I had a good year and I hope you all did too. Sana next year will be brighter and happier for all of us here. We may not agree all the time pero that's what democracy is all about. Allow me to share some thoughts.
Wish ko for 2005:
1. Sana wala nang pasaway na member who will send us numerous forwarded e-mails na wala namang kinalaman sa group. I understand that you want to make your presence felt pero naman, say something from the heart, not by clicking on Forward. Same goes for chain letters, solicitation letters, advertisement ng kung anu-anong scams and most especially links to mail-order brides, puh-leeze. Send it to your friends, huwag sa buong group where hundreds will receive it. It's spam, however way you look at it.
2. I would like to see less of Friendster, hi5, Myspace, Tickle invitations sent to the whole group. Send it directly to the people you want to be friends with not to everybody. It doesn't make sense to me. It's getting to be a popularity contest, paramihan na lang ba ng friends sa list? (While I'm at it, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everybody who have been sending me Friendster invitations in private. Touched ako na you all want to be friends with me but please get to know me first. Baka you haven't been warned, I can be your worst nightmare. And I would like to inform you all that I don't have a Friendster account and that if ever you find one, it's not me. Sorry if feeling celebrity ako pero close friends have been bugging me to have one and they've been offering to create and maintain it for me.)
3. I know that hindi tayo mauubusan ng something to say about what's happening to our team, other teams, sa mga players, coaches and life in general pero nakikiusap naman po ako, don't use words you wouldn't want your future kids to read and learn about. I've said it before and I will say it again, nobody deserves to be called walang kuwentang tao, bobo, tanga, a-hole and kung anu-ano pa. We know how to use the computer so we all have brains, right? Be responsible.
4. Lastly, for my favorite PBA team, Purefoods TJ Hotdogs, to finally be the champs again after more than two years of frustrations. (I know what you're thinking, cut it out.) For my UAAP team, UE Red Warriors, to book a seat to the finals in season 68 and win it of course.
And to everybody reading this, sorry mahaba na naman, A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU! GOD BLESS EVERYBODY!
29 December 2004
28 December 2004
Si Rey Evangelista... bow
A college ball player just recently asked me: "Ano gusto mo talaga sa isang player?" He was of course on a fishing expedition, wanted me to say things that best describe him. I gave him the following answers: a hardworker, one who doesn't curse and one who doesn't make reklamo all the time.
He met the first and the last but can't argue with me as to my second criteria. I did catch him twice. He said he didn't mean to, it was an expression. Precisely, I told him and it's bad.
I've been watching basketball for as long as I can remember and cursing is... part of the game? I think it's a guy thing. And I don't understand it.
I honestly can't think of anyone else who meets my idea of an ideal basketball player but Rey Evangelista. And I'm not exaggerating. Totoo po, promise. I mean, you see the guy on court, he hardly even say anything. Mahirap basahin. You don't know what's going through his mind. Which is good for the team but sometimes I wish he smiles naman a bit. Para lang may variety ang facial expressions. Parang emoticons, maraming choices.
Kuya Rey (I think I've already asked permission for this) first came to my senses in 1993. September 18, 1993 to be exact. It was UST's last game in the eliminations of UAAP's season 56. Saturday's classes were to be suspended, the memo said Friday morning. Walang klase! Ang saya! Only we realized later wala pala talaga kami pasok kasi Sabado.
It wasn't clear to me then kung bakit and ano meron. I thought it was the championship game, hindi pala. They're gunning for a sweep. Say what? Just go and watch, I was told.
Good thing I did.
It was my first UAAP game and it was awesome. In all aspect. S'yempre panalo kami! I will never ever forget that day. Walang pasok the following Monday and Tuesday. Ang saya-saya! We had an overdose of Tiger power. They're everywhere. Posters and banners congratulating them mushroomed all over the campus. I finally learned the names behind that historic sweep, thanks mainly to the Varsitarian (the school paper) special edition. (Sayang talaga, I just got rid of my copy two months ago. You look... young pa naman do'n. Very young.)
Kuya Rey left us after that year and would resurface, hah, with my favorite team in the PBA, Purefoods. So I had the chance to see more of him, share more championships with him and cry for him and the team when they loses.
To Kuya Rey, this year is your 10th as a professional basketball player and quite special for you had just been named new team captain. I've always admired your on-court attitude and was one of those who prayed for you to be chosen as Cap's successor.
I would like to congratulate you for a decade of harwork and dedication to the game. As a Purefoods fan, I'm hoping and praying that you go the way of Cap who spent all his playing years at Purefoods.
Happy birthday, Kuya Rey. I feel privileged to have watched you grow as a player through the years. I hope it's not too late for me to know naman the person behind the name.
Congrats again for the new role and may God bless you and your family more.
Smile, Kuya Rey, you're on cam!
He met the first and the last but can't argue with me as to my second criteria. I did catch him twice. He said he didn't mean to, it was an expression. Precisely, I told him and it's bad.
I've been watching basketball for as long as I can remember and cursing is... part of the game? I think it's a guy thing. And I don't understand it.
I honestly can't think of anyone else who meets my idea of an ideal basketball player but Rey Evangelista. And I'm not exaggerating. Totoo po, promise. I mean, you see the guy on court, he hardly even say anything. Mahirap basahin. You don't know what's going through his mind. Which is good for the team but sometimes I wish he smiles naman a bit. Para lang may variety ang facial expressions. Parang emoticons, maraming choices.
Kuya Rey (I think I've already asked permission for this) first came to my senses in 1993. September 18, 1993 to be exact. It was UST's last game in the eliminations of UAAP's season 56. Saturday's classes were to be suspended, the memo said Friday morning. Walang klase! Ang saya! Only we realized later wala pala talaga kami pasok kasi Sabado.
It wasn't clear to me then kung bakit and ano meron. I thought it was the championship game, hindi pala. They're gunning for a sweep. Say what? Just go and watch, I was told.
Good thing I did.
It was my first UAAP game and it was awesome. In all aspect. S'yempre panalo kami! I will never ever forget that day. Walang pasok the following Monday and Tuesday. Ang saya-saya! We had an overdose of Tiger power. They're everywhere. Posters and banners congratulating them mushroomed all over the campus. I finally learned the names behind that historic sweep, thanks mainly to the Varsitarian (the school paper) special edition. (Sayang talaga, I just got rid of my copy two months ago. You look... young pa naman do'n. Very young.)
Kuya Rey left us after that year and would resurface, hah, with my favorite team in the PBA, Purefoods. So I had the chance to see more of him, share more championships with him and cry for him and the team when they loses.
To Kuya Rey, this year is your 10th as a professional basketball player and quite special for you had just been named new team captain. I've always admired your on-court attitude and was one of those who prayed for you to be chosen as Cap's successor.
