The Jaworski Inforgraphic

With the PBA coming in a couple of weeks, might as well bring up this cool infographic on the Living Legend. (h/t to Mico Halili's blog)

Mabuhay ka, Jawo.

Rivals United

Rivalries oftentimes, if not every single time bring out the best and the worst on people. As someone who is familiar with having to deal with things like this, it is refreshing that there are moments where you have the opportunity to chuck away the rivalry for a better cause.



Early on Monday, Everton put on a tribute for the Hillsborough 96, with the recently released findings from the Hillsborough Independent Panel that pretty much exonerated the Liverpool fans from any wrongdoing.


Everton tribute to the 96 who died at Hillsborough by emmysguysandgals

This is one of the many tributes that were conducted all across Britain during the weekend.

It was a very classy move by the Merseyside rivals to do this.

Still, even with the findings out, the quest for justice continues to see who is to blame for the 1989 tragedy and for them to be dealt with accordingly.

P.S. I remember the Ateneo-La Salle "Cory" game and how most, if not all, decided to chuck away their shades of green and blue and went with yellow in honor of the then-recently-departed former president.

Blog Outsourcing - September 17, 2012 edition

The alma mater just finished its regular season with a win and a 12-2 record, sealing the 1st spot after 14 games.

It was a solid one, too.

 

Now we wait for our Final Four opponent.

Here forth is the Storify after the jump.

Encapsulating the UAAP - Week 10

Credit to the owner of the photo.

Rankings after the week's games:

Ateneo - Finishes the regular season on the roost.

La Salle - All they need is to win, and they'll be in.
UST -Obviously, those who want to push for UST clearly need to reread FIBA rules. Still, it was a damn close game.

FEU - They get Mike Tolomia back, but is Arvie Bringas done?
NU - Needs to prove that the board room result was not in vain.
Adamson - Shooting the lights out, now they look to shoot for a spoiler role.
UE - Will Boyzie fulfill the destiny of creating mayhem? They have the toughest part, needing to beat UST.
UP - For a team with 8 graduating players, snagging one win is a really really disappointing thing.

What lies ahead:

Seniors

Thursday @ Mall of Asia Arena: 2 P.M. University of Santo Tomas vs University of the East / 4 P.M. Adamson vs De La Salle University
Sunday @ SMART-Araneta Coliseum: 4 P.M. Far Eastern University vs National University

Women

Sunday @ SMART-Araneta Coliseum: 9:30 A.M. Far Eastern University vs National University

Juniors

Wednesday @ Fil-Oil Flying V Arena: 10:15 A.M. Adamson University vs Ateneo de Manila / 12 NN National University vs University of the East / 1:45 P.M. University of the Philippines Integrated School vs University of Santo Tomas / 3:30 P.M. De La Salle - Zobel vs Far Eastern University
Sunday @ Fil-Oil Flying V Arena: 10:15 A.M. University of the East vs Adamson University / 12 NN National University vs Far Eastern University / 1:45 P.M. Ateneo de Manila vs University of Santo Tomas / 3:30 P.M. De La Salle - Zobel vs University of the Philippines Intergrated School

Calendaring Sports Arguments

This is just funny. Thanks to ESPNW's Amanda Rykoff for tweeting this photo.

In the Philippines, it will most likely be basketball, with college taking precedence from June to October, then the PBA on the other months, with the NBA sharing the load when it is on.

Welcome to the ACC, Notre Dame

The Atlantic Coast Conference has decided on adding a new member. And it is a bombshell.

The hallowed University of Notre Dame is now officially its 15th member, once its exit from the Big East is arranged. They will be involved in all ACC sports save for football. The Fighting Irish will retain its independent status, but they will be playing 5 games against conference schools.

Their 2012 football schedule sees them facing off against current ACC members Miami (FL), Boston College and Wake Forest. Soon-to-be ACC member Pitt is also part of their schedule this year, and will be the only one from the conference in 2013.

