Barako Coffee to relive winning tradition

Barako Bull, with a new head coach and a slew of new player acquisitions, will also have a brand new name in Barako Energy Coffee as it plunges into action in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference beginning Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

“With the changes we’ve had, we look forward to a highly competitive campaign in the coming PBA tourney,” said team owner George Chua.

“We’re raring to improve on our poor showing in the recent Philippine Cup, determined to make good on the playing court and make an impact for the brand Barako Energy Coffee which we’re introducing to the public,” Chua added.

Coach Junel Baculi will call the shots for the team featuring new recruits Jerwin Gaco, Rob Wainwright, Al Vergara, and Christian Coronel and old hands Yousif Aljamal, Rob Reyes, Gilbert lao, Jojo Duncil, Aris Dimaunahan, Leo Najorda, Ogie Menor, Chad Alonzo, and Brian Faundo.

The team will be reinforced by Sammy Monroe, a 6-5 1/16 forward out of Newberry U with a recent stint with the Austin Toros in the NBA Developmental League.

At the moment, only Raymond Celis is listed as assistant coach, while Leo Isaac was elevated as the new Team Consultant. The team is expected to name at least one more assistant coach in the next few days. Jay Llanos Dee remains as team manager and Dr. John Lim as Team physician.

The moniker of the team, which is sponsored by Harbour Centre in this conference, has also been changed from Energy Boosters to Energy Coffee Masters, with the players vowing to live up to it through and through.

“We assure the PBA fans that our team will come out and give its best effort in each game we play. We intend to relive our winning tradition,” said Raffy Casyao, the team’s alternate representative to the PBA board.

The team joined the league as an expansion franchise in 2000 and has since won three championships.

Source: Author Unknown  | Manila Bulletin

Bulls see better finish with new recruits, name

MANILA, Philippines - Barako Bull acquired four new players and changed its coach and team’s name in a bid to regain its old glory in the PBA.

The team will be known as Barako Energy Coffee as it looks to redeem itself from a poor showing in the recent Philippine Cup, hopeful of making a good run in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference which kicks off Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Energy Coffee Masters, now under coach Junel Baculi with four new recruits in Rob Wainwright, Jerwin Gaco, Al Vergara and Christian Coronel and with import Sammy Monroe, play the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the opening game.

Barako Energy Coffee also sees action in the next playdate on Wednesday as it battles Coca-Cola, also at the Big Dome.

“With the changes we’ve had, we look forward to a highly competitive campaign in the coming PBA tourney,” said team owner George Chua.


“We’re raring to improve on our poor showing in the recent Philippine Cup, determined to make good on the playing court and make an impact for the brand Barako Energy Coffee which we’re introducing to the public,” Chua said.

Chua also expressed gratitude to the Harbour Centre of Mikee Romero for their sponsorship deal for the duration of the season.

Yousif Aljamal, Rob Reyes, Gilbert Lao, Jojo Duncil, Aris Dimaunahan, Leo Najorda, Ogie Menor, Chad Alonzo and Ryan Faundo have been kept in the lineup of the team which has high expectation on import Monroe, a 6-5 1/16 forward out of Newberry U with a recent stint with the Austin Toros in the NBA Developmental League.

Monroe is a tremendous dunker, who smashed a backboard in the D-League.

He played one season at Newberry after spending first two years at Clinton Junior College in South Carolina and Tallahassee Community College in Florida.

He led Tallahassee in rebounding (6.5 rpg) and blocked shots (1.0 bpg) while ranking second in scoring (14.2 ppg) in 2005-06. He scored 20 or more points six times and posted four double-doubles.

At Clinton JC in 2003-04, he averaged 17 points, earned Second Team Region X honors while helping the team to a 22-10 record and a conference championship.

At the moment, only Raymond Celis is officially listed as assistant coach. The team is expected to name Louie Alas also as assistant coach in the next few days.

“We assure the PBA fans that our team will come out and give its best effort in each game we play. We intend to relive our winning tradition,” said Raffy Casyao, the team’s alternate representative to the PBA board.

The team joined the league as an expansion franchise in 2000 and has since won three championships.

Through the 2008-09 season, the team had a .536 winning performance (with 247 wins against 214 losses), better than the records of Coca-Cola (.504), Purefoods (.500), Ginebra (.482), Talk n Text (.469), Burger King (.469), Sta. Lucia (.455) and Rain or Shine (.314).

Then known as the Red Bull Barakos, the team nailed a championship right on its second year of participation in the league, ruling the 2001 Commissioner’s Cup under the tutelage of coach Yeng Guiao.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Barako’s PBA franchise to go on sale, says team exec

Barako Coffee, Photokina Marketing’s Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) franchise, is willing to sell its spot in Asia’s first play-for-pay league according to board representative Raffy Casiao.

"Is our franchise for sale, well, if one company would avail it for a reasonable price, why not," Casiao told GMANews.TV.

