2013 – Page 5 – Cebu Sports Blog by John Pages

Battle of Mactan: Kiwis vs. Pinoys

It could have been 2-0 instead of 0-2. Such is sport. It comes down to one or two points. At the “Battle of Mactan” inside Plantation Bay Resort and Spa between New Zealand and our Philippines, we nearly won. But “nearly” is not the same as “victorious.”

Sayang. In the first singles tennis match last Friday, Ruben Gonzales held a match point — just one moment away from triumph — before Michael Venus of NZ escaped to win in four hours.

In the second singles match, there was Jose Statham, nicknamed Rubin. (Plenty of Rubens this weekend: Ruben Gonzales, Rubin Statham and the New Zealand Ambassador, Reuben Levermore. Of the NZ ambassador, we had a chance last Wednesday night to talk sports while sipping San Mig Light at Plantation Bay’s Savannah Grill; a footballer turned rugby player, he follows cricket, NZ basketball, the America’s Cup and tennis; he was in attendance last Friday.)

Back to the 2nd singles match: Rubin Statham won the first two sets against Johnny Arcilla, 6-4, 6-2. He was en route to an easy straight sets win (Davis Cup is three-out-of-five). But, no, an unnerving and game-changing occurence was happening: Statham started to cramp! His calves stiffened. He wouldn’t sit down during changeovers. He served underhand.

Yes! Johnny Arcilla had a chance. He led in the 3rd set. Hobbled and near-limping at certain moments, Statham’s confident face transformed into one that was shocked.

Statham took his chances. Not wanting to prolong the points, he fired go-for-broke forehand winners. He mustered all energy to score aces. In one made-for-YouTube moment, Arcilla carressed a delicate drop shot. Running towards the net, Statham barely retrieved the shot as Arcilla calmly toyed with his opponent by hurling a lob over Statham’s head. We thought the Kiwi wouldn’t risk the painful U-turn to sprint back. He did. And, in the “Point Of The Weekend,” he managed to reach the lob and, in a no-look flick-of-his-wrist act, snapped the ball backwards for a zipping winner that had Arcilla stunned. Unbelievable.

Unbelievably, the cramping Statham broke Arcilla at 4-all then served for the match to win, 6-4. He slammed his racket after the final point and tore open his white Under Armour shirt — all in celebration of another improbable coup for New Zealand.

DOUBLES. The doubles last night? I didn’t have time to write this after the match — and so, I’m guessing: We won. With Treat Huey and Nino Alcantara as partners, it’s hard to imagine us losing. Treat (pronounced “Tret”) is a recent quarterfinalist at the US Open (with Dennis Inglot). He’s world-ranked No. 28. His teammate, Alcantara, is himself a Grand Slam winner — the 2009 Australian Open doubles champion in juniors. They form a formidable serve-and-return-and-volley duo.

Granted we won last night, today is the day. It’s the 3rd and final day. It’s two singles matches. In the first match, it’s No.1 versus No.1. That should be Ruben (Gonzales) against Rubin (Statham). If PHL beats NZ, it will conclude with the best possible scenario: a Game 5. If this happens, I hope Treat Huey will be fielded to play the decider. This scenario happened in South Korea a few years back: We lost 0-2, won the doubles, won the 4th match and Treat Huey played the 5th match to steer Team Phils. to a come-from-behind win. I hope this happens today!

NOTES. This weekend is historic. I know the Phil. Columbian Association (PCA) in Manila has hosted dozens of Davis Cup ties but I don’t think it has hosted three straight in one year — like Plantation Bay this 2013 … These events bring together tennis aficionados from all over; seen over the weekend were Rod Rafael, Romy Chan, Col. Buddy Andrada, Dyan Castillejo, Jean Henri Lhuillier, PSC Chairman Richie Garcia, PSC Commissioner Jolly Gomez, Philta’s Romy Magat, Lito Villanueva … Also here to receive his ITF Commitment Award is Johnny Jose, the 1962 Asian Games gold medalist; here with his wife, Mrs. Olie Jose.

With Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella

After New York, it’s D.C.

By “DC,” I don’t mean the U.S. capital. I mean “Davis Cup.” After two weeks of tennis at the United States Open in NYC, our attention shifts to the giant lagoon paradise called Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

But first, Nadal… Now that he owns 13 Grand Slam singles titles, can Rafa overtake Roger Federer’s 17? Yes. I think Nadal will exceed Federer’s number. Only 27 years old, at the French Open alone — where he’s won 8 of 9 — that’s a guaranteed handful of trophies.

