WALA PA RING TATALO SA ALASKA!

 Goodbyes are never easy. 

Whether it’s saying goodbye to friends after a weekend of fun, or saying goodbye to someone special because they’re going away, there is always sadness. Different levels of sadness, but there is sadness nevertheless. 

I admit that the past 3 years I’ve been laying low in watching live basketball games of Alaska Aces, but whenever I got the chance, I watched online or on tv. I haven’t been also updated with the team roster or happenings with the team like I was a few years back, but I’m still an Aces fan. Which takes us to the sad news that was announced this week: Alaska Aces is leaving the PBA. 

A little back story.  My uncle who is also a die hard Alaska fan already told me that there have been rumors that Alaska Aces might be leaving the PBA (because an uncle worked there before, and sometimes gave us free VIP tickets, told him that this would be possible in the future.) 

I never actually thought that it would happen. But here it is. The news caught me by surprise. I was busy with work that day, so I wasn’t checking my phone much. As I checked my phone, I saw that there were a lot of notifications on my twitter from my fellow Aces fans. I thought there was a major trade or something, so I checked my twitter feed. Lo and behold, they were saying goodbye and reminiscing about the days when we would watch games live and then talk/tweet about it after, blaming players, coaches, being angry with the opposing team, etc. 

I hurriedly checked the Instagram page of Alaska and I saw the post. I got teary-eyed and sad. I could compare it to someone special to me bidding farewell. From a “business” point of view, it was the only way to go, but deep inside I still can’t believe it. Basketball has played a big part in my life. It was one of the “bonding times” of me and my dad. Ever since I was a child, my dad would take me to wherever Alaska was playing and we would watch. I wasn’t that familiar with basketball rules before, I just knew that if a ball went inside the ring, the team scores points. 2014, I rekindled my “ love” for basketball, mainly because of Chris Banchero, who was then a member of the Aces team. It was just him I was watching, then I noticed that I was watching the players one by one, Dondon Hontiveros, RJ Jazul, Calvin Abueva, Sonny Thoss, Tony Dela Cruz, Ping Exciminiano, Vic Manuel, Cyrus Baguio, JV Casio and more. Then I started knowing the game, positions, fouls, etc. I never thought I would be heavily invested in the Aces. I mean, I was just a fan, but I felt sad when they lose, and I felt ecstatic when RJ Jazul shoots that critical 3-pointer. I got angry with SMB ( you probably experienced this not only once in your whole life when you’re a die-hard Aces fan) when they won against Alaska. Haha But I was still there for them, I was always that loud cheerer. Shouting my heart out whenever they have games, regardless where I’m watching, at home or live. I even went to Lucena to watch their game3 against SMB last 2016. Cheering for this team was an honor for me, the team whose core values are aligned with my beliefs: winning with integrity and honesty. 

As I said at the start of this blog, goodbyes are never easy, but they’re inevitable. 

Thank you, Alaska Aces, for providing your fans one of the best moments of their lives. I will never forget everything I experienced while rooting for you: I got interviewed in a sports vlog (which I never imagined would happen in my whole life), became fan of the night ( yes I was so proud of that haha), cried tears of joy whenever the team got through obstacles (winning against stronger teams) and also cried tears of sadness when you lost, esp during that 2016 championship Game7. I also met a lot of people, fellow fans, while watching your games which led me to make new friends. Alaska Aces has played a major part in my life and I would never forget that. Ever. ❤️

I will always be an Alaska Aces fan, no matter what happens. Cheers, my fellow ka-Alas. 

WALA PA RING TATALO SA ALASKA. ❤️❤️❤️

My first game watching Alaska Aces. 

Of course, picture with CB2. ❤️

Alaska Aces Fan, Reporting for Duty

"The team needs Calvin. Bring back Calvin."

"Change the coach. Trade this player."

Here are just some things I've read after Semis Game 2 last July 16, 2018. 

I myself had a lot of things in my mind that I wanted to post and tweet but I refrained myself from doing so. Honestly, these thoughts/statements didn't even cross my mind. But, oh, 

I have a lot of things to say about the opposing team. (Nothing personal, just the emotions evoked during the game. haha)

From the way the Aces were playing, also with the absence of Abueva and Banchero, my thought was "Uh oh, it's gonna be a tough hill to climb." My mind was prepared for the worst, that we would get swept, but there was still that part of me, that die-hard Aces fan, that prayed, hoped and believed that we still had a chance to win against SMB. As my friend and fellow fan said, "Bilog ang bola." I always told them that I'm prepared for the worst, but of course, deep inside I was hoping that we would win. 

