta Conference. It ended up at ninth spot, just a shade above Barako Bull and failed to make the playoffs.

Meantime, Miller will have to concentrate on being part of the Powerade-Team Pilipinas that will see action in the William Jones Cup that begins on Saturday in Taipei. His role in that ball club will be crucial since two guards -- Ryan Reyes and Jay-Jay Helterbrand -- won’t be seeing action because of respective injuries.

Burger King ships do-it-all forward Santos to San Miguel

MANILA, Philippines � Arwind Santos finally got his wish to play for San Miguel Beer, the winningest team in the history of the Philippine Basketball Association.

Burger King team manager and incoming board chairman Lito Alvarez confirmed to GMANews.TV that they have already agreed to send the 6-foot-4 forward to the Beermen after their third-place finish in the ongoing Motolite-PBA Fiesta Conference.

The Beermen are still playing the Ginebra Gin Kings in the best-of-seven championship series.

None among the officials confirmed the trade although a highly-placed source revealed that Santos will be shipped in exchange for three players � 6-foot-9 Samigue Eman, 6-foot-5 burly forward Ken Bono and veteran shooting guard Chris Calaguio.

But Alvarez said they are still negotiating with San Miguel as to who are the players they will be getting in exchange of the former Far Eastern University stalwart, who wound up as bridesmaid for the MVP plum for two consecutive years.

“We’ve agreed to send Arwind to San Miguel right after the battle for third place," said Alvarez. “Right now, pinag-uusapan pa namin kung sino yung kapalit."

Santos has long expressed his interest to play with San Miguel. He played for Viva Mineral Water and Magnolia, San Miguel’s farm team in the Philippine Basketball League and won championships on top of individual accolades.

In search of a PBA title, Santos may finally get his chance to win it this time with the power-packed Beermen, the winnigest team in pro league’s history with 17 championships. He will join a squad that has superstars like Dondon Hontiveros, veterans Danny Ildefonso and Olsen Racela, slotmen Mick Pennisi and Dorian Pena, guard Mike Cortez, and up and coming superstars like Marc Pingris, Jay Washington, Bonbon Custodio and Jons Villanueva.

The Beermen, who are still battling the Ginebra Gin Kings for the best-of-seven championship series, also have Danny Seigle and Lordy Tugade, who are both on the injured list.

Asked about his thoughts on this new development, Burger King coach Yeng Guiao said he was not aware that Santos’ transfer to San Miguel has already been approved.

“I have no knowledge about this," said Guiao. “Maybe it’s management to management negotiations." - GMANews.TV

Friday, July 10, 2009

VILLA ESTRELLA NOW SHOWING ON TAMBAYAN



VILLA ESTRELLA NOW SHOWING ON TAMBAYAN

click HERE TO WATCH

Blue Eagles view UAAP Season 72 as ‘new chapter’


MANILA, Philippines – The 72nd season of the UAAP will be a new chapter for defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles.

“We don’t dwell on the past,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black during the press launch of the new season.

The champion coach said that they had a great year last season, but they are prepared to forge ahead and meet new challenges to post a new chapter in the squad’s history.

“It will be a new chapter for us even if I still have the core of my champion team this year,” quipped Black, referring to the likes of Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Silverino Baclao Jr., Eric Salamat who played pivotal roles when the Eagles won their third title in the league at the expense of arch-rival De La Salle University.

Because most of Ateneo’s players last year are still with the team, La Salle coach Franz Pumaren believes that the Blue Eagles are still the team to beat this year.

“As coach Norman said, they still have their core, so in my book, they are still the team to beat,” said Pumaren.

Pumaren revealed that they have to let go of players like LA Revilla because of diabetes and James Mangahas due to ACL he acquired during the FilOil tournament finals against FEU last summer.

However, except for five rookies, the bench of De La Salle is all still made up of veteran campaigners, making the Archers one of the early favorites to crowd for the final four.

Count FEU, too, among the early favorites based on their title win in the FilOil pre-season tournament.

Adamson U, University of the East, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines and National U are the other teams which will be vying to post better finishes this year.
We don’t dwell on the past. It will be a new chapter for us even if I still have the core of my champion team this year.
– Norman Black, Ateneo coach

UE will be fielding in a new coach in Lawrence Chongson, who utilized most of the Warriors as players for Cobra in the PBL.