Wasn’t Rafa relentless in New York? He’s always been — but more so this 2013 because, deep inside, he knows that he could have been forever-retired at a white sand beach resort in Mallorca, Spain.

Injuries plagued him. He missed defending his Olympic title. He lost so many ATP points that, in his return after injury, he joined an unheard-of Chile event.

But he persisted. Nadal is the most persevering athlete to ever wield a stick. You know what? His knee injury turned out to be a blessing. A “blessing in disguise” we often term that. He rested. He was forcibly asked to go fishing. He performed rehab. Most of all, he changed his game. The spin remains. The pump fists endure. But this time, he developed a more potent 123-mph serve. He volleyed. He also stood inside the baseline — a rarity for the counter-punching Spaniard — to become the aggressor. Needing to finish points quicker than usual (to save his knees), he now attacks that yellow fluffy ball with the ferociousness of a left-handed butcher.

In the weeks to come, a return to the No.1 ranking is inevitable. A year-end top spot is guaranteed. From injury to triumph, that’s Rafa 2013.

PLANTATION BAY. Last night, coach Tommy Frederiksen and I joined the Welcome Dinner honoring the two squads who will do a Battle of Mactan: New Zealand and the Philippines.

These Welcome Dinners are always fun. When Thailand visited last April, their top netter Danai Udomchoke was forced to sing. Yes, in front of a hundred guests, he mustered the courage to do karaoke. One time against Japan, Lapu-Lapu City’s top councilor Harry Radaza spoke in Japanese. This stunned the visitors and had them giggling.

The Davis Cup teams of the Philippines and New Zealand with the New Zealand Ambassador

This morning, it’s serious stuff: the Draw Ceremony. It’s also an occasion to formally introduce the players. An International Tennis Federation (ITF) representative presides — and coordinates the “bunot-bunot” on who-will-play-who.

Tomorrow, the fencing starts. I got the chance, last Monday, to watch Johnny Arcilla, Ruben Gonzales and Nino Alcantara practice at the Plantation Bay — guided by our captain, Roland Kraut, and coach, Chris Cuarto.

They did first-to-10 points, without serves. They’d just flick the ball via a forehand to start the point. Drop shots were practiced. Slice backhands barely skimmed the net. Next, they played tiebreaks. After that, they exchanged serves and returns. It ran from 4 to 6 p.m. From 6 p.m. onwards, the Kiwis practiced. They’re tall. Plus, given their rankings (higher than ours, except for Treat Huey’s in doubles), they’re good.

Tomorrow, we’ll find out. We own the crowd. We like and have grown accustomed to the clay court. This climate – although the rainy weather may pose as a spoiler – is ours.

At 3 p.m. tomorrow, a symbolic opening ceremony will mark the formal start of the Davis Cup tie. Minutes after the parade, it’s the warm-up and, bang – the first serve is struck.

The question as to who Filipinos will play tomorrow’s two singles matches is not known to anybody except the players and their coaching staff. We’ll know tomorrow – hours before the match. But I’m sure that Ruben Gonzales will play.

In the doubles on Saturday, it’s almost sure that it will be a Treat Huey and Nino Alcantara duo. They partnered against Thailand and were exceptional.

Doubles is fun. We rarely watch it on TV (though we play it often). But watching top-caliber doubles is more exciting than singles. It’s quicker. The crowd is livelier. Exchanges are like Pacman punches – plenty and fast.

From Rio to Cebu, a fun and festive marathon

From left: Steve Ferraren, John Pages, Rio de la Cruz, Dave Cundy of IAAF/AIMS, Jesse Taborada and Joel Juarez

Rio de Janeiro hosts one of the world’s biggest festivals. Before Lent each year, millions of revelers crowd Brazil’s second largest city. Rio is swarmed with sexy dancers, giant floats and the beating music of samba. That’s Rio. In Brazil.

Here in Cebu, we, too, have our own festival. Often called “the Philippines’ biggest mardi gras,” it’s organized in honor of the Blessed Sto. Nino and it’s held every 3rd week of January. That’s Cebu, Philippines.

Why this mention of “Rio” and the Sinulog? Because a different type of Rio is invading Cebu. No, it’s not the Rio de Janeiro of Brazil. It’s a different “Rio de…”

It’s Rio de la Cruz of running. Yes, the man we see on the covers of many magazines, Men’s Health, included; the one with the signature “Afro hair” who calls celebrities like Piolo Pascual and Fernando Zobel as his close buddies — this Rio is coming to Cebu.

Rio is helping run the run that’s adjudged as one of this country’s most fun and festive; finest and first-rate: The 2014 Cebu Marathon.