It’s been no secret in the league that Barako Coffee is financially challenged for several years now. And talks about its franchise sale have been swirling around even when the team keeps on winning championships.

The Masters has been feeling the economic pinch for quite some time now and has traded away marquee players one after another through the years. Among them include Kerby Raymundo, Willie Miller, Lordy Tugade, Junthy Valenzuela, Enrico Villanueva, Mick Pennisi, Cyrus Baguio, Larry Fonacier and Celino Cruz, all members of their champion squads from 2001 until 2006.

But Harbour Centre’s entry could turn things around for Barako in the coming PBA Fiesta Conference.

Barako Coffee made a request to the PBA board to allow Harbour Centre to be its partner. The request needs the PBA board’s approval as co-branding is only allowed for regular member teams to maximize marketing exposure of its other existing brands.

Although Barako and Harbour are different entities, they were allowed by the PBA board to become co-brands for the Fiesta Conference provided that Photokina Marketing would still call the shots for the team.

"It was Boss George Chua who approached Mikee Romero and asked him to become the team’s sponsor for the Fiesta Conference. We proposed it to the board and we got their approval provided that we comply with certain requirements," said Casiao.

But is Barako’s new partnership with Harbour a sign that the Masters are about to sell its franchise? Is Barako really for sale?

"Harbour Centre is just a sponsor for our team for the coming Fiesta Conference and I would like to clarify that we are still running the affairs of the basketball team and not the group of Mikee Romero," said Casiao.

Photokina company came as an expansion squad in 2000. The price of joining the PBA at that time was worth P63-million. Aside from this, the team was allowed to elevate members of their champion squad in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL).

Lordy Tugade, Davonn Harp, Jimwell Torion and Junthy Valenzuela were among the players elevated by the Photokina franchise when they entered the PBA. The squad also secured the rights on Allan Caidic, who opted to retire and accepted Barangay Ginebra’s coaching job.

Not one, but two teams for sale
Whether Barako Coffee will stay in the league at the end of the Fiesta Conference or find another company taking over its franchise remains to be seen. The PBA has signified intentions of expanding participating squads from 10 to 12 teams.

"Whether the timing is good or not remains to be seen," added Casiao on the league’s expansion plan.

While Barako Coffee has at least made it open to the public about its present situation, another squad has contemplated on putting its franchise on sale.

A top executive of the league, who requested anonymity, told GMANews.TV that another PBA team is now mulling the possibility of selling its franchise and one of the top companies in the land has expressed interest on acquiring it.

"That’s why this team wants to remain competitive because they want to keep the high value once it will be sold," said the source.. “This will give them a good reason to sell its franchise at a competitive price because they still have good materials on their squad."

Source: Rey Joble  | GMANews.TV

PBA to closely monitor Barako-Harbour deal

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will closely monitor Barako Bull in the coming Fiesta Conference to make sure that its benefactor, Harbour Centre, would not act in such a way that it is taking over the franchise.

PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios said in a recent interview that the league is confident that the George Chua group is still in charge of Barako Bull—as what they had promised to the board.

“Mr. Chua personally called me and said they are on top of the situation. They will abide by the approval of the board and they do not intend to stray away from that,” said Barrios.

The board, chaired by Lito Alvarez of Air21, approved the cobranding agreement between Barako Bull and Harbour Centre to help the former with its financial obligations in the team. The team will still be known as Barako Bull but “Harbour Centre” will be printed near the top of the back of the players’ jerseys.

But speculations are rife Harbour Centre has gained control of the team because Junel Baculi was appointed head coach. Leo Isaac was said to have been “elevated” as team consultant.

Former Harbour Centre players like Jerwin Gaco and Al Vergara and their Philippine Patriots teammate Rob Wainwright were also signed by the Barako Bull. The Patriots are coowned by Mikee Romero, who also owns Harbour Centre.

The PBA chief said the league will make sure the cobranding agreement, apparently set only for this conference, will be followed.

The Fiesta Cup kicks off on March 21 at the Araneta Coliseum with Barako Bull facing Sta. Lucia Realty in the first game at 4 p.m., to be followed by the Barangay Ginebra-Talk ’N Text tussle at 6:30 p.m.

Source: Joel Orellana  | BusinessMirror.com.ph

Barako bolsters slate

Barako Bull on Thursday signed veteran players Leo Najorda and Jojo Duncil to a similar one-year extension aside from getting two more free agents to bolster its roster for the coming PBA Fiesta Cup set March 21.

The 6-foot-3 Najorda, a former NCAA Most Valuable Player (MVP) from San Sebastian College, is averaging 10.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in the previous Philippine Cup, while Duncil, a one-time University of Santo Tomas ace guard who won Finals MVP when the Tigers won the UAAP title in 2006, also signed a one-year contract.

Both contracts, sources said, approximately worth P1.5 million.

The Boosters also signed a pair of free agents, 5-foot-6 point guard Al Vergara, and power forward Gerwin Gaco, considered one of the best defenders from the amateur ranks.

