The Art of Moving On: Hugot ng Purefoods Fans

Nakamoved-on na ba ako?

Ilang araw nadin ang nakalipas…

Natapos na yung Laguna Trip namin.

Nag-Enchanted Kingdom pa kami. Naka-ilang rides ako dun. Yung mga extremes pa nga eh. Naalog lahat ng parte ng katawan ko, pati ata laman loob, maliban lang sa utak ko.

Kasi, diko makalimutan na night before that trip, nalaglag yung team ko .

Pagkatapos ng isang araw na pahinga, Baguio Trip naman. Andami naming pinuntahan.

Umakyat na ako ng 250 steps sa Grotto. Umakyat narin ako sa Gate ng The Mansion.

Umakyat na din ako sa kabayo.

Ang dami kong inakyatan, pero pagkalaglag parin ng Purefoods yung nasa alaala ko.

Nung isang araw din lang, naputol yung almost 4 months na relationship ko sa Bestfriend ko.

Halos apat na buwan na ups and downs, saya at tampuhan kaso wala eh, kinakailangang matigil.

Parang yung 4 straight championships ng Purefoods, hoping for 5^th… Natigil.

Mahirap makasanayng sweet siya sayo, then biglang, nagbago.

Parang Purefoods, laging champion then ngayon biglang laglag, iyak!

Eh yung last game ng elims against TNT? Nag OT pa diba?

Ganun pala feeling ng akala mo mahal ka niya, pero kaibigan lang pala. Umasa ka, talo ka. - @lorrenkaye

Almost there. Andoon na eh. Nasa’yo na, iingatan mo nalang. Pinakawalan mo pa. - @patriciagenee

Ikaw? Naka-moved on ka na?

As a BMEG/San Mig Coffee/ Purefoods fan, we all agreed that winning that 4^th Straight championships (including that elusive GRANDSLAM) was a DESTINY.

Just like the story of:

“From rags, to riches.”

“Started from the bottom, now we’re here.”

“From zero to hero.”

Grabe yung experiences ng team.

Parang roller-coaster ride. Taas-baba, nakakakaba, pero in the end… Woooh! What a relief?!

Parang typical bida sa isang Action Movie. Nagpapabugbog muna, sabay babanat sa huli. Wooooh! Championship Trophy!

Pero this time…

“Their hearts shouted yes, but their minds and bodies whispered… let’s rest FOR AWHILE.”

Yung poor freethrow shooting, para sa akin indicator yun na pagod talaga sila.

Eh, kapag naaalala ko yung napagdaanan ng team for the past 2 years, di pa nga ba sila pagod?

Tao rin naman sila. Sa sobrang physical ng larong ito, ilang players din ang nakaranas ng injuries from minor to major. Andyan din yung init ng ulo at pikunan. 

Ano bang naging record ng team for the past 2 years?

2012: AFC Quarterfinalist – Commissioner’s Cup Champion – Governor’s Cup Runner Up

2013: AFC Semifinalist - Commissioner’s Cup Semifinalist – Governor’s Cup Champion

2014: AFC Champion- Commissioner’s Cup Champion (3-PEAT) - Governor’s Cup Champion (GRANDSLAM)

Just in 2013-2014 seasons alone, this team was able to play 32 elimination-round matches and 39 Playoffs, with a total of 71 games, finishing 5^th, 6^th and 4^th in the elimination round in each conference respectively. Meaning, they weren't able to be in the uppermost seed having none of any automatic semis birth or never been into a “waiting” scenario.

They were also able to survive 9 do-or-die games.

It was definitely tiring.

Take note, NAKAKAPAGOD lang huh, hindi NAKAKASAWA.

Kapag kasi nagsasawa, tumitigil na.

Pero kung pagod lang, kailangan lang magpahinga.

At kapag ready na, sasabak na ulit sa gyera.

Si Ian Sangalang, gagaling na yan. Next conference makakapaglaro na siya.

Si Marc Pingris, my goodness, kahit papaano makakapagpahinga nang matagal.

Bukod sa 4-peat eh, may Gilas pa yan.

And the rest of the players, makakapagbakasyon with their families, with their loved ones, tapos makakapag-practice pa ng Freethrow shooting with Coach Richard. Haha!

