A look back at the Azkals-LA Galaxy Dream Cup match

Bend it like Beckham: David Beckham treated Pinoy fans for some world class football.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

I remember hearing rumors about the LA Galaxy possibly playing a friendly match against the Philippine Azkals a couple of months ago. Fast forward to December, David Beckham and co. landed in Manila 2 days prior to the match day. As I was watching, images of the team on TV talking about how excited they were of playing here in the country is truly a good feeling. Of course I wasn't satisfied with just seeing them on the boob tube.

Predict the PBA games: Ginebra vs Alaska, Barako Bull vs Meralco

Can Barangay Ginebra bounce back from last Sunday's loss and get a win against Alaska?
(Leslie Sy/InterAKTV)

So it didn't exactly turnout the way I wanted in last Sunday's games. That just shows that it ain't easy to predict the winner and score for each game. We got a couple of games on Wednesday and I'm pretty sure it's gonna be a good one.

Alaska escapes upset against Shopinas. B-Meg defeats Ginebra

The Alaska Aces' Sonny Thoss rises up for a block
in a win against the Shopinas.com Clickers 86-80.
(Paolo Papa/InterAKTV)

With only a few games left in the elimination round of the 37th PBA Philippine Cup, teams at the bottom 3 look to vie for the 8th spot for the semis. The Alaska Aces needed a win to stay in contention. On the other hand, the Shopinas.com Clickers may be eliminated already but they still look to earn that first W. Last Sunday was a make or break game for both teams.

Predict the PBA games: Alaska vs Shopinas.com, B-Meg vs Ginebra

Can Ginebra score a win over B-Meg after their recent trade?
(Paolo Papa/InterAKTV)

It's time once again to do some predictions for today's PBA games. I have to tell you, it ain't easy predicting the team that'll win plus the margin of the winning score for each game. Time to put it all to good use shall we?

Hard fought win for TnT Tropang Texters in OT

Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters guard Jason Castro knows a thing or two about being clutch.

(Pranz Kaeno Billones/InterAKTV)

In what seemed to be a potential win for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters suddenly went down the toilet. The injury plagued Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters virtually fought tooth and nail to earn that 106-104 win in overtime yesterday. They can all thank Jason Castro for that.

Predict the PBA games: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters

Can rookie Japeth Aguilar and the TnT Tropang Texters stop
the uptempo game of the RoS Elasto Painters?
(Paul Ryan Tan/InterAKTV)

So far, my predictions are getting better. I was surprised of the outcome of last Friday's games that I predicted. I was able to figure out the winning team for the first game but I have yet to get it right on the 2nd game. I'm actually getting good at this.

With that in mind, we got yet another hoops match-up to predict.

Petron Blaze crush Barako Bull. Alaska dumps Powerade

The Petron Blaze Boosters' Alex Cabagnot drives past Wynne Arboleda of the Barako Bull Energy.
Petron Blaze won 75-66 over Barako Bull.
(Joser Dumbrique/InterAKTV)

The Petron Blaze Boosters are on a roll. An unexpected hero stepped in to help the Boosters to 75-66 win against the Barako Bull Energy. Denok Miranda lead all scorers with 21 points as he made crucial shots to stop a possible upset from Barako Bull.

Predict the PBA games: Petron Blaze-Barako Bull, Powerade-Alaska

Can Gary David and the Powerade Tigers bounce back and win today's game against the Alaska Aces?
(Paul Ryan Tan/InterAKTV)

Looks like it's time once again to predict the outcome of today's PBA games: Petron Blaze Boosters vs Barako Bull Energy and Powerade Tigers vs Alaska Aces. Since starting this thing last Wednesday, I say this will be a permanent fix from now on. In the coming games, I'ma make this thing a bit more enticing for y'all so watch out for that one.

So without further ado, let's do this shall we!

Thoughts on the PBA's latest trade(s)

Ginebra Gin Kings' Mark Caguia knows it's time for a change.
(Joser Dumbrique/InterAKTV)

I must admit I haven't been that updated when it comes to anything about the PBA in the past few months. Just recently though, I couldn't help but be curious about the country's pro hoops league. Then I heard about the latest trade between the B-Meg Llamados, Barako Bull Energy and the Ginebra Gin Kings.

TnT clobbers Clickers, Bolts shock Tigers

Clutch player: The Meralco Bolts' Mac Cardona's heroics pulled off a win a against the Powerade Tigers 98-96.
(Paul Ryan Tan/InterAKTV)

So the predictions I did from last Wednesday's games were rather close. The Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters PWN3D the Shopinas.com Clickers for another W. Looks like its back to the old drawing board for coach Franz Pumaren. Not exactly a good debut for the former De La Salle Green Archers coach.