Vergara, who played last season with Purefoods, recently suited up for the Singapore Slingers in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) won by the Philippine Patriots.

Gaco made key contribution in the RP Patriots victory in the ABL.

The Boosters also tapped the services of 6-foot-6 Sam Monroe, who last played for the Potros Itson in Mexico. He had his first practice yesterday.

The 25-year-old Monroe, a physical education/sports management graduate at Newberry, averaged almost 25 points per game in Mexico with 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He also played three years ago with the Rochester RazorSharks in the Premiere Basketball League (PBL).

Meantime, Air21 will have Keena Young as import after its original choice, Leroy Hickerson, figured in a vehicular accident in Kentucky, USA after a stint in Mexico.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Barako maintains move to appoint Baculi legit; Air21 changes import

MANILA, Philippines - Barako Bull maintains its appointment of Junel Baculi as the team’s new head coach is completely aboveboard.

Meanwhile, Air21 enlisted former Brigham Young University standout Keena Young to replace original import choice LeRoy Hickerson who injured his elbow in a car accident.

Barako team owner George Chua made the assurance to PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios Thursday amidst fears from some quarters of possible violation by the ball club on the condition set by the league board allowing Harbour Centre’s entry as team sponsor.

“Mr. George Chua has called giving their commitment on strict compliance of the provision. He also assured us he’s still on top of the situation in running the affairs of the team,” Barrios told The STAR.

The league commissioner said it’s well and good since “the expectation of the board is for the two parties (Barako Bull and Harbour Centre) to take to heart the condition given them.”


Under the provision approved by the board, Harbour Centre will have no involvement in the team outside of placement of brand name in team uniform.

Harbour Centre is prohibited from “fielding any known Harbour Centre personalities in the team management, coaching staff personnel and the likes.”

Baculi had previous involvement with Harbour Centre, working as team consultant in its PBL stint and calling the shots for the Harbour Centre-RP team in a number of international competitions.

The former Mapua player, however, was no longer connected with Harbour Centre, but with Air21, prior to his appointment as Barako Bull coach.

He was an assistant to BK coach Yeng Guiao in the last Philippine Cup.

In another development, Guiao and the Express have lost the slam-dunking Hickerson to injury he suffered in Kentucky. He flew home for a brief rest after helping Air21 to a second-place finish in a recent Dubai invitational tourney.

Air21 tapped Young for Hickerson instead.

Young starred for BYU from 2004-2007. Before this, Young was a four-year letterman at Clifton J. Ozen High School in Beaumont, Texas. He was named All-Region three times and All-State twice.

As a senior, he averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game with his team winning the Texas State championship and earning a Top 10 national ranking.

Young was a high school teammate and friend of Kendrick Perkins. University of Memphis coach John Calipari offered scholarships to both Perkins and Young. Both players initially committed to play at Memphis, but Perkins changed his mind and entered the 2003 NBA Draft.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Baculi, Alas call shots for Barako Bull in PBA

MANILA, Philippines - Junel Baculi and Louie Alas, who coached the RP teams to the SEABA championship and the Southeast Asian Games, are again joining forces as taking over the coaching rein at Barako Bull in the PBA.

Baculi will be the new head coach with Alas as his chief deputy. Leo Isaac, the former coach, will help as consultant of the team.

The team roster will also be revamped, paving the way for the entry of new faces.

Sources said cinch for spots in the team are Rob Wainwright and Jerwin Gaco. Christian Coronel, Warren Ybanez, Al Vergara and Erwin Sta. Maria are set to try out with the team.

Owner George Chua is out to improve his team’s awful last-placed finish in the recent Philippine Cup.


With Harbour Centre coming in as sponsor, Barako Bull is looking forward for a better showing in the Fiesta Conference, which starts March 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Energy Boosters play the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the opening game.

Meanwhile, Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio said they now have an import prospect in Lorenzo Wade, a 6-foot-6, 228-pound forward out of San Diego U.

Wade, said to be an open-court player, highly athletic and skillful, last played for the Greece team in the Euro League.

For Baculi, the long wait to be a head coach in the PBA is finally over. He believes he is more than ready for the job, having won championships in the local and international arenas.

He has also been exposed to PBA games, working as assistant to Yeng Guiao at Burger King (now Air21).

Alas had also been with the Talk n Text coaching staff. He is also a winner with championships in the MBA, NCAA, PBL and in the inaugural ABL tourney with the Philippine Patriots.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Harbour comes to cash-strapped Barako Bull's aid in PBA

Harbour Centre, a dynasty in the amateur basketball ranks, is now in the Philippine Basketball Association – as co-sponsor of Barako Bull for the PBA Fiesta Conference.

PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios made this clarification to GMANews.TV that the company owned by businessman/sportsman Mikee Romero was allowed by the PBA board as co-sponsor "only for the Fiesta Conference."

