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Archive for August, 2009

eCorLive bags PBL (Cyprus) win

24th August 2009

By Ester Beatty with reports from Cathrine Beatty)

The Championship games of the Philippine Basketball League (Cyprus) 2009 were held on the 9th of August 2009 at the Keravnos indoor gym in Strovolos, Nicosia. Interorient vs. eCorLive faced each other for the championship title while Sushi-la and Philtrust were supposed to vie for the third and fourth spots.The championship games were scheduled to start at 9am with the third and fourth spots game to be played first. However, one of the teams (Philtrust) were rather bitter about losing in the semi-final games last 2nd of August 2009 and therefore decided to forfeit the game and not any member of the said team had showed up at all. This caused considerable problems for the Committee members, not only financially but also the wasted time for the preparation of the games, as the team did not even have the decency to inform any of the Committee members that they would be doing such forfeiture.front-pic-sports.jpg 

Sushi-la team got third place due to default, and judging by their performance throughout the league, they deserved it. Philtrust’s unprofessional and unsportsmanlike behaviour was very disappointing, because even though they would not come first or second, they still had the chance to try to get third place. However, they were bitter about losing to eCorLive in the semis and so decided as a team that a forfeit would be the better option. Up to the last minute of the scheduled game, numerous phone calls and text messages to the team manager/coach as well as to the team captain were done but not been returned nor answered. Eventually, the team manager/coach returned a call at approx.10 AM, (an hour after the game schedule) after the Committee’s chairperson, Ester Beatty, sent them a message saying that they were all very unprofessional and were showing unsportsmanlike behaviour. The manager/coach then asked if they could still play if his team would show up, but it was too late! Due to the first game not being played, players from eCorLive and Interorient were told to be at the court right away. However, Interorient team who came from Limassol (minus one of their best players named Alex Colongan who was not able to come with his team due to his work commitment) had not been expecting the first game to be cancelled and so the championship game could not commence until10:30am.The game was fast paced from the beginning, with both teams defending their baskets as well as possible. The score was tight, and there was never more than a five-point gap between the two teams. At the end of the 1st quarter, eCorLive was ahead by 15-11 points and during the 2nd quarter, they were leading by 29-24. But when the stop-time rules came into effect in the 3rd & 4th quarters, Interorient managed to close the gap by scoring 17 points in the 3rd quarter against 13 for eCorlive, decreasing their deficit by just one-point. In the 4th quarter however, eCorLive put a tight defence against InterorientThe game was fast paced from the beginning, with both teams defending their baskets as well as possible. The score was tight, and there was never more than a five-point gap between the two teams. At the end of the 1st quarter, eCorLive was ahead by 15-11 points and during the 2nd quarter, they were leading by 29-24. But when the stop-time rules came into effect in the 3rd & 4th quarters, Interorient managed to close the gap by scoring 17 points in the 3rd quarter against 13 for eCorlive, decreasing their deficit by just one-point. In the 4th quarter however, eCorLive put a tight defence against Interorient’s number one point-guard Caloy Walid, who scored a total of 23 points with four 3-pointers in the game. During the last 3 minutes of the game, it looked like the game would proceed to overtime as both teams were tied at 56-56. Eventually eCorLive won the championship with a final score of 65-60. Scorers for eCorLive: Jeffrey Sarmiento (15), Angelo delos Santos (15), James Fuerte (13), Donald Catimbang (8), Ruel Dadua (8), James Calicdan (2), Rhai (2). : Jeffrey Sarmiento (15), Angelo delos Santos (15), James Fuerte (13), Donald Catimbang (8), Ruel Dadua (8), James Calicdan (2), Rhai (2).Scorers for Interorient: Caloy Walid (23), Donald Luzon (14), Marvin Santos (11), Nicko Julongbayan (10), Jhun (2). award6.jpgCaloy Walid (23), Donald Luzon (14), Marvin Santos (11), Nicko Julongbayan (10), Jhun (2).Spectators were given a very thrilling and exciting finale to the Championship games as both teams had tried their best not to concede any mistakes to their opponent. Nevertheless, eCorLive had the more disciplined players and a good team effort helped them prevailed this time. They lost to Interorient in the finals for the PBL 2007.

