The PBA Technical Committee has proposed rule changes for the 45th Season primarily to make the games more exciting as well as to be more aligned with FIBA rules.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, 5th from left, joins members of the competition committee on Tuesday. Also in photo are, from left: PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro, technical head Bong Pascual, Phoenix asst. coach Carmelo Alas, ROS coach Caloy Garcia, SMB coach Leo Austria, technical consultant Joey Guanio, Blackwater coach Nash Racela, Phoenix asst. coach Kris Reyes and D-League tournament director Mauro Bengua. (PBA Images)

A new set of head coaches comprise this year’s ‘Competition Committee’ namely Coach Leo Austria of SMB, Coach Caloy Garcia of ROS, Coach Nash Racela of BWE and Coach Louie Alas of Phoenix Fuel Masters (represented by Mel Alas and Christopher Reyes).

The 1st Competition Committee under Comm. Marcial was formed in 2018 with Coaches Tim Cone of GSM, Norman Black of Meralco , Yeng Guiao of NLEX and then Alaska Head Coach Alex Compton with Coach Ryan Gregorio and Mr. Quinito Henson.

The Office of the Commissioner plans to rotate all Head Coaches from the league’s 12 teams to be part of the Competition Committee in the future.

The PBA Technical Committee will make their rounds to all teams to further explain and discuss the rule changes that include that of substitutions, time resetting and fines and penalties.

The said rule changes were unanimously approved by the Competition Committee.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jan Carlo Anolin

Retired NBA player and Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade is one proud parent and ally of the LGBTQ+ community.

Wade spoke about his 12-year-old child coming out as a transgender in a televised interview with Ellen DeGeneres Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time).

Dwyane Wade with daughter Zaya (Photo from Dwayne Wade’s Instagram account)

The former Heat star recalled how Zaya – originally named Zion and was assigned male at birth – came out to Wade and stepmother Gabrielle Union.

‘”Hey, so I want to talk to you guys. I think going forward I’m ready to live my truth,” Wade said, citing Zaya during “The Ellen Show.” “And I want to be referenced as she and her. I would love for you guys to call me Zaya.”

Wade said, together with Union, they are taking their roles and responsibilities as parents “very seriously” and stressed that “doesn’t change” just because sexuality is involved.

“It’s our job [to go] out and get information, to reach out to every relationship that we have,” the three-time NBA champion said.

“We [are] just trying to figure out as much information as we can to make sure that we give our child the best opportunity to be her best self.”

It was also a proud parent moment for Union after posting a video Tuesday about her daughter on Twitter.

“Meet Zaya. She’s compassionate, loving, whip-smart and we are so proud of her. It’s [ok] to listen to, love & respect your children exactly as they are. Love and light good people,” Union said.

The video showed Zaya and Wade’s conversation about “living life as true to yourself” while riding a golf cart.

“What’s the point in being on this Earth if you’re gonna try to be someone you’re not,” the 12-year-old Zaya said in the video.

“Just be true and don’t really care what the ‘stereotypical way’ of being you is. I think you [will] push through and you [will] be the best you.”

Meet Zaya. She's compassionate, loving, whip smart and we are so proud of her. It’s Ok to listen to, love & respect your children exactly as they are. Love and light good people. pic.twitter.com/G2lLVdD2VT

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) February 11, 2020

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

In a separate tweet, Union expressed gratitude to friends, family and people who messaged her for the support.

“We are humble LGBTQ+ allies with [a lot] to learn & grateful for all the support. We encourage [y’all] to check us as needed,” Union said.

A report by Los Angeles Times featured Zaya attending the Miami Beach Pride with her older brother Zaira and Union last April.

Zaya is Wade’s daughter with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches. (Jan Carlo Anolin) ###

WATCH:

Source: Manila Bulletin

Wilcon Depot, the Philippines’ leading home improvement and construction supply retailer, successfully conducted its sixth annual golf tournament at the Forest Hills Golf and Country Club, Antipolo City on January 29, 2020.

(L-R) Wilcon Depot SEVP-Chief Operating Officer and Wilcon Foundation President Rosemarie B. Ong, Wilcon Depot Founder and Chairman Emeritus William T. Belo, and Wilcon Depot President and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan.

Over the past five years, the charity golf tournament has raised a generous amount of funds to assist its chosen charities. This year, Wilcon has decided to donate the raised funds to the communities affected by the Taal Volcano eruption. Majority of the proceeds from the tournament will fund Wilcon’s continuous relief missions to the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna in assisting the thousands of displaced families.

The golf tournament is just one of the many initiatives of the company to give back to the society. The Wilcon Cup is also an extension program in promoting partnership, camaraderie, and giving thanks to their valued suppliers and industry partners.

