Travel Diaries 1: Minalungao National Park, Nueva Ecija

  I've been posting different kinds of blog, but mostly Basketball blogs, but then I will try to share something from my first out of town travel this 2016. This is my first travel blog.


I've been curious lately from the latest Instagram post of Jake Ejercito about his summer escapade In Minalungao National Park in Nueva Ecija, the first time I saw the picture I fell in love with the place, and I promised to myself that I will personally go there alone or with a group.

God answered my prayer because two of my co workers planned to go there and for me to spend less, I grab the opportunity to join and witness how beautiful the place is. I went there last April 17, 2016 for a short summer escapade. We travelled almost 4 hours by van, we left Cubao past 5 am, and we arrived past 8 am. The first activity that we did is we took 1,000 steps up to the cross,but before that we crossed the river by the hanging bridge, the view is overwhelming that's why I took some pictures before my phone ran out of battery.

I admit I enjoyed what I saw, that made me realized that I've been unhealthy for the past 5 years that I've been stuck to work. There I experienced to be a kid again, and looks like I need to give myself a break from the things that stressing me out. I am just a simple person who can be happy with simple things like this, after we went down from the 1,000 steps I conquer my fear of heights by riding on a zipline, and playing with the water while riding in a river raft, the truth is water is my therapy from stress.

It's been a priceless moment for me, It was a really short escapade but worth it. I've been away from the city for just a short period of time but I can't deny the fact that it made me feel good from a toxic environment. The smile on my face is the proof that I enjoyed the moment while I was there with the group of people.


















The moment that we were there is the moment that I will treasure thanks to God for this wonderful place that made me appreciate and be myself after all.

Minalungao National Park  General Tinio, Nueva Ecija, one for the books done.

                               







"Happiness is not measured on bank accounts, social life, and successful career. It is on how you appreciate live and value life even in simple things with no complications"

                                                                                                                    -Kibby-

Aljun Melecio: The Future King Archer: Future of Philippine Basketball

Full Name: Aljun Jay Melecio

High School: De La Salle Zobel 

Where he wants to play for in college: De La Salle Green Archers

Award won: UAAP Season 77 Juniors Mythical 5, UAAP Season 78 Juniors MVP

Height: 5’9″

Preferred playing position: Point Guard

Guy you’d compare your playing style to in the UAAP/NCAA: Scottie Thompson

Favorite PBA Team: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Favorite PBA Player: Jayjay Helterbrand

Go-to NBA2K team: Oklahoma City Thunder

I've been hearing his name from the Basketball World, and I was so curious why he is so famous and he took the junior league by storm. By his explosive points and filling in the stats, no wonder he can be the future of the De La Salle Community and the Philippine Basketball.

I am talking about the UAAP Season 78 Most Valuable Players for Juniors, Aljun Melecio, playing Guard of the De La Salle Zobel Junior Archers. This humble guy has post moves like Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson, and can do outside and inside shots. He is the former back court tandem of Renzo Subido that is now the playing guard of the UST Growling Tigers. His breathtaking  performance lift his team to the UAAP Season 78 Junior Basketball Finals against Ateneo Blue Eaglets and faced NU Bullpups, eventhough they end up as a runner up, he still made an excellent blow to make the game more exciting with his shots.

After Kobe Paras left the chance to play with La Salle and committed himself to be in UCLA Bruins, The team is looking for a replacement and they need a solid guard who can do all the work inside the court, they need an all around guard who can help them during crunch time and he is the perfect fit.

I have read and heard that he committed to play with the De La Salle Green Archers in College, well not a doubt if  DLSU will lock him out, because Melecio is qualified for that empty post. After JV Casio, Simon Atkins, Joseph Yeo, LA Revilla, and Almond Vosotros left the team they have been searching for the best guards in the country and the quest had ended, Hoping to feature him in my blogs, and I'm sure he will be a crowd favorite.

I am looking forward to meet this guy and I hope there is a big chance for me to know him personally.

Tamaraws Ended the Batlle and became the UAAP Season 78 Champions

Photo By: Inquirer

December 02, 2015 - Pasay City - The long wait is over for the Tamaraws as they won over UST Growling Tigers on a 67-62 as their final score. Mac Belo played a very good game with 23 points that made him the Finals MVP, and indeed good for him for he finished his final playing year with a championship title. Roger Pogoy scored half of his 14 points in the last 3 minutes of the game including a clutch 3 pointer off  Louie Vigil that put them ahead 60-61, and Mike Tolomia made a basket after a big shot that gave them a 12-3 run.

During the 3rd quarter that Tamaraws made a 10 point lead but after a stepback jumper from Daquioag, UST made a 16-0 blast, but FEU recovered when RR Pogoy made a huge shot. They Silenced the Tigers game 2 hero Kevin Ferrer to just 6 points compared to his 29 points in game 2, Ed Daquioag made 21 points in the game but had costly turnovers down the stretch.

The Tamaraws sealed their 20th Senior Baskteball Championship with a series of  defensive stops and 3 freethrows with 18.2 tick from Mac Belo and Russel Escoto.

