Fil-foreigners join Azkals Middle East camp

Azkals -Pilipinas Futbol

-By By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Europe-based players Jason de Jong, Ray Jonsson, Roland Muller and Neil Etheridge will link up with their local-based Azkals teammates in their training camp in the Middle East, suiting up for at least one of their three scheduled friendlies.

Fil-Dutch midfielder De Jong of Dordrecht was due to join the Azkals in Dubai from The Netherlands yesterday, while Fil-German goalkeeper Muller of Bundesliga 2 club MSV Duisburg, will be in the UAE today.

The duo will arrive in time for Phl’s match against Uzbekistan on Saturday night (midnight Sunday in Manila) at the Al Maktoum Stadium at Al Nasr Sports Club. They are expected to see action in the Azkals’ second assignment as well, against Qatar Star League First Division side Al Ahli Sports Club on Feb. 13 in Doha, Qatar.

Fil-British custodian Etheridge of Fulham, for his part, is expected by Feb. 14, two days before the Azkals tangle with Qantas Australia U-23, also in Dubai.

The core of the team landed in Dubai from Manila yesterday to start their 10-day camp preparatory to the AFC Challenge Cup next month in Nepal.

In the lineup are veterans Phil and James Younghusband, Rob Gier, Ian Araneta, Chieffy Caligdong, Angel Guirado, Roel Gener, and Misagh Bahadoran, Jason Sabio, and Lexton Moy; U-23 mainstays Joshua Beloya, Carli de Murga, Paolo Pascual, and Marwin Angeles; and new recruits, Ruben Doctora of Stallions FC, Fil-Spanish Luis Guirado, and Fil-German striker Denis Wolf.

“We have one month before the Challenge Cup and we need to use the time wisely,” coach Michael Weiss said as reported on theazkalsfootballteam.com website.

“The UAE is producing some very attractive football and it’s fast becoming attractive to the Europeans. That is why we have chosen Dubai. It’s important for a developing country like ours to get the experience of playing high quality opposition,” he added.

Manny expects Bradley to run

World’s No. 1 pound-for-pound Manny Pacquiao trades his boxing gloves for golf clubs to play in yesterday’s pro-am tournament of the ICTSI Philippine Open. -Jun Mendoza

-By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao doesn’t expect Timothy Bradley to engage and go toe-to-toe when they meet on June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Truth is Pacquiao thinks Bradley will use the size of the ring to the hilt.

“Tatakbo ‘yan (He will run),” said Pacquiao yesterday at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club where he played a round with Filipino golf star Frankie Miñoza.

Pacquiao has agreed to the terms of the fight and even though no contract has been signed it’s green and go for his return to the ring four months from now.

Pacquiao’s adviser, Mike Koncz, is expected to arrive from the US this week, bringing with him the details of the fight, and all the papers for Pacquiao to sign.

Bradley won the Pacquiao lottery after negotiations with Floyd Mayweather Jr. bogged down for the third time in more than two years.

Pacquiao also sought a rematch with Miguel Cotto but the Puerto Rican whom the Filipino knocked out in 2009 chose to fight the undefeated Mayweather.

Bradley was labeled by Pacquiao’s chief trainer, Freddie Roach, as a dirty fighter who uses his head and elbows aside from his hands.

Pacquiao thinks so, too.

“Madumi nga (Yes, he’s dirty),” said the reigning WBO welterweight champion.

“Napapansin ko nga. Gumagamit ng ulo (I’ve noticed it. He uses his head),” added Pacquiao of the WBO junior-lightweight champion from Cathedral City.

Pacquiao is 54-3-2 with 38 knockouts while Bradley is 28-0 with only 12 knockouts under his name. But Pacquiao hasn’t knocked out anybody since Cotto.

Pacquiao had gone the distance, some real tough rounds, against Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Marquez in his last four fights.

Now people are expecting him to go for the kill against Bradley, considering that he’s coming off a not-so-impressive win against Marquez last November.

“Mahirap magsabi kasi depende yan sa kalaban (It’s tough to say because it depends on the opponent),” said Pacquiao.

“Try natin (Let’s try),” he added.

