Parokya still at it after all these years

I remember my friend Mario de Castro telling me about this group composed of Ateneo students who were performing at Club Dredd. Since Club Dredd was owned and operated by a good friend Patrick Reidenbach, we eventually found ourselves drinking and watching them. That band actually failed in their initial bid to get a slot at the Club Dredd because when they auditioned like others who wanted to get in the bar, they played the normal songs that a band in the 1990's would play. After getting frustrated from that bad audition, the band eventually tried other gimmicks   The group became cross dressers and they found themselves changing the lyrics of the  songs they were singing which made their act funnier.

That eventually got them noticed and then the rest as they say is history as they eventually started to get a following which led to an album. That as they say is one of the few stories on how "Parokya  ni Edgar" became a household name. I myself got to perform with them in Club Dredd. Mario's brother Raul produced a show in Club Dredd back in 1995 and he also asked me to perform in that show. I would have wanted to emcee instead but Raul insisted that I perform and so I did. 

magine, I had Parokya ni Edgar as my front act.  Honestly speaking, my performance then sucked since I was asked to do a comedy act. Well, after a month when another show was in the offing I was already the front act of Parokya! Funny right...i told my friends "Pasikat pa lang ako laos na! Hahaha!"

When I got in the radio show Halikinu Radio, Dindin Moreno visited the show often which made me renew my ties with the Parokya people. Dindin like me is a big fan of the Ateneo Blue Eagles so he would frequently watch the games or at times he would pass by the NU 107 studio to give some insights or just say hi to the throng of Parokya ni Edgar fans and Ateneo fans.

Three weeks ago we saw each other at the Championship games and got the chance to chat in facebook. I asked him if I could watch their show and take pictures. He invited me to watch their show at Eastwood and so i went and also asked some friends to join me watch them. One thing that struck me was that the guys were still the same after all these years still fun and great to be with. Its nice to note that even though fame and fortune has elevated  the Parokya ni  Edgar to superstardon status, Chito, Vinci, Buwi, Gab and Dindin still had their feet on the ground. Hope you guys will even get more hits and eventually conquer greater heights.  

The San Beda Boys take centerstage

Tracy Abad was kinda super hyper even before the episode. She mentioned that the Zagu drink she had might have boosted her energy. Well its nice to have someone energetic at our side coz it helps make the show more relaxin and exciting. The guests were from the PBL and the new three time NCAA champions, the San Beda Red Lions.

Mhel G., Joe B., Tracy and Chris Ross

PBL # 1 DRAFT FROM PHAREX CHRIS ROSS

Chris Ross is a point guard who wants to make a name for himself in the PBL. He was drafted by Pharex and he believes thathe can contribute to the success of the team. His mother is a Filipino and his favorite Filipino food is adobo. He used to play for the George Marshall College and when he heard of an opportunity here in manila he immediately grabbed it and packed his bags to go here. Pharex saw him and was impressed during the PBL Rookie camp that was held at the JRU Gym last September 27, 2008. He said he is very comfortable playing the point guard position and is eager to strut his wares in the PBL and hopefully in time play in the PBA. Chris Ross is a virtual unknown, he has already practiced with the team and hopefully he will do well in the PBL. GOod luck Chris.

JR Tecson, Jake Pascual and Carmelo Lim surround Tracy

THE SAN BEDA RED LIONS

JR TECSON, JAKE PASCUAL, BAM GAMALINDA, CARMELO LIM

The three guests were very happy to be part of the champion team. Most of them were very speechless and were just prevailed upon by the happines that they felt when the final buzzer sounded. Jake Pascual said that he is very happy because he was given the chance to show his talents in this very talent laden squad. The opportunity to study is very important also to these kids as they all got Management courses to enable them to get the best of both worlds.One nice story is what Carmelo Lim and Jake narrated, both of them said that they were products of the San Beda Team B before landing a spot for the Red Lions. The experience they got from playing them helped them polish most of the skills they lacked which was the very reason they weren't able to crack a spot at the Team A line up. The experience was very enriching and the learnings they got helped them become better players. One funny thing talked about was if the group were going on a trip outside the country because of the championship. A lot of them don't even care where it will be as long as there is a trip and they are all together. Nice team work guys.

