THE 1988 UAAP CHAMPIONSHIP – 2nd HALF

John Edel Cardel gets the rebound

The second half started the same way the games started with Dindo Pumaren getting the ball, driving to the middle of the paint to score and helped get La Salle back to the game. The Blue Eagles started slowly once again and Pumaren took advantage as he scored nine points for the Grene Archers to inch closer to Blue Eagles 47 – 44. But just as the Archers come closer, 52- 53, the Eagles would counter back and manage to fight back as Jun and Eric Reyes tried to carry the fight once again by scoring in and out. Eric provided the inside presence while Jun Reyes started to find his shot as he canned a three pointer in the face of Jonas Mariano and in the return play, got the rebound and ran coast to coast to score on a fastbreak to give the Eagles breathing room 63 – 57 with six minutes and thirty six seconds remaining.  It was at this point that the De La Salle Green Archers waged their last ditch effort to salvage a win by countering with 9 – 2 attack. This started with a Pumaren triple, two free throws by their one and done player George Peralta, a jumper by Cardel and another two points from Monasterio as the Green Archers seized the upperhand 66 – 65 with four minutes and thirty seconds to go.

 

It's winning time for the Blue Eagles

It was at this point where the champion team showed up and showed how a champion team handles pressure and how a champion team overcomes the adversity.  The experience that Blue Eagles had in their previous years from Juniors champions to last season came to full display as they executed their plays to perfection. After Danny Francisco split his charities to tie the count at 66 – all, the Archers moved the ball around and the ball landed in Monasterio’s hands, considering the fact the scored the go-ahead basket, Monasterio drove hard to the basket. Unfortunately for him, while he was about to drive to the hoop, Seph Canlas positioned himself well and drew the charge from Monasterio. That call was crucial because it was also the fifth foul of Monasterio and he joined George Peralta who have fouled out earlier.  Canlas was awarded two free throws which he calmly sank to give back the lead to the Blue Eagles 68 – 66 with three minutes and forty nine seconds left in the game. Knowing that La Salle would need a basket to tie the count Jet Nieto gave a good  challenge to Pumaren’s shot that rattled off the ring. Danny Francisco collared the rebound and rifled of a pass to a running Jun Reyes and then boom 70 – 66. 

Jun Reyes delivered when it mattered the most

In that play, Reyes started his run when he saw Francisco was about to collar the rebound. Francisco threw the ball like a quarterback and hit Jun Reyes on the run as he was accelerating to the frontcourt and Dindo Pumaren was all gassed up and didn’t even challenge and then boom, another field goal and the Blue Eagles were up by four. In the next play Cardel drove to the hoop, attracted the defense and dropped off to Joey Sta. Maria who went straight to the basket for the two points and in the process got fouled by Eric Reyes.  The green side of the coliseum erupted again as Sta. Maria was given a chance to bring the Archers to just one point. Just like a bad nightmare that kept on haunting them, the Archers Achilles heel in this game were their free throws and the cool Joey Sta. Maria missed his bonus shot again.  Eric Reyes got the rebound, gave it to Jun Reyes who saw that the Archers have not yet got down on defense and then made a forward pass to Joseph Canlas who was all alone on the right wing. Just two plays before Canlas has just made two free throws and was feeling good so he let fly  a jumper that swished the net to give the Blue Eagles a four-point lead again 72 - 68. The next play was the defining moment of the game. Knowing that the Archers will go to Sta. Maria once again whose strong move to the basket got Eric Reyes’ fourth foul, Jun Reyes just stayed put. 

