By Kristel Satumbaga

In a simple but touching gesture, members of the Creamline Cool Smashers showed their gratitude to the frontliners battling the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic through a video message posted on their social media accounts.

The 59-second message showed the volleyball players led by Alyssa Valdez, Michele Gumabao and Jema Galanza thanking the frontliners for their sacrifice in the global health crisis.

“To all our frontliners, maraming salamat po sa inyong sakripisyo,” said Valdez.

Other members took turns in delivering the message, which says: “At sa patuloy ninyong serbisyo sa ating bansa. Reminding everyone na sana maki-isa tayo para sa isa’t isa.”

The players also reminded the public of basic preventive measures such as washing hands properly, staying indoors unless necessary and practicing social distancing.

“Tulung-tulong po tayo para mas mapabilis ang paglaban sa COVID-19,” the message said.

“At sa ating mga kababayan, tayo ay magkaisa… May God bless and guide as all. Araw-araw, good vibes.”

The video message was posted on Valdez’ official Twitter account late Friday and has so far reached 18,000 views and 3,000 likes.

Nakikiisa kaming mga Creamline Cool Smashers sa Laban ng COVID 19!

Saludo kami sa lahat ng ating mga frontliners! Maraming maraming Salamat po! Kayo ang tunay na MVP! #CreamlineGoodVibes pic.twitter.com/NUvH01S5r1

— Alyssa Valdez (@AlyssaValdez2) March 20, 2020

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“Nakikiisa kaming mga Creamline Cool Smashers sa laban sa COVID-19!” Valdez wrote along with the video.

“Saludo kami sa lahat ng ating mga frontliners! Maraming maraming salamat po. Kayo ang tunay na MVP! #CreamlineGoodVibes.”

A few days ago, Valdez was seen helping the Ravena family pack meals to be distributed for patrolling soldiers in Cainta, Rizal.

The whole Luzon region is under Enhanced Community Quarantine due to avoid the spread of the virus, prompting major sporting events including local tournaments to be canceled or postponed.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

Borislav Stankovic, the long-time secretary-general of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) instrumental in paving the way for NBA players to compete in the Olympics, died Friday in Belgrade at the age of 94, state-run media reported.

Born in Bosnia, Stankovic starred as a player for Red Star Belgrade and also represented Yugoslavia at the 1950 World Championship in Argentina.

He ran the Yugoslav Basketball Federation for a decade, building up the sport’s popularity in the former Yugoslavia, which became a basketball powerhouse under his leadership.

Stankovic served as FIBA’s secretary-general from 1976 to 2002, a period in which he notably helped clear the way for NBA players to compete in the Olympics, starting at the 1992 Barcelona Games.

During his tenure FIBA also introduced the three-point shot and divided matches into quarters.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

Six-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady announced Friday he has signed an NFL contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who confirmed the blockbuster free agent signing.

Three-time NFL Most Valuable Player Brady, who turns 43 in August, announced Tuesday he was leaving the New England Patriots after 20 seasons and a record six crowns under coach Bill Belichick.

“Excited, humble and hungry,” Brady said in an Instagram posting of a photo of him signing the document.

“If there is one thing I have learned about football, it’s that nobody cares what you did last year or the year before that. You earn the trust and respect of those around through your commitment every single day.

“I’m starting a new football journey and I’m thankful for the Buccaneers for giving me an opportunity to do what I love to do. I look forward to meeting all my new teammates and coaches and proving to them that they can believe and trust in me.”

View this post on Instagram

Excited, humble and hungry …if there is one thing I have learned about football, it’s that nobody cares what you did last year or the year before that…you earn the trust and respect of those around through your commitment every single day. I’m starting a new football journey and thankful for the @buccaneers for giving me an opportunity to do what I love to do. I look forward to meeting all my new teammates and coaches and proving to them that they can believe and trust in me…I have always believed that well done is better than well said, so I’m not gonna say much more – I’m just gonna get to work! #Year1 p.s. Jack Brady with the photocred

A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) on Mar 20, 2020 at 5:33am PDT

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The Bucs said Brady signed a “multi-year” contract while ESPN reported it was a two-year deal. Multiple reports Thursday had the deal worth $30 million (27.6 million euros) a season, what would be a free agent record, breaking the $28 million a year mark set by Kirk Cousins.

“I have always believed that well done is better than well said, so I’m not gonna say much more,” Brady wrote. “I’m just gonna get to work.”

Brady joins a Buccaneers club owned by Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer, a team that has not reached the NFL playoffs since 2007.

The 12-year post-season drought is the NFL’s second-longest active futility run behind only Cleveland.

