By Jonas Terrado

NorthPort made history as only the fourth No. 8 seed to beat a No. 1 after stunning NLEX with a 126-123 triple overtime victory Wednesday for a berth in the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Batang Pier rode on the inspiring performance of the hardworking Sean Anthony, whose layup with 12.3 seconds left in the third extension gave them a 124-123 and eventually earn the right to face Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the semifinals.

Jericho Cruz airballed his three-point attempt, Christian Standhardinger hit two free throws before Kiefer Ravena missed a game-tying three at the buzzer, sparking wild celebrations from the NorthPort players and coaches.

The Batang Pier repeated the feats of Barangay Ginebra over Mobiline in the 1999 All-Filipino Conference, San Miguel Beer opposite Talk ’N Text in the 2002 Governors’ Cup and Powerade past B-Meg in the 2012 Philippine Cup.

Anthony, a member of that Powerade squad led by Gary David, Jvee Casio and Marcio Lassiter, made sure history would repeat itself as NorthPort overcame inconsistencies and the season-ending injury to rookie Robert Bolick to make the final four.

Anthony finished with 30 points and 11 rebounds in 47 minutes.

Christian Standhardinger, who was added after being traded from SMB in the elims, topscored with 33 points while import MIchael Qualls added 31 for the Batang Pier.

Import Manny Harris dropped 43 points while Kiefer Ravena scored 22 despite a 6-of-20 shooting as NLEX’s season ends in disappointment after topping the elims.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Nash Racela will make his return to the pro ranks next season after agreeing to accept the role as coach of the Blackwater Elite.

Team Governor Silliman Sy confirmed that the deal that will give Racela the opportunity to turn the Elite’s fortunes after a dismal campaign in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

Blackwater slid to 2-9 in the season-ending conference after making the quarterfinals of the Commissioner’s Cup.

Racela returns after handling TNT KaTropa from 2016 to 2018. During his tenure, the KaTropa reached the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup Finals but lost to the San Miguel Beermen in six games.

He had a record of 50-42 before leaving at the middle of the 2018 Governors’ Cup.

After his TNT stint, Racela returned to FEU as a consultant while serving as an assistant coach of Eric Gonzales with Iloilo in the MPBL.

Rumors swirled the previous week that La Salle was eyeing Racela as its next coach.

The younger brother of Far Eastern University coach and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel assistant Olsen Racela will reunite with Mac Belo and Mike Tolomia, his former players when he steered the Tamaraws to the 2015 UAAP championship.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Blackwater, Ever Bilena Cosmetics’ personal grooming line, is all about bringing pride to the country as it supports independent athletes in the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Happening on November 30 to December 11, the SEA Games will gather nearly 10,000 athletes from 11 nations who will to participate in 530 events in 56 sports. The sports event carries the theme “We Win As One.”

Filipino athletes will try their best to raise the Philippine flag and Blackwater will be backing some of them in this pursuit.

“I am a sportsman and it makes me happy when I see Filipino athletes succeed in the international arena. That’s why we are giving our support to independent athletes because they are going to compete in the SEA Games practically on their own. I know that these athletes have worked so hard for so many years to bring pride to our nation and, in one way or another, we would like to help them and be a part of their success,” said Dioceldo Sy, president and CEO of Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc.

Blackwater has hand-picked their beneficiaries and all of them were introduced during a press conference at The Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City.

One of them  is Jasmine Paler Alkhaldi, a 25-year-old swimmer who has represented the Philippines at the London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics. A member of the Philippine team since 2009, Alkhaldi has won 12 SEA Games medals  —  two bronze medals in 2013, six bronze in 2015, and four bronze in 2017.

Another is 18-year-old wakeboarder Raphael Trinidad from Calamba, Laguna. The young athlete started wakeboarding at the age of 12. A few years later, he became the National Champion during the 9th Philippine Cable Wakeboarding Championship in 2015. Since then, he has participated in several local and international competitions such as the IWWF Cable Wakeboard World Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina where he won a silver medal in the Pro-Men Division.

Moreover, Jaime de Lange will be representing the Philippines at the downhill skateboard event. With over eight years of experience in the Philippine downhill scene, De Lange has raked several recognition in the country and abroad. He has attended several skateboarding events all over the world, like in the US, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan, not only as a racer but also as an organizer and coach. In the last four years, he has ranked number 1 in the Philippines and has been the highest-ranked racer in Asia.

Lastly, the women of Gilas Pilipinas will send Filipino basketball fans into frenzy as they go up against their toughest competitors in the region. With head coach Pat Aquino, the team is made up of 16 skilled and strong-willed players who have competed in different countries including Singapore, Malaysia, India, Taiwan, Mongolia, and New Zealand. Gilas Pilipinas is currently ranked number 7 in the FIBA Asia-Oceania zone.

The current roster includes Jack Danielle Animam, Afril Bernardino, Gemma Miranda, Eunique Chan, Danica Therese Jose, Mary April Penaranda, Ria Joy Nabalan, Ana Alicia Katrina Castillo, Camille Claro, Maria Beatrice Daez, Marizze Andrea Tongco, France Mae Cabinbin, Janine Pontejos, Clare Castro, Kelli Hayes and Kristina Deacon.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Filipino gamers get to learn from the best as Esportsplay Gaming formalized its tieup with one of the world’s formidable professional DOTA 2 teams in LGD.