As for the Meralco Bolts and Powerade Tigers, it was indeed a slugfest. In the end though, it was the Bolts that came out on top for the win.

Predicting the PBA games

Can coach Franz Pumaren and his boys finally get the W that's been eluding them?
(Leslie Sy/InterAKTV)

Okay, it's been a while since I last posted something here or perhaps anything PBA related. With NBA lockout in full effect and their 2011-2012 season possibly out the window, I think it's about time I give some love to the Philippines' pro hoops league. I know the 37th Philippine Cup of the PBA is already in progress yet I wanna do something that I haven't done even on NBA games -- predict the scores for each game.

Adidas KOTR 2011 new race map 16.8k

(Image courtesy of Adidas Philippines)

I know y'all are excited for this Sunday's race. Pretty sure most of you already got racing stuff from the Adidas KOTR 2011 kick-off last week.

Ready for the friendly match

Nepal Football team coach Graham Roberts and PHL Azkals coach Michael Weiss

shake hands as both teams are ready to slug it out at tonight's friendly match.

(Photo by Roy Afable)

The Azkals look to bounce back from their loss in a previous exhibition match against the Singapore Lions last week. Tonight they face Nepal in another friendly match and for sure, the Azkals are not gonna take their opponents lightly.

Some heads-up for the KOTR 2011 Kick-off

(Image courtesy of Adidas Philippines)

I know all you runners out there that already signed up for this year's Adidas King of the Road event on October 23 are excited and ready. Before y'all get giddy-iddy on that one, here are some last minute reminders for y'all to check out for the biggest run event's kick-off.

Unleash the Bull

New kicks for the MVP -- the AdiZero Rose 2.
(Image courtesy of Adidas Philippines)

Whether or not the upcoming season of the NBA will happen, that's not gonna stop the 3 stripes from bringing out the best sneaks for hoops. If y'all enjoyed the release of Derrick Rose's signature kicks AdiZero Rose 1 and 1.5's, the second one will definitely blow you away! Adidas officially dropped the AdiZero Rose 2 last Friday.

UAAP 74 Basketball Finals Recap

The Ateneo Blue Eagles got four!
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The reigning UAAP champs Ateneo Blue Eagles finished the elimination round and semis with a 13-1 record. The Far Eastern University Tamaraws shocked Pinoy college hoops by taking out the Adamson Soaring Falcons out of the equation. It all came down to just two teams for the coveted UAAP title. With that in mind, let's take a look back at the recently concluded UAAP 74 Finals between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and FEU Tamaraws:

UAAP 74 hoops Elimination Round and Final Four recap

Aldrech Ramos of FEU goes for a reverse layup.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

It's almost the end of the road for this season's UAAP basketball action. A lot of things happened in the last few games of the Elimination Round and the Final Four. Without further ado, let's take a look back at the games that made head turns:

Great Scott! The Nike Mags are back!

A scene from the movie Back To the Future II featuring Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox)
checking out the "sneakers of the future", the Nike Mag.
(Image via NikeMedia.com)

To those who grew up in the 80's may remember the movie Back To The Future II which starred Michael J. Fox. The said movie showed us supposedly a glimpse of what would've been "the kicks of the future" in the year 2015 -- the Nike Mag. It's the same pair of sneakers that protagonist Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) rocked in the film and the folks from the Swoosh brand are bringing them back for a cause.

Recap of UAAP 74 hoops action

Win one for "20".
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The end of the elimination round of UAAP hoops is getting closer. While the Blue Eagles remain on top, other teams are still trying to secure a spot in the Final Four. Here's a roundup of what happened last week:

Converse Pre Holiday Sale

(Image courtesy of Converse Philippines)

Wanna score some Converse sneaks? Troop to your nearest Converse Store from September 16-19 and cop some Chucks and other Converse kicks at discounted prices.

Mark your calendar for that one folks.

UAAP 74 Hoops roundup

Ateneo Blue Eagles center Greg Slaughter dunks on Lord Casajeros of the UE Red Warriors.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The UAAP Final Four looms closer. Top teams like UST, DLSU, FEU and ADU are looking to get a better spot for semis. The defending champs Ateneo Blue Eagles are still on top of the standings but the 2nd, 3rd and 4th spots are very much up for grabs. Let's take a look back at the games for the final week of August:

No Boundaries

Mark Ong aka SBTG signs a sneaker for a fan.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Singaporean sneaker designer Mark Ong may be a rock star in the sneaker world but after visiting the Philippines twice, he instantly fell in love with the culture and Pinoy College Hoops.