“Hopefully, their experience in the PBL will help them in our campaign here in the UAAP,” said Chongson whose team also went to the United States for their pre-season training.

UST coach Pido Jarencio again downplayed the Growling Tigers’ chances this year, saying that his wards lack the heft and height against their taller opponents.

“Mahina po ang koponan namin,” said Jarencio whose team almost made it to the final four and eventually finished fifth last year.

“Mahina pero dapat ding bantayan at paghandaan,” the Tigers’ mentor said.

The Maroons and the Falcons finished tied for sixth place last year and are hoping to improve their placing this year.

NU is looking at a better-than-expected season as the Bulldogs try to erase their reputation as the league’s doormat.

But while the teams duke it out on the court, the league’s technical officials promised not to let officiating decide matches.

“The working policy is to let the players play,” Commissioner Joe Lipa said.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Freeman comes up big as SMB ties Finals series

San Miguel import Gabe Freeman scored on a putback and made two charities while Brgy. Ginebra counterpart David Noel missed three freethrows as the Beermen escaped with a 106-104 win in Game 4 to even their Best-of-7 Finals series at two games apiece in the 2008-2009 Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

Freeman finished with game-highs of 23 points and 21 rebounds, Dondon Hontiveros chipped in 19, Mike Cortez 18 and Danny Ildefonso 15 as the Beermen avoided a 1-3 deficit and get the series back to even ceiling.

“Not taking anything away from Ginebra because they played really hard and they shot very well. But we're not getting any breaks from the refs,” San Miguel coach Siot Tanquincen said, partly referring to the 28 fouls called against them.

“Konting kanti kami, foul agad ang tawag. Pag nakanti mo kahit balahibo lang nila, nasa foul line na sila,” he said. “Pero it's human nature. We just have to deal with it.”

Jayjay Helterbrand, who earlier in the evening was named the 2008-2009 PBA MVP, topscored for the Kings with 22 points to go with his 4 rebounds and 6 assists. He was not able to finish the game though after suffering a minor injury. Noel also finished with 22 points along with 18 rebounds. Erik Menk continued his good form with 21 points in just 19 minutes while Ronald Tubid and Rafi Reavis added 10 points apiece.

Game 5 will be held on Monday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Scores:

San Miguel 106 - Freeman 23, Hontiveros 19, Cortez 18, Ildefonso 15, Villanueva 9, Washington 9, Pena 7, Pingris 6, Racela 0, Pennisi 0.

Brgy. Ginebra 104 - Helterbrand 22, Noel 22, Menk 21, Tubid 10, Reavis 10, Baguio 9, Salvacion 5, Lanete 2, Mamaril 2, Wilson 1.

Quarters: 24-26, 47-46, 71-73, 106-104.

Most Valuable Player Jayjay Helterbrand: leads PBA 2008-2009 Season Awardees

08 Jul 2009

Here are the 2008-2009 PBA Season Award Winners:

Most Valuable Player
Jayjay Helterbrand

2008-2009 PBA MVP Jayjay Helterbrand


Mythical 5
Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Cardona, Arwind Santos, Jay Washington, Asi Taulava

Jayjay Helterbrand Mark Cardona Arwind Santos Jay Washington Asi Taulava


Mythical Second Team
Willie Miller, Dondon Hontiveros, Gabe Norwood, Kelly Williams, Jay-R Reyes

Willie Miller Dondon Hontiveros Gabe Norwood Kelly Williams Jay-R Reyes


Rookie of the Year
Gabe Norwood

Gabe Norwood


Most Improved Player
Jonas Villanueva

Jonas Vilanueva


Defensive Team
Arwind Santos, Billy Mamaril, Asi Taulava, Wynne Arboleda, Ronald Tubid

Arwind Santos Billy Mamaril Asi Taulava Wynne Arboleda Ronald Tubid


Sportsmanship Award
Ryan Reyes

Ryan Reyes


Motolite Pangmatagalan Player of the Year
Willie Miller

Willie Miller

Sunday, July 5, 2009

MAIN CARD

Champ Brock Lesnar vs. interim champ Frank Mir (heavyweight title unification)
Champ Georges St. Pierre vs. Thiago Alves (for welterweight title)
Jon Fitch vs. Paulo Thiago
Michael Bisping vs. Dan Henderson
Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Alan Belcher

PRELIMINARY CARD

Stephan Bonnar vs. Mark Coleman
Mac Danzig vs. Jim Miller
Jon Jones vs. Jake O'Brien
C.B. Dollaway vs. Tom Lawlor
Matt Grice vs. Shannon Gugerty
T.J. Grant vs. Dong Hyun Kim

(VIDEO WILL BE POSTED HERE ONE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT)
Watch the UFC 100 live on July 11, 2009 @ 10 PM ET/7 PM PT (US TIME), July 12, 2009 @ 3 AM London and 10AM Manila Time.

toolbar powered by Conduit Penalosa May Fight Again: Arce, De Leon or Morel?