BC Crew with Red Lions
Guia,Ace and Joseph Join in


BORGIE HERMIDA, OGIE MENOR, JR TAGANAS, FRANKIE LIM

I started the ball rolling by commending and asking Coach Frankie about his 1977-78 team and this team. In his mind he said the similarities are there simply because you can never rule out your influences when you were playing as he said. He is also thankful he was given the opportunity to serve the school as the coach. This season for them was quite difficult but they are excited for next season since only two players namely Pong Escobal and Sam Ekwe will be leaving, but they already have a replacement for Ekwe with a 6-7 athletic center.

Borgie Hermida, Ogie Menor & JR Taganas take their turn

Borgie, Ogie and JR are all products of the Red Cub system and are very happy to be elevated to the Red Lions considering the fact that a lot of Red Cubs transfer to UAAP teams. Ogie for one was a Green Archer for one day as he tried to vie for a spot for the DLSU team. Unfortunately for the Green Archers he changed his mind and jumped ship the next day. He mentioned that during that time he was quite undecided and a lot of things were going through his mind. He mentioned that he is happy he stayed and helped the Red Lions get the Grand Slam. Ogie and JR go way back to the days when they were still playing in Isabela before going to manila to play for the Red Cubs and now the Red Lions. They will surely be one of the factors that will push the Red Lions to a four peat next year.

To The Red Lions ..good luck. May the FOURTH be with you!!!

Baycats new NAASCU Champs

Kris Lucernas scores unmolested

Free throw (Fuh-ree Tuh-row) A free shot from 15 feet.

I was once told that free throws are supposed to made free,. That is why missing a free throw is a cardinal sin in a basketball game. That is why we always ask ourselves, how will a team expect to win if they miss 23 free throws in one game. That was the waterloo that the STI College Olympians put themselves into as the San Sebastian College Recoletos de Cavite Baycats exploited this chink in the Olympians armor to get the all important 86-77 game three win to dethrone the champs and crown themselves as the 8^th NAASCU Seniors Basketball champions.

Arnold Danganan on the fastbreak

The game was another classic as both teams would not blink an eye may it be in defense or in offense. The Baycats started where they left of, by nailing the first three-pointer in their first attempt. Confidence runs high in the game of Raymond Alacasabas as he hit a three pointer while Mark Basa was humming offensively once again. ON the other side of the court, Ramon Mabayo was all business as he drove to the lane with authority. The Olympians stepped up their defense as Darryl Mendoza and Mabayo swatted almost every shot that the Baycats had in the paint.

Ramon Mabayo fell short of another title

The Olympians waxed hot as Norman Ihalas sank three three pointers to give the Olympians a 49-43 lead. Just when everything was going their way the Olympians left Mark Basa open for two consecutive plays and the Olympians paid dearly for the Baycat forward sank two consecutive three pointers to tie the count 49-all. This gave renewed confidence to the Baycats as they ended the quarter with torrid outside shooting and their transition game was hard to check to give them a 64-59 lead going into the pay off period. The Olympians tried to match the firepower of the Baycats who were trying to pull away but unfortunately could not fend off the tough stand of the Olympians. With the game still within reach ad the Baycats just ahead by four 74-70, the Olympians self destructed in the face of an 12-7 wind up by the Baycats as they missed 6 important free throws going to the last four minutes of the game. This eventually led to the Baycats getting their first title in the league.

SSC's Kris Lucernas is the league's MVP

Baycats Center - Forward Kris Lucernas was voted as the league MVP while Ric Gracilla, Ramon Mabayo, JJ Collado of Subic Bay and Richmond Sibal of St. Clare composed the Mythical five. St. Clare's Aries Pariñas is this season's Rookie of the year. Coach Egay Macaraya also won the Coach of the Year award which usually goes to the champion team. It was the first time in the history of the NAASCU that a game three was played in the championship, at the same time this is the fourth straight year that the Olympians played in the NAASCU finals.

