Tropang Texters hold off Painters

Source: By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Shawn Daniels manned the boards and the Talk n Text locals provided the firepower as they held off the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 99-96, in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.

Ranidel de Ocampo, Jimmy Alapag, Jason Castro and Macmac Cardona made at least 14 points each as the Tropang Texters broke into the win-column after losing to the Barangay Ginebra Kings on opening day.

The Elasto Painters had a chance to force overtime but Gabe Norwood missed an off-balanced three-point shot in the closing seconds.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer and Coca-Cola both go for a second straight win as they collide in the first offering of the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour series in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental today.

“I’m very, very disappointed. It’s nice to win but we have to be able to close out the game when we have the chance. We’re just lucky Gabe missed that shot,” said Talk n Text coach Chot Reyes.

“It’s very disappointing. They (the Elasto Painters) kept on finding ways to get back. We just couldn’t close out the game,” Reyes also said.

The Texters appeared to have won the contest with a 97-90 lead in the last two minutes when the Painters waged a last-ditch attempt to salvage the game.

Jai Lewis scored a charity, JayR Reyes converted a twinner then Norwood banged away a three-pointer as Rain or Shine got back into fight at 96-98 with 6.8 ticks to go.

A split from the stripe by Castro a second later kept the possibility of overtime for Rain or Shine.

In the end, Talk n Text leaned on a good defensive effort to scuttle Rain or Shine’s bid.

De Ocampo redeemed himself from early exit on their last two games on flagrant fouls with a 20-point game he also laced with five rebounds.

The former St. Francis of Assisi stalwart went 7 of 8 from the field, scattering 15 points in the second half.

“We talked to Ranidel. I told him I’ll be the only one who will take him out of the court, not the referees,” said Reyes.

“The last time when he sat for three minutes, we lost a 12-0 run. When he came back, we’re already down by three. We kept reminding him about it,” Reyes added.

De Ocampo himself committed a flagrant foul that triggered Talk n Text’s walkout in their quarterfinals series with Ginebra in the last conference.

Alapag added 19 points, Castro chipped in 15 while Cardona contributed 14.

Daniels was good for only 13 points but he had a sterling effort defending Jai Lewis and hauling down 10 rebounds.

Rain or Shine dragged Talk n Text in a close game with Reyes and Lewis churning out double-double games. Reyes came through with 23 points and 13 rebounds while Lewis had 17 points and 20 rebounds.

Down by three, 46-49, at halftime, the Elasto Painters started with an 11-to-nothing run in the final half to race ahead at 57-49.

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Pacquiao underscores responsibility to nation

Source: By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - The world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao renewed his commitment to bring honor to the country – in and out of the ring – as he vowed to support Filipino fighters with the potential to achieve greatness in a statesmanlike speech before a jampacked audience of over 700 at the 10th Gabriel (Flash) Elorde Memorial Boxing Awards Night and Banquet of Champions in the Sofitel Hotel off Roxas Boulevard last Thursday.

Pacquiao, 31, was named an Elorde Hall of Famer for earning seven consecutive Boxer of the Year honors and becoming the first fighter ever to capture seven world titles in seven weight divisions. Six others were cited for their reigns as world champions last year – Nonito Donaire Jr., Gerry Peñalosa, Donnie Nietes, Brian Viloria, Marvin Sonsona and Rodel Mayol – although only two – Nietes and Mayol – join Pacquiao as titleholders today.

Pacquiao spoke about leaving a legacy and how bringing honor to the country “echoes into eternity” in an emotional speech where he thanked the support of fans and media for his success.

The ring icon said he will always be grateful to the Filipino nation. “I know our people are behind me in every fight, praying for my victory,” he remarked. “I realize my responsibility to our country which is why I work so hard to win, why I try to sign every autograph and pose for every picture I’m asked for. I only wish there were three Manny Pacquiaos to accommodate everyone asking for autographs and pictures.”

Pacquiao, dressed to the nines in a black suit with a striped tie, said he draws inspiration from Elorde, who reigned as world superfeatherweight champion for over seven years, and acknowledged the contributions of former titlists like Peñalosa and Luisito Espinosa in also bringing glory to the country.

