IN PHOTOS: Richard Gomez, Mikee Cojuangco, and other celebrities who represented the Philippines in an international sporting event

These celebrities once donned the national team colors as they represented the Philippines in an international sporting event.

Richard Gomez

Matinee idol of the '90s, Richard Gomez, represented the Philippines multiple times in an international sporting event.

National Rowing Team

From 1989-1991, Richard was part of the Philippine National Men's Rowing Team.

Fencing

Aside from rowing, Richard also won a Gold Medal in the 2005 Southeast Asian Games as a member of the Men's Épée team representing the Philippines.

Volleyball

In 2014, Richard was part of the Philippine Men's National Volleyball Team that competed in the Asian Men's Club Volleyball Championship held in Manila.

Mikee Cojuangco

During her showbiz career, Mikee Cojuangco competed in the 2002 Busan Asian Games.

Gold Medal

Mikee won the Philippines' third and last gold medal in that event.

Enchong Dee

Before joining showbiz, Enchong was part of the varsity swimming team of De La Salle University.

Ernest Dee was named the tournament Most Valuable Player in the men’s side with 63 points while Luica Gaudes Dacanay won the women’s MVP with 63 points.

Maxim Christopher Quilala of DLSU took the Rookie of the Year honors with 47 points Marvie Borja got 35 points to win the women’s ROY.

DLSU swim team really is going no where; looks like Enchong and Ixxie are the only silver linings. A sad state considering where we were 5 years ago na double champs. Thanks to those who updated us with results and pictures namely jan carlo, danavila and orangersey, your updates are far more informative than what some sportswriters contribute.

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Several UAAP records in the 50-, 100- and 200-meter butterfly events and 400-meter individual medley relay were broken by himself, a political science major and ABS-CBN talent and Bench model. Dee was also chosen 70th season MVP or most valuable player. Ixxi Quilala, also of DLSU, was named rookie of the year.

Virtually unnoticed in the last weeks that have been dominated by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng was the outstanding feat of De La Salle University’s (DLSU) 21-year old Enchong Dee who led the Green Tankers to the championship of the 72nd UAAP swimming competitions held at the Trace Aquatic Sports Complex, Los Baños. Dee won his third consecutive MVP award and won the gold in all 21 events he swam the past three years. Dee’s events were the 50m, 100m and 200m butterfly; 800m and 1500m freestyle; and 200m and 400m individual medley. Dee ends his UAAP career with four records while being a mainstay in ABS-CBN’s evening telenovelas. All these while graduating with honors and continuing on his graduate studies in development studies. The UAAP swimming competitions have been organized the past three years by Sports Management Solutions and staged at Trace College, an event partner. Speedo is the other event partner while other sponsors are PAGCOR, Madrigal Dormitories, World Balance and Gatorade.

SEA Games

At 17 years old, Enchong made his debut in the 2005 SEA Games in Manila. 

He once again competed in the 2007 held at Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand respectively.

Despite the live broadcast streaming of the aquatics events at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games included swimming, diving and water polo in mall activity centers nationwide, also at the Activity Center of Star City amusement park, the police clash with protesters in the Philippine capital Manila at past 7:29 p.m. of Sunday, December 9, 2007 near the Sofitel Philippine plaza hotel to Star City, also they marched to One ECom Center in SM Mall of Asia complex.

Besides next to Dee is fellow DLSU Green Tanker and Makati Skipjacks Swimming Club member Johansen Benedict "Johan" Aguilar in men's 200-meter backstroke heats and finals last December 7, 2007.

Flanking next to DLSU Green Tankers Dee and Aguilar is University of the Philippines (UP) Maroon Tanker Kendrick "Ken" Uy in men's 100-meter freestyle finals last Saturday, December 8, 2007 at past 6 p.m. (7 p.m. Manila time).

Aside from Uy is fellow UP Maroon Tanker and 2007 UAAP Swimming Championship Juniors Division MVP Gian Berino in men's 1,500-meter freestyle finals last Monday, December 10, 2007 at past 6:29 p.m. (7:29 p.m. local time).