A lot of people are asking me why I'm rooting for the Aces, because most people I know cheered for the SMC teams. It was easier to say "Kasi andun is Banchero, crush ko siya." Admittedly, that's what made me interested in the Aces and in watching PBA. But as time passed by, the Aces earned my respect, loyalty and trust. They play fair and with dignity. In a basketball world tainted by politics and money, they remain honest and true. Maybe that's one of the reasons why they lose sometimes, or they don't have good picks in drafts and trades. They make the most out of what they're given and maximize what they can. So even though they are at the top spots, I always see the team as an underdog. (Not to put the team down or to blame anyone, it's just the way it is.) Hello bashers, please always put this in mind before you make accusations and derogatory comments. 

Sino ba namang team ang ayaw manalo diba??

This goes out to all of us. We can share our opinions about the team, management and coaches, but I hope that we take into consideration all of their hard work and efforts. We are their fans. We are here to support them. Yes, we can voice out our opinions but we should be mindful also of what we say. What they are doing, is their job/s. How would you feel if somebody you didn't know (let alone one who isn't an expert at that field) told you that you aren't doing your job well? 

I'm not saying that I am perfect. I also get frustrated when a free throw doesn't go in, or if we throw away a 20-pt lead and even lose to an opposing team, or if the coach sits out  a player who is "on fire." But that's their decision. 

Semis Game 3 (scheduled July 18,2018) is about to take place. I admit this makes me think that this can possibly be the Aces' last game this conference and it saddens me to think about that. I know they can do it. It would take a lot of hard work but I know they can, with or without Calvin Abueva and Chris Banchero. Tinalo niyo sila noon, kaya niyo ngayon! I believe in all of you! Call me crazy, but winning against a powerhouse team that almost everybody is rooting for, makes the victory all the more sweeter.

Hello, fellow Aces fans, let's embody the Alaska Aces tagline "We Not Me". Let's not put blame on whoever but stand as one in supporting the team. :) No matter what happens in this game though, I still am and always will be an Alaska Aces diehard fan.

How Their Determination Will Make You Love the Aces

Aaaaaand the Aces manage to survive Game 5! 

Tight defense and good offense were their weapons last Game 5. 

It was a very close game but the Aces got out of it alive, forcing another game vs ROS.

That was the longest 48 minutes of being on my toes, wishing that all the shots of the Aces came in and that the ones by ROS didn't. As always, I think it was the Aces' heart and determination, the will to survive that got them the win. 

Obviously short on players, they managed to make the most out of who they have and bring a new kind of game to the court. Kevin Racal was a big surprise for the past 2 games. It felt like Coach Alex just waited for the perfect time to unleash him. I believe that was also a factor that helped them win. Another thing I've noticed about them was their desire and drive to win. It was evident in each and everyone of them. With all the high levels of energy and fighting spirit, it was as if Calvin Abueva had rubbed off on all of them. I could never be more proud of them. With this kind of players, it's not surprising that people love and believe in them so much. 

I'll be keeping this short. 

I know it's a bit too much already Aces, but can I ask you for one more win (or two)? We've gotten this far to just let it all go to waste. Just continue doing what you did on Games 4 and 5 and don't lose the heart and determination. The series isn't over, let's stretch it to one more game! I know it's not easy, I think that it gets harder and harder each game, but I know you can do it! 

As always, we got your back! 

GO ALASKA! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! 

How Can You Not Love the Aces?

*unselfish plays - CHECK

*wenotme - CHECK

*teamwork - CHECK

*almost perfect defense - CHECK

*consistency - CHECK

Now that wasn't so hard, right? CHAR. Haha

The Aces were able to force a Game 5 against ROS with a 12-pt win last Friday the 13th. While Friday the 13th was mostly believed to be an unlucky day, it proved to be otherwise for the Aces. Starting off with a BPC award for Calvin Abueva and ending the day with a win, avoiding the dreaded "sweep." 