I would like to congratulate you for a decade of harwork and dedication to the game. As a Purefoods fan, I'm hoping and praying that you go the way of Cap who spent all his playing years at Purefoods.
Happy birthday, Kuya Rey. I feel privileged to have watched you grow as a player through the years. I hope it's not too late for me to know naman the person behind the name.
Congrats again for the new role and may God bless you and your family more.
Smile, Kuya Rey, you're on cam!
17 December 2004
Giving gifts, exchanging cards
My holiday sense is slowly turning from bad to worse. It's the second day of Simbang Gabi and I still haven't bought a single Christmas gift. Where have all my time and plans gone?
I was a professional crammer back when I was still in school, the only explanation I can give myself and it's not even a reasonable one.
I started okay, really. I finished writing cards for friends abroad as early as the last week of October. My list survived countless revisions but ready by last week of November. I mailed the cards first day of December. They have reached their destinations here and abroad, save for the two sent to Iloilo and Quezon, got lost probably. They will turn up, I have great faith in our postal service. I just hope it reaches my friends before the middle of next year.
I even have one big blooper, the Christmas cards I got this year were so small my annoying little cousin said it looks like an over-sized gift tag. I honestly didn't realize it was small until I opened the box at home. To think that it took me a good thirty minutes to decide which one to get. I had trouble picking from three different sets but I didn't want anything too red and too gold so I got the one with cute little bears. It cost more than the other two but I liked the box at first sight. Lucky me, they're really small, but hey, it's the thought that counts!
And the gifts... maybe because I haven't thought of a particular theme until now. I started a themed Christmas two years ago and actually thought it was easier to get gifts that way. From friends to godchildren and everyone else, I gave them books. Then went all sleepwear last year.
I partially blame the book I consulted just before the -ber months came. It even got me more confused than ever. I should have trusted my instincts at the start.
I'm dreading the trip to the mall especially at this time of the season but I don't really have a choice, do I?
I was a professional crammer back when I was still in school, the only explanation I can give myself and it's not even a reasonable one.
I started okay, really. I finished writing cards for friends abroad as early as the last week of October. My list survived countless revisions but ready by last week of November. I mailed the cards first day of December. They have reached their destinations here and abroad, save for the two sent to Iloilo and Quezon, got lost probably. They will turn up, I have great faith in our postal service. I just hope it reaches my friends before the middle of next year.
I even have one big blooper, the Christmas cards I got this year were so small my annoying little cousin said it looks like an over-sized gift tag. I honestly didn't realize it was small until I opened the box at home. To think that it took me a good thirty minutes to decide which one to get. I had trouble picking from three different sets but I didn't want anything too red and too gold so I got the one with cute little bears. It cost more than the other two but I liked the box at first sight. Lucky me, they're really small, but hey, it's the thought that counts!
And the gifts... maybe because I haven't thought of a particular theme until now. I started a themed Christmas two years ago and actually thought it was easier to get gifts that way. From friends to godchildren and everyone else, I gave them books. Then went all sleepwear last year.
I partially blame the book I consulted just before the -ber months came. It even got me more confused than ever. I should have trusted my instincts at the start.
I'm dreading the trip to the mall especially at this time of the season but I don't really have a choice, do I?
10 December 2004
A Letter to Paul
I am a fan. But I guess you already know that. Since when exactly, I don't really know. I just found myself watching your every move. Every game I mean, I haven't resorted to stalking you, don't worry.
I have always been a UAAP fan. One can't help it when you have classes being suspended before and after a championship game. You learn to love it especially because it comes before the final exams. I went to UST before UE and will forever be a Thomasian by heart. Until you and James came along. To be perfectly honest, I didn't really give a damn about the Red Warriors back when I was still in school. I only got to watch UE games when UST was playing them. I was a Tiger in disguised in a Warrior outfit. I was mean and did my school injustice. I looked forward to an Ateneo-La Salle game the same way their alumni would. I did watch their games live. Lualhati probably rued the day she welcomed me into her midst.
But you and James came along. It was very unfortunate that my awakening came when I was done with school. A UAAP-freak as I said, I would still watch the games whenever I had the time. And for once, I made an effort to catch UE play. The year was 2002.
You were in the Final Four with a twice-to-beat advantage over Ateneo. I was saddened by the first game loss but it didn't prepare me for the knockout match. I was too shocked to even move after the final buzzer sounded. But like a true-blue (red) fan, I didn't see the point of blaming you for the miscue. I trained my guns instead to Gec Chia. I actually refused to acknowledge Gec as part of the Ateneo team that eventually won the title that season. For me, he was just so darn lucky he nailed that shot and comforted myself with the thought that maybe they really were destined to be the champs that year.
You eventually redeemed yourself not long after the UAAP season. Your team won the Bantay Bata benefit games, Champion's League and the Guam Invitationals. You even won for yourself MVP citations for the Champion's League and Guam Invitationals. It was not a bad school year after all.
On your last UAAP season, things really were looking up for you and the team at the end of eliminations. I imagined a fairy tale-ending to your glorious UAAP career. You lost, I cried a river. I can still remember the look on your face in the last minute of that game. I wanted to run to you and give you a hug. I didn't obviously.
Again I comforted myself with the thought that FEU was meeting its date with destiny. James ran away with the MVP honors and you were in the Mythical Five as the best point guard of the league. It was enough to lift my spirits.
Then your team-up was reenacted in the PBL when James joined you in Welcoat. I couldn't ask for more. You two played for two teams that conference, side by side. You were both in the RP team that would later see action in the SEA Games.
The 2003 SEA Games, another disappointing memory. You got dropped from the team for not being an offensive threat they said. My heart bled for you. I actually wanted to hunt down Coaches Aric, Dong and Boysie.
It was too much to close a year that started with a bang. You missed the UAAP finals again, lost the Bantay Bata title and failed to help the team in defending the Champion's League crown as a big send-off to the departing Coach Boysie. It wasn't the most fitting closing to your college ball career.
The Rookie Draft came. I kept praying for Purefoods to pick you along with James who reportedly already met with Purefoods team officials even before the draft. It seemed so impossible and unthinkable but I have been a Purefoods fan ever since and I want you in the team so my life would be easier. My informant at the Glorietta sent me a message that you went to Sta Lucia and Purefoods got James. Sad and hungry for I refused to eat dinner, I still watched the proceedings on television. Good thing I did for I have been fed the wrong information. I didn't let my informant-friend sleep soundly that night.
I got my wish. You got drafted by my favorite team with James in tow. I couldn't be any happier.