When a person has a thing for collecting and or wearing sneakers, you’re called a sneakerhead.

That’s true to those who play the game of basketball. And a hoops country like the Philippines is no exception. Although most Filipinos balled on a pair of Flip-flops/sandals/rubber slippers in the streets, having a pair of nice basketball sneakers can give any player a boost of confidence.

More info on the Adidas KOTR 2011

Some nice bling for the winners of the Adidas KOTR 2011.
(Image courtesy of Adidas Philippines)

Most of y'all have already secured their slots for the upcoming Adidas King of the Road 2011 on October. To those who haven't yet, the 3-stripes got some good news for you! Adidas gives you another chance to join the biggest running event of the year by availing of their Pre-paid Reservation forms for the race.

UAAP 74 hoops weekend recap

Adamson's Austin Manyara blocks the shot of FEU's Carl Cruz.
The FEU Tamaraws defeated the Adamson Falcons 62-61 last Sunday.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The road to the Final Four continues as round 2 of the tournament is getting even more competitive. Top teams in the UAAP still look to topple the undefeated Ateneo Blue Eagles -- also reigning and defending champs, by the way. With that in mind, let's take a look back at what happened in last weekend's UAAP hoops:

The Swoosh can give you the advantage

The Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011
(Image courtesy of Nike Philippines)

These kicks dropped a few weeks ago and pretty sure most of you have already seen them up close. Yes, the folks from the Swoosh brand have done it again and this time with the new edition of the Zoom Hyperfuse and Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 models. Aesthetically speaking, it's a major upgrade from the ones that came out last year.

Sweet revenge for the Adamson Soaring Falcons

Adamson's Alex Nuyles goes one-on-one with National U's rookie Bobby Ray Parks Jr.
The Falcons defeated the Bulldogs 68-53.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

They were racking up W's just trying to stay close in the hunt for that coveted UAAP crown. While they haven't forgotten about how to win games, they also haven't forgotten their loss to the National University Bulldogs last month. The Adamson Soaring Falcons waited patiently for the day to redeem themselves of the loss at the time. On a Thursday afternoon of August 18, they got their wish.

UAAP 74 hoops recap

DLSU's Norbert Torres goes for a jump-hook in a game against UST.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

With College basketball heating up and the second half of UAAP hoops already in full effect, things are getting more interesting. Every team is looking to shake things up as the road to the Final Four continues. Without further ado, here's a look back what made some noise last week:

Adidas Originals ST

Adidas knows what kind skateboarders want on their feet.
(Image courtesy of Adidas Philippines)

The extreme sport of Skateboarding has been around for years. It's no surprise that the sport's popularity is once again back in the Philippines. While "Thrashers" as skateboarders were called back in the 80's (the BMX bikers were known as "Riders" at the time), every thrasher/skater has his/her own custom board. Sure, a skateboard has a standard size and weight but for a thrashers, they like make it their own, jazz it up. Simply put, they have to standout one way or another.

Recap of last week's UAAP 74 hoops

Ateneo Blue Eagles rookie Kiefer Ravena pulls up for a jumper against FEU's Aldrech Ramos.
Ateneo defeated FEU 69-49 last Sunday.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The race to the final four is getting closer and a few teams aim to bounce back from their losses. As the second round of UAAP 74 basketball looms, let's take a look back at last week's games that made heads turn:

DVT x Titan 8.5.11

(Image via SoleMovement.com)

This is one event sneakerheads should check out. Dope kicks dropping there.

Hit up Sole Movement and Titan for more info.

Coach Spo is back to helm NBA Fit clinics in Manila

From left to right: Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra, Dr. Irma Asuncion DOH Head of Health Promotion Board and Mr. Ed Winkle Senior Director of NBA Asia.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoesltra is back in Manila to conduct a series of clinics on health and wellness. With the success of last year's NBA Fit program, that's enough reason for the Fil-Am coach to come home and give back to the Filipinos. Coach Spo officially made his return to the country on Monday, August 1.