“We are delighted to host the annual Wilcon Invitational Golf Cup as this event brings our valued suppliers and partners together for an exciting day of sportsmanship and fellowship. But aside from that, this year has been made extra meaningful as we decided to donate majority of the proceeds as a continuous effort of Wilcon to assist those communities affected by eruption of the Taal volcano. We are grateful for the generous contributions and for those who helped to make this big event a huge hit of success.” Wilcon SEVP and COO Rosemarie Ong said during her opening remarks.

Part of the proceeds from the tournament will also be donated to the Crocodylus Porosus Philippines, Inc. (CPPI) to support its effort in helping preserve the crocodiles in the Philippines.

Wilcon Depot Founder and Chairman Emeritus William T. Belo

More than a hundred golfers—Wilcon industry partners and media partners supported the event and enjoyed a fun play of various hole competitions and activities in the Forest Hills’ world-class golf and leisure facilities.

The following were 6th Wilcon Cup sponsors: Platinum sponsors—Boysen, Davies, Mariwasa, and Pozzi; Diamond sponsors—Grohe, ABC, Landlite, HCG, American Standard, Ariston, Emigres, Geberit, and Basel; Gold sponsors—Rain or Shine, Sentry, Yale, Globe Tape, Matimco, James Hardie, Jardine, Home Aid, and Filhome Builders; Silver sponsors—K-Plast, Main Hardware, Omni, Apo Floors, Justino, Electrosavers, Onix, Energie Ker, and Mulia; and also for the generous sponsorship of Franke and AudioWav.

Delta Airlines and Toby’s Sports were the event’s Hole-in-One sponsors. Media partners were Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Business World, Manila Times, Business Mirror, ABS-CBN, One Mega Group, Philippine Realty TV, and Home Base Plus.

The winners of this year’s Wilcon Cup (Palmer Course): Low Net Champion, Derek Ramsey; Class A Division champion, Marvin Caparros; Class B Division champion, Mike Peña; and Class C Division champion Nexson Lee Yung. While the runners-up were: Peter Pancho for Class A Division, Roland Banzon for Class B, and Cordell Guanco for Class C. Emerging as the Hole-in-One winner and Nicklaus course champion was Edgar Allan Pasion and Nicklaus course runner-up was Ruel De Castro.

The tournament was hosted by Wilcon longtime partner Johnny Litton. During the awarding ceremony, Wilcon also presented special raffle prizes and gifts to participants and sponsors who continued to support the annual cup.

Titan Paints Brand Ambassador Derek Ramsey and Wilcon Depot SEVP-Chief Operating Officer President Rosemarie B. Ong

Founded in 1977, Wilcon Depot provides the most extensive home improvement product selection of trusted local and international brands with high-grade features and superior quality. Wilcon carries a wide array of product offerings from Tiles, Sanitarywares, Plumbing, Furniture, Home Interior, Building Materials, Hardware, Electrical, Appliances, and other DIY items.

Experience more of what Wilcon has to offer with its 57 stores nationwide or shop online by visiting shop.wilcon.com.ph. For more information about Wilcon, you can log on to http://www.wilcon.com.ph or follow them on their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram at @wilcondepot.ph. You can also connect with them on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

National University expects a tough ride towards its three-peat bid in UAAP Season 82 men’s volleyball which fires off Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

NU Bulldogs celebrate during the UAAP Season 81 volleyball men’s Finals (MB Photo / Rio Leonelle Deluvio, File)

The Bulldogs will be hard-pressed in retaining their crown as two-time Finals Most Valuable Player Bryan Bagunas, Kim Malabunga and Francis Saura have exhausted their playing years.

Despite the trio’s exit, though, NU coach Dante Alinsunurin is optimistic his squad, composed of a mix of veteran and rookie players, will be right there competing.

“Our main goal is to defend the crown. Wala kaming palalagpasing opportunity,” said Alinsunurin, who also mentored the national men’s volleyball team in its silver medal finish at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Setter Joshua Retamar and libero Ricky Marcos are expected to anchor the Bulldogs to the podium following their SEA Games experience along with skipper James Natividad, Nico Almendras and transferee Ed Camposano.

Alinsunurin hopes their two-week training stint in Japan last January strengthened his athletes’ resolve.

“Excited kami kasi eto yung gusto naming mangyari for men’s volleyball. Kaya sabi ko sa kanila, every time na may opportunity, ibigay lang ang best nila para itaas yung level ng play nila,” Alinsunurin said.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jan Carlo Anolin

The late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were reportedly laid to rest on Friday, February 7, 2020.

Flowers and photos of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna “Gigi” are placed near the Staples Center to pay tribute after a helicopter crash killed the retired basketball star and his daughter, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., January 28, 2020. (REUTERS / Kyle Grillot)

FOX 11 was able to obtain a copy of Kobe’s death certificate and provided more details on the burial.