It was the night before Pacquiao launched his campaign for the lone congressional seat in Sarangani province and his sentimental message evoked speculation of a possible retirement from the ring, perhaps after a megabuck showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. late this year. Although Pacquiao is at the peak of his career and experts insist he has at least three more competitive years left to fight at a high level, his mother Dionisia has expressed a preference for an early retirement.

Pacquiao and wife Jinkee were mobbed by fans as they entered the Sofitel tent where the Elorde family hosted not only the Awards Night and a sit-down dinner with a five-star P3,000 a-plate meal but also a six-fight boxing card.

Elorde’s widow Laura, 83, welcomed the guests, among whom were Rep. Bongbong Marcos and wife Lisa. Former world champions Dodie Boy Peñalosa and Rene Barrientos, Games and Amusements Board boxing chief Dr. Nasser Cruz, Monsignor Melchor David, US Embassy official and referee Gene LoBianco, former PBA coach Binky Favis and wife Ella, Thai promoter Naris Singwacha, boxing judge Alex Villacampa, Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz and international matchmaker Jun Sarreal. She was accompanied by her seven children – Malou, Bebot, Johnny, Teresa, Marty, Rita and Cucuy – 20 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Flying in from the US to attend the affair were Mrs. Elorde’s sister Lilia Lee, Malou and Bebot’s son Ivan and his family.

Wheelchair-bound Z Gorres arrived from Cebu to attend the festivities with wife Datches and received a thundering applause as program emcees Liza Elorde and Ted Lerner mentioned he was on the road to recovery after undergoing brain surgery in Las Vegas last year.

Pacquiao gave Gorrres a check for P1 million while Trainer of the Year awardee Buboy Fernandez, who could not attend, sent P50,000 in cash as his personal contribution for the fighter’s medical expenses.

Promoter of the Year awardee Michael Aldeguer also came in from Cebu and brought along his ALA stable stars, including Nietes, Milan Melindo, Rey (Boom Boom) Bautista, Michael Domingo and Jason Pagara.

Johnny Elorde, whose company organized the event, said the 10th edition was significant as it commemorated his father’s 25th death anniversary, the 50th anniversary of D’Flash’s knockout over Harold Gomes to win the world superfeatherweight crown at the Araneta Coliseum in 1960 and the late champion’s 75th birthday.

Johnny also mentioned that there was a “twist of luck” in the celebrations with the number 7. D’Flash held the world title for seven years from 1960 to 1967. Pacquiao has won seven world titles in seven divisions and was inducted as an Elorde Hall of Famer after seven straight Boxer of the Year awards. Seven Filipino fighters reigned as world champions last year and they ruled seven weight divisions.

Other awardees included North Cotabato Vice Gov. Manny Piñol as Manager of the Year, Silvestre Abainza as Referee of the Year and Mark Jason Melligen as Most Promising Boxer. Amateur fighters Charly Suarez and Annie Albania were cited for bagging gold medals at the last Southeast Asian Games.

In the fight card, Vinvin Rufino defeated Adonis Aguelo on points to retain his Philippine featherweight crown and Gretchen Abaniel repulsed Thailand’s Fahpratan Looksaikongdin via a unanimous 10-round decision to keep her WIBA minimumweight title. Flash Elorde’s grandsons Juan Martin (Bai) and Juan Miguel (Mig) chalked up knockout wins. Bai, 25, disposed of Thailand’s Kan Hamonkol in a superfeatherweight bout to raise his record to 10-0, while Mig, 23, stopped Anthony Balubar in a bantamweight contest.

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Perseverance pays off for PBA rookie

Source: By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Barako Coffee’s Jerwin Gaco holds the distinction of being the only rookie to break into the ongoing PBA Fiesta Conference and for the 29-year-old forward who was snubbed in the 2005 draft, the long wait was worth it.

Gaco couldn’t believe it at first when Barako coach Junel Baculi offered a one-year contract and said he would be in the Energy Masters’ roster starting this conference.

Eventually, reality sunk in. He reported for practice and was welcomed by his former PBL teammates Chad Alonzo, Rob Reyes, Jojo Duncil and Al Vergara. And last Sunday, Gaco made his PBA debut, compiling two points, two rebounds, one blocked shot and four fouls in 14 minutes, as Barako downed Sta. Lucia Realty, 97-93, at the Araneta Coliseum.

