National Sporting Amnesia

06/16/14 04:05:07 PM

Minsan, hindi lang katamaran ang ating pambansang sakit. Alam mo kung ano? Kundi... “amnesia.” Oo, may sakit tayo na nakakalimot. Ika nga ng isang dating interstitial na pinapanood ko, mayroon tayong “National Amnesia.” Parang noong ika-25 anibersaryo ng People Power revolution lang. Kung noong 1986 ay mas mainit pa sa alab ang ating damdamin na makalaya tayo, ngayon, tila nakalimot tayo sa espiritu o ni pangalan ng EDSA. Dahil pag sinabing EDSA ngayon, may karugtong na mura na dahil sa sobrang bigat ng daloy ng trapiko.

Ngayon, hindi lang sa pulitika tayo nagkakaroon ng pambansang amnesia. Saan mas higit na evident ito? Sa mundo ng palakasan o “sports.”

Totoo nga naman, na pagdating sa mundo ng sports ay pustahan, dalawang bagay lang alam natin: kung basketball, boxing. At dito nanalaytay ang mga pangalan nila Manny Pacquiao, Brgy. Ginebra at ultimo ang Gilas Pilipinas.

Pero, pagkatapos nun, ano na? Wala.

At sa panahon ngayon na mas trip pa ng mga bata na mag-Candy Crush o Temple Run sa iPad nila kesa makipaglaro ng tumbang preso, agawan base, Chinese garter (tangina, kasama pala 'to, samantalang pangbabae lang ang larong ito ah), text, at kung anu-ano pang mga larong kalye nung kabataan natin, ay isa rin ang palakasan sa mga bagay na nakakalimutan na ng kamalayan natin.

Pustahan, pag binaggit mo ang pangalan nila, o ipakita mo ang mga larawan nila, ang unang dalawang salita na sasabhin nila sa 'yo ay “sino yan?” At d'yan nabubuo ang tinatawag na generation gap. Bagay na sa mga libro lamang ng Sibika lang masasagot, kung hindi ang Wikipedia.

Pero ito ang mas malalang senaryo: mas napapansin natin ang mga negatibong bagay kesa sa positibo, bagay na kayang dalhin ng sports. Mas nakikitsismis pa tayo pag nagsalita ang mga tulad ni Kris Aquino, Boy Abunda, at kung sinu-sinong showbiz reporter kesa sa mga pangyayari sa mundo ng sports.

Mas nababagot pa tayo sa mga nangyari sa pork barrel scam at kung anu-ano pang kinasasangkutan ng mga pulitiko kesa sa pansinin kung gaano kagaling ang mga boksingero natin, maliban na lang kung si Manny Pacquiao ang lumalaban (pero ito ang mas nakakapanlumo: mas pinansin pa natin ang mga kontrobersiyang dala ng pangalan niya, salamt sa panggagatong ng mainstream media).

Sa madaling sabi, likas kasi tayong mga negastar. At sa sobrang pagiging nega natin, nakakalimot tayo na mararami palang magagandang bagay na nagaganap sa sating lipunan, at isa dun ay ang sports.

Sino bang mag-aakala nun, na maliban sa mga elitista (siyempre, sila lang naman ang nakaka-afford ng mga babasahing susyalan eh gaya ng mga broadsheet) ay sinu-sino nga lang ang may-alam sa mga balita na ilan sa mga kababayan natin ay mga medalyang nauwi mula sa mga naunang edityon ng Olympics? Na ang liksi natin ay siyang tunay na astig na characteristic ng mga atletang Pinoy? Na noon pa man, mula pa noong panahon ng katanyagan nila Flash Elorde at Pancho Villa ay isa na ang mga lahing Filipino sa mga maangas sa combat sports? At ang tinutukoy ko ay ang boxing.

And come to think na ang Republika ng Pilipinas ay ang tanging Asyanong bansa na nakarating sa pinakamataas na ranggo sa Olympics nun (oo, ang fifth place noong dekada '50? Tangina, hindi biro yan kung ikukumpara sa panahon ngayon na tila napapag-iwanan na tayo kung sa ranggo ang usapan).

Kaya nga may mga astig tayo na bowler at billiard players, eh. Pati na rin sa swimming, track and field, at ultimong chess. Ano, di ka pa bilib? Yan ang napapala pag masyado tayong nakakalimot sa kasaysayan eh.

Tama lang ang mga adhikain na gaya lamang ng Pagpupugay na itinaguyod ni Chino Trinidad, isang batikang sports-beat journo at dating kumisyuner ng PBL, o ang Philippine Basketball League (PBL), at siya ring founder ng TaasNoo, Inc.

Ang palatuntunang nagbibigay-pagpupugay na ginawa niya noong nakaraang Araw ng Kasarinlan ay naglayon din na ipaalala sa mga kasalukuyang henerasyon ng kabataan na mararami pang bagay na dapat nating ipagdiwang. Na hindi mo kailangang makipagsapalaran sa giyera para lang matawag kang bayani sa sariling bayan (at ang konotasyon din ng mga OFW ay may halaw din ng pagkakamali).

Ang kagitingan nila ay huwag sanang mabaon sa limot; na kahit sa gitna ng dagok at sakit, 'wag rin natin sanang makalimutan ang mga naimabag nila sa kabila ng kundisyon na kanilang tinatamasan.

Dahil minsan, sila ang nagbuhat ng “pride” ng Pinoy.

Bagay rin siguro na magsisilbing aral ito para sa inyong lingkod.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

King's Decision Round 2

06/23/14 02:01:02 PM

Ladies and gentlemen, the spotlight is on again for the marquee players who will face another big-time decision on the scene we would like to call as “free agency.”

And we've heard his name before. Now that another summer passed by, questions are up in the air gain whether LeBron James will stay in Miami or not.

And the result? He opted for free agency.

The controversy was nothing new to James, whose origin is from Akron, Ohio. After spending his first seven seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James moved to the South Florida beach, then-hoping to earn his first NBA championship. It was the biggest drastic move a team has made in the NBA–the first since Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett joined Paul Pierce in Boston. However, his decision, which rooted from years of mounting frustration-driven futile, earned him massive negative reactions from both the league and the ballclub's fans.

Prior to making his decision, several NBA teams expressed interest in luring “the King” in their lineup. With the New York Knicks as the most notable squad.

However, his sojourn ride to the championship went to naught on their first try. They were up 2-1 against the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals, only to be swept by the next three games – with much of them due to a bunch of “fourth quarter meltdown.” His second championship series defeat drew another ire and criticism from the sport aficionados; thus, questioning his capability to take home the biggest prize, specifically during “crunch time.”

LeBron proved them wrong, however, as the Heat rolled to their second straight NBA Finals appearance in 2012. This time, they faced another generation star in Kevin Durant and the rest of the Oklahoma City Thunder. And the Heat shrugged off any signs of collapse as they emerged victorious in four straight games after losing the opener, to take home the title. Plus, it was a sweet victory in their home floor; and a very first-yet-memorable one for James as well as Chris Bosh and other Heat players like Mario Chalmers and Shane Battier.

