Eat Bulaga February 25 2013 FULL EPISODE REPLAY

Eat Bulaga February 25 2013

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Yap glad to see Mixers respond to pep talk By Richard Dy

"Sabi ko lang kailangan natin ng energy sa laro, at yun ang naipakita naman namin kanina sa game,” says San Mig superstar James Yap. Nuki Sabio/ PBA Images

James Yap’s biggest contribution to San Mig's breakthrough win in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Sunday didn't show in the stats sheets. Neither was it seen on television.
Rather, it was the pep talk he gave his teammates in practice the day before the Talk 'N Text match.
The usually reserved San Mig star didn't play particularly well in the 90-82 win over the Texters on Sunday, but he was happy to see teammates heed his call and step up as the Mixers ended a string of three losses.
“Lahat naman kami professional eh. So at 0-3, talagang mapapaisip ka bakit ganoon. Sabi ko lang kailangan natin ng energy sa laro, at yun ang naipakita naman namin kanina sa game,” Yap told Spin.ph.
Yap finished with just six points for the Mixers, but Peter June Simon, Marc Pingris, Joe Devance put in double-digit outputs to fill up the scoring slack for the foul-plagued two-time MVP.
But no one heeded Yap's call more than import Denzel Bowles, who, after a lackluster debut in a lopsided loss to Rain or Shine just two days earlier, erupted for 29 points and 24 boards against the Texters.
“Sabi ko kanina sa kanya, huwag ka masyadong manggigil. Scan mo muna ang laro. Ganun naman kasi talaga, pag maraming nakatingin sa iyo, may tendency manggigil,” said Yap of Bowles.
"At least, sa laro ngayon, nandun ang focus niya."
While the Mixers 1-3 record is still far from the pace-setting Alaska Aces’ 4-0 slate, Yap said the victory against the Tropang Texters on Sunday is a step in the right direction.
“Kailangan talagang manalo eh. At least para kaming nabunutan na ng tinik after ng panalong ito,” he said.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/yap-glad-to-see-mixers-respond-to-pep-talk

PBA: SAN MIG COFFEE MIXERS VS TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS - 24 FEBRUARY 2013 - REPLAY

PBA: SAN MIG COFFEE MIXERS VS TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS - 24 FEBRUARY 2013

Sports and Other Videos

Monday, 25 February 2013 00:06

The 2012–13 PBA season is the 38th season of the Philippine Basketball Association. The season formally opened on September 30, 2012, and expected to finish around August 2013. The season continued to use the three-conference format, starting with the Philippine Cup, or the traditional All-Filipino Conference. The midseason Commissioner's Cup will continue to feature unlimited height limit for imports. The last conference of theseason, the Governors Cup will have imports with a 6'5" height limit. --- Embedded Video Only --- --- SUBUKAN ANG IBANG VIDEO SA BABA KUNG DI GUMAGANA --- --- I-REFRESH MUNA ANG PAGE BAGO SUBUKAN ANG IBANG VIDEO --- SHARE ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER  P1 P2 P3 P4 P5

 SOURCE: http://www.pinoy-ako.info/more-videos/81760-pba-san-mig-coffee-mixers-vs-talk-n-text-tropang-texters-24-february-2013.html

TNT's Black is not taking 'hungry' San Mig lightly By Richard Dy

"We just want to continue to improve on our defense while keeping the game as up tempo as possible," says Talk 'N Text coach Norman Black ahead of their match against San Mig on Sunday. Jerome Ascano

