Congratulations to the winners of signed Heroes for Hope shirts!

Congratulations to the following:

PATRICIA ANNE RAMOS

MA. JARESSA S. RAYMUNDO

CIARA DANIELLE

Each of you gets one Heroes for Hope shirt signed by some of your Barangay Ginebra warriors! Please email your full name, shipping address, and contact number to ginebrafancorner@gmail.com. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Cheers!

Thank you to all those who joined! I appreciate all your efforts in your entries. Hopefully we can have more giveaways in the future for you guys. =)

You can get your own Heroes for Hope shirt at Toby's for only Php250.00. All proceeds will be donated to the Yolanda survivors.

For more updates, Heroes for Hope is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Again, special thanks to Ma'am Jen Reyes for all the shirts given away during the Barangay Ginebra Christmas party and here online!

'Tis the season to be jolly!

#GinebraRaffle: Signed #HeroesforHope shirts up for grabs!

Want one of these as a Christmas present for yourself?

The first shirt is signed by Coach Allan Caidic, Coach Alfrancis Chua, and Jens Knuttel.

The second shirt is signed by JJ Helterbrand, LA Tenorio, and JayR Reyes.

The third shirt is signed by Dylan Ababou, Chris Ellis, James Forrester, and Mark Caguioa.

Have a chance to win one of these three autographed Heroes for Hope shirts! How to join? Sobrang dali lang. Kelan ko naman kayo pinahirapan? :)

Comment on this post with your name, Facebook URL and/or Twitter name and answer this question:

SINO ANG BAYANI PARA SA IYO NGAYONG PASKO?

You have until December 25, 12 noon to comment. Have fun! :)

If you want your own Heroes for Hope shirt, you can get it at Toby's for only Php250.00! As for always, it is for a good cause since all proceeds will go to the Yolanda survivors. Nakatulong ka na, nagka-shirt ka pa! Good choice as a Christmas gift din ito! Sulit na sulit po. ^_^

Heroes for Hope is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! You know what to do!
Special thanks to Ma'am Jen Reyes for the shirts!

Ang bayani para sa akin ngayong Pasko ay ikaw na nagbabasa nito. Merry Christmas! :)

All I Want for Christmas is You: Barangay Ginebra version

I just thought about this habang busy tayo sa #GinebraFollow on Twitter, and since may game naman tayo sa Christmas. Hihi.

Sing along nalang. Here's an instrumental version para mas feel na feel. 

Mariah Carey version pa para intense! Loljk.

Pagbigyan niyo na ito. Pilitin nalang. Haha!

This is just for fun! Let's win on Christmas day!

All I Want for Christmas is You: Barangay Ginebra version

Edited Lyrics by: Kaye Cabal

(No copyright infringement intended)

I don't want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing I need

I don't care about the presents

Basta kami'y mananaig

Coaching staff na kay galing

Malupet, can't imagine

Kaya tanging hiling,

Barangay Ginebra, please win!

I don't want a lot for Christmas

Basta may dunk ni Chris Ellis,

Spin ni LA, Mac, at Dylan,

Power move ni Mamaril.

I don't need to hang my medyas

dun sa may bandang bintana

para lang mag-wish kay Santa

na manalo ang Ginebra

Mark and JJ tandem din

Malupit, can't imagine

Kaya tanging hiling

Barangay Ginebra, please win! Baby!

Oh, I won't ask for much this Christmas

I won't even wish for snow

And I'm just gonna keep on waiting

For Jens and James, at Faundo.

Bet na bet si JayR Reyes

Lalo na sa energy

I won't even try to blink for

Urbiztondo's goggle three

Cause I want them to win tonight

Holding on sa top so tight

Kaya tanging hiling,

Barangay Ginebra, please win! 

Win, baby!

Oh, all the lights are shining

So brightly everywhere

And all Ginebra fans

Happy everywhere

And everyone is singing

Feeling champion na rin

Santa, won't you give me the one I really wish?

Please allow our Ginebra to win!

Oh, I don't want a lot for Christmas

This is all I'm asking for

I just want to see our baby

Minion hustling down the floor

Oh, I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

With Greg and Japeth din

Barangay Ginebra, please win!

Win, baby!

*** *** ***

Merry Christmas, best-est fans!

Japeth Aguilar Signed Jersey Plus More for #HeroesForHope Online Auction

Hello, awesome sports fans!

Because of the very successful charity sports auction held at Bonifacio High Street last November 30 (congratulations, organizers!), here is Heroes for Hope Part 2: The ONLINE AUCTION!

The first batch of this online auction will start this Friday, December 13 at 12 noon. Get a chance to bid for the items donated by your favorite UAAP, PBA, GILAS, AZKALS and VOLCANOES athletes!

Since most of my blog readers are Ginebra fans, this is a special invitation to bid for Japeth Aguilar's signed Barangay Ginebra jersey! I know you want it, too! ^_^

Check out Heroes for Hope Facebook page to participate in the online auction. Mechanics will be posted each time an auction item is launched for bidding. You guys can also check out their Instagram account @heroes4hope for more info!

Here are the other items included in the online auction this Friday via @heroes4hope:

Just like the first auction, all proceeds will go to #YolandaPH survivors. What a way for our sports warriors to give back! Let's all support Heroes for Hope Part 2: The ONLINE AUCTION! =)

POLL: Who should Barangay Ginebra pick in this year's rookie draft?

