Showing posts with label canaleta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label canaleta. Show all posts

The Victory Ride

"Chapter closed, destination reached. Now we can celebrate." -- These were the words of Purefoods' first 2-time Philippine Cup Champion Coach, Coach Ryan Gregorio as his Giants finally won, in a 4-0 sweep against the Aces, the KFC Philippine Cup Championship title after a roller coaster ride in the 18 games of the elimination round and playing 15 tiring games in the play-offs last March 3, 2010 at the country's basketball capital - the Araneta Coloseum. (Do you know that no team has played as many games in a conference as the Giants, who played 33 games?) Now, they finally have the bragging rights; they can finally be named as the best team in the land.


It was a night of odds and defeating the odds. In fact, the odds were against Purefoods; for the past 4 conferences, the teams to which the BPCs belong lose the game in which they were awarded as such. That night, "Big Game" James Carlos Yap was named as the KFC Philippine Cup's Best Player of the Conference. That was, sort-of, a jinx for them and as the game ended, James Yap said that he wanted to prove that "jinx" non-applicable to them.


Aside from being the BPC, James Yap was also named as the Finals MVP of this conference.


Words would never be enough, but I'd love to express my feelings for a few people. :]


* Chris Timberlake (31) & Jonathan Fernandez (12) - Though you weren't able to play, I'm sure that if you'd work harder, you'll get your break. Wait and see what the future holds for you. :) Good luck with your professional careers and I do hope that I'd see you both grow as players in the same squad.

* Rommel Adducul (10) - You're a great person and that's why God has given you another chance to live. I'm sure that He has plans for you and all you have to do is to wait for Him to unfold His plans. I'll be very glad to see you next conference as The General we have known and loved. :)

* Don Allado (41) - I'd be a liar if I'll say that I love you and that I'm your biggest fan. Though I'm not, I'm so proud of how you have grown as a player in PF. I also love how you show appreciation for your teammates and how you make the crowd roar during timeouts because of your funny antics. See you next confe! :D

*Jondan Salvador (61) - I just love you! =)) Need I say more? :)) Kidding aside, I'm so happy that, even though you were on the floor for very limited minutes, you were able to contribute for the team. The rebounds, the basket, the defensive moves, and the magnificent block made my larynx go tired. :)) I hope that PF would find a way to bring you back to the player you were before and that they'll always make you play. See ya! :)

*Niño Cañaleta (9) - I'm so happy that you were traded to PF! :D I never thought that you're a wonderful shooter in the inside and in the rainbow country. I'm super duper proud of you! PF has made you a better player than before. :) I'll be watching out for your possible entry to the Slamdunk Competition in the All-Star Weekend! :)

*Paul Artadi (11) - Mr. Energy and Play-maker! :) That's who you are to me. I'm so happy that they finally found a way to bring you back to the squad. I really love how you make everyone work their hardest when you're on the floor. You're the man! :) Practice more on your threes and everything's good. :)

*PJ Simon (8) - "Wala ng injury injury, finals na eh." I'm sure that that statement of yours touched the hearts of your Simonatics so much. All PF fans are surely so thankful that you played to the best of your ability despite the injuries. Hope that you'll be playing your best next conference once your injury's completely healed. Go Supersub!! :)

*Rico Maierhofer (1) - Though you're a rookie, that doesn't make you work less than the rest of your teammates and that makes all PF fans so proud and happy that you're part of this team. Your energy and momentum keeps the team and the fans alive every time you play. Congratulations on your first PBA Championship! :)

*Rafi Reavis (4) - At first, I have to admit, I didn't like the trade that involved you. But now, I'm sure that I'm not the only one who's very thankful to have you traded to PF. You work like an import! Minus the foul trouble, of course. :)) And that's what everyone likes about you. See you next conference!

*Roger Yap (13) - As PBA's site says, you're now playing your best game in 9 years. You're a great, great player and we hope that, somehow, you could extend your stay in the PBA and in Purefoods. :) Good luck!

*Kerby Raymundo (5) - Many games (more like referees) tested your patience and your professionalism. Yet, you showed everyone that your "anger" was righteous. :)) You made every PF fan proud by showing us your perseverance especially during the games' crucial moments. You really are a captain. :) Hope to see you receive MVP titles in the future! :D

*James Yap (18) - King, Man with a Million Moves, Big Game James. So many titles for one amazing player who has just won another Finals MVP and BPC title. PF is very very proud of you, James. 'Cause despite all the problems you face, the controversies thrown at you, you never ever give up and still play your very best. Congratulations! You deserve all the awards, praises, and love from your fans. :)

*Coaching Staff, esp. Coach Ryan Gregorio - Congratulations! So many people doubted your abilities, but you proved everyone wrong by outsmarting one of the best, if not the best, coaches in the PBA now - Coach Tim Cone. I'm so proud specifically of Coach Ryan Gregorio. Can I insult your haters now? :)) I've always been a supporter and now that you won your third championship for Purefoods, no one can ever blame you for anything. Good luck with your coaching careers and hope to see the complete staff next conference!


