Barangay Ginebra Kings Wants Game 3

Again, I was not able to watch the Quarter Finals Game between the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) and the San Miguel Beermen (SMB). Thus, I have no other recourse but to ask my friends to keep me posted. Nonetheless, I have the feeling that BGK will grab tonight's ballgame.

I felt kinda uncomfortable knowing that SMB leads in the first few minutes of the game. It was even more disappointing knowing the Chris Pacana had committed 3 personal fouls with so many time remaining in the 2nd Quarter. SMB continues to take charge of the driver's seat until Ronald Tubid hit a shot from downtown, making it at 30 all with 8minutes remaining in the 1st half. This 3 pointer had been succeeded by many other, letting BGK grab the lead at 37-36 with 5minutes remaining at the half. Sheer heart, that is, BGK ended the first half at 48-41.

At the 3rd Quarter, BGK continues to shine with their 3 pointers as Paul Artadi hits his own version of the arc, making the score at 54-41. It was as well complemented by a back to back steal by JayJay Helterbrand. Almost everyone contributed. Willie Wilson and Billy Mamaril made a field goal each to make it 58-41 in their favor. BGK's lead ballooned to 14 big points (68-52) forcing Coach Siot Tanquincen to commit a technical foul. BGK ended the 3rd Quarter with a commanding lead of 7 points (70-63).

But SMB showed BGK how important a deeper bench in this kind of series. They tied the ballgame at 70 all with less than 10minutes remaining in the pay off period. It has been a seesaw battle between the 2 sister companies. SMB, once again, grab the lead (85-82) in the last 2 minutes mark of the quarter. But, as what Tubid had said in their 2nd game of the eliminations, their hearts are much bigger, regaining the lead 90-88 with only 6.6 seconds remaining. It is indeed a pulsating ballgame. At the end, it was Tubid's heart that prevailed. BGK won 91-88. They forced SMB to play game 3 for a do or die game Sunday.

The scores:

Barangay Ginebra 91 - Tubid 19, Helterbrand 15, Menk 15, Salvacion 11, Valenzuela 9, Mamaril 8, Artadi 6, Wilson 5, Cabatu 3, Escalona 0, Pacana 0, Crisano 0.

San Miguel Beer 88 - Hontiveros 35, Seigle 12, Pena 10, Custodio 9, Tugade 9, Pingris 4, Washington 3, Gonzales 3, Racela 2, Pennisi 1.

Quarterscores: 22-26, 48-41, 70-63, 91-88.

It Could Have Been For The Kings

I kinda miss PBA. I got frustrated last time when the Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) were eliminated in their wildcard game against the Air21 Express. I got a little more disappointed that time since Kerby 'The Kid' Raymundo was only able to gain most of his scores only from the free throw line. Anyway, it was the first game of the Quarter Finals Series between the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK), my favorite team, and the San Miguel Beermen (SMB).

I was not able to watch the game. Good that I have friends who willingly update me on the happenings as the game goes by. I was kinda sad that time when SMB lead ballooned to 10 big points at the end of the first half (42-32). To my mind, SMB is really an all-star cast. And there's BonBon Custodio (my bet for the Rookie of the Year, ha ha) who really plays so well. But, I still wanted to see BGK winning the game.

I was delighted when BGK come back because of their 3-pt shots. And it was more fascinating since one of the shots from the parking lot came from my favorite player, Chris Pacana. I really hoped that he would be given more playing time by Coach Jong Uichico.

It was a tight ball game in the ending minutes. While still on my way home, I hoped that I could still catch the game and see Pacana throwing the winning shot. Yes, I was able to catch the game. It was about 47 (Mark Caguioa? Where are you?) seconds left, 78-77 in favor of SMB, BGK's ball. Well, as expected, Pacana is no where to found in the court. Pacana is used by Coach Uichico more on the defensive stop rather on offense. Anyway, what matter here now is to have a basket. But it was heartbreaking when Ronald Tubid failed to chip in his 3 point basket. Nonetheless, he was hailed as the game's 3-point King. Now, it was SMB's ball. They just melted the clock, and was not able to gain a basket. Only 4 seconds left, BGK had another chance of making a win from this one. But, JayJay Helterbrand's 3-point attempt do not even touch the rim. Well, it was a hard shot. He was not given any screen that time. He simply fished for a fould then against Custodio, but the referees where too lazy to call one. (It makes me miss PF, and all their buzzer beaters.)

Sorry loss for BGK. The game could have been for the them. But, it was not. Well, the series is a Best of 3, they will surely come back next game. It would be a do or die for them. And I'm sure, they'll do it.

The scores:

San Miguel 78 - Tugade 15, Hontiveros 14, Racela 11, Custodio 10, Seigle 10, Pingris 6, Pena 6, Washington 4, Pennisi 2, Calaguio 0.