Last night during the halftime of the Game 1 of the 2013 PBA Governors' Cup Finals, Barangay Ginebra won the jackpot as Air21 Express won the draft lottery with a 2/3 chance of winning over Global Port Batang Pier (pick goes to San Mig Coffee Mixers).

Barangay Ginebra's first pick overall this year will be the first time in 17 years since the team went for Marlou Aquino in 1996.

Barangay Ginebra fans and even some from the team have already expressed interest on having names like Greg Slaughter, Ian Sangalang, and Raymond Almazan on the team.

The 2013 PBA Rookie Draft is set on November 3 at Robinson's Place Ermita.

So, who's your pick? Comments section is open for your thoughts. Cheers!

Sinubok. Pinatatag. TV Eskwela.

Tunay nga na isang biyaya na maituturing,
ang pagiging bahagi nitong gawain na bago sa akin.
TV Eskwela ang kinailangang bigyan ng pansin,
ng mga mag-aaral na may iisa lamang na mithiin.

Marahil ako ay sadya lamang na mapalad,
na maging kaisa sa isa na namang bagong pagtahak.
Katuwang ay labing-isang huwarang kabataan,
at mga guro na kailan man ay hindi kami iniwan.

Ngunit tila tadhana ay mapaglaro lamang na talaga,
nang aming klase ay sinubok ng layo at distansya.
Majayjay, Laguna, lugar na kinailangang paglingkuran,
kaya't kami ay buong tapang na humarap sa laban.

Nagsimula ang pagtahak namin na ito,
sa aming hangad na maging daan ng mabuting pagbabago.
Telebisyon man o radyo ang gamiting instrumento,
Para sa amin, ang mahalaga ay ang kanilang pagkatuto.

Sa hindi inaasahan na pangyayari,
ang aking takot at kaba ay unti-unting napawi.
Mula sa pag-iisip kung magagawa ba talagang ito ay maitawid,
hanggang sa amin na ngang napagtagumpayan, ligaya ang hatid.

Ang hindi ko talaga kailanman malilimutan,
ang maging isa sa naatasang magtungo sa dapat na paroonan.
Malayo man ang Majayjay sa lugar na nakasanayan,
Di naman mapapantayan ang bait ng kanilang mamamayan.

Lubos ang pasasalamat ko sa pakikibahagi at pakikiisa
ng mga mamamayan na aming buong pusong pinaglingkuran.
Wala na yatang mas bubuti pa sa pakiramdam na ito,
na sila ay buo ang suporta at tunay ang nais na matuto.

Batid ko ang hirap ng bawat bahagi ng laban na ito,
dahil hindi talaga biro magpatakbo ng ganitong proyekto.
Marahil ay pagtuunan pa ng mas mahabang oras, siguro,
upang mas maiayos pa ang TV Eskwela nating ito.

Oras at sama-samang pagkilos, aking mungkahi
sa mas lalo pang pagsasaayos at pagpapabuti.

Akin ring napagtanto sa pagtatapos natin sa gawaing ito,
na tila mas nakabuti ang inakala kong dadagdag sa hirap nito.
Kakaunti man ang bilang ng mga taong aking nakatrabaho,
daan naman ito sa dagdag na pagsasaayos ng programang binuo.

Wala sa dami ng gumagawa ang ikauunlad ng programa,
nasa laki ng puso, sipag, at tiyaga.

Tunay nga na isang biyaya na maituturing,
ang pagiging bahagi nitong gawain na naging malapit sa atin.
TV Eskwela na bunga ng bawat paghihirap at tibay ng damdamin,
lubos na nagpapasalamat sa bawat aral na naibahagi sa akin.

Sinubok man,
pinatatag din.

(MKCC)

Hoo.Ph: 10 Things I Learned about Derrick Rose during the Adidas DRose Tour

I wrote this for hoo.ph yesterday, September 17, after I was sent to the DRose Tour at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Marriott Hotel, and SM Mall of Asia.

Soooo... I got to see THE Derrick Rose close-up. Well, here's my kuwento. :D

This is the article link, by the way. Thanks again, hoo.ph! Really can't thank you enough!

DRose at the Big Dome

It has been a surreal two days as hoo.ph sent me to the Adidas DRose World Tour that takes its last stop here in the Philippines.

I had the privilege to see DRose as he graced the Adidas 3×3 Grand Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday, September 15. Just when I thought it was all over, there I was yesterday, September 16, at the Marriott Hotel for the DRose Tour press conference and then finally at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium as Rose played a video game against the champion of the NBA 2K13 tournament.

It’s amazing how I didn’t even think about having a chance to get to see Derrick Rose up close but true enough, great things totally happen when you least expect it.

DRose during the press conference at Marriott Hotel

Derrick Rose actually signed a lifetime contract with Adidas worth over $250 Million plus he gets to have his very own logo.

During the press conference at the Marriott Hotel Manila, Rose shared that there’s more than what meets the eye with the Adidas DRose logo. It is very personal as he said that the logo is all about him and his family.

We could actually see the ‘D’ inside some rose petals at first look but a lot of people is missing the ’1′ at the center of it all, which is Rose’s jersey number.

The soft-spoken NBA star also shared about the logo that a rose symbolizes his family name. The three petals symbolize his three brothers and he also mentioned something about the end side of the logo which is his mom.