PHILSTAR: Tears of Joy

SPORTING CHANCE 
By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

If you ask Don Allado is he’s a Mama’s boy, he probably won’t hesitate to say yes and he’ll say it proudly. That’s because his mother Joy Crisostomo Allado, a former Maryknoll (now Miriam College) varsity basketball player, is his biggest fan. From when he was a little kid, Joy and husband Caloy (another former varsity cager with UP) doted on Don. Now that Don has a life of his own with wife Maricar de Mesa, his parents continue to shower him with love and affection. Not that Caloy and Joy play favorites with their children who happen to be three boys. They’re just as caring with Brian, 35, and Drew, 23. It’s just that Don is in the public spotlight as a two-time UAAP MVP and a PBA veteran. Brian, by the way, is a biology major and works in Los Angeles with a company that specializes in customizing wheelchairs. Drew is enrolling in law school, also in Los Angeles, this schoolyear.

Last Sunday, Don stood head and shoulders above everyone in leading La Salle to a 117-104 victory over Ateneo in a charity game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. At 34, he was the most senior player on the court but didn’t show his age in compiling 23 points and seven rebounds. Coincidentally, his PBA career single-game high is 23 points which he scored with Alaska in 2003. Don was almost unstoppable and once, after hitting a basket, did a Tim Tebow impersonation by genuflecting on his right knee with his left hand on his forehead like The Thinker.

The game featured PBA players from both schools so the lineups were star-studded. The Archers, coached by Franz Pumaren, listed Allado, Mac-Mac Cardona, Jvee Casio, Joseph Yeo, Ryan Arana, Rico Maierhofer, Ren-Ren Ritualo, Mike Cortez, J. R. Aquino, Carlo Sharma and Jerwin Gaco. T. Y. Tang and Willy Wilson were suited up but didn’t play because of injuries. Coach Norman Black’s Eagles were L. A. Tenorio, Rico Villanueva, Japeth Aguilar, Larry Fonacier, J. C. Intal, Doug Kramer, Eric Salamat, Noy Baclao, Magnum Membrere, Rich Alvarez and Paolo Bugia.

Since entering the PBA with Alaska in 1999, Don has moved to Talk ‘N’ Text, Purefoods, Air 21, back to Talk ‘N’ Text, back to Purefoods/B-Meg and finally, to Barako Bull. Last season, he averaged 4.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 16.8 minutes in 37 games, with eight starts, for the Llamadoes. This past conference in his 13th season, Don hit at a 6.6 clip for the Bulls, scoring at least nine points in eight of his 15 outings.

“Don dominated,” said his father Caloy, referring to La Salle’s victory. “It was a redeeming factor for him. He showed that at his age, he can still get the job done. There’s no doubt in my mind that he can play in the PBA for three or four more years. He’s disciplined, he’s a hard worker and he’s a warrior.”

Caloy said Don’s contract with Barako expires in August. “He’s happy where he is,” said Caloy. “He’d like to continue playing for Barako. But of course, he’s open to other options that will benefit his future and career.”

Caloy and Joy were in the stands cheering for their son last Sunday. “I was just thrilled beyond words,” said Joy. “It took me down memory lane again to watch my son play for his school. He was the oldest of all the players but my son prevailed over the other younger guys. Truly, they called him the King Archer of La Salle. Alam mo naman ako, mababaw lang ang luha ko and when the La Salle crowd called him King Archer, tulo talaga ang luha ko. Tears of Joy, literally and figuratively.”

Joy jokingly said as Don’s mother, she’s entitled to bragging rights. “You could just hear me cheering ‘That’s my boy,’” she said. And as she cheered her lungs out, Don must have looked her way as if to say, “That’s my Mom.”

Smart Gilas assistant coach Jude Roque was a co-emcee with Calvin Millado and Alex Gonzaga in the rousing program that highlighted the San Beda College homecoming last Feb. 4, the school’s “red-letter” day, at the Mendiola campus. Could it be the start of a second career for Jude?

The homecoming hosts were the silver jubilarian high school class of ’87 with Jude as member and the golden jubilarian high school class of ’62 with no less than PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan as batch member.

According to Jude, the program started with an opening number by Rico Blanco and his band followed by the introduction of the silver and golden jubilarians then came performers Elmo and Arkin Magalona (sons of late Bedan Francis M) with the Manueovers, Tuesday Vargas, Rachelle Ann Go, Meg Imperial, Lovi Poe, K Brosas, Wendy Valdez and Iwa Moto. The climax featured Jet Pangan and the Dawn belting out the theme song “Pagbabalik (Sa San Beda).” Rowell Santiago directed the show with DJ Boyet Almazan.

Among those who attended the homecoming were MVP, Jude’s batchmate Palawan Gov. Baham Mitra, Sports Hall of Famer and Olympic basketball player Tony Genato, Batangas Rep. Tom Apacible, former Bulacan Rep. Boji Cabochan, former President Estrada’s oldest son Jojo Ejercito, former Department of Health Secretary Jimmy Galvez-Tan, former NSO Administrator Tomas Africa, Red Lion legend Dave Brodett, former SGV head Manny Reyes and City of Manila Administrator Jay Marzan.