TALK ’N Text coach Norman Black is convinced that at any given night, still winless defending champion San Mig Coffee is capable of recapturing its old, championship form.
That's why Black is readying the Tropang Texters (2-1) to engage the slumping Mixers (0-3) ahead of the rematch of last year’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals protagonists on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Black said defense and an up-tempo offense that maximizes the Texters' deep bench will be their main weapon against the Mixers, whom he expects to go all-out in light of their back-to-back lopsided losses that have left them in an unfamiliar place nearthe bottom of the pack.
“We are expecting a hungry San Mig team especially in light of their loss to Rain or Shine last Friday,” said Black ahead of the 6:30 p.m. showdown with the Mixers.
"We just want to continue to improve on our defense while keeping the game as up tempo as possible."
The Mixers bowed to the Petron Boosters, 73-98, on February 13 before absorbing their worst beating this season against the Elasto Painters, 65-93, spoiling the return of last season’s Commissioner’s Cup Best Import Denzel Bowles.
Bowles, the 6-foot-10 forward out of James Madison University, took the blame for the loss and vowed to come out with a much better effort against a Tropang Texters side reinforced by the 6-11 Keith Benson.
“I'm sure they (Tropang Texters) want to come out and blow us out but we're not going to give up on that. We'll come out on Sunday,” said Bowles, who had 12 points on 4-of-12 shooting, 14 rebounds and an eye-popping eight turnovers against Rain or Shine.
Talk ’N Text is slowly getting back to its deadly form as seen in its 99-79 lynching of Globalport on Wednesday.
Benson recorded another double-double with 20 points, 19 rebounds and five blocks, serving as the team’s defensive anchor. Jason Castro, Jimmy Alapag, Larry Fonacier and even Kelly Williams are expected to lend additional scoring support for the Tropang Texters, who bowed to the Mixers in the Finals of last season’s Commissioner’s Cup, 3-4.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/tnts-black-is-not-taking-hungry-san-mig-lightly

Struggling San Mig Coffee will turn things around, promises coach Tim Cone

AKTV file/Paolo Papa

San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone is disturbed by his team’s 0-3 start, but knows all is not lost for the Commissioner’s Cup defending champion.
He took to Twitter on Saturday morning to address fans frustrated by the team’s performance to start the tournament, which includes blowout losses the last two games.
“I want to apologize to all the San Mig Coffee fans for our performance over the last 2 games. You deserve better. We’ll turn it around,” he wrote.
But Cone knows that the team needs to right its ship first.
“Right now, we’re just looking for some stability,” said Cone, whose wards are coming off a 93-65 loss to Rain or Shine and are facing the dangerous Talk ‘N Text in the main game on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
“We’ll get going eventually it’s just a matter of when,” he said. “We’re hoping its sooner than later. Maybe we can start it against Talk ‘N Text.”
San Mig Coffee tweaked its roster during the midseason break, letting Jonas Villanueva and JC Intal go to Barako Bull and Aldrech Ramos to Alaska via trade.
In return, the Mixers got Alex Mallari from Petron Blaze and Leo Najorda and Lester Alvarez from the Energy Colas.
The changes have not worked out so far for the squad.
“We’ve played with three different lineups in three different games then add in our new additions by trade, and it’s been very unsettling for us so far,” he said.
“They key is getting our core players to pick up their energy and intensity. That’s what is lacking and what we’re concerned about.”
The American coach added that Denzel Bowles will work himself into shape and get the form that helped the franchise win the crown against the Tropang Texters last season.

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/struggling-san-mig-coffee-will-turn-things-around-promises-coach-tim-cone

I just messed up, admits Bowles after blowout loss By Mei-Lin Lozada

“I'm still trying to get my legs back, the jetlag and all that but I don't make excuses. I had a very bad game,” says highly regarded San Mig import Denzel Bowles. Jerome Ascano

DENZEL Bowles summarized in three words what San Mig Coffee and its fans saw on Friday night.
"I messed up."
Last year's best import and fan favorite offered no excuses after proving to be a big disappointment in his debut game in this year's Commissioner's Cup, finishing with just 12 points and committing a game-high eight turnovers in a 65-93 blowout loss to Rain or Shine.
“I knew that I just messed up," said the athletic import who became a favorite among San Mig fans after leading the popular team to the championship in this same conference last year. "I just got to get my offense back and my rhythm back on the court."
The 6-10 Bowles admitted that he is still suffering from jetlag and has yet to get his timing back since arriving on Sunday to replace Matt Rogers, but refused to make any excuses.
“I'm still trying to get my legs back, the jetlag and all that but I don't make excuses. I had a very bad game,” said Bowles. “Right now my timing is lost. I hope I could get my timing back and be okay.”
Bowles and the Mixers will have just one day to recover from the blowout before facing reigning Philippine Cup champion Talk 'N Text on Sunday, but the 23-year-old import has vowed to atone for Friday's embarrassment.
“I'm sure they want to come out and blow us out but we're not going to give up on that. We'll come out on Sunday,” he said.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @meilinlozada