Welcoat lost the championship to Fash in a very emotional and controversial series. Everyday is not Christmas, I realized. But felt really overwhelmed when the Purefoods team came down for a visit in Game 2. It was a sight to behold when they were shown on television wildly cheering you and James on after a fastbreak.
I waited long and hard for the opening of the Fiesta Conference. I especially wanted to see that one because it would be your first official PBA appearance. I almost killed myself after I got stuck in traffic from a short trip to the mall. I missed you and the team coming out. I only caught the last team. I missed your first day in the PBA. I felt bad.
Your first game wasn't televised live. I was restless the whole night trying to convince myself the team won and you didn't do a Rich Alvarez. The team won I found out the day after and you survived your initiation. With flying colors. You were best player of the game and even outplayed Johnny A. How cool is that? I had a blast watching it two days later.
You finished the first round of eliminations on top of the rookie race but wasn't able to hold on because of the team's slump.
You won your birthday game and I was really glad for you. I wasn't able to catch that one live but I managed the next game. I will forever remember that day for it was the day I actually let you know I exist. I just wanted you to know in my most simplest way you bring happiness to my otherwise boring life by simply watching you play. I'd like to thank you again for what you did and my apologies again for saying and doing the wrong things for I was so stunned to even think straight.
Thanks again for greeting me on my birthday. I didn't give you much of a choice, did I? Thanks really, from the bottom of my heart. But the team lost its playoff game that same day so I canceled my birthday dinner for I was in no mood to celebrate.
Then the All-Stars came. Your first. In your rookie year. And you're in as starter. That was really great. Sorry you didn't do well in the side event but it seemed very obvious that you totally enjoyed your first All-Star experience.
And now we're in your second conference as a professional basketball player. You really are doing a good job. Your name got involved in trade rumors but remained rumors up to this day. Your free throw shooting is improving and though there's an obvious change in your game with regards to quickness, I suspect it has something to do with the PBA play but I'm not complaining. At times yes, but not every game.
You have come a long way since your La Salle days. A lot of disappointments along the way but you're where you are right now. No one can really explain the phenomenon that is Paul Artadi. You're not very tall, not known for your shooting skills (well yes, but in a negative manner) and yet you're in the PBA where playmaking is a chore more than a skill. Where point guards are shooting three-pointers as natural as the sun coming out in the morning. Where free throw shooting is a must especially for point guards who get fouled a lot. One can get away with it when you're a center, I don't know why. But you are in the PBA, making waves.
You don't know how happy I am when I learned you were back in school last semester. I was glad. No, ecstatic. It was good to know you still got your priorities right.
Now that you're officially a graduate, I truly am proud of you. You never let me down. I knew you would, that's why I like you. Your family must be really proud of you. Not that they aren't before given the state of your athletic career but a diploma gives a different high to parents, you know.
I want to congratulate you again for this latest achievement. I really am so happy and so proud of you. I'd like to thank you for awakening some sense of pride in me. Lame as it is, you and James were one of the few reasons I felt glad I went to UE for college. For that I'm grateful.
More power to you and may you continue to be an inspiration to others. James included. May God bless you more.
I have always been a UAAP fan. One can't help it when you have classes being suspended before and after a championship game. You learn to love it especially because it comes before the final exams. I went to UST before UE and will forever be a Thomasian by heart. Until you and James came along. To be perfectly honest, I didn't really give a damn about the Red Warriors back when I was still in school. I only got to watch UE games when UST was playing them. I was a Tiger in disguised in a Warrior outfit. I was mean and did my school injustice. I looked forward to an Ateneo-La Salle game the same way their alumni would. I did watch their games live. Lualhati probably rued the day she welcomed me into her midst.
But you and James came along. It was very unfortunate that my awakening came when I was done with school. A UAAP-freak as I said, I would still watch the games whenever I had the time. And for once, I made an effort to catch UE play. The year was 2002.
You were in the Final Four with a twice-to-beat advantage over Ateneo. I was saddened by the first game loss but it didn't prepare me for the knockout match. I was too shocked to even move after the final buzzer sounded. But like a true-blue (red) fan, I didn't see the point of blaming you for the miscue. I trained my guns instead to Gec Chia. I actually refused to acknowledge Gec as part of the Ateneo team that eventually won the title that season. For me, he was just so darn lucky he nailed that shot and comforted myself with the thought that maybe they really were destined to be the champs that year.
You eventually redeemed yourself not long after the UAAP season. Your team won the Bantay Bata benefit games, Champion's League and the Guam Invitationals. You even won for yourself MVP citations for the Champion's League and Guam Invitationals. It was not a bad school year after all.
On your last UAAP season, things really were looking up for you and the team at the end of eliminations. I imagined a fairy tale-ending to your glorious UAAP career. You lost, I cried a river. I can still remember the look on your face in the last minute of that game. I wanted to run to you and give you a hug. I didn't obviously.
Again I comforted myself with the thought that FEU was meeting its date with destiny. James ran away with the MVP honors and you were in the Mythical Five as the best point guard of the league. It was enough to lift my spirits.
Then your team-up was reenacted in the PBL when James joined you in Welcoat. I couldn't ask for more. You two played for two teams that conference, side by side. You were both in the RP team that would later see action in the SEA Games.
The 2003 SEA Games, another disappointing memory. You got dropped from the team for not being an offensive threat they said. My heart bled for you. I actually wanted to hunt down Coaches Aric, Dong and Boysie.
It was too much to close a year that started with a bang. You missed the UAAP finals again, lost the Bantay Bata title and failed to help the team in defending the Champion's League crown as a big send-off to the departing Coach Boysie. It wasn't the most fitting closing to your college ball career.
The Rookie Draft came. I kept praying for Purefoods to pick you along with James who reportedly already met with Purefoods team officials even before the draft. It seemed so impossible and unthinkable but I have been a Purefoods fan ever since and I want you in the team so my life would be easier. My informant at the Glorietta sent me a message that you went to Sta Lucia and Purefoods got James. Sad and hungry for I refused to eat dinner, I still watched the proceedings on television. Good thing I did for I have been fed the wrong information. I didn't let my informant-friend sleep soundly that night.
I got my wish. You got drafted by my favorite team with James in tow. I couldn't be any happier.
Welcoat lost the championship to Fash in a very emotional and controversial series. Everyday is not Christmas, I realized. But felt really overwhelmed when the Purefoods team came down for a visit in Game 2. It was a sight to behold when they were shown on television wildly cheering you and James on after a fastbreak.
I waited long and hard for the opening of the Fiesta Conference. I especially wanted to see that one because it would be your first official PBA appearance. I almost killed myself after I got stuck in traffic from a short trip to the mall. I missed you and the team coming out. I only caught the last team. I missed your first day in the PBA. I felt bad.