Caloy Walid (23), Donald Luzon (14), Marvin Santos (11), Nicko Julongbayan (10), Jhun (2).Spectators were given a very thrilling and exciting finale to the Championship games as both teams had tried their best not to concede any mistakes to their opponent. Nevertheless, eCorLive had the more disciplined players and a good team effort helped them prevailed this time. They lost to Interorient in the finals for the PBL 2007.Soon as the game concluded, the awarding followed through. Miss MUSE PBL (Cyprus) 2009 was awarded to Miss Dina Ambrosio of Interorient.

The top five scorers in the whole league were James Fuerte of eCorLive with 104 points, followed by Caloy Walid (Interorient) – 102 points, Donald Luzon (Interorient) – 92 points, Alex Gamier (Aces) – 77 points and Angelo delos Santos (eCorLive) – 77 points.

The 3-pointers award was given to Caloy Walid (Interorient) for amassing fourteen 3-pointers during the whole league. Best in Team Uniform went to Sushi-la and Aces (Carwash) deservedly won the Sportsmanship award for being the only team who never made any complaints during any of their games despite having just 8-players (at most) playing during the duration of the league.

The Most Valuable Player was chosen as the best player during the whole league games and not only during the Final, and that the winner can be awarded to any players from any teams so long as he deserved it. The Referee and Committee members have unanimously decided that Caloy Walid of Interoriet deservedly won the award as the best player of the whole league games, he consistently lead his team all throughout their games.

The Committee members would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Keravnos for the use of the premises (outdoor and indoor courts). We would also like to thank the following for their generosity: The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Cyprus for sponsoring the trophies, Mrs Cora Hammoud, Mr. & Mrs. Panicos Georgiou (Philippines Quiapo Kiosk Limassol), Mrs. Merly Millard & Mrs. Wilma Dayrit for sponsoring the medals and thanks to everyone who brought food, though there were people who did not appreciate the gesture of the committee inviting all to join the celebration when quoted as saying “Pati ba naman sa pagkain eh obligado pa kami?” or words to that effect. A BIG THANK YOU also to Mr. Nemanja Bjedov, the official Referee of the league games. He had shown his complete professionalism and utmost patience most especially in dealing with difficult situations during the games. It was not an easy task to have a league games without the commitments of the Committee members so well done to Scarlet, Kim, Cris, Venny, Cathrine, Cora and myself for sacrificing our valuable time on Sundays even when we are being baked alive under the searing heat of the sun.

The final standings of the round-robin games were:

The final standings of the round-robin games were:

  

TEAM

 

   

GP

 

   

W

 

   

L

 

 BD  

 

   

PTS

 
Interorient (Limassol)  

 

   

5

 

   

4

 

   

1

 

   

297-259 (40)

 

   

9

 
Phil Trust  

 

   

5

 

   

4

 

   

1

 

   

274-244 (30)

 

   

9

 
eCorLive  

 

   

5

 

   

2

 

   

3

 

   

241-225 (16)

 

   

7

 
Sushi-la  

 

   

5

 

   

2

 

   

3

 

   

244-243 (1)

 

   

7

 
The Pilots  

 

   

5

 

   

2

 

   

3

 

   

238-257 (-19)

 

   

7

 
Aces (Carwash)  

 

   

5

 

   

1

 

   

4

 

   

222-273 (-51)

 

   

6

 