College realignment is back at it again. And John Swofford swipes another one. The Big East and Big Ten, both of whom share strong ties with the Irish, get screwed out. In fact, once it is formalized, a third of the teams from the expanded ACC will be from the Big East (Miami (FL), Virginia Tech, Boston College, Syracuse, Pittsburgh).

Full statement from the ACC after the jump.

The Atlantic Coast Conference Council of Presidents has unanimously voted to accept the University of Notre Dame as a new member. The Irish will compete as full members in all conference sponsored sports with the exception of football which will play five games annually against league programs.

"We are committed to keeping the Atlantic Coast Conference a vibrant and competitive league dedicated to ensuring the appropriate balance of academics, athletics and integrity," said the ACC Council of Presidents in a joint statement. "The addition of Notre Dame further strengthens the rich tradition and culture of the ACC as well as allowing for future academic collaboration and we enthusiastically welcome them into the league."

"The ACC was founded on the cornerstones of balancing academics, athletics and integrity," said Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner John Swofford. "Our partnership with Notre Dame only strengthens this long-standing commitment. Notre Dame enhances the league's unique blend of public and private institutions that are international in scope. The collective alumni and fan bases cover the entire country with exceptionally strong roots up and down the Atlantic Coast. This is a terrific milestone in the evolution of the ACC and showcases tremendous solidarity and vision by our Council of Presidents."

"The ACC is composed of some of the most highly respected universities in the country, and we at Notre Dame look forward to joining them," said Notre Dame President, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. "With a mix of institutions - many of which are also private, similar to Notre Dame in size, and committed to excellence in research and undergraduate education - the ACC is an exceptionally good fit for us academically, as well as athletically."

"We have monitored the changing conference landscape for many months and have concluded that moving to the ACC is the best course of action for us," said Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame Vice President and Director of Athletics. "We are able to maintain our historic independence in football, join in the ACC's non-BCS bowl package, and provide a new and extremely competitive home for our other sports."

With the addition of Notre Dame, the ACC's future membership includes 11 institutions ranked among the top 58 in the 2013 U.S. News & World Report survey of "America's Best Colleges", more than any other conference also competing at the highest level athletically.

In addition to extending an invitation to Notre Dame, the Council of Presidents voted to increase the conference exit fees to three times the annual operating budget. Currently this would equate to an exit fee of over $50 million.

White Mamba Retrospective

Recently, Brian Scalabrine announced his retirement from the NBA and move to the commentary booth of the Boston Celtics.

On its YouTube channel, the NBA, probably one of the best with regards to its use of social media, decided to honor the former Net, Celtic and Bull with a little tribute package.



It won't be long before the legendary 12th Man icon gets the Bobblehead treatment.

Boyzie and UE

It's amazing how a change of coaching sparks something out of nothing.



With a season virtually lost, the university had their coach "kicked upstairs" so to speak. They then turn to someone named "Alamat" (or Legend) to see if they can turn things around. He's done that in the past, in fact. And he has seen how things have gone since his regime (his son was on the team the past few years).

If you notice on the clip, too, it's amazing how the players recognize the moment and decided to seize it.

They earned that win, if only for that segment. That speaks of one's heart and will to succeed.

Encapsulating the UAAP - Week 9

Credit to owner of photo

Rankings after the week's games:

Ateneo - Get well soon, JP Erram. See you next season on the court.
FEU - Shook off the boardroom drama by downing a Warrior. 
UST - A chance at finishing on top is in sight, with the Ateneo devoid a big as the Cardiac Cats' biggest test left.
NU - They got their wish off the court. They'll have to, however, do their thing on the court.
La Salle - Chew on Almond and feed the Bear. That might be the recipe to tame a Tamaraw. 
UE - Imagine if Boyzie Zamar was coaching this team since the start of the season. 
Adamson - It's not Eric Camson's fault. That's what JP Erram said. He torched the champs for 26. 
UP - Consolation for the Maroons? 9/22 is only a couple of weeks away. 