Your first game wasn't televised live. I was restless the whole night trying to convince myself the team won and you didn't do a Rich Alvarez. The team won I found out the day after and you survived your initiation. With flying colors. You were best player of the game and even outplayed Johnny A. How cool is that? I had a blast watching it two days later.
You finished the first round of eliminations on top of the rookie race but wasn't able to hold on because of the team's slump.
You won your birthday game and I was really glad for you. I wasn't able to catch that one live but I managed the next game. I will forever remember that day for it was the day I actually let you know I exist. I just wanted you to know in my most simplest way you bring happiness to my otherwise boring life by simply watching you play. I'd like to thank you again for what you did and my apologies again for saying and doing the wrong things for I was so stunned to even think straight.
Thanks again for greeting me on my birthday. I didn't give you much of a choice, did I? Thanks really, from the bottom of my heart. But the team lost its playoff game that same day so I canceled my birthday dinner for I was in no mood to celebrate.
Then the All-Stars came. Your first. In your rookie year. And you're in as starter. That was really great. Sorry you didn't do well in the side event but it seemed very obvious that you totally enjoyed your first All-Star experience.
And now we're in your second conference as a professional basketball player. You really are doing a good job. Your name got involved in trade rumors but remained rumors up to this day. Your free throw shooting is improving and though there's an obvious change in your game with regards to quickness, I suspect it has something to do with the PBA play but I'm not complaining. At times yes, but not every game.
You have come a long way since your La Salle days. A lot of disappointments along the way but you're where you are right now. No one can really explain the phenomenon that is Paul Artadi. You're not very tall, not known for your shooting skills (well yes, but in a negative manner) and yet you're in the PBA where playmaking is a chore more than a skill. Where point guards are shooting three-pointers as natural as the sun coming out in the morning. Where free throw shooting is a must especially for point guards who get fouled a lot. One can get away with it when you're a center, I don't know why. But you are in the PBA, making waves.
You don't know how happy I am when I learned you were back in school last semester. I was glad. No, ecstatic. It was good to know you still got your priorities right.
Now that you're officially a graduate, I truly am proud of you. You never let me down. I knew you would, that's why I like you. Your family must be really proud of you. Not that they aren't before given the state of your athletic career but a diploma gives a different high to parents, you know.
I want to congratulate you again for this latest achievement. I really am so happy and so proud of you. I'd like to thank you for awakening some sense of pride in me. Lame as it is, you and James were one of the few reasons I felt glad I went to UE for college. For that I'm grateful.
More power to you and may you continue to be an inspiration to others. James included. May God bless you more.
21 October 2004
Hey Earn, what's your name again?
http://www.uaapgames.com/che_102004.shtml
Earl, Ernesto, Earn - will the real UE Warrior please raise a hand?
An ordinary basketball fan would be confused. He watches the games on television and hear sportscasters call him Earl then player profile appears on screen and says he's Earn. Newspapers arrives the next morning and he's Earl again. Web search produces more results on Earl than on Earn and then finds one where he's Ernesto.
"Ewan, baka hindi ako 'yan," says Earn Saguindel, rookie point guard for the UE Red Warriors of being referred to as Earl and Ernesto.
He said that in jest, it was actually hard to read. Hard to believe it came from the guy who always look so serious on court. But yes, this one does know how to smile and make you laugh. He can be real funny when he's all pumped up and will crack you up at times without really meaning to.
The early years
Basketball came into his life literally at the age of four. His father gifted him with a basketball and first taught him the art of dribbling. Talk about starting him young. And from kiddie-sized balls to the regular-sized one, he soon learned to play the game and this lad from the Queen City of the South found himself hooked and basketball became a way of life. He played competitive basketball when he went to Cebu Eastern College for grade school and high school.
But college ball didn't come easy. The University of the East is actually Earn's fourth school. Playing ball not entirely the reason for the school-hopping, there was a host of other things. It was on his third stop--the University of San Jose-Recoletos where he finally got the chance to play college basketball. And as fate would have it, while playing in the Champion's League and the Sinulog Cup in Cebu, he caught the eye of then UE head coach Boysie Zamar and was asked to join the Red Warriors.
He admits to not having second thoughts since he had really planned of going to Manila to try his luck here even before Coach Boysie's invitation came. There was an earlier offer from another UAAP-member school which unfortunately didn't materialize and instead of sulking, he just went on and refused to be stopped in pursuing his dreams. The idea of being away from family is not very comforting but the UE offer is too great an opportunity to pass up.
From Cebu to Recto
So he flew to Manila, got settled at the Warriors' quarters, met the other guys in the team, enrolled as a Business Management major, warmed up to his new environment, made new friends, and missed Cebu and his family.
He found a spot in the school's Team B and first saw action as a UE Warrior at the Fr Martin's Cup last year.
Then Coach Boysie left and Dindo Pumaren got on board. Superstars gone, starters gone, Earn got elevated to Team A and found himself filling a very big void that is Paul Artadi.
The new-look Warriors faced the defending champion Far Eastern University Tamaraws on opening day of the 67th season of the UAAP. His baptism of fire was against Denok Miranda, one of the league's best point guards. FEU won that game by a big margin but the UAAP-first timer played more like the veteran than his real veteran teammates. He tallied 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists in 27 minutes of action.
In retrospect
"Sayang kasi 'di ko napanalo team," was Earn's generic response after every loss.
When asked if he could turn back time and be allowed to change anything, "Game against La Salle in the first round. Ang panget ng game ko no'n!" He scored 3 points along with 7 turnovers, he may have a point. "Buti na lang nanalo pero panget talaga, gusto kong balikan," he adds.
Embarrassing moments on court? "Wala namang sobra, 'yon lang mga layup misses. Especially against UP sa second round. Sure shot na tapos 'di pa na-shoot, 'kahiya!"
Basketball gods indeed have been good to the UE Warriors. They finished fourth with a rookie coach and an almost rookie lineup, Marcy Arellano is Rookie of the Year, and Coach Dindo shared Coach of the Year honors with champion coach-brother Franz Pumaren, as recognized by the UAAP Press Corps. As for Earn, he knows there are still a lot of things in his game that needs polishing and he promises to be better next season. He looks forward to going up against LA Tenorio and TY Tang again in season 68.
"Sayang... pero okay na ako, tanggap na. Sayang lang talaga. Pero that's life. Prepare na lang kami for next year. Learn from our mistakes...," says Earn in his text message to this writer two days after their Final Four game.
He may have failed to steer the team all the way to the finals but he definitely made his presence felt. Many doubted his capabilities at the start but he's proving to be an able replacement to his celebrated predecessor. UE fans concerned about the team's future are now giving him the thumbs up for passing his initiation. He may not be a big factor in offense but he certainly repaid the coach's confidence by playing big on defense. And he never failed to amaze fans with his boundless energy on court even the Energizer bunny would take a bow.