Ginebra 77 - Mamaril 22, Tubid 14, Valenzuela 9, Helterbrand 8, Artadi 7, Salvacion 6, Menk 4, Pacana 3, Wilson 2, Crisano 2, Escalona 0, Cabatu 0.

Quarterscores: 21-16, 42-32, 61-54, 78-77.

Game 8 of the Championship?

My cousin had been encouraging me to watch PBA live at the Araneta Coliseum yesterday. He said that it would be a championship-like battle between Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) and Air21 Express since they were the teams that fought for the crown last Fiesta Conference. But due to personal reasons, I was not able to join them. I just watched the game on TV, CS9, with poor reception and boring commentators (one of 'em called Gary David as Bal David twice), haha.

It was really a championship-like ballgame. BGK, like last fiestacon, had a depleted line-up. Mark Caguioa, Eric Menk, Rafi Reavis, and Billy Mamaril are missing in action. Air21, on the other hand, had a complete line-up. Arwind Santos and Homer Se are now back after being suspended due to their game against Rain or Shine Elasto (ROSE) Painters last October 5.

As usual, BGK had a poor start. But, JayJay Helterbrand's three 3-pointer in the 1st quarter keeps the Big Dome rocking. It was a close fight. A lot of lead changes. But the game was fun. It was raining 3 point shots for the BGK. JunJun Cabatu has 4/7, Helterbrand 5/11, Junthy Valenzuela 1/2, Ronald Tubid 3/7, and Paul Artadi 1/4. Summing it up, they scored 42 points just from their 3 point shots.

The game was a revelation for Cabatu. I thought it was just mere luck when he hit a 3 point shot last game against Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR). But his 4 three-pointers last night means he is hot from the arc. He was hailed as the Best Player of the Game (BPG) with a career-high of 23 points, with 6 rebounds and 5 assits.

It feels like an extension of the 2007-2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference Championship. And BGK fought again with pure HEART. I wonder how strong BGK line-up would be if Mark Caguioa is back in shape. Smells like back-to-back championship huh? I wish.

Scores:

Ginebra 101 - Cabatu 23, Helterbrand 21, Valenzuela 14, Tubid 13, Artadi 11, Wilson 6, Crisano 6, Pacana 4, Holper 2, Escalona 1, Salvacion 0.

Air21 92 - Santos 19, De Ocampo 15, Arboleda 12, David 11, Se 10, Quinahan 8, Billones 7, Intal 4, Cruz 3, Canaleta 3, Kramer 0.

Quarterscores: 22-20, 41-46, 76-77, 101-92

Barangay Ginebra Kings Victory Party

Last night, the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) celebrated their Victory Party at the San Miguel Corp Building in Ortigas for being the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference Champions. Luckily, with someone else's good heart, I was able to come to the party and meet the players of BGK. Here are some pictures of the event...

Newspaper Dance, Ronald Tubid and his partner won.

My favorite player, Chris Pacana. He was so nice. I was so speechless.

Grace and Ronald 'The Fearless' Tubid

JayJay 'The Fast Version 2.0' Helterbrand

Alex Crisano

Sunday Salvacion

Johnny Abarrientos

JR Aquino

Billy Mamaril

Paul 'The Kid Lightning' Artadi

Interview of the Champions

For those who missed the awarding ceremony of the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference, here you go. There's not much that I can say. All I know is, of all the awards one can get, it was always the runner-up who takes his trophy with a frown.

It was so nice hearing the song 'We Are The Champions' by the 'Queen'. It was even more nicer since the song was for the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK).

Eric Menk and Ronald Tubid had been awarded as the Finals MVP. Tubid had been so emotional. And I believe all BGK fans would have wanted to shed a tear as well. It was an unbelievable classic win for the BGK.

Paul Artadi, 2nd PBA Title, 'Puso lang talaga nagpapatakbo ng team na 'to'.

Eric Menk, 21 pts, 14 rebs, 7/14 GF, 'I found my honey out there...'

Alex Crisano, 1st PBA Title, 'I still can't feel it right now, I was just amazed. Dream come true'.

It's Chris Pacana and Steve Thomas

Chris Pacana, 1st PBA Title, 'We're the number one team right now'.

Billy Mamaril, 3rd PBA Title, '... never say die, Ginebra win again the championship'.

JayJay Helterbrand, 4th PBA Title, 'We're all soldiers...He (Chris Pacana) needs to get another contract...'. And a kiss for Chris Pacana. *jealous*

Raffy Reavis, 'Only the USA Dream Team can stop us from winning'.

We Are The Champions

We Are The Champions - Queen Music Code

"We are the champions, my friend.
And we'll keep on fighting, till the end.
We are the champions.
We are the champions.
No time for losers, 'coz we are the champions, of the world."