It was indeed a Happy Birthday for Coach Nash Racela, for he received the most priceless gift, a Championship Title, I know he is proud of his boys, especially to those who were graduating, regardless of his experience as a Gilas and sinag pilipinas Assistant Coach, for me he is the most patient coach that I have ever seen, I know there's a lot of pressure from his side, but he is still positive that his boys can make it, and here is the result, believing in someones ability regardless of the tenurity is his key to win the title.


Now that UAAP Season 78 Mens Basketball has ended and I'm looking forward that Season 79 will be more exciting and who will be the next big thing, well let's see then. This is my last blog for Season 78, this is Kibby now signing off. See you on Season 79. 

Tigers Forces Tamaraws for a Winner Take All Battle

   

 

photo by: Rappler

     November 28, 2015-   Cubao Quezon City, UST Growling tiger took the victory over FEU Tamaraws with 1-1 record. Tamaraws have a good game during the first half and give the tigers a 7 point lead, they lead the Tigers with their offensive rebound, field goals, and tight defense with the help of Mac Belo, Russel Escoto, and Prince Orizu. UST went on danger when Kharim Abdul was on a foul trouble, it's been a struggle for them because he is a big help for the teams defense and as well as rebound. UST went slow in the first three quarters, because of the poor shooting that the tigers were giving. But this suddenly change when Kevin Ferrer sizzles in the 4th quarter with 29 points. Ferrer made 6 out of 8 from the long distance and scored almost 17 points that help the tigers survived game 2. Before he outburst his shooting was off. It was his play why they force a winner take all game on Wednesday. FEU regained the lead with 4:45 left with six straight points from Raymar Jose, but Louie Vigil made a jumper that give them the lead of 55-54 with 2:41 left.

  Now if I were to analyze the game, Tamaraws had explosive turnovers now that the Tigers went on a tight defense and the game was without Kharim Abdul. They were very confident that they will win the game without even acknowledging that Kevin Ferrer can be a big surprise. Mike Tolomia has a record of 0/14 Fg shooting, he struggled from his outside shots and he must work on it, knowing that he is a clutch shooter. Prince Orizu was fouled out in the fourth quarter that gave UST the edge to win, as we all know he is a tough contender in the paint. Now Coach Nash Racela must be very careful this coming Wednesday, we may never know what will happen. Belo, Escoto, Jose and Pogoy are doing good, but Tolomia struggled. Instead of utilizing Mike Tolomia for his clutch shots why not using Achi Iñigo to make the shots, he is a sure shooter anyway. 


  As I can recall UST's last title was last 2006 versus The Ateneo, and they've been runners up for Season 75 versus Ateneo and Season 76 versus De La Salle and FEU won their last title in 2005. It will back to square one on Wednesday, the team that can handle pressure will have the opportunity to win the Championship, but it will be a different ball game either, I am expecting both teams can be more focus and more hungry to win the title.

In the hands of the King Tamaraw : The Buzzer Beater shot

Photo By: Rappler


    I know everybody is talking about the ADMU vs FEU game, and if you are an Ateneo fan you would hate this guy named Mac Belo, 6'5" playing forward and the team captain of the FEU Tamaraws who is known as a dream crusher by his buzzer beater shots. But you don't have to hate him because he can be the most valuable player that every team could have especially in the professional league.
      
       He is the most quiet one but he will impress us with his clutch shots and his solid defense in every game, and I admire him for his determination to win. He is not as popular as Kiefer Ravena or Jeron Teng but he will surprise people with his basketball skills. This boy from Cotabato made a big name every game. he may not be known but he is the most dangerous player during critical games, that's why Coach Nash Racela always rely on him. As I continue to watch the game he made a slow start, he is not as productive as he was before. But he is still intact with his role as a captain, with his unselfish play no doubt that he is doing a great job as a player. I admire his humility inside the court, he keeps his cool during the game no matter how hard it is. 

    The game was so exciting because both teams made big shots, until the game tied up. I thought that the Tamaraws will lose this game or it will end up in an overtime for the time is so short and no one is making a shot. Not until Mike Tolomia made a lay up but it failed and suddenly Mac Belo is at the back and made a follow up Buzzer Beater shot. History repeats itself I can still remember when He also made a three point buzzer beater shot against DLSU for their ticket to the finals and he made it.

    In his final year in the league, I am hoping that he will win a championship and will end up as the finals MVP, if it is not well it's not the end of his career for there is a big opportunity that will open for him. Hats off to this brave Tamaraw who played and give honor to his Alma Mater, for me he is a big revelation in the collegiate basketball. This man deserves respect for he lifted up his school in two straight finals appearance, all I can say is : Hands down Mac Belo, You're the man!!! 

Green Archers Fall short on their Final Four Battle against The Tamaraws

Photo by : Rappler

 November 18 , 2015 - Cubao Quezon City - The Battle for the final four is about to start, Player and coaching staff were all busy conditioning themselves for this battle. For the Far Eastern University Tamaraws they have nothing to lose on this game because they have secured the second spot on the final four, unlike the De La Salle Green Archers that they need to win the game to have a knockout match versus the National University Bulldogs. 

