Undermanned Semis Series

Well, I would be lying if I say I congratulate BGSM's win with all my heart. The truth is, I congratulate them for winning the semis and making it into the finals, but not for beating TNT.

Going into semifinals is a familiar feeling for the Tropang Texters as they have been into playoffs for the last 3 or 4 years. But what puts them into an unfamiliar place being in the semis is the fact that they were outnumbered by the opposing team in terms of key players. TNT has been playing undermanned for the past seasons and conferences but this time was one of the severest of them all. They played without the Captain Mighty Mouse Jimmy Alapag, The Machine Gun Kelly Williams, The Daredevil Jared Dillinger, and just recently, the versatile bigman Ranidel de Ocampo, all of whom did not play because of injuries and sickness. The team were brought by the remaining key players like Reyes, Fonacier and Castro with their reinforcement Tony Mitchell.

 I have to admit Mitchell was good in different plays and he has the moves but he's a bit off in "sharing." He goes down to the defense of the opposing team and most of the time, he makes his shots. But what he has to realize is he's playing for a team and he should act like a team player. Well, we cannot blame him for not fitting in to the playing style of TNT because he was brought in just less than a week ago. I have to commend him for all his contributions to the team and I'm sure that given the time and training with the team, he will be one of the best imports in the next conference.

As to TNT's lost in the semis, nothing was wasted for they played with all their hearts. They may be lacking in terms of players but they were full of determination and inspiration to win for their injured teammates. With Pamboy Raymundo, Aaron Aban, John Ferriols and Rich Alvarez standing up for the team, the Tropang Texters almost survived against the team that brought with them the advantage of having numerous back-ups off court. Their determination to win was enough for us to keep on believing. Someday we will again see that unstoppable TNT playing in the court with all the injured players healed. 

P.S

I really don't like it when Coach Al gather his players at the center of the court. He's like showing off his players when all he did was to just to win the semis.

I also didn't like it when LA Tenorio backs up his fouled teammate and talk improperly to the player who committed the foul. Why doesn't he just mind his own business and refrain from entering into other people's plays? Doesn't he realize that fouling is part of the games and if he wants his teammate to be tough in receiving fouls, he should not be always involved and let them accept the foul calmly.

And what is it with Coach Al's remarks that TNT plays dirty? Does he have eyes? Can't he see that his players are also playing "dirty" or was he blinded by his ambition to please the fans and get into the finals? TNT was just playing a physical game not because they want to but because they have to having a small line up. 

When V-Mack deliberately pushed RDO.

Pamboy Raymundo getting hurt.

You see, this team has a lot of fans and I know that they have to win their games for their fans. But you don't have to accuse the other team just to make yours look like you won against a tough dirty team. TNT will not be called a "Powerhouse Dynasty" if not for their talented and honest players. 

And by the way, these are my opinion. I may be right or wrong but these sentiments reflect my ideas about the games. 

Nothing will ever make me admire you less. As long as you stay whole and humble, TNT will always be in my heart. 

#TNTNation
#KeepTheFaith
#WeBelieve

The All Star Experience

It was an overwhelming experience as I had the chance to get close and meet my favorite players in the PBA. The All Star weekend held in Digos City was really exciting and I felt heaven when I saw those players I admire in person.

I never really thought I would get close to them and even have our picture taken together. My mind is already set about watching them play live in Davao del Sur Coliseum Sunday night and admire them from afar. But when I had the chance to see them in there staying area here in Davao City, I grabbed the opportunity and waited alongside my friends in Marco Polo Hotel. It was very fun and exciting as we watch players come and go. We got the chance to get close to them, have our picture taken together and even talk to some. Well, I guess that’s really lucky of us fans to be given that chance.

The players I really wanted to see and meet in person were Jimmy Alapag, Larry Fonacier, Ranidel de Ocampo and Jason Castro, all from my dear team Talk N Text Tropang Texters. I didn’t get the chance to be near RDO and JC because I didn’t see them in the hotel. I saw LF in person and had a picture with him. He’s very handsome on TV but more up close. Maybe, if his career in basketball is over (hopefully not yet) he can be an actor or a model. His monicker “Babyface Assassin” really suits him well.

The best part of the experience came when I saw my idol Jimmy Alapag. He was so kind and accommodating and generous. The moment I saw him, I literally grabbed his arms and never let go until I had the chance to have our picture taken together. Then, all the other fans waiting surrounded him and I was shoved to one side of the area, watching him and smiling to myself. A moment later, I found JA alone in a chair waiting for their service to arrive. I hesitated at first but then seized the opportunity and talked to him. I told him that I’ve been a fan for so many years and I was so happy to finally meet him in person. He sat there, listening to me as I talked frantically because I was really nervous. Then, when I finished talking, Jimmy Alapag started to take one of his ballers off and gave it to me. I was so happy. I felt lucky. I wasn’t really expecting anything from him but I got a memento that I will surely treasure forever.

Jimmy Alapag's baller. :)

One of my biggest dreams came true when I saw Jimmy Alapag and the rest of the players. It may seem so small for other people but it’s big for me. I grew up watching them play since I was 11 and I’m turning 20 this year. Almost 9 years of watching, cheering, following and praying for them and I finally saw my dream in person.

Some pictures. :)

with Jeff Chan, Willie Miller, Pamboy Raymundo and Gabe Norwood

with Paul Lee, Ronald Tubid, Jervy Cruz, Beau Belga and Chris Ellis

with Calvin Abueva, JVee Casio, Cyrus Baguio and Sonny Thoss

with Gilas' Sonny Thoss, Marc Pingris, Jeff Chan, Gabe Norwood and Captain Jimmy Alapag

One of the disadvantages of being a fan is emotional attachment. Whenever something bad happens to the person you admire, you feel down. In basketball, whenever your team loses, you suffer emotionally. But the good thing is, when your team wins, it gives you happiness that will put that smile in your face for a long time. 

J

TNT Tropang Texters

Basketball is a man's game. It is not only about good shooting skills and defensive plays but it's also about hard work and team work. Being a basketball player entails a lot of determination not just to win games but to win CHAMPIONSHIPS. I may not be a basketball player myself, (not because I am a girl), but I have an idea of how it is to be a player on court. Watching my team play, it's like I'm playing with them. I shout with the coach and I play with the players; I analyze game plans with the assistant coaches and I watch like the referees. But the most important contribution I have for my favorite team is praying for them. 

The Talk N Text Tropang Texters have always been my inspiration aside from God and my family. Since Grade 6, (now I'm an incoming senior in college), I always watch their games. I am there to celebrate victories with them and to accept defeats with them. Willie Miller and Jimmy Alapag are my favorite members of the team but of course, all the rest of the players of the team have a special place in my heart. It was a big blow to me when Miller was traded to other team. I cried because I cannot accept it but eventually, I realized that God has a purpose for everything. I continued supporting the team. Players and coaches come and go. Coach Joel Banal was replaced by Coach Chot Reyes. Ritualo, Washington, and Cardona became TNT players but were also traded to other teams. Really, basketball fate is unpredictable. 

Now, with the current members of the team, I cannot ask God for more. They are more than enough for me and all of them are very special to me. Alapag remained my number one idol because of his distant three point shooting skill and his very cool aura on court but the rest of the team also deserved special mention. Larry Fonacier and his three point shooting and "baby-faced" appearance on court made me like him as a player and I know he deserved to be the MVP. Ryan Reyes and his stealing skill, Jayson Castro and his ala-"blur" movement, Jared Dillinger and his energetic approach, Bam Gamalinda and his positive actions and support for the team, Ranidel de Ocampo and his three-point shooting skill and funny behavior, Kelly Williams and his defensive skill and spiritual support for the team- all of those are just some of the innumerable reasons why I love the team. Harvey Carey, Ali Peek, Japeth Aguilar, Rich Alvarez, Gilbert Lao and Pamboy Raymundo complete the team and brought it to where it is now. Of course, the father of TNT and TNTNation, Coach Chot Reyes is the great mind behind the team's success. Now when I look at the team, I thank God for them and I cannot thank Him enough for all the victories and championships TNT has been in to. 

Onward Talk N Text Tropang Texters! The TNTNation will always be here for all of you and will support you all the way. Keep the faith Tropa.

One Team. One Nation. One Goal.

No Quit. All Heart. Laban TROPA. 

#TNTNation

Smart Gilas Pilipinas, "It's All About Heart."

So many articles written for the team, so many good comments given to them, so many praises reached their Twitter and Facebook accounts; yes, the whole country celebrated victory with them. But only few knew the real sacrifices they gave for them to be called the CHAMPIONS.

Smart Gilas 2 schedule of games.

With less than a month of training, the team never thought of winning the title. Armed with their insufficient training but more than enough courage and faith partnered with their big hearts for basketball and for the country, the Smart Gilas Pilipinas pulled it up with the amazing victory against the big men of USA. After that winning shot which gave the team a one point lead, the Filipinos cheered and celebrated as the buzzer beats. 

Yes. At last, after fourteen years of waiting and training, the country has once again bagged a championship crown. Who would’ve thought that the team which seemed the most unprepared for the games will prepare themselves for accepting gold. Who would’ve thought that the team who appeared to have an incomplete line up because of the players with great talents not being able to join would appear so whole with the smallest man standing up during the toughest fight. Yes, the team was not prepared, not complete, but their hearts filled it all for them. This team was definitely not the strongest. But they surely have the greatest heart and faith.

After winning the title.

The country was once again honored with this win in the 2012 Jones Cup. Coach Chot Reyes has, once again, done a great job. But, as Coach Chot said it, we need to move forward. With the incoming challenge of the 2012 FIBA Asia Cup, the team will once again be tested. This time, it will be tougher, more challenging. We do not expect to win gold again. But we believe in the power of the country’s faith combined with the whole team’s heart. PUSO ika nga.

Go Team Pilipinas.

WALANG IMPOSIBLE!

#SmartGilas2

#KeeptheFaith

The Tropa's Rest

This is a late post. This message for my team, TNT Tropang Texters, was made after they lost their game against Brgy. Ginebra that ousted them for the 2011-2012 Governor's Cup Finals. But I still want to post it. :) 

For my team, 

We lost. We got eliminated. We will not be in the championship picture.

But more than the loss are the lessons learned, experiences obtained, and respect earned.

The Talk N text Tropang Texters will always have the true heart of a Champion.

The TNTNation's hopes are still high and it will be a well-deserved rest for the team. You worked hard and made your way up to the team standings. You may fall short for this cup's championship but you never failed in making the TNTNation proud.

Onward mga Katropa. The ball is round and this is a necessary trip to the bottom. We will rise again; higher when the time comes.

For now, let's focus on making proud not only the TNTNation but the whole country as well. We'll be counting on you and the rest of the players for an honor for the country. Go Smart Gilas 2! Go Team Pilipinas!

#TNTNation

#KeeptheFaith

#RiseHigher