Tuesday, September 12, 2017

15 Years Later: A Reflection On The 2002 UAAP Champion Ateneo Blue Eagles

By Marco Benitez

In the midst of the 14-year title drought known in Ateneo basketball lore as the Dark Ages, many die-hard Ateneans had all but given up on basketball glory. Yes, there was the occasional big win against champion teams, and that twice a year rivalry match with La Salle, where, as the saying went, lose to anyone but La Salle. The 90s were dominated by UST, FEU and DLSU, while the boys from Katipunan, who last held the crown in 1987 and 1988, lingered in the bottom half of the UAAP standings, unable to crack the Final 4.

Then beginning in 1999, with a coaching change that brought in Joe Lipa and some of the cream of Ateneo’s homegrown high school talent – Enrico Villanueva, Rainier Sison, Wesley Gonzales, Paolo Bugia, Larry Fonacier, to name a few – and the recruitment of blue chip talents here and abroad, beginning with eventual 2-time UAAP MVP Rich Alvarez, the basketball program suddenly started to breathe life.

The Blue Eagles made their first Final 4 appearance in 1999, then followed it up with another one the year after, before bowing out despite a twice-to-beat advantage to powerhouse FEU. By 2001, with much experience behind them, and the entry of spitfire guard LA Tenorio - who was just 18 at that time - the Blue Eagles would barge their way to the Finals, facing the reigning three-time UAAP Champion Green Archers. DLSU, led by their King Archer Renren Ritualo, would prevail in three games that year for their 4th straight title. To this day, I still remember all the crying in that Ateneo locker room in Araneta Coliseum, wearing our “I Love Joe” Finals uniforms (that would be Joe Lipa’s last year with the team). But more than that, I will never forget LA’s 32 points in that Game 3. 32 points by an 18-year old rookie point guard, against the best college defense in the land. I knew then that we had someone special.

That 2002 season – season 65 – started out ordinarily; 3 wins and 4 losses in the first round under new head coach Joel Banal. It took some adjustment, emotional team meetings, and veterans demanding accountability from everyone else before we were able to turn the corner on that season. A 6-1 record in the second round, including an emotional win against our arch-rivals on that last elimination round game, stopping their season sweep, 13-1. What awaited was a matchup against the James Yap and Paul Artadi-led UE Red Warriors who had twice-to-beat advantage. Then, there was “The Shot” by Gec Chia, Enrico’s MVP performance in the Finals, and “The Block” on Cardona by Larry Fonacier, and then Araneta Coliseum bursting after 14 long years of heartache – the Blue Eagles were once again kings of the UAAP.

15 years and 5 championships later, there have been many memorable moments, great plays, and basketball icons that have donned the blue and white. When the Atenean basketball fan talks about the greatest moments and players in Ateneo basketball history, it would be hard to top the 5-peat of 2008-2012, and players like Chris Tiu, Greg Slaughter, and the Phenom, Kiefer Ravena. But to the die-hard basketball fan, at least those old enough to remember, they’ll tell you that what started it all, what paved the way for the next generation of King Eagles and championship teams, was that 2002 Championship squad – the Hail Mary Team that wasn’t meant to, but by nothing short of a miracle, pulled off one of greatest and most improbable championship seasons in Ateneo History.

Marco Benitez was a co-captain of the 2002 Ateneo Blue Eagles. He is currently part of S+A's broadcast panel for the UAAP men's basketball games.

UPVST for arena swimwear




Anj Dee for arena swimwear

Anj Dee
Catch Anj Dee for arena swimwear and TIMEX IRONMAN TRIATHLON watch!

Her combo includes:
  • 2011 Nike DLSU Tee (White)
  • arena ARN-4091-BLK swimcap
  • arena AGL-1400_-EMBL goggle
  • arena ARN-6012W-DGRN RIMIC NUX-F
  • Timex Women's Ironman Watch: Pink Band/Gray Dial (T5K432)


GMA DZBB-TV Channel 7 (Release: December 15, 2017) [Voice: Al Torres] [With GMA Kapuso August 6, 2012 Instrumental Version]

This is GMA DZBB Channel 7.

A Commercial TV Station with 100,000-watt transmitting power authorized under Temporary Station Permit License No. BSD-0067-2016 (REN) issued by the National Telecommunications Commission valid until December 31, 2019.

GMA studios are located at the GMA Complex EDSA corner Timog Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Republic of the Philippines.

The GMA transmitter station is located at Barangay Culiat, Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

GMA Engineering are headed by:


  • Elvis B. Ancheta: Professional Electronics Engr No. 897
  • and Antonio T. Soriano: Professional Electronics Engr No. 0000042


GMA Transmission Personnel Crew is composed of Electronics Engineers, Technicians, and First Class Radio Operators with License issued by the Professional Regulations Commission and the National Telecommunications Commission.