SSC Baycats, 8th NAASCU Champs - Congratulations

SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE ( 86)
Lucernas 19, Alcasabas 18, Basa 16, Villareal 14, Gracilla 7, Antipuesto 6, Escobal 5, Acain 1, Collado 0, Pantonia 0

STI COLLEGE (77)
Mabayo 17, Danganan 14, Ihalas 13, Vasallo 10, Macabasco 7, Aranzaso 5, Crisostomo 4, Mendoza 3, Limpin 2, Sabellina 2,

Quarter scores: 17-19, 36-33, 64-59, 86-77

FACE OF THE YEAR 2008

Winners of the rejuvenated search for the Face of the Year

One of the most popular searches in the 80's is the search for the Face of the Year which launched Janelle Barreto as a commercial model. This event was made possible by famed talent manager Jojo Veloso. He came up with this project to have a venue for model wannabes to showcase their abilities and hopefully improve their personalities. Jojo Veloso, nowadays is also a Provincial Board Member of the Province of Biliran. This search launched the careers of popular actors and models like Sabrina Artadi, Melissa Suarez, Chuck Perez, Ina Raymundo, Jennifer Pengri and Carlos Morales to name a few.

John Paul Regodon with the Model of the year winners
Princess Joy Palma and Lennard Marvin Cruz

This year, he has resurrected the “pageant” and is hopeful that his new discoveries will go on to become movie stars. There were 20 male and 20 female candidates that vied for the prestigious Face of the Year title and I was lucky that I was one of the judges for the pre - pageant and pageant night as a proxy to our chairman who was originally invited for the event. STI sponsored scholarships totaling P 200,000.00 as part of our sponsorship package. Among the candidates were two teeners aged 14 and 15 respectively who looked all the bit older than their age, joining this will definitely help imrpove if they plan to join future pageants.

Divina Beceril, female face of the year

The event was held at the PAGCOR Grand theatre which started at 9 pm and ended nearly at 3 am. The event was hosted by Ms. Philippines Earth 2007 Jeanne Harn who herself was a former Ms. STI Grand winner and Lance Raymundo who also belted some songs as part of the intermission number. Singer Micah dela Cruz and the Malabon Dance group also belted out intermission numbers.

John Paul Regodon, Male Face of the Year

Notable judges who were there were Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2008 Jennifer Barrientos, former winners Sabrina Artadi and Carlos Morales, the beauteous Cory Quirino, award winning director Jeff Jeturian, Society Columnist Donnie Ramirez , Designers Frederick Perlta, Oscar Peralta and Ricky Abad, and commodore Ricky Sandoval of the Subic Bay Yacht club to name a few of the 20 judges.

John Paul Regodon and Divina Beceril were adjudged Face of the year while Lennard MArvin Cruz and Princess Joy Palma the Model of the year. Watch out for these youngsters.

Coming Soon: Turismo Pilipina 2008

Denille Valmonte, Aga, Lara Quigaman & Karen Agustin

In the Philippines, almost every city, municipality and province conduct their own search for the most beautiful lady in their area. That is why the Philippines will never run out of beauty queens because Filipinos enjoy seeing beautiful women being crowned. That is reason why beauty pageants have sprung from all over the country and TURISMO PILIPINA 2008 is one of the new pageants that is bound to be a big hit because the organizers themselves are revered beauty pageant winners.

Doc Aga with Lara Quigaman

The President of this prestigious group is none other than Ms. International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman who together with two other beauties, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2002 Karen Agustin and Bb Pilipinas International 2006 Denille Lou Valmonte are the beauties behind this pageant that attracted 75 contestants nationwide.

