The Pyramid of Enlightenment

Do you know how many Chinese badminton players conspired to produce a Lin Dan, Gold Medalist in the World Cup and Olympics?

That is why we reiterate that the pyramid is a tried and tested formula of success. I know we have modern methods of building structures such as high rise buildings and skyscrapers but it is not as enduring as the Pyramids which has lasted for 1000+ years. Nevertheless we share the view that the structures should have a strong base. In the case of Pyramids, each piece that is laid contribute to its strength.

We want to have a strong National Team we have to have a strong base. 

The PBA Christmas Day

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Magnolia Hotshots renew their rivalry when they battle at the second game of the PBA Christmas Day double header at the Philippine Arena tomorrow as the 2017-18 Philippine Cup continues. The last two years Ginebra holds a 10-4 win loss advantage over Magnolia or the Star and Purefoods franchise including their semifinal clash last year at the Philippine Cup.

As you know Purefoods who rised to fame in 1988 was bannered by the Captain Lionheart Alvin Patrimonio. They are known for their toughness and inside game. To this day that spirit is embodied by Magnolia which has Patrimonio as their Team Manager. They hire another Mapua Cardinal in Coach Chito Victolero to pilot them to the Championships.

The Purefoods franchise was what you call an independent team but when the Purefoods brand was sold to San Miguel Corporation they play third wheel so to speak to sister teams San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. When will Magnolia step out of the shadows of their more illustrious sister teams? Sisters can be competitive and independent of each other you know.

The practice is not uncommon as the Manny V. Pangilinan MVP group also owns three teams in the PBA namely the Talk N Text, Meralco and NLEX. Some fans question the need to promote Meralco and NLEX since they are government subsidized. They promote the government. There you go.

So what i am saying is fanspeak. You have two major corporations San Miguel and the MVP Group influencing the whole league.

Kia Picanto is probably allied to San Miguel when they hired Assistant Coach Art dela Cruz long time San Miguel player and assistant coach.

Rivalry is good okay especially if it is an even match. The crowd can perceive the competitive spirit. The story of Ginebra is that they play rugged and disorganized basketball. This was the never say die spirit displayed by PBA Legend Filipino-Polish Robert Sonny Jaworski. Whenever you see them play they will cause trouble win or lose. This is what fans expect when Mayor Jinggoy Estrada and his San Juan Knights play. I digress this from the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association a home and away city based league kinda like the NBA.

The 30 NBA Teams play 82 games in which they usually play 3, 4 times a week and twice rarely. Its a tried and tested formula. The 12 PBA Teams usually play once a week, twice seldom. You tell me how can we challenge for the World Cup. Follow the NBA standard so the teams can utilize the bench players. We will cramp the schedule so that the teams play at least twice, ideally thrice a week. Go to the provinces so that the 12 teams play simultaneously at the 3 or 4 playing dates a week the way they do on the Chinese Basketball League CBL. This way the players can level up with the sustained pressure. Naturally the integrated basketball operations such as media coverage, logistics will have to improve.

So the PBA can have 4 months of off season for r and r. Volleyball takes the spotlight next. I tell you the profit is the same at this rate.

PSL: The F2 Logistics Vs Petron Rivalry

The rivalry is on!

Last Saturday F2 Logistics claimed the Grand Prix Gold Medal by beating Petron in four sets thus ekeing out a come from behind 2 games to 1 win in the best of three finals. The Blaze Spikers had a commanding victory in the first game and was well on their way to romping off with the cup in the second game when they led the Cargo Movers 9 to 0 in the fourth set when disaster struck. F2 engineered a staggering comeback to edge Petron in the five set thriller.

It was not improbable really as a 15-6 advantage would be safer than a 9-0 lead. In this score the teams are separated by only four or five sideouts. A sideout means you score against the serve. F2 has the momentum going to the game three decider which isn't much as Petron and F2 seemed to be evenly matched.

The win also marked the second consecutive time the two teams have met in the finals of the last two conferences. Petron has bested F2 Logistics in the All Filipino Cup.

Playing the third wheel as always would be the steady Foton Tornadoes who did not win any championship in 2017. As they say it is better to go out with a win but it is best to win the gold.

The PSL 2018 Season looks promising and intriguing as we will start off with the Grand Prix to be followed by the All Filipino and the Invitationals. As we have said there is separation from the top three teams. We hope the rest of the teams improve so they can match their fire power.