  • Ricardo L. Cabral: Professional Electronics Engr No. 92
  • Harold Kim D. Magarro: Electronics Engr No. 16782
  • Jonathan G. Salvo: Electronics Engr No. 19705
  • Joel M. Agu: Electronics Engr No. 47027
  • Jayrald C. Arellano: Electronics Engr No. 49545
  • Rodrigo P. Cuizon, Jr.: Professional Electronics Engr No. 875
  • Louie O. Siapengco: Electronics Engr No. 15586
  • Ralph T. Palma: Electronics Engr No. 29315
  • Glynn Anthony A. Barroga: Electronics Engr No. 37435
  • Mamerto D. Logronio, Jr.: Electronics Engr No. 28729
  • Celestino A. Vega, Jr.: Electronics Engr No. 19182
  • Vincent G. Ronquillo: Electronics Engr No. 47336
  • Kristine F. Salmorin: Electronics Engr No. 49121
  • Bonnie Rey A. Ulang: Electronics Engr No. 47499
  • Glen Aries T. Leonor: Electronics Engr No. 52560
  • Conrad O. Tolentino: Electronics Engr No. _____
  • Benjamin P. Dacanay, Jr.: Electronics Engr No. _____
  • Jose Mari De Guzman: Electronics Engr No. _____
  • Reykel M. Espiritu: Electronics Tech No. 305
  • Arvie P. Cariaga: Electronics Tech No. 603
  • Rafael A. Racelis: 94-1PNCR-11977
  • Innocencio Robert D. Maniago: 95-1PNCR-15029
  • Arnel V. Aricheta: 93-1PNCR-6617
  • Nathaniel F. Santiago: 11-1PHN-26421
  • Alan S. Mangubat: 97-1PXI-20349
  • Charlie F. Perez: 06-1PHN-23257 - NTC, ECT # 0073 - PRC
  • Gerard Lorenz O. Sandagon: 06-1PV-23313
  • Peter N. Basallote: 06-1PNCR-23273
  • Arnold G. Cabran: 11-1PHN-26425
  • Ramon C. Tantay: 94-1PNCR-12248
  • Joel Estrada: __-1P___-_____
  • John Carlo Cagumbay: __-1P___-_____
  • Hermino Rivera: __-1P___-_____
  • Dennis Castillanes: __-1P___-_____
  • Porfirio Ramos, Jr.: __-1P___-_____
  • Leandro Luis: __-1P___-_____
All programs telecast on this station have been approved by the Movie & Television Review and Classification Board, seen via satellite in over FIFTY FIVE stations nationwide!

Luzon:

  • GMA-7 Manila
  • TV-7 Batanes
  • TV-5 Ilocos Norte
  • TV-48 Ilocos Sur
  • TV-7 Abra
  • TV-7 Tuguegarao
  • TV-13 Aparri
  • TV-5 Mountain Province
  • TV-8 Tabuk
  • TV 10 Bontoc
  • TV-11 La Union
  • TV-7 Ilagan
  • TV-48 Cauayan
  • TV-21 Santiago
  • TV-10 Benguet
  • TV-7 Nueva Ecija
  • TV-10 Pangasinan
  • TV-10 Pampanga
  • TV-5 Tarlac
  • TV-10 Olongapo
  • TV-5 Iba
  • TV-27 Balanga
  • TV-46 Malolos
  • TV-26 Obando
  • TV-5 Baler
  • TV-12 Batangas
  • TV-12 Tagaytay
  • TV-31 Calamba
  • TV-26 San Pablo
  • TV-44 Jalajala, Rizal
  • TV-5 Lucena
  • TV-12 Puerto Princesa, Palawan
  • TV-6 Brooke's Point, Palawan
  • TV-8 Coron, Palawan
  • TV-13 Occidental Mindoro
  • TV-33 Calapan
  • TV-13 Boac
  • TV-7 Romblon
  • TV-8 Daet
  • TV-7 Naga
  • TV-13 Iriga
  • TV-12 Legazpi
  • TV-8 Malilipot
  • TV-8 Camalig
  • TV-13 Catanduanes
  • TV-2 Sorsogon
  • TV-7 Masbate

Visayas:

  • TV-5 Calbayog
  • TV-8 Borongan
  • TV-10 Tacloban
  • TV-48 Ormoc
  • TV-10 Capoocan, Leyte
  • TV-12 Isabel, Leyte
  • TV-2 Kalibo
  • TV-35 Boracay
  • TV-11 Antique
  • TV-5 Roxas
  • TV-6 Iloilo
  • TV-13 Bacolod
  • TV-5 Cadiz
  • TV-30 Murcia, Negros Occidental
  • TV-7 Cebu
  • TV-11 Barili
  • TV-11 Samboan
  • TV-7 Toledo
  • TV-11 Bohol
  • TV-5 Dumaguete
  • TV-10 Sipalay