Sabi nga ni Marc Barroca

“Siguro binigyan kami ng ganitong klaseng experience, na masaktan ng ganito,”

“Dapat lang eh mag-stay together kami, lilipas din to, next conference babawi din kami.” 

So, paano guys?

Sa mga Purefoods at the same time PBA fans dyan, for sure, manonood pa kayo ng remaining games, like me.

Dun naman sa mga Purefoods lang talaga ang pinapanood sa, hintay-hintay nalang muna hanggang mag January 27 ah.

Sabi nga nila, ang bawat pagkabigo ay hindi dahilan para bumitaw at sumuko, kadalasan ito ang nagiging paraan upang makita natin kung anong dapat palitan o mabago, nang sagayon tagumpay sa hinaharap ay iyong matamo.

Parang byahe namin papuntang Baguio, mag mga stop overs.

Nalaglag man ang team. Sige umiyak ka lang. Pero alalaahanin nalang natin yung lahat ng napagdaanan nila. 

STOP crying... and then get OVER. 

Eto oh, Grand slam Champions! 

Madalas ko 'to suotin ngayon. 

Eh di hindi nila ako maasar na laglag yung team ko.

Kasi isasagot ko lang naman...

"At least kaka-Grandslam lang. Eh yung sa'yo?" 

Cheers mga ka-HotShots!
Move on!

Smile! J

Purefoods' late rally in 4th, drives Kia out of gas

Purefoods grabbed its fourth straight victory in Kia Sorrento's expense, 88-77 in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday, November 26 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Just when everybody thought that the Grand Slam champions will pull this game easily, the newbie team dominated until the end of third quarter 57-51, led by the hot shooting of Reil Cervantes .

But the Hotshots turned on their switch in the fourth by tightening its defense and scoring 37 points anchored by Marc Barroca, Joe de Vance and Alex Mallari. 

With this win, Coach Tim Cone and the rest of his players rose to 5-3 in the standing tied with Barangay Ginebra and Talk 'N Text,

Their next game is on November 30 against Rain Or Shine at Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The scores:

PUREFOODS (88) – Devance 16, Barroca 15, Mallari 12, Yap 12, Pingris 9, Maliksi 9, Simon 6, Taha 5, Reavis 4, Melton 0.

KIA (77) – Cervantes 14, Revilla 12, Dehesa 11, Alvarez 10, Custodio 10, Pascual 8, Raymundo 6, Webb 4, Burtscher 2, Saldua 0, Buensuceso 0.

Quarterscores: 17-17, 34-34, 51-57, 88-77.

PJ Simon-led Purefoods overtakes NLEX Road Warriors

CT: Sports 5

Purefoods passed NLEX, 92-76 in the on-going PBA Philippine Cup, Friday at Smart Araneta-Coliseum.  

With an almost flawless shooting night of Peter Jun Simon who scored 20 points in 9 out of 10, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished off 2 assists, he led Purefoods into a dominating win after a disappointing loss against Ginebra in their last outing.

The Hotshots’ second unit had their big share of giving Coach Tim Cone the luxury of managing his starters’ minutes, led by Yousef Taha with 7 points into a 3 out of 3 field goals.

This win gave Purefoods its second win out of their five games.

The scores:
PUREFOODS (92) – Simon 20, Yap 19, Devance 19, Taha 7, Melton 6, Mallari 6, Barroca 5, Pingris 4, Maliksi 4, Reavis 2, Allado 0.

NLEX (76) – Taulava 21, Cardona 11, Ramos 10, Borboran 9, J Villanueva 7, R Villanueva 7, Camson 5, H Arboleda 3, Baloria 2, Apinan 1, Raymundo 0, Canaleta 0, W Arboleda 0.

Quarterscores: 25-18; 50-37; 66-50; 92-76.

Full Box Scores

CT: Sir Fidel Mangonon via Twitter

PUREFOODS: My First Love

My dad and I, together with some friends were on the way home.

“Papa, bilisan mo na, baka di natin maabutan yung first game ng Purefoods.”

I was exceedingly thrilled of the fact that my all-time favorite team will be back in action tonight bearing the name that first captured my heart.

PUREFOODS.

What is PUREFOODS for me?

My first ever fantasy.

My first crush which suddenly turned into…

My first love in the hoops’ world.