Coach Bo Perasol, before the Finals started, told that it would be Air21 vs The Philippines in the 2007-2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference Championship. If this is so, I believe The Philippines slept last night and woke up today very happy, for BARANGAY GINEBRA KINGS (BGK) ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE 2007-2008 SMART PBA FIESTA CONFERNCE.

I can't really explain the happiness the championship had brought not only to me, but to my BGK JAMSHIPS as well. Kinda funny that we all end up emotional. It's as if that in all the BGK Players had been through, the BGK JAMSHIPS are there as well.

I remember in my previous post, I leave a question on "Who really deserved this championship? Is it Air21, who, from the start of the eliminations landed the top spot. Or is it BGK who travel its way from the bottom?" And I believe, it was really BGK who deserved the championship crown. As what everybody says, they played purely by HEART.

Almost everyone had been injured. In the eliminations, Mark Caguioa had been injured. Before the eliminations ended, Ronald Tubid had been injured. At the start of the Finals, JayJay Helterbrand and Paul Artadi had been injured. Game 7, Junthy Valenzuela had been injured. All of the star players had suffered injuries. But with their NEVER SAY DIE SPIRIT, they managed to dig in their bench, reached the Quarter Finals, Semi Finals, and finally, the CHAMPIONSHIP.

BGK lost Ronald Tubid since the last game of the eliminations. BGK surely missed his classic defense. But Chris Pacana and Junthy Valenzuela stepped up to fill in Tubid's loss. In Game 4 of Finals, losing JayJay could mean nightmare to BGK, but Tubid's comeback had been a surprise for Air21. This then had given him the personal achievement of being Eric Menk's co-Finals MVP.

JayJay, the Best Player of the Conference was not able to play in the Finals since Game 2, 3rd Quarter. Paul Artadi, even though hurting from a pulled hamstring in Game 1 of Finals, uses his pure heart to fill in JayJay's place. He mentioned touching words such as "kaya nga kami nasa ginebra kasi never say die ang puso namin" and what about "PUSO LANG TALAGA ANG NAGPAPATAKBO NG TEAM NA 'TO" It's as if those words are enough to win the championship.

Junthy Valenzuela absorbed the never say die spirit of BGK. Game 6, he shed a tear as he was ejected from the game, being called for his 2nd Technical Foul. Game 7, nobody knows that his knees are hurting, not until he cried for pain. And then, everyone knew that his knees are all wrapped up. But his desire to win the game is much greater than the pain in his knees. No wonder why BGK JAMSHIPS' Meriel got too emotional with this one.

Eric Menk, no wonder, he is hailed Finals MVP. The Finals series is his come back. More particularly, Game 7. Ranidel de Ocampo nor Kramer cannot stop 'Major Pain'. Can't wait for the All Filipino, the MVP Eric Menk is back!!!

Chris Alexander, 'The Greatest'. The Best Import. I was so speechless. I knew you also have the heart of the champion. You even told everyone "I just can't go home without winning this one" BGK fans will surely miss you. Hope to see you next Fiesta Conference.

And what about Mark 'The Spark' Caguioa. He promised this championship. And in the dying minutes of the game, he uses his heart above all the pain he's feeling in his knees, both knees. He really can't make the basket due to his injury, but his heart helped him grab rebounds in the crucial moments of the championship. You can see in his face that he is aching, but you can feel in his heart that he wanted to win the championshiop. *sniff*

Of course, I won't forget Chris Pacana. After all the doubts many had in you. I salute you for the confidence you had. The steals against Air21's star player, Gary David shows that you don't have any first time jitters. Although a point guard you never hesitated in rebounding the ball. And a never say die attitude defense from Air21's fastbreak is in you. You just stand there against Gary David, or Homer Se, or Arwind Santos, establish your position, raise both hands, then the opponent can't get the basket. Makes me admire you more. *blush*

We started at the bottom, now we're on top of the world. CONGRATULATIONS BARANGAY GINEBRA KINGS!!! WE ARE THE CHAMPION!!!

Chris Pacana

Who is Chris Pacana? I really don't know Chris Pacana until I was able to watch him play with Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK), wearing Jersey Number 22. I believe the first time I saw him in the hard court, he made a 3 pointer that equally impresses me as his looks does. I usually admire point guards. Thus, Chris Pacana captured my admiration.

If you would dig in to my blog, my first post was JayJay Helterbrand - Second Best? I revealed there that I don't usually go for the best. I believe Mark Caguioa (MC) is the star player of BGK, so I really go for JayJay. But, as I become an active member of PBA-Online, I found out that MC and JayJay are crowd favorites. JayJay may be the second best in BGK players, but he is the best point guard in the league. So, who could be my second best? Paul Artadi or Chris Pacana? I know many would be picking Artadi instead of Pacana. Well, it is Chris Pacana for me.

