Grand Slam!

7/12/2014 11:11:33 AM

It’s a very rare thing for the world of Philippine sports to see this word: Grand Slam. And bet my money on this: fans nowadays aren’t very much familiar with that.

Yes, it’s very rare that only three ball clubs achieved the feat in all 39 years of existence in the PBA.

Until San Mig Coffee completed their road of bagging fourth straight championship—including all of the three conference crowns this season.

Perhaps, it is very almost impossible task for such (or any) squad to unleash their grins and pull that winning streak. Actually, they did not hold any long-tenure winning runs during this season. In fact, in the Philippine Cup, they have to undergo the quarters and semis to pull their series of improbable upsets over Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, and even the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (which by the way, drew another crowd attendance record prior to the Wednesday’s finale), and the rest was just easy piece of history.

Next time the PBA rolled, it appeared that the Talk ‘N Text TropangTexters in the recent edition of Commissioner’s Cup whom appeared to break SMCM’s winning run.

But once the championship series unfolded then, it was the Mixers who turned things around and defied everything this season. Just wow: third straight title, and then came the Governor’s cup.

Fast-forward to the Finals of the last conference, Rain or Shine looks for redemption, as well as YengGuiao’s second title with the squad. And after squabbling for the first three games, RoS fired an all-out war in Game 4 to deny any SMCM’s clinching chances and send the series in a blockbuster “for all the marbles” contest last Wednesday.

And true enough, the last game was just a perfect fitting end for the PBA’s 39^thseason, with San Mig Coffee completed their quest for dynasty.

Now, the grand slamming question, as new squads will join the PBA family, plus Manny Pacquiao getting some chance to play on with the squad, are we still gonna see a very high intensity competition, or will the Asia’s first pay-for-play league will be a mediocre for the sake of entertainment?

Actually, I don’t know. Let’s hope for the pro basketball scene to flourish even further anyway.

Author: slickmaster | ©2014 september twenty-eight productions

Knocked Down In 16 Seconds

7/15/2014 10:59:14 PM

I rarely watch any matches from the Ultimate Fighting Championship; and in case I managed to really catch up, I ended up seeing this lady named Ronda Rousey.

Wow, this chick’s not just your ordinary fighter, aye? She’s been jeered like a wrestling; heel and the next time around, praised like a real champ. Prior to battling Alexis Davis on UFC 175, Rousey had dominated almost all of her MMA fights by submission – with 7 of her 8 armbar victories came on the first round alone.

Now that’s a toughass chick right there.

And she just went even bad as expected when she dealt the then-number two contender her first loss… in just 16 seconds!

Yes, 16 freaking seconds. Aren’t convinced? Watch this. (video from http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11181111)

Man, even Sheamus can’t top that one. (P.S. Who the hell is Sheamus? He’s the guy who defeated Daniel Bryan in WrestleMania 28 in just mere 18 seconds to snatch the World Heavyweight Championship.)

So, is she another coming of those power-boxers-slash-grapplers such as the likes of Mike Tyson and even Brock Lesnar? Nah, either way, it would be unfair to compare though.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Spoiler Storyline

7/19/2014 11:56:11 AM

As I looked forward to the Battleground, I saw this video circulated over the internet.

And aside from that, Amazon just published the poster. And other sites followed suit.

Now it’s time to join that kind of bandwagon though. Well, just to put my takes on this potential championship match.

Yes, Brock Lesnar will be returning for SummerSlam, and his next target is John Cena. Say, that makes me wonder though, I thought when Lesnar returned anew to WWE earlier this year, he wasn’t going to settle score.

Hey, it doesn’t looked one anyway. It’s been two years since Lesnar faced the Cenation leader in the Extreme Rules match in 2012 wherein the West Newbury native withstand the pain and aggression brought by the multi-sport personality on him.

And I think, the Cena-Lesnar feud triggered another storyline which is better known as the “Triple H versus Brock Lesnar” story (you know those arm-breaking scuffles by the Minneapolis, Minnesota native on the WWE COO, as well as Shawn Michaels, and even a bone-splintering F5 on Vince MacMahon). It was a personified feud that exceed the extremities to the extent they slugged each other again in a No Hold Barred Match on WrestleMania 29, and at the Steel Cage Match of the 2013 Extreme Rules.