The Grand Coronation night will be on November 14, 2008 and the newly-crowned Turismo Pilipina 2008 will receive P250,000.00 Cash, A Talent Management Contract, Gifts from Pageant Sponsors and will compete in Turismo Pilipina International Search to be held next year. Three Special Titles will also be given during the Turismo Pilipina Finals Night this October, Turismo Pilipina – Luzon, Turismo Pilipina – Visayas and Turismo Pilipina Mindanao.

Do watch out for the exciting news about this pageant in my this blog.

BC All Ateneo Affair

WESLEY GONZALES AND JC INTAL

JC was a rookie when the team won in 2002. It just came to me when I said that Wesley was also new in 2002 since he skipped the 2001 season. JC has now recovered from a sickness that involved him not sweating which led us to say “Your practices are no sweat to you right!” Tracy asked both Wes and JC if they have immediate wedding plans, both of them are not yet ready to answer those questions. Wesley was very animated and he even said that playing basketball is just his stepping stone to becoming a movie star! His classmate by the way is movie hunk Alfred Vargas.

JC is now playing with Air 21 and has just finished his first season with the team. He has high hopes that he will be playing lots of minutes soon. Wesley on the other hand is now in his fifth year and is requesting SMB Management if he could be traded to a team that will have good use of his skills as a small forward. He specifically mentioned the Purefoods team. There was already a news item that came out that he was already traded to Purefoods, unfortunately there were things that they are still ironing out so that the trade can be consummated. Good luck to your respective careers guys, the whole Ateneo community is watching you.

THE ATENEO BLUE EAGLETS

The team had Mythical Five member Juami Tiongson, Finals MVP JV Dumrique, his brother Chucky, Center Ivan Enriquez and Kevin Gamboa. They were accompanied by their Assistant Coaches Joe Silva, Gio Tingson and one of the team managers Blue Viray. The four seniors were thankful that they came in together as champions in 2006, learned a lot from their 2007 debacle and are very happy to leave a legacy when they leave the Ateneo High School with another championship. One important thing discussed were their chances of landing a spot in the Ateneo Seniors team. Ivan for one said he needs to improve a lot of things in his game since rumors say that the SSC Staglets main man Arvie Bringas might be wearing the Blue and White jersey come season 72. He would need to compete for the same slot that Arvie will be setting his sights on. At the same time, HS ball is a lot different than college. For one Tonino Gonzaga has adjusted to playing shooting guard but we do remember him as the small Power forward of the 2006 Champion squad. J

Juami and JV were both overwhelmed that they got the nod to be in the Mythical 5 and finals MVP but what lacked a great season was payback against the DLS-Z junior archers. As Joe Silva would put it when I asked him were they ready if DLS-Z would have been the team that advanced to the finals? “The outcome would have been the same irregardless of who we met in the finals!” Very well said. Good luck to the four seniors who will be trying out for a slot in the Ateneo Men’s team and good luck also to Chucky Dumrique who will be one of the key players for next year’s team. Imagine, he will be teaming up with his SBP rival Keifer Ravena against the Gwyne Capacio led DLS-Z team next season. Good luck to the Ateneo Blue Eaglets – One Big Fight!

THE ATENEO BLUE EAGLES

The team had Finals MVP Nonoy Baclao, Graduating super senior Yuri Escueta, balik BC Nico Salva, Bacon Austria, Oping Sumalinog, Mike Baldos and team Manager Paolo Trillo. Most of the things talked about were their mixed feelings in getting the title. As Bacon Austria put it, “This is the reward for the countless sacrifices we made.” I asked Bacon if he had a hard time with his transition from playing forward (small and Power) in High School to playing a little bit of point guard with Coach Norman. He said not really since he believes he has good point guard sense that runs around his blood which he owes to his dad. Nonoy on the other hand mentioned that he has improved a lot specially since he was once rattled by the rowdy UAAP crowd. He has since adjusted and because he has always kept his game face on, he focuses on the game and does not know what happened when he let his emotions out when he blocked an important DLSU offensive. nonoy thus apologized to rico maierhoher for his act or reaction which he deemed as unethical. a lot of them are thinking that back to back championships are not far off. According to team manager Paolo Trillo, they are just finishing some things and hopefully they can plan the cruise to which where the blue eagles will be given the necessary respite and celebration.

