World Ten Ball Championship next big thing after Pacquiao

ONCE again, Manny Pacquiao, the Filipinos’ modern-day hero, provided light to a nation torn apart by bickering in politics and devastated by calamities, pinching-economy and victim of a corrupt system.

The Filipino boxing warrior has once again proved his valor and rewarded the country of yet another worthy performance. Inside the ring, Pacquiao was a sight to behold, ripping punches and combinations that proved to be too much for his Puerto Rican rival to bear.

Pacquiao was in seventh heaven – as he has won his seventh title in seven different weight classes – so as the Filipinos needing a hero in time of distressed.

But what’s the next big thing after Pacquiao?

The entire nation need not to wait for another year to see the People’s Champion climbing the ring and basking in glory.

The World Ten Ball Championship, which the Philippines will be holding for the second straight year, comes in at the perfect place at a perfect time.

Filipinos are thirsting for more and wanting to see more athletes becoming new modern-day heroes and excelling in different fields.

The WTBC will have the biggest gathering of male players around the world, which include the defending champion, the world’s No.1 player, the current money leader, former world champions and champions of different regions.

“What we have right here is the biggest event in billiards,” said Yen Makabenta, president of the organizing Raya Sports and chairman of the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP).

Makabenta is speaking based on facts.

Europe already has a total of 52 players securing seats in the main draw of the WTBC, including defending World Ten Ball champion Darren Appleton of Great Britain, world’s No.1 player Ralf Souquet of Germany, world pool’s money leader Mika Immonen of Finland and former world champions Daryl Peach of Great Britain and Thorsten Hohmann of Germany.

Asia also has a formidable cast from pool powerhouse nations like Chinese-Taipei and the Philippines as well as neighboring countries from Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Middle East.

A total of 12 Filipino players have already secured seats in the main draw of the WTBC led by Jeffrey de Luna, the highest-rated Pinoy player (No.7 in the world) and last year’s surprising semifinalists Demosthenes Pulpul. Other Filipinos entered in the main draw are former world No.1 Dennis Orcullo, double world champion Ronnie Alcano, Warren Kiamco, Marlon Manalo, Lee Van Corteza, Antonio Gabica, former junior champion Jericho Banares, Allan Cuartero, Carlo Biado and Ramil Gallego.

Chinese-Taipei will be led by former World 9-Ball champion Chao Fong Pang, Asian money-game king Yang Ching-Shun, two-time world junior champion Ko Pin Yi, Chnag Yu-Lung, Kuo Po-Cheng, Cheng Tsung-Hua, Lu Hui Chan, Fu Che-Wei and Wang Hung-Hsiang.

The United States will be led by former US Open champion Shane Van Boening, former world champion Johnny Archer, Oscar Dominguez, Shawn Putnam, Stevie Moore, Charlie Bryant, Shaun Wilkie, Corey Deuel and Charlie Williams.

The fact that the Filipinos have a fighting chance to go all the way makes the WTBC even more special for the country.

“All of our top guns are competing,” Makabenta said. “There’s a good chance that we’re going to have another Filipino world champion.”

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Conspicuously missing are several great players like Wu Chia-Ching and our very own Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante.

For some reasons, these players were not able to participate. Wu, a double world champion and Chinese-Taipei’s No.1 player before he was disowned, was suspended by the Asian Pocket Billiards Union for turning his back on his country.

He was reportedly offered a mouth-watering offer by Singapore, but was barred from competing in all World Pool-Billiard Association-sanctioned events. Since he cannot compete, the young cue artist has then concentrated on coaching the Singapore billiards team that will play in the Southeast Asian Games pool tournament this year.

Reyes and Bustamante’s case is different.

Playing under the stable of Putch Puyat, Reyes and Bustamante didn’t express intentions to join the WTBC. They cannot be seeded in the tournament as they are not in the top 32 of the WPA rankings, so the two players’ only chance to make it to the only world pool championship for men this year is to join the qualifying stages.

There were two qualifying stages held in November. The first stage was held early this month where Lee Van Corteza and Carlo Biado won spots in the main draw of the WTBC. The event was significant because it’s the first time in a long players from the stable of Jonathan Sy and Perry Mariano’s Bugsy’s Promotions participated in the tournament. The second is still ongoing (Nov.19-23).