“I was nervous and excited,” said Gaco yesterday. “It’s a dream come true for me. It’s what I’d been praying for. I never lost hope. I wasn’t drafted in 2005. I tried out for Red Bull and Purefoods but didn’t make it. I knew if I worked hard, I would someday play in the PBA.”

Gaco suited up for Polytechnic University then transferred to La Salle where he teamed with Mac-Mac Cardona, Joseph Yeo and Rico Maierhofer. The 6-1 1/2 forward played on one La Salle UAAP title team and brought his winning ways to the PBL where he was a fixture on Mikee Romero’s seven championship squads.

Through the years, Gaco earned a reputation as a hard-nosed defender with a championship tradition. In his first overseas trip in 1999, Gaco played on a national high school selection that captured the Nike Invitational crown in Taipei. Among this teammates were James Yap, Paul Artadi and Romero’s basketball operations director Erick Arejola. The prep team was coached by George Gallent and topped the US, Japan, Korea and two Taiwan squads for the title.

Gaco also saw action for the Philippine Patriots that recently won the inaugural Asean Basketball League (ABL) diadem. Never staying idle, Gaco even played for Laguna in Liga Pilipinas during the PBL offseason.

The eldest of four children, Gaco lost his parents before he turned 19. His father Jaime, a seaman, died of cancer at 35 in 1995 and mother Estrella succumbed to leukemia at 36 four years later. With his parents gone, the orphaned Gaco became the family breadwinner and used his basketball earnings to send his sisters Jeaneileen and Jamaica and brother J. R. to school.

“It would’ve been special if my parents were still alive and saw me in the PBA but I know they’re watching over me,” said Gaco. “My sisters and brother have all graduated, thanks to basketball. It’s been a long journey for me. I remember when I tried out for La Salle, I was so intimidated that I brought along my best friend Ricky Alcantara for moral support. When I was signed by Barako, I got lots of texts from friends. Sabi nila, it’s about time.”

Gaco said as an undersized forward, his work is cut out for him in the PBA. “I’m used to the PBL’s physical play,” he went on. “In the PBA, it’s not as physical. Hand-checking isn’t allowed. I’m adjusting. I’m spending extra hours working on my perimeter shots to improve my offense. I know I have to be in condition all the time. I’ve never suffered any major injury and for that, I thank the Lord. I’m praying for a long career in the PBA.”

Gaco said he learned a lot from previous coaches Franz Pumaren, Tonichi Yturri, Dindo Pumaren, Gallent and Louie Alas. With Baculi, he is reunited from their Harbour Centre days and said he’s looking forward to contributing to Barako’s cause in any way possible.

“Coach Junel wants us to play hard,” he said. “It’s a big challenge for our team and for me since I’m just a rookie. One of my responsibilities is to defend imports. It’s something I hope to prove – that despite my size, I can do it. I never want to lose. I’m just so happy I was given a chance to play in the PBA.”

Gaco lives alone in Sta. Mesa. When his parents passed away, he was cared for by his uncle Leonilo Gaco in San Mateo. He stays in close touch with his grandmother Choleng Andrade in Quezon and grandfather Jose Gaco in Montalban.

In his free time, Gaco bonds with his two daughters Kirsten Anne, 5, and Jillian, 2.

“I have so much to be thankful for,” said Gaco. “I have two wonderful kids. Every chance they get to watch me play, they’ll be there. I’ve worked hard for my family. I persevered. I went from league to league, trying to earn as much as I could to send my brother and sisters to school. Even during hard times, God has always provided.”

Gaco said playing at the Big Dome last Sunday gave him goosebumps. “I didn’t know if I would play against Sta. Lucia,” he said. “The rule is 12 to play plus the import and we’re 15 in the lineup. But coach Junel gave me a chance. I even finished the game on the court and we won so it was very memorable for me.”

Arejola said Gaco deserves what he worked hard for. “He belongs in the PBA,” he said. “Mr. Romero is very, very proud of him. He always knew that someday, Jerwin would make it to the PBA. I call him a rookie veteran because he has so much experience. He’s a leader on the floor. He plays with a lot of intensity and energy. He’s a player whom all coaches look for. More than anything else, he’s a good person. He takes care of his family. He’s generous, disciplined and hard-working.”

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Floyd fight possible 'if the price is right'

Source: By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao, who said a few days ago he was thinking of retirement, said yesterday a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. might still happen.