A Week of UAAP 74 hoops PWN4G3 and Upsets

National U's Bobby Ray Parks Jr. pumps his fist in an upset win over the Adamson Falcons.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Another week of UAAP basketball made headlines once again. The elimination round is just getting warmed up. Defending champs Ateneo Blue Eagles have no problems getting it done on the court and have yet to be toppled by a team this season. With that in mind, let's take look back at last week's hoops action:

Some reminders to those watching the PHL Azkals-Kuwait Al Azraq match on July 28

(Image via SoccerCentral.ph)

Many of you already gotten their tickets for the home football match of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers between Philippine Azkals and Kuwait Al Azraq. Indeed, the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium will be packed and loud once more. To those ticket holders who are dying to see the Azkals in action on Thursday, here are a few reminders (straight from the Philippine Football Federation) before y'all troop to the Rizal Stadium:

NBA Fit 2011 brings healthy lifestyle to schools

NBA FIT PHILIPPINES 2011 KICKS OFF SCHOOL CLINICS AT DON BOSCO-MANDALUYONG
Above, NBA Asia Country Manager Carlo Singson (third from right) with Don Bosco-Mandaluyong rector Fr. Martin Macasaet (second from right) and other Don Bosco sports officials.
(Photo courtesy of NBA Philippines)

The NBA Fit 2011 officially began on a Monday of July 25, brought their health and wellness program to select schools. It's first stop was at Don Bosco Technological College in Mandaluyong city. The NBA will be conducting clinics till August 3. More schools have joined in for the NBA Fit program. Then on August 1, Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra will be in the Philippines to helm the NBA Fit clinics along with his coaching staff.

UAAP 74 Games Roundup

La Salle players high 5'in for their first W.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Last week has been a crazy one for UAAP hoops. With all the sports events happening in that week alone -- like the Ultimate All-Star Weekend and the 1st Leg of the Azkals-Kuwait match -- College basketball is still the hottest thing in the country. In case y'all missed all that UAAP action, here's a look back at the games that made heads turn:

Ultimate All Star Weekend 2011

(Image via Niketalk.com)

The NBA's Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, Chris Paul, Derek Fisher, Kevin Durant, Derrick Williams, Tyreke Evans, James Harden and Javale McGee will be dropping by the Philippines for 2 days of hoops action against select PBA players and Smart-Gilas Pilipinas on July 23-24 at the Araneta Coliseum.

NBA Fit is back to promote a healthy lifestyle in the Philippines

Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra will be returning to the Philippines
to helm the NBA Fit program this August.
(Photo courtesy of NBA Philippines)

We all know that the lockout of the world's most popular hoops league is in full effect but keeping a healthy lifestyle shouldn't stop 24/7. Last year, the Philippines had it's first ever and successful NBA Fit week to promote health and wellness. It was spearheaded by Filipino-American and Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra along with his assistant coach Dave Fizdale and NBA Asia Head of Basketball Operations Jama Mahlalela. The event aims to not only spread the gospel of basketball but also to have a healthy and active lifestyle on a daily basis.

Growling Tigers on the prowl

Karim Abdul of UST is a dominant force in the paint.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

In 2006, the University of Santo Tomas captured their UAAP title under then first time coach Pido Jarencio. His team defeated another rookie coach at the time in the form of Norman Black with the Blue Eagles. It was a different story when the return of DLSU in UAAP basketball coming off a year of hiatus the following year -- their hopes of a two peat began to fade. The Green Archers were shooting arrows once more and rekindled their rivalry with the Blue Eagles. UST remained a Final Four team but then it has been a tough mountain to climb for the Tigers ever since.

Green Archers missing their mark twice

DLSU's Simon Atkins chillin' too much?
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The De La Salle Green Archers are one of the best teams in the UAAP and this season hasn't been a good one for them. Their opening day game loss against FEU should be a wake up call but that wasn't the case. Last Saturday, rivals Ateneo and La Salle faced once more for another classic match-up. Everybody expected the Archers to give the Blue Eagles a run for their money and get that much needed W.

Kobe keeps coming back to Manila

The Black Mamba is back in Manila.
(Photo by Ricky Castillo)

Last month's announcement of Kobe Bryant's much awaited return to Manila was abuzz among Kobe-heads and hoops fans alike. The tickets were completely sold out. Those given away by Nike BHS and Titan were gone in about an hour of July 2. Perhaps the fans that missed out on his 2009 visit made sure they get to see him this year. Nike Philippines knew that fan attendance would double for Kobe's one-day visit, so they decided to get the Big Dome as their venue.

The day UE got Maroon'd

Paolo Romero of UP secures the rebound.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons obviously would like to forget last season. So they decided to get a new coach and recruited new players to beef up their roster hoping to erase the "whipping boys" tag on them. Fil-Am Swingman Mike Silungan doesn't appreciate his team being called as such let alone having to go through thing for the upcoming season. A player like him with incredible talent is hungry for just one thing: Win.