ASSOC September Storm 2008

A familiar site at ASSOC Gatherings,
Beer, Smiles and FC's

Every year, the Ateneo Social Services Organization for the Community or ASSOC would celebrate its September Storm to welcome the new members of the group. ASSOC is somewhat different from traditional orgs in the Ateneo because it all started out as a big barkada in 1985. Back then prior to 1985, the SMA or Samahang Mag-aaral ng Ateneo (or is it “Magboboso?”) occupied the bench that is where the ASSOC is located now. When the bulk of their barkada graduated and the place was just occupied by remnants of their barkad, ASSOC occupied the place in 1987 and has since been like that the past twenty years.

Atty. Blue Festin talks about getting ready for ASSOC @ 25

Atty. Blue Festin is one of the key founders of the organization which is ruled by only one person, the Taipan. All decisions come from him and he picks and molds the person who will succeed him. This set up has been going on for the past twenty years and so far there has been no “Edsa Revolution type of upheaval for this authoritarian set up mainly because even the Alumni respect the current taipan.

High School Batch 1985 which made up 90% of ASSOC graduated in 1989 and some in 1990, me and some other left over assoc friends started something that most barkadas in the Ateneo do not do – recruit younger people to join the barkada. The primary reason was that we want to immortalize the group and also have a place to stay when we visit the campus. When we joined ASSOC, Blue and company just invited us to stay with the group everyday since we share common interests mainly because me and my constant companion then, 1990 -91 Taipan Neil Bernardo, were members of the Blue Babble Battalion. The only other Freshman Assoc member then was Albert Padua.

Former Blue Eagle Brian Sison welcomes another Blue Eagle,
Eric Salamat to the ASSOC Barkada

The first September storm was held at the house of Edong Eulalia in Sikatuna Village. It was actually a celebration of all September celebrants and like most Assoc members we love to drink so we created a reason to celebrate. Then when we recruited freshmen back in 1990 and 1991 we crafted the sign up sheet so that new members will get to know old ones and made up another drinking session, the BST which is the Back to School Tomaan. Later on they were presented as full pledged Assoc members in the Storm. In 1994, the ASSOC recruited a big chunk of freshmen and the funny part was that we introduced the costume to all incoming members. It was quite a blast since the Assoc aspirants had great costumes – remember the costume of The Crow! Since then, all would be aspirants would don different themed costumes as part of the ritual to be an Assoc member.

Eric and Ryan with Tabs, Dino, Verbo and Assoc B Taipan

The September Storm this year held at Coastnet was something special since a part of the invite said “Let’s celebrate because we won a championship!” Part of the celebration was enjoying the company of two new members who are part of the Blue Eagles – Eric Salamat and Ryan Buenafe. In the 90’s there were members of the Blue Eagles who were Assoc members – Brian Sison (who was also there that night) Ryan Acosta, John Palafox, Jeremy Nishimori , Johan Ramos who was a Blue Eaglet and the last Blue Eagle in my memory is Sonny Tadeo.

Ryan Buenafe passed by to do the traditional

self intro and toast for new ASSOC members

Assoc is now on its twenty third year and hopefully this year we can jumpstart preparations for the 25^th year anniversary celebration come 2010. Like what I said to the new guys who just joined, Assoc is the only barkada in the Ateneo with which new members and alumni meet and get to know each other. And like what I have always said in the past in ASSOC, “VIDI, VICI, VENI – I saw, I conquered, I came!” Welcome to new Assoc guys.

Baycats even series

The STI College Olympians found no problem with their offense since they scored the same points in game one, 75 points - unfortunately their defense had an off night as the San Sebastian College Cavite Baycats scored 95 points to even the best of three series of the 8th NAASCU. The 95 points was the most that the Olympians have given up the whole season.