"What applies to Barako Bull is the co-branding rule. If you will notice, Air21 has been using this privilege with its Mail & More company being put up at the back of their jerseys. In the case of Barako Bull having a non-company member as sponsor, it was allowed by the board that Harbour be their co-brand sponsor only for the Fiesta Conference."

But Commissioner Barrios also clarified that Harbour Centre will only be a mere co-sponsor of the team and will not have anything to do in terms of the team’s basketball operating.

“They’re just the billboard advertiser, so to speak," said Barrios. “Harbour Centre officials won’t be allowed to sit on the bench during game time and the operations will still be under the Barako Bull group, which is our regular PBA member."

Barako Bull has been feeling the financial pinch for the past few years now. The team has unloaded its marquee players one by one the past three years that include Enrico Villanueva, Cyrus Baguio, Mick Pennisi, Celino Cruz, Lordy Tugade and Junthy Valenzuela.

For his part, Romero sees this as an opportunity in his ambitious bid to join the pro league. Harbour Centre has been knocking on the PBA door as early as 2006 when it tried to purchase the Pilipinas Shell franchise. Unfortunately, the negotiations bogged down at the last minute and Asian Coatings, which is the mother company of Welcoat Paints, took over the franchise.

“We’re making baby steps towards our ambition of entering the PBA," said Romero. “George Chua of Barako Bull approached me and told me if I can be a co-sponsor for the team in the Fiesta Conference and I said yes."

“I’m so excited to be back in the PBA. After this conference, sana mag-usap ulit kami ni George and I do hope this will be a step further to my ambition of becoming a regular member," he added.

Not the first time
About 27 years ago, cashed-strapped teams like Gallerie Dominique of former Senator Nikki Coseteng and Sanyu got the much needed aid from fellow PBA member squads.

Gallerie Dominique, one of the PBA’s founding members, was owned by Nikki’s father, Emerson Coseteng, who was the founding president of the league.

According to basketball historian Atty. Percival Flores of MYPBA website, Gallerie Domique and Sanyu were having financial difficulties in 1983 and teams such as Winston Kings, Manhattan Shirts and Sunkist were able to help out their fellow PBA member.

“Galleria Dominique at that time was even known as the Gallerie Domique Artistas because it was sponsored by Artista Magazine, a popular entertainment magazine at that time," said Flores. “Then Winston Kings, Manhattan Shirts and Sunkist also helped Sanyu, which was having financial trouble as well."

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV

Barako gets Harbour as PBA sponsor

Barako Bull’s reported plan to sell its franchise has apparently been shelved after it agreed to a deal with Harbour Centre to sponsor the team in the PBA Fiesta Cup, opening the door to the possible entry of businessman Mikee Romero in the country’s only professional sports league.

Barako Bull representative Raffy Casyao said Friday that the PBA board has approved in principle Romero’s role as sponsor of the Energy Boosters under the Harbour Centre banner.

Romero has made no secret of his dream to join the PBA, announcing his plan after the Philippine Patriots, a team he co-owns, captured the Asean Basketball League title two weeks ago.

The Barako Bull official said that the idea of co-branding or sponsorship can be beneficial to the league as interested companies like Harbour Centre will now have a chance to test the waters in the PBA before venturing to a long-term program.

He added that this can pave the way for the league’s expansion plans or taking in two more teams in the next season. The PBA currently has 10 teams.

The Fiesta Cup is set to open March 21 and Barako Bull is still looking for an import. Some players of Romero in the RP Patriots like PBA free agents Rob Wainwright and Jerwin Gaco are trying out for slots with the Leo Isaac-mentored Boosters.

Barako Bull has until Monday to submit the terms and condition of the deal to PBA Commissioner Renauld “Sonny” Barrios before it becomes official.

Casyao said that it’s pure sponsorship for Romero, a well-known basketball supporter whose teams ruled the Philippine Basketball League, winning a record seven championships, and also guiding the Philippine Patriots in capturing the ABL title.

According to Casyao, Harbour’s participation will be limited to providing financial assistance to Barako Bull whose money woes have put the team under severe stress in which the salaries and allowances of players and other personnel were reportedly often delayed.

“We still have to submit the agreement, that’s basically the requirement. But it’s already approved in principle by the board,” Casyao told The Bulletin in a phone interview yesterday, adding that nothing will change, including the franchise ownership.

A logo and name of Harbour Centre will be put at the back of the players’ jerseys, but in terms of basketball operations, Romero will have no say on any decisions, Casyao said. The amount has yet to be decided by Romero and Barako Bull owner George Chua.

The idea of co-branding or sponsoring a team was actually approved by the board during the off-season to give financially challenged teams, particularly Barako Bull, special consideration.

“We’re financially challenged, we don’t deny it,” said Casyao, who denied reports that their company is selling its PBA franchise to Meralco.

