Scramble at the PLAY-OFFS!

It started with 12 teams, divided into 2 divisions. After five grueling divisional games, only 4 teams remain to contest this year's coveted championship.

One thing is sure, a new champion team will emerge this year after WSA boots out defending champions, Red Bulls, in the play-offs circle with a higher Q points in Division B.

GK Warriors, this year's hands-down cinderella team, makes its first appearance in the playoffs after 3 years in the league hugging the cellar.

TFC Mainline, a newbie in Palaro, is expected to give everyone a good fight to the championships. Fresh from their perfect slate at Philly's FACAA league, the Jersey boys are hungry for another title this time here in Delaware. Will the TFC snatch another inter-state crown from the locals?

Delaware Titans, a veteran team of PAAD Palaro league, emerges from last year's hapless campaign to become this year's never-say-die team as they wrestle GK's cinderalla entry at the playoffs. Clearly, the TATANGS, as everyone fondly call them, have captured the hearts of the PALARO fans. Both an off-court and on-court, as well as a blog-favorite, the Titans claw their way up in their bid to frustrate GK's 5-0 slate and squeek into the finals.

Wala Sa Ayos, on the other hand, will try to make it a two-peat to the finals roster by facing the mighty TFC in their playoff tussle. In their failed game against GK Warriors, everybody has doubrs on whether they can break TFC's frontlines. Will WSA end their losing slump and emerge in the finals by beating TFC?

Let's see what the fans say... we're now open for your comments!

Delaware Titans thumps PHI Blue Devils, gains last playoffs slot, 51-41

Despite kibitzers predicting a PHI win, Delaware Titans sends a message to the other contenders by thumping the Blue Devils in a convincing win.

PHI started strong behind the one-on-one spirited play of Bong Imperial. However, his aggressiveness resulted in three quick fouls even before the end of the first half. PHI maintained their lead throughout most of the game up until the latter part of the second half. With a very aggressive pressing defense led by the Titan's Steve Antonio, the Titans stole the ball several times from PHI and made easy baskets.

In addition, Bong Imperial was called for two more fouls and he fouled out with five minutes left in the game. With no point guard to break the Titan's pressing defense, PHI had problems bringing the ball half court and led to additional fast break points for the Titans.

In the closing minutes of the game, Jomar Ugarte (Titan's MVP - most visible player) entered the game without informing the referees. He was close to being called a technical. However, he immediately atoned for his mistake by scoring a beautiful running bank shot and sealed the game for the Titans.

The Titans now look forward to a formidable task of upsetting the GK Warriors in the playoff. As they say in Philippines when speculating on basketball championship games, the "ball is round and anything can happen".

GK Warriors narrowly escapes WSA for a sweep. 57-53

Cinderella team, GK Warriors narrowly escapes from the claws of 2006 Palaro-champions, Wala Sa Ayos. The game which was anticipated by many started fast for WSA with a quick double digit lead due to three consecutive three pointers by Balagtas. GK players settled down with their defense and started to chip away the WSA's lead. WSA players sustained their spirited play and led by three points at the half.

At the start of the second half, GK played with a disciplined teamwork by passing the ball down low to their center. Everytime, he was double teamed, he would pass the ball to an open teammate who would make the cut and score close to the basket. This strategy worked very well for GK. If the center was not double teamed, he would muscle his way for an easy two points and sometimes three if he is fouled and gets a bonus free throw.

However, WSA showed a lot of composure and the players rallied to keep the game very close up to the last minute. A critical miss under the basket by a WSA player and then subsequently losing the ball out of bounds spelled the difference for the WSA team. Had they made the critical miss and/or not lose the ball out of bounds, the game could have gone to overtime or if they made a three-pointer would have won the game for them at that point.

WSA players, interviewed at the end of the game, noted that they had their chances but could not convert at the end of the game. They are looking forward to next Saturday's playoff games and are optimistic that the ball could bounce on their side at that time.

GK players were jubilant but noted their mission is not complete. They achieved the first one which was to win all their division games. Now, they look forward to sweeping the playoffs. Will GK sweep the games all the way to the championships? We will see!

TFC bludgeons SFC-Manila Bay to a pulp, 72-45.