The two groups merged Tuesday in a grand event to form LGD International which will scout, train and coach core players from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to compete in The International (T.I), the biggest DOTA 2 tournament ever.

Esportsplay Gaming chairman and CEO Ivan Angelo Cuevas and COO John Tse signed the contract along with LGD General Manager Pan Fei and LGD CEO Pan ‘Ruru’ Jie during the launching dubbed ‘LGD International Launch Party: A Collab of LGD &Esportsplay Gaming’ at the Conrad Hotel.

“The country has produced many esports players. Esports Gaming is planning to solidify the Philippines in the Esports map with this collaboration with one of the best teams in the world,” said Cuevas.

“Forming one DOTA 2 team is just one vision for LGD International. With their experience training a team, I have all the confidence in the world to grow the esports community in the country,” Tse said.

Fans, gamers and Esports enthusiasts present during the event got the chance to face star players such as Ah Jit, Chuan, and Ruru in a friendly match.

“We hope we can bring the Philippines esports to higher level and help Filipino DOTA 2 players succeed in international tournaments,” said Ruru.

The friendly match was streamed online via Esportsplay Gaming’s Facebook page and Youtube account, that was made more exciting by shout casters and gaming influencers Sh1n Boo and Butters.

The National’s Justin Villaseran (Vill) and known caster from China’s The International C.C hosted the launch party.

Esports Gaming is eyeing to build LGD International’s training headquarters in Pampanga and soon, a gaming arena in Cebu, which is the first step toward their mission to drive eSports forward by creating a talent training program and developing an ecosystem.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Erma Edera

The refurbished Ninoy Aquino Stadium has become the new press conference area for football after foreign and local media used a makeshift conference area on Monday.

The newly-renovated Ninoy Aquino stadium is located beside the football stadium.

Last Monday, members of local and foreign media walked into an unfinished hall inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex which was supposed to be squash venue for the SEA games. However, it was not completed in time.

The new press center is well lit, air-conditioned and had a fresh coat of paint.

Aside from the facility, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), Philippine Sports Commission and local football club Ceres-Negros FC have also provided various assistance to organizers.

Provided were buses for the football national teams to travel across the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, Biñan Football Stadium and Imus Grandstand Cavite Stadium.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Games Thursday

(Biñan Football Stadium, Laguna)

4 p.m. — Vietnam vs Laos

(Rizal Memorial Stadium)

4 p.m. — Brunei vs Thailand

8 p.m. — Indonesia vs Singapore

The national U-22 team conceded a second half goal late to absorb a 2-1 loss to Myanmar in the men’s football competitions of the 30th Southeast Asian Games Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Win Naing Tun beat defender Amani Aguinaldo before sending the ball past goalkeeper Anthony Pinthus in the 79th minute to eventually give Myanmar the maximum three points at the expense of the home side.

Tun’s goal deflated an Azkals U-22 side that appeared to have gained momentum following Justin Baas’ goal shortly before halftime.

But the lack of finishing that came despite Stephan Schrock’s play at midfield and Jarvey Gayoso’s solid showing as a converted left back hurt the Philippines’ chances, allowing Myanmar to capitalize.

With the loss, the Azkals U-22 of Serbian coach Goran Milojevic must now beat Malaysia on Friday at the same venue to stay in contention for a semifinals berth in Group A.

A win will enable the Young Azkals to repeat the stunning defeat of the Malaysians at the same venue in the 1991 SEA Games when Norman Fegidero scored the winner in the 84th minute.

The Philippines will play its final group stage match against Timor-Leste on Dec. 4 at the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna.

Striker Aung Kaung Mann put Myanmar in front in the 17th before Baas cancelled it out, struck the equalizer off Yrick Gallantes’ cross followed by Dennis Chung’s pass.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

The big question remains.

How the P55-million cauldron will be lit to signal the start of the 30th Southeast Asian Games was kept under wraps by the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), whose leadership is calling on everyone to watch the event live on Saturday.

“You will only know when you attend,” said Phisgoc chief operating officer Tats Suzara yesterday during a media briefing at the World Trade Center.

“Everywhere you go, organizers won’t tell you (about) the program.”

This came after the Phisgoc held a dress rehearsal Tuesday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan where the opening rites will take place under an atmosphere of revelry.

The cauldron towers over the newly-built athletics stadium that can accommodate 20,000 and the 5,000-capacity Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac, and boxing star Manny Pacquiao will light it up as a vital part of the program.

Adding luster to the dazzling presentation centering on the Filipino talent and its unique culture are the parade not only of current sporting standouts but those whose exploits left everyone in awe.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Miss World 2013 Megan Young will lead the bevy of beauties expected while world-class entertainment will be delivered by the finest Filipino musicians, including Lani Misalucha, Jed Madela, Christian Bautista, Iñigo Pascual, KZ Tandigan and Grammy Award-winner Apl.de.ap.