And they did it again, in a blockbuster seven-game series against then undefeated San Antonio Spurs. With James earning his second title in three years with the Heat, it was also considered another prime era for the 6-foot-8 250-pound forward (who can also play the entire five basketball positions). No doubt about it.

But after the Spurs successfully snatched the title from the not-so-White Hot team this year, James' future was questioned yet again.

Facing such scenarios weren't really a new thing to a professional basketball superstar. Remember Dwight Howard, the young center from Atlanta whose drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2008 as the first overall pick? After failing to live up to their expectations during playoff time, Dwight also made a career-defining movement—that is taking his talent to the West Coast. But after shifting to Los Angeles Lakers, things just got even worse for the big man. Frustrated anew, he moved to the Houston Rockets.

Speaking of which, talks that several teams including the Rockets, are rolling again. This mystery has yet to be resolved though; whether James would REALLY move out of Miami or re-sign another contract with them. That's a big IF though, financially-wise speaking.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Shield's Break-up: Battle of Emerging Hounds

06/23/14 11:47:40 AM

So, this group had their worst moment recently — having a break-up with each other. Which makes me think of this question: out of these three men, who will emerged the most?

First and foremost, though: Forgive me for doing this post if it sounds like a malanding fanboy.

Well, I'll just reiterate this: I'm not a huge fan of this former three-man faction in the recent WWE events known as The SHIELD. In fact, when I started watching them in almost all the WWE shows for the recent few months, I hated them along with the Wyatt family, also a trio heel crew in current pro wrestling scene.

But even if they were heels, I noticed something that can be really a big star in the World Wrestling Entertainment: I'm talking about Roman Reigns.

The wrestler Reigns (his stage name), was apparently a Samoan, one of the race of wrestlers whom dominated the pro wrestling scene for decades, including the lateYokozuna, Rikishi, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (yes, folks; he has that kind of blood FYI), Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka; and on the modern era, Snuka's daughter Tamina, and Rikishi's sons Jimmy and Jey Uso.

I started noticing Reigns' individual dominance on the WWE main roster even during those days with the so-called Hounds of Justice. Along with fellow Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW)-slash-WWE NXT stars Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, The Shield was overpowering everyone, no matter how badass or fierce their counterparts are.

But it was more evident during the 2014 Royal Rumble at Philadelphia. Reigns overthrown Kane's previous records for most beaten opponents in that 30-man over-the-top battle royale, and he could even set some more when he faced the then-returning Batista for that bragging right to headline WrestleMania.

His loss seemed to be his major achievement though, as despite his role (and their, as a group), people seemed to cheer on the big guy who usually unloads Samoan Drop, Spear, and Superman Punch as main weapons.

And his performance was more evident when he almost single-handedly defeat a trio of The New Age Outlaws and Kane in WrestleMania XXX held April 6 at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

SHIELD had formally turned back when a four-on-four situation was slated at the final segment of April 7 RAW episode; thus signaling another era in the plot of the pro wrestling world, including the rebirth of Evolution (Triple H, Batista, and Randy Orton minus Ric Flair).

But after their second clash with Evolution on Payback, it was Seth Rollins who triggered the faction's surprisingly break-up (seems it was an “untimely” surprise since they were at the main limelight of the entire WWE lineup, and did not seemed to have any signs of negativity at all).

Now, is it time for Reigns to shine utmost? Definitely. I can foresee that he might end up winning the prized WWE World Heavyweight title at the Ladder Championship match of the upcoming Money in the Bank pay-per-view event (unless John Cena, Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton, and even.. uh?! Daniel Bryan?! will spoil the party).

However, as much as I don't appear like a spoiler (and besides, who cares? I don't even know what will comes next to their story at all), since Seth Rollins already named for the MTB contract match, I'm thinking he might win it all and another conspiracy theory-liked attack will be slated on the next PPV offering (though it's much better if it might take place at the SummerSlam or at the Night of Champions). Yes, there's chance a possible scenario might take place (remember Daniel Bryan, who just won over Cena at SummerSlam last year for the then-prestigious WWE Championship only to hand it over to Orton after cashing in to the game's referee, who happens to be Triple H, the COO of the WWE) and will draw another ire over WWE universe.

Amborse is no doubt, have a better future ahead. But out of three, it's gonna be clash for the standings between Reigns and Rollins. Unless, some creative peeps will pull a surprise twist which might changed our perceptions anew.

One thing is for sure though—you've got to BELIEVE IN THAT!

Author: slickmaster | ©2014 september twenty-eight productions

Gone Too Soon (5 Years Ago)

06/23/14 05:57:04 PM

Where were you when this news suddenly popped out of our consciousness?

I remember... It's June 26, 2009 (June 25 in US), then a Friday morning in Manila, (around 6:25 AM, in fact); as I logged in on my desk and checked out my Yahoo! Mail inbox, news about then-dying Michael Jackson was selling like hot cakes in the circulation.

But after a few minutes, every browsing netizen was surely in shock: the news was already confirmed and final—the King of Pop is dead. In the social networking sites Twitter and Facebook, his name occupied a large portion of both news feeds. Every single post about him, by some Facebook pages turned viral. And the external links regarding the news as well.

Since it was indeed a Friday, one radio station turned their playlist into an instant all-Michael Jackson tracks. For one solid hour, Dennis Poliquit (or known popularly as Big Daddy Jake) had a tribute to MJ in 3-4 pm as part of the Magic 89.9's all-day old school music program named Friday Madness. I can recall, though, that one of the songs played during the Madness was  “Pretty Young Thing (P.Y.T.),” one of the songs originally written by MJ's producer Quincy Jones and singer-songwriter James Ingram, and part of that Epic album Thriller (also, EPIC records was the publisher name).

I can't recall if other dials and even online radio outlets followed suit, though all I know is that during his mourning era, at least there's a Michael Jackson track that circulated. If not “Billie Jean,” I have no idea (though for sure: there's a lot songs than his 1984 all-time marketable track off the album Thriller).

I personally missed the chance to watch the live airing of that final goodbye to MJ (yes, it was a worldwide telecast straight from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California). And as I browse my Top Stories feed, it was all about MJ tribute.

As the investigation went on, some substance was diagnosed as the main culprit on his passing.

The bottom line, I guess is that no one really saw it coming. Perhaps, the majority of us knew is that he's up for a worldwide tour which will have their kick-start outing at the O2 Arena in London. He's scheduled to perform there by July '09.

And suddenly, it looked like everything turned out into a shit-dust. Ticket-holders may be sympathizing on his demise. But of course, one blurting question suddenly popped out of their respective minds: “What about our tickets? Can we get our money back?!”

I saw “This Is It,” a documentary-slash-musical movie intended for Michael Jackson when they premiered worldwide five months later. Perhaps, it was the very last resort to make his “concert” possible, to say the least.

Too bad, he have a very high vision on how things would want to happen should the odds pull in his favor.