“Really, it’s all about me and my family,” he added.

Want more? Here’s 10 things I learned about Derrick Rose during the Adidas DRose Tour:

10. He loves Hip-hop.

He was asked countless times about his choice of music, even picking between Rock or Hip-hop. He has been consistent! Well, according to him, “Hiphop is basketball, basketball is hiphop.” Oh! And he listens to Big Sean and J. Cole!

9. He wouldn’t put any NBA names in front of another.

At least for the point guard position, when asked about the best point guards in the league today. He sort of mentioned a few names in the mix while thinking really hard but ultimately said that “every point guard made their mark.” Yeah, including you, D!

8. He thinks you must pick him for your NBA Fantasy Basketball.

He definitely thinks that he should be in your line-up! He also recommends you put Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves on your line-up as well, describing him as “a winner.”

7. Aspiring baller? DRose got two words for you: Dedication and Sacrifice.

At 24, he believes that he have already sacrificed so much. He also thinks that he will never be able to live like a regular 24-year old. How dedicated this NBA superstar is? He shared that he wants to “leave a mark on history, change the world and make a difference.” And he’s totally on the right track.

6. This guy aims nothing but a championship.

If there’s one thing in his entire visit here in the country that leaves a mark on me, it’s most probably the fact that DRose is all out and serious about winning a championship for Chicago Bulls in his return. With blazing fire in his eyes, he declares that the team is getting ready right now and that he probably cares for the championship more than the others. According to him, his goal is “to win a championship and be one of the greatest basketball players ever.”

5. DRose on Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA World: “I wish them nothing but the best.”

With Gilas Pilipinas qualifying for the FIBA World happening in Spain next year, Rose told that the team must always prepare because the world is watching, and wish them “nothing but the best.”

4. DRose will be honored if given a chance to play for Team USA in FIBA World

Team USA qualifies in the FIBA World as the recent Olympic champions and he will gladly take the duty to play for the country if a spot will be offered to him for the upcoming tournament. When asked on who he wants to pick as his teammates for Team USA, he said “just give me anybody. Right now, I just want to go out there and play basketball.”

3. Best advice he received so far? “Be patient.”

Well, for someone who missed real basketball action since 2012 playoffs due to an ACL injury, I guess there’s no better advice than patience. As they all say, it’s a virtue.

2. He believes that he is 100% ready come next season.

After recovering from his injury, he just wants to be out there and play with his team. He also declares that he knows that he is ”100 percent ready.” When asked about his preparations for his return, he shared that he needs to improve on his confidence while playing. He is also working on extending his range as far as his shooting is concerned.

DRose with NBA 2K13 tournament champion Albert Sarabia

1. Even the youngest NBA MVP in history knows how to have a good time.

The one and the only Derrick Rose played with NBA 2K13 tournament winner Albert Sarabia, who emerged as the best out of 32 participants for a once in a lifetime gaming experience with the NBA superstar.

Sarabia controlled Oklahoma City Thunder while Rose played with, well, Chicago Bulls in the final 2K13 battle at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium yesterday.

Sarabia and Rose after their one-on-one 2K13 battle

Fans at the Atrium witnessed Rose controlled his 2K13 version who, by the way, exploded for at least 30 points. There were also some pretty cool highlights during the battle that DRose eventually won over Sarabia by just a singe point.

Both guys most certainly enjoyed the battle as much as we enjoyed watching them go for the win.

I really had a great time during the Adidas DRose Tour. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a photo with him but what I was able to experience was already more than I ever imagined. Maybe the photo will have to wait ’till I see him again. Hopefully.

Straight from a Ginebra fan: Hanggang kailan ka tatagay para sa nawawalang Barangay? By Carla Cruz

Hanggang kailan ka tatagay para sa nawawalang Barangay? 
By Carla Cruz (Follow the writer on Twitter @cruzcarlaWL.)

2-4. 2-4. 2-4. 

Sakit sa mata. Nakakapang-init ng ulo. Nakakapanting ng tenga. Wala eh. 2-4 ang standing, tatlong laro na lang ang natitira sa maikling Governor's Cup na tinatahak ngayon ng Brgy. Ginebra. Kahit ako napapatanong. Kaya pa kaya? Kahit ako napapaisip. Aabot pa ba? Aminin mo. Nakakawala ng tiwala.

Gabi ng Manila Clasico. Eto na naman. Ang sakit na naman ng resulta. Ang daming opinyon, kaliwa't kanang spekulasyon, ang ingay ng Barangay sa Twitter, Facebook man o kahit sa mga terminal. Nagpapalitan ng pahayag, nagdadamayan sa isang masaklap na bagay. Ang hindi mawawala, sisihan. Sinisisi si Coach. Sinisisi si Referee. Sinisisi si Point Guard. Sinisisi si Import. Sinisisi kahit yung venue (peace tayo Admin). 

Ikaw? Natanong mo na ba sa sarili mo kung wala kang pagkukulang bilang isang Never Say Die fan?

Hindi ko sinasabing sumang-ayon ka sa bawat pahayag na mababasa mo dito. Hindi rin naman kita inaaway dahil magkapatid tayo sa pagmamahal sa Barangay. Pero gaya ko, narinig mo rin ang pag 'BOO' ng tao sa nagiisa nating hari. Ramdam mo ang kawalan ng respeto ng mga taga-suporta ng kabilang grupo sa tinatawag nating Puso ng Ginebra. Napatanong ako. Sabi ko: "Teka. Bakit ganto?" 