With Rio de la Cruz as the race organizer and our group — the Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC), the founders — there to help him out, it will be a strong one-two combination that will elevate this race to superstardom.

IAAF/AIMS. These letters stand for “International Association of Athletics Federations/Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.” This is the worldwide body whose membership includes the planet’s top races — the New York, Boston, Chicago marathons…

For the past three days, Rio has been in Cebu together with an Australian who is considered one of the top race directors of their nation. His name is Dave Cundy. He’s the Vice President of AIMS and he personally measured — on a Vellum carbon-fiber road bike lent by Chris Aldeguer — the streets of Cebu; from Osmena Blvd. to Magellan’s Cross, down to the Tunnel and towards Talisay City at the SRP. (Dave Cundy, himself, is an accomplished runner, he finished 30 marathons; his best time: 2:41!)

JAN. 12. The Cebu Marathon date is on January 12, 2014. That’s over four months from today. There will only be two distances: the 21K and the 42K.

Why no more 5K? “This distance is being offered almost every Sunday,” said Rio. “We want to position the Cebu Marathon as the premier running event. We want to motivate runners to go farther.”

Medals for the 21K finishers? Yes, finally. While we previously did not give medals — Rio insists on rewarding those who complete the 21,000-meter distance.

Jerseys and Finishers’ shirts? Check. Timing chips? Check. Loot bags with plenty of goodies? Check. The Carbo-loading party at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu on Jan. 10? Check. Live bands and dancers along the route? Check.

The top marathon organizer of our islands, Rio is always offering unique and new additions. His novel idea for Cebu’s race: the first and only “zero waste” 42K race in the Philippines.

No plastic cups. Runners will be given free water bottles (or may opt to bring their own waist belts) and will be poured water (and, possibly, Gatorade) along the route. This makes the race environmentally-friendly.

With the registration, apart from online registration, there will be Rio’s signature “cards.” Instead of having to fill-in your personal details on paper, it will now be paper-less. (More on this in a future article.)

For now, I suggest you start preparing. The Milo Marathon this Sept. 22 — also organized by Rio, as are all Milo running events — is a good start. It’s time to look ahead. If you did the 21K and haven’t completed the 42.195-km. distance, the date “01-12-2014” may be your lucky numbers.

What makes our CERC organizing group extra happy?

For one, we’ve found a partner who’s the best in the business (Rio is also one of our country’s fastest; his 10K best: 29 minutes; his 42K best: 2 hours, 31 minutes!).

Plus, we’re extra motivated because finally, after seven years of organizing, we can do what thousands of you have already done: We can run! See you at the starting line.

With ‘Biggest Loser’ star Alan Choachuy

Six reasons to watch the Davis Cup

The US Open begins on Monday. Who’s the favorite? No question: the lefty from Spain. As tenacious as a bull from Madrid and as prolific a scorer as the Spanish football World Cup champs — Rafael Nadal is the Usain Bolt-frontrunner sprinting towards the year’s Grand Slam finish in New York City.

He beat R. Federer. He won his 11th straight over T. Berdych. He towered over the 6-foot-10 J. Isner in last Sunday’s final in Ohio. He’s unbeaten this year on hard-courts — his least-favorite surface.

This 2013, with N. Djokovic prevailing in Australia, Rafa at the French Open, and A. Murray at Wimbledon, will we witness a fourth different major winner in America?

Possibly, the Swiss maestro, Roger? Unlikely. But the fan-favorite has won the US Open five straight times. The problem is, that was from 2004 to 2008. It’s now 2013 and Roger is a lowly-ranked world no. 5. Andy Murray? He seems to be overextending his honeymoon after Wimbledon. Like most experts, I’ll go with the butt-scratching, time-overextending, bandana-wearing matador from Mallorca winning his 13th major this ‘13.

DAVIS CUP. This Sept. 13 to 15, the Kiwis from New Zealand will land in Mactan and battle our fellow Pinoys. Plenty of reasons why you should watch.

One: The matches start at 3 p.m. and extend until the night. This means that, while immersed in the midst of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa’s beauty, you’ll be relaxed. It won’t be hot. The setting will be perfect.

Two: This Philippines-New Zealand battle is the final round of Group 2 competition. It’s crucial. Whoever wins will be elevated to the higher bracket that includes Japan, India and Australia. (Next to that category is the World Group — which includes the world’s Top 16.)

Three: It’s for free. While tickets will be distributed for early arrival/guaranteed seating, everybody else who wants to watch can watch. The goal is to jampack the open-air stadium. Thanks to the Lapu-Lapu City government and Cebuana Lhuillier (Jean Henri Lhuillier), who sponsor this event, we get to watch without paying P500/head.