Danny Francisco had 14 points and pulled down 25 rebounds

In the next play, the archers moved the ball and as the Blue Eagles expected the ball went to Sta. Maria on the low post. After receiving the ball, Sta. Maria faced the basket, attacked the paint and then dribbled to the left to make his patented spin move   – a move he made a couple of plays ago as he eluded Eric Reyes for a basket. After establishing his position, Joey spun to his left side and as he was about to complete his spin he lost the ball. Jun Reyes was waiting for him to make his move and suddenly came out of his blind side,  swiped the ball away, and like a thief running from the police darted to the Ateneo frontcourt to score another fastbreak and give the Blue Eagles a six point lead 74 – 68 with two minutes and thirty three seconds left.  That basket sent the Ateneo gallery to a roar and the cheers of “One Big Fight” became louder and louder. With two minutes and thirty-three seconds remaining and a six-point lead, all the Eagles have to do now is to play good defense to win the game. Coach Fritz Gaston is a master of defensive tactics. In this game, he put multiple guys to guard Dindo Pumaren. Most of the time he alternated Joseph Canlas and Jet Nieto on him, in the first half he even inserted Raymund Morales to buy some time for the other defenders. Jet Nieto is taller, bigger and tougher than him and most of the time Pumaren had to hurry his shots because he seems distracted shooting on someone taller than him. At oftentimes when Nieto would go under the pick Pumaren would get open and take advantage of it as seen in one of Pumaren’s three point shots. But during crunch time, Jet Nieto did not even try to attempt a shot, he reserved all his energy to stopping Dindo Pumaren because as he said, you stop Dindo you stop a big chunk of their offense. Nieto was right, after calling a timeout, the Archers went to Pumaren and Nieto challenged his shot that resulted in an air-ball that visibly irked Pumaren. 

Jet Nieto's defense on Pumaren was a big factor

The next Ateneo offensive misfired and then La salle went on a fastbreak play as  the ball found its way to Pumaren again. As Dindo got to the paint two defenders met him and Nieto who was following him in transition tapped the ball. After that ball tap Pumaren regained control of the ball, got off balance that made him dribble the ball with both hands and was called for a double dribble violation. The Green Archers were beginning to be desperate at this time, unfortunately for them they failed to capitalize on the miscues of the Blue Eagles in the last minute and thirty-two seconds. Danny Francisco was on the line after getting a foul from Dickie Bachman. Danny missed his two free throws and when the Archers got the ball back Jonas Mariano suddenly a let go of a hurried three point shot that missed its mark. As the Blue Eagles prepare for another offensive foray Dindo Pumaren fouled Seph Canlas who then missed the front end of a one and one. Richard del Rosario got the rebound and located Dindo Pumaren right away who raced to their frontcourt and fired a desperation three that looked so desperate it missed the mark. Luckily, Dindo followed the path of the ball that bounced to him and was fouled on the rebound play. Pumaren, who missed four free throws in the first half, scored on the two gift shots to cut the Ateneo lead to four 70 – 74 with 48 seconds left in the game.  

Banners came out saying "Look who's #1"

The Archers mathematically still had a chance in this game but poor decision-making really doused their chances of winning.  After Dindo’s second free throw the Archers made a full court press to get the ball back. The Eagles chopped some time off the clock before getting fouled and waived the foul shots to be able to milk the clock again with 39.6 seconds left in the game. As the Eagles ran the clock down Jonas Mariano got hold of a tapped ball and sent a forward pass to Lincoln Lim who went up for a lay-up but was blocked by Eric Reyes.  Joseph Canlas got the ball, passed it to Jun Reyes and he found Danny Francisco darting to the basket, hit Danny with a pass and Danny dunked the ball. The referees called a travelling infraction on Francisco which we think was a bad call but Danny just laughed that off. 

Team Captain Joseph Canlas had an impressive game

The Archers then got the ball out and as Pumaren passed the midcourt line Nieto was already positioned to meet him way before the three point area. Pumaren heaved another three pointer from way out that Nieto again contested and the result was another miss by Pumaren.  Danny Francisco grabbed the rebound number 25 for the day and was fouled with 2.5 seconds left. Nieto’s no nonsense defense on Pumaren was so exceptional that Dindo missed his last six field goals in the last six minutes of the game. That's zero out of six in the last six!  Francisco then canned the two free throws and everyone raised their fists to the Ateneo gallery who were holding banners of “Look who’s #1!” as the Blue Eagles beat the La Salle Green Archers 76 – 70 to win their second consecutive UAAP Men’s Basketball title. Again the Ateneo Blue Eagles have proven that when the stakes are harder, the Blue Eagles  fly higher!