The production team tapped to handle the event has tons of experience as it was involved in the staging of performances during the 2012 London Olympics, 2014 Sochi Winter Games and the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games.

“Napakaganda talaga,” said Tolentino, who watched the dry run.

The mood during the media Q&A had a more upbeat tone as the Phisgoc continues to reel from a variety of organizational setbacks that covered transportation, food and accommodations.

Still, Suzara and Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino called on everybody not to put the country’s hosting on a bad light and instead dwell on the athletes.

“Everything is now in order,” said Suzara, deflecting accusations that the Phisgoc has not addressed the concerns of the other competing nations.

Suzara then presented master chef Bruce Lim, who explained that food preparation is one factor the Phisgoc is giving utmost importance.

“We care about or Muslim brothers. It is tough for a non-Halal country (like the Philippines), not a pork-eating country. We had a very hard time with the request. Not all the hotels are Halal-certified. We had to ask help from third party groups.”

Meanwhile, Suzara said the main bulk of the athetes and officials are blowing into town Thursday and Friday.

“There will be 3,000 to 4,000 arriving,” said Suzara, stressing that a crucial chief of missions meeting on Tuesday has enabled them to address the concerns.

“We had a CDM meeting two days ago. And we tackled all the issues and complaints and the problems. We have resolved everything.”

The 2019 SEAG will be the biggest in history with 56 sports and 530 gold medals up for grabs.

Metro Manila is hosting the biggest number of sports but New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, and its environs as well as Southern Luzon cities have also been tabbed to hold events.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

Every medalist in the 30th Southeast Asian Games will go home with a piece of the country’s cultural identity as envisioned by Filipino designer and sculptor Daniel dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz said it took a lot of research to come up with the best idea of representing the country in the medals that will be distributed to the winners in this edition of the biennial meet.

“The imagery used in the design is part of being Filipino. I think no matter where you look at it, the identity of the Filipino still comes out in the design,” he said in a recent television interview with ANC.

The medal design shows a sail or “layag” with surrounding waters, representing the archipelagic country with the New Clark City stadium carved at the back.

“Our common thing with our (Southeast Asian) neighbors is that we’re surrounded by seas and our first contact with each other is through trade and the sea,” Dela Cruz said of the inspiration behind the design.

He added the process came from step-by-step renderings of computer to actual prototypes, heeding to the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee’s (Phisgoc) prerequisite of wanting it on a world-class level.

“It’s very detailed, with the use of high technology. And it also has substantial weight,” Dela Cruz said.

He was also behind the design of the official torch, which drew inspiration from the country’s national flower, sampaguita.

“It’s a very nice representation of the Filipinos. Sampaguitas are small, simple and humble-looking, yet it last a couple of days. And I think it’s very much an example of the simplicity and resilience of the Filipinos,” he said.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

Paul George scored 17 of his 26 points in the first quarter, Kawhi Leonard finished with 28 and the Los Angeles Clippers took control early in a meeting of teams with matching five-game winning streaks, beating the Dallas Mavericks 114-99 on Tuesday night.

The Clippers used several defenders to end Luka Doncic’s franchise-record streak of four games with at least 30 points and 10 assists. George had a career-high six steals as Los Angeles held the Mavericks under 100 points for the first time this season.

The Clippers limited the 20-year-old phenom to 4-of-13 shooting, including 0 for 7 from 3-point range. The Slovenian star made 14 of 16 free throws and finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Patrick Beverley got in foul trouble as one of the defenders assigned to Doncic, but getting his fourth early in the second half just brought back Lou Williams sooner. The high-scoring reserve finished with 21 points, going 4 of 7 on 3-pointers.

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By WAYLON GALVEZ

RR Pogoy’s injury has forced Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone to drop him from the roster, one week before the national team opens its campaign in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Pogoy, a sweet-shooting guard, hurt his back during TNT KaTropa’s game against Magnolia in the quarterfinal playoffs of the PBA Governors’ Cup last Monday.

TNT won 93-87 to advance in the semifinal round but paid a heavy price.

Pogoy was helped off the court in the final moments of the fourth period, and Gilas team manager Gabby Cui confirmed the former Rookie of the Year has a bulging disc that needs a week rest before he can start rehabilitation.

Cone named Pogoy to the final 12 that will aim for an 18th gold medal for the Philippines in the biennial meet.

The national team opens its campaign against Singapore on Dec. 4, before it meets Vietnam on Dec. 6 and takes on Myanmar on Dec. 7 for preliminary Group A action at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Malaysia are in Group B.

The good news for Gilas is that Cone can name a replacement for Pogoy from the ‘long list’ submitted by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) to retain the 12-man squad.

SEA Games basketball competitions manager Bernie Atienza said that there are 18 players on the ‘long list’ submitted by Gilas Pilipinas management.

From the 12 that Cone picked, the remaining players on the long list are Jayson Castro, Scottie Thomson, Greg Slaughter, Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang and Art dela Cruz.

“Players who are injured before the actual competition can be replaced,” said Atienza.

Source: Manila Bulletin