I wasn't even thinking of the BPC awarding on that day. All I thought about was, are the Aces gonna win Game 4? I prepared myself for a Game 4 loss but no matter what. There's still a part of me who wishes that the Aces would click somehow, that I'd see them play Alaska basketball. Game 4 was a test to them, to see how hungry they were, how much they were willing to do for the team. 

I've read interviews, articles and statements from the players, saying that, they would do the best they can for Game 4, they've got nothing lose already so might as well give it their all. They couldn't afford to make mistakes, commit turnovers and miss free throws. I wondered how they would play that day, but I was hoping to see the Alaska Aces play the way they always did: with heart and drive to win. 

Then the time came. Game time. But first, the awarding of the BPC. Everyone was 99% sure that Calvin Abueva would bag this one. And he did. (Raise your hand if you got teary-eyed when you heard his name being called. I know I did.) The celebration didn't last long though. A few minutes after that, Alaska's do-or-die game was about to begin. 

I was nervous, yet hopeful. Then I got the  first surprise of the day - rookie Kevin Racal was starting for the Aces. The game was slowly unfolding in front of me. Halfway (or maybe just minutes) into the 1st q, I got my next surprise- I realized they were playing Alaska basketball. They were back! The hustle, carefully "thought of" passes and their signature "almost perfect defense." It all somehow clicked. I'm so proud and happy for them. Maybe it was the BPC award of Abueva, or their will to prove that they can beat ROS, or just to prove to themselves that they are just as strong and as deserving for a championship title. 

They've got a long way to go, it's not an easy road, but they already got through one obstacle. Go for one more (or three)! 

Hey Alaska Aces, would it be too much to ask for another win on Sunday, May 15? Show them what a powerhouse team you are. Be consistent and hungry for the win! My fellow Aces fans and I, we got your back! 

GO ALASKA! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! 

How to Still Love the Aces?

Kung paulit-ulit kang nasasaktan at pinapaasa, susukuan mo na ba, o magtitiwala ka pa din? #HugotAlaska

Three times being a runner up in the last 2 years (against the same team -- how painful is that??), I thought the Alaska Aces would take this Commissioner's Cup Finals against ROS by storm. I wasn't able to watch Games 1 and 2 but based on what I read online, they weren't doing very well, add to it the absence of Vic Manuel and Jvee Casio, they were also at a disadvantage. I believed, though, with all my heart that they would win Game 3. They wouldn't want to go back to a 0-3 hole like they experienced against SMB, thus leading to a sweep. 

I was wrong. Here we are again. 0-3 on a best of 7 series. Just like what happened to them against SMB. Watching game 3, I felt that they were lacking energy. Sure, they had spurts of energy and tight defense, but they weren't consistent. Now, it wasn't a matter of blaming Coach Compton for replacing who was "hot" on the court with "fresh legs", which breaks the Aces' momentum because there wasn't one to break in the first place! It was frustrating because their shots weren't going in and it also didn't help that ROS kept on making 3-pt shots. The Aces were able to cut the lead down to 4pts but, the game was over then. If only there were another 2 minutes left. If only RJ Jazul didn't miss that technical free throw. If only they scored in the three times they ran back and forth on the court with ROS. 

My spirit was at an all-time low after watching that game. I wanted to believe that the Aces still had a chance in winning this series. But, in my mind, I knew there wasn't. Sure, they could grab a win (2 if they were really lucky). BUT I KNEW THEY COULDN'T WIN 4 STRAIGHT GAMES AGAINST ROS esp if they are playing like the way they did on Game 3! I know I sound negative but I'm just being realistic. 

I stil wanted to cheer for them, believe in them, but I didn't know where to get the fighting spirit, I felt that I had slowly lost faith in them. I couldn't say the words "Tiwala lang" anymore, esp. when you read in an article that the Aces themselves don't even know what's happening anymore. 

I was looking for something that would inspire me to believe in them again and write something that would encourage them or even just the fans to still believe in them, give them even just a glimmer of hope. And then I came upon the first article I wrote about them, entitled "How I Came To Love the Aces". I was reminded of the first time I watched them live and how I slowly fell for them. Seeing the words "unselfish plays", "we not me", "teamwork" and "almost perfect defense" coming from me, it hit me. THAT is the Alaska that I love and believe in. Somewhere deep inside those missed shots, careless passes that resulted to turnovers, is one of the best (if not the best) defensive teams in the league. This is the team that would cut down a 20+ deficit in a matter of a few minutes without being rattled or panicked. They would execute plays perfectly and their solid defense would make the opposing team commit tons of turnovers. I still see that when they play these days, but I believe that what they lack is consistency. And also add to that the confidence, "yung kumpyansa sa sarili". I believe they can dig deeper within themselves and still win a game (or four) in the next coming days. 