Mindanao:

  • TV-41 Mambajao
  • TV-35 Cagayan de Oro
  • TV-12 Bukidnon
  • TV-4 Dipolog
  • TV-5 Ozamis
  • TV-3 Pagadian
  • TV-21 Ipil
  • TV-11 Iligan
  • TV-26 Butuan
  • TV-3 Agusan del Sur
  • TV-7 Dinagat
  • TV-10 Surigao
  • TV-2 Tandag
  • TV-5 Davao
  • TV-5 Panabo
  • TV-8 General Santos
  • TV-12 Kidapawan
  • TV-9 Zamboanga
  • TV-12 Cotabato
  • TV-12 Jolo
  • TV-8 Tawi-Tawi

This is GMA, the Philippines' largest network! Now signing on / off.

Biggest-ever ODA loan up for Duterte approval

President Duterte is expected to approve today the rollout of the Philippines’ first subway system, which the country’s chief economist said would be fully funded by the biggest-ever official development assistance (ODA) from Japan.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia told the Inquirer that the National Economic and Development Authority Board chaired by the President would give its go-ahead to the P355.6-billion Metro Manila Subway Project-Phase 1, which will connect Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in ParaƱaque City, during its scheduled meeting today.





Pernia, who heads the state planning agency Neda, said the entire project cost, equivalent to $7 billion, would be funded by ODA from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

So far, the largest ODA loan package provided by Jica to the Philippines was 241.9 billion yen or about $2 billion for the $2.88-billion North-South Commuter Railway Project that will connect Tutuban, Manila to Malolos City, Bulacan.

The implementation of the subway project will start next year and completion is targeted by mid-2025, Neda said.

Economic Planning Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan told the Inquirer that besides the subway, the Neda Board would also approve the increase in the project cost of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to P16.3 billion from P10.6 billion previously.

Also part of the agenda during today’s Neda Board meeting are the P21.2-billion Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project; P7.9-billion Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility; P3.5-billion Lower Agno River Irrigation System Improvement Project as well as the 18-month validity extension of the Asian Development Bank’s loan for the Road Improvement and Institutional Development Project, Tungpalan disclosed.

The Neda Board would also green-light the two bridges to be built across the Pasig River using grants from the Chinese government—the P4.6-billion Binondo-Intramuros Bridge and P1.4-billion Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge, Tungpalan added.

This year, public infrastructure spending is expected to result in a 0.1-percentage point increase in real GDP; 0.7 percentage point in 2018; 1.3 percentage points in 2019, and 1.7 percentage points in 2020.

The “Build, Build, Build” program will bring about an average of 1.4-percentage point increase in annual GDP growth, Neda data showed.

Also, the infrastructure buildup plan is expected to generate more jobs: 106,824 in 2017; 823,696 in 2018; 1.1 million in 2019; 1.2 million in 2020; 1.4 million in 2021, and 1.7 million in 2022. —BEN O. DE VERA


Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/236690/biggest-ever-oda-loan-duterte-approval#ixzz4sUE9E8NC
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Security vs privacy

Among last week’s developments that has yet to impact the market is the House of Representatives’ approval of the bill for the establishment of a national identification (ID) system.

House Bill No. 5060, or the proposed Filipino Identification System Act, got 142 affirmative votes, with only seven against. A similar version is now pending before the Senate’s committee on justice and human rights.

The idea of a national identification system first emerged during the martial law years. Then President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 278 to ensure national security while harmonizing all government-issued identification systems into one reference card. The fundamental ground offered then was to provide convenience in the transaction of official business with government and private offices.

The idea died before it could take off with the fall of the Marcos regime.

Former President Fidel E. Ramos made another attempt during his term of office. He issued Administrative Order No. 308, which called for the adoption of a national computerized ID system in order “to facilitate transactions with basic services and social security providers and other government instrumentalities.”

This was contested and the Supreme Court nullified the order because “it encroached on Congress’ right to legislate.”

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo attempted a different tack. She issued Executive Order No. 420 “requiring all government agencies and government-owned and -controlled corporations to streamline and harmonize their identification systems.”

The EO was upheld by the high court. It pointed out that the order “applied only to government agencies” and the issuance of ID cards is part of the functions of government and is within the power of the President.

As such, the idea did not again materialize. The scheme fell short of becoming a national ID system. It excluded or failed to cover all other Filipino citizens and foreign nationals living in the country.

Pros and cons

Terrorism has become more ferocious following the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. Since then, it has spread across Europe, to parts of Asia, specifically in Mindanao.

Along with rising criminality, advocates claim the havoc brought by both is enough justification for the adoption of a national ID system. They said the system can help government determine quickly the status of individuals and weed out those with false identification and false intentions.