Casyao said that in the previous Philippine Cup, Yakult was considered to be a sponsor but plans didn’t push through.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

H Centre to link up with Barako 5

MANILA, Philippines - Harbour Centre, an amateur ball club with great successes both in the local and international scenes, will have its initial foray in the pros as co-sponsor of Barako Bull in the coming PBA Fiesta Conference.

The PBA board of governors has approved Harbour Centre’s sponsorship of Barako Bull, a development that could well lead to the eventual entry of the Mikee Romero-owned team in the pro loop in the future.

The Energy Boosters will carry the Harbour Centre name at the back of their uniform in the import-laden PBA second conference.

“Mr. George Chua invited me as co-sponsor. We haven’t gone as far as talking about the franchise. For now, I’m a sponsor and observer. Who knows the next step might be a dream come true,” Romero told The STAR.

The Barako Bull team may be a mix of its old lineup and key players of the Philippine Patriots squad that ruled the inaugural Asean Basketball League championship.


Coaching staff of the two teams may also join forces. Leo Isaac is head coach of Barako Bull while Louie Alas is the Philippine Patriots’ chief tactician.

“The next ABL tourney won’t open until October. To stay in competitive shape, some of the Patriots will try it out with Barako. It’s up to the coaching staff, if they like the services of these players,” said Romero.

Among the Patriots who are PBA free agents are Rob Wainwright, Jerwin Gaco, Warren Ybanez and Christian Coronel. They can sign up with Barako anytime.

Romero, a businessman-sportsman who used to be a La Salle Green Archer, had his first attempt in joining the PBA with Burger King. Romero’s stint with the team was short lived as projected partnership with the Lina Group of Companies didn’t push through.

Romero, however, is confident he would still make the pros someday.

Barako Bull will be taking on Sta. Lucia Realty in the opener of the Fiesta Conference on March 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Energy Boosters, the first team eliminated in the Philippine Cup, will also see action in the next Fiesta Conference play date on March 24, going up against Coca-Cola also at the Big Dome.

The opening twin bill also features Barangay Ginebra versus Talk n Text. The March 24 double-header, meanwhile, also pits San Miguel Beer against Air21.

It’s Talk n Text against Rain or Shine then Sta. Lucia versus Barangay Ginebra on March 26 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Philippine Cup champion Purefoods and runner-up Alaska Milk won’t see action in the second conference until April.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Crisano trading jersey for boxing gloves?

MANILA, Philippines - Alex Crisano may just end up wearing boxing gloves instead of jersey after all.

The 34-year-old Crisano yesterday said he might reconsider the offer of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines to fight for the country in super heavyweight division of the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games this November.

“I’m going there right now and I want to show them what they’re dealing with because I used to fight in Brooklyn when I was 17 years old,” Crisano told mediamen before heading to the boxing gym at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The ABAP has sought the services of Crisano after his contract with Barako Bull in the PBA expired recently.

ABAP official Patrick Gregorio, who also heads Smart Sports, said they hope the 6-7 Crisano’s athleticism, strength and fighting heart will be a big boost in the country’s gold medal bid in the Asiad.


“Not everybody knows there’s no qualifier in boxing in the Asian Games so we’re taking advantage of the situation here,” said Gregorio.

“We also know that aside from being big and athletic, he is also a former boxer and great dancer, which is a big factor in the sport. Besides, we also would want to set an example and open the door to other big basketball players who will be cut or whose contract will expire in the future to turn to boxing,” he said.

Crisano actually met with ABAP officials last Saturday where he reiterated his intention to stick to basketball for a few more years.

“It’s actually an open answer because I’m not saying yes or no, I’m just open to all the possibilities,” said Crisano.

An Asian Games gold medal winner can earn as much as P3 million in incentives as promised by ABAP chair Manny V. Pangilinan when he and president Ricky Vargas took over ABAP last year.

An Asian Games silver is worth P1 million while a bronze is worth P500,000.

The Philippine Sports Commission has also its own set of incentives for medal winners in the Asian Games.

Source: Joey Villar  | Philstar.com

Crisano to be a boxer? Yes, says ABAP

MANILA, Philippines - The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines is planning to tap professional basketball players to fill the weight category that hasn’t really produced anything in past international competitions – heavyweight.

ABAP secretary-general Patrick Gregorio yesterday said the best source of potential heavyweight gold medallist is in the PBA, particularly those who are big men who have expired contracts or who were cut from the team.

“That’s the reason we’re looking for Alex Crisano because he’s not only huge and athletic, we know he’s a fighter by heart,” said Gregorio.

Gregorio said they’re now looking for Crisano, a muscled 6’7” who packed power, after learning he was cut from Barako Bull’s roster in the pros.

“He hasn’t answered our calls yet but we will not give up on him, we know if given the right training and international exposures, he can be the guy that could give us our first heavyweight gold medal in boxing,” said Gregorio.