Four: Like the Gilas Pilipinas, we get to cheer for our countrymen. Randy Villanueva, our Davis Cup administrator and the main person responsible for Cebu’s hosting the Davis Cup, confirms the attendance of Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales.

“Treat is coming from the US Open,” said Randy. “He wasn’t able to defend his doubles ATP 500 title last week in Washington but he is doing well and hopefully he does good in the US Open … Ruben is also doing great as he came from Europe and joined a lot of doubles tap challenger; he is now top 200 in doubles, a career high. He is back in the States now and training with his personal coach for singles play for the coming Davis Cup.”

Five: New Zealand will field their star netter. Earlier this year, we defeated Syria, 3-2, and Thailand, 4-1.

Against New Zealand, I heard the news that their No. 1 player won’t be coming to Cebu. It turned out to be false. “If you’re talking about Daniel King Turner, who actually quit playing pro tennis recently,” said Randy Villanueva, “then it’s not true as he is coming as early as Sept 4 in Plantation Bay to train; the rest of his teammates arrive on Sept 8 or 9.” Now 29 years old, the 6’3” Turner was ranked just outside the world’s top 200 players in 2010. He recently announced his “retirement” from the pro circuit but has committed to Davis Cup play for NZ.

Six: Witness the honoring. “We are giving a Davis Cup committment award chosen by the ITF in coordination with Philta,” Randy said. “Davis Cup trophies will be given to three players and they are Johnny Jose, Reymundo Deyro and Johnny Arcilla. We will award them before the start of the Saturday doubles at 6 p.m. Also, Rod Rafael is coming to the Davis Cup tie and will try to help and inspire the team; really looking forward to this also.”

It’s a tennis date: Sept. 13, 14 and 15. Venue: Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

Lightning Bolt

Amazing photo…

Photo by Olivier Morin/AFP

In Davis Cup, an old foe in New Zealand

Mark your calendar and block off these dates: Sept. 13 to 15. During these three days, like we did during the Half-Ironman race two Sundays ago, we’ll once again witness a sports contest that’s international.

In fact, if the Ironman is only 35 years young (it began in 1978 in Hawaii), next month’s competition is 113 years old. Yes, the Davis Cup — the largest team sport competition in the world — started in 1900. Since that moment, World Wars I and II have erupted and wars between nations have been fought on the tennis court.

This Sept. 13 to 15, our Team Philippines will hope to do a Gilas Pilipinas: We hope to qualify. Right now, we’re in Group 2 of the Asia-Oceania bracket. If we defeat our opponents — New Zealand — next month, we’ll qualify to join countries like Australia and India and enter Group 1.

New Zealand. This isn’t a new nemesis; we’ve faced them five times before. The first meeting was a long 50 years ago. Yes, half a century ago — in 1963 — we met. We’ll face again in 2013. Historic, right? We won that inaugural tie and have since played four more times (1989, 2007, 2009, and 2011).

Thus far, our head-to-head is 3-2, advantage Philippines. The bad news is that the last time we met, we lost 5-0. The good news is that prior to that encounter (at the PCA shell courts in Manila), we won.

Who’ll win next month? Us, I hope. You see, we’ll be riding off a great wave of momentum that’s buoyed our players this year. Last February, we faced Syria and won. Last April, we faced Thailand and won. Will it be third-time-lucky in Sept?

Yes. Playing at the picturesque Plantation Bay Resort and Spa for a fifth time, our win-loss record on the solitary clay-court is 2-all (we lost the first two to Japan and Chinese-Taipei). We hope to break the tie for a positive score, in our favor.

If you haven’t watched a Davis Cup weekend here in Mactan in the past four outings, then I’ll use a phrase that Michel Lhuillier jokingly said in our recent conversation when I had not visited his newest French restaurant: Shame on you.

You must watch! This is a continuation of the Pinoy Pride glory that was started last weekend by June Mar Fajardo and his Gilas teammates.

PLAYERS. “We are about to name the pool of candidates and will announce the actual team on Sept. 3,” said Randy Villanueva, the Phil. Tennis Association Vice President and Davis Cup administrator.

The two names that Randy guarantees will be playing are Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales. “They’re actively competing abroad and have world rankings,” Randy said, of the two Filipino-Americans.

The other netters who are strongly considered include Johnny Arcilla, Francis Casey Alcantara, PJ Tierro, Jeson Patrombon, Elbert Anasta and Marc Reyes.

