Coach Yeng Guiao Political Plans

A crown in an all-Filipino conference is the only missing piece from the championship collection of Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

This season, the fiery mentor will resume his quest for the elusive title in a season that he hints may be his last.

“I am totally committed and motivated to give my best shot this coming conference because this might be my last chance to win an all-Filipino title,” Guiao wrote in a text message to InterAKTV.

Guiao recently won his sixth league championship, piloting the Elasto Painters to their first PBA crown in the Governors’ Cup. But with his Rain or Shine contract set to end, Guiao, who currently serves as vice-governor of Pampanga, might seek to leave coaching to pursue higher political office.

Rain or Shine co-owner Raymond Yu said the Elasto Painters coaching job is Guiao’s as long as he wants it.

“We want him to coach our team as long as we’re still competing in the PBA,” Yu said in a telephone interview. “But we don’t know what his plans are. I don’t know if he’s running for public office.”

Guiao joined the Elasto Painters a year and a half ago, turning what was once a doormat squad into a perennial contenders in less than two seasons.

Multiple sources told InterAKTV that Guiao, the son of late former Pampanga governor Bren, may seek a congressional seat in one of the districts in Pampanga.

But whether his political plans will force him to leave coaching, Guiao is upbeat about his team’s chances of winning a second straight title.

“The last championship was an excellent dress rehearsal to winning an all-Filipino crown,” said Guiao. “I am convinced the team is ready and capable of bagging the title.”

The Elasto Painters’ capped a breakout season by winning the Governors’ Cup over the highly-favored B-MEG Llamados in seven games, despite losing the services of star rookie Paul Lee early in the series.

But prior to that, Rain or Shine already displayed impressive form in last season’s Philippine Cup, crashing the semifinals and falling just a game short of making the championship round.



-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

PBA , Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters , Yeng Guiao

PBA implements a New Rule

The PBA is tweaking its rules to reward players who show hustle on the court, giving leeway for those who get on the floor for loose balls.

“It takes away the excitement when a player who hustles and dives for the loose ball will be called for a traveling, so we’re implementing a new rule to cover this,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.

PBA operations manager Rickie Santos went into further detail about the change.

“Before kasi kapag yung player nag-dive for the loose ball and nag-slide siya, he will be called for a traveling. This time, he won’t be called for a traveling anymore because when a player slides, wala pa naming may clear possession noon sa bola,” Santos told InterAKTV.

“But of course, when the said player stands up, he needs to dribble the ball first to avoid being called for a travelling violation,” added Santos.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Chito Salud , PBA

PBA official line up of the 38th Season Opening

Here are the official team lineups for the opening day of the PBA.

Air 21 Express

PBA Governor:
Angelito Alvarez
Alternate Governor:
Jerry R. Jara
Head Coach:
Franz Pumaren
Assistant Coaches:
Tonichi Yturri, Jack Santiago, Pocholo Villanueva, Daniel Rose, Joshua Villapando

No.	Player
2	John Wilson
3	Nelbert Omolon
4	Yousif Taha
5	Eric Salamat
7	Nonoy Baclao
9	KG Canaleta
10	Simon Atkins
11	Rogemar Menor
12	Mark Isip
14	Florendo Ritualo
19	Wynne Arboleda
24	Rob Reyes
31	James Ryan Sena

Alaska Aces

PBA Governor:
Joaquin L. Trillo
Head Coach:
Luigi Trillo
Assistant Coaches:
Richard Bachmann, Topex Robinson, Monch Gavieres, Franco Atienza, Louie Alas, Alex Compton

No.	Player
0	Nicholas Belasco
1	Samigue Eman
3	Cyrus Baguio
4	Raphael Reyes
7	Joachim Thoss
10	Marnel Baracael
21	Paolo Bugia
24	Brandon Cablay
25	Dondon Hontiveros
27	Gabby Espinas
31	Rafael Joey Jazul
35	Tony dela Cruz
42	Joseph Evans Casio
65	Eddie Laure
Injured/Reserve
9	Nino Gelig