FORMER two-time world champion Gerry Peñalosa is willing to fight again but he made it clear that he will only entertain an offer if there will be a world title on the line.

The 36-year old resident of Paranaque City in Metro Manila in the Philippines was offered to see action on the planned card of Top Rank and Solar Sports in either Araneta Coliseum or Ynares Center in Antipolo City on August 29, not at Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City as originally planned.

Penalosa (54-7-2, 36 KOs) confirmed in an exclusive interview yesterday that he was told to prepare for a possible bout, and the three possible options include a rematch against Daniel Ponce de Leon (36-7-2, 31 KOs) of Mexico, a clash against his fellow world champ Eric “Hands of Steel” Morel (41-2, 21 KOs) of Puerto Rico or a collision against another popular Mexican, Jorge “Travieso” Arce (52-5-1, 40 KOs).

“We’ll know the final decision on who will be my opponent next week,” said Penalosa. “I don’t have idea on who will be our next opponent. I only wanted to fight for a title fight.”

Penalosa fought four of his last five fights since 2007 for world championship bouts. He lost two of those bouts against De Leon and the current champion Juan Manuel “JuanMa” Lopez of Puerto Rico with the WBO super bantamweight title were on the lines.

The former WBC super flyweight champ and WBO bantamweight king revealed he keeps on training and staying fit.

“I’m always ready to fight. I maintain my weight at 128 pounds when I don’t have fight,” said Penalosa, who maintains a gym in Kalentong, Mandaluyong City .

DENVER CUELLO VS ERIK RAMIREZ; VILORIA VS LAZARTE

Bob Arum also wants IBF light flyweight champion Brian Viloria and WBC International minimumweight champ Denver Cuello to complete the cast of the planned three-title bout card.

Viloria (25-2, 15 KOs) has on-going negotiations for a title defense against 38-year old Alberto Lazarte (43-9-1, 18 KOs) of Argentina.

Cuello’s team picked Mexican Erik Ramirez, who lost on points in a title fight against WBO minimumweight champ Donnie Nietes in Oaxaca, Mexico .

Ramirez went down four times but managed to go the distance.

The card was originally planned to be staged at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City but Solar Sports executives believe, Manila or nearby province remains the more strategic venue for a huge boxing show.

This writer also reported that WBA No. 10 Drian “Gintong Kamao” Francisco (17-0, 13 KOs) wants to fight Arce on Sept. 6 at Cuneta Astrome in Pasay City after the Los Mochis-native improved his unblemished 6-0, 4 KOs record against Filipino opponents on June 27 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Francisco’s fight will be for the vacant WBA International super flyweight title.

Every Filipino wants to end Arce’s winning streak against Filipino fighters after he piled up a streak against Jovan Presbitero, Carmelo Caceres, Juanito Rubillar twice, Joma Gamboa and Fernando “Poe” Lumacad.
A proposed deal for a welterweight showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, for November 14 in Las Vegas, is inching closer to a deal. The bout, scheduled for a catch-weight of 145-pounds, is being negotiated by Bob Arum of Top Rank, who promote both fighters.

Most of the details have been hammered out with Cotto and his team, and now it's Pacquiao's turn to review the listed terms for the fight. Pacquiao’s adviser Mike Koncz, went over the details with Arum and plans to review the terms with Pacquiao this weekend.

Pacquiao’s lawyer, Franklin Gacal, said the deal should not be any less than a 65-35 split in Pacquiao's favor. He says the final decision will come down to Pacquiao.

toolbar powered by Conduit Margarito Says The Weight Will Hurt Cotto With Pacquiao

Former three time welterweight champion Antonio Margarito told The Record that he believes the agreed upon catch-weight of 145-pounds will be an issue for WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto when he steps in the ring with Manny Pacquiao on November 14 in Las Vegas.