To recall, Enchong is being part of arena swimwear when he wears arena AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6015 DGRN rimic nux-F, while his sister Anj wears speedo Aqua V Silicone Swimming Cap - Black (8-087750001), speedsocket - Black (8-705891549) and FASTSKIN FS-PRO Women’s Recordbreaker Costume – Black (8-008153218) and Johan Aguilar wears speedo Aqua V Silicone Swimming Cap - Black (8-087750001) and speedsocket Mirrored Goggle - Black (8-705890000) and agonswim Florida Gators Mesh Training Suit Fully Front & Back Lined (ACX111510TRS2MES) based on episode 3, part 3 of Your Song presents Boystown, again he wears Valentino Schoolwear White Swim Cap DL1000 Latex, arena AGL-1400_ EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6014 DGRN Half Spats nux-F while Anj is wearing Valentino Schoolwear White Swim Cap DL1000 Latex, arena AGL-1400_ EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6012W DGRN rimic nux-F inspired from Ceelin Plus commercial “Swimmer” in 2009 and shot on location at the Olympic-size swimming pool of Makati Aqua Sports Arena, again, he wears arena ARN-4091-WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400_ EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and aile bleue ARN-6008M GRN Half Spats nux-K Power Strush and competes in men's 50, 100 and 200-meter butterfly and 200-meter individual medley heats and finals, fourth when he wears arena ARN-4091 WHT Silicone Swimming Cap, AGL-1400 EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6005M GRN One-Piece Long Spats nux-K Power Strush and Anj wears ARN-4091-WHT silicone swimming cap, AGL-1400_ EMBL swimming glass (mirror Swedish type) and ARN-6004W GRN NEW RIMIC nux-K POWER STRUSH for men's and women's 400-meter individual medley, women's 800-meter freestyle and men's 1,500-meter freestyle events based on Milo commercial “Swimmer Champion” in 2008 and shot on location at the swimming pool of Trace Aquatic Center in Los Banos, Laguna.

Two years after his graduation, Enchong signed with JINS Eyewear and Nike to wear JINS Airframe U377 (Spider), 2011 Nike exclusive De La Salle Dri-Fit tee (white) it was bundled with 2009 adidas DLSU cap (Unisex, Fairway/White) and hoodie and pant (Fairway/White).

To recall, Enchong would wear JINS Airframe U377 (Spider), 2009 Adidas DLSU hoodie (green), 2011 Nike exclusive De La Salle Dri-Fit tee (white), BENCH/ BODY Hipster Brief - White (BUB2032WH3), BENCH/ Skinny Jeans - Black (LAM6000) and DC Men's At-3 Mid Shoe, Royal Blue/Armor would be exhibited at BENCH/ stores nationwide because he was in Bench Uncut: A Bolder Look at the Future 2010 denim and underwear show at the Araneta Coliseum also got wild cheers from the audience and he shows his athletic side with these dance moves, and doing workouts at Bodyworx Spa & Fitness Club instead of Anytime Fitness Dona Hemady before doing a photo shoot at BENCH/ Tower.

BRAZIL. The show reached its peak during the Brazil segment.

Pokwang was followed by Kapuso actress Carla Abellana and Kapamilya heartthrob Enchong Dee.

"The colorful Brazil portion was inspired by exotic birds of the Amazon, according to designer Val Taguba. The most action-packed segment featuring accidental porn star Katrina Halili and young heartthrob Enchong Dee." ('Bench Uncut': It's a tradition!', CHUVANESS By Cecile Van Straten, The Philippine Star, July 7, 2010)

“When Enchong Dee made his entrance at this year’s Bench Universe show, he owned the night in no less than an aerial canoe, looking every bit the gladiator with his toned body and feisty stance.” (Metro Magazine, November 2012)

Again, Enchong is wearing JINS Airframe U377 (Spider), 2009 adidas DLSU cap (Unisex, Fairway/White) and hoodie and pant (fairway/white), 2011 Nike exclusive De La Salle Dri-Fit tee (white and green), adidas Originals Socks - Solid Crew 2-pack Ash (Green/White/Green) and Jeans Leather Trainers (White/Green) while Johan Aguilar wears JINS MMF-15S-U046 (Black Steel), 2012 Nike De La Salle game jacket and pant (green) and 2011 Nike exclusive De La Salle Dri-Fit tee (green and white).

While in the music scene, his songs from their albums "Enchong Dee" and "EDM: Enchong Dee Moves" under Star Music such as "Chinito Problems," "Seloso," "Step No Step Yes," "Isip O Puso," "Telenobela," "Oo Gusto Kita", "Sa Huli," "'Di Ko Alam" and "Hanggang Dito na Lang" (featuring Maja Salvador).