I was six years old back then, when my young eyes were opened and witnessed the beauty of this game as I watched Alvin Patrimonio, Jerry Condinera and Jojo Lastimosa playing together. OMG!  The first BIG THREE!  Now we have James Yap, Marc Pingris and Peter Jun Simon.

So we got home, and I was very happy that the game is still in the 2^nd quarter.

PUREFOODS VS ALASKA

Way back 1996, that’s the first match I’ve watched. And, sad to say, my team was the losing end on that time.

What a coincidence right?

Alaska aces bombards Purefoods Star Hotshots tonight, 93-73 led by Calvin Abueva to both start their PBA 40^th Season at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

What a welcome sight!

But, I was not dismayed that much.

This beloved team of ours came from a Grand Slam victory, minus its Defensive Demon Marc Pingris, up against a team with a modified system and really tight defense which Purefoods weren’t able to withstand.

Behind this defeat is a smile in me, who’s getting more excited of what will the team be able to do for this season.

When it comes to bragging rights, PUREFOODS is known to have the most number of All Filipino Cup rings. Their last championship bearing this name was an All Filipino Conference under Coach Ryan Gregorio who happened to be the commentator tonight. (That’s so much of reminiscing. Haha)

So, what do I expect for my adored team?

Of course, I’m looking forward for a 5-Peat.

Worst case? A Finals Appearance.

Ooops. I don’t want to jinx everything. Just dreaming J

ONE IS GREATER THAN FORTY

Yesterday night, I slept early pretending nothing has happened.

That was a heart-breaking scenario, probably one of the most painful tableaus I’ve stared at.

As much as I would like to surf the net as what I usually do, I refused.

I prepared my bed, get my favorite pillow, prayed, lied down, closed my eyes and forced myself to sleep.

This morning, as I wake up, that heaviness inside my heart remained. I went to work not wanting to hear any discussions about last night’s nightmare.

Puerto Rico defeats Gilas, 77-73 to stop their hope going into the next round.

“Grabe pre, sayang yun no?”

“Oo nga eh, lamang na ng 14 eh, nalusaw lang.”

I literally covered my ears and bowed my head on the top of the table.

“Pambihira, paano ba makaka-moved on?”

I started working and kept myself busy the whole day to at least free my mind form thinking what had happened, why not now, and who’s to blame?

The ploy actually, perfectly worked out for I almost forgot that we still have our last game against Senegal tonight.

8:15 pm, I turned on the TV and  saw a 1 point lead 11-10 for the Gilas, so I sat down on the couch and as usual, glued myself there.

I was looking around the television seeing if Gilas fans are still there, intact, supporting the team. I was looking for those face-painted guys and those fellas carrying the huge Philippine flag.

And yeah! They are still there.

See? If my heart was broken last night, how much more those people? They were there from day one - day three, witness every thrills and kills, yet they didn’t stop believing.

Fourth quarter started and the game became more exciting… Nah. Erase that. The game became more breathtaking.

Exchanges of leads, turnovers here and there and I was like, “no fourth quarter break down please”.

As usual, Pinoy’s basketball’s never been the easy one.

And having its second overtime in this FIBA World Cup tourney further elaborates that.

But what best exemplifies it was the sitting out of Andre Blatche because of fouls that put us into an All Filipino line up.

Junmar Fajardo played probably the best game of his life, anchoring the zone defense and finishing baskets on the other hand. 

While Jimmy Alapag, who was dribbling his last National Team’s game sank the most needed freethrows to pull away in the final 45 seconds.

Then, tears started to fall from my eyes specially as I saw the players jumping and shouting, crying in joy as the fans gave them the best applause and sweet screams.

After 40 years of FIBA World drought, this ONE win means a lot.

Although it could have been 4-1 considering all the other games were winnable except against Greece, still this lone win is not a lonely thing.

It’s something that we can be really proud of. Actually a zero won’t give me any reason to be ashamed of, considering our Gilas gave those giants a huge scare.

ONE is greater than FORTY.

This ONE win erased that FORTY years of hunger.

Croatia, Argentina, Greece and Puerto Rico had beaten us, and no one will remember that, years after years. 

BUT Philippines, ALMOST beating those 4 countries plus defeating SENEGAL will be remembered not only by the Filipinos, but also by every basketball fans around the world.