"I just like his intensity and tenacity. And the way he moves on the court is amusing," says Boom Gonzales of ABS-CBN Sports when asked why he seemed to really like seeing the guy play.
Fans at the Cuneta Astrodome close to the UE bench and those watching television will always remember him as the guy who cut Coach Dindo short in the middle of giving instructions during the last time out of the UE-FEU second round of eliminations game. It prompted Sev Sarmenta to say, "Can you see a future coach in Earn Saguindel?"
Does he actually believe he's got fans now? "Ha? Wala! Kung meron man, family ko siguro."
Moving on
There's not much pressure at practice now as they continue training for next season and for the other tournaments they are set to participate in. A typical day for him used to be practice/training in the morning, games, then going to class. Now that it's the school break, he's looking forward to a lot of sleeping, hanging out with his cousins, and of course, spending time with his family.
Fast facts
Favorite subject -- English (with a laugh) and Filipino (laughs again)
Least favorite subject -- Math (laughs even louder)
Favorite PBA players -- Mark Caguioa, Mike Cortez, Johnny Abarrientos and Willie Miller
Favorite NBA players -- Stephon Marbury, Baron Davies, Steve Francis and Mike Bibby
He's no great fan of big men obviously.
Favorite story from the quarters -- It involves teammate Marco Tabaquero, a ghost story but not of The Ring mold, more like Scary Movie 2.
We were in stitches after he's done telling the story.
Ideal girl -- "Cute, no, nothing really specific. Basta understanding."
Ideal date -- "One-on-one game. Tapos dinner, without changing clothes ha! Do'n na rin sa gym para masaya!"
You have been warned. The guy is a natural comic masquerading as a basketball star.
Who inspires you most? "Mama ko! Lahat-lahat 'to, ng ginagawa ko, para sa Mama ko."
Definitely an 'aww moment.' So let's call him by his given name, it's Earn. His mom would be real glad and proud.
Earl, Ernesto, Earn - will the real UE Warrior please raise a hand?
An ordinary basketball fan would be confused. He watches the games on television and hear sportscasters call him Earl then player profile appears on screen and says he's Earn. Newspapers arrives the next morning and he's Earl again. Web search produces more results on Earl than on Earn and then finds one where he's Ernesto.
"Ewan, baka hindi ako 'yan," says Earn Saguindel, rookie point guard for the UE Red Warriors of being referred to as Earl and Ernesto.
He said that in jest, it was actually hard to read. Hard to believe it came from the guy who always look so serious on court. But yes, this one does know how to smile and make you laugh. He can be real funny when he's all pumped up and will crack you up at times without really meaning to.
The early years
Basketball came into his life literally at the age of four. His father gifted him with a basketball and first taught him the art of dribbling. Talk about starting him young. And from kiddie-sized balls to the regular-sized one, he soon learned to play the game and this lad from the Queen City of the South found himself hooked and basketball became a way of life. He played competitive basketball when he went to Cebu Eastern College for grade school and high school.
But college ball didn't come easy. The University of the East is actually Earn's fourth school. Playing ball not entirely the reason for the school-hopping, there was a host of other things. It was on his third stop--the University of San Jose-Recoletos where he finally got the chance to play college basketball. And as fate would have it, while playing in the Champion's League and the Sinulog Cup in Cebu, he caught the eye of then UE head coach Boysie Zamar and was asked to join the Red Warriors.
He admits to not having second thoughts since he had really planned of going to Manila to try his luck here even before Coach Boysie's invitation came. There was an earlier offer from another UAAP-member school which unfortunately didn't materialize and instead of sulking, he just went on and refused to be stopped in pursuing his dreams. The idea of being away from family is not very comforting but the UE offer is too great an opportunity to pass up.
From Cebu to Recto
So he flew to Manila, got settled at the Warriors' quarters, met the other guys in the team, enrolled as a Business Management major, warmed up to his new environment, made new friends, and missed Cebu and his family.
He found a spot in the school's Team B and first saw action as a UE Warrior at the Fr Martin's Cup last year.
Then Coach Boysie left and Dindo Pumaren got on board. Superstars gone, starters gone, Earn got elevated to Team A and found himself filling a very big void that is Paul Artadi.
The new-look Warriors faced the defending champion Far Eastern University Tamaraws on opening day of the 67th season of the UAAP. His baptism of fire was against Denok Miranda, one of the league's best point guards. FEU won that game by a big margin but the UAAP-first timer played more like the veteran than his real veteran teammates. He tallied 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists in 27 minutes of action.
In retrospect
"Sayang kasi 'di ko napanalo team," was Earn's generic response after every loss.
When asked if he could turn back time and be allowed to change anything, "Game against La Salle in the first round. Ang panget ng game ko no'n!" He scored 3 points along with 7 turnovers, he may have a point. "Buti na lang nanalo pero panget talaga, gusto kong balikan," he adds.
Embarrassing moments on court? "Wala namang sobra, 'yon lang mga layup misses. Especially against UP sa second round. Sure shot na tapos 'di pa na-shoot, 'kahiya!"
Basketball gods indeed have been good to the UE Warriors. They finished fourth with a rookie coach and an almost rookie lineup, Marcy Arellano is Rookie of the Year, and Coach Dindo shared Coach of the Year honors with champion coach-brother Franz Pumaren, as recognized by the UAAP Press Corps. As for Earn, he knows there are still a lot of things in his game that needs polishing and he promises to be better next season. He looks forward to going up against LA Tenorio and TY Tang again in season 68.
"Sayang... pero okay na ako, tanggap na. Sayang lang talaga. Pero that's life. Prepare na lang kami for next year. Learn from our mistakes...," says Earn in his text message to this writer two days after their Final Four game.
He may have failed to steer the team all the way to the finals but he definitely made his presence felt. Many doubted his capabilities at the start but he's proving to be an able replacement to his celebrated predecessor. UE fans concerned about the team's future are now giving him the thumbs up for passing his initiation. He may not be a big factor in offense but he certainly repaid the coach's confidence by playing big on defense. And he never failed to amaze fans with his boundless energy on court even the Energizer bunny would take a bow.
"I just like his intensity and tenacity. And the way he moves on the court is amusing," says Boom Gonzales of ABS-CBN Sports when asked why he seemed to really like seeing the guy play.
Fans at the Cuneta Astrodome close to the UE bench and those watching television will always remember him as the guy who cut Coach Dindo short in the middle of giving instructions during the last time out of the UE-FEU second round of eliminations game. It prompted Sev Sarmenta to say, "Can you see a future coach in Earn Saguindel?"
Does he actually believe he's got fans now? "Ha? Wala! Kung meron man, family ko siguro."