“The favorites, of course, are Arcilla and Alcantara as they were in the last team that beat Thailand,” said Randy. “But the coaching staff would like to also see the results and their condition in the Olivarez Open that will end in August. PJ Tierro is playing well; he won two of the last three tournaments, although they were on hard courts. Anything is possible with the team specially that we are playing home and the players are just here.”

Like in basketball, our former tennis stars used to be Asian champions. According to the official website (www.daviscup.com), these words appeared to describe our nation: “Philippines was Eastern Zone champion in 1957, 1958, 1960 and 1964, but lost in the Inter Zonal semifinals on all four occasions. Philippines reached the World Group play-offs in 1991, although has never appeared in the competition’s top tier.”

Again, like in PHL basketball, today we’re on the rise with tennis, as evidenced by our twin DC wins this year. Beating New Zealand will be a major step that will bring us closer to meeting the Nadals and Dimitrovs.

A conversation with June Mar Fajardo

Fajardo, No. 13, with Gabe Norwood and Jimmy Alapag

I woke him up at 2:43 p.m. yesterday. Kumusta? I asked.

Like a giant awakened from his restful slumber, the voice of the only Cebuano among the one dozen Gilas Pilipinas players was sleepy.

I apologized. “Okay ra,” June Mar said.

How’s the celebration? June Mar explained that, in a few hours’ time, he and his fellow heroes will be feted with an awarding ceremony prior to Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup.

They’ll stand on center stage in the same stage where they triumphed: the parquet floor of the Mall of Asia Arena. “Afterwards,” said June Mar, “we’ll have a party at the Resorts World.”

The boys deserve it. After non-stop, game-after-game, pressure-packed and almost-nightly encounters from August 1 to 11 during the FIBA Asia Championship, they deserve to be accorded the standing ovation. They deserve to relax, drink, grin and dance inside Resorts World.

Mr. Fajardo, at 23, is the youngest player in the roster that includes several three-decades-old players: Jimmy Alapag, 35; Gary David, 34; Marcus Douthit, 32; Ranidel De Ocampo and Marc Pingris are 31; and Jeff Chan and Larry Fonacier are 30.

June Mar Fajardo was happiest about one thing last wekeend: “That I was part of history.”

What did he learn from the international-level experience? “Gamiton ang (Use the) height,” he said. We talked about the last game versus Iran and him guarding the 7-foot-2 behemoth, Hamed Haddadi, who towered by four inches over the 6’10” Fajardo.

“Dako and bug-at (Big and heavy),” June Mar said of Haddadi. He didn’t find him solid — as in, muscular-solid — but heavy.

“I’ll focus more on defense. This is the one area that I’ll improve on,” he added, looking forward to the PBA season and of his team, the Petron Blaze Boosters, whose first game is scheduled this Friday. Of Petron, June Mar added: “Our team is strong. We have a good import and new players. We have good shooters.”

It looks like, these band of Gilas teammates very quickly will disband and rejoin their different PBA squads and face each other — not as close buddies — but as opponents during the PBA Governors’ Cup.

About the story that leaked in the press of Manny V. Pangilinan giving each Gilas member a cool P1,000,000, June Mar said that there was no official word on that yet. “Wala pa mi gi sulti-an,” he said, although he did hear about the rumors.

As to what he’ll do with the extra P1 million if ever it gets deposited in his bank account, June Mar’s answer had me smiling.

“I’ll buy a cow for my dad,” he replied.

Baka? Cow? Yes, several cows, he said, that he’ll gift his father so that, in his own words, “daghan iyang bantayan (he can watch over several cows).”

That’s a nice and appreciative gesture — coming from a son who has proud pride to the Fajardo family.

I asked about his teammates. “They’re all very, very good to me,” he said. “Ako pinaka-baby (I’m the baby in the group). During practice, if I make mistakes, they help me out. They don’t put me down. They give advice.”

His closest friends? Marc Pingris and Japeth Aguilar. You know why? “We’re all fond of online games!” June Mar confessed.

Proud of his roots in Cebu, where he studied HRM for the University of Cebu and where he donned the blue-and-gold Webmasters uniform, he acknowledged the help of two individuals who helped mold him: Augusto “Gus” Go, the owner of UC, and the team’s mentor and manager, Baldomero “Merong” Estenzo.

Earlier yesterday, I got to speak with Atty. Estenzo and he shares our Cebuano pride in Fajardo. “I watched their games on TV,” he said. “After they’d finish, I’d give June Mar a call to encourage him. There were many games when he didn’t play long enough; I told him that he’s the youngest and to continue working hard. Never mind if you don’t score many points but focus on your rebounds, defense and blocked shots. We’re very proud of June Mar.”