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/i-just-messed-up-admits-bowles-after-blowout-loss

The Final Score: Sleepless nights ahead for Ginebra and San Mig Coffee

MICO HALILIFebruary 19, 2013 7:29pm

Last February 16, at 4:50 in the morning, I was still awake. As it turned out, Mark Caguioa was too. I blame basketball for my semi-insomnia. Once I start reading basketball-related articles or watch basketball-inspired videos on my timeline, especially when the house becomes more peaceful than a library, it’s hard to stop. I wondered: was Mark awake because of basketball too?

Mark Caguioa (L) has to be losing sleep over Ginebra's 0-3 start. KC Cruz

I want to believe that Mark was awake because of basketball, because of Ginebra, because his team has yet to win a game, because of his insane desire to succeed. I had an opportunity to ask him about it last February 17 right before their game against Petron. I decided not to. I didn’t want to be disappointed if he said he couldn’t sleep because of something else.

To be good at anything, one has to be a little obsessive about it. It’s what drives above-average individuals. Mark never comes across as average. Hairstyles. Effort. Compulsion. I cling to the idea that Ginebra’s alpha male is up at 4:50 in the morning because that is what crazy competitors do. When the team is 0-3 in the Commissioner’s Cup, guys like Caguioa have little reason to sleep like hibernating bears.

I’m curious. Is Denzel Bowles having sleepless nights as well? San Mig Coffee is winless after two games. Exit Matt Rogers. Enter Bowles. Bowles arrives like an answered prayer. Fans wanted him to return. They pleaded, sent him tweets, would have sent him flowers if they could. Fortunately, they no longer need to ask. Tim Cone’s monster of an import is officially back. Like General Douglas McArthur, Denzel has returned.

I worry a little. Denzel has become a sort of myth. When you make two of the most mind-numbing free throws in the history of all free throws, you naturally become a heroic figure. Dapat lang. Well-deserved. But there is pressure to match the Bowles who will play in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup and the Bowles who resides in the selective memories of eager fans.

Can Denzel Bowles (L) be just as good as he was a year ago?. KC Cruz

For San Mig Coffee to start winning games, 2012 Denzel and 2013 Denzel should at least match. If 2013 Denzel is even better than 2012 Denzel, that’s even better. There are, however, no guarantees. Basketball is funny that way. His comeback doesn’t automatically reverse San Mig Coffee’s 0-2 start. But it makes the team’s journey back to relevance more compelling.

San Mig Coffee meets Rain or Shine on February 22. It will be the first game of Denzel Bowles in the tournament. Denzel will go up against 7-3 Bruno Sundov. Denzel will be reacquainted with Extra Rice Incorporated. The Monster Bowles Comeback Tour is about to begin.

Ginebra faces undefeated Alaska on February 23. It will be the first game of new Ginebra import Vernon Macklin. Is Macklin the answer to Ginebra’s prayers? Caguioa knows underperforming imports in an “unlimited height” conference can quickly become excess baggage of unlimited weight. Like frustration, anticipation can keep competitors from both Ginebra and San Mig Coffee wide-awake.  - AMD, GMA News

Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/295668/sports/opinion/the-final-score-sleepless-nights-ahead-for-ginebra-and-san-mig-coffee

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Cone sad to let 'good guy' Rogers go as former best import Bowles returns By Snow Badua

Denzel Bowles will get the chance to defend his best import title when he arrives on Sunday for another tour of duty with reigning Commissioner's Cup champion San Mig. Jerome Ascano