It will be remembered that the two managers had differences with the Billiards Snooker Congress of the Philippines headed by Sebastian Chua and Yen Makabenta, whose group is recognized by the WPA, the world’s governing body of pool.

The warring groups patched up their differences in time for the WTBC to strengthen the Filipinos chances of winning the prestigious crown.
Unfortunately, the Puyat stable didn’t join the bandwagon of making peace with Makabenta’s group and both the legendary cue artists – Reyes and Bustamante – chose not to participate in the major pool event for the second straight year.

As for Alex Pagulayan, well, it seems he has already given up the sport and reportedly found himself a new diversion – playing poker.

A nostalgic night with friends

IT was 10 a.m. on a laidback Saturday morning when somebody rang my mobile phone. Normally, I start my weekends late morning and the ring was more than enough to get me off to bed – first, to let me know that a regular NBA game is now shown on BTV and CS9; second, to keep me reminded that I have several tasks at hand, be it articles on Manila Standard Today or GMANEWS.TV or a press release for Raya Sports; and third, to clear my head and determine who the hell is calling me up and waking me from sleep.

Who’s this? That’s the first two words I uttered just like a fly coming out of my mouth. Calling on the other end was a friend from way back – Benjo de Leon, whose young looks 17 years ago reminded me so much of ER Ejercito, son of the late great movie and television personality who made it big in the country by starring in different roles from action, comedy, drama and even adult flicks (he he he).

Ah yes, Benjo was a fine gentlemen. We only talked quite a number of times in more than a decade as our ambitions took most of the time of a well-valued friendship that remained strong come hell or high water.

He was, of course, a family man now, with two kids, a lovely wife and a colorful career in one of the biggest beverage company owned by one of the nation’s richest men. Benjo, the way things look like, is a successful man – a successful family man.

“Pare, si Benjo ito,” said the mild-mannered gentleman from Proj. 8 Quezon City. “Puwede ka ba mamya? Magkita-kita tayo nina Tinyente and Christopher Ramos.”

“Ok, cge pare. See you later,” I said.

“Magkita-kita na lang tayo sa Jollibee Munoz ng 4 p.m.,” added Benjo.

Jolibee Munoz? Ah, that place brought back fond memories of our adventures as a graduating student from Judge Juan Luna. I wasn’t a part of the cream of the crop just like Benjo and his classmates, which include Tinyente and Christopher. But I belonged to Section Two (Bonifacio) while they were from Rizal.

Tinyente, by the way, is Christopher Cruz, my closest friend from the barkada known as WBCJ. WBCJ was like the glamour boys of Class 91-92. It has a combination looks, smarts and abilities. They were chick magnate, outstanding classmen and role model rolled into one. Wilbur Serra was the W and he has definitely find peace living in Great Britain where popular football player David Beckham became one of his clients. Benjo was the B and his accomplishments speak for itself. There were actually two Cs – Cruz and Ramos.

Cruz is currently a Marine officer who wants to serve – and die for the country (You weep for Santiago while I cursed the marine, as mentioned by Jack Nicholson) . Ramos is a successful businessmen who turned every piece of iron to good measure and create a well-engine machine.

J is Junel, who is now missing in action and clearing his head now from personal miseries.

How do I stumbled on these bunch of guys was definitely a long story, but I’m really privileged to be part of the barkada. I’m a year older than them as I was a transferee and honest to say that I repeated a year when I went to JJLHS in 1989 from Far Eastern University.

Two years later, I managed to squeeze my way to the WBCJ group and became their friends even after high school.

Time flew so fast. We were on board a maroon Lite Ace Daihatsu driven by Benjo – me seated on the front seat and Tinyente took the back seat. The mood was certainly nostalgic – from a Metallica music played on CD, to every conversation that went back to the not-so-distant past to the days and nights of our daily lives as if everyone doesn’t want to miss every detail on what’s happening to each and every one of us.