On a personal note, the few times that I met June Mar in person — plus our phone conversation yesterday — he comes across as a very shy, humble and respectful person. He’s Gilas but not hilas.

Gilas loses in MOA but heads for Spain

Somebody once commented: “Second place is ‘the first place for losers.’”

That’s painfully true. But also untrue. Because while our Gilas Pilipinas squad “only” placed Runner-up, we made it. The goal was to qualify. We qualified. The goal was to beat the Chinese. We defeated them — surprisingly, not in actual combat inside MOA Arena, but we placed three spots higher than the country with 1.34 billion people.

Iran, literally, was too tall an order. Japeth Aguilar may have been eyed for the NBA’s D-League but Iran’s Hamed Haddadi is an actual NBA player. There’s a giant difference there. As expected, it was Haddadi who towered tallest — and got his third FIBA MVP trophy. Unstoppable. Haddadi was too hefty, too heavy-duty, too NBA-experienced.

It doesn’t matter. What matters is that we’re headed for Spain 12 months from now — the once-every-four-years FIBA Basketball World Cup runs from Aug. 30 to Sept. 14, 2014 — to stand on the same Spanish tiles as Kevin Durant. Although it’s unlikely that a Phils-USA encounter will happen (Spain will have six city-venues), just the thought of us playing in the same playground as the big boys will give us pride. Pinoy pride.

Final thought: You think Kobe arrived in Manila yesterday to scout us out this early? Ha-ha.

R399. Like a thousand others last Sunday morning, I joined the “R399: Live Your Dream” run that was called “Remembering Ramie.”

Ramie, of course, is Ramie Igaña, who passed away last year while doing an act he enjoyed best — biking — during the Cobra Ironman 70.3 race. His race bib last year was “R399.”

Two mornings ago, clear skies and a cool dawn breeze greeted the runners which included plenty of Ironman finishers (Richard Ho, Noy Jopson, Bernard Sia) and prominent Cebuanos: Pablo John Garcia, Ramsey and Jingo Quijano, Joel Garganera, Joy Polloso, Jesse Taborada, Roy and Dr. Rosan Trani, and our ultramarathoner editor, Michelle So.

After an absence from joining runs for over a year, what I enjoyed most about the event were two things:

First, the route. It was simply a loop around the Cebu Business Park. The run had three distances (3K, 6K and 12K) and we never ventured outside the confines of Ayala. It was safe. The air was cleaner. Fewer cars crossed our paths. The intersection areas were free from too many vehicles — unlike Cebu’s other crowded streets.

Second, I like the no-singlet-all-medals policy. I registered for the 6K and paid P350. I was surprised not to get a singlet. But, guess what: upon finishing, I got a sparkling reward and medal crafted by… Juarez. (No mispelling there; just transform the “S” to “J.”) All finishers, including my daughter Jana and her classmates Louise, Christine and Meg, got Juarez medals. Well done, Doc Humility (“Mitty”).

DUFNER. Tiger Woods lost again. It’s no surprise. He’s now 18-0. Which means that in the last 18 majors that he’s joined, he hasn’t won. Will he ever break free from his I’m-stuck-at-14-majors slump? He’s getting older (he’ll be 38 this Dec.). Meanwhile, what a victory for Jason Dufner. A first-time major winner (he’s the 15th first-time major winner in the last 21 majors), what makes Dufner famous is the word “dufnering.” Golfers know this stance. If you don’t know what it is, Googgle it. It’ll make you smile.

RAFA. Me, injured? Me, out for seven months? Me, skipping the Olympics? Yes. The “me” refers to Nadal. Did you watch a few of the Rogers Cup matches over the weekend? (Sad how Roger couldn’t play in his “Rogers” Cup.) The Nadal-Djokovic semifinal was another war. Did you watch how Nadal drilled that backhand straight to the neck of the Serb? Ouch. But that was unintended. That happens all the time, especially in doubles. What’s funny was Novak’s reaction, not acknowledging the sorry of Rafa. But in the end, after the handshake and the apology, all’s well between the two. Plus, in the end, including the final against Milos Raonic, we know Nadal is not only back — but back even better, winning 48 of 51 matches. Vamos, Rafa.

Gilas Pilipinas rocked the MOA Arena

MANILA — Here up north to attend a family wedding (in Tagaytay) and unable to join this morning’s Ironman 70.3 race (due to an Achilles tendon injury), I trooped to the SM Mall of Asia Arena last Friday.