But if Brady can make magic happen and find his way back to the Super Bowl with a new club, he would be playing for the crown on familiar turf — the 2021 Super Bowl is scheduled for Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium.

‘Proven champion’

That’s clearly the Buccaneers’ goal, their website announcement of Brady’s arrival declaring they are “all in” and Brady as the “greatest of all time.”

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht was a member of the Patriots’ scouting staff when Brady was drafted in 2000.

“Tom is a proven champion who has achieved greatness on the field because he demands the best out of himself and his teammates,” Licht said.

“I’ve known Tom since we drafted him in New England 20 years ago and through this process it became very clear that his desire to be a champion burns as strong today as it ever has. He possesses the type of rare natural leadership qualities that will immediately impact our entire organization.”

The Bucs, who won their only Super Bowl title in 2003, are coached by Bruce Arians, who as an assistant coach guided such star signal callers as Peyton Manning with Indianapolis and Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh.

“Tom is the most successful quarterback in the history of our league, but what makes him so special is his ability to make those around him better,” Arians said.

“I’ve had the privilege to work with some of the best passers in our game, and the characteristics they all possessed were the ability to lead and get the best out of their teammates. Tom is no different.

“He’s a proven winner who will provide the leadership, accountability and work ethic necessary to lead us to our goal of winning another championship.”

The Buccaneers boast a powerful offensive unit that ranked third in both total offense and scoring in 2019 behind Jameis Winston, who is now a free agent.

Tampa Bay has two 1,000-yard receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, a rising star at running back in Ronald Jones and two strong reception threats as tight ends in O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate.

Brady has enjoyed great success in finding tight ends during his days with the Patriots, notably connecting with Rob Gronkowski before his retirement last March after a victory in last year’s Super Bowl.

And the Bucs are likely to have their pick of available free agents who might want to join Tampa Bay more than before Brady’s arrival.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

The Olympic flame arrived in Japan to a scaled-down welcoming ceremony Friday as doubts grew over whether the Tokyo Games will go ahead on schedule with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic causing chaos around the world.

As the flame, enclosed in a special lantern, landed on a charter flight, a Japanese Olympic Committee member broke ranks to call for a postponement and Olympics chief Thomas Bach admitted “different scenarios” were under consideration.

“Of course we are considering different scenarios, but we are contrary to many other sports organisations or professional leagues in that we are four-and-a-half months away from the Games,” Bach, the International Olympic Committee president, told the New York Times.

“For us, (postponement) would not be responsible now and it would be premature to start speculation or make a decision at a time when we do not have any recommendation from the task force,” he added.

Reflecting the uncertainty caused by COVID-19, the flame’s arrival at Matsushima Air Base in Japan’s north was a muted affair after organisers were forced to cancel plans to invite 200 schoolchildren.

Former Olympic judo champions Saori Yoshida and Tadahiro Nomura lit a ceremonial cauldron in front of a few dozen officials and guests.

“Children had planned to welcome the Olympic flame, but we decided to scale it down, giving priority to their safety,” said Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori.

The nationwide torch relay begins on March 26, starting from the J-Village sports complex in Fukushima that was used as a base for workers during the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster.

But organisers have been forced to scale back the relay, closing daily ceremonies to the public and urging spectators to “avoid forming crowds” along the route.

Olympics ‘should be postponed’

Speculation has been growing over the Games, scheduled to start on July 24, after the COVID-19 outbreak closed sports competitions around the world and paralysed many countries, along with international travel.

The virus has already disrupted the early stages of the torch’s journey in Greece, with the lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia taking place without spectators.

Organisers then had to scrap the Greek leg of the relay after large crowds mobbed Hollywood actor Gerard Butler as he lit a cauldron in the city of Sparta.

With borders shut in Europe — which has become the epicentre of the crisis — Tokyo officials did not travel to collect the torch, with former Olympic swimmer Naoko Imoto representing Japan at the official handover.

As the flame landed, there are increasing clouds over the Games, with some athletes attacking the IOC for insisting there’s no need for “drastic” action such as postponement or cancellation.

Japanese Olympic Committee executive board member Kaori Yamaguchi, a former Olympic judoka, was the latest prominent figure to call for a postponement, citing the difficulties faced by athletes.

“It should be postponed under the current situation where athletes are not well prepared,” Yamaguchi told the Nikkei daily.

“By asking them to train under these conditions, the IOC is opening itself up the criticism that it is not putting athletes first,” she added.

Bach, under fire after the IOC advised athletes to continue training “as best they can”, insisted health considerations were “first and foremost” — and that the decision won’t be driven by financial interest.