Traffic caught up on us from Commonwealth going to Batasan, but it seems we’re all ready to endure everything on that day like a Titan who ruled the universe. Finally, we’re in front of a big warehouse in Marikina. This warehouse is owned by Christopher Ramos, who is fondly called by everyone as Bobot (even if Bobot is more synonymous to Edgar Mortiz and Christopher de Leon is called as Boyet he he).

Just few handshakes get ourselves accustomed to one another again as if we haven’t missed every little thing. We were welcomed as well by Bobot’s other half, Michelle Cadatman-Ramos and her mom.

Off to the dinning table, we were greeted by a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Spicy or original won’t matter that night. What matters most is that friends from way back, now gathered together and bonded for one rare evening – an evening of nostalgic moments that touched off every step of our way from high school from where we are now.

We took a small tour inside the warehouse where we saw multi-cabs, trucks and even Harabas Jeepney reminiscent of Jun Aristorenas back in the 70s. We turned Bobot’s office that has every accessory from scissors, piece of metal to checkpoint device used by security personnel, into an open bar from night to wee hours.
We talked about sports and sundry. We debated on so many things – from politics, sports (like the Arboleda-Katigbac case), the global warming, our careers and our loved ones from past to present.

The timeless conversation was done over bottles of beer. We could only hope time will last, but like the true men of the house that we are now, we knew our priorities. Gone were the days when we will spend countless days and nights together and even spend Christmas away from our families. Our lives have definitely changed now, a part of our life now has made us realized what will separate the men from the boys.

We may greet each other few times in a year, might receive few text messages, e-mails or even chat through Facebook or Yahoo Messenger. But wherever we are, and whatever we do, we all knew deep in our minds, the memories will always last.

WEEKLY HODGE PODGE: TRUTH WILL SET US FREE

MY schedule was toxic the past week and I assume the same will happen any day from now even though it’s a long Holiday.

I guess the safest way for me is to change the Monday Hodge Podge into a weekly Hodge Podge. So here it goes.

THE most credible person shed light during a congressional hearing called by Games and Amusement chair Rep. Amado Bagatsing, former director of the Philippine Long Distance Company whose KABAKA project is also being supported by Smart Communications.

No, it’s not Wynne Arboleda, who assaulted Alain Katigbac during the heated battle of Burger King and Smart Gilas more than a week ago.

Definitely it’s not Katigbac either, who after hurling invectives repeatedly against Arboleda and many other Burger King players who passed by him, couldn’t back up his thrash and now hiding on his lawyer’s big pocket.

It’s not Noli Eala nor Yeng Guiao, who had histories of trading barbs. And certainly not newly-appointed PBA chairman Lito Alvarez, the master trader in the PBA.

The substance the congressmen were looking for came from the pretty courtside reporter from the PBA – Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, who was a first-hand witness inside the Burger King locker room.

At the time when the fiery Burger King mentor was being pinpointed as the one who gave instructions to his players in hurting their younger counterparts from Smart Gilas, the wife of the former league superstar broke down to details what her business was inside the men’s locker room.

A congressman asked whether Bermudez-Hizon has malice (not her presence inside the men’s locker room) but the phrase “put Gilas in their place” that came out in her Twitter.

“I'm allowed by coaches to enter the locker room. I explained the offensive and defensive schemes of Burger King as well as coach Yeng’s motivation to his players that Gilas players will not enter the league and take their spots yet and that they are the ones in the spot, so they should put Gilas in their place,” said Bermudez-Hizon.

Bermudez-Hizon also added that there were no directives from Guiao to hurt Smart Gilas players, thus squelching accusations against the Burger King mentor and clearing his name, from this mess.

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So Smart Gilas’ games are now just plainly exhibition matches. Good for the teams in the PBA as they can concentrate on helping the national developmental pool members.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico agreed on the decision of PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios to make Gilas’ games reduced from bearing games to other teams to purely exhibition game.

“If we want to help them, we must deviate ourselves from the we-must-win attitude. In as much as we want to help them, we badly needed the win,” said Uichico after Ginebra’s victory over Smart-Gilas.

A week later, Uichico was humming a different tune. We can’t blame him, his team’s number of victories were sliced down a bit after that new ruling of having Smart-Gilas’ games not to be counted on the team standings.