What lies ahead:

Seniors

Thursday @ PSC-PhilSports Arena: 2 P.M. University of the Philippines vs Far Eastern University / 4 P.M. National University vs Ateneo de Manila
Saturday @ Mall of Asia Arena: 2 P.M. University of the East vs Adamson / 4 P.M. University of Santo Tomas vs Ateneo de Manila
Sunday @ Mall of Asia Arena: 2 P.M. National University vs University of the Philippines / 4 P.M. De La Salle University vs Far Eastern University
Next Thursday @ Mall of Asia Arena: 2 P.M. University of Santo Tomas vs University of the East / 4 P.M. Adamson vs De La Salle University
Next Sunday @ SMART-Araneta Coliseum: 4 P.M. Far Eastern University vs National University

Women

Wednesday @ Fil-Oil Flying V Arena: 12 NN Far Eastern University vs University of the East / 1:45 P.M. University of Santo Tomas vs De La Salle University / 3:30 P.M. University of the Philippines vs National University / 5:15 P.M. Ateneo de Manila vs Adamson University
Sunday @ Mall of Asia Arena: 8:30 AM University of the East vs University of the Philippines / 10:15 A.M. National University vs De La Salle University / @ FIl-Oil Flying V Arena: 3:30 P.M. Ateneo de Manila vs University of Santo Tomas / 5:15 P.M. Far Eastern University vs Adamson University

Juniors

Wednesday @ Fil-Oil Flying V Arena: 8:30 A.M. Far Eastern University vs University of the Philippines Integrated School / 10:15 AM University of the East vs Ateneo de Manila
Thursday @ PSC-PhilSports Arena: 8:30 A.M. Adamson University vs University of Santo Tomas / 10:15 A.M. National University vs De La Salle - Zobel
Sunday @ FIl-Oil Flying V Arena: 8:30 A.M. University of the East vs University of Santo Tomas / 10:15 A.M. Far Eastern University vs Adamson University / 3:30 P.M. Ateneo de Manila vs De La Salle - Zobel / 5:15 P.M. University of the Philippines Integrated School vs National University
Next Wednesday @ Fil-Oil Flying V Arena: 10:15 A.M. Adamson University vs Ateneo de Manila / 12 NN National University vs University of the East / 1:45 P.M. University of the Philippines Integrated School vs University of Santo Tomas / 3:30 P.M. De La Salle - Zobel vs Far Eastern University
Next Sunday @ Fil-Oil Flying V Arena: 10:15 A.M. University of the East vs Adamson University / 12 NN National University vs Far Eastern University / 1:45 P.M. Ateneo de Manila vs University of Santo Tomas / 3:30 P.M. De La Salle - Zobel vs University of Santo Tomas

Philippine Football Peace Cup

To commemorate the National Peace Consciousness Month, the Philippine Football Federation has changed the name of what used to be the Long Teng Cup to the Philippine Football Peace Cup.

To be conducted on September 25-29 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, four nations gather together to play football and promote the concept of peace. It also fits as the culminating activity to end the month after having the 1 Goal For Peace campaign to kick it off.

Joining the Philippines in this small tournament are Chinese-Taipei, Macau and Guam.

Ticket prices per day are pegged at P500 (VIP center grandstand); P300 (regular grandstand); P50 (bleachers).  Fans can also purchase a Golden Ticket at P1,000, which entitles holder to a VIP grandstand seat for all the 6 games over the three game dates.  A student discount of 50% - subject to presentation of School ID when the ticket is purchased by the student at a Ticketworld outlet – will also be available and is valid only for non-VIP seats.

Blog Outsourcing - September 10, 2012 edition

Welcome to the latest edition of The Morning After.

I am sure you had your fill of football. You missed it like heck. You love it like your significant other. May this be the beginning of something great.

Here forth is the Storify I did for this week after the jump.


To part, here is Coldplay closing out the Paralympics.

On the FEU-NU ending and its aftermath

Credit to whoever took this photo.

There is more drama in the UAAP, thanks to this sequence.



The ruling on the field is that the shot counted. A few days later...