After their tale, Lesnar has been feuding with others, with one notable includes CM Punk, after Punk turned his back over the Hustler.

But since his return to the canvas for the nth time, I thought he’s up for the championship which was then-held by Randy Orton. Instead is immediate off-the-squared-circle target was Mark Henry, and instead viciously had a melee with the Big Show at the Royal Rumble. However, though the ex-UFC heavyweight champ shown totality over them, the portrayal turned out to be a bust.

Plus, I think he just gone dismayed for not earning a title shot.

But again, his name made it to the households after defeating the Undertaker and his epic 21-year winning WM run. It was indeed a loss that shocked the world, whether they’re old school fans or just plain newbies.

Since taking some hiatus, the Paul Heyman guy turned out to be Cesaro. Now, when he’s back, the question: will the five-languaged wrestler still remain for the heel manager, or would it be the other way around? Looks like a new twist may possibly unveil.

Plus, it was supposed to be Daniel Byran whom will face the Beast Incarnate. But due to injury, the Authority stripped his title. But on a second, dirtier, mind-run, it looked like they just passed the platter to the Cenation leader.

However again, what if Roman Reigns spoiled the plotlines by taking that title? Looks like it’s a heavyweight shit at all! The problem though is that even if Reigns, a former member of the SHIELD, is a legitimate juggernaut, looks like he will have a long way to grasp over that arm-breaking dude. It’s like, if Reigns was a “major pain” (with no intentions to take the title away from Eric Menk per se), Lesnar was more than that—he’s a goddamn nerve-wracking beast, like the way he used to advocate when he returned to WWE: return legitimacy.

But let’s go back to the supposed-to-be storyline. Looks like another one-sided affair will be on SummerSlam again.

Author: slickmaster | ©2014 september twenty-eight productions

Just My Opinion: WWE Money in the Bank 2014

7/12/2014 9:49:12 AM

I can only say nothing but few words for the last WWE pay-per-view event titled “Money in the Bank” ­— it’s really worth the “money!”

A lot of blockbuster-hyped match lived up to its expectations, with two ladder matches containing respective prizes at stake: one is for the Money In The Bank contract (which guarantees him for a contender spot for the big one), and the other is for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

The only thing that sucks though is the theme used for the PPV offering. They’re better off playing it as their music bed. But if you’re gonna dig that up on YouTube, nah.

Match of the Year?! #4 — Jimmy and Jey (The Usos) vs. Erick Rowan and Luke Harper (The Wyatt Family)

www.cagesideseats.com

Kick-off match were entertaining as always, and the tag-team scuffle between the Usos and the Wyatt Family was just as sick as shit. Everyone showed their promises, and either Jimmy and Jey or Luke Harper and Erick Rowan deserved to win it all, plus the latter seemed to emerged anew in case Bray is not around.

I think the funny (and the same time, silliest) match of the night goes to the feud between love-triangle stars Lyla and Summer Rae—with Fandago, their interest, as the special referee. And at the end of the battle, one just went heartbroken and became the subject of memes.

Big E and Rusev clashed anew. However, the former-Bulgarian-slash-now-Russian brute proved to be too much. He’s damn on fire, that no one (unless somebody who’s even brute like Brock Lesnar; well, how I wish that will happen) can stop the freight crush train. It seems like almost every win Lana’s man got was from pulling his accolade submission maneuver. How tough was that?

And the irony, looks like Goldust is now winning with the unveiling of new tag team partner Stardust, against the badass combo of Ryback and Curtis Axel. Say, looks like its a story of overcoming a hump (though it's obvious who that bizarre guy really is).

Paige was successful in defending her Diva’s title against Naomi of the Funkadactyls, though I might want to take another look on it again, if there’s available segment to watch over the World Wide Web.