“I am in favor of making the games of Smart-Gilas to become exhibition matches, but certainly not in the middle of the elimination round,” said Uichico. “Of course, it definitely hurt my team. Instead of having a 3-1 record, we’re down to 2-1.”

Alaska coach Tim Cone was very much vocal right from the start regarding the national team aspirants’ participation.

"I’m not a fan of national team competing on a PBA scheduled-games,” said Cone. “It affects our concentration. Now we can focus on helping them as all their games are down to exhibition matches.”

Like Uichico, Cone had the chance of handling the all-pro national team. He was coach of the Centennial team and also had sad experiences competing as a guest squad in the PBA.

“We played in an import-flavored conference. It was a bad experience and was not a big help for our campaign,” added Cone.

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Cone was on spotlight with selected sportswriters during a fellowship made possible by Alaska bossman Wilfred Steven Uytengsu at the Kamayan Restaurant in Edsa.

The two was very open in sharing the secrets of the team’s success that made their franchise the most dominant team in the country’s premier professional cage league.

“I remember Fred relaying a story about Tim making a lot of suggestions,” said Trillo, who came to Alaska months later than Cone after a colorful career in sportscasting. “Then Fred told Tim, you know, you talk too much Tim, why don’t you coach the squad.”

From there, the legacy started. The trio built a foundation anchored on Sean Chambers, who then became the resident import of the Aces then known as the Milkmen (when the league wants every moniker literally associated with the product, say like Rhum Masters for Tanduay, Hotdogs for Purefoods, Beermen for San Miguel, Turbo Chargers for Shell among others).

Slowly but surely, the influx of talent came in – Bong Alvarez was picked up in 1989 to add youth and excitement then Eugene Quilban was added. Jojo Lastimosa was acquired in a trade with Boy Cabahug in 1991 then two years later, a rookie named Johnny Abarrientos made the squad even more formidable. Then, Alvarez was traded for Bong Hawkins.

By bits and grabs, the Aces formed the nucleus of their squad and get them all together to play within the Triangle Offense of Cone. Amazingly, the Aces won 10 championships in the 90s to become a PBA dynasty.

This season’s batch of Aces have every ingredient of a championship caliber squad. No wonder Alaska is the only undefeated team in KFC-PBA Philippine Cup.

“Through the years, I had my shares of selfish players that I have to deal with it, yet we became successful. I really like the composition of our team this season. Players have become more matured. Like I’ve said during the pre season, I would rather want to establish team chemistry more than making several acquisitions of big-time players,” said Cone, who also put an end to the trade talks involving Willie Miller.

“Miller is definitely our best player. The only bad thing on Willie is that he thinks he could do everything he might be thinking he is a LeBron James or a Kobe Bryant,” said Cone in jest. “But he is truly a likeable person. I’m glad to have him on my team.”

Uytengsu, a former head of the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association, also felt sad Arboleda will be gone for the rest of the season.

“Off the court, he seems to be a likeable person. On the court, he is a hard-nosed defender. Now, he will be remembered for the mistake he has done for several minutes – that kick, punch and punch. It’s too bad it has happened. But some people lived a lifetime in a minute and Arboleda changed his life through that forgettable minutes,” said Uytengsu.

Hodge Podge Monday: James Yap of Coke, Arboleda of Barako Bull?

ONE is the husband of possibly the highest-paid actress in the land, the most sought-after endorser and a former presidential daughter.

The other one is the son-in-law of the owner of a PBA franchise, who made a living stealing – the ball from his opponent.

But can you imagine James Yap and Wynne Arboleda, whose names are synonymous to the teams their playing for, suiting up for different squads?

Yap to Coca-Cola. Arboleda to Barako Bull.

Truly, the proposed transfer were indeed made half meant at least.

Yap, Purefoods’ to gun, was the main dish to a feast thrown by Coca-Cola executives, according to a source. Since the giant soft drink company was very much involved in giving relief goods, the cager’s wife, popular TV/movie personality Kris Aquino, reportedly told Coke execs that “she wants James to play for the Tigers next season.”

“That is on top of saying that the next president of the Philippines is somebody who drinks eight cans of Coke daily,” said the source who attended the said lunch gathering.