THE big man who steered San Mig Coffee to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title last year is finally back.
The Mixers are bringing back Denzel Bowles to kick-start their bid for back-to-back championships while giving the San Mig fan favorite a chance to defend his best import title.
Bowles, 23, is expected to plane in by Sunday.
San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone informed Spin.ph about the latest development, which also saw the team informing current import Matt Rogers of the decision to replace him.
But doing so was not easy especially to a person as nice as Rogers, according to Cone.
“We informed Matt that he has been changed today,” said the San Mig coach. “The decision was hard for us. He’s a good guy.”
Cone said Rogers just had an unpleasant experience while staying in the country after missing his supposed PBA debut after being downed by food poisoning, and getting stuck inside a popular mall at the height of a big-time robbery.
“The poor guy had food poisoning... didn’t have time to recover... didn’t play well... now we’re changing him,” added Cone.
“He was in Megamall, stuck there when there was a shootout. Tough time for him.”
Cone added: “But Matt was great through it all. I wish we could have given him the opportunity.”
The multi-titled mentor stressed the switch simply addressed the import needs of the team.
“We really didn’t know when Denzel will be available. And when we finally got him out of his contract in China, we made a decision to bring him in right away,” added Cone.
“The team has always thought from the very beginning to give Denzel a chance to defend his crown. That’s something we wanted to do for him (and the fans).”
Upon arrival, Bowles will still have almost a week to re-acquaint himself with the Mixers’ system in time for his first game against Rain or Shine.
“Denzel gave us a magical ride last year, from our organizational stand point - he really deserves a chance to come back. Bringing him back wasn’t a tough decision for us,” Cone stressed.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @snowbadua

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/cone-sad-to-let-good-guy-rogers-go-as-former-best-import-bowles-returns

Monster return: Reigning Best Import Denzel Bowles back Sunday for San Mig Coffee

Rey Joble, InterAKTV · Saturday, February 16, 2013 · 12:16 am

AKTV/Pranz Kaeno Billones

Denzel Bowles, the reigning Commissioner’s Cup Best Import who led the B-MEG Llamados to a title last season, will be back to suit up for the San Mig Coffee Mixers.
San Miguel Corporation executive Noli Eala confirmed the news to InterAKTV.
“Bowles will be back and will arrive on Sunday,” wrote Eala in a text message.
Without Bowles, San Mig Coffee has stumbled to a 0-2 start in the current tournament. Matt Rogers, the team’s original reinforcement this season, missed the team’s first game before struggling in his debut against Petron.
Bowles’ return was delayed after problems securing his release from his last team, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the Chinese Basketball Association.
He will make his debut this season on Friday against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Source:http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/monster-return-reigning-best-import-denzel-bowles-back-sunday-for-san-mig-coffee

San Mig revives bid for Bowles after sub-par Rogers performance By Snow Badua

“I’m sure (Matt Rogers) can do a lot better than what he did last night. Pero para sa akin, hindi siya post-up guy. Post-up center ang kailangan namin... like Denzel (Bowles)," says San Mig governor Rene Pardo. Jerome Ascano

SAN Mig Coffee is now deep in negotiations with former PBA Commissioner’s Cup best import Denzel Bowles.
No less than team governor Rene Pardo revealed to Spin.ph that San Mig has revived its bid to lure the former best import awardee after the Mixers' 73-98 loss to Petron on Wednesday night.
"Depende sa availability ni Denzel, siya ang priority namin na papalit (kung magpapalit) kasi proven na yan eh," said Pardo. “If he’s available, there might be a possibility that we will replace Matt (Rogers)."
Pardo admitted that he immediately asked team manager Alvin Patrimonio to get in touch with Bowles on Wednesday night after Rogers was completely outplayed by Renaldo Balkman in the loss to the Boosters.
Rogers, who missed San Mig's debut game against Barako Bull due to food poisoning, finished with 20 points on 7-of-19 shooting to go with nine rebounds against Balkman and Co.
Pardo, however, revealed that San Mig has the luxury of time in weighing its import situation since its next game won't be until February 22 against Philippine Cup semis tormentor Rain or Shine.
Like most of the team's fans, Pardo was honest in his assessment of Rogers' performance.
“I’m sure he can do a lot better than what he did last night," Pardo said. "Pero para sa akin, hindi siya post-up guy. Post-up center ang kailangan namin... like Denzel.
“Mabigat ang competition dahil lahat halos ng imports malalaki at nakikipag-banggaan."
The hard-banging Bowles, a San Mig fan favorite, is now in the US after a stint with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls in the Chinese Basketball Association.
San Mig officials are hopeful that Bowles has already been given a release by the CBA team, which became an issue when the Mixers first tried to sign him up before the start of the mid-season conference.
“Bukas, I will give you a better answer on whether Bowles will return or not," Pardo promised.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @snowbadua