The MITB match seemed to be impressive. Well, almost the best of the night, until Kane came out of nowhere and spoiled the party for Dean Ambrose who’s about to bag the briefcase. Seth Rollins won the game, and the jeers aired in the Garden could only do nothing to help their dismay. Still, what a match that was, especially everyone out there from Jack Swagger to Rob Van Dan to Kofi Kingston, to anyone who competed.

Match of the Year?! #5 — The Ladder Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship (John Cena vs. Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Kane vs. Alberto del Rio vs. Cesaro vs. Sheamus vs. Roman Reigns)

WWE.com

And finally, for the unified titles (I wonder though if why the champion has to bring two belts if their called as one? Sickass ploy.), hey, what a goddamn scuffle; it’s really awesome! Everyone out there in Boston was treated to a real WWE PPV (aside from WrestleMania, of course!). It seems like everyone (though I’ll put Kane to an exception since he was just playing like a point guard — assisting somebody for their title shot) would have won the big one.

Look at that, Shaemus and Cesaro throwing blows on each other while hanging in the air and one hand’s holding on to the coveted belts. Good thing the string was strong enough to hold these two brutes. Seems like epic moment.

Plus, Randy Orton, though booed ‘cause he was the destined one by the authority, was just playing with a bit of extremities. He had a wound in his head by which 12 staples were needed to close and stop the bleeding. When was the last time we saw somebody in the WWE beaten to some kind of “bloody pulp?” Not even the present peeps could top that one, unless you’re Cena and Lesnar.

Cena won the title, and it appeared like he had done that easily. But I’ll say, not surprising on that. He lived in West Newbury (somewhere in Massachusetts, the state where Boston was located), what can you expect?

But… hey, that legitimize his status anew as one of the recent WWE greats.

However, I’d rather see him and Roman Reigns clashing for the title, instead though. Seriously, the latter have that huge future ahead of him. Much way ahead than what we saw previously on Cesaro and even Bray Wyatt.

But since it’s gonna be a fatal-four way battle in the next PPV Battleground, expect another warfare ahead.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

Flick Review: Transformers Age of Extinction

07/01/14 05:13:10 PM

I haven't saw the entire Transformers franchise. In fact, it was five years ago when I only saw the Transformers' second flick titled “Revenge of the Fallen” in a movie date which went awkward (it was a trio flick meet-up, by the way).

But forget July 2009 for that matter. After all of those times, I haven't seen neither the first nor the third motion picture of that Hasbro-manufactured action figures.

All I know is that Transformers 4: Age of Extinction showcased a total different plot. Why, 'cause obviously, it's a different time already. Though I personally wondered: if that's the age of extinction, then why are people still... well, are at its same, old phase? They aren't the same extinct personae on any of those super-futuristic-slash-way-too-past-the-modernized-contemporary-era flicks Oblivion?

Well, I can only realized the title speaks for the characters themselves. They were “extinct” to the eyes of then-current generation. Any pieces of Autobots were doomed to perish. However, corruption tooks place either when the government cashed in on a robotics company to generate numerous (however, fluke) models, with concepts clearly copied from both Megatron and Bumblebee.

And no wonder why Mark Wahlberg portrayed the main character instead of just-arrested-recently Shia Labouf. He's on a single-dad-slash-mechanic who just purchased a truck, which turned out, was Optimus Prime. Man-(and truck-)hunt was then the instant resort.

However, the plot turned more complicated than we ever thought. And I can't really tell you much (aside from shying away to do the “spoiler's” role) of that anymore.

For two hours and forty six minutes (2:46) inside the cinema on that Saturday night, what more can I say? No wonder why some movie aficionados–legit critics or just plain reviewers—went awry in dismay. The story was a buster. And some claimed Wahlberg's acting seemed to carry the film over, aside from the flying rusher machines rolling over 3D graphics? Hey, they were partly right!

I haven't seen the previous three prequels yet, but I'd prefer the second (Revenge of the Fallen) over this one (unless the first and third may convinced me to change my word; or on the other side, a fifth movie, since I might foresee that one coming really, really soon).