Thank you to all Gilas Players and Coaching Staff. One of the modern Filipino heroes of our times. You gave us again reasons to be proud of, of who we are and what we can do.

History, Destiny

Mico Halili: San.Mig.Coffee…Grand.Slam.Champions!

Ang sarap ulit-ulitin eh.

Ayun, nagka-idea ako.

Ire-record ko, tapos gagawin kong ringtone! J

Ilang Linggo na ang nakalipas mga kapetids diba?

Masarap parin ba sa pakiramdam?

Ako, oo.

Hanggang ngayon nga binabati parin ako ng mga estudyante ko. Haha (Sipsip)

Hindi nakakasawang balikan.

Kung isu-summarize ko ‘tong achievement na’to, it all boils down to 2 words: HISTORY, DESTINY

History.

3- Peat tapos Grand Slam, saan ka pa?

Hinding-hindi ko talaga pinagsisisihan na, wala akong magawa noong April 4, 2012 na yun, at muli akong nakapanood ng PBA. Yun ang araw ng pagbabalik-loob ko sa PBA, at mula noon, naging maganda ang takbo ng koponang ito.

Flashback…

Year 2006 nung huli akong nanood ng Pambansang Liga. Champion pa nga yung Purefoods Chunkee Giants noon diba? Against Red Bull? Si Marc Pingris ang Finals MVP. Yun din yung conference kung saan nagtapos ang career ni Eugene Tejada. L

Okay, fast forward…

April 4, 2012, alone in the living room, I turned on the TV, switched channels until my remote led me to 13 “Uy.. PBA”, I said. I saw Coach Tim Cone, so I thought, it’s an Alaska game, but when I glanced at the score board, it showed MERALCO BOLTS vs BMEG LLAMADOS. “Uy, si Coach RG naka-orange, hala, teka ano ba’to? Anyare?”

So, after six years, yun ang gumulantang sa akin. Coach RG’s now with Meralco Bolts and my most hated Coach Tim Cone’s now with BMEG LLAMADOS (in fairness naman, alam ko namang nagpalit sila ng pangalan. Hehe)

Alright, so I sat down and watched the game. It’s the game 2 of best-of-three Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals series. Llamados won that fight to force a Game 3.

So dahil naguluhan ako, nagsearch ako and I found out that, that was the second conference of Coach Tim. First conference was, they topped the elims but only to be upset by NAGLILIYAB NA KAMAY ni EL GRANADA.

Mula noon, nagtuloy-tuloy na ang panonood ko ng PBA.

Nakakatuwa lang kasi, nang nanalo sila sa QF, Ginebra naman ang nakatapat nila sa Semifinals. Astig lang! Naalala ko yung elementary days ko, na nakikipag-away ako sa mga fans ng Ginebra. Hehe

Fast forward, napataob nila ang Ginebra at si Jackson Vroman. Dahil doon, nakapasok sila ng Finals upang kaharapin ang TNT Dynasty. Siyempre underdog ang BMEG kasi apat na taon na silang nga-nga sa Championship, bata pa yung import na si Denzel Bowles, nangangapa pa sila sa bagong sistema nitong si Coach Apa, so hindi naman ako nag-e-expect na mag-cha-champion.

PERO, umabot ng Game 7.

Grabe, noon ko nalang ulit naranasan yung ganoong klaseng kaba. Magkatabi kami ng tatay ko (Sa loob din kasi ng apat na taon, hindi rin siya nakanood ng PBA, siguro dahil na rin sa poor reception yung Channel 9 sa amin, tapos sobrang naging busy din siya) at naiihi sa kaba. Sino ba namang makakalimot dun sa huling mga segundo ng 4^th quarter kung saan, titira ng pinaka-crucial at nakaka-nerbyos na Freethrows si Denzel Bowles?

Sir Mico was to announce that “Talk ‘N Text is your PBA…. Oh wait, there’s a foul! There’s a foul!” Kelly Williams fouled Denzel Bowles with BMEG down by 2. Naihi na talaga yung tatay ko dun, so di niya napanood yung unang freethrow.