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/san-mig-revives-bid-for-bowles-after-sub-par-rogers-performance

MOA Arena set to host Pacers-Rockets regular-season game, says official By Richard Dy

If plans don't miscarry, Jeremy Lin and the rest of the Houston Rockets will play the Indiana Pacers in a regular-season game at the MOA Arena next season. AP

The NBA is coming to Manila this year, not to hold an exhibition game but no less than a regular season match.
Mall of Asia general manager Arnel Gonzales confirmed the news to Spin.ph on Thursday, saying the regular season game might feature the Indiana Pacers led by Danny Granger and the Houston Rockets of James Harden and Asian-American star Jeremy Lin.
"It will be historic for the Philippines and for any venue for that manner," Gonzales said. "It's part of the program of Mall of Asia to bring in world-class entertainment. And this is basically the first step."
The state-of-the-art arena piqued the interest of sports fans on Thuirsday when it posted on its Twitter account a poster of an NBA ball and the words: 'Big things are coming.'

Gonzales, however, declined to provide further details, saying negotiations are still ongoing with people from the NBA headquarters in New York.
Several NBA players have seen action in the country over the years but no official NBA game, whether in the preseason or regular season, has been held here.
Only last year, former Chicago Bulls stars Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman led a team of retired NBA players in an exhibition games against PBA legends at the MOA Arena.
In 2011, NBA superstars led by Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose, and Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant played in a pair of exhibition matches against the Smart Gilas team and a PBA selection at the Smart Aaneta Coliseum.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

Source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/moa-arena-set-to-host-pacers-rockets-regular-season-game-says-official

Devance calls embarrasing Mixers' 25-point blowout loss Richard Dy

“We should have just stayed home. We just didn’t play hard and play together,” said Joe Devance after San Mig Coffee's loss to Petron. Jerome Ascano

SAN Mig Coffee’s 25-point blowout at the hands of Petron certainly brought back recent Christmas memories for big man Joe Devance.

Referring to the Mixers’ 98-73 loss to the Boosters Wednesday night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup as the worst under coach Tim Cone, Devance also can’t help but recalled how the defending champions were routed on Christmas Day by Rain or Shine, 98-72, in Game 3 of the Philippine Cup semifinals series.

“This might be the worst game of our lives under coach Tim Cone. It was just like the Christmas Day game against Rain or Shine. It’s pretty embarrassing,” said an obviously frustrated Devance when Spin.phtalked to him shortly after the match at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Mixers eventually lost the All-Filipino series to the Elasto Painters in six games.

Devance added, “We should have just stayed home. We just didn’t play hard and play together.”

The Fil-Am center said a lot of factors contributed to the team’s lackluster performance against an up-and-running Petron side, which drew 26 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks from import Renaldo Balkman.

“We’re still adjusting to him (import Matt Rogers). And he’s still adjusting to us and how the fouls are called. It may take a while for him to adjust,” explained Devance, who finished with seven points, six rebounds, and four assists in 29 minutes of play.

The reigning champions are also playing their second game with new recruits Alex Mallari, whom they acquired from the Boosters via a multiple team trade recently, along with rookie guard Lester Alvarez and veteran forward Leo Najorda.

“We’ve got four or five new players in the team who are trying to learn the triangle (offense). So it’s hard. They need to learn fast,” he said.

San Mig will have an opportunity to regroup as the team leaves for Subic for a two-day team building.

The Mixers get back to action on Feb 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena when they play the Elasto Painters.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/devance-calls-embarrasing-san-migs-25-point-rout-against-petron-v02#.URwrHvxHs9Y.twitter

Rogers finally fit enough to make San Mig debut By Richard Dy

Matt Rogers missed San Mig's 75-79 debut loss to Barako Bull, 75-79 on Friday due to food poisoning, but he was well enough to be discharged from hospital the next day and practice with the team on Monday. Jerome Ascano