"I think that Cotto is giving away too many advantages to Pacquiao if the fight is done at 145 pounds and even more if fight were to happen at 143 like Pacquiao wants. From the very first round, that advantage would be for Pacquiao because [Cotto] would be dehydrated like Oscar De La Hoya [when he fought Pacquiao last December]," Margarito said.

Margarito is back in camp, training and staying in shape to keep his body ready for a quick ring return. He lost his license in February when the California State Athletic Commission found him liable for an illegal substance found in his hand wraps prior to the January 24 bout with Shane Mosley. Margarito's lawyers are fighting the decision by the CSAC and he hopes to get back in the ring before 2010.

"I am training for anything that comes up, any opportunity. [My lawyers] told me that they are going to speak me during the following week to give me a new report. I don't know anything right now but I have faith that everything can be solved quick," Margarito said.

Miller, Helterbrand show way in MVP race

MANILA, Philippines – Alaska’s Willie Miller and Ginebra’s Jayjay Helterbrand, winners of the Best Player of the Conference plums in the Philippine Cup and Fiesta Conference, respectively, are two of the seven leading contenders for the season’s Most Valuable Player award.

Coca-Cola’s Asi Taulava, Sta. Lucia’s Kelly Williams, Burger King’s Arwind Santos, Talk n Text’s Mark Cardona and San Miguel’s Dondon Hontiveros are the other players chasing the highest honors to be handed out in the Leo Awards set before Game Four of the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference finale at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.

Taulava, Williams, Helterbrand, Santos and Cardona were the top five players with the most statistical points amassed through the semifinal round of the Fiesta Conference.

Though failing to make the top five in the stats race, Miller and Hontiveros also became MVP contenders. Miller was the Philippine Cup BPC winner and Hontiveros the stats leader of his team which made the Fiesta Conference finals.

Taulava topped the statistical race with an average of 32.14, followed by Williams (32.07), Helterbrand (30.6), Santos (29.3), Cardona (28.9) and Hontiveros (28.08).

The MVP winner will also be determined through balloting among the players, the media, the TV coveror and the Commissioner’s Office.

Helterbrand could well have the edge after winning the Fiesta Conference BPC award. He is also the most consistent among contenders with a finals stint in the season.

Stats race frontrunners Taulava and Williams may not fare well in the poll following poor showings of their respective teams in both the Philippine Cup and Fiesta Conference.

Williams, the 2008 MVP champion, even failed to finish the season due to rare blood disorder problem entering the Fiesta Conference playoffs. His exit also stymied his team’s campaign in the ongoing conference.

Gabe Norwood is the top bet for the Rookie of the Year award and, like the seven MVP contenders, the Rain or Shine stalwart is also in the running for a spot in the Mythical First and Second Teams.

National team hopefuls James Yap, Ranidel de Ocampo, Kerby Raymundo and nine others are also vying for spots in the Mythical Selections.

Helterbrand, Miller, Alex Cabagnot and Jimmy Alapag are contenders for the point guard spots, Cardona, Hontiveros, Yap and Gary David for off-guards, De Ocampo, Norwood, Raymundo, Santos, Williams, Nick Belasco, Harvey Carey, Joe Devance and Jay Washington for forwards and Taulava, Enrico Villanueva and JayR Reyes for centers.

Reyes is also a candidate for the Most Improved Player award alongside Paul Artadi, Gabby Espinas, JR Quinahan and Jonas Villanueva.

Slugging it out for the Sportsmanship Award are Devance, Jonas Villanueva, Cyrus Baguio, Bitoy Omolon and Ryan Reyes.

Report: Celtics offer Rasheed Wallace a contract

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics have offered forward Rasheed Wallace a contract as part of a major push to land the coveted forward, according to a published report on Friday.

The Boston Globe reports the Celtics offered Wallace a deal during a three-hour meeting in Detroit on Thursday. Celtics stars Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce joined general manager Danny Ainge and managing partner Wyc Grousbeck at the meeting.

Wallace's agent, Bill Strickland, told the Globe in a text message that it was a "very good meeting; some contractual terms discussed, nothing agreed to."

He also said Wallace will be meeting with other teams next week. Charlotte, Cleveland, Orlando and San Antonio are said to be possible suitors.

The 35-year-old Wallace can play the low post and also has exceptional shooting range. He averaged 12 points per game for Detroit last year, before falling to 6.5 points per game in the first round of the playoffs as Detroit was swept in four games by Cleveland.