Arboleda’s case is a different one. The player will be suspended the rest of the 2009-2010 season after assaulting a fan named Alain Katigbak. He was offered to Barako Bull as confirmed by its coach, Leo Isaac.

Who would have thought the two players who were perceived as untouchables on their respective teams are now being talked about of being shipped to new teams.

But before respective fans get excited – or go overacting – the VFPR believes the transfer won’t push through.

Purefoods would most likely exercise its rights of first refusal or simply match the offer of Coke by the time he becomes a free agent. On the other hand, Barako Bull might not bite on the offer as it doesn’t want to waste on something that cannot be useful to its campaign – for now.

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The man of the moment is certainly Arboleda, the hardworking Burger King point guard who established a name making his rivals bleed every time they bring the ball down court.

Every point guard in the PBA fears – or should I say take extra care of themselves against the man known as The Snatcher.

But the player who’s busy taking the ball out of his opponents hands was playing a new role – as an action star and villain for most people’s eyes in the PBA’s first triple header in years.

A kick landed on the mid section and punches were thrown on the visibly helpless Katigbak, who reportedly cursed and gave Arboleda and every Burger King player who passed by him a mouthful of unpleasant words.

The fan’s arms were used as if it was his shield to the attacking Gladiator from the South.

Burger King players are used to a Yeng Guiao-tongue lasher that they loved to make it as a side dish to a one, hot, appetizing meal. But not Katigbak, whose invectives could certainly make even Arboleda’s stone-built body and iron-like feelings more sensitive. More so, with his family among those present in attendance that game.

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So Arboleda will be banned from playing the rest of the 2009-2010 PBA season. Many believed justice had been served against Katigbak, reportedly a Smart-Gilas fan and friend of Chris Tiu.

But wait, what’s the punishment to somebody who started this trouble? All those heckling, insults and invectives hurled against the player, and he’ll just get away with it and in turn had the guts to file a case against the player who confronted him and taught him a lesson he will never forget?

Is justice been served fairly here?

I agree with the punishment on Arboleda. Ban him for the season, if you certainly wish so. Trade him to other team, Burger King, if you think that’s the way to make up for all the troubles he brought.

But what about the fan who created this mess? Would we simply clean this up after Arboleda was penalized?

There’s a saying among men that once you scattered dirt all over, make sure you can back up your thrash.

Here’s the fan, starting it all, creating trouble and now hiding in the law enforcement’s pocket for protection. Did he even say sorry for all those things he did, when he screamed his lungs out at the Big Dome and many people heard of what he said.

Words such as PI mo, has become a figure of speech for Filipino, especially if there’s no harm to be done. It was used as an expression, most of the time at social gatherings or simple barkada hang out.

But once PI has been repeated over and over again – with curse and to do harm – then that’s a different case. Arboleda doesn’t know Katigbak, that’s for sure and I believe the PI word was done to do harm not just used to spice up friendship and make conversation more lively.

So Wynne will be playing more golf – and gulp – from here on until the rest of the season while could also be awaiting whatever charges Katigbak has filed against him.
As for Katigbak, he was a classic case of a class bully who finally met his match.

I assume Arboleda has to become a sacrificial lamb so abusive fans would think twice of their actions.

Bits and grabs from Ondoy and how I survived it

ANYTIME from now as I publish this blog, another strong typhoon is about to hit the country.

Its international code name is frightening – Lupit – that I would rather call him by its local name, Ramil, who is by the way a namesake of the Philippine Basketball Association’s technical committee official and a veteran sportswriter whom I shared countless nights covering ball games.

Curiously, this veteran sportswriter whom I knew for 11 years now, happened to be a victim of a devastating storm – just like me -- that wrecked havoc in our nation, creating a sea of flood from towns in Rizal, Laguna and key cities in the metropolis like Pasig and Marikina.

Ondoy was an unwelcome visitor, damaging properties, taking away lives and breaking the hearts of thousands of families, some of them losing their loved ones – from direct family members, their favorite pets and even every animal species who have been part of their daily lives, and friends whom we shared great memories with.