I felt sad knowing that some BGK fans are blinded by the flaws of Chris Pacana. Hence, I decided to create this blog to showcase his talent. And hopefully open up the minds of those detractors.

I don't know really of a point guard who can block. I'm sorry but I'm not that kinda PBA fanatic to watch all the games. I'm just a BGK Fanatic. It really amazed me the way he blocked someone from Alaska during their last game of the eliminations. Just recently, Game 6 of the Finals, he had blocked someone from Air21. I saw that it was a clean block. But the referees called for a foul. *sigh*

I absolutely agree that Chris Pacana is not as fast as JayJay. But he compensates his speed with his defensive skills. Game 1 of the Finals, he was commended for limiting Gary David's scoring, the opponents' best scorer for the locals at least. He may not be an offensive threat for Air21. But his defensive stop against David should really be appreciated.

I was not able to watch Game 2, but my BGK JAMSHIPS informed me how great Chris Pacana's game was. The first 6 points of BGK all came from Chris Pacana. He somewhat revenge sweetly on Coach Bo Perasol's statement 'Hwag nyo ng masyadong bantayan si Pacana, hindi naman si JayJay yan'.

Chris Pacana can block, and he can rebound as well. Guess what? In Game 3, he was the second highest rebounder for BGK, next to Cris Alexander 'The Greatest'. He tallied a total of 10 big rebounds. A great job for a point guard. Want more stats? He's the series leader in steals as of Game 3. He tallied a total of 7 steals in the first three games.

Everyone knows that in Game 4, Chris Pacana is a revelation. He is Artadi's co-best player of the game (BPG). He tallied 14 big points in 17 minutes of playing time. And for those who judged him right away, sarcastically believing that it was his first BPG, you are wrong. He had been hailed BPG twice when he was still in Coca-Cola Tigers.

In Game 6, when BGK is trying to catch up with a 16 point deficit, it was one of Chris Pacana's steal that turned on the spark. Game 6 was a close fight in the pay off period. But Chris Pacana's fearless drive towards the basket made Air21's hope to finish the series die. It was the game's Gatorade Game Turning Point.

Chris Pacana might have committed mistakes, makes wrong decisions, and makes bad shots. But hey, everyone does. Even Michael Jordan, I believe, does commit mistakes. So what's the point putting blame on him? BGK doesn't reach Game 7 merely because of a single player. They reached Game 7 as a TEAM. Someone covered someone else's flaws and shortcomings. Everyone commits mistakes, but there always someone who would step up and clean the mess. CHRIS PACANA might have brought some mess. But he was able to clean his own mess, and even clean someone else's.

Game 1, Game 4, Game 6.. CHRIS PACANA showed his talent.. Game 1, Game 4, Game 6... BGK won the battle..

GO CHRIS PACANA!!! TRUE BGK FANS ARE COUNTING ON YOU!!!

Thanks to swooshgoddess15 for the picture.

The Best Players Are In Barangay Ginebra Kings

Finally, I've got the courage to write this article. I wanted to have this posted last Friday, but words are so hard to find, even last night.

Photo grabbed from www.pba-online.net

JayJay Helterbrand and Cris Alexander of the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) are hailed as the Best Player and Best Import of the Conference (BPC and BIC) respectively. The moment I heard this news from my JAMSHIPS, I had this on my mind -- "Usually, when the BPC is awarded to someone, his team loses that game". And this thought holds true for BGK that night. JayJay's team does not merely lose the game, he even got injured. (huhuhu..) Thus, Air21 Express tied the series 1-1.

I was hoping that Game 3 would be on BGK's side. But, I was wrong. Knowing that JayJay could not play, I somehow prepared myself for the BGK's loss. And they did. Now, Air21 leads the series 2-1.

Basketball is a team game, it is not won by an individual. Last night, it was only 'The Furious'. There's no 'The Fast' nor 'The Fearless'. Eric Menk had stepped up and is regaining his MVP moves. Alexander tallied a triple-double (14 points, 17 rebounds and 11 shot blocks). But, we still lose the game. And I really felt sad. But, it won't hinder me writing this blog and boasting to everyone that 'The Best Players Are In Barangay Ginebra Kings'.

In fairness to Air21, I admire Arwind Santos, one of the most consistent players in the league, and KG Canaleta, and his humility. If not for them, I might hated the team. Paul Artadi and Alexander may be playing physical this series. But a clean physical game. Not physical to the point of throwing away your opponent intentionally (Wynne Arboleda), intentionally pushing your opponent using your elbow (Gary David), and using a karate move not on the ball but on the arms of your opponent (Homer Se). I'm not blind not to see how good David was. He really is the 'Mr. Pure Energy' of Air21. But his attitude makes me dislike him. More when he shows an insulting salute to our 'Gentle Giant'. He better give thanks for Alexander is a sports one. If it happened to be someone like Terrence Leather, he might have broken bones last night.