GRABE! Hanggang ngayon, habang nagsusulat ako kinikilabutan pa rin ako pag naaalala ko yun. Tapos, nung na-shoot niya yung dalawang FT’s na yun, nakatira pa si Jason Castro at napapigil hininga pa ako dun, buti ‘di pumasok, kaya nagta-ta-talon kami ng tatay ko. Pero syempre, hindi natapos sa talon yun, eh nakita pa namin si CAP ALVIN na sinalubong at niyakap si Bowles, tapos kanya-kanyang yakapan ng mga players. Haaay.. sarap maalala.

That game went into overtime, and as we could all remember Bowles, being cheered by his Mama Bowles and the mammoth crowd in the Araneta, dominated that end game.

That’s DESTINY over DYNASTY.

Grabeng pagbabalik-loob yun! Sa apat na taon na naisantabi ko ang paborito kong koponan eh, ganito ka sarap yung naging pag-welcome nila sa akin. Doon din ako nag-umpisang mag-blog.

BMEG entered the next conference with Marqus Blakely as their import. Tagged as the ‘Beast’ and ‘Mr. Everything’, he led Llamados to its 2^nd Finals appearance on that season to face the young Rain or Shine team headed by Coach Yeng Guiao.

That was ‘ouch’ for me, most specially seeing Blakely fouled early in the fourth and James Yap and PJ Simon missed open one-handed-shots. 

“Wala na, ROS na ‘to.”

- 2012 BMEG’s Record : Quarterfinalist – Champion – Runner Up

Mula noon ay hindi na talaga ako muling natigil sa panonood ng PBA. BUmalik talaga yung pagka-enthusiast ko sa basketball, lalong-lalo na ang pagsubaybay ko sa paborito kong koponan.

-2013 SMCM’s Record :  Semifinalist – Semifinalist – Champion : Survived 2 do-or-die games (Gov. Cup semi-finals to finals)

Before entering the next season, San Mig Super Coffee Mixers acquired three rookies, 2nd Pick overall Ian Sangalang, together with Justin Chua, Justin Melton and JR Cawaling. A few days after the draft, Justin Chua was eventually traded to GlobalPort in exchange for Isaac Holstein, the 7th pick overall of GlobalPort.

2014 All Filipino Cup

They faced Rain or Shine once again in the FINALS, but this time, no import to rely on. Unlike their first meeting, this series only went into six games, where San Mig Super Coffee Mixers got its back to back championship title with Marc Barroca was named as the Finals MVP. Oh, anong naaalala niyo? Siyempre hindi makukumpleto ang kwento ng seryeng ito ng hindi mababanggit ang panandaliang WALK-OUT ng ROS.

Finals MVP – Marc “Coffee Prince” Barroca

Dito natuloy ang inasam kong back – to – back championship 2 years ago.

2014 Commissioner’s Cup – Dito natin nakamit ang THREE-PEAT.

Twelfth franchise championship, three straight under Coach Tim as he surpassed the legendary Coach Baby Dalupan. 

Finals MVP – James Yap

               

2014 Governor’s Cup – Grand Slam!

Finals MVP - James Yap, with an average of 16.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in this series.

-2013 SMCM’s Record:  Champion – Champion – Champion : Survived 7 do-or-die games

Napakasarap balik-balikan ng mga pangyayari.

Nine straight do – or – die games ang nalampasan ng team.

Iba’t – ibang klaseng karanasan ang natamo nila doon.

Andun na yung tambakan, andun na yung naghabol ng malaking lamang, meron ding dikit-dikit mula umpisa hanggang sa matapos, may mga controversial ending at meron din namang lop-sided.

Destiny.

The Dean Mr. Quinito Henson said. “It’s DESTINY.” “San Mig Coffee is destined to win this grand slam.”

There are a lot of buzzes out there that this History isn’t legit. #RefereeMagic #Refolyo #AsaSaRef

Oh well, kwento niyo nalang sa pagong. Lol!

I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason, has its own time and season.