Barako Bull Energy Colas

PBA Governor:
Manuel Alvarez
Basketball Operations Head:
Michael Chua
Asst. to Basketball Operations Head:
Paul Chua, Jr.
Team Manager:
Raffy Casyao
Asst. Team Manager:
Jay Llanos Dee
Head Coach:
Edmundo Baculi Jr.
Assistant Coaches:
Geraldo Ramos, Leo Angelo Pujante, Jonas Jaime Mendoza

No.	Player
1	Celino Cruz
2	Joshua Urbiztondo
5	Lester Alvarez
10	Reil Cervantes
12	David Marcelo
13	Roger Yap
14	Leomar Najorda
17	Jason Ballesteros
18	Douglas Kramer
21	Sean Anthony
23	Rico Villanueva
42	Danny Seigle
71	Ronald Tubid
88	Mick Pennisi
Injured/Reserve
6	Eman Monfort
3	Woody Co

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

PBA Chairman:
Robert M. Non
Team Manager:
Samboy Lim
Head Coach:
Siot Tanquingcen
Coaching Consultant:
Alfrancis Chua
Assistant Coaches:
Allan Caidic, Arturo dela Cruz, Marco Januz Sauler, Freddie Abuda

No.	Player
2	Billy Mamaril
5	LA Tenorio
10	Paul Rico Maierhofer
11	Mike Cortez
13	Anthony Helterbrand
18	Allein Maliksi
21	Kerby Raymundo
23	Elmer Espiritu
27	Willy Wilson
32	Keith Jensen
33	Dylan Ababou
34	Chris Ellis
47	Mark Caguioa
99	Rudy Hatfield

GlobalPort Batang Pier

PBA Governor:
Mikee Romero
Alternate Governors:
Hilario Paredes, Edwin Jeremillo
Head of Basketball Operations:
Eric Arejola
Team Manager:
Benedict Manalo
Asst. Team Manager:
Benjo Flores
Head Coach:
Glenn Capacio
Assistant Coaches:
Ricky Dandan, John Cardel, Louie Gonzales, Charles Tiu

No.	Player
0	Alfred Mandani
1	Jason Deutchman
2	Rabeh Al-Hussaini
4	Rudy Lingganay
5	Jondan Salvador
7	Rey Francis Guevarra
9	Marvin Cruz
10	Rommel Adducul
11	Willie Miller
14	Mark Yee
20	Gary David
22	Joshua Vanlandingham
24	Vic Manuel
33	Angelus Raymundo
Injured/Reserve
34	William Antonio
43	Alex Crisano

Meralco Bolts

PBA Vice-Chairman:
Ramon Segismundo
Alternate Governor:
Betty Siy-Yap
Team Manager:
Butch Antonio
Head Coach:
Paul Ryan Gregorio
Assistant Coaches:
Joseph Uichico, Ronnie Magsanoc, Boyet Fernandez, Patrick Roy Fran, Xavier Nunag

No.	Player
1	Clifford Hodge
3	Solomon Mercado
4	Jay-R Reyes
6	Chris Ross
8	Ronjay Buenafe
11	Paul Artadi
14	Mark Cardona
15	Gilbert Bulawan
16	Mark Anthony Borboran
21	Reynel Hugnatan
23	Kelly Nabong
34	Ram Carlo Sharma
80	Sunday Salvacion
Injured/Reserve
9	Yousif Aljamal
13	Christopher Timberlake

Petron Blaze Boosters

PBA Governor:
Roberto N. Huang
PBA Treasurer:
Eliezer O. Capacio
Team Manager:
Hector Calma
Head Coach:
Rodericko Racela
Coaching Consultant:
Rajko Toroman
Assistant Coaches:
Gelacio Abanilla, Biboy Ravanes, Pido Jarencio, Bobby Parks Sr., Jorge Gallent

No.	Player
2	Dennis Miranda
3	Chris Lutz
4	Dorian Pena
5	Alex Cabagnot
10	Danny Ildefonso
11	Jojo Duncil
13	Marcio Lassiter
24	Magi Sison
18	Joseph Yeo
20	Alex Mallari
22	June Mar Fajardo
23	Jay Washington
26	Chico Lanete
29	Arwind Santos
Injured/Reserve
	Hans Thiele
	Paolo Hubalde