Wallace earned $13.68 million last season as he finished up a five-year contract with Detroit. Teams pursuing Wallace now would be offering the midlevel exception, worth between $5.6 million and $5.8 million.

Wallace, a starter most of his career, would likely play a complementary role in Boston. The Celtics are hoping they can lure him by offering a shot at a title. Wallace is also close to Garnett. – AP

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Fight with PBA fan earns Ildefonso, Pingris one-game suspension




MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel will have two key players missing on its bench when it plays Barangay Ginebra in Game 3 of the Motolite-PBA Fiesta Cup Finals Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

For figuring in an endgame altercation with a fan, Danny Ildefonso and Marc Pingris were both slapped a one-game suspension by PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios.

The suspension takes effect in Game 3 of the Finals currently tied at 1-1.

On top of it, Ildefonso was also fined P30,000 for charging to the fan at ringside moments after the Beermen’s 95-78 win over the Kings in Game 2 Friday night.

Pingris meanwhile, was also slapped a P10,000 fine for coming to the aid of Ildefonso.

The two were summoned at the Commissioner’s Office Saturday morning to air their side on the incident.

Both Pingris and Ildefonso profusely apologized to the PBA, viewers and the fans. At the same time, the two expressed their intention to personally apologize to the fan that they attacked.

This marked the second time this conference a big name PBA player was fined by commissioner Barrios for assaulting a fan.

Sta. Lucia’s Marlou Aquino was earlier fined P20,000 for a similar incident, although the Sta. Lucia center was spared from being suspended. – GMANews.TV

Thursday, July 2, 2009

TAMBAYAN NATIN




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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Pacquiao-Cotto Being Pushed By WBO as Title Bout

Francisco "Paco" Valcárcel, president of the WBO, is attempting to get the proposed bout, between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, approved as a welterweight title fight. Paco has asked the WBO's board to place Pacquiao in the number one position for the bout with Cotto, the current WBO champion, and sanction it as a title fight - if the two sides finalize the November 14 showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The move to place Pacquiao in the number one spot will raise some issues with some of the other contenders in the rankings, but it really doesn't matter because if Pacquiao wins the crown, it's likely that he will return to 140-pounds and not stick around 147 - unless he decides to defend the title against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2010. If Pacquiao wins and then vacates the title, the two highest contenders below him will face off for the vacant belt.

"I made a request to the committee to place Pacquiao in the number one position for the fight for Cotto's title," said Paco to Primera Hora . "I've already spoke with Bob Arum [promoter of Cotto and Pacquiao] and agreed the fight will be for the title."

Gabriel Peñagarícano, the legal advisor for Cotto, spoke to the paper and said the title being at stake is one of the points being negotiated by both sides.

"Miguel's title is part of the negotiations that are still ongoing," Peñagarícano said. "It will be one of the aspects to consider during the fight discussions. [There are people] saying the agreement is signed, that's not true. The only thing we agreed on is the fight being at 145-pounds."

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Pacquiao-Cotto Being Pushed By WBO as Title Bout

Francisco "Paco" Valcárcel, president of the WBO, is attempting to get the proposed bout, between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, approved as a welterweight title fight. Paco has asked the WBO's board to place Pacquiao in the number one position for the bout with Cotto, the current WBO champion, and sanction it as a title fight - if the two sides finalize the November 14 showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The move to place Pacquiao in the number one spot will raise some issues with some of the other contenders in the rankings, but it really doesn't matter because if Pacquiao wins the crown, it's likely that he will return to 140-pounds and not stick around 147 - unless he decides to defend the title against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2010. If Pacquiao wins and then vacates the title, the two highest contenders below him will face off for the vacant belt.

"I made a request to the committee to place Pacquiao in the number one position for the fight for Cotto's title," said Paco to Primera Hora . "I've already spoke with Bob Arum [promoter of Cotto and Pacquiao] and agreed the fight will be for the title."

Gabriel Peñagarícano, the legal advisor for Cotto, spoke to the paper and said the title being at stake is one of the points being negotiated by both sides.

"Miguel's title is part of the negotiations that are still ongoing," Peñagarícano said. "It will be one of the aspects to consider during the fight discussions. [There are people] saying the agreement is signed, that's not true. The only thing we agreed on is the fight being at 145-pounds."
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