NBA Western Conference Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns

Ron Artest was one of my favorite players before because he seems to play with so much passion (we share the same birthday). But in this series, I was rooting for the underdogs, the Phoenix Suns and I want Steve Nash and Grant Hill to win a championship before they retire, although the series is not yet over, it is difficult for the suns to win 2 straight against the Lakers.

I watched the last second shot of Artest again and again…talk about being at the right place at the right time, but it really is all about the hustle of Ron-ron. Great play!

Can the Orlando Magic become the 1st NBA team to comeback from a 3-0 deficit? As they say there is always a first time, and the way Orlando won Game 5, I think it is possible that they can win Game 6 on the road and Game 7 at home. I know Vince Carter still has not delivered a good game in this series, but if Orlando extends the series to Game 7, I hope Vince Carter will redeem himself and carry Orlando to the NBA Finals.

I have been supporting 2 basketball teams for more than 15 years (tanda ko na), the Derby Ace Llamados (formerly called Purefoods TJ Giants) and the UP Fighting Maroons. I created a blog each for these teams http://www.purefoodsbasketball.com and http://www.maroonsbasketball.com to show my support and have been shooting the UP Fighting Maroons for the past 2 years and for this year i’ll be shooting PBA games for the Derby Ace Llamados.

Both Derby Ace and Maroons won their games today, the Derby Ace Llamados won over Barako Coffee Masters in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference and the UP Fighting Maroons defeated La Salle in the 2010 FilOil Flying V Preseason Tournament.

PS
Did you know that I was once a bench warmer for the UP Junior Maroons?

Just watched Wrestlemania XVI, I haven’t watched wrestling in a long time but I was a big wrestling fan even watching both WWE Raw and Smackdown Live at the Araneta Coliseum a couple of years ago. Another classic match between Undertaker and HBK, with Undertaker beating Shawn Michaels and forcing HBK to retire. (maybe for good). Another good match is between WWE champion Batista vs John Cena with Cena getting back the WWE Championship Belt.

Great photos from the WWE website, I hope I can shoot a big event like this in the future.

But just like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant or other great athletes and teams, Manny did not win in the ring, but during training, and this is an important lesson for all of us. Being prepared and having discipline not only during the match but from the first day of training makes a big difference. If you can see how determined Pacquiao was during training (even with all the distractions about politics and rumors about him) and also how the Team Pacquiao prepared and planned for this match, you will have no doubt that Manny will win against Cotto.

Special mention also goes to NBA Rookie Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks, who had 55 points recently and having a solid Rookie season mainly because of how he trains during the season and most importantly during the off-season.

Here’s my Fitness Roadmap:
In 3-6 months, join 5km Runs
In 6-12 months, join 10km Runs
In 1 year, join 21km Runs
In 1.5 years, join 42km Runs
In 2 years, join a Triathlon

To everyone, please send me info on any upcoming races/marathons available in the next few months.
Thanks a lot!

1. UAAP Season 72 Juniors Basketball: NU defeats UPIS, 84-77
When I watched this game, I reminisced the time I played for this team, even though I was just a benchwarmer that time and my career high was just 3 points on a buzzer beater:) Now I just watched my nephew play on just his first year in high school and felt proud of his game, what more if I am watching my own son play ball.

UPIS had their chance to win this game but it was not meant to be, I remember during our time that the only sure win we have is against NU, but now, we cannot even beat them.

On a side note, UPIS has no wins in the first round and has not been competitive the last couple of years because the varsity program was scrapped. But now it was re-instated and we hope to be competitive again in the next couple of years and hope to bring another championship .

2. UAAP Season 72 Seniors Basketball: UST defeats UP, 95-85
Another heartbreaking loss for UP which led all of the 1st half but could not sustain the momentum in the second half, losing to UST. Rookie Mikee Reyes had a breakout game with 21 points and veteran Woody Co led UP with 23 points. Current standing: 1 win, 6 losses (Only win came from the No. 1 team, Ateneo)

I hope they could bounce back in the second round and surprise some teams. My pictures of the games are posted in maroonsbasketball.com and upfightingmaroons.com.

3. FIBA Asia World Championship Qualifier: Korea defeats Philippines, 69-56
Watching the game yesterday vs Japan was a proud moment for our country, but today, Powerade-Pilipinas lost to Korea. No matter what type of preparation we do, I think our only weapon is the three point shot, but sadly, the shots were not falling down on this game. I hope this is just a minor setback and we can still qualify.

And I hope someday, our coach for the Philippine team will not turn down any offer to scout the opponents specially if that offer is from a proven foreign coach who has been in many international battles.

I am now rooting for Cleveland Cavaliers, Go Lebron.

FYI
Ron Artest and I share the same birthday, November 13

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Features:
Touch Screen and/or stylus
Music/Video Player
3.2 Megapixel Camera
Expandable MicroSD 8gb card included
Wifi
GPS
Nokia Maps
more features at nokia.com.ph

The first gadget that I bought on launch day. These two phones have almost the same price when they were launched, 3650 (Around P18-19K in 2002) and 5800 (P19990 in 2009). Bought this 2nd hand from a friend for 13K.

What cellphone technology will be there in another 5 years for my next upgrade?

Review of the new Nokia 5800 XpressMusic soon!

Some posts about the UP Fighting Maroons:

- UAAP Season 71 Opening Ceremonies
- UAAP Season 71 First Round Schedule
- UAAP Season 71 UP Fighting Maroons Men’s Basketball Official Line Up
- Preseason Games Slideshow