Or maybe I've hit the wrong mode. I should have seen this thing in 3D (heck, I can't afford to pay its price though).

And also, minus a “movie date.”

The verdict: 5.9

Author: slickmaster | ©2014 september twenty-eight productions

Four Years Ago...

07/01/14 10:16:37 AM

Nasaan ka nung nangyari ito? Noong panahon na sinundo ng ate mo ang kuya mo papubntang Luneta, at in return naman ay pormal na nanumpa ang then-nanalong kanidato ng Liberal party bilang pangulo ng bansang kinatitirikan mo?

Masyadong tahimik nun ang kalyeng Legarda sa Maynila (at bakit ito pa ang halimbawa ko? Dahil maliban sa nasa lungsod ako noong panahon na yun, ay malapit lamang dyan ang Malakanyang, o ang tinatawag na “presidential palace.” Isang kaliwa lang sa intersekyon ng Legarda-Azcarraga (o sa kasalukuyang pangalan, C.M. Recto) at Mendiola) noong Miyerkules na umaga na yun. Kakatila pa lamang ng ulan din nun. At totoo lang din, matapos ng eleksyon nun ay wala akong kamalay-malay sa mga pangyayari sa politika.

Basta, ang alam ko lang nun ay nagpaplano kami ng kabarkada namin nun sa paggawa ng thesis, samahan mo pa ng panaka-nakang pagiinternet gamit ang nakaw na wi-fi mula sa kanyang tropa, at ilang shot ng isang kilalang brandy. Malay ko ba na naging pangulo na nun si Noynoy Aquino.

Ahh, kaya pala may putukang naganap nun, tapos ang hinala ko ay yung mga explosion sound waves nun (“explosion sound waves” talaga?!) ay mula pa sa Luneta, o kung sa mas spesipikong lokasyon, Quirino Grandstand. Wala sa radar ko nun na may mga tarantado na namang nagiiskandalo sa mga kalye ng Sampaloc (sabagay, kahit riding in tandem ay hindi makakaalpas sa madulas na kalsada roon).

Pero, ayos lang din eh no? Sa kanyang pormal na unang talumpati bilang pangulo ng republikang ito (o kung masyado kang diplomatiko kuno, estado), mararami rin siyang binitawang salita. As in “panalong sound bytes” lang.

Walang wang-wang. Walang counterflow. Walang toll. Hanep, ang daming pinagbawal. Sabagay, sino ba naman din kasi ang hindi mababagot sa mga sasakyang akala mo kung sinong hari ng kalsada (maliban pa sa mga pampasaherong jeep), na kulang na lang ay sumabog ang mga bintana sa tindi ng speaker niya.

Pero four years later, anyare na nga ba? Wala namang wang-wang na sasakyan na umaariba sa kalsada sa panahon ngayon eh. Pero exemption to the rule dyan ang mga bumbero, ambulansya at police mobile. Oo, siyempre naman, sila nga lang ang mas may higit na karapatan na magpaandar na may wang-wang eh.

Pero ang wang-wang nga ba ay nasa sasakyan lamang? Kung ang kuya mo ang tatanungin mo, malamang, mayroon din siyang sasabihing “utak wang-wang.” At hindi na ito kataka-taka sa mga nakalipas na talumpati niya sa taunang State Of the Nation Address (SONA).

Pero, ang tanong (ulit): may wang-wang pa rin ba sa lipunan? Oo, as long as may tiwala pa rin. Ayan, sa mata niya, ang wang-wang.

Pero... walang counterflow? Nagpapatawa ka ba? Pati yung... walang toll? Sa kalsada, laging may ganyan, lalo na pag may emergency no. kailangan din nito paminsan-minsan.

At yung toll? Eh marami na ngang bagong expressway na naipatayo sa administrasyon niya eh. Good news yun, ex ept for one thing: may toll kaya ang mga yun.

'de. Baka naman yung mga kalsada rito sa lungsod at sa kung saan pa na hindi naman sakop ng mga tollways ang ginagawan ng toll. Yung mga nairereklamo minsan sa mga programa ng mag-utol na Tulfo. Siyempe, bad naman yung paglalagay ng ganun sa mga lugar na hindi naman dapat paglagyan.