“What makes this crisis so unique and so difficult to overcome is the uncertainty. Nobody today can tell you what the developments are tomorrow, what they are in one month, not to mention in more than four months,” he said.

“Therefore it would not be responsible in any way to set a date or take a decision right now, which would be based on the speculation about the future developments.”

Bach said the IOC will act on advice from its own task force and the World Health Organization, but was optimistic about holding the Games on time. He added that there was no question of a cancellation.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Waylon Galvez

The PBA may be on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic but several players were able to found a way to entertain a country struggling to get back due to the health crisis.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel guard LA Tenorio led an effort in giving hope not just to PBA fans but also Filipino in distress since the government implemented an “enhanced community quarantine” last week.

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Sa gitna po ng napakiharap na sitwasyon na kinakaharap natin at ng buong mundo, dasal po natin ang pagkaka-isa ng sambayanan upang malagpasan ang pagsubok na ito. Ka-isa nyo po kami sa laban na ito. Maraming Salamat sa mga kaibigan natin sa PBA.. @lethalweapon03 @jeanmarc15 @scot_thompson6 @jalapag3 @gnorwood5 @jaywill_17 @japethaguilar35 @47markcaguioa @jayhelterbrand @jamesyap18 @bigbeaubelga @kieferravena15 @saginghilaw15 #LalabanTayo #PBAFamily

A post shared by LA Tenorio (@la_tenorio) on Mar 19, 2020 at 7:16am PDT

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Tenorio posted a video through Instagram showing him and fellow PBA stars belt lines from “Heal The World,” one of the hits of the late pop icon Michael Jackson.

“Ako naman po, kasama ng mga kaibigan ko sa PBA, gumawa din po kami ng collaboration na sana makapagbigay sa inyo ng pagasa, makapagbigay sa inyo kahit papaano ng kasiyahan,” said Tenorio.

“Dahil alam po namin na pagod na pagod na po kayo, especially po sa mga frontliners natin,” Tenorio added in reference to the doctors, nurses and health workers at the hospital, as well as the military and the police manning the different checkpoints.

Also part of the video were Tenorio’s teammates Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar and Mark Caguioa, Magnolia’s Paul Lee and Marc Pingris, James Yap, Beau Belga and Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine, Jayson Castro of TNT KaTropa, Kiefer Ravena of NLEX and June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer.

Tenorio’s former Ginebra teammate Jayjay Helterbrand and one-time Gilas backcourt partner Jimmy Alapag also took part in the music video that has so far received more than 10,000 views and 2,000 likes.

At the end of the video posted by Tenorio and others involved, it continued to encourage with the words “Laban Kababayan”, “Laban buong mundo”, “Laban Tayo” and “Laban Pilipino.”

Tenorio said he got the idea to post such video from Gal Gadot, star of the movie “Wonder Woman” who led a collaboration with other Hollywood stars as they sang the John Lennon hit “Imagine.”

On the same video, Tenorio, started it with a lengthy message as he expressed his gratitude to all those individuals and companies that helped fellow Filipinos in need and encouragement to the health workers.

“Hello mga kababayan, ka-Barangay at siyempre PBA fans,” said Tenorio. “Kumusta kayo jan? Sana mabuti po ang inyong kalagayan, ganun din po ang mga mahal ninyo sa buhay.”

“Alam ko po na napakahirap ng nararansan natin ngayon na parang nakatigil ang mundo natin ngayon.

“Kapit lang po, matatapos din po itong pinagdadaanan natin ngayon. Ang mahalaga ngayon ay sundin natin ang panawagan ng gobyerno na mag-community quarantine para na din po ito sa kaligtasan ng lahat,” he added.

A devote Catholic, Tenorio also asked to continue praying for the country and the world as the COVID-19 pandemic remains a problem for different nations.

“At habang nasa bahay po tayo e sana magdasal din po tayo kay Lord,” he said.

Tenorio said that aside from this video, there are also efforts from the players and the PBA community in providing things to the people in need, though details are still being finalized.

“Pinaguusapan pa sa ngayon ano pwede gawin kasi hirap din kumilos,” said Tenorio. “Pero sa PBA community meron plano to donate talaga. Now usapan pa lang wala pa plano.”

RELATED: Cariaso fund drive for PBA staff gets going

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena is longing for the comforts of home while training in a country being shaken to the core by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Holed out in Formia, a seaside city halfway between Rome and Naples, Obiena says his family is “worried” although their constant online chat is giving his loved ones assurance that “all is okay.”

Obiena is the first Filipino qualifier to the Tokyo Olympics and while there is no official word yet as to whether the July 24-Aug. 9 Games are going to proceed or not given the current global situation, Obiena is staying put.