Moving on
There's not much pressure at practice now as they continue training for next season and for the other tournaments they are set to participate in. A typical day for him used to be practice/training in the morning, games, then going to class. Now that it's the school break, he's looking forward to a lot of sleeping, hanging out with his cousins, and of course, spending time with his family.
Fast facts
Favorite subject -- English (with a laugh) and Filipino (laughs again)
Least favorite subject -- Math (laughs even louder)
Favorite PBA players -- Mark Caguioa, Mike Cortez, Johnny Abarrientos and Willie Miller
Favorite NBA players -- Stephon Marbury, Baron Davies, Steve Francis and Mike Bibby
He's no great fan of big men obviously.
Favorite story from the quarters -- It involves teammate Marco Tabaquero, a ghost story but not of The Ring mold, more like Scary Movie 2.
We were in stitches after he's done telling the story.
Ideal girl -- "Cute, no, nothing really specific. Basta understanding."
Ideal date -- "One-on-one game. Tapos dinner, without changing clothes ha! Do'n na rin sa gym para masaya!"
You have been warned. The guy is a natural comic masquerading as a basketball star.
Who inspires you most? "Mama ko! Lahat-lahat 'to, ng ginagawa ko, para sa Mama ko."
Definitely an 'aww moment.' So let's call him by his given name, it's Earn. His mom would be real glad and proud.
11 October 2004
And I thought I look like a loser
I went to my old school today. Did some work, hang out with new friends and in the process got my spirits lifted.
I am feeling not so confident about how I look the past two years. I have some problems with unsightly blemishes (Alright, alright, it's pimples!). Plus the fact that I'm not getting any younger and my continuous struggle with gaining weight (my apologies to those whose problems way contradict mine) still fruitless.
Went to school today expecting nothing but meeting pasaway people. I have some work to do and really have to go despite being up so late the previous night. I went to bed with prayers that hopefully I won't look so ngarag when I get up.
Prayers granted, but still feeling dreadful, I did what I usually do to perk things a bit--dress properly. I always wear pants in going there especially since I know I'm going to be there until night and I have to commute to and from home. I did the contrary today. I wore skirts so no invitation to a little rough and tumble at the gym, no sitting on the steps or wherever, will be entertained.
I got off along Legarda because traffic was bad, well, it's the Philippines and it's the University Belt. So okay, while walking (it's a pretty long stretch) I got those familiar stares (I look like an alien, remember?) from boys and girls alike, tambays, construction workers, drivers, security guards, you know, those people in the neighborhood. I should have gotten used to this since I started wearing dresses and skirts but insecurity is so innate, it's just like blinking my eyes. I always wonder what they're thinking. Have I got dark knees, shapeless legs, bakukangs, or whatever? I know they're not perfect but I don't think they're so bad.
To those familiar to the area, I know I should have turned to Gastambide but I chose to walk further and be in Recto. Call me insane but I miss the smell of Recto. Honestly. There's something with the stink that calm my nerves and feel right at home.
I got stopped by the guards at the school's Recto gate but luckily the person I'm supposed to be working with just passed by so he rescued me from them. He's with the varsity basketball team so naturally he's kinda popular in campus. I hate it when groups of girls will just turn around and give you the look that says clearly "Who the hell is she?" Really, they don't care if you see them looking and very obviously checking you out. So much for rudeness.
Did I mention pasaway? They're the poster boys for that term. The basketball team is so like that, you gotta have enough patience and courage to enter the Warriors' den. They're a bunch of kids, period.
I didn't have time to fix my hair before going there so I tied it back during the bus ride to tame it. I'm supposed to go visit the wash room first before going to the Warriors' quarters but since I got picked up literally at the gates, I can't possibly tell him, "Hey, daan muna ako sa wash room, will comb my hair first."
We did the interview just outside their quarters because it's too noisy inside but players and their friends kept passing by so it was impossible to concentrate, I had to keep saying hello to everybody who greets me with "Hi, ate Che!"
Ate, yes, I'm ate to them.
After an hour and a half of kulitan, headache and countless interruptions, was done working and ready to go. One of the players who is a very good friend came out of the room shouting, "Ate Che, ano ba, 'kala ko ba magte-text ka?!" Duh, somehow, from all the shouting and everything and dozens of times my name got called, he's just inside with his PS2 waiting for me to arrive. He said nobody told him I was there already.
He gave me the usual high five (I can reach it this time as I was sitting on a table) and said, "Ang ganda mo ngayon, ate. Ang sexy mo." Ha! Someone actually did appreciate the effort! But since they're all pasaways, he kept asking for the reason or reasons why I look presentable enough that time.
I was feeling less insecure already and starting to be comfortable with the place and the people around me when this janitor directed his cleaning just a few feet away from me. He was mopping the floor, spraying some... I don't know, collected the trash, and just when I thought he was done and will be leaving the area, he looked at me. He looked familiar but I can't quite place the face from somewhere.
He asked, "Kumusta ka na? Graduate ka na last year, ano?" Ooh, this is something new. Then I remembered him from my days in school. Was sad he's still there cleaning but at least he still got a job. I just said, "Hello po, kilala n'yo pa ako?" He answered, "Oo naman. Ikaw pa." Was tempted to ask why he said "Ako pa" but decided against it. I realized it doesn't matter. What's important is that he thought I just graduated last year! Ha, again!
So I don't look like I'm 28, hmm... Bola lang? I really don't care. I just know I felf great after he said it.
On the way out to Recto, still the same set of guards, they all looked at me. One asked if I was done with the interview. I said yes. He looked like he's going to ask another question but I turned my back on him and walked out of the premises. I was so hungry I could eat a hippogriff. Was already out of the gates and the guards were still looking (blame it on the alien look, I'm a walking freak show). I found out why later. They wanted to know if I'm "friends" with whom really. I walked in with a different person and walking out with another.
Duh?! I'm learning how to multiply and divide already when those guys first saw daylight! Naman!
I am feeling not so confident about how I look the past two years. I have some problems with unsightly blemishes (Alright, alright, it's pimples!). Plus the fact that I'm not getting any younger and my continuous struggle with gaining weight (my apologies to those whose problems way contradict mine) still fruitless.
Went to school today expecting nothing but meeting pasaway people. I have some work to do and really have to go despite being up so late the previous night. I went to bed with prayers that hopefully I won't look so ngarag when I get up.
Prayers granted, but still feeling dreadful, I did what I usually do to perk things a bit--dress properly. I always wear pants in going there especially since I know I'm going to be there until night and I have to commute to and from home. I did the contrary today. I wore skirts so no invitation to a little rough and tumble at the gym, no sitting on the steps or wherever, will be entertained.