And a few years since his untimely and shocking departure, and even up to present, it seems like his songs are rolling yet again. Yes, the posthumous way. Nothing bad at all considering we  need this kind of music to solidify pop music yet again. On an era where Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj and even One Direction were the current culture's primetime players, it's about time to remember the people who is the real “King of Pop.” However, comparing them, especially the Canadian teenager to someone who always a “rockstar” since his childhood days, is definitely unfair.

Both were controversial? I know, I don't like the present stars, but that only proves both MJ and the youngsters were human after all either. So why the fuck should we give a shit on comparison issues?

Time flies so fast. It's been five years. And after all of those times, I still have that 2-CD King of Pop Philippine edition album in my mini-jukebox (thank goodness it survived Ondoy!), I still play them on my player on a very random, moody basis. Yet most importantly though: I still have to learn the proper act of moonwalking. LOL!

Anyway, as time goes by, I can only afford to leave a quotable line from his 1987 track Man In The Mirror.

"If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change."

Author: slickmaster | ©2014 september twenty-eight productions

Alaala ng Usapang Lalake

5/21/2014 3:31:10 PM

Ang tunay na lalake, alam ang palabas na ito.

https://www.facebook.com/usapanglalakecreators3

Sa totoo nga lang ay una kong sinulat ang draft nito noong nakaraang taon. Ngunit sa kasamaaang palad ay nasira ang PC ko at hindi ko na naretrieve ang file na yun. Kaya masinsinang pagpipiga na naman ng utak at memorya ang pinilit kong gawin para lang magawa ulit ito.

Sa mga nahuling taon ng pamamayagpag ng Studio 23 sa ere ay isa ang USapang Lalakesamga tumatak sa isipan ng manunood.kung bakit? Simple lang: ang palabasna ito ay nagke-cater sa mga lalake, as in mga “tunay na lalake.” Side ng machismo, ika nga. Dito nabubulgar ang tipikal na gawain ng lalake. Pero sa nakakatawang paraan din.

Aminado ako na hindi ako masugid na tagahanga ng palabas na ito, at nagkaroon laang ako ng pagkakataon na mapanood sila noong 2012. Season 4 ata nila yun, at Miyerkules na ng hatinggabi kung umere (kahit na nakalagay sa banner nila ay 10:30), basta pagkatapos ng WWE Raw (na isang oras lang ang cut version nla kung ikukumpara sa USA network na 3 oras), o minsan ay NBA pa (nung natuon ang timing ng pag-ere sa NBA Playoffs), at bago naman ang isang astig na palabas na… (syete, nakalimutan ko ang pamagat).

Ni hindi ko nga ganap na kilalaang buong tropa eh, at ang pangalan lang na natatandaan ko nun ay sila Kuya Jobert Austria at Alex Calleja. Mga batikan na rin sa pagiging stand-up comedian, at yung isa ay dating host ng programa sa iFM.

May kanya-kanyang video clip din sila sa YouTube channel nila, kung ano ang ginagawa ng mga lalake. Meron pa ngang “Palakng Toti” eh. May papet pa na nagmaman on the street interview sa mga tao, lalake man o babae.

At ito ang isa sa mga pinakapaborito sa kanila.

Isa pa: itong “MAGtanong Sa EXperto.”

Ang bilis ng panahon, saglit nga lang pala ang apat na season. Este, di rin pala. Dalawang taon din yun. Pero nakakamiss lang ang astiging palabas na ito. Hindi makakaila na isa ang Usapang Lalake sa mga palatuntunan na nagbigay ng legasiya sa Studio 23, kasabay ng pagreformat nila nun yung Iba Balita, tapos saglit ay nagcover din sila ng PBA.

Ayos, best era, di ba?

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Warfare: SHIELD vs. EVOLUTION

6/14/2014 10:31:47 AM

http://www.nappyafro.com

Forgive me for posting this quite too late. To be honest with you folks, I never saw a lot of things coming following their another clash at Payback—that Seth Rollins already broke their trio up, leaving the Shield faction to only a tandem of Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns.

But I think WWE in 2014 will never be an epic year (as what Triple H declared on his year-ending mano-a-mano interview with Michael Cole over WWE.com) without their two-battled rivalry—and I am talking about the clash of the three-man factions: SHIELD versus EVOLUTION.

It all started during April 2014, exactly a night after WrestleMania was staged in the Big Easy. Daniel Bryan, the current WWE World Heavyweight Champion, was about to be assaulted in some kind of conspiracy fashion by the Authority (Triple H and Kane) and alongside heels Batista and Randy Orton (also, fellow headliners of WM XXX), when these trio came out of nowhere to neutralize the momentum. Hunter was in the middle of the ring to pacify the upcoming commotion.

But it was the Samoan-raced Reigns who initiated first blood on the rivalry. At the end of April 7 RAW episode, people witnessed the formal turning back of the Shield’s character. The moment only lasted for some time however, as Triple H rebuilt their alliance with Orton and Batista. Thus, Evolution had their second era; and they formally came to life (even if the pioneer Ric Flair was not part of their context anymore) and trashed the Rollins-Reigns-Ambrose union the next time around.

In the succeeding tapings, it was an all-out clash between them, leading into total humiliation for either group. And their formal tip-off was slated on Extreme Rules in New Jersey last May.

The clash, which is a regular three-man tag team match, resulted into a victory for the black vest suited men, after Reigns unleashed a sphere to Batista and set the pinfall on him.

Another insult to injury was during the RAW episode in late April where the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair appear before the Randy Orton-Roman Reigns card, and gave his blessing to the two-year faction. Yes, over his old damn group.

So, the first blood was on the Shield, and it came after a Seth Rollins highlighted jump. Yes, the architect jumped from the stands to destroy the HHH-Orton assault on Ambrose. Lots of “holy shit” chants rocked the iZod center, and several pro wrestling aficionados proclaimed their duel as the “match of the evening” and a potential 2014 “match of the year.”

The feud did not stopped from there however, as Hunter and company continued to ravaged their anger on the Shield once again, prompting a challenge on the latter’s part for Payback.

The second match turned out to be “no hold barred elimination” stipulation, and everything went out of proportion from the start, including another highlight reel from Rollins. As the Evolution was assaulting Reigns, the highflyer leaped from the top portion of one of those screens to neutralize another attack.

The result: Rollins pinned Batista; Ambrose pinned Orton; and Reigns took the pinfall victory at the expense of the WWE COO to set a complete sweep; all that despite a late cheap sphere by the Fil-Greek superstar.

As the (another) result: Batista expressed his total frustration over Hunter, but in a clean manner. After he was told that he could not earn a shot for the WWE World Heavyweight title anew, he uttered “I understand… and I quit.”

So, seems like everything’s short-lived for the man who portrayed Drax the Destroyer, eh? However, the Shield got the shocker of their own after Rollins formally turned his back over his group mates Reigns and Ambrose. Perhaps a lot of people already predicted their breakup, but maybe they did not see it coming in the middle of their rivalry.

Now, what’s next for both squads? The WWE storytellers can only have a hand on that.