The series aint over. It takes 4 wins to grab the championship. If Air21 wins, congratulations to them. They did a great job. And they made history by winning their first ever title. But if BGK wins, a lot would surely rejoice, and count me in. Who really deserved this championship? Is it Air21, who, from the start of the eliminations landed the top spot. Or is it BGK who travel its way from the bottom? But, no matter what happens, I would still cheer for the best players, the BGK. I'm not speaking on my own, I'm not being biased, I have the statistical proof:

• Top Scorer of the Series: Mark Caguioa
• Top Rebounder of the Series: Cris Alexander
• Top Assist of the Series: JayJay Helterbrand
• Top Steals of the Series: Chris Pacana
• Top Blocks of the Series: Cris Alexander

GO BGK!!! The Philippines is counting on you!!!

Barangay Ginebra Kings At Its Best, 13 Win Streak!

Mark Caguioa had once promised, "We'll go to the championship". And
now, here we are at his promised series.

It was Game 1 of the Fiesta Conference Championship, Air21 Express vs the Philippines, I mean, vs the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK). It was Air21's first finals appearance. It was BGK's moment to extend their win streak to 13, JayJay Helterbrand's (the leagues' best point guard, 4th in MVP race) jersey number.

1st Quarter start was owned by Air21, they had 10-0 run against BGK. Arboleda and David had their 3 points each. Forcing Coach Jong Uichico to call a time out. Hmm.. Probably Air21 is really hungry for a championship, maybe BGK had been overconfident. After the time out, BGK renewed their energy and focus. Back to back points from Mamaril and a drive from Valenzuela. Enough to rattle Air21, making David called for an offensive foul against Artadi, make it two. Caguioa and Helterbrand is not at their best that Quarter. But, BGK is playing as a team. Valenzuela carried BGK on his shoulders, enough to close the game to 17-12 in favor of Air21. Not to forget Alexander 'The Greater'. He made the points, the rebounds, the dunks, and the blocks. The player that gives that boost of energy is Artadi. He is now confident making 3 point shots, and he made 1 this Quarter. He made a fastbreak layup from his own steal. Unluckily, he got injured, and he wasn't able to come back to the game. End of 1st Quarter, 25-19 in favor of BGK. It's as if Air21 is lacking enough energy to sustain their game.

2nd Quarter, Caguioa showed why he is leading the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) race. And the seem to be missing JayJay from the 3 point arc made himself visible in his drive through the basket. He definitely is 'The Fast v.2.0'. Arboleda just can't guard him. Every player contributed for BGK: Reavis, Pacana, and Salvacion. Would like to highlight Chris Pacana, he had 4 points on the 2nd Quarter. 2 points coming from Helterbrand's assist and 2 points coming from a tip in of Alexander's miss. He got his 6th point in the 3rd Quarter by making a fearless drive in the paint. The next big thing in PBA's point guards. :)

3rd Quarter, JayJay finally clutched in a 3 pointer, but, it was his last 3 pointer for the game. Although he seemed not to get baskets from his perimiter shots, he earned points from his layups by leaving his guard way behind. Many says it was Thomas who would grab the Best Import. Well, think again, if I'm not mistaken, it was 3 or 4 times that Alexander had blocked Thomas. Caguioa's one-on-one move against Santos reminds me of my blog entry, No One Can Stop Ginebra When There's Helterbrand And Caguioa. No one, not even Santos. He even boasted when he was fould by David, "utak lang 'yan" (in sign language).

4th Quarter, Air21 made their run. An attempt to win the game from behind. David and Santos launching and making their 3 point shots, Se, Billones, and De Ocampo earning points, making it 92-84, with less than 5 minutes remaining. They even have it as close as 96-90, with only last 2 minutes in the pay off period. But Alexander won't let things happen for Air21. He's an all around player, the 'Best Import'. It was fun ending the game 105-96, BGK extending their win streak to 13. Best Player of the Game is Caguioa with 22pts (7 in the 4th Q), 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.

But, what's nice about BGK is their deep bench players, and they really played as a team. When someone can't make the basket, someone would step up to keep the BGK alive. Tubid, injured in the last game of the eliminations, is a big lost to BGK's defense. But Pacana stepped up to fill Tubid's loss, and a lot more. When BGK's star players are having their 'off night', Artadi and Valenzuela willingly stepped up to win the game. The energy they induced enabled the 'off night' to turn into 'on night'. It was just "Barangay Ginebra Kings At Its Best, 13 Win Streak!".

JayJay, The Next MVP?

The poll I have in this blog for "who could be the next Most Valuable Player (MVP)?" is now over. Just in time before the annual awarding of the PBA this season. Landslide victory to my personal bet, JayJay "The Fast version 2.0" Helterbrand.