For his part, Enchong Dee can’t sing to save his life—but, let’s get this straight, his self-titled debut album is a triumph of technology more than a testament of his singing ability.

For the most part, the compilation banks on the innovative skills of the creative minds behind it, in this case arranger RB “Kidwolf” Barbaso.

Barbaso assembles provocative beats that effectively drown out Dee’s negligible trills, especially in the otherwise fun-filled “Tambalang OMG,” which the actor performs with the similarly “digitized” Alex Gonzaga.

Dee turns wishful thinking into musical reality—and the result is a repertoire of expendable jingles (“Seloso,” the self-penned “Isip o Puso”) that rely on Barbaso’s sizzling arrangements, most impressively in the enthusiastic reworking of VST & Co.’s “Step No, Step Yes.”

“Chinito Problems” introduces an innovative treat by mashing up Jed Dumawal’s melodically appealing hooks with a sampling of the jaunty hit single, “Chinito,” spruced up with Yeng Constantino’s gorgeously amped up and high-pitched vocals!

https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/hobbies/11712/in-photos-richard-gomez-mikee-conjuangco-and-other-celebrities-who-represented-the-philippines-in-an-international-sporting-event/photo/144838/richard-gomez

TIMOW’S TURF SPECIAL: COUNTDOWN TO SEA GAMES

 For the very artsy people, the official logo of this year’s SEA Games is unforgivably a “cringe”, “uncreative” and an “eyesore.” In the end, would this be memorable or be forgettable?

AS the preliminary competitions of few sporting events in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games are underway, tomorrow (November 30) will showcase the greatest spectacle of sports in the region after 14 years.

The last time we hosted back in 2005, social media wasn’t penetrated into the market and smartphones didn’t exist yet. Today, mobile Internet access has expanded either to catch up the action in real-time or to notify if the athletes are qualified for the next round.

In that gap of time, venues like the Mall of Asia Arena and the Philippine Arena have been erected and are ready for use to showcase sports. Also, ambitious plans were aggressively concreted, particularly in the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

Before we go further behind the scenes with the present edition, let’s recap the moments when we previously hosted the biennial regional multi-sport meet.

Past Hostings at a Glance

1981 (11th Edition)

• DATES: December 6 to 15
• NUMBER OF SPORTS: 18
• PHILIPPINES’ OVERALL RANKING: 3rd of 7
• BROADCASTERS: Maharlika Broadcasting System and Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation

Martial law has already been lifted in the early part of that year but President Marcos remained in power as he was re-elected and the media remained restricted.

In that edition, their then-new infrastructure was built in Pasig called the University of Life Track & Field and Arena or simply called ULTRA (now PhilSports Arena).

In the sporting proper, Lydia de Vega wowed the country with two gold medals in 200 and 400-meter sprints, earning the nickname “Asia’s Sprint Queen.” Bong Coo emerged in the spotlight as the top tenpin bowler with six medals (four of which is gold).

1991 (16th Edition)

• DATES: November 24 to December 3
• NUMBER OF SPORTS: 28
• PHILIPPINES’ OVERALL RANKING: 2nd of 9
• BROADCASTERS: People’s Television Network (PTV), ABS-CBN, IBC and RPN

While the host city was in Metro Manila, four sports (archery, canoeing, sailing and triathlon) were held in Subic Bay. At that time, Subic was packing up after the decision of the renewal of the US naval base was rejected by the Senate two months prior.

This edition was the only edition where the overall championship was heavily contested; the deciding medal came from the last sporting event — the women’s triathlon — where Indonesia got the gold medal.

Athletes associated with the said edition include Eric Buhain, Akiko Thompson (swimming) and Bea Lucero (gymnast turned taekwondoka). Lydia de Vega redeemed her title as the “Asia’s Fastest Woman” and Elma Muros was celebrated for the long jump. Our men’s basketball team regained the cage supremacy by defeating Thailand in the finals.

2005 (23rd Edition)

• DATES: November 27 to December 5
• NUMBER OF SPORTS: 40
• PHILIPPINES’ OVERALL RANKING: 1st of 11
• BROADCASTERS: National Broadcasting Network (NBN), ABC and IBC

This was the first SEA Games that some events took place outside Luzon and first that both ceremonies were not staged in a stadium — they were staged in Quirino Grandstand.

While the official hymn was “We’re All Just One,” Rivermaya’s “Posible” will forever be associated as the popular song of this Games.