Nung na-shoot ni Denzel Bowles yung two pressure-packed free throws;

Nung natalo tayo ng Rain or Shine sa Finals, kung saan nag early exit si Blakely, tapos hindi na-shoot ni James at PJ yung mga open jump shots nila in crucial minutes;

Yung pagbalik ni Blakely, he got his Best Import award, tapos nag champion tayo against Petron, ang naging umpisa ng sunod-sunod na championships;

Yung pagka-panalo sa Rain or Shine nung All Filipino Cup? Hindi rin naging madali yun para sa team. Kung maaalala natin, nung nagtapat sila sa elimination round December 2013, tinambakan ng ROS ang San Mig noon. Grabe yun. Parang bagsak yung mundo ko nun kasi, sabi ko sa sarili ko, “kelan ba tayo makakabawi sa ROS na yan?” Massacre yun eh. Pero anong nangyari sa pagbubukas ng 2014? Tuloy-tuloy ang panalo, hanggang say un nga, nakarating sa Finals at sila pa ang nagkaharap. San Mig Coffee won that conference. Para bang, simula nung December 2013 Massacre eh, sinabi nila sa sarili nilang “Di na kami muling magpapa-bully sa inyo.” ;

How about Commissioner’s Cup? When I’m about to give up, seeing our import not as competitive as I expected, our locals proved that “HINDI KAMI ASA SA IMPORT.” Dynasty vs. Dominance. Malinis yung record ng TNT diba? San Mig Coffee lang ang nakatalo sa kanila, sa championship pa. THREE-Peat! ;

At higit sa lahat, nung Governor’s Cup 2014; naging madali ba ang lahat? Hindi! Anong team ang nakalaban nung quarterfinals? SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN lang naman. Eh nung semifinals? TALK ‘N TEXT lang naman. Almost everybody expected that this series should be in the Finals. Power house team yan eh, besides, TNT has a motive for revenge. Pero, hindi. Dito sila nagtagpo sa semis and that was a very HARD test for the Mixers. Isa na namang do-or-die ang nalampasan ng team upang kaharapin ang Rain Or Shine.

Sabi nga nila, the Painters is the best team to slam Mixer’s Grand Slam dream. The perfect ‘villain’s role’ ika nga, sa katauhan ni COACH YENG GUIAO, ni Beau Belga, ni Paul Lee, ni Raymond Almazan, ni Ryan Arana at ni Jireh Ibanez. Tipo ng coach na mapapa-inom ka ng isang pitsel na tubig sa anghang; mga tipo ng players na mapapa- “naku po” ka sa angas at lakas. Si Jeff Chan at Chris Tiu na mukhang maaamo pero mabangis din. At yung mga second to third unit na handang maglaro anytime. WHAT A CAST diba?

Pero nothing’s gonna stop DESTINY, if it’s partnered with healthy bodies, prepared minds, determined hearts and strong faith. For all the hardships they went thru, for all the 9 do-or-die games they’ve overcome and for all the sacrifices they had faced, this is the sweet destiny they really deserved. How lucky… nah…erase… How BLESSED we are, I am as a fan, to be able to witness this rare peat that a team could ever have. This, I would keep forever and will be told to my anaks, pamangkins, apos and anak ng apos.

SMSCM GRAND SLAM SONG

Yeah, it’s not easy

Scenes went shaky

Every loss, it feels so heavy!

Many lapses encountered

Injuries that bothered

But with a lot of heart

They still played hard…

Chorus:

Now, they are here, destiny (history)

Road that’s narrow, a lot of sorrow!

They will fight until the end

Will play fair, score and defend!

Different bodies, different minds

United together, they’ll stand

Going strong thru the test

“Do your best, beat the best and be the best!”

II.                

Gone thru changes,

Different system

Hard adjustment,

With new faces

Unexpected, things got twisted

But their heart and spirit remained…

As one…

Refrain:

This is the time…

We now see the light that shines!

Refrain:

When everything gets tough

(When everything gets tough)

And if the road is going rough

They hold on to each other

Sometimes their strength looks not enough

(Sometimes their strength looks not enough)

But showed their HEART’s not giving up

And hold on to each other…

Coz’ They believe nothing’s gonna stop that.

Nothing’s gonna step them

Nothing’s gonna stop their dream.

Now they’re written in HISTORY!

San Mig Super Coffee Mixers Grand Slam Song

I.

Yeah, it’s not easy

Scenes went shaky

Every loss, it feels so heavy!

Many lapses encountered

Injuries that bothered

Refrain

But with a lot of heart...

They still played hard!

Chorus:

Now, they are here, destiny (history)

Road that’s narrow, a lot of sorrow!

They will fight until the end

Will play fair, score and defend!

Different bodies, different minds

United together, they’ll stand

Going strong thru the test

“Do your best, beat the best and be the best!”

II.                