Besides, the 6-2 athlete doesn’t have a choice given Italy is on total lockdown while the Philippines is likewise starting to come to grips with battling the deadly disease.

“As long as I can train here I think I would stay here,” said Obiena, who secured an Olympic berth last September.

Still, Obiena feels “it’s definitely safer to be home but the risk of traveling is worst I believe.”

Track and field association chief Philip Juico had earlier revealed Obiena had to vacate his dormitory on the orders of Italian authorities and is now living in a place just outside the training center.

Obiena is just one of a chosen few allowed to train in Formia, where he has been based the last few years so he could hone his skills further under renowned coach Vitaly Petrov.

Petrov used to be the mentor of Olympic and six-time world champion Sergey Bubka, two-time Olympic and three-time world champion from Ukraine, Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia and world champion Giuseppe Gibilisco of Italy.

Under Petrov, Obiena’s personal best is now 5.80 meters.

During the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, Obiena finally achieved one of his goals when he won the gold after missing out on that chance in the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

The Ravena family extended support to the frontliners battling the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the country by distributing packed meals to multiple military checkpoints in Cainta, Rizal.

A photo showed siblings Kiefer, Thirdy and Dani, with parents Bong and Mozzy, as well as Kiefer’s girlfriend Alyssa Valdez and some unidentified persons packing food inside a house.

Another photo showed brothers Kiefer and Thirdy in face masks posing with uniformed soldiers.

Kiefer said it was important to do their part in supporting people who have been sacrificing to protect the city while on lockdown even through small acts.

“Kahit yung mga health workers, nurses, doctors, scientists and everyone, grabe pasasalamat namin sa kanila. Kahit sa ganito man lang maitulong namin sa kanila,” he said.

Chooks-to-Go helped in the cause by providing roasted chicken for the packed meals.

The whole Luzon region has been under Enhanced Community Quarantine, shutting down everything except those providing bare essentials like hospitals, pharmacies and grocery stores.

Sporting tournaments are also on a standstill.

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

Two members of the Los Angeles Lakers have tested positive for the new coronavirus (COVID-19) on Thursday as the Philadelphia 76ers also confirmed that three of their players had contracted the disease.

The Lakers said they tested their players because on March 10 they played the Brooklyn Nets, who had four players previously test positive for the virus. The Lakers said team doctors are closely monitoring the two players.

“We learned today that two Lakers players have tested positive,” said Lakers spokesperson Alison Bogli in a news release. “Both players are currently asymptomatic, in quarantine and under the care of the team’s physician.

“All players and members of the Lakers staff are being asked to continue to observe self-quarantine and shelter at home guidelines, closely monitor their health, consult with their personal physicians and maintain constant communication with the team.”

The Sixers said the positive cases were uncovered after health authorities warned that certain players, coaches and support staff may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Like the Sixers, the Lakers declined to name the players who tested positive.

Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets also announced positive tests on Thursday for COVID-19.

On Wednesday, commissioner Adam Silver said NBA players should be considered “super spreaders” of the disease.

Silver’s comments came amid criticism that wealthy athletes are getting tested for the virus ahead of critically ill patients in American hospitals.

The Sixers said their three individuals were in self-isolation while being monitored by medical professionals.

“Three individuals have received positive test results for COVID-19,” the Sixers said. “All other tests results are currently negative. We have reported this information to state and local health authorities as required.”

“The health of our players, staff, fans and community is paramount, and we continue to be guided by medical experts at this time,” the team said.

Also, the Celtics said Thursday at least one player tested positive as part of a series of tests they are conducting on their team. Immediately after the Celtics announcement, guard Smart revealed he had tested positive.

Smart said he was tested five days ago and got the results back on Thursday night.

“What’s up everyone,” said Smart in a video on his Twitter account. “So I just found out I tested positive for the coronavirus. I am OK. I feel fine. I don’t feel any of the symptoms.

“Help protect others by protecting yourself.”

More tests coming

The Celtics said Smart would continue to be isolated.

“The testing was initiated because of exposure to a known positive case,” a Celtics spokesman said. “The team is awaiting further testing results and will communicate them as appropriate.”

Earlier, the Denver Nuggets said one member of the organisation had tested positive, but did not specify whether the person was a player.

“The person, who was tested after experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 on March 16th, is currently under the care of team medical staff and in self-isolation,” the team said.

These are just the latest NBA players to test positive for COVID-19 since Utah’s Rudy Gobert was confirmed to have contracted the disease last week, prompting the league to impose an indefinite suspension on play.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Waylon Galvez

With Malaysia now also on ‘lockdown,’ Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz and her team had to vacate the Bukit Posa Training Center in Kuala Lumpur.