Would you believe, it’s been 40 years since our nation hosted the FIBA Asia Championship — a smorgasbord of 15 basketball-loving Asian nations, with the top three qualifiers proceeding to Spain for the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

With Smart as the main sponsor — Manny V. Pangilinan, we know, is the MVP of Philippine sports — I was able to secure a ticket. Thanks to long-time friend Desi Arana, who helped coordinate with Smart’s manager for Sports Marketing, Epok Quimpo, I stepped inside the MOA Arena at 5:50 P.M. My wife Jasmin joined me.

Iran versus Korea were on-court — the 2nd game of a four-game schedule on Friday (the event runs from August 1 to 11). In the first half, Korea dominated. Having shocked China the night before, their confidence blossomed. But, in the third quarter, Iran recovered and took the lead that they wouldn’t relinquish. Led by 7-foot-2 NBA player Hamed Haddadi, who topscored with 30 points, Iran defeated Korea, 76-65.

That’s when Jasmin and I met Dr. Manny Juanillo. Seated on the third row in the VIP Section just behind the ring, the top Cebuano surgeon was in Manila for a conference and, the basketball fanatic that he is, made sure to watch. We grabbed a hotdog and burger dinner when the Iran-Korea game finished at 7:30 P.M.

Aga Mulach stood behind me, waiting in line in the restroom. Also seen were many top government officials and celebrities: DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson, DFA Sec. Albert Del Rosario, SM owner Hans Sy, Robert Jaworski (who was swarmed with fans wanting a photo at the lobby), and PSC Chairman Richie Garcia.

Joe Soberano watched with his son Franco. The long-time basketball fan (and team owner of the Cebu Landmasters squad), Joe also booked tickets for the upcoming 10-10-13 game between the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers, also in MOA Arena.

GILAS. Game on! At exactly 8:30 P.M., our Philippine players faced the strong Jordan visitors. It was a fabulous sight to see June Mar Fajardo wear our blue-and-red uniform. Having honed his skills under Gus Go and Merong Estenzo of UC, the tall Fajardo is now climbing the peak of Basketballdom.

The 16,000-seater MOA Arena (which cost over P3 billion to construct) was in near-full capacity. Tickets were sold-out weeks before. Blue and white balloons were waved by our fellow Pinoys. Drum-beaters, perched at the top balcony, banged the sound that echoed throughout the stadium and dribbled inside our excited hearts.

This was my second MOA Arena visit — the first was last October when Boom-Boom Bautista fought. The MOA Arena is the best thing to happen to Philippine sports and entertainment. It not only forced the rehabilitation of the Smart Araneta Coliseum; it also, literally, set the stage for shows like Rihanna (this Sept. 19) and sports events like FIBA and LeBron’s visit. MOA Arena is top-class and, like all of us from Cebu, I can’t wait to see the construction of our own at the SRP starting this 2015.

The game was unexciting/super-exciting. In the first half, we were clobbered. Trailing from the start until the end of the 2nd quarter, I thought we would lose. The Jordanians shot three-pointers with ease while we rotated the ball too many times, nobody mustering the confidence to take shots. The crowd was silenced.

Then, in the 3rd quarter, the exciting part arose. Our Gilas team went on a 17-0 run. Led by Jeff Chan, who sizzled with five three-pointers and a game-total 17 points, we took the lead and never relinquished it.

The crowd did the “wave.” The drums reverberated louder. Said coach Chot Reyes: “The crowd gave us a big lift.” It’s called Pinoy home-court advantage. We won, 77-71, and started a 2-0 win-loss record. Guaranteed a spot in the 2nd round, we dream of duplicating our last hosting in 1973. Then, we were champions. Abangan.

Tips for the Ironman first-timers

Of the 2,000+ participants in this Sunday’s Cobra Ironman 70.3 race, hundreds will be new. Here are lessons from your fellow triathletes….

CHRIS ALDEGUER. 1. Race Week = Get enough rest this week. Avoid long training sessions. Keep it short with a nice pace to stay sharp. Eat and Hydrate well. Prepare and check all gear and equipment to be sure they are ready for race day.

2. Swim= If you are a good swimmer, position well in the front. The swim start is crowded. Positioning well will get you in a good group that can result in an overall fast pace. For the majority, it is best to take the swim easy since it is a long race. The swim can be a warmup for the bike. For the first timers, expect the swim to be chaotic given the number of participants. It’s important to be prepared mentally to avoid panic.

3. Bike= Since it is a long race, ride comfortably the early stage of the Bike leg. It is better to be feeling good in the later part of the Bike rather than suffer especially that there is a 21k Run to follow. Also be reminded at all times to drink and eat.