Gone thru changes,

Different system

Hard adjustment,

With new faces

Unexpected, things got twisted

But their heart and spirit remained…

As one…

Refrain:

This is the time…

We now see the light that shines!

Bridge:

When everything gets tough

(When everything gets tough)

And if the road is going rough

They hold on to each other

Sometimes their strength looks not enough

(Sometimes their strength looks not enough)

But showed their HEART’s not giving up

And hold on to each other…

Coz’ They believe nothing’s gonna stop that.

Nothing’s gonna step them

Nothing’s gonna stop their dream...

Now it's written in HISTORY!

Our Victory (SMSCM's Grand Slam Victory party)

July 9, 2014

San Mig Super Coffee Mixers

Governor's Cup Champion

Four-peat

Grand Slam

Tears of joy.

Speechless.

Euphoria.

July 11, 2014

San Mig Super Coffee Mixers

Victory Party

My little brother, who was afraid he'll not be allowed to enter because he doesn't have any ID.

We arrived there and fell in line at 4:30 in the afternoon.

I skipped the afternoon session of our Journalism Seminar just to get here with my brother. (That's what I promised him, because he really wanted to meet the players personally, specially Marc Pingris and Marqus Blakely so he can give them his own-made loom bands. haha)

As we were about to enter the venue, Marc Pingris came out on the other gate. My lil brother shouted, "Si Ping, te si Ping!" I get my camera and "click"! He's heading to SM, together with a body guard. 

So we're in. The screen was showing the replay of historic Game 5 of recently concluded Governor's Cup.

We were still shouting and clapping our hands, as if, we're watching it live. 

Few moments later, players started to enter the scene that made us, fans, gone wild. 

Who says, you need to be James Yap to be popular? Sus! 
May gano'n ba? Sino?
Jerwin Gaco is the name. According to Gov. Pardo, he's a leader and good motivator from the bench. A glue-guy who's said to be one of the most popular second- third stringer. We will going to find out soon, if he'll be staying with us or not. :( 

My heart melts everytime I hear his voice. #Quickmelt talaga. :) This electrifying rookie, Justin Melton is the new Super Sub (because PJ Simon is a starter already) and Mr. Quality Minutes of this team. I hope he'll stay... :)

This is Ian Sangalang - the Priced Rookie. 
The blessed 2nd over-all pick. 
He's the youngest of all the freshmen but plays with maturity who never backs down and he steps up when needed. 
Don't mind the ROY, MVP is just around. 
Malay mo next year? :)

The Speaker of the House. 
The Walking Mismatch. 
The Clown. 
Another role player who knows the system very well, yet rarely appreciated. He can play multiple position and can also be a threat in offense in any given time. 
Yow the man, Joe Devance! 




All Filipino Cup 2014- Finals MVP.
Mark Barroca.
He was once the Coffee Prince, turned into a  Coffee King. 
One of the fourth quarter of this team who can kill the opponent, either by scoring or making stops. 
Already has five championships across his name. 
Wow!
Isn't that great for the highness? :)
#LarongBarroca
#DepensangBarroca

One of the BIG-3, Peter Jun Simon. 
The Scoring Apostle, who finally, got a major award as one of the Mythical Five in this season, 2013-2014. 
Playing behind the shadow of James Yap never stopped him from doing what he does best. 
A perfect ROLE - STAR- MVP CALIBER PLAYER-HUMBLE-GIRL MAGNET-CALM-SELFLESS-ETC-ETC-ETC. <3
I do hope that you'll get another Major Award. Uhm. 
Kahit MVP LANG okay na yun. :)



Governor's Cup 2014- Finals MVP.
The Man with a Million Moves. 
Big Game James Yap.
Just when many fans thought na "laos ka na", suddenly, Woooooosh! 
Two consecutive Finals MVP LANG NAMAN! 
How can this team let go of someone like you? 
Play ground mo daw po yung mga big games. Totoo po ba 'yun? :D

Governor's Cup 2013- Finals MVP.
PUSO.
The Heart and Soul of this team.
An emotional player, a true leader who walks what he talks.
Pinoy Sakuragi.
The Defensive Demon.
Sana marami ka pang ma-inspire na kabataan like my brother. 
He wants to be like you,
Marc Pingris.

After almost an hour, the players were instructed to go down for a press conference. 