This was the edition where basketball, our national pastime, was not held due to the suspension by FIBA to compete internationally. Nevertheless, this was the first time that we became an overall champion.

In this edition

There are 530 events in 56 sports taking place for this 12-day affair (not counting the days before the opening ceremony) across Luzon.

For the first time, the bookend ceremonies will take place separately; tomorrow, they will open at the Philippine Arena but they will close in their ambitious New Clark City Athletics Stadium on December 11.

The theme of this edition is “We Win as One,” with its corresponding theme song performed by Lea Salonga:

The Broadcasters

While Pittsburgh-based NEP Group will produce these sports events but there are local broadcasters that will supply the coverage.

Initially, TV5 and ABS-CBN are potential candidates.

For the former, it was a no-brainer since they have significant sportscasting experience placed in their dossier before the organizing committee despite criticisms of putting commercials during the ceremonies (you can watch them sans interruption through their YouTube Livestream). With their broadcast franchise safe for another 25 years, hence, they became the official media partner. Cignal TV has allocated three channels for this one-off event, in addition to One Sports.

Regarding the latter, it was initially screened due to their technological advancements but its franchise will expire in four months and Congress has not prioritized it. Also, their main channel’s biggest concern is that their schedule is completely committed to competition shows (the opening ceremony is a Saturday) and teleseryes (closing ceremony falls on a Wednesday) but they have S+A and Liga to the rescue.

CONFIRMED: By secret agreement, the OC will be carried live on ABS-CBN (pre-empting any shows that follow) and iWant with S+A catching up in delay by 15 minutes. TV5 will be delayed by an hour and a half — harmonizing with the rest of the Cignal channels.

PTV almost left out

By intuition from history, PTV must be there to cover this biennial regional sports meet. This is the usual trend for other Southeast Asian nations. In the last iteration in Kuala Lumpur in 2017, we have done so but under last-minute pressure by then-Philippine Olympic Committee President Peping Cojuangco.

Because of the initial screening, the state broadcaster was almost left out causing concern for Senator Francis Tolentino during the 2020 budget deliberations on the Presidential Communications Operations Office last September 26.

There is a valid, consensual justification to include this state TV network: President Rodrigo Duterte is required to be present — as it is a traditional protocol for a head of state — and to simply read the opening formula (i.e. no alibis and no cussing) after the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee’s (PHISGOC) chair, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, delivered their welcoming remarks.

Who’s taking the slice?

Per common reports, at least 11 events will be carried live: aquatics (diving and swimming), athletics, badminton, basketball (5×5 and 3×3), boxing, football, gymnastics, sepak takraw, taekwondo, indoor volleyball, and E-sports.

As per individual media entities, ABS-CBN is said to cover exclusively on volleyball and soccer while ESPN5 will supply the rest, with emphasis on basketball (on the main channel), eSports (certainly on 5Plus) and aquatics.

On the other hand, PTV is reportedly taking care of skateboarding and BMX (cycling); although they will cover random sporting events that are not exclusive to private entities.

The rest of the sporting action will be covered through the Facebook live streams, on YouTube channel of ESPN5 and in iWant.

Of course, there will be always highlights throughout each progressing day, regardless if they are media partners or not.

https://timowsturf.wordpress.com/2019/11/29/timows-turf-special-countdown-to-sea-games/

PBA: Thirdy Ravena skips draft to concentrate on international opportunities

By Jonas Terrado

Ateneo star Thirdy Ravena has opted to skip this year’s PBA Rookie Draft to concentrate on possible opportunities overseas.

His manager Marvin Espiritu confirmed those plans Friday, shortly after the PBA released notable players that submitted their names before the deadline elapsed at 5 p.m.

The PBA’s press release didn’t mention the three-time UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player as one of the 71 applicants.

“His goal is to get better as a basketball player and would also consider international opportunities,” Espiritu told the Bulletin.

Espiritu added he and Ravena will discuss his initial plans upon the latter’s return from an Ateneo-related trip in Cagayan de Oro City.

“Sa ngayon may mga options siya. But no final plans yet with regards sa programa niya,” he said. “We’ll meet him when he gets back.”

Ravena’s absence leaves this year’s draft without its consensus No. 1 pick in the Dec. 8 proceedings at the Robinsons Place Manila.

Columbian is set to pick first in the draft with Blackwater holding the second overall selection.