For two days, Ondoy kept as in the dark – literally and figuratively – in our rented small, studio-type unit in Cainta as its collective rain downpour recorded as the most number of rain falls that showered the metropolis, was the most in five decades.

Too bad for us, we live in the ground floor inside a compound but what caught us surprised was the flood entered our home and the water quickly went up. In just a matter of minutes, the water have gone up, chest-deep.

And before I could save everything, it was already around 6 feet and I couldn’t save it all.

Personal items were devastated, including the one gifted to me by the late Bert Cuevas, my former editor and wedding sponsor.

For two days, I have barely eaten. The first meal for the day came around 8 p.m. when a kindhearted neighbor offered a bowl of oatmeal – which I normally don’t eat – then the next day I got instant noodles after a considerate retailer nearby threw us the noodles, which floated because of the flood.

Since they cannot do business for a particular days, or make it days, it would be advisable if he would just share those goods in times of distress. Choppers flew every moment, possibly one after every half an hour, but we were not been provided any assistance. Maybe, there were more who needed the help most so we lived by the day.

It was survival. Up there, in our neighbor’s terrace, we saw refrigerators turned into a boat as well as sofas following the running water down the streets as if a sail competition was in store.
We managed to blurt out some fun even on trying times, but deep down inside us, we couldn’t wait for the sun to shine and hope everything goes back to normal immediately.

For me, it was the biggest event I’ve ever covered. Sure, I was the source of the story, but on this bleak day, I was the topic, too. It was like sailing, chase for the fastest time to get your belongings on safer grounds and survival all in one. But it wasn’t a game. It’s real, action-packed, suspense where lives are at stake.

It was pure dark at night as electricity was forced to be shut down. Worse, even communication lines, such as mobile phone, was cut off temporarily.

It was only a day after when I received a text message from a high-ranking official who have no idea that I’m one of those who needed help as well. But the shocking message brought me back to realization that I am one of those fortunate enough to live for another day.

The message brought gave me goose bumps. It read: Pease pray for the soul of our beloved Tony Chua of Barako Bull, who passed away at the time when Ondoy was terrorizing most parts of the metropolis and provinces nearby.

The third day saw us a little glimmering light. Streets were now down to waist-deep in flood. As my stomach was grumbling so as my mind telling me that I need to do it to survive, I walked to get something to eat.

The remnants of the storm that just ravaged us two days ago mirrored the pain the entire area was suffering at that time – establishments were swept and totally not fit to do business, people crammed to get on board be it on jeepneys, taxis or buses while many were forced to walk.

The first decent meal I got after three days came from a different city, in Libis, Quezon City, wherein a Mcdonald’s chain was operating. Never mind how I looked that day with mud staining my shirt and haven’t taken a bath as there was no water supply either, but my stomach tells my mind that I need to act – and fast.

A Shopwise Supermarket was just few blocks away and I needed to buy a new bed. Again, I wasn’t curious with the way I looked. I was more concerned to purchase something which me and my family needed at once.

Days passed by and the remnants were still there – personal items, most of them valuables, were turned to junk. Clothes which we wore, including those favorite of ours, were turned into rags.

Oh yes, there were more. My laptop, my cellular phone and the PSP, which my wife bought for diversion. They all needed repairs, too. But life, more than anything else, is the most essential. I’m thankful we survived all of these. My loved ones still remain intact that I could spend days and nights, share every moments with them and that hope springs eternal to all of us.

But time has tested us to remain strong – and be prepared at least. After Ondoy came Pepeng and it whipped Northern Luzon for days causing hundreds of lives. The next one that would hit us – Oh, God, spare us for another one – remains unpredictable.

Help, assistance and relief goods are mere temporarily. What we need is the Philippines to come up with a program that would give importance and keep everyone aware regarding global warming and what ways should we do as to help lessen or avoid such another tragic scenario. Some said it happened once in a lifetime. But history tend to repeat itself and we don’t want to experience yet another forgettable one.

God said he would spare us from another Noah’s Ark scenario. But the earth is for the people to live and the children of God should protect it with utmost care.

The nation weeps. Our country, one of those belonging to Third World, is crippling, needs help. And the people should stop the blame but find a solution because when nature struck, there’s nothing you, me or anybody could do. Let us all be part of the solution.