On everyday life undertakings, a national ID card could obviate the worries and problems of presenting the “valid IDs” required in order to consummate transactions with government and private sector.

Yet, those against the idea find the program’s feasibility a problem. They insist that it would be difficult to ensure that all of the country’s population would register. The case of vagabonds is one example.

The cost of a tamper-proof ID is also expensive. Note that it would need trained people to distribute them too.

Most important of all, it has a high potential for abuse, i.e. invasion of privacy. Unscrupulous individuals could use the national ID system to fleece other people while government officials could use it as an effective weapon against their critics, even those with legitimate grievances.

Bottom line spin

The national ID card approved by the House of Representatives ordered that it “shall bear the cardholder’s photo, name, signature, birth date, gender, date of issue, serial number.” It also declared that it should “have such other data that may be deemed necessary by the Philippine Statistics Authority.”

The added clause is the present cause of big concern by those against the idea. Proponents, on the other hand, cite that we have the Data Privacy Act of 2012, which could serve to protect individual privacy.


Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/236677/security-vs-privacy#ixzz4sUYlTIx6
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

Eddie Mesa goes back onstage after 28 years!

We can hardly wait for Sept. 23 to come. On this day, our dear friend, the legendary singer-actor Eddie Mesa, dubbed the “Elvis Presley of the Philippines,” and husband of actress Rosemarie Gil, will make a formal concert after 28 years! This will be held at the Meralco theater.

His concert is aptly titled “Sing Us Your Song Again: The Music And Legacy Of Eddie Mesa.” Making his comeback performance doubly exciting to local fans is the involvement of the actors in the Eigenmann clan – Michael de Mesa, Ryan, Geoff, Max, Gabby, and Andi Eigenmann, Sid Lucero and Cherie Gil, who is producing the show under her MyOwnMann Productions, Inc.

Cherie said “It is our vision and mission that MyOwnMann will serve as an umbrella for the God-given collective talents the Eigenmann family has, allowing us opportunities to express and tell stories that inspire, affect and hopefully change the way we think… for the better.”

Eddie is expected to keep his audience rockin’ and rollin’ as he takes them through the journey of his career spanning four decades, before he embarked on a spiritual transformation. Special guest performers include Pilita Corrales, Christopher de Leon, Edgar Mortiz, Tirso Cruz III, Ciara Sotto and the Hotlegs.

• • •

End is near

GMA Network’s well-loved fantasy series “Mulawin Vs. Ravena” is down to its last week and its lead stars shared their sentiments on what they’ll miss most about the show.

 Dennis Trillo who plays Gabriel said he is grateful to have worked with such talented and professional artists. “Mami-miss ko siyempre ’yung samahan namin everyday on taping. Masaya ako na iba’t-ibang henerasyon ’yung mga nakatrabaho ko dito at swerte ako kasi talagang prepared sila at nakita ko ’yung passion nila,”

He adds they’re glad to have made a positive impact on their audience.

Bea Binene or Anya on the series highlighted the lessons she learned.

“Challenging ’yung role pero kahit mahirap ’yung ginagawa mo, kailangan masaya mo siyang gagawin. Natutuwa kami sa pagsuporta ng mga tao and here, everyone feels like a family,” she said.

Her on-screen partner Derrick Monasterio who plays Almiro shared he’s happy with the immense support they receive.

Also in the cast are Kiko Estrada, Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix, Chynna Ortaleza, Ariel Rivera, Roi Vinzon, and many others.

“Mulawin Vs. Ravena” airs weeknights 8:30 p.m. on GMA Telebabad.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Sept. 12, go to Rep. Conrad Estrella III, McDonalds’ George Yang, Ms. Remy Jose, Sophia Romero, Cora Vicente, Maya Santiano, Dulce Fernandez, Elvira Perez, Tata Balane, Dulce F. Zoleta of APEC Plans, Rosani Recreo Sarile of De La Salle Univ.-DasmariƱas, and MB Sports Editor Ding Marcelo… Happy wedding anniversary to Engr. Marcelino and Corazon SamaniegoSept. 14: Senator Bongbong Marcos, former DoT secretary Mina Gabor, Sonya Mathay, Chiqui Hollman-Yulo, Beth Sison-Tagle, Elena Munsayac, Annie Tung, Tono Verzosa, Sylvia Zulueta, Ed Sicam, Sugar Mercado, PDI Editor-In-Chief Letty J. Magsanoc, Inday Espina-Varona, Mackoy Afable, Melissa Flores, Mrs. Milagros Cruz, John James Uy, CJ Novato and Joaqui Mendoza of Star Magic, Rheena Baluyot and Gen. Edgardo Aglipay…Belated b-day greetings to Boy Francisco and David Irenee of Mastermind (Sept. 11)