DEFENDING champion San Mig Coffee finally gets to unveil import Matt Rogers when the Mixers shoot for their first victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup in a game against Petron on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Rogers missed the Mixers’ 75-79 debut loss to Barako Bull, 75-79 on Friday due to food poisoning, but he was well enough to be discharged from hospital the next day and practice with the team on Monday.
“I feel a lot better. I’m excited to play my first game,” Rogers told Spin.ph.
San Mig coach Tim Cone said playing without Rogers in the team’s conference opener is definitely not the ideal way to start their title defense, but he already told his boys to throw that loss out of the window.
“We started in a hole without Matt. But he’s gonna play Wednesday. Of course, Petron also came off a loss but we still see them as one of the favorites this conference just like Talk ‘N Text,” said Cone.
The 6’10” Rogers, a product of the Southwest Baptist University, averaged 20.3 points for the Mixers in the team’s three tune-up games against the ABL team San Miguel Beermen, Air21 and Rain or Shine.
Rogers easily brings size, outside shooting and rebounding to the team, but he will have his hands full against Petron’s scrappy import Renaldo Balkman, who debuted with 23 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks in the team’s 92-94 loss to Globalport.
However, the Mixers will be facing a Boosters squad that has been hit once again by injuries. The latest casualty is Fil-Am gunner Chris Lutz, who will be out for about six weeks after suffering a rib injury in the loss to Globalport.
Marcio Lassiter, on the other hand, is a game-time decision though he has said he’s raring to get back to the court since his dangerous fall during their Philippine Cup quarterfinal game against San Mig Coffee.
With the conference format shifting to 14 games instead of the original nine, All-Star forward Arwind Santos said Petron has enough time to make the adjustments and get its campaign untracked.
“Kailangan lang kalimutan na itong nangyari. First game pa lang. Di naman ibig sabihing natalo kami, iyan na ang magiging resulta,” said Santos.

Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava

source: http://www.spin.ph/sports/basketball/news/rogers-finally-fit-enough-to-make-san-mig-debut

An Open Letter to My Childhood Hero

Shared by dcaynap

To my Childhood Hero,

It's been 18 years since the first time I saw you on TV. They had accidentally switched the channel to 13 and it was a basketball match featuring Purefoods and San Miguel. I didn't know the game then, much more the players who were in it. I don't really know what made me stay glued to the television that long, but I clearly remember you and your intensity the whole game. You were in your uniform, jersey number 16. You weren't the "flashy" one in the team and neither were you the top scorer, but I remember how my heart stirred the moment I heard your moniker -- "The Captain" or "Captain Lionheart". I remember how, even at such a young age of 9, I distinguished that you weren't just an ordinary player. You were also a leader. And I knew then, that was exactly who I wanted to be.

The next thing I knew, I was holding a basketball the following day, dribbling and shooting away with boys. I didn't care if I was the only girl. I would run off to the neighbor's house every after school and play against their drivers. Of course they would hesitate at first, but when they see me driving past them for a layup and fearlessly bumping against them for a rebound, they would begin to take me seriously. I would not stop until early evening and I was drenched in sweat and could barely move my legs from exhaustion. I didn't care about anything, except for the adrenaline rush that playing basketball gave me every single time I touched the ball. 

I even kept a diary about you. I recorded all your games, how many points you made, your opponents, and facts about your team. 

I looked forward to watching all your games on TV, cheering for every basket you made. I would stick around the post-game interviews to listen to you talk and I remember feeling so inspired after. I remember how my heart would swell with pride every time they referred to you as "The Captain", how you would honor your teammates instead of yourself. I couldn't wait until the next time I held a basketball so I could expend all my energy into becoming even better, perhaps even become "The Captain" just like you.

That summer, God blessed me with that opportunity when I found out that our school had a summer program for basketball. There was no way I would miss it! I would commute everyday, with a backpack and basketball in hand. I would ride the jeepney to Singalong, walk to the gym and savor each moment that I could play. I would be the last one to leave the gym, all dirty from the dust that accumulated from the floor. But I didn't care. I practiced my shooting until my arms were sore. Then I would go home, play with my neighbors some more and before going to sleep, practice my shooting form while lying in bed. The next day I would do it all over again.

I got into the varsity team the following school year, as Co-Captain. I naturally tried to get your jersey number, but someone more senior than me chose it first. I wanted to trade after, but I became attached to the only number that was left in the roster then -- 5. From that point forward, I became "Caynap, No. 5". 