TFC keeps its clean slate sweep of Division A by outclassing a decimated SFC-Manila Bay squad, 72-45. Like in most of TFC's games, regardless of who they face, their game plan is to give their playing level the highest of standards.

TFC's vaunted teamwork was top-scored by Paul Nicdao with 23, Julius de Vera -13 and Mike Sanchez contributed 11 to cap off the team's 5-0 campaign.


Excel PT frustrates Origlio's bid for a playoffs slot, 62-55

Wildcard team Origlio, another new squad in this year's Palaro 2008, was frustrated by Excel PT's win on a tightly contested match. Had Origlio won the game, WSA and Red Bulls would have lost in Q points and should have entered the Final Four.

The game looked headed for an Origlio win when at half time, Origlio was ahead by 14 points. But Excel PT proved to be the biggest spoiler to Origlio's bid, as it handed the Philly team an unexpected loss that gave WSA a red carpet to the Final Four.


Red Bulls wins over PINOY, falls short on Q points, 60-45

Richie Tizon, sparked by a 17-pt binge, lifts Red Bulls to a win past PINOY. Red Bulls, until the final score of their game against PINOY, was still in the running for a playoff slot but fell short of topping arch-rival, Wala Sa Ayos. Red Bulls fell short of scoring another 19 points to top the Q points-race.

The Final Four

The Road to Palaro Finals


Who will be in the Final Four?

The aftermath of Game 4 changed the landscape of play-off contenders. Even as Game 5 builds up to fever pitch, predictions have been drawn as to which team have the right to be in the FINAL FOUR.

One game. Seven teams, all possible contenders to get in. Two teams with one foot inside the final four. Two more teams needed to complete the play-offs roster.

After the dust settles on Game 5, who will be the final four?

The Possibilities:

In Division A, blog-favorite Delaware Titans square off with the dreaded PHI Blue Devils in a do-or-die match. Winner of this game goes to the Final Four playoffs. On the other hand, TFC Mainline, a shoe-in for the play-offs battles SFC - Manila bay. A win by TFC pits them with the #2 team of Division B for the playoffs. While an upset by SFC - Manila Bay will give them bragging rights as the only team to break TFC's vaunted teamwork. Will pride be Manila Bay's motivation to spoil the perfect slate of TFC?

A loss by TFC may relegate them to the no.2 position in Division A after Q points have been tallied. This will pit them against the no.1 team in Division B.

In Division B, the remarkable GK Warriors, clearly this year's cinderella team, duke it out with 2006 Palaro Champions, Wala Sa Ayos. With 2006 MVP awardee, Bert Fogata and Arvie Dazon, leading the frontlines, will WSA wrestle away the divsion lead from GK Warriors?

A win by the WSA will shut the doors on defending champs, Red Bulls and wildcard team. Origlio. While a loss by WSA, together with twin wins from Red Bulls and Origlio will trigger a 3-way race for the Q points. Who will prevail? Let's do the math.

One game. Seven teams. Only four will remain.

TFC Mainline mangles Delaware Titans, 40-28

The much awaited match between these 3-0 teams was settled at the hardcourt with TFC prevailing at the end. Butch Sanchez and Paul Nicdao with 24 combined points proved too much to handle. It was an evenly matched game up to the last few minutes of the last half, until Rudolf Santos of TFC made a critical three-pointer. On the other hand, Luis Alvarez, Jess Fabian, Andrew Ronde and Dexter Quezon provided most of the points for the Titans.

TFC battles SFC Manila Bay on a wildcard match that may favor SFC if they win big against the Mainliners.

GK Warriors crushes Excel's playoffs hopes, 51-40

It was a battle decided at the closing minutes of the game. The team who's got the most gas and firepower at the end, remained unscathed. The Gawad Kalinga Warriors, a cellar dweller team during the previous three Palaro tournaments is about to prove that they are a team to be reckoned with, after a win against Excel PT. GK's Ryan de Gracia contributed almost half of the team's score with 23 points and followed closely by Leo Yanogacio's 12 points. Yanogacio, whose parents are from Pangasinan, commented after the game and said, it was a tough match and we just have to try our best. Other notable assistance were provided by Chris Clemente and Mario Salazar. Will Barnes, with 13 points was the leading scorer of Excel PT and Mark Prout with 8 points. The match up was pretty even until the end, with Team Excel, in spite of being undermanned, provided a very competitive game against the Warriors.