“If the price is right,” said the 31-year-old multi-millionaire inside his 20th floor suite at the New World Hotel in Makati.

Pacquiao just came in after having lunch out with his wife Jinkee when he sat down with key members of Team Pacquiao, including his adviser, Wakee Salud.

The boxer then reacted to a recent story that came out of The STAR, where Salud said it would be quite impossible for Pacquiao to retire unless and until he fights Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The reigning pound-for-pound champion said he has no problem with that. But as of now, he considers himself “retired” as he gears up for his next big battle in the political ring.

“If the price is right,” repeated the boxing icon of a super-fight with Mayweather

“But I will focus first on the elections,” said Pacquiao, who is seeking a congressional seat in his home province of Saranggani in the May 10 national elections.

Someone told Pacquiao could earn as much as $50 million if he fights Mayweather.

“How much is $50 million? Two billion pesos?” the boxer asked as he munched on green mango.

Then he headed back to his room to rest before he proceeds to the Elorde Boxing Awards scheduled last night at Sofitel.

Pacquiao is fresh from his 12-round mismatch with Joshua Clottey in Dallas, and upon his return to Manila announced that he was thinking of retiring because that’s what his family wants.

But Salud said while Pacquiao has dominated the sport, winning 12 fights in a row and going unbeaten since 2005, it will be too hard for him to turn his back on the sport as long as Mayweather is around.

“Mayweather came out of retirement for only one reason: he wants to fight Manny Pacquiao. There’s no other reason. Mayweather knows he can make a lot of money facing Manny,” said the Cebuano matchmaker.

“As long as Mayweather is there, and they haven’t fought, it will be very tough for Manny to retire. The purse will be huge. How can he retire? And aside from the money, that Mayweather fight is the fight that the people will ask for. Manny is a boxer. He’s fighter. If he is called to a fight, he will fight Mayweather,” said Salud.

Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, said in a recent interview with 8countnews.com he believes his prized ward can go on fighting for the next three years.

“He loves the fight game, the way he trains, the way he works out, there’s three more years left in him,” said Roach, who said a while back he wants Pacquiao to retire once they’re done with Mayweather.

“I want him to beat Floyd, then he can retire and run for President if he wants to,” said Roach.

Mayweather, who still thinks he’s the best fighter in the world even if he had just come out of a retirement that almost lasted two years, will challenge WBA welterweight champion Shane Mosley on May 1 in Las Vegas.

And if Mayweather wins, all roads will lead to a fight with Pacquiao, and it could happen in November.

“He wants a big fight against Mayweather if Mayweather beats Mosley, [so] he’s not going anywhere yet,” Roach was quoted as saying.

“I like to see Manny retire after Mayweather but even that won’t happen,” he added.

But for now, Pacquiao considers himself “retired.”

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Yap All-Star poll frontrunner

Source: By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Derby Ace main man James Yap, the MVP race leader, is also the frontrunner in fan voting for players to make up the starting rosters for the PBA All-Star Game set April 25 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Yap is also a cinch to gain a spot in the South team which will seek a repeat of its victory the last time the North-versus-South format was used in the annual mid-season spectacle in 2008 in Bacolod.

Yap’s teammates Kerby Raymundo, Mark Pingris and Paul Artadi and Ginebra stalwarts Jayjay Helterbrand, Eric Menk, Cyrus Baguio and JC Intal are the other frontrunners.

Yap drew 28,844 votes through the last count and he’s likely to share the backcourt slots with Baguio (14,136).

Pingris, meanwhile, is No. 1 among players from the North with 20,540. He may well banner the North frontcourt along with Raymundo (19,558) and Intal (15,792).

With 15,916 votes, Helterbrand is top in the North backcourt together with Artadi (13,664).

Among the big men of the South, Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia is the top choice with 19,482 followed by Menk with 15,420 and old reliable Asi Taulava of Coca-Cola with 15,250.

Fans have a chance to cast their votes until April 4. Voting booths can be found at game venues either at the Araneta Coliseum or Cuneta Astrodome. Online voting is also available at www.pba.ph.

The rest of the players to comprise the North and South teams will be chosen by the league’s 10 coaches. A coach, however, can’t pick his own players.

Behind MVP Peter June Simon, the South edged out the North, 163-158, in overtime, 163-158, in Bacolod in 2008.