No Grace Lee, no date for birthday boy President

-By Bayani San Diego Jr. (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Radio and television personality Grace Lee did not get to hang out with her rumored suitor on his 52nd birthday Wednesday.
“I greeted him, but as we all know, he had to fly to the Visayas to visit the victims of the earthquake,” she said.
“I understand. He belongs to the people first,” Lee said.
President Benigno Aquino III spent his birthday Wednesday visiting victims of the deadly quake that rocked Negros and Cebu on Monday and inspecting damaged areas.
Asked what she gave Mr. Aquino for a birthday present, she giggled and demurred: “I don’t know yet.”
In spite of the undue media interest, Lee insisted that dating Mr. Aquino has not really turned her world topsy-turvy.
“My life hasn’t changed much,” she said in an interview Wednesday.
“Aside from all the attention, I still have a normal life. I still have the same job. I still have the same set of friends,” she said.
The only difference is that the Korea-born Lee is dating a head of state and, with it, comes certain realities, she said.
She also declined to divulge whether they would have time for a date after his Visayan trip. She explained that she couldn’t go into details because dating the President comes with various limitations.
Lee said she was busy with work Wednesday, which marked her official launch as endorser of a local beauty product, Ever Bilena.
If not on Mr. Aquino’s birthday, would they be able to go on a romantic date on Valentine’s Day next week?
She wasn’t too forthcoming either and stressed that everything is still up in the air.
Dating a President
She has come to accept that you cannot “plan too far ahead” if you’re dating the President.
“I cannot make plans because the President’s schedule is unpredictable. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow,” she said.
Since she’s also from media (as news presenter on GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali” and “24 Oras Weekend”), she said that she understands and respects her colleagues’ job and need to report and “satisfy the public’s curiosity.”
“I’m learning a lot, too. I’m seeing a new side to this industry,” she said.
As a result, she tries to be more careful now, especially since she’s been criticized for being too “open” and chatty—not just by the press but purportedly even by people close to the President, according to one source.
“I know that criticisms are inevitable. I’d like to appeal to viewers to be more discerning and sensitive. Unless they see me saying it on TV, they shouldn’t accept anything they hear or read at face value,” Lee said.
She took pains to explain that she “didn’t grant interviews left and right.”
“I only gave four interviews and these were cut, spliced and aired on different shows on all three networks, giving the impression that I’ve been all over town,” she said.
Misquoted
Being misquoted is an inevitability, too.
Case in point: She asserted that Malcañang never offered to provide her with personal security.
“I was just asked by a reporter if I was scared (about possible security risks)… and I answered that if he felt I needed a bodyguard and then he would ask me about it,” she recounted.
“Just to clarify, the President never offered me any type of security,” she said.
Her family has also learned to cope with the scrutiny. “Once, a reporter suddenly showed up at my mom’s grocery store. So she pretended to be a customer and escaped through the backdoor.”
Generally, her family has been shielded from all the fuss and frenzy so far. “I’m not too worried about them because they have their own world in the Korean community. I know my mom would be able to handle it well.”
Now that she is in the middle of this media circus, she has grown a tad wiser, she remarked.
“I thought I knew what I was getting into, but then I wasn’t fully aware. I didn’t expect the magnitude (of the media attention). So we just take it one step at a time,” she said.
She recalled that GMA 7 anchor Pia Arcanghel, who works with Lee on “Balitanghali,” had given her a DVD of “The American President,” a 1995 Hollywood movie that starred Michael Douglas as a bachelor politician who fell for a lobbyist played by Annette Bening.
“I’m looking forward to watching it,” she said.
The House minority meanwhile asked Mr. Aquino to come out with more “meaningful comments” and not just flirt with  Lee.
“But I think the President is entitled to his private life and considering that he is a bachelor it is high time that he get married so at least we have a First Lady,” said House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez. With reports from Jocelyn R. Uy and Gil Cabacungan

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Barbara Barreto for Bench

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PBA: Decision time

 “I will consider and evaluate the trade at the appropriate time.”

-By Tito S. Talao (tempo.com.ph)
That’s the text response of PBA Commissioner Chito Salud on the proposed swap that would send Powerade’s Marcio Lassiter to Petron Blaze for 2010 No. 1 draft pick Nonoy Baclao and forward Rey Guevarra.