 

THE 1988 UAAP MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS - THE ATENEO BLUE EAGLES

THE LEGACY

This season was filled with so many controversies, struggles and difficulty.  First was the loss to DLSU in the first round. But like what the players said then, that loss helped them become united and overcome the problems that came their way. Next was their top scorer leaving the team that was sad to note but the team focused more on what they can control and not what they cannot. This debacle helped the Blue Eagles work harder in their practices, re-focus and cover up one’s absence. Third was the game against UP that was filled with controversy but eventually after a few weeks was settled. Lastly Jun Reyes getting sick before the game against DLSU.  When Jun went back to the bench he was given aid through an oxygen tank. He was asked to inhale the oxygen to keep him fresh through the game. Just like what a lot of motivators share to their teams to motivate them – “There is no problem, just opportunities!” This team, the 1988 Ateneo Blue Eagles rose above all those problems which became opportunities for each and every one to shine and reason behind it is simple – next man up!

 

NEXT BLOG: THE BLUE BABBLE BATTALION

ECQ Feels

Marinated shrimps ready for the picking

The Vegies - How Dip is your love

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

Yummy Feels

A closer view: Product shot

Another Shrimp Recipe - Oil & Garlic Shrimp Pasta

ECQ Homemade Food

Meet the Meatballs

At first i was afraid to eat a Picha pie

Cookies and Cream of the crop Homemade Ice Cream

Roast Pork

THAI FOOD: JEH O CHULA

Ever since I first visited Bangkok in 2004 I fell in love with Tom Yum. So when I was planning the trip I tried to look for the best restaurants to eat Tom Yum and I am lucky I found one. The restaurant is Jeh O Chula  pronounced "Jay OH." One thing I discovered in this food trip in Bangkok its that its never about the restaurant but its always about the food. Looking a the place you would say that this local restaurant serves just about the average thai food but the long queues will suggest that it is not just your ordinary thai restaurant for this is the home of  Tom Yum Mama Noodles.

Diners here are on plastic stools while there is a long queue outside this very simple and modest restaurant and a lot of people are saying that they come to eat Jey Oh's Tom Yama stir fried clams and crab Soi Charat. A lot of foreigners though have another interest which is the Tom Yum Mama Noodles which is available from 10:00 pm onwards. A little word of advice, If you are to eat here better look for the promo in Klook and you can be given a seat rightaway. That is why I got the meal set for 4-6 people that cost P3,517.00 (THB 2,246.23) although we were seven. Here is the set.

Fried Pork Neck, Fatty but delicious.

Spicy Salmon Sashimi this dish is a must try and most of the people lined up are also eating this. You can add another dish for THB 250/450

Their Crispy Pork is similar to our Crispy Pork Liempo but cooked the Thai way

Another added dish, their Thai Omelette

The star of the evening the Tom Yum Mama Noodles. Besides the Yummy broth this dish has ready to eat crab meat,  some katsu, shrimps, eggs, meaballs and underneath that broth are instant noodles that we did not even finish. For me. having this dish is worth the trip. This restaurant was included in Thailand's Michelin Bib Gourmand. Bib Gourmand's have been awarded to restaurants offering good quality menu for a modest price. 

As mentioned we were seven (six in the pic) and just had water and  enjoyed our meal. The address of the restaurant is seen below. From the condo we rented we just hailed two Grab Taxis going there and back and we did not have any problems. 

JEH O CHULA

113/1 Thanon Charat Mueang,

Rong Mueang, Bangkok 10330

Thailand,

Opening Hours: 5:30 PM – 1:00 AM

 

MALINGAP CENTRAL

When you happen to go to Maginhawa St. in Teachers Village, there is a food park that i would definitely recommend. Malingap Central located at Malingap St. which is just adjacent to Maginhawa St. The place has lots of good food and I believe is the only air conditioned food park - Check it out!

The TACOS are GOOD

This one is kinda like a Nachos with great sauce

Korean Stuff thats so Yummy

You can see the meat, spicy broth and the noodles

This one is another blockbuster their Chicken BBQ

Takoyaki very Tasty

The Star of the Show - KAPALMUKS! ORiginally from Pepetons but they have somewhat a branch here named Kapalmuks by Pepetons. Pepetons signature dish

We ordered two Kapalmuks and we were not able to finish eat, I mean finish it!