ABAP hopes to entice Crisano with the knowledge that aside from the ample monthly training allowance given to a national athlete he can also snare P3 million for a gold medal in the quadrennial Asian tilt, P1 million for a silver and P500,000 for a bronze.

That’s on top of what he will receive from the Philippine Sports Commission.

Source: Joey Villar  | Philstar.com

PBA governor welcomes Meralco entry

For Sta. Lucia Realty board representative Manuel “Buddy” Encarnado, the idea of Meralco or the Manila Electric Company joining the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will be a good development to the league.

That is if indeed, Meralco is planning to join the league.

Last Wednesday, the Barako Bull representative to the PBA board said there is no ongoing negotiation regarding the possible purchase of the franchise by Meralco.

“We have no idea about it. There are no talks with Meralco or any other company. We’re staying,” said Raffy Casyao, the Barako Bull representative.

But The Bulletin source (click here), who requested anonymity because of the delicate nature of the negotiation, reconfirmed that there had been talks, though still in the early stages.

Though Encarnado likes the idea of Meralco playing in the PBA, he hopes that Barako Bull stays on and continues to play in the league.

“I want Meralco in by all means. But as a board member, as much as possible, I want Barako Bull to stay,” Encarnado told the Bulletin in a phone interview Thursday, reacting to a report that Meralco is eyeing a return to basketball.

Should the two camps agree to terms, the PBA board, currently chaired by Burger King’s Lito Alvarez, have to approve it “by a simple majority vote and five (teams) will do.”

The PBA has 10 teams, but only nine can vote.

Purefoods, which belongs to San Miguel Corp. (SMC) together with San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra, regularly joins the board deliberations but it has no voting rights.

Meralco, the largest electric power distributor in the country, is a private firm controlled by the companies of business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan through the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), the Metro Pacific Investment Corp. and Piltel Group (50.3 percent).

SMC and Global 5000 Investment also have a 43 percent stake with Meralco, while the First Philippine Holdings owning 6.7 percent shares.

Talk ’N Text is owned by Pangilinan’s company.

“It’ll have to be approved by the board. Regardless of the personalities involved, every new franchise will have to be approved. The board will have to scrutinize it. A board approval is imperative,” Encrnado said.

“Whether or not they (Meralco) will be buying a new franchise, or buy the franchise of Barako Bull, that’s all together another story. It’s between them,” he added.

The possibility, though, of having Meralco looks good for Encarnado.

“Considering that it’s Meralco, and considering its track record both in the MICAA and the PABL, it’s a good development,” he said.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

Meralco set to buy Barako franchise in PBA

Nearly 40 years after disbanding its basketball team, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is eyeing a return to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) next season.

Negotiations are under way for the purchase of Barako Bull franchise by Meralco, now owned by the group of telecommunication tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, according to informed sources.

“There have been initial talks,” said the source who wished not to be named. “Meralco could take over the Barako Bull franchise starting next season.”

Meralco, the largest electric distributor in the country, is a private firm controlled by Pangilinan’s Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Metro Pacific Investment Corp. and Piltel Group (50.3 percent).

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Global 5000 Investment also have a 43 percent stake with Meralco with the First Philippine Holdings owning 6.7 percent shares.

Pangilinan owns the Talk ‘N Text basketball team in the PBA, while San Miguel has three teams, Ginebra, Purefoods TJ, and San Miguel Beer.

Although the deal could be completed before or during the PBA Fiesta Cup, the source said there would be no major changes at Barako Bull.

“The alignment and changes will happen next season,” the source said.

Calls to Raffy Castao, Barako Bull’s representative to the PBA board, were not returned.

Meralco is one of the original teams of the now defunct Manila Industrial and Commercial Athletic Association (MICAA).

Among its players then were Robert Jaworski, Big Boy Reynoso, Francis Arnaiz and Orly Bauzon.

Before Toyota came into the picture, Meralco, then owned by the Lopez family of ABS-CBN, was the great rival of the legendary Crispa Redmanizers in MICAA.

The rivalry reached boiling point in 1971 when Jaworski and Reynoso attacked referees Eriberto Cruz and Jose Obias in protest over dubious calls. The game was stopped with Crispa ahead, 65-50.

Jaworski and Reynoso were banned for life by the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) but were reinstated in 1973.

Meralco disbanded in 1972 with majority of its players absorbed by the Silverio-owned company Komatsu Comets (later to be known as Toyota).

The possible return of Meralco is seen to add glamour and history to a league struggling to keep fans’ interest amid hard times.

Reports of Barako Bull’s financial difficulties began as early as 2008, but the franchise owned by businessman George Chua managed to stay with the league.

At the start of the current conference, Talk ‘N Text and Coca-Cola agreed to loan their players to the Energy Boosters, but reports of delayed release of players’ salaries persisted.

Alex Crisano, Barako Bull’s veteran center, confirmed the delay during the SCOOP forum weeks ago, a statement that did not draw reaction from the team.

