I root for the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP, but my UAAP fandom actually predates my allegiance to Maroons basketball. I started watching UAAP basketball in the early ‘90s, and I began rooting for La Salle, starring Jun Limpot, Johnedel Cardel, and Tonyboy Espinosa, against the FEU Tamaraws led by Victor Pablo and Johnny Abarrientos. (I was young and stupid, I know, but Limpot was awesome back then, and this was before he turned into the Pinoy basketball antichrist; also, Espinosa was right up there with Johnny A. before all his injuries.)

A few years later, I was on the other side of the fence, whooping it up with Henry Ong’s three-pointers that made Jason Webb cry, Bal David’s clutch free throws before Elmer Lago missed those layups, and Edwin Bacani’s ballsy outside bombs.

Continue reading "The UAAP opening weekend, starring Kirk Long as Brüno and Mark Barroca on high-def"

The Burger King Whoppers and the Rain or Shine Elastopainters each booked a seat to the PBA's final four last night, joining early qualifiers San Miguel and Ginebra.

Continue reading "About last night: Burger King, Rain or Shine complete PBA Semifinals cast"

Fortunately (or unfortunately), it's not that kind of movie. Four-time PBA Most Valuable Player (and all-around good guy) Alvin Patrimonio actually plays Katrina Halili's father in the new movie Dalaw. The movie also stars Patrimonio's daughter Christine, who is herself making waves in the sporting scene as a budding tennis star.

Continue reading "'The Captain' Alvin Patrimonio to star in a movie with Katrina Halili"

After a long day at work and another early start tomorrow, I still find myself glued to the television set to watch a basketball game whose tape delayed broadcast is just about to start. Purefoods, my favorite basketball team since I was a child, is playing. It's not a particularly important game, one against the worst team in the league, in what would probably be a sloppy, boring affair. But sleep is much less important to me than watching my team play.

Continue reading "Love"