Is Caidic still worthy of a spot in the RP team? Guiao certainly thinks so

YENG Guiao waited for 10 years to get the services of The Triggerman Allan Caidic.

Unintentionally, the fiery mentor forced the record holder for most number of points and most number of three-pointers in a single game to an early retirement.

Guiao waited for nine years more to fulfill his wish of finally handling the deadshot lefty and it was truly worth the wait.

Caidic sank five three-point shots in one quarter a day after he torched the hoops during their team’s only practice session and Guiao is truly convinced the 1990 Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player has yet to lose his magic stroke.

Now the all-pro, Powerade-Pilipinas mentor is pondering the possibility of including the Ginebra Gin King mentor to the squad in major Asian basketball tournaments.

No, not to scout for the team or join Guiao’s coaching staff, but to play a special role for a team that badly needs his shooting prowess.

That is, of course, if Caidic puts his heart into it and makes himself available.

“Definitely, he has the talent,” said Guiao, referring to the 45-year-old Caidic’s natural shooting ability.

“Puwede pa talaga siya sa RP team because player of his caliber is the one which we lacked in FIBA Asia Championship. Of course, the biggest question there is kung willing ba siya na maglaro? If yes, he can play a special purpose for the team,” added Guiao, whose team lost to the NBA Generation, 86-109, in an exhibition game at the Araneta Coliseum Friday night.

That special purpose Guiao was referring include Caidic playing the role as the designated hitter for few minutes, which will be enough to give the team a big lift.

Guiao, who was delegated to handle a selection of past and present PBA Stars, was amazed by Caidic’s excellent marksmanship. During the PBA Selection’s first and only practice session, he buried 10 triples, giving Guiao an impression that his number can be called anytime.

How much do you love your country? It's worth P18.6-million

WHEN money talks, everybody listens.

Especially, when it’s worth a whopping P18.6-million for three years.

No wonder, Japeth Aguilar turned down a promising and possibly a fruitful career in the Philippine Basketball Association and instead decided to bring his act to the Smart-Gilas basketball team backed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and bankrolled by businessman/sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan.

A highly placed source told VFTPR that the 6’9” former Western Kentucky University player was offered a whopping three-year contract by the team handled by Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.

Toroman was the former coach of Iran when the team won its first ever FIBA Asia Men’s Basketball crown.

The same source said Aguilar is set to get P350,000 in his first year, P500,000 in his second and P700,000 in his final year with Smart Gilas, more than doubling the P8.7 million Burger King, the PBA team which drafted the 22-year-old cager, offered him.

The Whopper’s offer, which was the maximum salary allowed for a rookie, was rejected by Aguilar’s camp.

Not long ago, Aguilar, who played both for the Smart-Gilas team and the all-pro Powerade-Pilipinas men’s basketball team in the FIBA Asia Championship and William Jones Cup this year, was so excited to join the draft.

He applied for the PBA Draft and issued his intent to enter the pro league during the Powerade Team Pilipinas’ campaign in the FIBA Asia Men’s Championship in Tianjin.

But what the sudden change of heart remained as a big puzzle for PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios.

“It remains a mystery to me,” said Barrios during the PSA Forum at the Shakey’s UN Ave., Tuesday.

Barrios said that Aguilar’s camp may be right in saying that they don’t have a commitment in the PBA as well as Burger King as they didn’t sign a contract. But the official said that there are things to be considered more than just the rules and regulations of the pro league.

“I don’t think the issue should simply just focus on the rules and regulations or whether Aguilar has a commitment with the PBA or Burger King. It’s how you do things with a sense of propriety,” added Barrios.

“It’s about being fair – to the PBA and the team which picked him up. The thing is, the case is more sensitive because he is the top overall rookie pick and that a team is building its future around him.”
Barrios also disclosed that the PBA gave Aguilar the needed assistance to fulfill his dream of turning pro and treated him like a rock star.

“We are talking here of a six-figure allowance that was even bigger than the contracts of many players in the PBA,” said Barrios. “He was given perks that other members of the Powerade Team Pilipinas did not enjoy.”