“Because of the pieces of evidences/statements/video used in the deliberation were inconclusive and unclear and most of the points brought up showed that time had expired before the ball was fully released, the UAAP Board unanimously upheld the appeal of NU for a replay of the game that is scheduled on Sept. 23, 2012” - Henry Atayde (DLSU), Member of the UAAP Technical Committee

NU’s Junel Baculi, a member of the technical committee, inhibited himself from the meeting, for obvious reasons.

Here is the video again, to refresh yourself.



To put things in perspective: Nothing has changed. NU still has the tougher close-out schedule. They still have La Salle and Ateneo on tap (on consecutive playdates to boot), with a UP team that wants to give its 8 graduating players a winning send-off. Now tack on that FEU game. From the looks of things, a 9-5 record might be the win-loss standing being toted by the 4th place team, whoever that will be.

I said that the NU appeal has merit, but I have questions with regards to the decision on replaying the whole game. Ideally, they should have both teams play the OT on either of the two playdates that have both teams on it: September 13 or 16.

Then again, this would have been avoided had RR passed it quickly to a wide-open Anthony Hargrove on that helter-skelter sequence.

NCAA Collegiate Basketball action on AkTV Gaining Viewership momentum

I find it interesting how AkTV is handling the NCAA this season vis-a-vis with the UAAP. Now we have a set of data available to the public, thanks to Sports 5.

According to their press release, which bases it from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement,the NCAA has garnered a 13% lead over the UAAP with regards to absolute numbers of viewers in the overall national urban scale.

The June 23 to August 18 data illustrate that on their 4 PM to 8 PM time slot, the NCAA averages almost 200,000 viewers. Data also illustrates that in Mega Manila, the NCAA averages 120,000 viewers compared to the UAAP's 77,000 viewers, a 56% lead.

Based on Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, the 88th season of the oldest collegiate league in the country has garnered a 13% lead over UAAP in terms of absolute numbers of viewers in the overall national urban scale. According to data gathered from June 23 to August 18, NCAA was generating an average viewership of close to 200,000 in its primetime slot of 4pm to 8pm. In Mega Manila alone, the NCAA managed to obtain a 56% lead generating an average of 120,000 viewers against the 77,000 average viewers over the other collegiate league.

For specific games, the 1st round meeting between San Beda against Perpetual Help Dalta System was the NCAA's highest viewed game, with 374,296 NUTAM. You probably remember that game because of this.



In comparison, the NCAA's Opening Day game between Letran and San Sebastian registered 297,460 NUTAM.

Sports5's sports manager Vitto Lazatin is happy with the early fruits of the NCAA-AkTV partnership, noting that "The outstanding ratings for this year’s NCAA college basketball tournament prove that more and more sports fans are getting involved in the exciting league action. We only treat this happy development as a challenge to keep delivering the best in college sports through our partnership with the NCAA."

It is important to note that if you checked out PhilStar's Joey Villar's timeline when he received this info, he was fielding tweets from his followers. One of them noted that how come it is mostly the UAAP that is trending on social media.

1 Goal For Peace

Photo c/o author

In 2004, the administration under then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo enacted Proclamation No. 675, which decrees the month of September as the National Peace Consciousness Month. This is an opportunity to educate all Filipinos on peace and the peace process.

In the nine years that the Peace Month has been established, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has been tasked to lead the observance of the event. For this year's edition, the sport of football will be kicking off, literally, the activities for the Month of Peace.

On Sunday at the PhilSports Complex, members of the Philippine national football teams, with the help of some members of the Armed Forces, who branches participate in the United Football League, conducted a football clinic to children. This is in collaboration between the PFF and the OPAPP, who announced previously that our footballers, specifically the Azkals, are deemed as "Ambassadors of Peace" for their role in building peace and solidarity as role models for all Filipinos.

The football clinic, dubbed as 1 Goal For Peace, is one of the final activities for the senior national football teams before they depart for an ASEAN country this month. The Azkals are scheduled to face three ASEAN countries in friendlies, while the Malidtas are scheduled to participate in the 2012 AFF Women's Championships in Vietnam. Members of the under-19 national team, dubbed as the Teen Azkals, also helped in teaching the children. In addition to the clinic, there was a peace fair held at the venue.