While waiting, the fans once again watched the fourth quarter's replay of the Game Five.

The big shots and the big misses.

The chances that ROS had, yet DESTINY dictates, it's really San Mig Coffee's time. 

Malas. Divine Intervention. Whichever you may call it. Ang alam ko lang, IT'S OUR DESTINY. 

After the game, lumabas na yung dalawang MC's..

Few moments later, they called one by one all the members of the team from the utilities, physicians, players, assistant coaches, coach, governor upto the team Manager. 

The program started afterwards.  All the team members lined up on stage.

Coach Tim Cone was called for a short speech.

He first thanked the utilties specially Mang Jun Jun (Boy Sucat) and Mang Maning (Defense Anchor)Coach Tim believed that they are one of the pieces for this Grand Slam puzzle. Every little things and support they did, gave an additional motivation to the players.

He also thanked Marqus. He said that it all started with Marqus. Governor's Cup 2013 and now Governor's Cup 2014.

Then, he recognized all the players effort and perseverance. Followed by his word of gratefulness to Team Manager, Alvin Patrimonio.

And ofcourse, Coach Tim Cone expressed his gratitude towards the fans- their support and prayers.
After his speech is the turnover of trophy, received by the BIG THREE.

The party didn't end there.

They once again gave the players the time to go to the fans to have picture taking and autograph signing. 

Alex Mallari. 

Another player who's game was really evolved. 

He has better play making skills and shot selections now. 

But, what's the best thing he brought to the table? 

His defense. 

He was tasked to stop Castro and the likes, then the imports as well. 

One of the now and future of this team.

Allein Maliksi. 

Bawing-bawi! 

Of all the injuries that haunted him, a Grand Slam is the best way to further motivates him to keep going. 

No doubt, he's a threat in offense.

He's not afraid to take his shots from all areas.Could be the next James or PJ of this team. But making his own name is the best. 

Marqus Blakely. The BEST IMPORT!                             
OMG my tears start to fall.

Like what Coach Tim said, this historic 4-peat started on you. What amazed me was the fact that, you're not in your 100% physical condition, yet your 100+% energy is always being felt by us, by your teammates most specially.                     
Your scream whenever you dunk, block or scored hard was great,but what's greater was that everytime I saw you scream and jump when James scored big, when Pingris blocked a shot, when PJ finished strong to the basket and when Justin Melton dunked the ball. 

Hope to see you next year Marqus!

 Cap Alvin Patrimonio. 
My first ever favorite player and probably the main reason why I'm still supporting this team. 
His presence on the bench right now as a team manager is no doubt one of the players' motivation.
He taps players'shoulder, he gives some whispers of maybe instructions and praises to the players. 
He's still, I believe, the spiritual leader of this team.

Coach Richard Del Rosario. 

He helps in training our Bigs. 

Aside from that, his sense of humor brings lightness to the team.

He's not kept by Coach Tim for nothing. 

Sir, tuloy niyo lang po yung School of Freethrow ah. hehe

Coach Jason Webb.

Everything happens for a reason ika-nga.

I never imagined that Sir Jason Webb, will be working with Coach Tim Cone in this team. 

One of the better if not the best commentator in the PBA, now part of this Grand slam team. 

One of the highlight of the event is the Jamming Time!

Look at Taha. Now we know what will be his career if he quits basketball. hehe

After that very very fun jamming time was Marc Pingris' speech.

He thanked all the fans for support and love.

He mentioned that without us, this Grand Slam will be impossible to achieve.

He also gave credits to those who watched practices and apologized if sometimes they weren't accommodated well because of tiredness. 

To end the program, all the members went up again on stage, circled around together, raised their hands in unity and waved good bye on us. 

That good bye doesn't mean the end.

Like what the players were saying, specially James, that he is still longing for more championships.

This victory is for all of us.

For the players, a reward given by the Most High, of all their hardships, sacrifices and pains.

For the management, who has given this team the opportunity of having a great coach and assistant coaches who were able to choose a bunch of talented role players.

For Coach Tim, who religiously poured out his efforts, mind and soul to achieve his 2nd Grand Slam.

For the assistant coaches, who shared what they have and gave all out support to the master.

And for us, San Mig Coffee Fans, who earnestly cheered every game, live or at home, who cried every defeat, who had sleepless nights whether in pain or joy.