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Gin Kings go for No. 2 vs Realtors

Source: By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra goes for a second straight win and the solo lead versus Sta. Lucia Realty even as Rain or Shine, reunited with prolific import Jai Lewis, looks for a grand debut in taking on Talk n Text in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Astrodome today.

The Kings, runners-up to the San Miguel Beermen in this import-laden tourney last year, tackle the Realtors at 7:30 p.m. seeking a follow-up to their 97-90 whipping of the Texters on opening day.

The Texters try to rebound from that loss in their 5 p.m. tiff with the Rain or Shine team aching to plunge back into action with Lewis back in tow.

The Elasto Painters had their breakthrough showing in this tourney last year with the burly Lewis giving the team tremendous boost.

Lewis and Gabe Norwood were teammates at George Mason U that made it to the Final Four in the 2006 US NCAA championship.

The Texters, however, are confident that in Shawn Daniels, they have a reliable import to match up with Lewis.

Daniels is Talk n Text’s last-minute choice after dismissing original pick Eric Hicks then losing Mike Harris in a tug-of-war with the Philadelphia Sixers.

Harris, the all-time leading scorer and rebounder at Rice University, was about to sign with Talk n Text when he received an offer from the Sixers.

He previously played with the Houston Rockets and the Washington Wizards in the NBA.

“We already had an agreement that we would buy out his contract with his NBDL team (Rio Grandey Valley Vipers). The deal didn’t push through when the Sixers offer came,” said Talk n Text team manager Virgil Villavicencio.

Only Ginebra’s Awvee Storey has NBA credentials among all the imports currently playing in the tourney.

Storey, himself a former Washington Wizard, had a decent debut in Ginebra’s seven-point win over Talk n Text.

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Excelroof subdues Pharex in overtime

Source: By Joey Villar (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Excelroof leaned on the exploits of its San Sebastian standouts anew as it rallied to beat Pharex B-Complex, 97-87, in overtime in the opener of their PBL PG Flex Placenta Cup best-of-three title showdown at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Jimbo Aquino, Gilbert Bulawan and Calvin Abueva, vital cogs in the Stags’ NCAA title conquest last year, combined for 71 points as the 25ers overcame an early 17-point deficit to move within a win of completing a Cinderella feat.

Coach Ato Agustin and his chargers go for the crown in Game Two in the same venue tomorrow.

Abueva stepped up his game in overtime, drawing the sixth fouls of Vic Manuel, Ford Arao and Arvie Braganza in succession.

“He played big for us,” said Agustin of Abueva who finished with 20 points.

“We expect them to bounce back in Game Two but we will do our best to make it two in a row,” Agustin added.

Aquino made 27 points and Bulawan added 21 for the 25ers who showed tremendous poise and confidence in outlasting the Maroons in their gripping battle.

“We were patient. Our championship experience also helped us in this win,” said Agustin.

Woody Co, who finished with 16 points, hit three straight triples to help the Maroons erect a huge 48-31 lead in the third quarter.

But the 25ers didn’t give up, working on a furious fourth-quarter counterattack to surge ahead at 83-81.

Former Far Eastern U standout Marlon Adolfo hit buzzer-beater to force overtime.

Then Abueva took from there.

“I asked the boys to play aggressive in OT and they did,” said Agustin.

Aquino also came through with seven rebounds and four assists on top of his sizzling scoring effort while Bulawan and Abueva combined for 28 boards, three blocks and the same number of assists.

Excelroof’s amazing recovery from a 17-point deficit was the biggest comeback in the league since Hapee Toothpaste, currently on leave, rallied from 18 points down to beat Harbour Centre, 74-73, in Game One of the 2008 second conference finals.

Vic Manuel, a rookie out of PSBA who is one of the leading candidates for the MVP award, struggled and finished with only 10 points.

The scores:

Excel Roof 97– Aquino 27, Bulawan 24, Abueva 20, Raymundo 8, Bagatsing 7, Sangalang 6, Pascual 3, del Rio 2, Delgado 0, Taylor 0, Celada 0

Pharex B 87 – Co 16, Adolfo 13, Lopez 10, Arao 10, Manuel 10, Braganza 8, Reyes 7, David 6, Tecson 5, Hipolito 2, Sison 0, E. Reyes 0

Quarterscores: 12-17; 31-39; 54-62; 97-87

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