The theme for this year's Peace Month is “Ako. Ikaw. Tayo. Magkakaiba, Nagkakaisa sa Kapayapaan,” a call that everyone should come together for nation-building, in spite of our differing ethnic groups, religion, beliefs, et al. Just like in football, there are different roles and personalities in a team, but all share in one goal.

Among the officials who graced the event are Sec. Teresita "Ging" Deles of OPAPP, the PFF's Mr. Mariano "Nonong" Araneta, as well as Mr. Knut-Are Okstad of the Norwegian Embassy. In addition, representatives from the different organzations involved with the ideal of peace like the People Power Volunteers for Reform, Asia-American Initiative, Urban Poor Associates and GenPeace were in the event as well.

There are other activities lined up for the National Peace Consciousness Month, all of them detailed on the specific website OPAPP created for the month.

Encapsulating the UAAP - Week 8

Thanks, Fabilioh.com

Rankings after the week's games:

Ateneo - Stamping its class. Clearly getting ready to prime themselves for the stretch run. Starting Ryan was masterstroke.
FEU - Really embarrassing performance by the Tamaraws against the champions.
UST - The schedule lightens up now. Time to take advantage.
La Salle - Joshua Webb only has one win in twelve Ateneo-La Salle meetings in the UAAP. 
NU - Virtual knock-out game beckons against La Salle.
Adamson - Jericho Cruz is sensational. Watch out next year.
UE - Sumang-to-Javier drive and dish. Run to perfection. Boyzie Zamar has some tools to work with. 
UP - That was truly an agonizing loss. The community is starving for a victory. The fight continues.

What lies ahead:

Thursday @ Mall of Asia Arena - 2 P.M. Ateneo de Manila vs University of the East / 4 P.M. De La Salle University vs University of the Philippines

Saturday @ Mall of Asia Arena - 2 P.M. University of the Philippines vs University of Santo Tomas / 4 P.M. University of the East vs Far Eastern University

Sunday @ Mall of Asia Arena - 2 P.M. Ateneo de Manila vs Adamson / 4 P.M. De La Salle University vs National University

Other basketball games scheduled:

Women's

Sunday @ Fil-Oil Flying V Arena - 12 NN University of the East vs De La Salle University / 1:45 P.M. University of Santo Tomas vs Far Eastern University / 3:30 P.M. National University vs Ateneo de Manila / 5:15 P.M. Adamson vs University of the Philippines

Juniors'

Thursday @ Mall of Asia Arena - 8:30 A.M. University of Santo Tomas vs National University / 10:15 A.M. Ateneo de Manila vs Far Eastern University

Sunday @ Mall of Asia Arena - 8:30 AM Ateneo de Manila vs University of the Philippines Integrated School / 10:15 A.M. Adamson vs National University / @ FIl-Oil Flying V Arena - 8:30 A.M. Far Eastern University vs University of the East / 10:15 A.M. University of Santo Tomas vs De La Salle - Zobel

Kaya FC Reunion Match Scheduled

It all started with a brainstorming session involving Chris Hagedorn, Armand del Rosario and Rick Olivares, where an idea popped up. The suggestion of having the current iteration of Kaya FC go up against its fabled alumni. From a simple idea, it will now be a reality as the Kaya FC Reunion match.

The exhibition match will take place on September 9 at the BGC Field, with the kick-off for this match being set at 8 P.M. It will be free admission, so fans can flock to the venue. In fact, the organizers are encouraging the fans to attend to "tailgate" for the occasion. In addition, Kaya FC will also be selling merchandise at the venue, as well as showcasing the proud championship history of the club.

According to Armand, when you are a part of Kaya FC, you will always be a part of the team, that you will always be a part of the Kaya family. That is something that Kale Alvarez wants to foster with the club, having been a former player back in 2006, to currently being its 4th-ever head coach since the team's establishment in 1996. That is something that Coach Kale wants to imbibe on the new signings.

One of those new signings was in the same building when the press conference took place was Antonio Ugarte. The Fil-Am forward / midfielder just signed his contract with the team on the same day. He has already made an impact as an integral part of the team that won the Kia Cup last Sunday at the ACC football grounds.