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

PBA Governor:
Mamerto Z. Mondragon
Alternate Governor:
Andrew Jao
Business Development Head:
Edison Oribiana
Asst. Team Manager:
Boy Lapid
Head Coach:
Joseller Guiao
Assistant Coaches:
Caloy Garcia, Roehl Nadurata, Mike Buendia, Jay Legacion, Matthew Makalintal, Ricky Umayam

No.	Player
1	Jonathan Uyloan
3	Paul Lee
5	Larry Rodriguez
6	Jireh Ibanes
10	Gabe Norwood
11	Tyrone Tang
16	Jeffrei Chan
17	ChrisTiu
18	Ryan Arana
20	Jervy Cruz
21	Chito Jaime
30	Beau Belga
33	Ronnie Matias
48	Joseph Ronald Quinahan

San Mig Coffee Mixers

PBA Governor:
Rene A. Pardo
Team Manager:
Alvin Patrimonio
Head Coach:
Earl Timothy Cone
Assistant Coaches:
Enrico Banal, Richard del Rosario, Jeffrey Cariaso, Johnny Abarrientos

No.	Player
2	Wesley Gonzales
3	Jonas Villanueva
4	Rafi Reavis
8	Peter June Simon
9	JC Intal
10	Jewel Ponferada
14	Andy Mark Barroca
15	Marc Pingris
17	John Aldrech Ramos
18	James Yap
19	Jerwin Gaco
22	Chris Pacana
38	Joe Devance
95	Yancy de Ocampo

Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters

PBA Governor:
Manuel V. Pangilinan
Alternate Governor:
Victorico P. Vargas
Team Mngt. Consultant:
Ramoncito S. Fernandez
Owner’s Representative to the Board:
Patrick Gregorio
Team Consultant: Norman Black
Team Manager: Aboy Castro
Asst. Team Manager: Ferdinand Ravena
Head Coach: Raoul Cesar Racela
Assistant Coaches:
Alexander Arespacochaga, Gene Afable, Michael Villapan Jarin, Joshua Reyes

No.	Player
3	Jimmy Alapag
6	Riego Gamalinda
10	Ryan Reyes
12	Larry Fonacier
16	John Murphy Raymundo
17	William Jayson Castro
18	Gilbert Lao
4	Harvey Carey
21	Kelly Williams
33	Ranidel de Ocampo
34	Ali Peek
20	Jared Dillinger
40	Richard Alvarez
51	Aaron Aban

-InterAKTV

Air 21 Express , Alaska Aces , BarakoBull , Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Globalport , Meralco Bolts , PBA , Petron Blaze Boosters , Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters , San Mig Coffee Mixers , Talk 'n Text Tropang Texters

Alice Dixson returns as PBA Muse for Talk ‘N Text

Alice Dixson will be back as a muse in the PBA 25 years after she first graced the league’s opening rites.

The Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters have tapped the 43-year-old Dixson, who made a strong television comeback last year to star in TV5′s “Babaeng Hampaslupa,” to be their muse for next Sunday’s opening ceremonies.

Dixson, who represented the Philippines in the Miss International pageant in 1986, was the muse of Great Taste Coffee for the PBA’s opening ceremonies in 1987. She figured in a memorable incident after refusing a kiss from late broadcaster Joe Cantada, which the latter played for laughs.

She since became a familiar fixture on Philippine television with a hit soap commercial and a stint as the original Faye Kabisote in “Okay Ka, Fairy Ko,” before starring in several movies, most notably a remake of “Dyesebel” in 1990.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Alice Dixson , PBA , PBA Muses , Talk 'n Text Tropang Texters

Georgina Wilson and Isabelle Daza as PBA muses of Ginebra and Petron

Two “It Girls” will help lend a touch of glamour for next Sunday’s PBA opening ceremonies.

Georgina Wilson and Isabelle Daza have been tapped as muses by teams from San Miguel Corporation.

Wilson will serve as muse for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, for which she is also an endorser and calendar girl. Apart from modeling, she is also a VJ and a television host.