Nasabi ko na lang na baka naman kasi malapit lang sa camera yung mga nagboboo kaya akala mo malakas. Pero nung tumatagal, sabi ko, "Hindi eh. Parang iba na to ah." Lalong dumadami ang nakikiboo. Nilalamon nila ang ating Hari. Nilalamon ang Barangay ng mga taga Planeta.

Ikaw? Nasaan ka noon? Ako kasi nasa bahay lang. Malayo sa game venue. Nasa arena ka ba? Bakit hindi kita maramdaman? Kagabi kasi, paulit ulit kong tinatanong ang t.v., "Ano ba yan? Wala bang taga-Barangay Ginebra dyan?" Naisip ko. Baka nagpalamon na din ang fans ng Ginebra. Rinig ang dagundong ng pagboo kay Mark. Pinakikiramdaman ko. Walang sumasalo ng mga mapang-asar na panunuya maliban sa isang lalaki na nakauniporme na may numerong Kwarenta'y Syete. Natiis mo ba yun? Siguro may ilan na mas gustong magfocus sa laban. Ilan na apektado pero mas piniling manahimik na lang. Siguro kasi lamang ang kalaban kaya hindi ka makasigaw ng GI-NE-BRA. Siguro kasi kinakabahan ka. Pero isisigaw mo lang ba yan tuwing tayo ang lamang? Para saan pang isinigaw mo yan kung iniiwan na natin ang kalaban? Para sakin kasi dapat isinisigaw din yan kapag nasa bingit ang Barangay. Yung tipong isang maling hakbang, laglag at matinding lagapak ang mararanasan. Isinisigaw yan upang mabuhayan ang ating mga superhero at muling lumaban. Hinahanap ko kagabi yung pangyayari gaya nung FINALS eh. Talo ang Barangay, sweep pa nga daw, pero walang ibang maririnig kundi ang walang kamatayang GI-NE-BRA. Masarap matalo ng ganon. Kagabi? Ramdam ang pagsuko pati ng 6th man. Nakulong ang sigaw na ito sa madilim na silid. Walang nakakarinig.

Kapatid, sa sinasabi kong iyan, ay hindi kita sinisisi. Nabanggit ko lang ang bagay na ito bilang isang bagay na mas mahirap tanggapin kaysa sa mismong pagkatalo. It seemed like no one stood up for MC47. Masakit yung nasabi ko no? Truth hurts, kapatid. Aminin nating may pagkukulang. Masakit. Sobrang sakit.

Ngunit kapatid, hanggang saan ang tagay na kaya mo? Sabi sa kantang pinanghahawakan ko ngayon para sa Barangay Ginebra: "WE SURVIVED THE CRASH, MADE IT THROUGH THE WRECKAGE. STANDING HERE AT LAST, SO PERFECTLY WRITTEN" 

Relate? Not yet? Eto pa:

"WE SURVIVED THE STORM, MADE IT THROUGH THE HURRICANE. STANDING HERE AT LAST, DRY DESPITE THE RAIN" 

Tama diba? Ilang beses na bang ganito ang unang kabanata ng aklat na ating muling isinusulat? Una pa lang ayaw na umikot ng bola sa ikot na ating itinatakda. Injury pa lang, bugbog na. Pero pinipilit sabayan ng koponan ang alon ng PBA. No matter what kind of storm the world brings to this team, we're still dry despite the rain.

"WHERE WE ARE? IS THIS WHERE WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE?" 

Yan ang tanong ko sayo ka-Barangay. Ito ba talaga ang tamang posisyon kung nasaan ang Never Say Die? Sana napukaw kita kapatid. We've been all in this together. All we have to do is to get through all of this AGAIN together. 

Hanggang saan ka tatagay para sa Barangay? Ang sagot? Ikaw lamang ang nakakaalam. Sana TAGAY HANGGANG SA TAGUMPAY!

Asan na ba ang Barangay? 

"WE ARE WHERE NO ONE CAN TEAR US APART! THAT'S WHERE WE ARE!"

_________________________________

Email ginebrafancorner@gmail.com with your literary piece, artworks, photos, videos related with Ginebra that you want to share with your fellow Ginebra fans. My personal blog is always open for you all.

Straight from a Ginebra fan: CAGUIOA'S NOT FOREVER. By Romeo Catap Jr.

Caguioa’s not forever.

By Sir Romeo Catap, Jr.

(Spoiler: This is a Caguioa-centric article)

“Caguioa for the lead…YEAAH!”
“Caguioa! Lamang ang Ginebra!” 
“And the Most Valuable Player of the 37th season of your Philippine basketball Association is…from your…Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, Mark “The Spark” Caguioa!”

After more than a decade, it’s undeniable that Mark Caguioa still has it. Numerous championships, countless career plums, court charisma (in any context you prefer), and the never-say-die swag—just some of the components that created this extraordinary talent summed up as “The Spark.” As the center of Ginebra’s new generation folklore, this personification of the Jaworski fanaticsm is not in any time hanging his jersey yet, which is expected from a legend becoming.