4. Run= Same with the Bike, it is best to start at a comfortable pace. A big percentage of the participants end up surviving the run rather than running the run. This often is a result of wrong pacing. It is always good to finish strong.

JACS JACALAN. Pacing is absolutely critical in Triathlon Racing. Going out too fast in one of the disciplines will have a consequential effect on the other two. Settle into your goal pace; you should have put in many miles in the past several months at your goal pace, so it should feel natural.

Swimming with hundreds of triathletes is chaotic. Losing your goggles is a nightmare, so put-on your goggles underneath your swim cap to keep it from getting off your head. Going out hard in the swim is a huge mistake. Many triathletes push hard in the swim thinking they won’t use their shoulders during the bike and run anyway. But hard swimming causes the body to burn more carbohydrates and this effect will last until the bike and run legs of the race.

Ease up slightly on the last km. of the bike leg by increasing cadence and using easy gear. The transition from Bike to Run is the most difficult part of the race. Reducing lactic acid levels and getting your breathing under control will enable a smoother transition. Giving up just a couple of minutes here will improve your run split more than it costs your bike split.

You’ve trained hard and with discipline. You have missed late-night partying. You have not been to the newly-opened bars in the city. You have sacrificed family time. Most even have troubles with their wives (hehehe). Race Day is the payoff. It’s over. Enjoy the race.

ANNIE NERIC. Make sure you are really prepared for this event. Don’t worry about losing the registration fee or not participating. You are better alive than sorry. Think of yourself and family. Remember this is not an ordinary sports event.

Consult your doctor, have a check up and ensure you are fit (heart, no high blood, sugar levels etc). Avoid work stress; worries that may affect your condition, psyche, focus. Try to relax and try to get a good sleep the night before (this doesn’t always happen). Don’t try anything new on race day like new rubbershoes, new tri suit. Make sure you have tried and tested these before the big day.

Relax. Don’t tense your body and muscles. Think of good things; think of going thru the course and succeeding. This is Physical, Mental and even Spiritual. So PRAY, too! Go thru with your guardian angel. Have fun, enjoy the scenery, think of the Finish Line and look forward to a Cebu lechon!

JANE JANE ONG. 1. Taper in the final week. Make sure to eat and rest well and get plenty of sleep. Try to sleep early every night. If you can’t sleep, just lie down in bed. 2. During race day, it’s important to pace oneself. Although the adrenaline rush might push us to swim/bike/run faster than we are used to, it’s better to stick by the pace we’ve practiced during training to avoid getting cramps. 3. Enjoy the race!

BOYING RODRIGUEZ: 1) After all the excitement, we are down to the last week before the biggest day of our triathlon lives! If you had been religious in your training, you should have tapered down. Your body should be allowed to recover and heal these last two weeks. 2) When I was asked last year what date the next 70.3 would be, I said Aug. 4, 2013 — because it’s high tide in Mactan. You should have swam this course around the same time it would have started and at the same tide level to get a feel of the waves, current, etc. 3) I know there will be thousands of cameras clicking away because this will again be Cebu’s biggest sporting event and there is no way everyone will not want to look good on camera. But again, never use something new on this day. Never use a brand-new bike, tri-suit, goggles, shoes. Use something that you have been familiar with. 4) Take a ride on your car with a buddy with the windows open and survey the bike and run route. Feel the crosswind along the SRP and look for cracks on the road. Try to plan where you will take your power gel while biking at 35 – 40kph. 5) Listen to your body! Unless you are trying to gain a personal best time, relax and take it easy.

AYA GARCIA SHLACHTER: 1. Taper. Do not cram your workouts. Rest is part of training. 2. If you feel doubtful that you can finish the race, break down the distances in your mind. I have difficulty running 21k therefore I break down the run as four 5k races in my mind. This way, I am not that intimidated by the distance. Same goes for the bike and the swim course. 3. Smile and finish strong!

TYRONE TAN: 1. DIET- For me diet is very important. As a triathlete, improving the nutritional intake is a big factor in improving the performance almost instantly. That means no junk food, sodas, doughnuts; my mantra: if it is processed, it is not good for you. 2. REST- It is common to overtrain, thinking that more is better. In order to perform and train to the fullest, you must first take RECOVERY seriously. Practice the little things that can help bounce back faster like post-nutrition, massage, ice bath and compression socks. 3. TECHNOLOGY – invest in a bike fitting, right equipment, aero bikes, and as much as possible lighter bike parts. A 2 cm difference in body positioning can mean a back ache halfway through your first half ironman. 4. STRENGTH TRAINING – it is important to increase commitment to strength training. As much as possible 2 times a week. I recommend Pio Solon of Epic.