Daza, the daughter of former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, will parade for the Petron Blaze Boosters. The 24-year-old began her career as a model before transitioning into television hosting and acting.

Another “It Girl”, Anne Curtis, will serve as muse for another SMC team, the San Mig Coffee Mixers.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Georgina Wilson , Isabelle Daza , PBA , PBA Muses , Petron Blaze Boosters

Air 21 and Rain Or Shine Muses in PBA Opening

Two beauty queens will take center stage to add a dash of glamour to the opening ceremonies of the PBA on September 30.

Mutya ng Pilipinas 2012 Camille Guevara and Miss Earth 2012 Stephany Stefanowitz will be the muses of Rain or Shine and Air 21, respectively.

A native of Pampanga, the 5-foot-7, 19-year-old Guevarra will be the country’s representative for the Miss Intercontinental beauty pageant in Spain in December.

Stefanowitz, a 22-year-old Filipino-German, will represent the Philippines in the Miss Earth contest in Manila in November.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Air 21 Express , Camille Guevarra , PBA , PBA Muses , Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters , Stephany Stefanowitz

Qatar sent Smart-Gilas to 4th Place in 2012 Fiba Asia Cup

The SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team lost its final assignment, 76-63, against Qatar to settle for fourth place in the FIBA Asia Cup Saturday in Tokyo, Japan.

The Philippine side shot a miserable 2-of-18 (11 percent) from beyond the arc and 38 percent overall as it couldn’t sustain a second half comeback run.

SMART-Gilas was still in striking distance, 61-54, midway through the fourth quarter when Qatar unleashed hit four three-pointers in a 12-2 run to seal the game.

Marcus Douthit once again led the charge for the Philippines with 17 points and nine rebounds despite injuring his ankle in the first half. Gary David, Jared Dillinger, and Gabe Norwood added 15, 12, and 10 points respectively.

But SMART-Gilas shooters Jeff Chan and Larry Fonacier were missing in action. Chan was scoreless after missing all six of his shots, while Fonacier managed just three points on 1-of-5 shooting.

Compounding the Philippines’ misery was Qatar’s size advantage, leading to a 47-31 edge in rebounding.

SMART-Gilas got off to a quick start in the game, grabbing an 8-2 lead early after Norwood scored on back-to-back opportunities in transition.

But the team went scoreless over the next six minutes of the period, allowing Qatar to come back and take a 12-8 lead by the end of the first.

Yousuf Mohmmed opened the second quarter with a three-pointer, the first of four in the game, as the Qataris took a seven-point advantage.

Douthit then took over, scoring seven of his 17 points in the quarter, as the Filipinos came back to within two points, 24-22, with 4:13 remaining. But the naturalized center had a scary moment late in the quarter, landing badly on his ankle on a rebound play and limping off the court with the help of teammates.

With Douthit off the floor, Qatar closed the half with a 7-2 run to take a 35-26 lead at the break.

The naturalized big man returned in the second half to score the first basket of the period. With David starting to hit and Douthit continuing to be productive despite the injury, the Philippines outscored Qatar 22-20 in the third quarter to stay within striking distance, 55-48, entering the final period.

David and Dillinger kept SMART-Gilas in the game in the fourth quarter, but the breaks of the game seemed to be squarely in Qatar’s corner, exemplified by a crucial possession in the quarter where Mohmmed banked in a difficult three-pointer with the shot clock running out that gave them a 64-54 lead, with 5:41 remaining.

David answered with a basket and Norwood followed it up with a big defensive play as the Filipinos looked primed to make one more run. But Chan couldn’t score on their next possession and Khalid Abdi knocked down a three from the left corner as Qatar extended its lead.

Daoud Musa Daoud then hit a three from almost the same spot, and Abdi added another from the opposite corner as Qatar blew the game wide open, taking a 73-56 lead to effectively seal it with just three minutes left on the clock.

David hit a three of his own but Qatar’s Trey Johnson responded with a three-point play. Dillinger scored a pair of buckets but Abdi closed it with another three, Qatar’s ninth make compared to just two for the Philippines, to close the game.