I’m one of those that appreciate (and defend) this whole package, one of those that have him at top of mind in every key play of a thrilling game, as if he’s a 99 in NBA2k13. Even at 33, I’m sure he can (and will) still smack hurt on his opponent’s ego with his athleticism. Maturity and ability to shift from being a scorer, a facilitator, and a leader, at any time he wants, is for me his best asset. And who would not admire his amazing comeback after around three seasons of absence due to injury and then winning the MVP award seasons later? That’s hardcore…or should I say, “Heart-core.” (I’ll push that)

But at this point, at this time when the drought of champagne is making every want for a celebration dry, allow me to also state this: Caguioa’s not forever.

Okay, I’m not negating my praises, but before I get a thumb down (good thing FB doesn’t have that…yet), kindly read through. We’re just at halftime.

At 33, it’s safe to say that Mark somewhat have given and got everything, yet we all know he’s far from over (as a dark knight once said, “…not everything, not yet.” ) But let’s take a step back and glance on the bigger picture. Am sure he still has another decade ahead (and confident he would still have ‘it’), but facing the reality of hoop life, legs get worn, reflexes become passive, and injuries take its toll. His numbers aren’t also that consistent compared to his mid-2000’s grading sheet (though I’d also like to be fair by saying his role before is different compared to now, in which would be the influence of a leader that box scores cannot record), which leads me to my next point.

In the recent lost games, Mark had strong statements (Read…or not read: the f--- tweet), giving media channels a field day, even granting Mark a halftime interview. Knowing him, it’s nothing different from predictions and dares he did when he was younger. As a follower, I know he does that on purpose to either fuel himself or his teammates (can I say, even the management?) in hitting the higher goal. Nevermind if they fail, what matters is that they tried (loop here his ”manalo, o kahit matalo kami, basta lumaban ng buong puso” mantra).

But the question should be asked: Should Mark keep on doing this? I know he will, but seriously, does he need to?

How many controversial tweets does it take to get everybody fired up? How many more injuries until someone else steps up (knock-on-wood, please no more of that!)? How many cryptic messages does he need to imply to settle with the chemistry the team needs? Can the team just be consistently good? Can they ever be on the same stage of Talk ‘N Text’s excellence (in their glory years, or so argue if they still are in it), the superiority of (90s) Alaska, or to be faithful to the franchise—the Anejo of the 80s (known to gather crowns while having moderately-popular but great role players).

Now, let me seem to contradict myself. Mark is forever, meaning, his influence will eternally be there, close to the way Jawo’s name would echo throughout Philippine basketball history (and to be loyal to the name, of course Jawo’s legend is hard to match).

But he can’t be doing this for the rest of time.

We’ve made the finals before because of stellar players having rejuvenated careers, but if we look closely, the wins came because of runs which eventually at the end, got exhausted, leaving us fans to ponder if there’s anything left. It’s like flooring your gas only when the finish line is near, and usually ends up short. Oh, and we all know that our best fuel is the Never-Say-Die attitude, the spirit of fighting when all seems hopeless. I just think that at this stage, we’ve overused it by always summoning it when everybody’s already ahead of the pack. Of course, I want to be proven wrong if that is still the character and the winning way our team is natured to be. But then again, it’s been around 5 seasons since we had that epic use of NSD. It’s true that Ginebra loves the FPJ-way of things, but it can’t also like be that, forever.

Bottom line is, I believe it’s high time that our Barangay should live and breathe with basketball excellence, which I believe would mean if you put all of the Spark’s statements from the whole of his career (sans the explicit words). It could mean getting the ball around in a regular nature, having good percentages as normal on the free throw line, giving media people the difficulty of choosing the best player every game because everybody stepped up, or could be, having the management control the perpetual itch to trade somebody. Hello! Ever heard of prioritizing chemistry?

On the other hand, someone should also step up which could be the next in line of the Jawo figurehead. Am NOT saying Mark’s time is waning, as earlier stated (borrowing Sir Mico Halili’s line in a game versus Petron, “Hindi pwede!”), but maybe there should also be a sort of Joshua-in-waiting when Mark needs another voice to fire up everyone, when everything becomes mediocre again. I personally believe Mark is not the new Jawo, rather, Mark is Caguioa, and NO ONE can take his place. It’s just that maybe we need another character who can be his own and become a great asset to the franchise, someone we can look up to when we need to summon the NSD spirit, at the right opportunity other than our default MVP.

So there you go. Mark’s influence will be there for all eternity, but we can’t just depend on him and his drive forever for everyone to put their heads together (as my father once said, “Dapat may kusa ang lahat”). If that certain excellence and discipline could be achieved, then we can say that we truly embody the spirit of this Never-say-die thing. That I believe, is worth forever.

__________________________________________________

This article is posted here with the writer's permission and is also posted on his personal Facebook account. Follow him on Twitter @romeocatap and hit the 'like' button for Jack Arts!

Psst! Ginebra fan! Never say die ka pa rin ba? Sana.

Packing tape na naman.

99-102. 

Paking tape na naman.

1-3. 

Packing tape na naman.

Packing tape na naman.

Kung kelan humabol, lumamang, at inakala nating ito na,

unting unting nakawala, nadurog, naglaho, lumubog sa lupa. 

Katulad ng nakagawian,

may magrereklamo pagkatapos ng gabing ito.

Maraming magrereklamo at patuloy tayong magrereklamo, 

Ngunit sa huli, tayo pa rin ang natalo.

Tayo pa rin. 