For the first time in three games the Olympians matched the firepower of the Baycats as Ramon Mabayo and Darryl Mendoza found their mark early. The Baycats on the other hand also went to work early as Raymond Alcasabas found his mark early on, He teamed up with Ric Gracilla and Basa to stay close with the Olympians as the quarter ended with STI on top 23-20.

The second quarter saw center Kris Lucernas get in the act as the quartet presided over a thirty one point quarter that broke the backs of the Olympians. The run was predicated on the sharp shooting of the Baycats from beyond the arc as the Olympians found no answer to the onslaught of the Baycats as the half ended with San Sebastian on top 51-42.

In the second half, as if they were not yet finished, the Baycats pulled every string they have as they connected from the three point area once again as a team and forced the Olympians to numerous errors that gave them a chance to run and pull away.

The Baycats sank 10 three pointers, were on the break most of the time and was more aggressive on defense. It was a sorry loss for the OLympians as the two teams battle it out for another game for a chance to represent the NAASCU in the Philippine Champion's League in November. The All important game three is scheduled this afternoon at 2:00 pm at the Makati Colisuem. GO Olympians!

SSC ( 95)
Alcasabas 28, Lucernas 22, Basa 17, Gracilla 12, Villareal 8, Escobal 6, Antipuesto 2, Acain 0, Callado 0

STI (75)
Aranzaso 20, Mendoza 20, Mabayo 13, Vasallo 7, Ihalas 4, Macabasco 4, Danganan 3, Crisostomo 2, Sabellina 2, Daguplo 0, Limpin 0,

Quarterscores: 20-23, 5142-, 69-59, 95-75

The Ateneo Bonfire of the Vanities

Bagets the movie reunion
R-L Yayo Aguila, the Real Aga Muhlach,
William Martinez look alike & Herbert Bautista

There is only one thing I brag about the Ateneo, that the Ateneo is one big family! A lot of Ateneans graduate and if possible send all their students to the Ateneo. That is why when you have a barkada, you usually know the family of your barkada and so on and so forth.

The Diehards - L-R Dennis Manalo, Jay Lopez, Saint Mendoza
Rich Alvarez, Martin Lichauco, Dudong Cruz

For me the Ateneo Blue Eagles is the single unifying force that binds the whole Ateneo community. It is the reason why young professionals suddenly go on leave just to see an Ateneo - La Salle weekday game or executives suddenly schedule lunch meetings outside the office on those days. Watching the games is more of a tradition that has since given the Ateneo Community a venue with which the Alumni can see friends who they have not seen for years.

The very friendly Ateneo courtside reporter Kamae de Jesus

The culmination of a Blue Eagle season is the Bonfire that celebrates the championship of the Blue Eagles. The Blue Eagle bonfire at the Bellarmine field gathered most of the Alumni who are die hard faithfuls of the Blue and WHite. I chanced upon Sonny Tadeo, Rich Alvarez, Macky Escalona, Badjie del Rosario, Doug Kramer and LA Tenorio who were members of the 2002 Champion Team. LA and Sonny asked me if there were more people during the 2002 bonfire. Casually i said yes because it was the first time in 14 years and a lot of people where there just to be a part of it. Just like me.

Magnum and LA
"It's a revolution"

Honestly I was prepared to shoot the event but unfortunately got tired when i arrived and got pissed at the mud since I was wearing leather shoes and obviously forgot to bring my rubber shoes since when I left the house the sun was up. What I did was that I didnt mind the event anymore and hooked up with the High School 86 Alumni who had a tent, food and drinks later on I went to see my ASSOC buddies before i called it a night.

Thanks to Cong. Dats for the Lechon

I also just took pictures of me and some Ateneo celebrities and players. Come 10:30 pm when the program ended I just quietly went home but the traffic made me take my time going to the Blue Eagle gym where I parked.