Basketball became my life, my first love, my best friend. It was my form of escape when the world became too much to handle. It was the one constant thing in my life for 10 years. I played from Grade 5 until I was in college. I wasn't particularly the best. I wasn't flashy. I didn't score the most points in a game, nor did I ever win any Mythical or individual award. But it didn't really matter to me because somehow I knew, it wasn't what was important. I realized that what gave me more joy was working behind the scenes and motivating my team instead of being on the limelight. I've always wondered where this mindset came from, and then I realized that you, unknowingly, taught me that.

Sometimes I wonder if you realize just how much of an impact you made in other people's lives by just being. Looking back, I realize how much of an inspiration you have been all these years. I treasured every single memento I had of you, most especially the first and only autograph you signed. I'm sure that you have signed millions of autographs in this lifetime, but to me, it meant the world! You were in Glorietta then, the old wing where they had setup an arcade across Toby's. I chased you down several booths, pretending I didn't care. Inside however, my heart was racing. I wanted to get your autograph, but I was glued to where I was standing. There were several other kids who went up to you, but I just stood  there and watched as you entertained all your other fans. "Ang swerve naman nila," I thought to myself. I was resolved not to approach you, but when you suddenly turned toward the exit, it occurred to me that it may also be the last time I would ever get to see you. I panicked and desperately tried to find a clean sheet of paper, but the only thing we could find was my Mom's calling card. Without thinking twice, I grabbed it and without looking at your face, I handed the business card over to you. You took it, asked for my name and signed. 

I took it back with trembling hands and fought the urge to jump up and down in front of you. I tried to walk straight as I left the arcade, but I couldn't hold back the smile that had formed on my lips. It felt like I was floating as I walked through the corridors and down the escalator. I remember staring at the tiny card you had signed, debating whether or not I should frame it. I had shown it off to my friends, telling them how Captain Lionheart had signed his autograph for me. I know it sounds crazy, like I'm some love-struck kid. I guess to some extent I really was.

Years later, I became the Captain of my High School team. I represented our school in different competitions, won some awards and even caught the eye of some college coaches. I decided to continue playing in college and was blessed with the opportunity to play in the UAAP. It was the most amazing 5 years of my life… I experienced basketball at its finest! I remember the first time I ever walked out of the dugout of Araneta Coliseum… It felt like I was walking on sacred ground. Is that how you would feel too? You must have played there a million times, I'm sure. But doesn't it take your breath away each time? How the dome just envelopes you into its grandness. I can never forget the first time my name appeared on the scoreboard atop, how I had to stop to take the moment in... I never wanted to forget. But the greatest feeling in the world was knowing that I was leading a team into that sacred place. I wasn't just any player, I was a Captain. That for me was the real honor and the most exhilarating feeling of all. I must have played a hundred basketball games, celebrated so many victories, but nothing can ever compare to being regarded as one of the Lady Eagle Team Captains, one of those who led our team to the first-ever UAAP Championship for Women's Basketball. It has been one of my biggest achievements in life. I enjoyed being part of a team, how I had grown alongside my teammates. Through sprained ankles and injured knees, grueling practices and weights training, I savored each moment I was given. I had my heart broken several times when we would lose hard-fought games, or I would get benched, taken out of the starting unit. But the memories I treasure the most are those that I spent with my teammates on the court, encouraging, praying and cheering each other on. It was in those solemn moments when they would seek my advice, listen to their pains and be with them in their struggles, that I got to understand how it is to truly love this game. 

So I guess, this is my way of thanking you… Captain. Because somehow, some way, I'd like to believe that I also found my way to becoming one. God drew my destiny that fateful day when I chanced upon your game on television. Your valiant display of leadership set the tone for how I wanted to live my life -- always outward, passionate, loyal, selfless, humble, God fearing. After 18 years, I finally got enough courage to tell you all this, to express my gratitude for shaping my life the way you have. Thank you for being the person I looked up to, for setting such a good example of how one should lead. Thank you for being my inspiration all these years. 

Thank you, Captain Lionheart. You are, and will always be, my childhood hero.

SOURCE: https://www.evernote.com/shard/s189/sh/8547202f-3b93-4a7d-8e07-1de908f2008d/c6f35d2c41afba18a8d41156b2d8e953