Not to preempt Commissioner Chito but his words don’t sound too promising to me, as far as the deal getting approved in it original form is concerned.
It’s not even cryptic. Deciphered, it would read: Give me a proposal that doesn’t require too much consideration and evaluation.”

But who knows? Maybe someone will get lucky.
Salud is expected back today from a short vacation abroad, and he will plunge head-on into a much-agitated beehive’s nest during an emergency board meeting at the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City.
What set off alarm bells apparently are stories that the Coca-Cola franchise, carrying the brand name Powerade, is being resold to San Miguel Corporation, its former owner.

Representatives from both companies have denied that talks of an impending return of ownership is underfoot, but smoke has been billowing steadily from the rumor, fanned by, among others, the proposed acquisition of Lassiter, one half of Powerade’s dynamic duo, by Petron.

It’s not in my territory to touch on the merits of the case. But my little street sense tells me Commissioner Salud will demand a definitive answer from Powerade as to what benefit it sees to gain from dealing away the reason – other than Gary David – why the Tigers were able to make it all the way to the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Why let go of a high-caliber asset ?
If the answer is because the reported sale of Powerade is, in fact, affirmative, an appropriate time may not suffice for the extensive consideration and evaluation of the implications such a grim development would require.

But if it’s any other, then it’ll be a walk-in-the-park for Commissioner Salud.
It is already, as things stand.

Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Doubles Showdown Final Three

Unlikely castaways make it to the top three

STEF Prescott, Mara Yokohama and Albert “Betong” Sumaya

-By: Bayani San Diego Jr. (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

The final three castaways admit they are the least likely candidates for ultimate victory in the GMA 7 reality show, “Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Doubles Showdown.”
But prior to the grand finale (tomorrow), the trio of Mara Yokohama, Stef Prescott and Albert “Betong” Sumaya claim they have accepted their inevitable date with destiny.
Mara is proud that two girls made it to the finals, pointing out that they prevailed over tougher rivals, including fierce athletes John Odulio and Arnold Aninion, and savvy hunks KC Montero and Gino de la Peña, who were seriously into the game.
“It proves that ‘Survivor’ isn’t just about strength; you also have to use your brain and strategize,” Mara notes.
It is personally gratifying for Stef, who endured all sorts of mishaps, like a snake bite, throughout the show’s run. “Plus, I was an outcast. Everyone hated me at first.”
Betong is just as incredulous as the girls. “I couldn’t believe that an underdog like me would make it this far. I imagined KC making it here … I never won in the challenges.”
His strategy was simple, he says. “I played ‘social worker’—I ‘socialized’ with the others. I was always willing to work, gathering firewood or cooking. In short, my teammate Maey (Bautista) and I acted like official helpers on the island.”
Stef hopes Betong will win if the votes don’t go her way tomorrow: “Actually, I’d be happy if anyone of us wins, but Betong really needs the P3-million cash prize.”
Mara concurs: “The prize will help Kuya Albert’s financial situation, but I still hope to win.”
Diplomatic
Betong remains diplomatic: “Either of the two girls should win.” Pressed to choose, he picks Stef. “She’s a breadwinner like me. Her journey on the island has been interesting, too.”
For the final voting, only jury members—seven former castaways—will have a say on the outcome.
In spite of being “controversial,” Mara doesn’t count herself out of the race—not just yet. Along with her equally feisty mom, Maria Isabel Lopez, Mara is one of the most unpopular castaways among fans and jury members.
Whatever the results, Mara already feels like a winner. She quips, “I grew up and became independent in the camp. I have no regrets about how I played the game.” And as bonus, “Who knew I’d find the right guy in Palawan?”
Mara is referring to Arnold of the rugby team Philippine Volcanoes. “I’m assured of at least one vote from the jury because of Arnold,” she gushes.

Fictitious P150 banknote circulating on the Internet

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Wednesday warned consumers and netizens of “fictitious” images of a P150 banknote purportedly to commemorate the 150th anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal.

In a statement issued to news media, the Bangko Sentral said it has “never issued nor is planning to issue such type of banknote. Therefore, any 150-Piso commemorative note or similar banknote is fictitious.”

GMA News Online’s web search yielded at least three blogs that posted images of the “proposed P150 banknote” the front side of which bears a black and white photograph of Rizal and the logo of the BSP and the seal of the Philippine government. On the reverse side is a depiction of the Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs. Read full story here by Earl Victor Rosero, GMA News.

The image of a supposedly P150 banknote circulating on the Internet.