Sub-feature: Match of the Year?! #2 — SHIELD vs. EVOLUTION

The Shield vs. Evolution - Extreme Rules 2014 by Gus_VoxCatch

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Naaresto Na Si Bong! Eh Ano Ngayon?!

6/21/2014 3:45:31 PM

So, ­­natapos ang serye ng mga kontrobersiya at balita, at sa wakas… may nakulong din pala sa salang pandarambong (tama ba?). Noong nakaraang Biyernes, pormal na sumuko-slash-naaresto si Senador Ramon Bong Revilla Jr.

Kaso, ano na? Ano nang mangyayari pagkatapos nito?

Sa madaling sabi: eh ano ngayon?!

Panibagong hakbang ba ito para sa krusadang “daang matuwid” laban sa korapsyon? O isa itong mala-conspiracy na atake laban sa oposisyon.

Kung mapapansin kasi, sa mata ng ilan, maaring masabi nila na pinupulitika raw si Revilla dahil sa hangad niya na tumakbo sa darating na 2016 presidential elections. At ang pag-aresto sa kanya? Patunay lamang daw na isa itong maitim na plano laban sa kanya. Dagok din na maituturing.

Ngunit, sa kabilang banda, kung papaniwalaan ang mga kasong isinampa sa kanya sa Sandiganbayan, patunay lamang ito kung gaano kabulok ang sistemang pulitikal sa ating bansa. Yan kasi binoto natin eh. Mga papogi na dumaan sa showbiz. Tapos pag gumawa ng kasalanan, naglulupasay tayo sa pagsisisi.

At teka, non-bailable ang kasong plunder, ‘di ba? Pero bakit nga ba sila nakapagpetition for bail? Aba, para namang nakipagsuntukan sa hangin ang mga ‘to—imposibleng mangyari.

Subalit sa tulong ng mga abugado at kung sinu-sino pang nakakalam sa mga butas ng batas, possible yan.

At wrong timing pa ata ang suot niya na damit, na naglalaman ng isang kasabihan na galing sa isa sa mga libro sa Bibliya. Ayos lang sana maniwala, kaso may kasabihan: practice what you preach, at siyempre, dapat parang Seiko wallet ang pananampalataya mo sa itaas – “genuine” ba.

Madaling husgahan si Bong bilang isang tiwaling opisyal na parang lulusot pa kahit nahuli na. Samahan mo pa ng asawang naging opisyales pa ng lalawigan ng Cavite na minsa’y nag-angas pa nun sa kasagsagan ng isyu ng pork barrel (yung nagsabo ng “huwag kayong hihingi ng pera sa amin ha?!”). Oo, madaling husgahan lalo na’t kungkapos pa ang ating pag-unawa sa isyu.

Pero mas madaling siyempre kung alam mo ang parehong panig. At least, naiintindihan mo (bagay na sa kasamaang palad, ay kapos rin tayo maliban na lang kung isa kang lehitimong political analyst).

Kaso, paano nga ba kung tatakbo ito sa 2016? Mananalo pa rin ba siya? Maari raw, ayon sa mga sari-saring reaksyon na nababasa ko sa Twitter noong araw na ‘yun. 

Bakit kanyo? Mahihilig kasi tayo sa mga “underdog.” Nasa mentalidad kasi natin ang ating pagiging biktima sa lahat-lahat at dapat ang takbo ng kwento natin ay parang fairy tale na nababasa natin noong bata pa tayo – magpapa-api kami, pero sa bandang huli, kami ang magwawagi.

Sa madaling sabi: mahihilig rin tayo makisimpatiya, kaya tignan mo ang takbo ng lipunan natin ngayon: nadadala ng simpatiya na yan. Maariong factor rin dito yung pagpapaalam niya sa kanyang amang si Don Ramon. Sabagay, mahirap nga naman maksi sa isang ama, o sa isang magulang na makikita mo ang anak mo; at lalong nakakastress na ito kung sa edad ang usapan. Kung iba yan, baka natuluyan sa kunsumisyong dala ng kumusyon..

At napaka-evident ang ganitong storyline sa sarswela, este, moro-moro, este, teleseye, este… pucha, sabihin na nga lang nating “pulitika” sa ating bansa. Lalo na noong 2013 midterm elections.

Kaso, naaresto na si Bong. At may film crew pa raw na dala ito. So, anong eksena ‘to: Kap’s Amazing Stories, at ang producer ay ang Daang Matuwid productions?

Pero, naaresto na siya eh. Ano na ngayon? Mauuwi rin ba sa ganitong kapalaran ang mga aksuadong senador na sila Jinggoy Estrada at Juan Ponce Enrile? Eh paano yung mga opisyales at empelyado na sangkot din sa ganitong kaso ng katiwalian. Kunsabagay, kung tama lang naman ito, at naayon sa batas, at hindi magpapadala sa alinmang “way out alibi,” go ahead.

Kaso, kung sa oposisyon ka lang aatake, at kung mayroon rin naman sa mgakabaro mo na “corrupt” pala (come to think na good thing ay majority sa mainstream media ay kahit papano hindi bias; as in kung may mali ke oposisyon man o administrasyon ay isinisiwalat nila), ay hindi rin yata tama yan. Oo, parang conspiracy theory lang ang pinakabasehan ng isang mala-political attack na ito kung ganun man.

Kaya ang labo lang din e no?

At kung may isa pang magandang bagay na fala ng pagtutok ng mga news portal sa isyung ito, yun ay ang pagsapaw sa mga ampaw na balitang gaya ng pag-amin ni Sarah Geronimo na boyfriend na niya sa Matteo Guidicelli (okay, sila na pala. EH ANO NAMAN NGAYON?).

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

The Aftermath: 2014 NBA Finals

06/17/14 08:30:35 AM

As usual, hindi natatapos ang usapang NBA Finals sa pagtunong ng final buzzer o ni sa pagsabi ng broadcaster ng ESPN kung sino ang Finals MVP (na by the way, ay na-award kay Kawhi Leonard ng San Antonio Spurs), o sa mga post-game press conference.

Hindi mamamatay ang isyu na ito kahit na may World Cup pa ang mundo ng football, ang kasalukuyang kasabay na malaking sporting event sa larangan ng sports.

Bakit ganun? Malamang, marami kasi dyan ay hindi makaget-over sa usapang ito. Ke ang koponan niya ay nagchampion, o siya ay nanlulumo sa pagkatalo ng kanyang manok.

At dahil tapos na ang NBA Finals... (ano ngayon?) malamang, tuloy-tuloy lang ang kantayawan. Pustahan tayo, mauuso ang tuksuhan sa mga posts na may kinalaman sa NBA Finals. Marami-rami dyan ang mag-eemote dahil sa kawawang isang libo na napiusta niya ay olats pala sila LeBron o sinupaman ang kinampihan niya nun.

Marami-rami dyan ang tahasang mangbabash sa mga haters ng koponan niya. (i.e. “O ano kayo mga Spurs haters? Anyare sa Big 3 n'yo?! Mga supot kasi kayo eh!”) Oo, magkakapersonalan talaga, bagamat for a moment ay mga hamak na internet gangster lang naman sila. Oo, pare-pareho sila. Kala mo naman marurunong mag-basketball, eh magagling lang naman mangantyaw.