To my fellow Aces fans who are looking for something to believe in in this 0-3 hole we are in, I hope this gives you a glimmer of hope. It did on me. :) Instead of criticizing them repeatedly, all we can really do is support them. Sila nga lalaban pa eh, tayo pa kaya! Our support is what the team needs most at this point in time. Hey Alaska Aces, no matter what happens, I got your back! Don't give up! One game at a time. It isn't easy, it never was, but I know you can do it when the will and drive is there! I will still cheer for you, with all my heart. :) GO ALASKA! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! :) 

PBA Finals and FTS!

And off we all go to Game 7.

I'm not even sure what, why or how it happened, but there it is, the Aces will be facing SMB tomorrow, err later. Do or die. Winner takes all.

From their 3-0 standing, the Aces weren't able to give it one last push to defeat the Beermen. Winning against the Beermen wasn't easy but I was honestly waiting for the balloons to fall on Game 4. And Game 5. And Game 6. But no, they didn't! I was thinking that Cyrus Baguio's 3-pt shot that sent Game 4 into overtime would give the Aces the drive and energy to close up the series, but somehow, it didn't. I said to myself then, "Oh well, there's still Game 5, the Aces would finish it by then." Watching that game live, at the Big Dome, I could already feel that the Aces would finally finish this, but they still didn't. And Game 6, well, as per Coach Alex Compton, he was out coached. This 3-3 standing really left me dumbfounded. I wasn't tweeting that much after that Game 6 loss because I was at a loss for words! I didn't even try to analyze what happened. I told myself I'd just wait for Game 7 and pray that Alaska gets the chip.

Monday afternoon I was taking a nap, and when I woke up, I saw that I had a lot of notifications on my twitter account. My twitter friends volunteered me to guest on From The Stands. They were looking for Alaska and SMB fans to talk about Game 7. At first I wasn't sure if I would go, because I wasn't feeling well, but then I realised this is a once in a lifetime experience and that I shouldn't let it pass. So after a few hours, I found myself talking in FTS! This is the only podcast/show I'm watching on YouTube, waiting every Monday for the hosts' (Polo Bustamante, Chuck Araneta, Carlo Pamintuan) opinions, breakdown and whatever they have to say about basketball, sports, etc. It makes me understand basketball more. haha Never in my wildest dreams had I thought that I would be guesting in FTS! Thank you guys for this opportunity! :)

As for the guesting, basic questions were asked, like how I became an Alaska fan, how I felt about what happened in the series, etc. All the stuff I didn't want to think about and analyze were asked to me live. I'm not even sure I said the right things, but whatever I said, they were said from the top of my head, no edits and no holds barred. (well, just a little.)

link for that FTS episode below:

https://youtu.be/v9J2TMCOo8E

https://
I think I've said all the things I could say about the PBA finals (and more) in that episode.

For Game 7, I wish, hope and pray that the Alaska Aces would win this AFC because I know they deserve this so much! They've worked hard for this. I will be cheering for the whole team alongside my fellow Alaska fans. I believe in each and everyone of them. I'm not saying that SMB does not deserve this. In the end, really, it all boils down to who wants it more. But I still believe that the Aces want this more! I mean, who would want to be swept by SMB again right?

The Aces NEED to win Game 7 because:
- They deserve this!
- 15th championship guys!
- Who wouldn't want to win, right?
- My reputation is on the line! A lot of people now know that I'm a die-hard Alaska fan! What would happen to me? haha

Kidding aside, no matter what happens, I will still be cheering for the Alaska Aces! Do your best and be the hungrier team! Treat this game as if it's your last! #StrongerTogether

I leave you all with this quote that former Alaska import Romeo Travis tweeted earlier:
"Never give someone a third chance to screw you over."