To end this, let me quote the Champion Coach, Coach Ryan Gregorio of the Purefoods TJ Giants who humbly said, "What makes this championship sweet is that this was close to impossible but we did it. It can be a preview of what life can be. We never gave up and we were rewarded." Again, congratulations to the whole Purefoods team! :)

All-Star Skills Competition

I had a great time watching the All-Star Week! It was my first time, you know. I've watched an All-Star Skills Competition but that was in the NBA (the most recent one). So, you'd expect me commenting on everything once again. :)) I'd say that the whole thing was nice, not flawless though. In the 3pt shoot-out, Larry Fonacier ran out of basketballs which forced him to try the whole thing again. In the slamdunk competition, a few players missed dunks. Kelly Williams, the defending Slamdunk Champion wasn't able to show up due to food poisoning. :( Ah well, what's done is done. Anyway, I got so entertained especially with Jared Dillinger and Gabe Norwood in the Slamdunk Competition. Here are the stats and some videos, enjoy. :)


Powerade Obstacle Challenge:
1st Round: LA Tenorio (AA)  -- 34.6 sec
   Sol Mercado (ROS) -- 46.8 sec
   Warren Ybañez (BB) -- 56.8 sec
   Bonbon Custodio (SMB) -- 48.6 sec
   Paul Artadi (BGK) -- 30.7 sec
   Norman Gonzales (SLR) -- 46.7
   Egay Billiones (BK) -- 34.3 sec
  Jason Castro (TNT) -- 1.03 min
  Alex Cabagnot (CCT) -- 43.7 sec 
  Willie Miller (def. champ) -- 37.4 sec
Final Round: LA Tenorio -- 37.4 sec
       Paul Artadi -- 36.7
       Egay Billiones -- 40.6
WINNER: Paul Anthony Artadi of the Barangay Ginebra Kings :]





Vitwater 3pt Shootout
1st Round: Larry Fonacier (AA) -- 10 pts
   Donald Dulay (ROS) -- 11 pts
   Jeff Chan (BB) -- 15 pts
   Dondon Hontiveros (SMB) -- 16 pts
   Ronald Tubid (BGK) -- 11 pts
   Norman Gonzales (SLR) -- 9 pts
   Gary David (BK) -- 18 pts
   Jimmy Alapag (TNT) -- 14 pts
   Ronjay Buenafe (CCT) -- 13 pts
   Renren Ritualo (def. champ) -- 15 pts
   James Yap (PF) -- 17 pts
Final Round: Dondon Hontiveros -- 15 pts
       James Yap -- 21 pts
       Gary David -- 8 pts
WINNER: James Carlos Yap of the Purefoods TJ Giants :]







Vitwater Slamdunk
Import Division:
first round: Dave Noel -- 9+8+9+8+9 = 43
   Gabe Freeman -- 9+9+10+9+10 = 47
   Anthony Johnson -- 6+6+6+7+7 = 32
2nd round: Noel -- 7+7+8+9+9 = 40
   Freeman -- missed dunk, automatic 25 pts
   Johnson -- missed dunk, automatic 25 pts
WINNER FOR DIVISION: David Noel of the Barangay Ginebra  Kings :)

Local Division:
first round: KG Cañaleta (PF) -- 9+9+10+9+9 = 46
   Gabe Norwood (ROS) -- 7+9+10+9+9 = 44
   Jared "Pacman" Dillinger (TNT) -- missed dunk, automatic 25 pts
--> whatever, he was very entertaining. I actually think that he knew he won't be able to hold the ball with boxing gloves. he probably just wanted to entertain the fans. I'd say, he succeeded. :D
2nd round: Cañaleta -- 8+8+9+9+9 = 43
   "Mr President" Norwood (ROS) -- 9+9+10+9+10
--> he was with Sol Mercado to assist him. It was another entertaining dunk. :D 
    Dillinger -- 8+8+9+8+9 = 42
WINNER FOR DIVISION: Gabe Norwood of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters :)

Local vs. Import
Noel -- 50+50 = 100
Norwood -- 46+48 = 94
CHAMPION: David Noel of the Barangay Ginebra Kings :]