Hindi matatapos ang usapang NBA Finals hangga't hindi sila nagiging instant sports analyst. Matik na yan, parang nung laban ni Pacquiao. Majority sa mga taong nakasaksi ng mga laro, partikular yung mga nakatutok talaga mula pre-game ng Game One hanggang sa total wrap-up coverage na ng Game Five, ay may say sa mga nangyari.

Kung bakit sumablay ang mga play nila Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers, Ray Allen, at ultimong sila Ray Allen at Rashard Lewis? Kung bakit ganun na lang katindi ang kumpiyansa ni Leonard na bantayan si LeBron sa kabila ng halos-palagiang pagkafoul out niya bawat laro? Kung bakit mas kumakana pa sila Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, at ultimong si Patrick Mills kesa kila Tim Duncan at, surprisingly, si Danny Green (na ang tindi tumira mula sa labas nung 2013 NBA Finals pero ngayon ay... ewan; siya pa naman bet ko sanang manalo ng Finals MVP last year kung nanalo ang Spurs)?

Sa dami ng mga tanong (at marami-rami pa't hindi na siya kakasya sa artikulong ito), ay hindi mo na kailangan pang magtanong sa Facebook at Twitter nila Magoo Marjon, TJ Manotoc, Boom Gonzalez, Mico Halili, Quinito Henson, Sev Sarmenta, Chino Trinidad, Aaron Atayde, James Velasquez, Anton Tipan, Dennis Principe, Snow Badua, Jason Webb, Chiqui Reyes, Andy Jao, at sa kung sinu-sino pang mga lehitimong sportscaster.

Magtanong ka na lang sa mga tropa mo, at presto—may mga kanya-kanyang opinyon o kuro-kuro na yan, na mauuwi sa isang debate, ke nasa isang mabuting usapan man kayo o nasa maboteng talakayan. Ayos, 'di ba?

Pero mas mabuti pa ring malaman mula sa mga eksperto ang mga analysis nila—at yan sa pamamamgitan ng pagantabay na lamang sa kanilang mga posts as internet o artikulo sa kanilang mga kolumn.

Pero ang usapang NBA Finals na 'to? Malamang, aabutin pa bago mag-next week bago makamove on ang mga tao.

Ay, oo nga pala. Nanalo pala ako sa pustahan, boy! Asan na bayad mo?! Oy, pati ikaw! At ikaw din pala! Kala n'yo ha?

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Flick Review: X-Men: Days of Future Past

6/8/2014 11:44:43 AM

Just a short post for now. My apologies in advance.

It’s only during my childhood days when I saw X-Men. And (yes) it was one of those cartoon series I used to watch at Channel 2 (or 9), aside from the Simpsons, Disney Adventures (on channel 7), Hanna Barbera-produced shorts (9), and even Yaiba (5).

But now, I know I’m quite too late for this, but it was the first time I watched a movie installment of X-Men. All I know way back then was Hugh Jackman seemed to be the reel and real main star of the Marvel series since he appeared on several editions including his very own “Wolverine” flick last year (Unfortunately, I was then-jobless which made me unable to see this film at all). Plus, he promoted it on a WWE Raw episode alongside wrestlers DolphZiggler and Damien Sandow, who dressed as “Magneto.”

Now, I got a chance to watch this motion picture a few weeks ago, and no wonder why it was called “Days of Future Past.” It was simply because the entire film was a ‘time machine’—they rolled from the future era backwards, and attempted to change the pace of their history that eventually went successful. Professor X was aging than ever, but Wolverine came back to those days where the guy known as “Xavier” was not even handicapped. And so was Magneto, by the way.

I can’t prejudge this movie to its previous editions yet (since it’s only the first time I saw an X-Men flick at all; so looks like I have a huge “catch-up” task to do, eh?), but I can’t argue even more – it’s good, just like a lot of X-Men fans said. Awesome complex twists and plot. It seems there was no predictability on who the main culprit is nor what’s the main issue (or maybe I have to review the synopsis even more), but that’s alright. Maybe that made me think.

Though all I can say more is that a lesson-like statement—“Any decision or action you will make upon today, will definitely reflect on what you will become tomorrow.” Yes, it will dictate your fate and history.

The verdict: 7 

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Aral Muna Bago Landi

6/7/2014 9:52:19 PM

Sa panahon ngayon na ibang-iba na ang kabataan kung ikukumpara sa mga nakalipas na taon at dekada pagdating sa usapan ng taste at asta, ito na lamang ang tangi kong payo.

Oo, mag-aral muna kayo bago lumandi.

Alam ko, isang seryosong salita ang binitawan ko, at gayun din sa mga tao na una nang nagwika niyan sa mundo sa pamamagitan ng social media. Dahil sa totoo lang, nagbabago man ang mundo at panahon, may parte naman nito ang tila naging malala, tulad na lamang ng pagpili ng mga tao na makipaglandian na lang sa kung sinu-sino kesa sa atupagin ang mga seryosong bagay tulad na lamang ng pag-aaral.

Oo, aral muna bago landi, lalo na kung hindi naman ikaw mismo ang gumagastos sa buhay mo. Ibig sabihin, kung nasa poder ka pa rin ng iyong mga magulang, dapat ay sumunod ka pa rin sa kanila pa gang usapin ay ang dirkesyon ng iyong buhay (maliban na lang sa kurso na choice mo pagdating sa kolehiyo).Makikipaglandian ka sa isang tambay na lalaki dyan sa kanto samantalang humihingi ka lang sa ermat mo ng pangload sa cellphone mo? Tangina, mahiya ka naman ‘oy!

Aral muna bago landi. Kaya ka nga nasa eskwelahan eh– para mag-aral, hindi para makipaglandian sa mga crush mo. Hindi sa sinasabi ko na huwag kang makipagkaibigan (aba’y natural din naman na pag nasa eskwelahan ka, ay may pagkakaton rin na umusbong ang social life mo), pero ang pag-engage sa sarili mo sa isang akto ng landian ay magdudulot lang sa iyo ng isang daan papunta sa kawalan ng landas mo sa buhay. At take note, walang subject sa alinmang curriculum ang “love.” Bakit ganun? Aba’y ewan ko.

Aral muna bago landi, lalo na pag mababa pa ang iyong mga grado. Yan kasi napapala mo sa kakadaydream mo eh. Sa halip na gawin mo siyang inspirasyon, siya pang naging utak ng kunsumisyon mula sa iyong mga magulang pati na rin sa iyong guro at sa ‘yo mismo. Hala, gawin mo na yang assignment mo sa halip na mang-istalk sa kanyang Facebook profile (uso, mag-add).

Aral muna bago landi. Dahil landi ang pinairal mo, maraming bagay ang posibleng mangyari sa ‘yo. Either ikaw ay:

Magkaroon ng relasyon, tapos hindi ka makapagfocus sa pag-aaral mo dahul ginawa mo na siyang mundo sa halip na katuwang mo na tao.