GK Warriors faces a hungry WSA team in their next game. Will WSA upset the new GK team upstarts this coming game five?

WSA prevails over Red Bulls in their grudge match, 40-35.

The well rounded WSA team under the leadership of Bert Fogata and Dennis Balagtas with 19 combined points proved too much for the defending champs. Arvie Dazon and Guerzon Roque of WSA provided the necessary assistance to help WSA in their team's quest for possible slot in the didvisional playoff standing. Jet Deleste and Joseph Pangilinan of the Red Bulls were the highest scorers for the Red Bulls.

WSA faces Division B leader, GK Warriors in another epic match. Will WSA prevail over GK?

PHI breezes through HWBC, 57-30

PHI breezes through HWBC, 57-30

PHI-Blue Devils keeps its playoffs and finals hopes alive as it breezes past through the HWBC team. All eyes are now on Q-points to determine who lords it over for second place in Division A.

Delaware Titans, one of the teams wresting PHI's second spot ranking, have their backs against the wall on a must-win game against the Blue Devils this Saturday, July 26. Who do you think will win?

Origlio surpassed Pinoy (65-49).

Louis Orceleza's 37 points and Louie Suico's 11 points provided most of the offense for team Origlio in their game against Pinoy team. This win is critical for Origlio to ably position themselves for a possible slot in the playoff, as long as the other future game events lines up in their favor.


SFC Manila Bay wins over IBC, 56-38

SFC Manila Bay gives the IBC the boot with its convincing win against the JUST MEN gang. While SFC hangs on to its playoffs hope, the only way they can zoom to the second spot is if both PHI and Delaware Titans default their Game 6 schedule.

Pump-up the Volume, Palaro people! Game Four

Alright, PALARO bloggers! Since many of you have been shouting and requesting that I post entries about the PALARO games, here it is.

Make some NOISE!!!!!!!!!!! Paaaalaaaaroooo Bloogggerrss!

Tell us who you think will be victors in the much-awaited games this coming Saturday. Here are the game schedules for July 19:

Division A - 10:00 to 11:30 am (correction)
1 Delaware Titans vs TFC Mainline
2 PHI Blue Devils vs Healing Water
3 SFC/Manila Bay VS IBC

Division B - 11:30 to 1:00 PM
1 Excel PT vs GK Warriors
2 Wala Sa Ayos vs Red Bulls
3 Origlio vs PINOY


To inspire you to put together your blog piece, here are some videos of the great MJ:

Ok?! Ready... set... BLOG clean now!!!

Folks are asking where the venue of the games will be. For those who don't know yet, here is the venue of the games:

PAL HOCKESSIN CENTER
7259 Lancaster Pike
Hockessin, DE 19707

Or you can get driving directions using this google map:


View Larger Map

Prayer Request for Nestor San Diego's quick recovery

To our Dear Friends and the Palaro Community,

Please join us in our prayers for the quick recovery of Kuya Nestor who just had an open surgery last Saturday at Union Hospital due to excessive pressure on his left leg. Kuya Nestor starts noticing the pain during our basketball practice two weeks ago. He may stay in the hospital until the muscle pressures subside for the doctor to close the wound.

Thanks,

Herb Monsalud

Gawad Kalinga Warriors

“Let us Pray, O God of heavenly powers, by the might of your command you drive away from our bodies all sickness and all infirmity. Be present in your goodness with your servant Kuya Nestor, that his weakness may be banished and his strength restored; and that, his health being renewed, he may bless your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Note: This request was sent via e-mail by Herb Monsalud and was approved for posting.

Apology from TFC-Mainline

July 13, 2008

To all PAAD players/committee/Fans

On behalf of my team, I would like to apologize to anyone that was offended with any of the comments regarding my team (TFC). When I saw the comments that was written by D/League, my first reaction was shock. Being the team captain, I felt responsible for the comments that were posted. I called all my teammates right away to verify who wrote this NASTY comment and was surprised to find out that no member in our team was responsible for those comments. I would never allow such "kayabangan" to be said by any player/member/fan of our team. Everybody was accounted for as to where my teammates were at the time the first damaging comment was written. As for history, we all know my teammate Dexter Liga had such a strong opinion in the previous blog. I would also like to apologize on behalf of my team. It was not meant to hurt anybody. Thanks to Dexter for apologizing for it right away. In fact he hasnt read the recent blog comments yet because he was away. My teammates and I have been only observers to this blog however I felt it was time to for me to say something in defense of my team.