At... ay, oo nga pala. May kulang.

“Kayo ang boss ko!” Wow, taray. So, chimay ka ba namin? Ganun? Hindi ganun yun, mga tol. Ang ibig sabihin ng winika niyang yan ay nagpapatunay lamang sa kanyang katayuan bilangpublic servant. Sa kasalukuyan kasi sa mundo ng pulitika, isang malaking kalokohan ang mga salitang “public servant.” dahil kung tutuusin, tayo pa ngang mga mamayan ang nagmumukhang ganun.

Pero four years after, tayo pa rin ba kaya boss niya? Madaling magsabi ng “HINDI!” dahil sa dami ng hinaing natin sa gobyerno na kahit siya mismo ay hindi basta-basta matugunan. Aminin natin: ako, ikaw, sila, siya, at halos bawat isa sa atin ay mahilig pumuna at hindi nasasatisfy kahit na may ginawang solusyon ang pamahalaan.

Pero sa kabilang banda, hindi rin madali ang mundong ginagalawan niya.

Anyway, may dalawang taon pa naman para magawa ang mga dapat na tungkulin niya. Pero sana naman, dalawang bagay lang: mag-iwan siya ng magsisilbing legacy niya, kung bakit siya ang niluklok ng marami.

At pangalawa: kung seryoso siya sa pag-combat ng korapsyon, dapat lahat ng tao, mapa-oposisyon o administrasyon ay kaya niyang kastiguhin—hindi lamang sa salita, kundi sa gawa rin.

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

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

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

Andray the Pinoy?

6/8/2014 11:30:12 AM

Nakarating na sa bansa si Andray Blatche, ang player ng Brooklyn Nets na magiging Pinoy kung sakali man na mapirmahan ng Pangulong Benigno Aquino ang kanyang papeles para maging opisyal na Filipino citizen at makalaro sa opisyal na koponan ng basketball na Gilas Pilipinas.

At kung maisakatuparan ito, ay buti naman kahit papaano ay nagbunga din ang mga ginawa nila Robbie Puno at Sonny Angara na nagsulong niyan sa kani-kanilang opisina sa Kongreso at Senado. Dapat lang din, no. 

Bago ka humirit d’yan ng “Eh marami png mas mahalagang panukala kesa dyan eh,” ay isa rin sa mga dapat prayoridad ng pamahalaan ay ang sports (yung tunay na tranalsated meaning ng Pinoy na salitang “palakasan”). Mas okay pa nga yan kesa sa mga kung anu-anong kababawan na pautot na ipinapanukala din ng mga mambabatas eh.

Kung sakali man na maging parte na ng roster si Blatche, paano na kaya si Marcus Douthit? Hindi naman siguro siya maeechapwera. Siyempre, kelangan mo ring gumawa ng iba pang plano maliban pa sa mga lineup na nakuha mo ngayon. Pang-“long term” ba.

Ano nga ba ang maitututlong ni Andray sa Gilas? Siguro, experience na ring maitutring ito, dahil pagdating sa height ay aminin man natin – no match tayo kung ikukumpara sa ibang bansa. Pero dati, kahit height is might ang basketball ay isa ang bansa natin sa mga matatayog ang lipad sa basketball. Ngunit sa paglipas ng panahon, samahan mo na ng kaliwa’t kanang sitwasyon ng pulitika sa ating bansa, ay parang napag-iwanan na tayo. Oo, tayo nga ang tahanan ng pangalawang professional basketball league sa buong mundo (oo, pangalawa tayo sa NBA), kaso… eh ano naman na? Ang ibang bansa, ke maliit man o malaki, ay may player na sa NBA. Kunsabagay, tayo naman ay may coach din dun, at champion coach pa.

Pero, ‘di ba, parang mas okay kung iho-hone rin natin ang mga kasalukuyang talent ng ating local na manlalaro? Tama rin naman kahit papaano si El Presidente eh. Pero siguro, parte na rin ng palo ng Gilas yan. Of course, kaya ng asila nagte-train eh. Yun nga lang siguro, sa mga susunod na kumpetisyon ay baka mag-iba rin ang mga tao dyan. (I mean, may aalis at may papalit.)