Tayo na naman ang natalo.

Natalo.

Badtrip no?

Masakit talaga. Sobra.

Dahil kung hindi ka nasasaktan, kung hindi ka naapektuhan,

hindi ka Ginebra fan.

Galit ka? 

Oo, kasama mo, libu-libo din ang nagagalit at naghuhuramentado

pagkatapos ng pagkatalo ng Barangay Ginebra.

Naiiyak ka? 

Ganyan talaga, Ginebra fan ka e. Siyempre apektado ka.

Manhid ka na ba?

Nakakasawa na ba?

Sumuko ka na ba?

Ginebra ka pa ba?

Maikli lang ang kasalukuyang komperensiya,

at nandiyan ang masakit na posibilidad na maaaring hindi na tayo makausad pa.

Pero nandito ako, nagpapakatanga pa rin, nagbabakasakali na kaya pa.

Ito ay para sa mga umasa, umaasa, 

at patuloy na aasa sa Barangay Ginebra.

Nasaan ka pagkatapos ng kasalukuyang 1-3 na kargada 

ng Barangay Ginebra?

Never say die pa rin ba? 

O namatay ka na kasama ng tiwala at puso 

na sana ay inaalay natin para sa kanila?

1-3 na.

Never say die pa rin ba? 

Sana. 

Para sa Barangay Ginebra. 

Sana.

At 22: Happy. Hopeful. Loved.

After five years of birthday celebrations in Los Banos, nakapag-celebrate din ulit sa bahay. I miss.

Thank you, Lord for blessing me with kind, loving, and wonderful people. I am beyond grateful. Please bless them, too. 

 Thank you also for the overwhelming birthday greetings from Facebook and Twitter. I did my best to reply to all birthday tweets and to like all the birthday posts on my timeline. I've read them all, and I am thankful for remembering and virtually celebrating with me. 

 It has been a year of surprises, of success, of happiness, of love, of adventure, of travel, of milestones, of wonderful memories. 

 Thank to everyone who have been a constant part of my life for this past year.

I thank my ever supportive family for never giving up on me and for helping me in creating a better version of myself; my BFamily for the friendship worth keeping and for the stories worth telling; my UP ComBroadSoc family for bringing out the best in me and for molding me to be the person that I wanted myself to be; to my college friends for the joyful memories more than the cramming; and to my fellow Barangay Ginebra fans, my Ginebra friends and fellow sports enthusiasts for bringing color to my life and for allowing me to have an avenue to share my passion. 

 On my 22nd year, I aim not for perfection but for the right, to move not for greatness but for the good, and to strive not for success but for genuine happiness. 

 And in all these things, God shall be exalted and glorified. 

#BabalikNaAngBarangay 2013 PBA Governors' Cup Eliminations Ginebra Game Schedule

Barangay Ginebra game schedule for the upcoming 2013 PBA Governors' Cup. 

(UPDATED AS OF AUGUST 23, 2013)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

AUGUST 24 --- Saturday | 5:00PM | Cuneta Astrodome | vs. Meralco Bolts
AUGUST 30 --- Friday | 7:30PM | Araneta Coliseum | vs. Barako Bull Energy
SEPTEMBER 1 --- Sunday | 6:30PM | MOA Arena | vs. Alaska Aces
SEPTEMBER 4 --- Wednesday | 7:30PM | Cuneta Astrodome | vs. Air21 Express
SEPTEMBER 8 --- Sunday | 6:30PM | Araneta Coliseum | vs. San Mig Coffee Mixers
SEPTEMBER 14 --- Saturday | 6:00PM | Araneta Coliseum | vs. Rain or Shine Elastopainters
SEPTEMBER 20 --- Friday | 7:30PM | Araneta Coliseum | vs. Global Port Batang Pier
SEPTEMBER 22 --- Sunday | 6:30PM | MOA Arena | vs. Talk n' Text Tropang Texters

For the full schedule of the eliminations, here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.715610538455384.1073741924.168046639878446&type=1&refid=17&ref=stream

REPLAY: #PBATwitterGame5 live Twittercast on #GinebraChannel

Hindi lang isa... kung hindi dalawa.

Dalawang beses talagang nagkaroon ng #PBATwitterFinals! Hahaha! Hindi ko inexpect na magkakaroon pa ng #PBATwitterGame5 pagkatapos nung #PBATwitterGame4 nung nakaraan.

They all asked for it on Twitter... kaya ito.

Edi #PBATwitterGame5 :) RT @iamnicobones Ngayon sana yung laban kung may game 5 pa ng finals ng ginebra vs alaska! :) @barangayginebra
— Barangay Ginebra (@barangayginebra) May 24, 2013

REPLAY: #PBATwitterGame4 Twittercast on #GinebraChannel

Kagabi sana yung Game 4 nung bakbakan sa PBA Commisioner's Cup Finals. Circa 1990's pa naman sana. Barangay Ginebra kontra Alaska Aces, kung hindi lang nakuha ng Alaska ang 3-0 na panalo laban sa paborito kong koponan.

Bago pala magkalimutan, Congrats muna, Alaska! Ang lupet niyo nung Finals. Pero Ginebra fan pa rin ako. Wala e. Ginebra e. :)

At dahil nga kagabi dapat yung Game 4, may mga natanggap akong mga tweets sa @barangayginebra kung anong oras daw ba ipapalabas ang Game 4. Di ko malaman kung nang-aasar ba sila o sadyang hindi lang nila nabalitaan na tapos na ang laban.