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Thank you and so long Cory…

24th August 2009

By Joy Miranda(Tinig Pinoy, August issue)In the span of years that I have been writing and in all the articles that I wrote, I personally find “death” as the most interesting topic to write. Death, as defined by Wikipedia, is the permanent termination of the biological functions that define a living organism. It refers to both particular event and to the condition that results thereby. It is more interesting to me because it gives me the opportunity to make both my heart and brain to work together, by coming up with lots of questions to answer regarding how life must be appreciated. Death is the conclusion of one’s life. As there is a beginning, so there is an end. Recalling the moment when a loveone had passed-away, there is always a pain that continues to emotionally cripples me. The death of former president Cory Aquino reminds me of this pain once again. Why Cory? Why not Michael Jackson? My thalamus asked. The heart says, I am not and never close to both, but the answer is obvious: I can relate to her life’s story, of course, not the extra-big thing which she did to the Filipino people, but the many extra little things which occured in her life, the painful part, the inspiring part, and the most respected part. Her husband the late Senator Ninoy Aquino was gunned down. My father, Journalist Noel Miranda was also shot dead. Was there any difference in the pain Cory and I felt after losing someone dear? A death of a loveone defines the life of those who are left behind. It is the opportune time when you decide to create change from where you usually stands, and it gives you clear meaning about the things that needs to be done on your own. Cory became an icon of Philippine democracy, despite her mourning, she led the country that was in the brink of collapse, with a kind of courage God knows where she got from. On the other hand, the demise of my dad has brought a lot of positive changes in myself, such as a sudden maturity and became totally responsible by a realization that every single thing in this world is only temporary.

I had a very brief moment with Cory, in fact it was only few minutes of face-to face meeting with her in the early 1990’s when she came to Tagum City for the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) conference. Whenever someone introduces me to somebody before, the words “the daughter of slain mediaman Noel Miranda” always come in handy. It went the same when I was introduced to President Aquino. “Please meet Joy Miranda, her father was assasinated too,” was the introduction. With rather a shy smile, I looked at her face intently anticipating a sympathetic reply. Her words almost made me cry at the conference. “Maging matibay ka, matatag, at huwag magpatalo sa kahit ano man.” Many years after her term of office, and now that she is gone, those words came back to my memory time and again. I am not sure if I was that matibay, but I know I keep trying. I guess I am matatag somehow though. Nagpatalo? This I am so sure, never! Hindi ako nagpatalo sa mga tukso ng buhay lalo na sa mga aspeto ng pagiging gahaman sa ambition, pera at kawalang-respeto sa sarili at ibang tao. This is what I learned from Cory. This is the most respected part of her that I will be forever inspired to try to achieve every passing day of my life, wherever I maybe.

Death gives no exemption to any living things. Some may live long, yet no one lives forever. Let the reality about death be a pinch-hitter to prefer living a respectable life that when it is time to go, though there is pain, those you leave behind will not be crippled by shame.

 

 

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Letter from the readers

12th August 2009

(Tinig Pinoy July 2009 issue) 

Dear Joy,

First, I salute you for being proud as an OFW, and noble as a writer…forever. Mr. Arnel Ambon told me that you are the Editor-In-Chief of Tinig Pinoy, a segment of Cyprus newspaper Politis. Further, he told me that if I am interested, I can contribute as well. So I googled your name and found your Sentidokomon site. Kudos for doing a very good job. I must honestly admit that I am not a good writer, with poor English foundation due to poor primary education. Nevertheless, I love to write as I love to sing though I am not a singer. (Oh, I miss my better-half who corrects my grammar always!) I was not yet ready to write. I was thinking of few things I love about Cyprus and a lot of things that I hate. Anyway, I was forced to sit down when I came across the “What a small world” category in your blog. Let me then share my views through the piece which I have managed to write, “The world is big.” Thank you Joy for reading. More power to you. Best regards,

Salvador Respeto, Jr., (Proud to be a Filipino!)

Dear Salvador,

Thank you for browsing my site and appreciating what I do. As they say a writer must spend ages looking for the right and appropriate word, and despite being deeply conscious about grammar, a true writer must first have the capability to provide the readers an unlimited sense of marvellous experience. That, in a way, is what I found in your article. I know this is not your first try as I was informed that you also once wrote to Inquirer. I enjoyed reading your piece, it is quite long, but excellent. Welcome to Tinig Pinoy, keep writing, keep that interest burning, never allowing the “writer’s salt in your vein melts into nothing!

Chief Ed

The world is big

By Salvador Respeto, Jr.