According to the death certificate, the remains were transferred to Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary in Corona Del Mar, California. The said agency handles the funeral arrangements for the Bryant family.

It also states that Kobe died in a “commercial helicopter crash” with the official cause of death as “blunt trauma.” The “time interval between onset and death” was cited as “rapid.”

The death certificate also indicates that Kobe was an “author, producer and athlete” and became part of the entertainment industry for 24 years.

Kobe and Gianna were among the nine victims who perished in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. They were scheduled for a game at the Mamba Sports Academy when the accident happened.

Gianna’s teammates Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester, Alyssa’s parents John and Keri Altobelli, Payton’s mother Sarah Chester, basketball coach Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan also died in the crash.

Harbor Day School, which is just a few steps away from the Pacific View Memorial Park, retired Gianna’s No. 2 jersey last Wednesday.

Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, announced in an Instagram post Friday that a public memorial service is set at the Staples Center on the morning of Feb. 24.

View this post on Instagram

#2, #24, #20 years as a Laker and the amount of years Kob and I were together ❤️❤️

A post shared by Vanessa Bryant 🦋 (@vanessabryant) on Feb 7, 2020 at 9:49am PST

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

The date “02/24/2020” for the “celebration of life” carries a symbolism — with Kobe wearing the No. 24 jersey in the later stages of his career, Gianna with No. 2 and “20” as Kobe’s service for the Lakers.

The National Transportation Safety Board on Friday disclosed in a preliminary report that the wreckage scene showed no evidence of engine failure.

The preliminary report was a summary of the investigators’ findings so far but a final report is expected to be completed in at least a year. (With reports from AFP and Reuters) ###

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

UAAP Season 82 President Emmanuel Fernandez. (UAAP Images)

The UAAP is postponing all its sporting events starting on Feb. 15 in light of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The Board of Trustees and the Board of Managing Directors made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon after a thorough deliberation.

“The UAAP will be closely monitoring the country’s situation in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak in order to determine the resumption of the games,” said the statement signed by UAAP Season 82 President Emmanuel Fernandez and Executive Director Rebo Saguisag.

“We ask for your understanding and your prayers for the safety of our community, our nation and all countries affected by this outbreak.”

Among the events affected are boys and girls basketball stepladder semifinals and finals, boys football final, high school beach volleyball, as well as college football, judo, athletics, baseball, softball and volleyball.

The anticipated volleyball competition is actually scheduled to start on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Nick Giongco

Manny Pacquiao moved a step closer to a potential collision with MMA star Conor McGregor when the Filipino boxing icon signed up recently with Paradigm Sports Management (PSM), an outfit that also represents the mix-martial arts idol.

Manny Pacquiao and Conor McGregor (AP Photos)

“Incredibly proud,” wrote PSM head Audie Attar in a social media post on Pacquiao’s decision to be represented by his outfit.

Attar was in the country to witness Pacquiao’s signing and those who made the deal possible were some of Pacquiao’s staff at the Senate, including lawyer Brando Viernesto.

Manny Pacquiao with PSM Founder Audie Attar

Jayke Joson, another key player in Pacquiao’s team, said PSM is in the process of coming up with a mouthwatering offer for the eight-division to return to action.

“Mr. Audie Attar immediately headed back to the US to work on this,” said Joson.

Pacquiao hasn’t seen action since beating Keith Thurman last July under Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).

Manny Pacquiao formalizes his entry into Paradigm Sports Management by shaking hands with the company’s founder Audie Attar.

Should PBC dangle an offer for Pacquiao to fight, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer will have PSM as his frontman.

But, according to sources, Pacquiao still has an existing contract with PBC and PSM’s premature entry could mess things up legally.

Pacquiao did two fights with PBC, the first against Adrien Broner in January 2019, and the second against Thurman.

Viernesto, who played a key role for the PSM contract to materialize, said Pacquiao’s pact with PBC was only good for two fights.

“There was an option for PBC to promote a third fight but it will happen if it’s a fight with Floyd Mayweather,” said Viernesto.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Buoyed by its initial success, the Philippine Basketball Association will hold a media day for the second straight year as its ushers the league’s coming 45th season.

The event is set Feb. 27 at the grand ballroom of Okada Manila.

PBA sets the media day on Feb. 27 to kick off its 45th season. (PBA Images)

All 12 teams are expected to participate as the affair is a mandatory activity of the league showcasing the players, coaches, and incoming rookies.

Commissioner Willie Marcial, who spearheaded the project last year, along with the league Board of Governors led by chairman Ricky Vargas, are expected to be in attendance for the 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. occasion.

The event serves as venue for open interviews and features to usher the 2020-2021 calendar of the league.