7:30pm, Ginebra Coliseum. :) RT @jeithesuarez At dahil diehard Ginebra fan ako,anong oras po GAME 4 mamaya?! #gawingBestOf7! #neversaydie
— Barangay Ginebra (@barangayginebra) May 22, 2013

For Ginebra Fans, On to the Finals

On to the Finals*
Kaye Cabal

For a team coming from rock bottom,
It seemed impossible to find a way to blossom.
While many thought it could be over,
We remained, for whatever reasons we could gather.
But all these reasons, no matter how big or small,
Made it easier for us to hold on.
And as we lifted everything to up above,
And as we allowed fate take control,
And destiny to drive us all,
There they were, not all mighty but with heart so strong,
Able to find a way to thrive and glow.
So savor the feeling, dear faithful,
We have been waiting for this moment for so long.
So long that we thirst, so long that we hunger,
So long that we feel like it’s already taking forever.
And as we graciously reminisce that moment,
That moment when we knew,
As the final buzzer sounded,
With heads down, knees on the floor,
and as we thank the Lord,
Finally.
Our dear Barangay Ginebra, on to the finals,
Once again, once more.
And with tears in the eyes as we smile,
Allow ourselves to realize, realize that we’re blessed,
Blessed to be having this moment.

*Original post on Twitter and Facebook 13 May 2013

#LabanGinebra

 

My faith always tells me that Barangay Ginebra will win. 

And every time they lose, it's my faith telling me 

that the team have to lose for them 

to want to win again. 

Let's win again, Barangay Ginebra. 

Mark the date: May 8!

2-1

PS. Tigil 'na Tambol. Please.

#LabanGinebra

I'm almost there...

I'm so close. So, so close. Sasablay ako next year pramis. Magtutuos tayo next year, outside world. ♥ 

May qualifier nga pala ito. 

*Assuming I pass all my subjects this semester*

HAHAHAHA! Konti pa. Konting tambling pa. 

=)

To my beloved UP ComBroadSoc

"Courage is fear holding on a minute longer."

‘Yun na siguro yung line na makakapag summarize ng naramdaman ko mula noong tinaggap ko yung nomination para sa Chief Anchor. I was actually nominated in five positions and I could have taken the easy way out if I chose to decline the position, pero hindi ko yun magawa sa inyo.

The decision took all of me. I gathered all the courage I have, all the strength I have, all the composure I have… My everything. when I said during the deliberations that I am standing in front of you as your Chief Anchor.

I felt that it was a decision that I had to make, so I channeled all my courage and all the love that I have for the organization that provided me an avenue to grow and become who I really wanted to be. The organization that tested me, the organization that molded me to become a better version of myself. It took me four years of my college life to find you, and I can tell you that it’s definitely worth the wait.

Kahit sa alternate universe, hindi ko inakala na bibigyan niyo ako ng pagkakataon na maging Chief Anchor ninyo. Sabi ko nga sa inyo dati, hindi niyo ako kailangan bigyan ng kahit anong posisyon para lang mapakinabangan niyo ako. The moment you took me in and allowed me to be a part of your family two years ago, you already had me. I never once waived and I never second guessed in choosing where to go nung feeling NF ako sa DevCom. Hindi ko pa rin alam ang dahilan hanggang ngayon but two years ago, I knew that I had to be with UP ComBroadSoc, at hinding hindi ko pinagsisisihan yon.

Honestly, I don’t know if I have what it takes to be your Chief Anchor. Habang ginagawa ko yung GPOA ko, ang nasa isip ko, ayokong mapahiya sa inyo. I fear rejection so much that at one point, it already consumed me. I fear that I cannot meet your expectations. I fear that I cannot be the Chief Anchor that you want. I fear that I cannot be the Chief Anchor that you need. But even in all those fears, I know that I love you. I love the organization so much that’s why I can never be selfish with all of you. And in the end, my love for my brothers and sisters made me take on another life changing road, at lubos ang pasasalamat ko dahil kasama ko kayo sa daan na yon.

I already gave you my vision for UP ComBroadSoc. Aside from us having bigger and grander activities, aside from organizing activities closer to the community, ang gusto ko lang sana, yung lalabas tayo sa kanya kanya nating mga klase, tapos may mga top sa exam, may mga halos nakakapit na sa buntot ng grade na tres, may mga aligaga na dahil sa hinahabol na deadlines, may mga nagtatago sa thesis adviser, pero kahit pa gaano kalaki yung problemang tinatakasan mo, mapapangiti ka na lang kasi natatanaw mo na yung nagsusumigaw na dilaw na tambayan na sobrang ingay kasi nandun lahat at nagkukuwentuhan. Yung kahit nagsisiksikan na tayo at halos wala nang maupuan, okay lang kasi alam mo na kasama mo lahat at walang iwanan. Yung kahit pa anong mangyari, alam mo na may brods at sisses ka na laging nandyan para makinig sayo.

Pero sabi ko nga, yung pamilya natin ay hindi talaga perpekto. At hinding hindi ko kayo pinipilit na baguhin kung sino man kayo. Kasi ang tunay na pamilya, tanggap ka kung sino ka, hindi yung kung ano lang ang gusto nila sayo. And I am not even imposing on you a UP ComBroadSoc that I want. Instead, I am hoping to give you a UP ComBroadSoc that we need. After all the trials, after all the pain, after all the misunderstandings, I think it’s about time to focus not just on our activities and not just on how others see us. 