Source: Waylon Galvez  | Manila Bulletin

The flip side of Alex Crisano

Tattooed Alex Crisano, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 240 pounds, would easily intimidate people on or off the basketball court.

Even Crisano’s publicized roller-coaster relationship with former girlfriend Ethel Booba certainly didn't help improve his image, as fans saw the couple have public meltdowns.

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) cager Crisano, who’ll be turning 34 this month, was even involved in several controversial issues one of which is an alleged sex video with his former flame.

But the self-confessed former "Bad Boy," who is also known for his on-court antics, has a softer and lighter side saying that he wants people to see and know more of.

"Sure, I am a hard-nosed defender in the PBA and did some bad things in the past but aside from that, I’m actually a cool guy," said Crisano, who started his professional basketball career in the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA).

"I want people to see [the] other side of me. [I want them to know] that I also have a softer side. I even helped people who were victims of typhoon Ondoy but the media did not cover it. But if I do something wrong, [it gets attention right away]," added Crisano.

"I made mistakes but, hey, who here does not make mistakes? I’ve learned from those mistakes. That’s how it is in life. You make mistakes and you learn from those mistakes in order to come out as a better person," added Crisano.

Crisano, who also had a brief stint with Talk ‘N Text, now plays for Barako Bull wearing jersey number 43 for the Energy Boosters.

MetroBall as stepping stone

The charismatic Crisano teamed up with Willie Miller playing for then expansion team Nueva Ecija Patriots. He was later traded to the Pangasinan Waves and later moved on to play for the Ginebra Kings in the PBA in 2000.

Crisano, who was a crowd favorite for his energetic playing style, said starting his basketball career in the MBA prepared him for the PBA. "I had a great experience in the MBA. We’re always on the road, playing in different provinces or at times we’re at our home court enjoying the crowd support.

"The fans' reaction in the MBA prepared me for the PBA. In the MBA, rocks were thrown at me, it can get rowdy sometimes and I wish I was back again playing in the MBA."

Though Barako Bull was given the boot in the ongoing Philippine Cup, Crisano said it was a memorable season for the Boosters, who finished the all-Filipino conference at the tail-end of the standings with a 3-15 record. Alex Crisano, left, takes the loose ball from Rain or Shine's Sol Mercado. GMANews.TV

"It was still a good season for us though we failed in our final push to earn a spot in the wild card phase," said Crisano, who scored 19 points in the Boosters’ 91-89 loss to the Coca-Cola Tigers in their final game.

Second father

Crisano said the late Barako Bull team manager Tony Chua was like a father to him.

"I really had a lot of respect for Mr. Chua. He was a second father to me and I felt like I was a son to him. That’s why I was really sad when I found out he died during the typhoon," said Crisano.



Chua drowned in flash floods at the height of typhoon Ondoy last year while on his way home in Filinvest along Marcos Highway in Antipolo, according to reports.

"We talked on a lot of things like how to improve the team. He could have done more for the team and Philippine basketball if he was still alive."

Right now, Crisano is enjoying the offseason and busies himself recording a rap album that will be launched this year. Rapper Andrew E. is one of his collaborators in the album titled Bullet-Hate Proof.

"It’s just a collection of the things that I learned growing up and my journey from New York to Manila," he revealed.

Source: Jon Perez  | GMANews.TV

Tigers boot out Boosters

MANILA, Philippines - Asi Taulava knocked in a turnaround shot with 1.8 seconds left and Coca-Cola closed the playoffs door on Barako Bull with a 91-89 squeaker in the penultimate play date of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup elimination phase at the Astrodome last night.

The Tigers nearly blew away a 20-point spread but Taulava came to their rescue, saving the day and giving the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters a free lift to the wild card round.

Finishing with a 6-12 win-loss card on a three-game closing romp in the elims, the Tigers set up a wild card confrontation with the Burger King Whoppers.

The other wild card pairing pits Rain or Shine against either Purefoods, Talk n Text or Sta. Lucia Realty.

“That’s not the ending we’d like to happen. We wanted a game that would’ve helped us prepare for the playoffs,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol, unhappy they squandered a huge lead and barely pulled through on Taulava’s endgame heroic.


“We’re not able to sustain the momentum. We didn’t show a killer’s instinct. We didn’t have that mentality that we have to be sharp going up against anybody,” Perasol added.

The Tigers will be back in action at the start of the playoff phase either Sunday or Wednesday.

Taulava was the Tigers’ hero, scoring the game-winning shot to cap another double-double game with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

The 6-foot-9 behemoth himself was the biggest factor in Coca-Cola’s strong finish in the elims. The Tigers have gone 5-2 since Taulava’s return from a foot injury.

Burger King foiled Alaska Milk’s second shot at an outright semifinal entry as the Whoppers stunned the Aces, 87-80, in the nightcap.

“It’s a good way to close out our elims. It’s also a big morale-booster for our wild card series. I’m still very hopeful of our chances. We’re two wins away from the quarterfinals although we’re also a loss away from a long vacation,” said BK coach Yeng Guiao.