I got off along Legarda because traffic was bad, well, it's the Philippines and it's the University Belt. So okay, while walking (it's a pretty long stretch) I got those familiar stares (I look like an alien, remember?) from boys and girls alike, tambays, construction workers, drivers, security guards, you know, those people in the neighborhood. I should have gotten used to this since I started wearing dresses and skirts but insecurity is so innate, it's just like blinking my eyes. I always wonder what they're thinking. Have I got dark knees, shapeless legs, bakukangs, or whatever? I know they're not perfect but I don't think they're so bad.
To those familiar to the area, I know I should have turned to Gastambide but I chose to walk further and be in Recto. Call me insane but I miss the smell of Recto. Honestly. There's something with the stink that calm my nerves and feel right at home.
I got stopped by the guards at the school's Recto gate but luckily the person I'm supposed to be working with just passed by so he rescued me from them. He's with the varsity basketball team so naturally he's kinda popular in campus. I hate it when groups of girls will just turn around and give you the look that says clearly "Who the hell is she?" Really, they don't care if you see them looking and very obviously checking you out. So much for rudeness.
Did I mention pasaway? They're the poster boys for that term. The basketball team is so like that, you gotta have enough patience and courage to enter the Warriors' den. They're a bunch of kids, period.
I didn't have time to fix my hair before going there so I tied it back during the bus ride to tame it. I'm supposed to go visit the wash room first before going to the Warriors' quarters but since I got picked up literally at the gates, I can't possibly tell him, "Hey, daan muna ako sa wash room, will comb my hair first."
We did the interview just outside their quarters because it's too noisy inside but players and their friends kept passing by so it was impossible to concentrate, I had to keep saying hello to everybody who greets me with "Hi, ate Che!"
Ate, yes, I'm ate to them.
After an hour and a half of kulitan, headache and countless interruptions, was done working and ready to go. One of the players who is a very good friend came out of the room shouting, "Ate Che, ano ba, 'kala ko ba magte-text ka?!" Duh, somehow, from all the shouting and everything and dozens of times my name got called, he's just inside with his PS2 waiting for me to arrive. He said nobody told him I was there already.
He gave me the usual high five (I can reach it this time as I was sitting on a table) and said, "Ang ganda mo ngayon, ate. Ang sexy mo." Ha! Someone actually did appreciate the effort! But since they're all pasaways, he kept asking for the reason or reasons why I look presentable enough that time.
I was feeling less insecure already and starting to be comfortable with the place and the people around me when this janitor directed his cleaning just a few feet away from me. He was mopping the floor, spraying some... I don't know, collected the trash, and just when I thought he was done and will be leaving the area, he looked at me. He looked familiar but I can't quite place the face from somewhere.
He asked, "Kumusta ka na? Graduate ka na last year, ano?" Ooh, this is something new. Then I remembered him from my days in school. Was sad he's still there cleaning but at least he still got a job. I just said, "Hello po, kilala n'yo pa ako?" He answered, "Oo naman. Ikaw pa." Was tempted to ask why he said "Ako pa" but decided against it. I realized it doesn't matter. What's important is that he thought I just graduated last year! Ha, again!
So I don't look like I'm 28, hmm... Bola lang? I really don't care. I just know I felf great after he said it.
On the way out to Recto, still the same set of guards, they all looked at me. One asked if I was done with the interview. I said yes. He looked like he's going to ask another question but I turned my back on him and walked out of the premises. I was so hungry I could eat a hippogriff. Was already out of the gates and the guards were still looking (blame it on the alien look, I'm a walking freak show). I found out why later. They wanted to know if I'm "friends" with whom really. I walked in with a different person and walking out with another.
Duh?! I'm learning how to multiply and divide already when those guys first saw daylight! Naman!
22 September 2004
UE Red Warriors: The season that was
http://www.uaapgames.com/che_092104.shtml
They missed the finals. Again. But the 67th season of the UAAP is UE Red Warriors' best finish to date.
Doomed by naysayers even before the final lineup has been drawn up, the Warriors proved them wrong and became this season's biggest surprise package.
Coach Boysie Zamar, the dynamic duo of Paul Artadi and James Yap, and the whole starting lineup with Jay-Arr Estrada, Arnold Booker, and Ollan Omiping now all gone, spelled trouble with a capital T.
Rookie coach Dindo Pumaren, a former DLSU Green Archer and one of the finest point guards ever to grace the PBA, knew when he took the job that it wasn't going to be easy. He set a long term goal and targeted season 69 for the team to reach its full potential. How very wrong he was. His team is peaking sooner than he expected.
Paulo Hubalde who didn't see much action in the previous season is now the Warrior's best offensive option. Nino Canaleta realized his true worth and showed everybody he really knew his basketball. RJ Masbang can now play the post effectively. Roberts Labagala has improved a lot and thanks to a longer playing time is more confident than before.
The rookies also did not disappoint the new coach. Marcy Arellano is probably the most consistent scorer of the team, living up to expectations as he was once a Juniors MVP. League insiders are looking at him as the next Yap. Raymond Leyga, another prized recruit from UST High School got injured early in the tournament but showed great promise in his first senior game. Rommel Dizon is the epitome of hard work. He seems to always be at the right place at the right time. Earn Saguindel is an Artadi clone, if not more. Just watching him play can be pretty tiring. He's a joy to watch, ask Boom Gonzales.
The team had a slow start confirming pre-season predictions. Slowly but surely they got their game going. First big victim was the ADU Falcons, a pre-season favorite to make the final four. The loss to UE sent the Falcons back to earth and started losing games from then on. The DLSU Green Archers was a fitting first round of eliminations closing treat. Coach Dindo hopefully had a good dinner courtesy of brother Franz. Then came the ADMU Blue Eagles, their winning streak came to an abrupt halt and spotless record tarnished, the UE Red Warriors was proclaimed the league's giant slayers. Thanks to a choking defense on LA Tenorio, currently the league's best point guard, as he went scoreless the entire game and at a post-game interview, still didn't know what hit him. That was some form of reality check for the Blue Eagles and unfortunately for the Warriors, theirs came not long after that. A streaking UP dealt them a sorry loss and sent a message to the whole UAAP community - they were the real giant killers. They managed to win six straight after going 0-6 in the first round until Coach Franz Pumaren said enough is enough.
With NU, UST and ADU out of the semifinal race, the Warriors found themselves in the running for a Final Four slot with UP trailing them. But blood will always be thicker than water, and inspired by a plot as interesting as last year's championship series, Coach Franz gave everyone something to talk and write about. The idea of a Pumaren versus Pumaren in the UAAP finals. The Green Archers shot down UP's Final Four aspirations and paved the way for UE's easy march to the semis. To borrow Coach Franz' words, it was just like laying the red carpet for UE's entry to the Final Four.