Magkaroon ng kaaway, dahil may iba rin na nagkaka-crush sa kanya. Mauuso ang bullying, o kung mas malala, literal na away (yung tipong magsisgawan na lang kayo ng karibal mo na “Tangina ka! Aabangan kita sa labas mamayang alas-tres, pagka-uwian!” Tapos siya naman, sasagot ng “Sige, sinong gago ang matatakot sa ‘yo? Putanginang ‘to. Ako pang tinakot mo ha?”). Tapos ipapatawag ng iyong guidance counsellor, advisor, o principal ang inyong mga magulang; at magugulat na lang sila na uso na pala sa henerasyon n’yo ang love triangle–na akala nila ay sa teleserye lang nangyayari (yan kasi, nood pa).

Kung mas malala pa ang mangyari d’yan, ay baka mauwi pa sa patayan o seryoso’t pisikal na sakitan yan.

At kung mas seseryosohin mo pa ang relasyon sa edad mo nay an ay either: mapariwara ka, o mabuntis ka. Alinman dyan ay tiyak na magdudulot ng sakit ng ulo sa iyong mga magulang.

At kung sakali man na patigilin ka na sa pag-aaral yan ay dahil sa hindi ka na nag-aaral – yan ay dahil sa malandi ka.

Oo, kaya isang payo lang ang mabibitawan ko sa mga batang mokong at lokang nagbabasa nito: ARAL MUNA BAGO LANDI.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Senadong Loko-loko

06/13/14  03:51:10 PM 

Ito na yata ang kakahinatnan natin matapos tayong mauto sa kanilang mabulaklak na salita sa ere at markahan ang panagalan nila sa balota. Akala kasi natin ay may ibubuga talaga ang kasikatan nila pag sila'y niluklok natin sa kani-kanilang mga upuan sa opisina. Akala natin, may makukuha tayong kapaki-pakinabang para sa bayan/lungsod/lalawigan na kinagisnan natin, at sa mas mahalaga at malawakang sakop, sa buong bansa.

Ops, 'wag mo kong hiritan ng “'Wag mo kong idamay d'yan!” Tarantadong hipokritong 'to. May kasalanan ka pa rin dito dahil kabilang ka pa rin bilang mamamayan ng republikang ito.

Sa mga resulta ng eleksyon natin malalaman ang ganitong klaseng polisiya: “kasalanan ng isa, kasalanan ng lahat.” Parang noong elementarya't high school lang, eh no? Pag may ginawang kagaguhan ang isa mong kaklase at pumutok ang butsi ng titser mo dahil dun (na mas matindi pa kapag siya ay nagkaroon ng menstruation period nun o dili naman kaya'y pag nag-away sila ng jowa o asawa niya), ay tiyak na matunog na sermon ang maririnig mo. Oo, kahit alam ko na pagkatapos ng “scolding session 101” n'yo ay pustahan—parang walang nangyari lang ah.

Pero balik tayo sa mga naganap (simpleng analogy o metaphor pa lang ay humahaba na naman ang usapang ito). May privilege speech na naganap, tapos nagtapos sa isang “song number.” At take note, sariling kumposisyon pa n'ya yun. As in daig pa niya yung mga artista na pangit na nga ng tinig pero 'wag ka, nakakabenta ng concert at CDs (ahhh... “[insert name of that kind of artist] WHO?!”)

Kaya nauso rin ang hashtag na “#BongPanes.” Asus, ang tagal-tagal na ng pariralang yan eh (maliban sa pagagamit ng pangalan bilang reference siyempre).

Yun nga lang, mabenta nga siya. Kaso sa pangungutya. Ano pa bang maasahan mo? Una, ang karamihan sa mga sentimyento ng mga netizens ay halos walang pinagkaiba sa tipikal na alingawngaw ng mga literal na ordinaryong nilalang (maliban pa yan sa dahilan na parehong klase lang ng tao ang tinutukoy ko). Sa madaling sabi, galit ang mga tao sa gobyerno—at yan ang masaklap na katotohanan, kahit may argumento rin na “bakit tayo magagalit sa kanila, eh dapat ay magalit tayo sa kapwa natin,” bagay na naiintindihan ko kasi may ganun din akong punto de vista.

Yan pa kasi binoto natin eh. Actually, pwede ko ring sabihing “n'yo” dahil hindi ko rin naman siya nilista gaya na lamang ng mga taong umaangal ng “wag ako, iba na lang.” Kaso maliban pa sa mga birahan ng “hipokrito,” kung generalization ang usapan, ay sorry na lang din ako. Damay-damay na.

Yan kasi napapala natin eh. Kung sino ang sikat, yun ang binoboto. Kahit wala pa siyang napapatunayan talaga. Basta matunog ang pangalan, ika nga ng isang telecomuunications company, go lang ng go.

Yung isa naman, nagprivilege speech din, kaso maliban sa mga panalong soundbyte na gagawan na naman ng mga tao ng kani-kanilang version ng rebuttal (take note: hindi mo kailangan maging sing-galing ni Dello para lang gawin yun. At sino si Dello? Manood ka ng ilan sa mga sinaunang video ng FlipTop nang malaman mo), ay isang napakaboring na presentasyon lang. Buti pa nga yung isa may soung number na pangkaraoke eh.

Alam ko, anak ng dating artista yan na naging presidente rin ng Pilipinas at ngayon ay alkalde na ng Maynila. Kaya siguro may kaugnayan pa rin ang dugong Showbiz sa kanila.

Pero, ayun, aarestuhin na raw sila. Ano ngayon? Aba'y ewan ko. Ngunit, aasahan ba natin na mananaig talaga ang hustisya na yun, sa lipunan na mararaming maruruming tao ang naglalaro, asa pa no.

Maari na ang punto rito ay ganun sana. Kaso magsisilbi na naman yun na leksyon sa atin (kabilang sa mga aralin na hindi natin magawang ipasa) na mangilatis sa pagboto sa mga kanidatong ihahalal natin. Oo, tama nga yung kuya mo, na hindi tayo nagpapadala sa mga tao na kumakanta lang. Kaso... eh?! Labo din nun eh. Kitam mo nga yung ibang mahahalagang batas at proyekto ayu inaabot na rin ng siyam-siyam.

Yan pa kasi binoto natin eh. Yan tuloy. Kung kaya lang magwikang Tagalog ng mag elitista at katutubo na taliwas sa kamalayang kinagisnan natin, baka ang masasabi lang nila ay “BOOM PANIS!” At malamang, mas pagtutunan na lamang nila ng pansin ang mga may katuturang bagay kesa sa kasalukuyang mundo ng pulitika na nagiging isa nang malaking moro-moro't sarswela.

Oo, ganun nga sila sa ngayon, kaso taob pa rin sila sa mga hit na teleserye sa panahon ngayon.