What a nice way to end the week and the month a nice dinner at a nice food park

Customary Selfie Guys!

Even my baby girl was stuffed hahaha

A July Solstice

Took a pic passing by

I had a meeting at 8 Rockwell Building which was near the Power Plant Mall. First I was amazed at the security measures of the building since they gave me back my ID after scanning it. They eventually gave me a card that I had to swipe going in and swipe again for the elevators.   Great security. After our meeting I was asked to join my prospective event sponsors for lunch at Solstice which was at the ground floor of their building.

These are my Salad Days

It was unfortunate that I was running late for another meeting so I had to eat and run once the food was served. In the little time that I was in the restaurant I was amazed at one of the owners who greeted us and called on the waiter to assist us in our needs.

A little heavy on the belly

A quick look at their menu showed that they their appetizers plenty of diverse food namely Beef Salpicao, Chilean Black Mussels, Avocado Supreme and Swiss Cheese Fondue. Instead of the appetizers I went for the Caeasar’s Salad with its crisp romaine and crispy bacon. 

The Chicken was very tasty

I didn’t go for the soup either but got the Pomodoro Pasta and we also settled for the Garlic Shrimp Pizza. I wanted to eat light since I was going to another meeting in Laguna and didn’t want to go there stuffed. My lunch mate ordered their Chicken Dish and after a few minutes I hit it off. It’s so nice to be treated for lunch especially when you are in a rush.

Delicious Shrimp in the Pizza

The name Solstice is derived from the astronomical transitions that happens in June and December. For their full menu check out the Blog Our Awesome Planet where you can check every detail of what they serve. For me on a simple Tuesday this day in July, I was just passing by and admired what i had for lunch.

photos were taken from my Samsung phone

Brad & Pits Ribshack: Angelina would love these chops

If you believe in the saying that there is a parallel universe, then you can say that Maginhawa street in Quezon City is the parallel universe of Lilac Street in Marikina. If you are in search of great food then you would understand what I am saying. The explorer in us brought us to Lilac Street in Marikina one Sunday morning and have our lunch at Brad & Pits Ribshack.

From the Restaurants name alone you would know that the specialty of the house is baby back ribs. Since we had no prior knowledge of the place we just asked what their specialty is and the four of us ordered separately to have a taste of each and every dish we ordered.

Rothz ordered the Spicy rib Pomodoro which is a Baby Back ribs dish served with Pasta instead of the  usual rice that goes with it. Considering that the dish costs P 189.00 you can say that its quite okay with the serving and the taste was okay for its price. I ordered the Rib Mountain Baby Back Ribs which was enough for my appetite.

Krisvi on the other hand tried a different dish. She tried the Chicken wings and upgraded the Mashed potatoes for her side dish. I tasted the wings and nice to say it did not disappoint. RJ tried their basic Spicy Baby Back ribs which had 

For their drinks their Naturally brewed "Allmytea" Iced tea caught my eye. I don't usually drink Iced tea but this one was quite tasty and I liked the taste specially when poured on a glass of ice cubes. For those looking for something new check out this restaurant. Their menu is flexible specially if you want to eat a lot or just want something on your stomach. 

BRAD & PIT’S RIBSHACK

116 Lilac St, SSS Village, Concepcion Dos,

Marikina, 1811 Metro Manila

LuzViMinda a celebration of the Filipino Cuisine

The Executive Chief Eater & The Executive Chef 

Filipino Cuisine has a very rich history and the beauty of it is that is has so many influences and so many variations that has come to the more than 7000 islands in our country.  I myself, am a witness how my favorite Sisig is prepared and done differently in Pampanga, in Cebu and in Gen. San.  There are times when I crave to go to Cebu to get a taste of the famous Cebu Lechon, at the same time I want to go back to Gen San to taste the freshest Tuna Sashimi I’ve ever tasted.