More than that, more than ever, let’s rebuild from within.

Your Executive Committee can only do so much. As your leaders, we will do our best to give you an ExeCom that listens, that follows, that understands. An ExeCom that connects the body, that thinks ahead, that mediates, an ExeCom that is one with all of you. In return, I am pleading for a body with commitment, with initiative, a united body that is very much willing to compromise out of love.

I trust all of you so much that I am so convinced that we can make this work. You can always count on me for everything, for anything, at alam kong maasahan ko rin kayo.

This is not just about you anymore. And this is not just about me. We are all part of a bigger picture, a family pushing for excellence, genuine camaraderie, and service. Let us all get involved, let us stay involved, and all together, let us make a difference.

Let’s all look forward to a very exciting, fun, and as always, a memorable academic year, and in all these things, God shall be exalt and glorified.

Ma. Kathleen Cruz Cabal

Chief Anchor AY ’13-‘14

UP Community Broadcasters’ Society

*Induction speech delivered last March 22 at Cafe Angelica during the UP CBS Grand Broadcasters' Night

Gandingan 2013 Full List of Winners

Here is the full list of winners in the Gandingan 2013: The 7th UPLB Isko't Iska's Broadcast Choice Awards last January 26 at the DL Umali Auditorium, University of the Philippines Los Banos.

THE CORE AWARDS

MOST DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED RADIO BROADCAST MATERIAL

Biyaya ng Langit, Adventist University of the Philippines

BEST AM ANNOUNCER
Daniel Castro, DZJV

MOST DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED COMMUNITY RADIO PLUG
Salamat Po, Radyo Lucena

MOST DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED COMMUNITY AM STATION
Ka Barangay DZJV 1458 Khz

MOST DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED COMMUNITY AM PROGRAM
Pulso Publiko 4P's, DWLC

THE GENERAL AWARDS

BEST MORNING SHOW
Umagang Kay Ganda, ABS-CBN 2

BEST MORNING SHOW HOSTS

Umagang Kay Ganda Hosts, ABS-CBN 2

BEST FM STATION
Barangay LS 97.1

BEST DISC JOCK
DJ ChaCha, Tambayan 101.9

BEST AM STATION
DZMM Silver Radyo

BEST AM ANNOUNCER
Ted Failon for Failon Ngayon sa DZMM

BEST INVESTIGATIVE PROGRAM
Reporter's Notebook, GMA7

BEST INVESTIGATIVE PROGRAM HOST
Ted Failon for Failon Ngayon, ABS-CBN 2

BEST DOCUMENTARY PROGRAM
I Witness, GMA7

BEST DOCUMENTARIST
Kara David for I Witness GMA7

BEST MAGAZINE PROGRAM
Rated K, ABS-CBN 2

BEST MAGAZINE PROGRAM HOSTS
Korina Sanchez for Rated K, ABS-CBN 2

BEST NEWS PROGRAM
State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, GMA News TV

BEST NEWS ANCHOR
Jessica Sojo, GMA News TV

BEST FIELD REPORTER
Jiggy Manicad, 24 Oras GMA7

BEST PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAM
Wish Ko Lang, GMA7

BEST PUBLIC SERVICE PROGRAM HOST

Vicky Morales for Wish Ko Lang, GMA7

BEST WOMEN-ORIENTED PROGRAM
Us Girls, Studio 23

GANDINGAN NG KABABAIHAN
Us Girls Hosts, Studio 23

BEST YOUTH ORIENTED PROGRAM
I Juander, GMA News TV

GANDINGAN NG KABATAAN
I Juander Hosts, GMA News TV

BEST DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED TALK SHOW
The Bottomline with Boy Abunda, ABS-CBN 2

BEST DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED TALK SHOW HOST
Boy Abunda for The Bottomline with Boy Abunda, ABS-CBN 2

THE SPECIAL AWARDS

BEST AM PROGRAM
Radyo Negosyo, DZMM

BEST FM PROGRAM
Anong Meron?, Tambayan 101.9

BEST EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Matanglawin, ABS-CBN 2

GANDINGAN NG EDUKASYON
Kuya Kim Atienza for Matanglawin, ABS-CBN 2

BEST ENVIRONMENT-ORIENTED PROGRAM
Born to be Wild, GMA7

GANDINGAN NG KALIKASAN
Kuya Kim Atienza for Matanglawin, ABS-CBN 2

BEST LIVELIHOOD-ORIENTED PROGRAM
Bread n' Butter, UNTV

GANDINGAN NG KABUHAYAN
Carl Balita for Radyo Negosyo, DZMM

BEST DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED RADIO PLUG
Blood Letting, Radyo La Verdad, UNTV

BEST DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED TELEVISION PLUG
Pagbangon, ABS-CBN 2

GANDINGAN NG PINILAKANG TABING
ABS-CBN

HIGHLY-COMMENDED TELEVISION STATION
GMA News TV

BEST DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED- TELEVISION STATION
ABS-CBN

Gandingan is an award-giving body organized by the UP Community Broadcasters' Society.

Happy New Year!

 

CHEERS to 2013!!! Let's rock this year!