Author: slickmaster | ©2014 september twenty-eight productions

Challenge Accepted

06/13/14 04:29:12 PM

So, may kontrobersiyal na eksena na naman sa paboritong bahay ng lahat–ops, lilinawin ko lang: hindi ko po yan bahay kahit ganun din ang madalas na tawag sa akin ng nakararami. Oo nga, sa bahay ni Kuya (err, Big Brother House na nga lang), yun andun sa bandang Mother Ignacia, tapat ng kanilang network (where else? Ala naman magpakalayo-layo pa sila e no?).

Si Ate, ayaw maghubad, este, ayaw tanggapin ang hamon na tinatawag na “nude painting challenge.” Eh, pinilit daw ni Kuya (ops, Big Brother yan) na tanggapin ang hamon dahil maraming nakasalalay, pati ang adbokasiya ng artista raw. Napa-OO naman si ate, kaso sapilitan ang datingan. At humahagulgol.

Ayan tuloy, nahaluan ng sex ang tema ng programa kahit sa totoo lang ay may kasama silang mga batang isip na wala pang kamuwang-muwang (talaga lang ha? Kaya pala ang ilan dyan ay daig pa ang mga matrona kung makipaglandian) sa mga ganyang bagay.

Ay mali, teens pala sila. Sorry.

Naku. Simula pa lang ng pagsasahimpapawid nila ay samu't sari nang kontrobersiya at batikos ang inabot nila. Eh, ngayon? Same old shit lang din. Ugh, ang come to think that “controversy loves cash.”

Ibig sabihin, ang mga naturang episode ng Pinoy Big Brother All In noong June 4 at 5 ay tumabo na naman sa takilya sa mata ng publiko. Kahit yung mga hindi nanunood niyan (tulad ng inyong lingkod) ay napapatingin sa mga balitang may kaugnayan sa kanila. Lakas talaga makahatak ng C-word na yan, no?

Oo. Bumenta nga sila, kaso sa hindi magandang kalagayan.

Pero, ano nga ba pinaglalaban ng mga taong against sa challenge episode na yan? Ayon sa Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), okay lang daw sana kung tanggapin ni Jayme ang nude painting challenge na yun, as long as kusa ang ginawa niyang desisyon at hindi sapilitan.

Bagay na sang-ayon naman ang inyong lingkod. Oo nga naman. Kung trip nya mag-nude, go. As long as hindi ka pinilit, na parang napilitan kang makipagtalik sa boyfriend mo dahil sa gusto niya at hindi mo.

Alam ko, siguro hindi dapat ganun ang dapat na magiging outcome sa parte naman ng mga production staff ng PBB. Pero ang problema kasi ay nangyari na eh. Kaya nga ang mga Senadorang Pia Cayetano at Nancy Binay ay tinawag ang attensyon ng pamunuan ng parehong programa at ang network nito.

At ang MTRCB ay umakto na rin. Para raw sa matalinong panunood nila Juan. As in gender-sensitivity lang naman ang naging puno't dulo niyan. Nag-violate raw ang PBB ng isang provision sa Magna Carta na may kinalaman sa karapatan ng mga babae at paglaban sa sexual exploitation.

Kung titignan din kasi sa konteksto na may kalapitan rin sa luma't konserbatibong pananaw, nagmumukhang object for sex ang mga kababaihan, bagay naman na hindi naman dapat mangyari at all kahit pa sa panahon ngayon, unless may freewill o pagkukusa sila na magshoot sa mga magazine na tulad ng FHM.

At kaya nga naman naging “all out” ang parusa sa PBB All In na yan. For three months, katakut-takot na measures ang pinakawalan ng regulatory agency para sa kanila. Eh, teka, di ba for three months (or maybe four) sasahimpapawid ang PBB? Yun ay kung susunod nga sila sa sinasabi nilang 100 days. Pero, I doubt na nasusunod yun at all.

Either way... wala lang, E ano ngayon kung may ganitong kontrobersiya ang isang reality show gaya ng PBB?

Author: slickmaster | ©2014 september twenty-eight productions

The Scene Around: Gabi Ng Pagpupugay

06/13/14 01:32:20 PM

The Independence Day was the very important holiday for the citizens of Republic of the Philippines. It was indeed the date which showcased one of the most pivotal events in the history of this country–our independence of the three-century colonization of then-European imperialist Spain.

It was every June 12th of the year when several events were held in observance of our Independence day, such as job fairs, the annual rituals of giving tributes and respect to RP's official signs, and even advocacy-driven rallies and concerts.

Though most of them were on the political and artistic themes, no one seemed to put a hand on sports. It's like everyone forgotten something–that is to pay tribute to the people who made recognition through the means of playing the physical (and mental) activities in life called “sports.”

This is what the objective of a veteran sports-beat journalist and former commissioner of the now-defunct Philippine Basketball League (PBL) Chino Trinidad when he waged a sporting tribute event called “Pagpupugay”at the Newport Performing Arts Theater located inside the Newport Mall of Resorts World Manila on Thursday evening, which by the way was also the Independence Day (June 12).

Prior to the main event, the organizer himself put up a Memorabilia Exhibit on the Newport Mall's Ground Floor, which runs from June 1 to 15. Yours truly have seen some of the most precious things which these athletes brought to the country alongside their highest pride, from medals to uniforms to even the ball they used during the 1954 World Basketball Championships in Brazil (and don't be confused though, 'coz for your information: soccer was the ball used during the early decades of basketball).

Aside from the literally memorabilia, some of the artworks were part of the exhibit such as paintings from Anthony Galvez, Jun Aquino, and the gigantic King Caloy sculpture by Reynald Bon Mujeres.

It was near six in the evening when people started to flock the venue's lobby (which situated on the mall's third floor). Stars from past to the present and from all sorts of sports were there along with their supportive families and friends. Aside from them, personnel from both the mainstream and new media were in attendance to witness the star-studded evening.

The formal show started around eight in the evening, with veteran sports broadcaster Sev Sarmenta serving as the anchor alongside organizer Chino Trinidad.

From there, several Philippine-raced athletes were given tributes, with some of them represented by their respective families. In particular order:

1st – boxing: Pancho Villa (tribute presented by Denver Cuello)

2nd – football: Paulino Alcantara (Chieffy Calindong)

3rd – swimming: Teofilo Yldefonzo (Eric Buhain)

4th – track and field: Simeon Toribio (Elma Muros-Posadas)

5th – track and field: Miguel White

6th – boxing: Ceferino Garcia

7th – tennis: Felicisimo Ampon (Felix Barrientos)

8th – golf: Ben Arda

9th – boxing: Anthony Villanueva

10th – boxing: Gabriel "Flash" Elorde

11th – chess: Eugene Torre

12th – bowling: Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno

13th – bowling: Olivia “Bong” Coo

14th – billiards: Efren “Bata” Reyes (Francisco “Django” Bustamante)

15th – bowling: Arianne Cerdeña

16th – boxing: Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco (brother Roel)

17th – bowling: Lita Delas Alas (Coo and Cerdeña)

18th – basketball: Carlos Loyzaga (also, selected past members of the Philippine Basketball team; present: PBA player Chris Tiu and Marc Pingris of Gilas Pilipinas).