Goodluck to my beloved Alaska Aces! Fight! :)

How I Came to Love the Aces

I can still remember the first day I watched their game live. It was against Ginebra, Dec 2, 2014. I rushed home from work to change clothes and then went to MOA Arena. I was so excited because I will be seeing my crush play for the first time. Yep, I only knew one player from their team, Chris Banchero. Well, there was Abueva but I only heard of him. I didn't even know he was playing for the Alaska Aces. :p I only knew he was playing for the Aces when I already watched the game. And then there's Jvee Casio, whom I knew because he was playing in the UAAP before. 

So, the game starts. The only thing I knew about basketball was that the team with the highest points at the end of 4 quarters wins. I cheered and shouted when they got baskets and booed when the other team scored. I was a player fan, yes. And I cheered for the Aces because, well, Chris Banchero. haha I always asked my friend then, "Bakit foul?", "Sino naka-shoot?" and more. I couldn't even distinguish Ping Exciminiano from Calvin Abueva. haha I just cheered for whoever on their team made baskets. If you're a fan of Filipino basketball, you would know how Ginebra fans are. They were booing Abueva as I was cheering for him, though I had no idea why they were booing him. That was how unknowledgeable I was about basketball. Long story short, and sadly, they lost that day. My friends were joking and telling me that I was "MALASKA", that I was the jinx for the team. Nevertheless, I still rooted for them. It really wasn't hard that time because they made their way into the semis, and eventually the finals.

After that, I always watched their games, whether live or on TV. I would cheer my heart out wherever I was, whether at home or at the venue. I started knowing the players' names and what they did, but still I didn't fully understand basketball. I watched them win and lose games, live or on TV. I admit I only watch basketball to look at the cute players but as the season went by, somewhere in between cheering for Chris Banchero and booing when their opponent shot free throws, this team has captured me. 

I fell for them: hook, line and sinker. There was something about this team that made me want to root for them. Maybe one reason was that because they were an independent team in the PBA. I didn't know what it was before but I felt that they were different from other teams. I knew they were doing something that other teams didn't do, i just didn't know what it was. Then i came across #WeNotMe. It was that unselfish way they all played. Even though Abueva was the most famous of all of them, you could see when he played that he didn't hog the ball. There was no "superstar" in their team. They played basketball exactly the way it was meant to be played - as a team. I didn't say that the other teams didn't have teamwork, but with the Aces, their teamwork was very evident with their unselfish plays. (**FYI: I'm no expert and all of this are based on observations and some articles I read about the team.) 

Seeing how great they are as a team, it was a heartbreak to see them lose to the San Miguel Beermen in the AFC last year and esp. the Governor's Cup, because SMB won 4 straight games in the finals. It made me wonder, how? Why? I know they did their best but I kept on asking why they didn't win even a single game in that finals series. But then, who was I to ask, right? Besides, it was done. There was no point in blaming whoever for not shooting the ball. There was nothing they could to anymore. 

Personally, I think that those tough losses made them work harder for this present season. They were top seed for this elimination round, which automatically qualified them for the semis. I knew they improved as a team but I couldn't pinpoint where. haha By reading articles on them, and observing the way they played, i think they all improved on their own and incorporated it into the team. They became more aggressive and you could see the hunger and how bad they wanted to win this. Proof of that is when they won those 4 games in the semis, different men stood put as Best Player of the Game. 

This team never fails to amaze me. That is what I love about them, their love of the game. As of this writing, they have already won 2 games against SMB in the AFC. Those 2 wins were not easy, i felt and saw them work hard for each of the shots, commit turnovers, do comebacks and stretch a minute of game time to 10 minutes real time to protect their lead and win. They need to win 2 more but I'm sure they know it wouldn't be easy. Their opponent, SMB is looking for back to back championships in the AFC and they, the Alaska Aces, are looking for redemption from their last 2 losses from the same team, and also their 15th championship. I would like for nothing more than for them to win this 15th championship. I know they deserve it and have been clamoring for it. Know that I'll be cheering for all of you through all of this! Go Alaska Aces!!

If you asked me a year ago who my favourite Alaska Aces player is, I could answer you in a snap. But now, I wouldn't be able to give you a direct answer because that's how the whole team works, not just the players but also the coaches, you fall in love with them as a team, with their unselfish plays and strong offense and almost perfect defense. Their #WeNotMe mantra is working perfectly for them and I wouldn't have it any other way. :)