Siguro, let’s hope na hindi lang magstay for World Cup alone si Blatche. I mean, talagang paninindigan niya ang pagiging naturalized player niya, tulad ni Douthit.  Pero alam n’yo kasi, kahit parte na rin ng kalakaran sa mudo ng basketball ang pagnanaturalized ng mga player (gaya na lamang ni Jarvis Hayes na naging player na ng Qatar, Chris Kaman a Germany, atbp.), ay isa rin itong mahirap na parte para sa isang basketball player. Dahil siyempre, kailangan mo ring alagaan ang sarili mo, lalo na kung sa NBA ka mas kumikita (o sa Euroleague, CBA, ABL, at sa iba pang professional basketball league). Ang paglalaro para sa bansa ay isang malaking sakripisyo, kung tutuusin.

Well, wish you luck, Andray. Welcome to the Philippines.  It’s more fun playing basketball here. Oo, sa tindi ng fun, tignan mo na lang ang litratong ito na pinost din ni Kevin Durant sa kanyang Facebook page noong 2012.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions

The Finale Rematch

6/7/2014 10:57:36 AM

It’s on again, like an Alicia Keys and Kendrick Lamar soundtrack, as after one exhilarating season accompanied by tune-up changes in roster and several off-court controversies as well as shifting of records, statistical averages and awards garnered, it all comes down to one grand finale—two teams squaring off against each other once again.

Yes, sirs. The San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat will clash for the second straight time; and the National Basketball Association (NBA) championship stage will feature a rematch for the first time since 1998.

Well, sounds new for the newbies out there, especially if you are younger than us 90s babies.

So it’s kinda a “rare phenomenon” to think about considering that the last time the NBA Finals ended up this way was during 1998–when the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz fared up to each other one last time. Their first duel was in 1997, with the Bulls owning the homecourt advantage and dispatched the Jazz in five games. And on their second encounter in ’98? The four-game-home floor favour was on their side, but still it was the Bulls which prevailed in the end courtesy of the game-winning move by then sick-but-heroic superstar named Michael Jordan.

And if you’ll do your research, you’ll see that even before 1998, there were a lot of Finals rematches in the NBA, especially if we’re talking about “way back” to the past (I mean, literally).

Fast forward to two thousand thirteen first; the Spurs always won the odds (Games 1, 3, and 5), while the Heat were the ones always playing catch-up basketball to even their series (Games 2, 4 and 6).

Apparently, the Spurs were on the verge of pulling a Game Six victory on the American Airlines Arena in the South Florida beach when a sudden rally courtesy of LeBron James and Ray Allen was staged. Talk about pulling off a “never-say-die” spirit, huh? But talks from people will tell you that it was perhaps one of the greatest moments in the recent NBA Finals.

Turns out the Heat rally dictated the final days of the series in their hands when they pulled an improbable overtime win to even the series for the third and last time in the 2013 finale; as Miami went on to close out the duel and the title in their home on Game 7, 97-88; with then-Most Valuable Player (MVP) LeBron James nailing a much-needed, cold-blooded dagger, to avenge his personal Finals loss against Tim Duncan and company in 2007.

Well, let’s move on to 2014. Things have been working well for the Spurs. They won 19 straight contests during the regular season; they were the first-ranked team in the Playoffs; they shrugged off their perennial playoff and state rival Dallas Mavericks in seven games in the first round; they shut down Portland in five; and a massive turn-around clincher against the Thunder, the team that has this season’s scoring champ and MVP in Kevin Durant, and also the squad which owned San Antonio in their four regular season outings.

The Thunder could have even force a Game 7 only if they prevail in overtime. Prior to that, they even tied the series, 2-2, before San Antonio zoomed in to their crucial victories.