   As the refs whistle for the game to start the battle begins, during the first minutes of the game the Tamaraws dominated the game, with 65 - 66, but after the remaining minutes Green Archers took the lead. The Green Archers did well on the game with the help of Prince Rivero, Josh Torralba, and Jeron Teng who had made big shots during the game. The Tamaraws did a slow start, but despite from their struggle, Richard Escoto and  Achii Iñigo made a big contribution during the game. During the half Green Archers had a 16 point lead against the Tamaraws. During the 3rd quarter, Tamaraws still had the difficulty to beat the Archers. Mike Tolomia and Mac Belo didn't do well during the game but instead Coach Nash Racela utilize the ability of Russel Escoto and RR Pogoy during the game, The Tams was still short on the 3rd quarter but they bounce back during the 4th quarter.

  During the first 8 minutes of the game on the 4th quarter the Archer still dominate the game, not until the last two minutes of the game when RR Pogoy made a 3 straight three points that made FEU took the lead, with the help of the rookies like Orizu and Arong, the Tamaraws took the victory over the Green Archers 71 - 68 as the final Score.

My analization during the game are:

  1. Consistency. On the First until the last two minutes of the Fourth quarter, DLSU dominated the           game with their big shots, but as the game goes they always fall short, that was supposed to be             their strength during the game but they didn't maintain it.

 2.  Error, for both FEU and DLSU, points were wasted for a lot of violations was made.

 3.  DLSU was lacking big men to penetrate on the Paint, If we are to look at FEU, they have big              men who made offensive rebound.

 4. DLSU must learn to  play without  Rivero and Teng, if we are to look on the score board  both of       them are the top scorer, they must distribute the points and Coach Juno Sauler don't have  focus           on his star players,  And that's what I saw with FEU, Tolomia and Belo didn't really play well but       Coach Nash Racela utilized his bench players and most of them were rookies until the last minute       of the game.

5. Elite line up vs Bench players, Coach Juno Sauler is dependent on Teng, Rivero, Torres, Torralba,     Perkins, and Caracut, but Coach Nash Racela didn't depend on Tolomia, Belo,Pogoy and  Russel         Escoto, but instead he depend on Richard Escoto, Iñigo, Trinidad, Tamsi, Arong, and Orizo.



But then again it's a game, there is always a loser, Game isn't always about winning we maybe fall short but we must learn from it, always remember that " A true champion knows how to bounce back despite from his adversities".

Scores:

FEU (71): Arong 13, Pogoy 11, Belo 10, Inigo 9, Escoto 8, Orizu 5, Escoto 4, Trinidad 3, Tamsi 2, Holmqvist 2, Tolomia 2, Holmqvist 2, Comboy 0, Ebona 0

DLSU (68): Teng 20, Rivero 16, Torralba 8, Torres 7, Perkins 6, Muyang 5, Caracut 3, Langston 3, Gob 0

Quarter scores: 22-19, 29-38, 45-54, 71-68

   



   

Top 6 Best Dancers in the Show Business

     We can't deny the fact that Filipinos love to dance, but who among the showbiz personalities have an exceptional talent when it comes to dancing? well I can give you a few, This is based on my own analyzation and my own judgement after this blog you are free to comment you views and opinion.

  Here are the the Top 6 Best dancers in the Show Business:

6.  Wynwin Marquez

  Came from a showbiz family, Wynwin inherits her mother's dancing skills. We all know that Miss Alma Moreno is the best dancer in her time. By the way she gracefully groove on the dance floor with her sexy and seductive look, Wynwin can give the audience a satisfaction from her dance moves. She is the best jazz dancer that I have ever seen.

 

5. Mark Herras 

     This Starstruck First Male survivor is also known as the Philippines Bad boy of the dance floor, he impresses the crowd with his smooth moves. He dances effortlessly and grooves with style. His dancing skills bought him so much for his career, that's the reason why until now he is still in the industry.

4. Sef Cadayona

   Even though he is not the ultimate survivor during his starstruck days, but without a doubt he is the one of the best dancers that we can see on TV. With his lyrical moves and versatility, no doubt he is an exceptional dancer, you can see him dancing hip hop, ballroom, jazz, name it and he will dance it for you.

 

3. Julian Trono

   He is fresh and young but a talented one, Julian is the youngest professional dancer in the Philippines, with his smooth and classy moves on the dance floor he can even give Beyonce a run for his money, he always dance with attitude and passion that's why the dance floor loves this young guy.

2. Yassi Pressman

A half British half Filipino actress, VJ, TV Host, Recording Artist and of course Dancer, has the angs to conquer the dance floor, with her graceful moves and passion you can feel her emotions when she hit the stage, no doubt she was called the princess of the dance floor because of her perfection when it comes to her performance.

1. Rochelle Pangilinan

    I know everybody knows this girl, a former member of Danz Focus and the phenomenal Sex Bomb Dancer, we can see her always on the stage showcasing her dance moves with her very flexible body.

She is an all trained dancer, she can do belly dancing, hip hop, jazz, and more. People amazed with her dancing skills because she is one of a kind.