I'm very dissapointed and disgusted to find out that there is a person who would try to put such a bad name on our team. To D/League, I'm speechless. You are bringing shame to to this league by your actions. Not only did you instill harm on our team, but worse, you tried to hurt the feelings of other teams in the league as well.

We joined the league for the love of the game. I told the committee that the first year that we played (with Red Bulls), we had a blast. Everybody was very friendly, we actually felt welcomed even if we didnt know a lot of people. That's why I brought my team to play. Regarding the game against Healing Water, I was surprised that a lot of people were saying that we were being mean and not playing the game fair. We go on court to play, to do what we need to do and most of all have fun. I personally think that we gave HW the proper respect by letting our players play how they really play. I actually admire healing water because they were playing with heart. Despite their age and number of players that showed up, they never gave up. They worked hard. I would want the same thing to be done to me and not a pity game. I wish when I reach their ages, I would play half of how they showed me during that game. Thats the game of basketball right? Then outside the court we are all one big family again.

In response to the fans of all teams. All the teams in this league have one goal, and that is the PAAD Trophy. No one will deny that. Each game is played to win. We respect all the other teams. Every team in this league is talented. As for all the talk between who is better, who will beat who, and who will be number one. That will all be determined in the championship game. No if's, and's and But's. Whoever it will be, deserves it. The trophy is the proper recognition for their hard work. Whoever wont get it, there is always next year. That is why we all keep playing year after year. Win or Lose.To all bloggers/fans, keep on supporting the league. Keep on joking. But keep it clean. What started out as friendly interaction, is now getting out of hand and turning into an ugly, bad mouthing game. I hope to all the new friends that we made with this league, and to those who have known us from other leagues, that we wouldnt intentionally say things that would hurt anyone. We are all very grateful that we were given the opportunity to play in this league. And we would like it to remain that way. To all players, Good Luck and lets just have some fun.

Sent via e-blog:

Butch Sanchez
Team Captain
TFC - Mainline

TOP 10 PALARO BLOGGERS!!!

Take a bow, Palaro 2008 Bloggers!

I guess, a pat in the back is in order to all the “Palaro bloggers”, who, in one way or another, had contributed their fare share of thoughts in the last entry by Mr. Arcilla about TFC being a formidable team.

I salute you all for coming out and speaking your mind!

Although the comment 'counters' reflect a count of some 92 comments (the highest, so far, in all the entries), the actual visits to Mr. Arcilla’s observation article has notched a total of 1,400-plus unique visits in a span of just 7 calendar-days.

Wow!!! That is one awesome feat for a community basketball league like Palaro!!

However, I also want to point out, that although we got huge visits at this forum, less than a hundred of you “bloggers” are outspoken. That means, 92% of our readers are “silent” observers. I’m sure they’re just waiting for the right moment to jump in and be part of the fray. Let’s wait and see.

My Palaro Blog Honor Roll:

As your moderator, I would like to give credit and appreciation to all of you. However, like in any forum, some will stand out and for that I will credit them as my first Top Ten bloggers. Again, the list below is based only on my opinion, the PSC has nothing to do with the honorees below. You may agree or disagree, and that’s ok, as long as we respect each one’s opinion.

Drum roll, please……Top Ten Palaro Bloggers, are……..!

1. Dexter Allen Fernandez Liga – I have to admit, Dexter’s comments created quite a stir on this blog. But I have to give Dexter the top honors for his BREVITY and HONESTY. Why? Among the bloggers, including myself, you are the first one who was not afraid to identify himself by his full name.

2. Herb Monsalud – I call him the “Gentleman Blogger”. Like Dexter, he came out unafraid of his real name. But more importantly, he acknowledged all the accolades (as well as the negative comments) accorded to GK Warriors. His gesture of sheer gratefulness speaks well of the character of GK players.

3. "not Rudelikeyou" – I call this guy, the Blog Police. While his comments are strong, he will not allow “trash talking” inside this blog. Makes my job easier. So beware bloggers.

PS: By the way, both Dexter and notRudelikeyou fprgave each other and had
a happy ending.