#1 Kelly Williams

Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR) might have the edge for they won the All Filipino Cup this season. They even reached up to the Quarter Finals of the current Fiesta Conference. He as well soars as the Slam Dunk champ this year, probably because KG Canaleta is not around.

#2 Arwind Santos

Arwind Santos of Air 21 Express is one of the consistent players in the league. They would be battling with Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) for the Fiesta Conference Championship. Their last game of the Semis shows another revelation of why he is second in the current MVP race.

#3 Willie Miller

Willie Miller of Alaska Aces is the last year's MVP. Some says that he won the title since the star players were out for the Team Pilipinas. But seeing how he played this season convinces me that he has that MVP quality.

#4 JayJay Helterbrand

JayJay "The Fast" Helterbrand of BGK has been hailed 3 times as Player of the Week in a month. He has been one of those players who stepped up during the loss of Mark Caguioa. His semis stats shows that he's unstoppable. He can score. He can make a play for the open man. His average turnover is 1. Making him very hard to guard. Not to mention that he has been the Best Player of the Game and the TM 3 King for their 3 consecutive games at Semis.

#5 Kerby Raymundo

Kerby Raymundo of Purefoods TJ Giants might have the statistics for him to belong to the top 5. He is my 2nd personal choice. But seeing the way Purefoods play this conference, I see it clearly that he has less opportunity to make it.

Media and player votes are still to be casted before the MVP for the season be hailed. Could JayJay be the media's bet? Or could it be Kelly? Hmmmm... I really hope that it could be JayJay. I may be biased, but, I personally think that JayJay deserved to be honored as the season's MVP among others. He had lifted BGK from 0-5 to now, Finals. I just get disappointed when he seemed to loss his usual game on Game 4 of the Best of 7 Series against Red Bull. I am really saddened of his statistics. Makes me wonder, could he still won the MVP? Thania knew how much worried I am on that off night of JayJay. I cannot really rejoice on BGK's finals berth knowing it might affect JayJay's statistics. Thanks to her, she makes me smile.

Finals (Game 1) will start on Wednesday, I hope JayJay could still show why he is called "Faster than Ever". If only the votes here reflects the media and player votes, then, JayJay could really be the next MVP. I am really hoping, and praying, that the MVP award be given to JayJay. If not, to Arwind.

Mark Caguioa, Very True To His Words

Who would have thought that Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) would be in the finals? They started 0-5. I even get frustrated at that time. But my Angel told me, it was just the first round. He even told me that BGK can still won the championship.

Then, BGK standing become 2-7. And a promise from Mark Caguioa (MC) had come in. I've searched YouTube for the interview but failed to find one. So instead, I have here a part of Game 3 where they showed a clip of the said interview. It was in the 6:24 mark. Here you go...



It was May 18, 2008. MC promised the BGK fans "I'm telling you, we'll go to the championship!". And I really hold on to that promise. I even quoted it in my first blog, JayJay Helterbrand - Second Best?. Now, today, July 27, 2008, MC fulfilled his promise. He was just very true to his word. I just wonder what do the detractors of MC are thinking or saying right now? Back May 18 they're uttering, "Talaga lang ha?". Hmm.. how about now, July 27? What are they uttering? Or they prefer to keep their mouth shut? For those who are saying that MC was boastful, brag, mayabang. Well, I think the word mayabang only applies to those who say's something that they cannot do. Like a coach who give his word, "We'll win the semis in Game 7". I'm sorry, but there'll be no more Game 7, neither Game 6, neither Game 5.

Game 4 is MC's revelation. For the last 3 games, it was JayJay's night. But tonight, JayJay just can't deliver. If I remember it right, he just earned 8 points. I fear that his statistics for the MVP race would really bring him down. Okay, enough with JayJay, MC is the star of this blog. From the 1st Quarter, I told Thania, "This game is Mark's". And yes, it was. He is just so unstoppable right from the 1st Quarter. Everytime he holds the leather, even a double nor a triple team can't stop him from earning a basket. He does not only own the 1st - 4th Quarter, he as well own the OverTime period. He finished with 35pts, 15/25FG, 2/4 3PT. Not even Red Bull's import can match his stats.

Again, I would like to re-iterate, Mark Caguioa, Very True To His Words. And I was so thankful that he does not disappoint me, and a million of his fans. And I was so glad that I hold on to his promise. He was not being boastful, He was just so FURIOUS!!!

Ginebra Advances to Semis. Kelly Bids Goodbye to MVP?

As Barangay Ginebra sweeps the Best of 3 Series of the Quarter Finals, could it also mean "Kelly would bid goodbye to MVP?"