Among the applicants announced by the league are Ravena’s teammates Isaac Go, twins Matt and Mike Nieto and former Ateneo standouts Vince Tolentino and Aaron Black.

Also included are San Sebastian’s Allyn Bulanadi, Adamson’s Sean Manganti, Lyceum twins Jayvee and Jaycee Marcelino, Marinerong Pilipino’s William McAloney and Mike Ayonayon and University of the East’s Rey Suerte.

Applicants have until 5 p.m. Saturday to withdraw their names.

The league will hold a draft combine on Dec. 4 and 5 at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.

https://sports.mb.com.ph/2019/11/29/pba-thirdy-ravena-skips-draft-to-concentrate-on-international-opportunities/

Thirdy Ravena skips PBA Draft 2019

Thirdy Ravena ventures on the same path taken by older brother Kiefer, who decided not to join the draft immediately after his collegiate career

Thirdy Ravena has opted not join the crop of PBA hopefuls for the 2019 Rookie Draft despite the talks of him going No. 1.

Ravena, who captured 3 straight UAAP championships with Ateneo and won Finals MVP in all those title runs, did not submit his draft application as the deadline closed at 5 pm on Friday, November 29.

That means Ravena will not be in the same draft class with former Ateneo teammates Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto, Adrian Wong, and Vince Tolentino, who have all declared themselves available for the draft.

Columbian will pick first for the second straight season followed by Blackwater, NLEX, Alaska, Phoenix, and Rain or Shine.

Interestingly, Ravena will venture on the same path taken by older brother Kiefer, who did not join the draft after exhausting his playing years in the UAAP in 2015.

The older Ravena declared for the 2017 draft and was nabbed by NLEX as the No. 2 overall pick just behind Christian Standhardinger.

A total of 71 players aspire to jump to the big leagues this year, among them Adamson's Sean Manganti, Lyceum's Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino, San Sebastian's Allyn Bulanadi, and UE's Rey Suerte.

PBA coaches will get a glimpse of the rookie aspirants in the Draft Combine on December 4 and 5 before the big night on December 8.

https://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/pba/246054-thirdy-ravena-skips-draft-2019

11 competing SEAG members raise flags at Athletes Village

The presence of all 11 competing nations in the 30th Philippine Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) was formally recognized during a simple flag-raising ceremony held at the plaza of the Athletes Village at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac on Friday morning.

The delegations were welcomed by Athletes Village Mayor Arrey Perez, Bases Conversion and Development Authority vice president for business development, according to Team Philippines deputy chef de mission Stephen Fernandez.

All present and accounted for were the contingents of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and the host Philippines, Fernandez said, adding that the colors of the respective countries were raised in alphabetical order.

“Of course, as the host, the Philippines was the last country to raise the national flag,” he said.

“It was a very simple program with either the chief of mission or deputy chief of mission leading the respective delegations,” said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Ramon Fernandez, who represented chairman Butch Ramirez, the national team chef de mission (CDM).

Fernandez, one of the deputy CDM, said he showed up at the flag-raising rites together with some arnis athletes who are billeted at the Village, and members of the medical staff.

“There was an exchange of tokens while Perez gave an inspirational talk, reminding everyone of maintaining the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship when the actual competition begins and urging everyone in making the SEA Games a success,” he said.

The event was held before the opening ceremonies of the 30th edition of the regional sports showcase on Saturday at the 50,000-seater Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan before the SEA Games goes full blast the next day.

“We expect a lot of athletes and officials to start streaming into the Athletes Village today,” Fernandez said, baring that aside from the aquatics and athletics squads, other campaigners vying in neighboring Pampanga will also be quartered at the New Clark City (NCC) Athletes Village. “The men’s and women’s softball teams have begun moving in and the other athletes who will be seeing action in Pampanga will also have their quarters here.”

Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHILSEAGOC) executive director Ramon Suzara thanked all the sports officials and athletes of the 11 SEA Games members for participating in the flag-raising ceremony.

“I would like to thank all the 11 countries for doing their best to make in the flag-raising in the athletes’ village,” Suzara said in a press conference at the NCC Sports Hub on Friday.

Some 11,000 athletes and officials will participate in the biggest SEA Games in terms of sports disciplines. The athletes will battle for 530 events in 56 sports.

The Games’ opening ceremonies will be held for the first time in an indoor stadium, the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on Saturday.

The Phisgoc officials said athletes and delegates, as well as spectators, can expect a grand opening ceremony that is “full of surprises.”

“For now, we will keep secret some major highlights of the opening ceremonies but we have prepared a lot of surprises that you will surely enjoy,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino said in a previous media briefing.

Tolentino said President Rodrigo Duterte was invited to grace the opening rites of the SEA Games’ 30th edition, which carries the theme “We Win As One”.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1087459

Bishop offers prayers for Pinoy athletes in 30th SEA Games

A Catholic prelate on Friday said he will pray for all Filipino athletes who will participate in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which the country is hosting for the fourth time.

At the same time, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo urged all Filipinos to support the Philippine delegation to the biennial regional sports event which is set to start on Saturday and will run until December 11.

“We pray for them and we support them by following the games in TV and social media,” he said in an interview.

Pabillo added that the people who will not be able to watch live games can show their support in other ways.

“We can also give them moral support through our social media posts. Those who are able can watch the games live,” Pabillo said.

The sporting event will officially start on Saturday, with the opening ceremony to be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Other venues for the games will be held in Metro Manila and some parts of Luzon.

There are close to 10,000 athletes who will compete in 529 events of 56 sports in 47 venues.

Aside from the host nation, the other participants are from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

The Philippines has hosted the 1981, 1991 and 2005 editions of the games.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1087482

Like early part of Taulava’s career, Kiefer Ravena knows NLEX has to go through growing pains

NLEX only needed one win to make it to the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals. But it blew its chance.

The Road Warriors headed into the quarterfinals with the coveted twice-to-beat advantage after clinching the top seed at the end of the eliminations, only for the NorthPort Batang Pier to come in their way and wield the upset ax.

The young franchise showed that anything can happen in basketball when it overcame the disadvantage to oust NLEX to become just the fourth number eight team in league history to take down the top dogs in the quarters.

The Batang Pier completed the massive upset Wednesday night through a thrilling and grueling 126-123 triple-overtime victory, leaving the Road Warriors filled with regret as they headed out of the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

“Sayang kasi one win away. We worked hard for the twice-to-beat advantage,” lamented Kiefer Ravena, who had 22 points, six assists, and five rebounds in the 50 minutes and 23 seconds he played in the stinging defeat.

Many expected the Road Warriors to redeem themselves — and snap their skid which began at the tailend of the eliminations — following the 90-115 loss they suffered last Monday in their first meeting with the Batang Pier.

However, they got themselves a tough blow just a day prior to the do-or-die when Poy Erram and Paul Varilla got suspended and were slapped hefty fines each for fighting Batang Pier import Michael Qualls last Monday.

“Poy and Paul could’ve been another element in our offense and defense, added bodies to the team,” opined Ravena.

Filling in for the absence of the 6-foot-7 Erram, though, was Asi Taulava, who at 46 years old still tried to give it his best for his team as he played for 20 minutes and 19 seconds and contributed six markers and nine rebounds.

“Asi played like he was twenty-four. I’m proud of that dude. He works hard every day, comes into practice 5:30 in the morning and delivers when it’s needed the most. Sayang lang kasi we wanted to win with the effort that he gave us,” said Ravena.

Taulava witnessed history repeat itself with the loss as it evoked memories of the 1999 All-Filipino Cup quarters, where his top-seeded Mobiline blew its win-once incentive and lost to Ginebra, 82-81, via Bal David’s game-winner.

For Ravena, he believes that this will only help the Road Warriors for the better, and they could even learn a lot more with Taulava — one of the most dominant big men to ever play in the league — around thanks to his wealth of experience.

“Yun naman yung isa sa mga role ni Asi ngayon sa’min e. More than anything else is to really implement the leadership. He’s been here for forty-five years in the PBA so marami na talaga siyang pinagdaanan,” Ravena said jokingly.

“Sobrang daming laro, sobrang daming mga ganitong laban, but I feel na marami talaga kaming matutunan kay Asi. He’s probably one of the most dominant players to ever play in the PBA and he has won a championship,” he added.

“Imagine all the heartbreaks na pinagdaanan niya to be one of the most dominant players ever but to only have one championship under your belt I’m sure he wants more. But all the lessons that he’s trying to teach us — even yung mga beterano marami pa ring natutunan sa kanya — it helps us a lot.”

tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/like-early-part-taulavas-career-kiefer-ravena-knows-nlex-go-growing-pains/171762