And as if to return the favor and following a Pumaren family script, Coach Dindo and the Warriors lost their last game against Coach Franz and the Green Archers. It gave the Archers a shot for a playoff for the number two spot. Unluckily for the Warriors, they found themselves squaring off in the semis with a team they failed to win against in the eliminations, the defending champions FEU Tamaraws. And the rest as they is history.
Coach Dindo before the start of the season said, "We may not have the talent of other UAAP teams but we'll be working hard. It's an exciting team. We might play the spoiler and pull off surprises."
And they did.
It has been a great season for the team. They have nothing to be ashamed of even if they failed to clinch a finals slot. Making the Final Four is an achievement in itself. One should not forget the fact that this is an entirely different team from last year's celebrated squad. They have overshoot their target. Not bad for a team who was predicted to finish at number seven.
Veterans Paulo Hubalde, Nino Canaleta and RJ Masbang won't be around anymore next year but they survived the exodus of superstars this year with convincing results, didn't they? They proved that even if they're a young team they can rise up to the challenge that is UAAP basketball.
They will just have to work hard in the off-season. Evaluate and learn from their mistakes. Focus on the small things that went unnoticed but had the biggest impact on their game. Weaknesses should be addressed and the players' mental maturity be strengthened.
Coach Dindo, along with elder brother Derrick and the rest of his coaching staff, definitely started on the right foot. It is just a matter of keeping on the right track.
After the Hail Mary team of the Blue Eagles in season 65, due ironically to Gec Chia's end game brilliance against this Recto-based squad, Coach Franz Pumaren has now taken to calling the Red Warriors the miracle team of the league.
They finished at number four this season down from number three last year. But every year offers a different story. They had a good run despite the odds. Next year is another challenge, they promised to be back. With a vengeance.
Players and coaches come and go but the team lives on. After all, Warriors will always be Warriors.
They missed the finals. Again. But the 67th season of the UAAP is UE Red Warriors' best finish to date.
Doomed by naysayers even before the final lineup has been drawn up, the Warriors proved them wrong and became this season's biggest surprise package.
Coach Boysie Zamar, the dynamic duo of Paul Artadi and James Yap, and the whole starting lineup with Jay-Arr Estrada, Arnold Booker, and Ollan Omiping now all gone, spelled trouble with a capital T.
Rookie coach Dindo Pumaren, a former DLSU Green Archer and one of the finest point guards ever to grace the PBA, knew when he took the job that it wasn't going to be easy. He set a long term goal and targeted season 69 for the team to reach its full potential. How very wrong he was. His team is peaking sooner than he expected.
Paulo Hubalde who didn't see much action in the previous season is now the Warrior's best offensive option. Nino Canaleta realized his true worth and showed everybody he really knew his basketball. RJ Masbang can now play the post effectively. Roberts Labagala has improved a lot and thanks to a longer playing time is more confident than before.
The rookies also did not disappoint the new coach. Marcy Arellano is probably the most consistent scorer of the team, living up to expectations as he was once a Juniors MVP. League insiders are looking at him as the next Yap. Raymond Leyga, another prized recruit from UST High School got injured early in the tournament but showed great promise in his first senior game. Rommel Dizon is the epitome of hard work. He seems to always be at the right place at the right time. Earn Saguindel is an Artadi clone, if not more. Just watching him play can be pretty tiring. He's a joy to watch, ask Boom Gonzales.
The team had a slow start confirming pre-season predictions. Slowly but surely they got their game going. First big victim was the ADU Falcons, a pre-season favorite to make the final four. The loss to UE sent the Falcons back to earth and started losing games from then on. The DLSU Green Archers was a fitting first round of eliminations closing treat. Coach Dindo hopefully had a good dinner courtesy of brother Franz. Then came the ADMU Blue Eagles, their winning streak came to an abrupt halt and spotless record tarnished, the UE Red Warriors was proclaimed the league's giant slayers. Thanks to a choking defense on LA Tenorio, currently the league's best point guard, as he went scoreless the entire game and at a post-game interview, still didn't know what hit him. That was some form of reality check for the Blue Eagles and unfortunately for the Warriors, theirs came not long after that. A streaking UP dealt them a sorry loss and sent a message to the whole UAAP community - they were the real giant killers. They managed to win six straight after going 0-6 in the first round until Coach Franz Pumaren said enough is enough.
With NU, UST and ADU out of the semifinal race, the Warriors found themselves in the running for a Final Four slot with UP trailing them. But blood will always be thicker than water, and inspired by a plot as interesting as last year's championship series, Coach Franz gave everyone something to talk and write about. The idea of a Pumaren versus Pumaren in the UAAP finals. The Green Archers shot down UP's Final Four aspirations and paved the way for UE's easy march to the semis. To borrow Coach Franz' words, it was just like laying the red carpet for UE's entry to the Final Four.
And as if to return the favor and following a Pumaren family script, Coach Dindo and the Warriors lost their last game against Coach Franz and the Green Archers. It gave the Archers a shot for a playoff for the number two spot. Unluckily for the Warriors, they found themselves squaring off in the semis with a team they failed to win against in the eliminations, the defending champions FEU Tamaraws. And the rest as they is history.
Coach Dindo before the start of the season said, "We may not have the talent of other UAAP teams but we'll be working hard. It's an exciting team. We might play the spoiler and pull off surprises."
And they did.
It has been a great season for the team. They have nothing to be ashamed of even if they failed to clinch a finals slot. Making the Final Four is an achievement in itself. One should not forget the fact that this is an entirely different team from last year's celebrated squad. They have overshoot their target. Not bad for a team who was predicted to finish at number seven.
Veterans Paulo Hubalde, Nino Canaleta and RJ Masbang won't be around anymore next year but they survived the exodus of superstars this year with convincing results, didn't they? They proved that even if they're a young team they can rise up to the challenge that is UAAP basketball.
They will just have to work hard in the off-season. Evaluate and learn from their mistakes. Focus on the small things that went unnoticed but had the biggest impact on their game. Weaknesses should be addressed and the players' mental maturity be strengthened.
Coach Dindo, along with elder brother Derrick and the rest of his coaching staff, definitely started on the right foot. It is just a matter of keeping on the right track.
After the Hail Mary team of the Blue Eagles in season 65, due ironically to Gec Chia's end game brilliance against this Recto-based squad, Coach Franz Pumaren has now taken to calling the Red Warriors the miracle team of the league.
They finished at number four this season down from number three last year. But every year offers a different story. They had a good run despite the odds. Next year is another challenge, they promised to be back. With a vengeance.
Players and coaches come and go but the team lives on. After all, Warriors will always be Warriors.
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