On the other hand, Miami Heat, the two-time (and three-peat seeking) defending champions were rolled with inconsistencies. Yes, they are the champions, but one thing poisoned their form—rebounding. They were the worst rebounding team for this season. Yet, they pulled more victories, however, not the same type as they were before. Come to think that Miami even loses to those “dropped” teams during the 82-game regular season.

Both teams got better bench players though. I mean those role key guys who usually came off the bench. Plus, they also had three-point shooters. San Antonio may be aging though, but like a Rowdy Piper sound byte goes, “Legends don’t get old, they just got better.”

Despite the huge disadvantage though, Miami managed to sweep their first round assignment against Charlotte. They also dispatched Brooklyn, the squad which owned Miami during the regular season, in six games; and last year’s rematch Eastern Conference finalist Indiana, in six games. That just proved that even if you won four games in a very close-contested result (how about a total of 12-point winning margin during those four games that the Nets won against the Heat), it doesn’t matter in the playoffs.

And also, looks like the Pacers will have to learn their sets of lessons during this adventurous ride for 2013-2014 wars. They were the first-seeded team in the East, only to get down to their heels for numerous times during the post-season party. In addition, they were better than ever on paper–they just failed to take advantage of it. And include their team chemistry issues right there.

This time around though, San Antonio was way better than Miami; though in their two regular outings, both teams pulled off marginal victories in their respective floors. And I think that will be the typical grind for them this season.

I’m seeing San Antonio will prevail in this rematch should they zoomed on to an early 2-0 lead and if they will win at least one game in the Florida beach come Games 3 and 4. And if that’s the case, the Spurs will be going 2-1 against LeBron, 1-1 against the Heat, and a guaranteed fifth NBA title over the last 15 years.

However, if Miami can get their players healthy, whether it’s Dwyane Wade or LeBron, they will remain dangerous. All it takes is to withstand everything, including the atmosphere whether it’s in the Alamo or in Miami. And possibly, Miami can take this thing in six; and in case they win and grab their fourth title in franchise history, they will join the Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers as the other team to dominate the NBA in the last one and a half decade (come to think that if this will happen, all of them have at least four championship titles, with the Lakers earning five, and one apiece for the 2008 Boston Celtics and 2004 Detroit Pistons).

So expect (and I’ll quote Hulk Hogan’s adjectives for this) a “running wild” game ahead of you, accompanied by an even running wild fans which will make this finale the “talk-of-the-world.”

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions 

Just My Opinion: Pacman In The PBA?

5/21/2014 2:22:52 PM

Usap-usapan ngayon ang planong maglaro ni Manny Pacquiao ng professional basketball.

Naging vocal nga siya rito ilang araw matapos niyang matalo si Timothy Bradley sa kanilang ikalawang pagsagupa sa lona noong nakaraang Abril sa Las Vegas.

Amiya, may plano na nga rin siya kung ano ang kanyang isusuot na jersey number at kung saang team siya lalahok sa Philippine Basketball Association – at yun ay ang number 17 sa Kia Motors, isa sa mga bagong koponan sa PBA na makikipagsagupaan na sa hardourt sa ika-40 na season nito, o sa darating na Oktubre.

Ano, si Pacquiao, maglalaro sa PBA? Ganun?

OO nga.

Ang tayog ng pangarap niya no? Well, wala namang masama dun eh. Para lang siyang ilan sa atin na nangangarap na makapaglaro ng naturang sport dun, kahit sa kasamahang palad ay hindi pinalad na matupad ang mga pangarap ng iilan din.

Tama rin naman si Rick Olivarez sa artikulong nalimbag sa website ng PBA. Sino nga ba naman tayo para iderprive siya sa kagustuhan nya sa buhay? Kung yun ang makakapagpasaya sa kanya. Sa totoo lang din kasi, hindi na bago ang basketball sa eight-time pound-for-pound king. In fact, minsan ay may koponan siya sa Liga Pilipinas nun (kung hindi ako nagkakamali, ang pangalan nun ay MP GenSan Warriors). At madalas, nagiging isa sa mga cross-training sport ni Pacman ang basketball. As in part ng training regimen niya para sa mga laban niya sa boxing.