I am a young merchant marine officer with an immaculate family background, finest academy education, and with natural ambitions in life. My profession has taken me to many corners of the world. I am quite well- versed with the geography of old and modern buildings, whether European-made or Asian. The flights, taxi rides, brief stay in airport hotels and walks downtown in different port of calls can give a good idea of the world in general, if you stay awake and interested. Fortunately, I took the advice of our Norwegian ship owner, never to leave a port without sampling a touch of the country — its music, language, nature or people. And it has been fulfilling. After almost five years of sailing, it gives the feeling of having an idea of what the world is all about. I must thank our Great Creator for the ocean. Without these vast stretches of water, I would not have a job to do. A job which almost every Filipino doesn’t appreciate. They think that we are just ordinary seamen floating in the middle of nowhere and earning a few dollars to send home. But there is more to it than that. The sea is the bridge between people. This is where the world trade has turned into reality. This is where you find the key to global co-existence. Since childhood, I have this notion that it is lifeless on the surface of the sea. All the magnificent life I know is below, a hidden world. Nevertheless, the reward for the watchful eye of a sailor is great. It is somewhere in the Caribbean which I saw a stretch of sea life on the surface. The whole sea all of a sudden came to life that I think would be difficult to repeat anywhere, anytime. Hundreds of dolphins dance a ballet in front of our ship and on the waves. Their whole world is a playground around us. Nature is truly full of gifts. It is a strange world, isn’t it? In the big cities it is so crowded and polluted that it can affect both health and mind, but here in the midst of breathtaking beauty, nature is virtually undisturbed. This is where I developed my reverence and respect for the ocean. It is our companion if we treat it with understanding and humility. The world has become smaller – this is a common saying these days. You can bridge the continents in a matter of hours. You can reach every inch of the globe through satellites in seconds. But to me my profession is a revelation. The world is big after all. One of the world’s largest shipowning companies employs me. We run services on the worldwide coasts. And in these coasts, I learned quite a number of things which considerably helped in filling the ignorant part of my being. I must admit however that our ship doesn’t stay long in port but I have this luxury of seeing the world for free. My overseas experiences were not always of a calm sea — sometimes it’s a raging sea but generally it is well and steady. Hurricanes and storms have eventually developed my immunity to seasickness. I enjoyed Rio’s Feb festival, met a Mexican woman with her blue Spanish eyes, strolled the beautiful British Columbia, felt the winter breeze of Sweden, witnessed the midnight sun of Norway, left a part of my heart in various ports and lot of experiences for a young sailor. And yes, great things happened in Disney. Likewise, I had the pleasure to work with Englishmen, Canadians, Australians, Germans and Croatians. Indeed, it takes all sorts of people to make a world. In other situations I find myself wandering. We all know that the Pope is in Italy but porno movies are aired on national television at night. Topless models are common in ordinary advertisements. Ironic, isn’t it? I also had a chance to be in a communist land where food was rationed to every citizen. I wish the Nice People Around (NPA) in our country would have the chance to experience the communist way of living. For sure, they will not like the system. “In every port, report; in every place, replace,” is a common saying among sailors. But because of devastating STDs, modern seafarers like myself are now careful, and I am thankful because it breaks the bad habit of traditional seamen — being a one-day millionaire. And it means more savings and a good future. On the other hand, we need inspiration, too — wife, kids, girlfriend, or else we will be infected with a new kind of AIDS, “”Acquired Insanity Due to Sailing.” In this profession, there are bad times and good times. Crossing the Pacific or Atlantic for weeks breeds independence and self-reliance. Sailing, I believe, is living a little more. It gives meaning to this sometimes confusing yet exciting world of ours. The only disadvantage is being away from my family. Though I feel I already have plenty of salt water in my veins, my sea experience is not yet enough. There are still a lot of shores to conquer. Thankfully, the world is indeed big. As always, I dedicate this piece to my sweet Mary Ann and my cutie daughter Sofia Amihan, my inspiration, my strength. I am now working here in Limassol as a land based worker but still involved in shipping as my job is to take care of few ships. I guess salt water will stay in my blood forever. At present, my family is applying for Cyprus visa, I am praying so hard that we will be together soon. And it will be another story.

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