Doug Kramer and MTV VJ Macky Escalona

I had a blast with the some players of the 1987-1988 team who were there. JUst having some laughs, savoring the win and the feeling of beating La salle is enough for me to brave the muddy field and enjoy the Bonfire. Like what we all say, this is the Ateneo Way!

STI wins Game 1 of NAASCU Finals

William Vasallo sank three three pointers in the second quarter

Oscar Crisostomo sank a cold blooded three pointer in the last 35.5 seconds to give the STI College Olympians its first taste of the lead and eventually the win as the Olympians eked out a 75-72 win to take game 1 of the best of three series of the 8th National Athletic Association of SChools Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) at the Makati COliseum. Crisostomo also sank the insurance basket as the Olympians shutdown the Baycats offense by limiting them to just two free throws and at the same time forcing them to 5 turnovers and five missed three pointers in the last 5 minutes.

Vasallo on the Fastbreak

The Olympians started the game missing Michael Cabangon who just recently turned 24 plus two other casualties who were thrown out of the final four game against Lyceum - Arnold Danganan and Norman Ihalas. The Baycats exploited this manpower problem of the Olympians as Ray Alcasabas and Ric Gracilla sank triples, stole the ball and the rest of the Baycats scored in transition. Coach Vic Ycasiano never knew what hit him, after a tight first two minutes the Baycats ran and scored whilile the Olympians were missing free throws. The quarter ended with the Baycats with a commanding 15 point lead 26-11.

Macabasco scoops a shot

The Olympians then cut the lead into half thanks to the three point sniping of former Inter -STI MVP William Vasallo who sank three three pointers in the second quarter that gave the Olympians enough to come back to the game which ended 41-34. The third quarter was a game of spurts as the Baycats and the Olympians engaged in a running game with both teams scoring 18 points apiece. The Olympians would threaten to get back and then the Baycats would pull away. Ramon Mabayo underscored his strength by scoring on drives while the Baycats scores on fastbreaks.

Darryl Mendoza lays it in

In the fourth quarter, the Baycats started strong by hitting a three pointer after Ramon Mabayo had cut the lead to five, Alacasbas' three pointer put the Baycats again ahead by eight. Then with the Baycats safely ahead 70-61 and less than 5 minutes left, the Olympian guards presided over a crippling 15-2 run. After Ramon Mabayo put the Olympians to within five after scoring on a putback, Crisostomo drove to the hoop and attracted some defenders and passed the ball to Macky Macabasco who was free from the three point area. He previously missed a three pointer prior to that shot and he calmly sank this three pointer to cut the Baycats lead to two 68-70. WIth San Sebastian leading 72-70, Macky Macabasco returned the favor by attracting defenders and passing the ball to Oscar Crisostomo who also previously missed a three pointer, and Crisostomo buried the three pointer to break the backs of the Baycats and give the Olympians first blood in the series.

Ramon Mabayo scores

With three men out, the Olympians proved that their experience and heart were more than enough to squeeze the win as the Baycats choked in the endgame. Ric Gracilla was about to drive to give the lead back to SSC but he bungled the opportunity with a dribbling error. Their most consistent Center on the other hand Kris Lucernas bungled two important free throws that would have sent the game into overtime. This just shows the stuff that the Olympians are made of. Game two is on thursday..will the Olympians win it again, let the games begin.

STI COLLEGE ( 75)
Mabayo 20, Vasallo 20, Crisostomo 11, Aranzaso 6, Mendoza 5, Macabasco 5, Limpin 5, Washington 3, Daanoy 0, Daguplo 0, Sabellina 0

SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE (72)

Gracilla 18, Ray. Alcasabas 10, Lucernas 10, Basa 8, Escobal 8, Acain 8, Antipuesto 5, Pantonia 4, Villareal 1,Callado 0,

Quarters scores 11-26, 34-41, 52-59, 75-72

Ateneo GS bring home SBP title

Enzo Joson, shades of Jun Reyes & LA Tenorio

" Racela has the ball and he passes it to Mendoza. Mendoza is on the low post, is double teamed and he gives the ball to Nieto. Nieto fakes a shot, drives to the middle, is met by two defenders and he passes the ball to Ravena who gives a no look pass to Black who is under the basket for an easy lay up!"