Ngunit ayon kay Commissioner Chito Salud, kung seryoso man si Pacquiao na sumali sa PBA ay dapat siyang sumama sa proseso kung paano nga ba nakakapaglaro ang mga baguhan sa liga. Sa pamamagtan ba ng pag-draft, kasama na siguro dyan ang kaliwa’t kanang pag-eentertain mula sa mga scout hanggang sa mga team executives, hanggang sa pagdetermina ng iyong kwalipikasyon.

Ito nga lang ang problema: fixed na ang plano ni MP ukol sa kung saan niya gustong maglaro. Kaya ba nagplano siya na maging “playing coach” ng team Kia? Maari, para makalusot, kung aayon sa mga spekulasyon.

Unfair ba ang sitwasyon? Sabagay, ano nga naman kasi ang pagkakaalam ni Pacquiao sa coaching sa basketball? Mahirap yata yan, dahil napakalaking mundo ang ginagalawan mo pag ganun, at hindi lang isang laro ang pinag-aaralan mo dun.

Don’t worry, may Jaworski naman eh. Mas okay siguro kung magiging head coach si The Living Legend.

Mahirap nga naman isugal ang lahat-lahat. Isipin mo, ayon sakumento ng isa sa mga pinapakinggan kong sports broadcaster na si Dennis Principe, nakakatakot ang maaring mangyari kay Pacquiao pag nagkataon. Baka kantayawan lang.

Kunsabagay, obvious din naman kasoi sa atin ang maging mapagpuna sa mga ginagawa eh. Nung pumasok si Pacquiao sa showbiz, pustahan tayo, pinagtawanan din natin siya minsan lalo na pagdating sa acting niya. Ganun din nung nasa pulitika na ang lolo mo. Ano nga ang kaalam-alam niya sa pulitika? Wag ka, congressman na ang kinakantyawan mo.

And ironically, the joke was now, on us. Maaring pinagtatawanan pa rin natin ang pagiging all-around ng mamang ito, pero sa kabilang banda, karamihan din sa atin ay nadidismaya na rin dahil sa kabila ng lahat, kabilang na ang mga bagay na hindi naman talaga siya kwalipikado in the first place, ay andun siya sa rurok na kinabibilangan niya ngayon: atleta, politician, at arista. Astig ang achievement, ‘di ba?

Maaring masisi pa ang media dahil sa sobrang hype na binigay nila kay Pacman, at maari rin ang ganoong argumento pagdating sa pulitika. Ngunit may idadgdag lang ako: eh kasi binoto niyo eh.

Ngunit sa isyu na kagustuhan ni Pacquiao na maglaro sa PBA? Nagbabalita lang naman sila eh. At malaya naman tayo para magbigay ng saloobin.

Pero sino nga ba ulit tayo para kantyawan ulit at i-deprive angkanyang mga pangarap, ‘di ba?

At kung kuro-kuro lang naman ang usapan, sige, ito lang yung akin: walang masama mangarap. Pero kung marami kang ginagawa, at kung nagextend ka pa ng kontrata sa Top Rank – at sa kaparehong pagkakataon ay sa professional boxing career mo – ay mas okay pa muna kung maghunod sili ka amt magfocus muna d’yan. Tutal sabi mo naman ay hindi pa man pinal, pero tutuparin mo naman ang pangarap mo.

Eh why not? Yun nga lang, handa mo nga lang sarili mo sa samu’t saring kritisismo, hindi galing sa mga tulad namin, at sa mga nagmaang-maangan pang iba dyan na nagkukumeto sa Facebook kahit hindi naman nababasa ang mga artikulong nirereact nila, kundi galing sa mga pinakalehitimong nilalang pagdating sa sports.

Maaring mangyari pa rin na siya ang pinakamatandang rookie sa PBA at ang isa sa mga pinakamaliit na manlalaro ito, at maging pangalawa sa mga “crossover” star mula boxing papuntang basketball. Yan ay kung susunod talaga siya sa dapat sundan.

Author: slickmaster | © 2014 september twenty-eight productions