So sad I failed to watch the game. Thanks to my dear friends, Patrice, Thania, and Rochelle, for keeping me posted. Thanks also to captainlionheart16 who posted the game in YouTube immediately. I downloaded the videos and watched it, along with the commercials. :)

SLR played without their import. Does it make sense? In Game 1, they have their import, BGK wins. Now, they played without Lee Benson, BGK again, wins. Now it makes sense. (brag!)

1st Quarter
It's raining outside. Might have been brought by Typhoon Helen. But hey, it's also raining 3s in Ynarez. 2/2 each for JayJay and MC and 1/1 each for Junthy and Sunday in the 3 point area. Oh well, not to mention this statistic mentioned by the commentators - "Conquering Kings have beaten the Realtors in 11 of their last 13 meetings dating back to the 2005-06 Fiesta Conference"

2nd Quarter
3 points galore. BGKs raining 3s ain't over. 1/3 for JayJay, 1/2 each for MC and Sunday, and 1/1 for Junthy. To add some spice, Artadi and JayJay had a steal each. Nice, very nice game. Kelly? Hmm.. trying soooooo hard to run the race against BGK, ending the first half 43-56 in favor of the kings.

3rd Quarter
Hmmm.. SLR might have prepared themselves in guarding Cris Alexander in the paint. But, they failed to prepare themselves from guarding BGK from the 3 point arc. Junthy had 1/2 in the 3 point area. What else does BGK got? They have the 3s and steals (Artadi made another one this quarter). Alexander brings Ynarez down with his dunk. Adding up with his block against Espino as well as Reavis' block against Williams. The Kings' 7-game win streak is the longest this conference. That stats is as of the 3rd Quarter. Let's make that 8-game win streak to make this game count :D

4th Quarter
Game 1, JayJay is really out of sync. But in Game 2, he was sizzling... Jump shot, 3 points, lay ups, free throws, assists, and steals. Whew... Okay, done with the 3s. Let's have steals. A piece each for JayJay, Artadi, and Reavis. Reavis' steal passed to Artadi, passed to MC, and finally passed to Alexander for a dunk (Kaboom!). Now, it's time for the bench players to show off what they've got. Escalona's time to shine. Career high for him, 8 points in 2 minutes. (Smug!)


Nice, very nice, very very nice game. 113-85, Paul Artadi as the Best Player of the Game, 12 points, 11 assits, 6 steals, all personal conference high. BGK advances to the Semis. They would be facing RedBull on Sunday.

Now that SLR is off the conference, could Kelly still win the MVP? Or will Arwind Santos of Air 21 grab the statistical lead from him? Oh wait, there's JayJay on the 4th rank that could be a contender as well. Although the championship won by SLR in the All Filipino Cup really is a great point for Kelly, nothing's impossible. Their averages are so close that anything could happen. Let's just wait and see. As for now, we just have to celebrate for BGK's win!!!

*** For those who would want a copy of the game, just post your comment, I'll send it to you. :)

JayJay and His 3s

Coach Jong Uichico commends JayJay for his improving defense. He has been playing well defensively this conference. That's how he see JayJay. But for me, I see him differently.

For the last three games (Purefoods, Coke, and TNT), JayJay just shows how he can break the opponents' hearts. Just when the opponents are running for the win, he simply stops them with his three pointers. :D

Ginebra vs Purefoods, June 11, 2008
Just a three point lead, JayJay is dribbling the leather, with less than 1 minute remaining. With Chris Alexander's pick, he got away from his guard and launch for a three pointer. The ball touches the rim, up the glass, and then goes in. Yipee!!! That, for sure nearly broke Purefoods' hearts.

Ginebra vs Coca-Cola, June 15, 2008
With Alex Cabagnot at the Coca-Coal team, his three pointers nearly got past Ginebra's lead. 86-80 and more or less 2 minutes remaining in the game, it is still indeed, anyone's ball game. But, so to speak, JayJay, once again, break the hearts of the tigers with his three pointer from the unselfish assist of The Hitman. Applause, :)

Ginebra vs TNT, June 29, 2008
After a 2-week rest from the conference, No One Can Stop Ginebra, When There's Helterbrand and Caguioa. And indeed, their tandem is back!!! I still have that feeling of nervousness as the game was in its last minutes. The import-less TNT (The import was called for a two technical fouls having him out of the playing court) still manages to maintain their composure, so good that Ginebra cannot escape their comebacks during the game. But, well, JayJay never disappoints the fans. I stand from my feet as he launches and scores the three pointer that gives me relief and make me say to myself, "we will wind this game". And indeed, we do. Thanks JayJay!!!


Well, those three games shows how JayJay improved his outside shooting. Probably he gains his confidence knowing that Chris Alexander would dominate the rebound if he misses. So, aside from improving defensively, he never forget to improve offensively, by practicing and making those big big three pointers. I guess I'll invite Chris Alexander to have him lead the fans and salute you :D

But that doesn't stop there. JayJay had been chosen as Player of the Week three times in a month. It could have been three consecutive weeks if not for Typhoon Frank.