Diaz said all athletes and even the staff of the training center were asked to vacate the area.

“Lockdown na din po kasi dito sa KL for two weeks hanggang March 31. April 1 puwede na po kaming bumalik doon,” said Diaz in a message to The Manila Bulletin late Thursday.

“Ngayon wala na kami sa training center. Lahat din po kasi ng athletes pinauwi… and lahat ng tao sa training center pinaalis na muna,” added Diaz, who has been in the Malaysian capital since last month.

Like in the country, the government of Malaysia has announced lockdown, hoping to contain and eventually end the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Diaz said together with Chinese mentor Kaiwen Gao and strength and conditioning coach Julius Naranjo, they were able to find a place to stay until the lockdown is lifted in Kuala Lumpur.

“Nakahanap naman po ng paraan. Sarado na rin po hotels, swerte nakabook ng Airbnb last minute,” said Diaz.

“Kahit ano man pong situation grateful pa rin kasi nakahawak pa rin ng barbel at naka-training ng maayos,” said Diaz, referring to the last minute workout she had at training camp.

Diaz posted a video on her Instagram account of that workout with a caption: “Panic lift when I learned we had to leave the training center and quarantine for two weeks. Yes, we are in chaotic situation and we don’t stop there, we will conquer this #COVID19.”

She added on the post: “Hold on and we don’t give up. We will fight and pray together.”

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Panic lift when I learned we had to leave the training center and quarantine for 2 weeks. Yes, we are in chaotic situation and we don’t stop there, we will conquer this #COVID19 . Hold on and Don’t give up. We will fight and pray together. #LABANPilipinas #LabanHidilyn #TeamHD @jeaneth_aro @budst @imjulius @belen_banas #OlympicWeightlifting #Tokyo2020 @imjulius @phil.sportscommission @mvpsportsfoundation @phoenixfuels @8990holdingsinc

A post shared by Hidilyn Diaz OLY (@hidilyndiaz) on Mar 19, 2020 at 6:16am PDT

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The 28-year-old Diaz said she is also thinking and praying for the welfare of her family and friends here, particularly her parents Eduardo and Emelita who are in Zamboanga City, which is also on a lockdown.

“Nagm-emessage nanay ko po… mas worried ako sa kanila. Lockdown na rin sa Zamboanga,” she said.

Despite her status in Malaysia, Diaz said she hopes to continue training and by end of the Kuala Lumpur lockdown, she hopes to return to training camp and finish what they have started before returning home by mid-April.

“Hopefully maka-training ako ng maayos after March 31. Tapos yung balik sa Pilipinas, hanggang matapos po siguro ang lockdown sa atin. Now we’ll find ways to continue training… magagaling po coaches ko.”

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

More PBA personalities have joined the efforts led by Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso in making sure that the league’s gameday personnel will be compensated despite the suspension of games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cariaso told the Manila Bulletin on Thursday that over 20 players and coaches have made donations a day after the Aces mentor started the drive to aid people who rely on gamedays to make a living.

“I’m happy to announce that there’s over 20 players and coaches who have donated to the cause,” Cariaso said. “So many of them with big hearts helping make a difference to our PBA family.”

The former PBA All-Star earlier announced a donation of P25,000 from his own pocket plus an additional P50,000 from Alaska and P25,000 from team governor Dickie Bachmann.

Other players followed suit, notably Meralco’s Cliff Hodge and San Miguel Beer’s Chris Ross.

“I will donate (P20,000) to help in your cause coach,” Hodge told Cariaso on Twitter. “Let me know also if there is anything else I can do to help our PBA family.”

“I’ll match!” Ross said while re-tweeting Hodge.

I’ll match! https://t.co/et3UbQTVbb

— Chris Ross (@cmross6) March 18, 2020

Hodge’s teammate Nico Salva also donated an undisclosed amount while NLEX’s Kiefer Ravena was able to secure commitments from Magnolia’s Paul Lee and Rain or Shine’s Beau Belga.

Columbian star CJ Perez also announced through Instagram a donation of P25,000.

View this post on Instagram

BIGGER THAN THE GAME• TEAMMATES FOR LIFE • I’M DONATING 25,000 to our PBA Family

A post shared by Cjay Perez (@cjayp7) on Mar 18, 2020 at 7:29pm PDT

Cariaso earlier said that the target is to be able to give each person affected a salary of two months.

Among those hit by the PBA stoppage are statisticians, table officials, gatekeepers, entertainment personnel and parking and operations staff.

Source: Manila Bulletin