(Other tribute presenters were Sev Sarmenta and Chino Trinidad)

However, as the program was about to give tribute for Loyzaga, Trinidad broke the news that the basketball player known as “The Great Difference,” never made it to the venue and was instead confined to Cardinal Santos Medical Center, though the former commissioner quoted that his condition was nothing serious.

Going back, as the ceremonial rites rolled during the evening, emotions poured around some of the industry's key personnel; specifically, one of them was on the segment about the boxer Anthony Villanueva, whom passed away a few weeks prior to the event. He bared the trust fund intended for the boxer who just passed away a month ago, and vowed he will never let another misery on any Filipino athlete pass by.

He also announced the first beneficiary of the trust fund were the former boxer and now COPD fighter in Leopoldo Serantes.

In addition, several members of the London Paralympic teams, as well as the mentally-impaired-but-winning Filipino athletes, members of the Philippine Army, young football players (students of Calindong), and other vintage athletes—both in good form or in deteriorating condition—were given recognition.

The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, led by conductor Sebastian Trinidad, provided the musical scoring, with the Mandaluyong Children's Choir providing the vocal accompaniment; and the Resorts World's resident band The Draybers providing the rocking color, with The Voice Philippines' winner Mitoy Yonting as the front man.

Overall, the program rolled for almost two and a half hours, with the post-program set slated for photo ops, autograph sessions and even interview questions fielded by both broadcast, journalism and online media. Yours truly though was grateful to meet several personalities, including Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez, and “The Dean” Quinito Henson, and Chino Trinidad, to name a few.

The downside though is that I never knew some of the classic athletes our country ever had, like for instance, I never noticed it was Bong Coo until she was introduced (perhaps the photos between my old Sibika book and the present one could really tell the difference), and even Yoyong Martirez and Danny Florencio, whose happened to be seated next to me minutes before the program started (I moved since my friend whose invited me to the “Pagpupugay” came). Alright, I know, I suck at that point.

Anyway, the program had its own good cause. I think there should be a second “Pagpupugay” soon since we still have a lot of world-class athletes who excelled very well.

Post-script: Before I formally culminate this post, I would like to give a shout out to one of my friends who blogs as the SportyGuy. He was the one who invited me for this prestigious event.

Author: slickmaster | ©2014 september twenty-eight productions

Just My Opinion: WWE Payback 2014

6/7/2014 8:17:16 PM

Say, it’s been a very long while since we have seen a very nice pay-per-view (PPV) event from the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), considering that the previous PPVs turned out to be bust (with exception for the sports promotion’s flagship offering WrestleMania of course).

Look, TLC was half-good, but Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber were totally bad; and the latest edition of Extreme Rules came close to excellence.

But this year’s Payback? I can’t compare them to its previous editions, but it seems that all fights staged during that fateful Sunday evening of June 1^st, 2014 at the All-State Farm in Chicago were worthy at all. Well, they should be. Why? Two things:

• ‘Cause people, or should I say the WWE Universe, really bought tickets and subscription services to see an entertaining fight, if not an entertaining segment; and lastly… 

• It seems the WWE needs to regain themselves, especially financially-wise speaking. If all those business portal reports were true that WWE has been losing huge money for some time, the McMahons should do something else. Why? ‘Cause that what is “best for business.” Come to think that Vince McMahon just lost his title as “billionaire.”

Anyway, going back to the event, it seems the entire universe was totally entertained for all the cards slated during Sunday night, including the untelevised pre-event match between El Torrito and Hornswoggle. Yes, two midget wrestlers gong against each other. It looked like sickening in a deeper aspect, but hey, I think that’s better energizer factor for an action-packed offering.

Both Cesaro and Sheamus put up whatever they had, though no acts of hand-shaking took place after the fight. It’s more amusing to see the heel manager Paul Heyman shouting in disbelief; like “How dare you, Sheamus? How dare you!” I don’t know, maybe it’s because I just liked the idea of his acting, especially last year when CM Punk mauled him on top of the cell. Perfect.

I know, it might be a bit disappointing when Rob Van Dam lost to Bad News Barrett for the Intercontinental Championship. Sure, BNB was a bit less heck of a fighter than RVD. But as his saying goes, “I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news!” Bottom line: he was successful in his title defense. So, “thank you very much! Ha! Ha! Ha!” Talk about a good heel character, aye?  And I admired his “winds of change” more than his own “bull hammer.”

Maybe, the BIG E-Rusev fight was a dud at all. Forget the nationality-driven props. They failed to live to their expectations. The former IC champ seemed he lost his fighting swagger since losing the title to BNB last month, considering that they’re evenly matched against the former-Bulgarian-slash-now- Russian brute. He even had his own set of highlight reel, and was about to take control until the so-called “super athlete” unleashed a kick to his jaw that spelled Big E’s doom. Also, come to think that once Rusev unleashed his power, no one (I repeat: NO ONE) can stop him, aside from that hot chick called Lana. Oh, sorry, that’s “Ravishing Russian.”

Another buster was the tag-team clash between the Rhodes brothers and Rybaxel, just except for one sequence after their battle: the younger Rhodes seem to turn back on his older brother after numerous losses made his mounting frustration looms even further to its worst.

Moving on, how about the Alicia Fox versus Paige dispute for the Divas Championship? Well, the former’s tough, but the latter’s even tougher—and I’m pertaining to their physicality. The problem with their acting plot is the foxy lady’s got some mental flaws. The upside though is the lady champs hair. She just looked better, accompanied with that “Think Again” top.

Moment of the night goes to Brie Bella for slapping the WWE’s principal owner Stephanie McMahon. So, it was a heroic deed for a woman to sacrifice her job for her husband’s title, eh? Wait, Brie’s not fired. She just shouted “I QUIT” in front of Hunter’s wife. I call it a “highlight reel” though. And regardless of Daniel Bryan’s actions, there will always be words coming out from the authority’s respective mouths. Jerry “The King” Lawler was right—there’s definitely a repercussion for this one.

Since almost every match was worth it to be called as the “match of the night,” maybe I’ll give that distinction to the two main cards of Payback – the last man standing match and the no-hold barred elimination battle.

Seems like the universe is divided between John Cena and Bray Wyatt, eh? At least, the Cenation was not fighting alone during the night at all (it’s better to be put that way than seeing another 3-on-1 handicap atmosphere). But to answer questions whether if that would be the last of the potential trilogy between Wyatt and Cena? Well, that remains to be seen.

And everything between the Shield and Evolution just went totally ugly. They staged their fight on three separate areas around the fighting arena, causing cameras to move somewhere else and audience to pick where they will be peeking on. I guess, that’s the downside of it. But still, it remained awesome. Everyone had their own share of highlights.

But seeing another clash-between-factions for the next few weeks or so? I doubt it. Batista already left WWE via the latest episode of RAW, and Seth Rollins appear to turn his back on his group. All I can say though is that the plot thickens for the Hounds of Justice, considering that they were on this kind of page a few months ago.

Overall, it was a damn violent night. Yes, violent-but-exciting.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions