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