Some UAAP 74 games recap

DLSU's Arnold Van Opstal (no. 7) and Mark Bringas of FEU (no. 6) tries to grab the loose ball.
(Photo by Paul Ryan Tan)

A lot of stuff happened in the first few games of the UAAP Season 74. College basketball have always been the most popular among hoops fans and the UAAP is no exception. New players, new coaches mean more drama and excitement. While many are dying to see the much anticipated Ateneo-La Salle match-up on July 16, let's take a look back at the winners (and losers) from the opening game to other hoops action of the Women's and Juniors division.

3-on-3 Ballin' 7.1-3.2011

Jr. NBA alumni, including pioneer batch (2007) MVP Kiefer Ravena (fifth from right) together with his brother who made it to the latest batch (2011) Thirdy (fourth from right) had some basketball fun with NBA Legend Horace Grant at the NBA 3-on-3 Philippines 2011 presented by Sprite. (From left) – Dawn Ochea (2011), Kobe Paras (2011), Jared Lim (2011), Hubert Cani (2010), Alfred Sajulga (2011), Tsaddy Tabaldo (2011), Kiefer, Thirdy, Lorenzo Navarro (2011), Patrick Go (2010) and Thristan Laman (2010).

(Photo courtesy of NBA Philippines)

The NBA lockout may have inevitably taken it's course but here in the Philippines though, the most globally popular hoops league's season never end -- sort of. Before all that, the NBA Finals happened -- which lead to the Dallas Mavericks winning their first title -- and NBA Asia announced that the Philippines would hold it's inaugural NBA 3 on 3 in cooperation with Sprite. That somehow gave Filipinos another reason to get into playing basketball. Plus, 4-time NBA champion and Legend Horace Grant was thrilled to visit the country.

All systems go for the Opening Ceremonies of UAAP 74

(Image via Wikipedia.org)

The much anticipated 74th season of the UAAP will be in full blast on July 9. The opening ceremonies will go Olympic style at the Marikina Sports park will officially begin at 4 pm. The event won't have the usual double-header hoops action but will instead have a parade of UAAP athletes from their respective schools and have torch relay run featuring PBA Legend and former Ateneo Blue Eagle Olsen Racela.

Where the Azkals PWN3D the Brave Reds in Manila happen

The team celebrates after Chieffy Caligdong scored the first goal for the Azkals.
(Image via talakayanatkalusugan.com)

Football has been making some noise in the Philippines. Yes, the beautiful game definitely touched the hearts of every Filipino and now everybody wants to get into it. Basketball will always be numero uno in the country but football or soccer to some, the popularity of the sport is just contagious. With the Philippine Azkals getting that much needed away goal in Sri Lanka last June 29, a win in Manila would book them a ticket to the second round of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers.

It's a draw for the Azkals in Sri Lanka

The Azkals struggled against the Brave Reds during
the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Sri Lanka.
(Image via Sportales.com)

The road to the 2014 FIFA World Cup has begun for the Philippine National Football team. Since their successful stint in last year's Suzuki Cup and AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers, their game against Sri Lanka is no exception. Getting a spot for the World Cup is perhaps one of the biggest challenges for the Azkals. A win -- by 2 goals at least -- on the Brave Red's home turf could give them an advantage when the Philippine team returns to Manila for the 2nd leg of their match in Rizal Stadium on July 3.

Music and cheer of Azkals' fan group Kaholeros for July 3 game revealed

(Image via SoccerCentral.ph)

I'm not sure if I'ma declare this one an Air Tsinelas exclusive, but this is indeed a scoop nonetheless. Got an email from one of the Kaholeros -- a popular group of Azkals fans much like the Azkaleros -- the purpose is to simply share what kind of love they are gonna give the Philippine Azkals as they play the Sri Lanka Brave Reds in a home game for the FIFA World Cup 2014 Qualifiers on July 3 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila.

Kobe Bryant returns to Manila this July 2011

Kobe Bryant will be visiting Manila as part of 5-City Asian tour this July.
(Image via EastofLA.com)

That's right! The Black Mamba will be coming to Manila on July 13, 2011. It will be his third time here in the Philippines. Unlike his previous visits here, it will just be a one-day affair. Pretty sure Kobe-heads here in the country are excited and stoked when the Black Mamba drops by come July. Manila is just one of the stops in his 5-city tour around Asia.

411's on the 2011 Adidas KOTR this October

(Image courtesy of Adidas Philippines)

Y'all ready for the biggest running event in the Philippines? For sure, all you run enthusiasts are excited on the much anticipated 2011 Adidas King of the Road in October. With the early bird registrations officially over, you can still join in as the registrations for the race are still in full effect and ongoing.