Sheik Cariño, steal and fastbreak

Wait a moment...Ravena was not a part of the 1988 Ateneo Champion team, he played for the University of the East remember and at the same time Norman Black was with San Miguel then!?? So how could this be? First of all we are not referring to that 1988 Ateneo Seniors team, we are referring to the 2008 Ateneo Small Basketeers of the Philippines team which beat Xavier 45-44 for the SBP Title.

Dejavu - its just like seeing Jet Nieto all over again,

the low post presence of the Ateneo team Michael Nieto

Olsen Racela, Albert "Saint" Mendoza and Jet Nieto helped the Ateneo win back to back titles in the 80's and are still not finished, they have brought their sons to the Ateneo and more importantly teamed up with the son of one of their former 80's foe Ferdinand "Bong" Ravena and current Ateneo senior's Coach Norman Black. Rafa Racela, Martin Mendoza, Matthew Nieto, Michael Nieto, Thirdy Ravena and Aaron Black came from families with great basketball backgrounds and they helped give the Ateneo Grade School back to back Small Basketeers of the Philippines titles. Joining them are other exciting players ages 9 to 11 with the son of good friend Donnie Puno (Sandro Puno), Jolo Mendoza - son of former UP Maroon Jigs Mendoza and the most important part of the team is Sheik Cariño.

The MVP Sheik Cariño with the Real Norman Black, that's not me guys

Ateneo started the game with Aaron Black and Matthew Nieto doing most of the damage as they erected a 16-3 lead which Xavier had a hard time breaking the pressure defense of the Ateneo. In the second quarter it was Sheik Cariño who jumpstarted the Ateneo offense as they continued to pour on the points in the wake of a Xavier comeback. The third quarter saw the Xavierians come together as a team as their main man Anton Lapez helped them come back to trim the lead to four points coming into the pay off period. Former Blue Eagle gunner Jet Nieto was quite emotional and pissed when his son Michael Nieto, the big boy who had great inside presence, fell down and hurt his forearm. Dr. Jet came to the rescue in aid of his son to ice the forearm so that he can go back to the game. Michael teamed up with his twin brother Matthew, Enzo Joson, Thirdy Ravena and Sheik Cariño to turn back the last ditch effort of the Stallions to salvage the win. In the end it was heart and defense that spelled the difference.

The Back to Back SBP Champions

Basketball runs in the genes of all these players, specially the ones who have fathers who played in the PBA. But none was prouder than the father of Sheik Cariño who was judged as tournament MVP. Aside from the proud dad was a proud uncle who is an avid basketball fan - ME! Congratulations to Sheik for being the MVP and more importantly the whole SBP basketball team together with head Coach PJ Navarro who is the younger brother of my classmate Allan and son of former Grade School professor Ulpiano Navarro.

Rafa Racela - #17 Matthew Nieto (12)

Michael Nieto wearing his father's # 7 and Martin Mendoza # 10

Obviously their parents were present in the stands, Blue Eagle Yuri Escueta and San Miguel Point Guard Olsen Racela rooting for Rafa, Blue Eaglet Keifer Ravena with mom Mossy Ravena rooting for Thirdy, former Blue Eagles Jett Nieto cheering on his twins Matthew and Michael while Albert Mendoza was there for son Martin Mendoza as was Blue Eagles head coach Norman Black. A lot of Blue Eaglets were also there supporting the team while former Lady Eagles assistant coach Joey Mendoza. On the other part of the stands were Donnie Puno together with his dad Atty. Dong Puno.

Hope springs eternal for the Ateneo for these kids will most probably be the team of Ateneo 2016-2020!!! One Small Fight for the young ones in Blue and White.