Source: Nelson Beltran  | Philstar.com

Taulava's jumper lifts Coca-Cola to win

Asi Taulava hit a turn-around jumper with 1.8 seconds left, lifting Coca-Cola to a tense 91-89 win over Barako Bull and finally eliminating the Energy Boosters from the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

“The Rock" made the shot against Alex Crisano just below the free-throw line, sinking the attempt he doesn’t usually make as the Tigers overcame the loss of a 20-point lead to complete their 18-game elimination round campaign with a 6-12 (win-loss) record.

Coca-Cola will thus face Burger King in the knockout stage wild card. The Whopper were still playing as of posting time, trying to foil Alaska’s bid to claim the second outright semi-finals berth.

The win also aided Rain or Shine, which is now assured of advancing to the wild card even if it loses its final elimination round match against the Aces on Friday.

“Watch out for the Tigers, we’re on the prowl," said Taulava after the game.

He finished with another double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Once again, Barako Bull has failed to make the playoffs. This is the third time that the Boosters have not advanced past the preliminary stage.

Still, it was a performance that merited respect.

Teams of lesser stuff would already have flamed out after Coca-Cola built a 74-54 lead early in the final period.

The Tigers erected that seemingly insurmountable spread after seizing control with a rare 17-0 blast bridging the second and third quarters that erased a 39-33 deficit and established a 50-39 advantage for them.

The Tigers were still ahead, 87-75, but the Energy Boosters came ferociously back with a 14-0 assault, tying it for the last time at 89 after Aries Dimaunahan hit a triple with 5 seconds to go.

The Tigers then sued for time to map out the final offensive play. Taulava received the inbounds pass, dribbled once before turning around for the game-winner.

Crisano matched his career-high of 19 points to lead the Energy Boosters.

The scores

Coca-Cola 91 - Taulava 20, David 16, Rodriguez 15, Rizada 11, Macapagal 10, Gonzales 7, Ross 6, Espino 4, Calimag 2, Bono 0, Cruz 0, Enrile 0.

Barako Bull 89 - Crisano 19, Aljamal 14, Dimaunahan 14, Duncil 12, Najorda 9, Alonzo 8, Hubalde 4, Belano 3, Menor 2, Fernandez 2, Reyes 2, Faundo 0.

Quarterscores: 21-23, 44-39, 70-54, 91-89.

Source: Author Unknown  | gmanews.tv

Ginebra rams Burger King, stays in semis hunt

MANILA, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra pummeled Burger King in the final half and completed a 122-104 rout of the Whoppers to keep its slim hopes for a crack at an outright semifinal entry in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Kings, largely behind the exploits of JC Intal, Cyrus Baguio and Willy Wilson, went on a searing breakaway in the third quarter and sustained the pace in the final canto for the win that guaranteed them a spot in the Top Five.

Intal, Baguio and Wilson each scored at least 15 points as the Kings repeated over the Whoppers and finished with a 12-6 win-loss card in the double-round elimination phase.

Assured of a slot in the quarterfinals, the Kings even get a playoff shot at an outright entry into the semifinals if the Alaska Milk Aces lose their last two games versus the Whoppers Wednesday and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Friday.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, however, has conceded the slot to the Aces.


“I think Alaska can win one of two, if not two of two,” said Uichico.

Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes churned out double-double games while four other Sta. Lucia players chipped in double-digit outputs as the Realtors clobbered the Barako Bull Energy Boosters, 108-86, in the first game to stay in the hunt for an outright quarterfinals berth.

Williams made 25 points and 11 rebounds while Reyes put in 11 points and 10 assists on top of six rebounds and four steals as the Realtors snapped a two-game losing skein for and stayed right behind the Ginebra Kings (12-6), the Purefoods Giants (11-6) and the Talk n Text Tropang Texters (11-7) in their battle for the three automatic slots in the quarters.

Marlou Aquino piled up personal conference highs of 17 points and three assists while Joshua Urbiztondo, Gabby Espinas and Joseph Yeo scored in double figures as they sent the Energy Boosters to the brink of elimination.

“I’m happy we won this game. I was really worried before the game since Barako Bull was coming off a win while our team had lost our last two games,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

“But the guys stepped up and made things happen. With the win, we still hold our destiny. We now look forward to our game against Purefoods,” Fernandez added.

With a 10-7 win-loss record, the Realtors can force a playoff or gain outright quarters berth with a win over the Giants in their crucial game Friday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

“Purefoods is a foot ahead of us and they beat us in our first game in Surigao. But we like our chances. The key is for us to come into the game bringing our defensive mentality,” Fernandez said.

The Energy Boosters, meanwhile, suffered their 14th loss against three wins as they were badly beaten by the Realtors in the last three quarters.

Barako Bull bows out of contention for the wildcard round if Burger King beats Alaska Milk tomorrow.