4. SinobaKuya? – The Funny Blogger. His blog name alone makes me laugh because I happen to know the private joke behind his monicker. I suspect he is Joel Valenciano’s biggest fan (and relative?). Haha (joke lang, Joel)

5. "Proudpinoy76" and "John" – The Drumbeaters. Both this two bloggers started to change the focus of the entry from TFC to GKW.

6. "Observer" – The Blog Scout. He seem to have scouted all the teams in the league and gives his opinion about their strengths. Good job observer.

7. "Abnoy81" – The Conscience Blogger. “Abnoy” is a Tagalog slang for the English word – abnormal. He may have an abnormal name but his thoughts clearly stirred my conscience. Remember his comments: “As kababayans, we need to value and respect each others "clean" opinions.”

8. “Anonymous ofJuly 9, 2008 8:38 AM” and "Mackoy" – The Matchup Duo. These two bloggers started matching Palaro Players and Teams to the closest NBA counterparts. And who’s David Stern, again? Haha…

9. “Tagapangalaga” – The certified Blog Addict. He must be solely responsible for increasing the forum PAGE HITS. He’s always checking the blog all day.

10. “Norman” – The Loyal Pinoy. I think he should be Pinoy’s encourager in this blog. Kumpare yata ni Marlowe si Norman? What do you think?

So there you go, my first Top Ten Palaro Blog Honor Roll. (Parang mahaba yata ‘yon!) Watch out for next week’s Top Ten bloggers. And please, if by chance you know them, kindly congratulate them for me.

By the way, for those who are using Nicknames in the blog, you've got to identify yourself in full to receive your small token.

Kita-kits sa Palaro this Saturday!!

God bless.

SCRIBBS

What makes TFC/Mainline a formidable team?

From the Observer - by Art Arcilla

The simple answer, "cohesive teamwork."

Consider this for a second, the TFC/Mainline team consists only of nine or ten players. By their individual or collective physique alone, they don't appear intimidating or formidable. Their height appears to be even smaller than the average in the league.

True, they may have won several championships, and probably played longer than any team in the Palaro league. Still, at first glance you can't detect that this team has championship blood in them. Are they poised to do it again, this time at the 2008 Palaro?

Being one of the staff members of the Palaro committee, I don’t have the opportunity to watch them play their game in its entirety. However, for the few moments that I was able to see them play, one thing that I noticed is how they execute their plays like clockwork.

What does this equate to? What does it mean by playing as a team?

I am not a knowledgeable person by far to know the intricacies and the many play strategies of the game of basketball, but one thing I learned from this team is the significant and powerful meaning of teamwork. Many of them are just as good as some in the league, on individual basis. However, their combined performance could be lethal to many.

Their key is teamwork, and not just teamwork...but cohesive teamwork. An easy and simple fundamental attribute, but takes a huge degree of individual discipline and plenty of hardwork to posses and accomplish. One may have a large amount of talent that exudes in every game. But to ably be successful in a particular endeavor that requires more than one individual to accomplish, teamwork is critically a vital ingredient.

Teamwork requires that everybody must play their assigned positions effectively which at times involves some personal sacrifice and humility for the sake of the team. A perfect assist (pass) to an open team member is one of the many examples. A well designed set play is another one, and so on and so forth.

Teamwork requires pre-planning and lots of hours of practice to perfect. Success (a relative word) or failure can be predicted based on how much pre-planning was or were involved. Planning consists of many aspects but not limited to the following:

• identification of objective(s)
• preparation on how to attain it
• development of strategies such as methodologies and contingencies
• and finally, a disciplined execution.
  

Success? Objectives? For this tournament, they go hand in hand. Many may say that the five-hundred dollar worth championship trophy (not kidding) at stake in this tournament is the measure and ultimate performance indicator of success. Others may say that the personal enjoyment they attained is their measure of success. Some may say that the camaraderie and the community atmosphere that they experienced were the goals. In other words, differing objectives vary among many.

However, the common denominator in the achievement of the objective is the orchestration and execution of work through TEAMWORK. Then, you can reflect among yourselves if you were successful or not. Additionaly, you can even ask your team mate or opponent if he was.

Now, is TFC beatable? Absolutely, but you have to overcome their vaunted teamwork.