The Gigantic Yellowfin Tuna guards the food 

Fortunately, F1 Hotel Manila started LuzViMinda to promote our rich Filipino Cuisine.  Now on its second year, LuzViMinda – Ikalawang Serye gathers together different Chefs from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to showcase their talents in whipping up the best of the best of what their islands have to offer.  Led by F1 Hotel's Executive Chef Sau del Rosario, I must admit I learned a lot from him and from other Chefs about Filipino cuisine which made my eating much more appreciated. Lets take a look at what they have prepared for our Filipino people.

We all know that the Maki is of Japanese descent. This time around, the Luzon Chefs created the Bagnet Dinuguan Maki a fusion of the Japanese dish with Filipino creativity. Obviously the Dinuguan created the coloring of the Maki which adds curiosity to how it was done. On the other hand the Bagnet , an Ilocano delicacy, is partnered with the mango to give this new concoction a very sumptuous taste.

If the Luzon Chefs created the Bagnet Dinuguan Maki, the Visayan chefs on the other hand came out with their own version with the Tinapa and Salted Egg Maki. This is a personal favorite of mine and I liked the combination of the Tinapa and Salted Egg which made me get more since i enjoyed its heavenly taste.  

Mindanao Chefs on the other hand made use of a famous Gen. San resource as the Seared Tuna and Mangosteen reduction was a thing of beauty. Imagine putting the Tuna at the middle of two watermelons, marvel at the imagination of the Chefs.

As far as I know there is scarcity of seafoods in Luzon but that does not deter Luzon Chefs from creating a masterpiece. Here is the "Kinunot na Pagi" which as a kid I loved eating in the streets. I must admit, Hotel food tastes really better and it leaves a lasting impression on you. As they say there is always a sting when you eat a stingray!

I don't know where i got the idea that the Visayan dish Balbacua is a fish dish. I might have confused it with something else. Chef Editha Singian explained to me that the Balbacua actually comes from the Oxtail. She also added that sometimes a lot of budget conscious Filipinos use boiled pig knuckles as an alternative. 

Another one of the inventive recipes of the Chefs from Mindanao is the Crispy Catfish salad.  When they say crispy it really is and it really makes you want to come back for more.

This was the dish I was dying to taste but for uric acid purposes, my inner self took the best in me and told me not to do so.  Just look at it, the assortment of the way these oysters were done. Luzonians did the "Pako" version while the "Inasal" version which is distinctively Visayan is how our southern brothers made them while the "Pineapple salsa" version is how they do it in Mindanao.

This is another exciting dish and as my friends say, my favorite. Ceviche or "Kinilaw" as we know it is highlighted through three different versions depending on which island you come from. The "Bicolano Kinilaw", the Visayan "Nilagpang Tuna" and the Mindanao's "Dabaw Kinilaw." If you were to ask me what my favorite is, I would say ALL!

Here is another popular dish done in three ways - the Sisig. The first sisig featured here is how the Kapampangans do their popular dish - the Pork Sisig. The picture in the middle is the Visayan's Chicken Inasal Sisig. Lastly, the Gen. Santos City version of Tuna Sisig is the picture  to the right. As I mentioned, one dish three versions.

A lot of desserts were on hand but I started out with one of my all time favorites - the Puto at kutsinta. As you can see there is no more need to partner it with Dinuguan since in itself the puto was so tasty and the violet color makes you wonder if Barny also likes to eat this.

Now this is just showing how Visayans mix and match food.  The result of their experiment is the Ube Otap Tiramisu. Otap,  is the most popular  pasalubong when someone comes home  from Cebu while Tiramisu is a famous Italian dessert. If you mix the two then here is the result - a very yummy dessert.

As Chef Victor Barangan said, the most pictured food is Mindanao's crowning glory - the Durian Panna cotta.  Another ingenious dish which is a masterpiece as the Chef used the young durian as a vessel of the panna cotta. I must admit I am quite amazed by it.

Now if you want to try this buffet and celebrate our Independence with a hearty meal, then go to F1 Hotel Manila at the Fort. The hotel is located at the 32nd St. just in front of S & R and St. Luke's Hospital. The restaurant is at the third floor of the F1 Hotel Manila. LuzViMinda 2  a celebration of Filipino Cuisine will run from June 12 - 26, 2014 so lets go back to trace our Filipino roots by going to the F All day dining restaurant to let your native tongue feast on the best of Filipino cuisine.