In facing the alumni, they get to meet such legends like Rudy del Rosario and Rely San Agustin, and also some of the best footballers plying their trade in the country, like the El-Habbib brothers of Global FC and Tating Pasilan of Green Archers United - Globe. There is no official complete list of participants from the alumni, but it is expected that they will be give their best effort against the team that finished second in the United Football League.

Blog Outsourcing - September 3, 2012 edition

Duck Season - Oppa Gangnam Style

When the Labor Day weekend comes up, fans are giddy about the upcoming College Football season, where everyone has a chance at the BCS and all that. To get people ready, here is the Oregon Duck mascot invoking the Oppa Gangnam Style that has taken over the scene.



Let the collegiate pigskin hijinks begin.

2012 Jones Cup Replay Schedules

Relive the moment. Only the fourth time in the history of the tournament has the Philippines won this.

Encapsulating the UAAP - Week 7

c/o Pinoy Exchange

Rankings after the week's games:

FEU - Realized on their offensive potential first, then relied on sheer talent and veteran guile to dispatch the Falcons. Will need a combination of that to go over the Ateneo mental block.
Ateneo - From Coach Norman Black: “But honestly, I’m definitely not satisfied with the way we played. We did not play very intelligently as a team. And we also did not play as a team. With FEU and La Salle coming up, we definitely have to play a lot better if we want to win.”
UST - Jeric Fortuna is LA Tenorio-clutch. Aljon Mariano is money on iso. But they better make sure to avoid offensive droughts, like that Antarctic game against FEU.
La Salle - Kudos for the homage to the late Sec. Robredo. This definitely ain't the old Archers of the previous decade.
NU - Troy Rosario and Henry Betayene have emerged. Life after Mbe will be alright.
Adamson -  Just as I was praising Brondial, he then gets caught punching a guy, gets himself ejected, then suspended.  To Coach Leo Austria's credit, they scared their opposition, but other teams had better talent in the end.

UP - How long does it take to fix Chris Ball's paperwork? Look at how Alinko Mbah fared against Greg.
UE - New coach, same result for the Recto-based crew.

What lies ahead:

Wednesday @ Mall of Asia Arena - 12 NN (televised at 2 P.M.) University of Santo Tomas vs De La Salle University / 4 P.M. - Far Eastern University vs Ateneo de Manila

Thursday @ Mall of Asia Arena - 2 P.M. University of the East vs National University / 4 P.M. Adamson vs University of the Philippines

Saturday @ SMART-Araneta Coliseum - 12 NN (televised at 2 P.M.) Adamson vs University of Santo Tomas / 4 P.M. Ateneo de Manila vs De La Salle University

Sunday @ Mall of Asia Arena - 2 P.M. University of the Philippines vs University of the East / 4 P.M. Far Eastern University vs National University

Other basketball games scheduled:

Women's

Friday @ Fil-Oil Flying V Arena: 1015 A.M. Adamson vs University of the East / 12 NN University of the Philippines vs Far Eastern University / 1:45 P.M. De La Salle University vs Ateneo de Manila / 3:30 P.M. National University vs University of Santo Tomas

Sunday @ Mall of Asia Arena: 8:30 A.M. University of the Philippines vs University of Santo Tomas / 10:15 A.M. University of the East vs Ateneo de Manila / @ FIl-Oil Flying V Arena: 3:30 P.M. Far Eastern University vs National University / 5:15 P.M. De La Salle University vs Adamson

Juniors'

Thursday @ Mall of Asia Arena: 8:30 A.M. University of the Philippines Integrated School vs University of the East / 10:15 A.M. De La Salle-Zobel vs Adamson

Sunday @ FIl-Oil Flying V Arena: 8:30 A.M. University of Santo Tomas vs Far Eastern University / 10:15 A.M. National University vs Ateneo de Manila / 12 NN University of the East vs De La Salle-Zobel / 1:45 P.M. Adamson vs University of the Philippines Integrated School