Week 1: June 2-8, 2008
Week 2: June 9-15, 2008
Week 3: June 23-29, 2008

JayJay and His 3s are enough to make history.

No One Can Stop Ginebra, When There's Helterbrand and Caguioa

Finally, after two weeks, my waiting is over. My heartbeats faster from the start of the First Quarter until the last free throw of Mark Caguioa. And like lovers that missed each others arms, Ginebra responded with an 11-point victory against Talk N' Text, 100-89. And who else could be the player of the game? No other than JayJay "The Fast" Helterbrand. Love it!

Have you watched the game? If not, then, you missed a lot. You missed the three 3 pointers of JayJay in the first half. He was just soooo HOT! You missed their fastbreaks. "The Fast and The Furious" tandem is back. And when they are on the run, I guess, NOBODY can stop them. Not even the Cardona and Alapag tandem :P

Oh well, to add up spice on the game, you missed the blow by blow action of Ronald Tubid and MacMac Cardona, hahahaha. I guess Cardona thought that they might have been in the boxing ring. Pacquiao and Diaz perhaps. And, as the game goes on, Tubid is Pacquiao, and Diaz is Cardona. Knock OUT!!!

Uhm, the game turning point, you should probably search YouTube now for you to see the excitement. JayJay savoring the sweet time, then finally launch for a three pointer. Leaving the Talk N' Text with a heartbreak, ohh.. sorry :D

And for the stats, you'll clearly see how selfless JayJay can be. Though earning 30 big points in the game, he as well has 7 big assists. See? What else can he do? Not to forget the efforts of Mark Caguioa, of course. Coming only as one of the second five, he earned 23 points. And yes, still not 100% recovered from his tendinitis. What more if he is 100% Furious?

I just thought that they might lose last night's game since it's been two weeks. But then, I was wrong. Last night only proves that:

"No One Can Stop Ginebra, When There's Helterbrand and Caguioa"

Ginebra vs Alaska vs Frank

Aside from missing my Angel (see My Unrevealed Thoughts for details) last Sunday, I also miss this guy, JayJay Helterbrand. Waking up knowing that Typhoon Frank caused brownout across the region, the next thing that comes my mind was “How can I watch Ginebra’s game tonight?”, hahahaha…

Good that by 4PM, electrical power is back. I immediately turn on the TV. It was then Welcoat vs Air21, 1st Quarter. All the while, I thought that it was being telecast live since I only watch Ginebra and Purefoods Games. :P. But then, I see news flash on the screen saying the postponement of the days' live game. At first I hesitated to believe. But, after listening carefully at what the commentators are saying, it finally sink in to me that the games for the day are really postponed. Waah, sad :(

So, I never continue watching and do some home errands. Then my Angel texted me and told me that the replay was Ginebra vs Red Bull. Hmm, thinking back, it was the game where Ginebra lost. Of all the games to be replayed, why that? (hehehe, bitter).I then browsed through the net and see when will be the next Ginebra game. Sadly, the next game would be Sunday, June 29, 2008, Pacquiao-Diaz day, Ginebra vs TNT. (Sigh!) The days are just too long. :( Just makes me miss the game I love.

Well, there's nothing I can do. I am just hoping that Ginebra could win their last 3 battles so that they could have a good standing and have that Quarter Finals berth. But, in their last game, neither Ginebra nor Alaska won, it was Frank :P

JayJay Helterbrand - Second Best?

It's been a long time since I'm into basketball. Those were the days when I've cheered for Johnny "The Flying A" Abarrientos of Alaska rather than cheering for Vergel "The Voyager" Meneses of Sunkist. Probably because, I always admire those who are "second best". Well, those were during my high school years. Then, I suddenly stop watching PBA.

Not until I've watched Game 6 of the 2007 All Filipino Cup (Ginebra vs San Miguel-now Magnolia). I really find if funny that the time-out signalled by JayJay "The Fast" Helterbrand of Ginebra was actually called good by the referee eventhough he was already falling out of bounds. On the other end, I find it cute the way he reacted when he missed his layup after that time-out, good thing, he was fouled. But what impressed me more was the way he makes the two crucial free throws, and eventually, made them won the championship. It's as if he never felt the pressure that time. From then on, I get addicted to basketball -- again. Ü

Maybe, JayJay is the second best among Ginebra players. Probably, Marc Caguioa is the best among them. But then, JayJay had been proving himself in the current 2008 PBA Fiesta Conference. The Caguioa-Less Ginebra still manages to climb to the top. Thanks to Chris Alexander, the Gentle Giant Import. And of course, The Fast, JayJay Helterbrand :)

As what Caguioa said "We'll make it to the championship"....