Mohmmed led Qatar with 17 points while Johnson added 16.

The loss put SMART-Gilas out of the running for a top-three finish and the automatic berth to next year’s FIBA Asia Championships in Lebanon that comes with it.

The scores:

Qatar (79) – Mohmmed 17, Johnson 16, Abdi 14, Saeed 10, Daoud 7, Salem 5, El-Hadary 4, Mohammed 4, Ali 2.

SMART-Gilas Pilipinas (63) – Douthit 17, David 15, Dillinger 12, Norwood 10, De Ocampo 3, Fonacier 3, Tenorio 2, Chan 0, Thoss 0, Villanueva 0.

Quarterscores: 12-8, 35-26, 55-48, 79-63.

-InterAKTV

2012 Fiba Asia Cup , Qatar Basketball , Smart Gilas

San Mig Coffee Mixers sent Josh Urbiztondo to Barako Bull for a First Round Pick

With an eye toward the future, the San Mig Coffee Mixers sent starting point guard Josh Urbiztondo to Barako Bull in exchange for a first round pick next year.

San Mig Coffee team executive Rene Pardo confirmed the news to InterAKTV in a telephone interview.

“We don’t have a first and second round picks next year, so we have to give something to gain something,” said Pardo, who added that it was Barako Bull which initiated the trade.

Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi confirmed that the team asked for Urbiztondo’s services because rookie guard Eman Monfort was injured.

“He dislocated his finger and he will be sidelined for the next three months,” said Baculi.

At Barako Bull, Urbiztondo joins a guard corps that includes veteran Celino Cruz and rookie Lester Alvarez.

Roger Yap, another former guard from the Purefoods franchise, has also been signed by Barako Bull.

The Energy Colas own four first round picks next year, owing to trades the franchise undertook when it was still known as the old Air 21 Express. To sweeten the pot, Barako Bull will give San Mig Coffee the option to pick which of its four first rounders to give in exchange for Urbiztondo.

“We have the option of picking which among the four picks will be given to us,” said Pardo.

With Urbiztondo’s departure, the ballhandling duties for the Mixers will fall on Mark Barroca, Jonas Villanueva, and newly-signed Chris Pacana.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Barako Bull , Josh Urbiztondo , PBA , San Mig Coffee Mixers

Meralco new Jerseys in upcoming PBA 38th Season

As the Meralco Bolts look to a brighter future, they pay tribute to a glorious basketball past.

The team will be wearing the colors of the 1971 Meralco Reddy Kilowatts, a legendary team from the old MICAA, the precursor of the PBA. Team executive Mon Segismundo revealed the plans to InterAKTV in a text message.

The Reddies, bannered by Robert Jaworski, Francis Arnaiz, Orly Bauzon, Jimmy Mariano and the late Big Boy Reynoso among others, were a powerhouse team in the MICAA, forging a feverish rivalry with another fabled squad, the Crispa Redmanizers.

The Meralco-Crispa rivalry was the precursor of the Toyota-Crispa rivalry that spilled over in the PBA.

-Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Meralco Bolts , PBA

PBA Official Fan Group Names

With the success with AKTV’s “Kampihan Na!” campaign for the PBA, the league is taking it to the next level by embracing official fan group names for each of its 10 teams for the new season, which opens September 30.

The names, which came from the teams’ supporters themselves, will help fans identify more closely with their favorite teams and their fellow fanatics.

Below is the official list:

1. Air 21 – Ube Republic
2. Alaska – Gatas Republik
3. Barako Bull – Barako Brigade
4. Ginebra – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
5. GlobalPort – Batang Pier
6. Meralco – Bansang Meralco
7. Petron – Petroniverse
8. Rain or Shine – Bayan ng Rain or Shine
9. San Mig Coffee – San Mig Coffee Planet
10. Talk ‘N Text – TNT Nation

Sa’n ka?! Kampihan na!

-InterAKTV

Air 21 Express , Alaska Aces , Barako Bull , Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings , Globalport , Meralco Bolts , Petron Blaze Boosters , Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters , San Mig Coffee Mixers , Talk 'n Text Tropang Texters