Among those scheduled to represent their respective teams are:

Alaska – coach Jeff Cariaso, Vic Manuel, Sonny Thoss, JV Casio, Jeron Teng, Kevin Racal, and signed rookies

Barangay Ginebra – coach Tim Cone, Mark Caguioa, LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Stanley Pringle, and signed rookies

Blackwater – coach Nash Racela, Don Trollano, Roi Sumang, KG Canaleta, Mac Belo, Paul Desiderio, and signed rookies

Columbian Dyip – coach John Cardel, CJ Perez, JP Calvo, Rashawn McCarthy, Aldrech Ramos, Juami Tiongson, and signed rookies

Meralco – coach Norman Black, Allein Maliksi, Baser Amer, Cliff Hodge, Raymond Almazan, Chris Newsome, signed rookies

Magnolia – coach Chito Victolero, Paul Lee, Peter June Simon, Marc Pingris, Mark Barroca, Jio Jalalon, signed rookies

NLEX – coach Yeng Guiao, Kevin Alas, Poy Erram, Asi Taulava, Larry Fonacier, Kiefer Ravena, signed rookies

NorthPort – coach Pido Jarencio, Christian Standhardinger, Sean Anthony, Nico Elorde, Kevin Ferrer, Paolo Taha, signed rookies

Phoenix – coach Louie Alas, RJ Jazul, Matthew Wright, Jason Perkins, JC Intal, Justin Chua, signed rookies

Rain or Shine – coach Caloy Garcia, James Yap, Beau Belga, Gabe Norwood, Rey Nambatac, Javee Mocon, signed rookies

San Miguel – coach Leo Austria, Alex Cabagnot, Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, Terrence Romeo, signed rookies

TnT Katropa – coach Bong Ravena, Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Ryan Reyes, Ed Daquioag, signed rookies

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

Coach Risto Vidakovic sees more room for improvement from Ceres-Negros even after it opened the AFC Cup campaign Tuesday night with a 4-0 win over Cambodian champion Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Ceres-Negros striker Bienvenido Maranon tries to get past two Svay Rieng defenders during Tuesday’s AFC Cup match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. (Photo from Ceres-Negros)

Takashi Odawara and Joshua Grommen scored in the first 14 minutes before Spanish talisman Bienvenido Maranon struck twice in the second half to give the Busmen the full three points and the early lead in Group G.

“I’m happy because we followed the plan and we played how we wanted to play,” said Vidakovic. “The team gets a lot of possessions during the game and they are dribbling the ball very good. The team is on a good way.”

Yet, Vidakovic feels getting into great form will take time, especially with the Philippines Football League season still a month away and their next AFC Cup game still slated Feb. 25 at home against Vietnam’s Than Quang Ninh at the same venue.

“Yes, they are not 100 percent because we have many competitive games on the way in the preseason, and maybe in one month we will be able to get into top form. Now, we still need many things to adjust,” said the Serbian mentor.

Another player who stepped up were goalkeeper Roland Muller, who kept a clean sheet by saving a spot kick by Svay Rieng’s Thiago dos Santos in the 23rd minute.

Also stepping up were midfielders OJ Porteria, who accounted for two assists and Manny Ott, back in the familiar yellow kits after a short spell in Thailand.

Vidakovic lauded Ott for providing stability at midfield which paved the way for the Busmen’s win.

“For us it’s a gift that we got him back,” he said.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Kristel Satumbaga

The Philippines skidded to its second straight loss in the women’s division of the Badminton Asia Team Championships 2020 on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Airah Mae Nicole Albo of Philippines (Handout photo)

Still licking their wounds from a 5-0 demolition at the hands of Thailand on Tuesday, the PH women’s shuttlers absorbed another 5-0 beating, this time at the hands of Indonesia.

Airah Mae Nicole Albo was the closest to give the local bets a victory but fell short to Gregoria Tunjung 19-21, 21-11, 21-9.

From then on, the Nationals never recovered as Alyssa Leonardo and Thea Marie Pomar bowed to Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu 21-18, 21-12 and Bianca Carlos succumbed to Russell Hartawan 21-10, 21-18.

Joella De Vera and Chanelle Lunod lost to Siti Fadia Ramadhanti and Ribka Sugiarto, 21-7, 21-8, before Sarah Joy Barredo absorbed a 21-19, 21-14 defeat at the expense of Putri Kusuma Wardani in 43 minutes.

On Tuesday afternoon, Philippines yielded to Chinese Taipei in men’s division.

PH’s top singles player Ros Pedrosa succumbed to world No. 2 Chou Tien Chen in 29 minutes, 21-12, 21-8, in the opening singles before Ariel Magnaye and Alvin Morada bwoed to Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin, 21-9, 21-12, in the first doubles.

Source: Manila Bulletin