A dream is finally realized. The NBA Global Games/Red Nation experience.

I've been a member of Red Nation for 11 years now and I have embraced everything about the Houston Rockets ever since. Then one day in February of this year, the dream got closer as the NBA announced that the team alongside the Indiana Pacers will play the very first NBA preseason game in the Philippines. I made my move, saving up and working to get money for the ticket. Then a couple of months later, I went in and purchased my ticket on the very first day it came out to the public. I also got freebies that came along with the ticket and loaded myself with Rockets gear for the big game since it was a perfect time to buy since their gear are plentiful in anticipation of the game.

Finally, on one rainy Thursday afternoon, the dream was realized as the NBA Global Games Philippines 2013 finally came along at the Mall of Asia Arena to grace one of the most passionate countries in the world when it comes to basketball.

I arrived at the arena as soon as gates opened just after 4pm. Then, once inside, I finally got to roam around the arena for the first time in the three times I've been at a venue to witness a basketball game. I was with my then schoolmate, once my brother's classmate and Red Nation buddy Ronny who I haven't seen in 8 years when were just young kids at school. Then we loaded up with gear to buy, before going to our seats and wait for the game to start.

90 minutes until tipoff

Photo ©Karl Carandang

Some of the players were already practicing once we got in and the arena was loaded with white shirts containing "It's More Fun in the Philippines" since the Department of Tourism stepped in in and supported the event. Along the way I saw some players from the UAAP near the spot where I was sitting. Then moments before tip-off, the Rockets Launch Crew alongside Clutch the Rockets Bear and Boomer came in for their performances. So yeah, I got to see some great mascots around especially Clutch who is one of the best mascots around the world. Then with less than 20 minutes until tip-off, both teams came out of the tunnel for their pregame warmups.

Rockets Launch Crew

Clutch and Boomer

 Rockets and Pacers go with their pregame warmups

Photos ©Karl Carandang

As the buzzer sounded, the teams lined up and the starting lineups were introduced as both the Rockets and Pacers played pregame videos alongside the introduction of the starting lineups. After the introductions, the Commissioner himself David Stern was also in Manila to grace the event and gave his gratitude to the crowd in attendance. Then after a few moments, we have tipoff!

Rockets pregame video

Pacers pregame video

(I loved the fact they added a local flare in their message for the crowd at hand.)

NBA Commissioner David Stern addresses the crowd at the arena

We have tipoff from Manila!

Photos ©Karl Carandang

As for the game itself, well it was pretty much a one-sided affair as the Rockets never trailed in the game despite comeback bids by the Pacers all game long, as they come up with the win by 20 points 116-96.

James Harden led the Rockets with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals on 6-12 FG shooting. Isareli swingman Omri Casspi added 17 points and 10 rebounds. Lithuanian big man Donatas Motiejunas chipped in 16 points. Chandler Parsons had 15 points, while Jeremy Lin added 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Patrick Beverley added 12 points and Dwight Howard only scored 9 points. 

Paul George led the Pacers with 17 points, while David West added 14. Orlando Johnson scored 11. While George Hill and Luis Scola added 10 each. Danny Granger only scored 9 points alongside CJ Watson while big man Roy Hibbert was only limited to 6 points.

The final score. Rockets 116-96 Pacers

Photo ©Karl Carandang

Box scores:

Houston Rockets (116) - Harden 21, Casspi 17, Motiejunas 16, Parsons 15, Lin 14, Beverley 12, Howard 9, Brooks 5, Jones 5, Brewer 2, Canaan 0, Covington 0

Indiana Pacers (96) - George 17, West 14, Johnson 11, G. Hill 10, Scola 10, Granger 9, Watson 9, Hibbert 6, Stephenson 4, Armstrong 4, Copeland 2, S. Hill 0, Sloan 0, Butler 0, Mahinmi 0

Every timeout, there were performances by Clutch, Boomer, the Rockets Launch Crew and the Pacemates. As well as the fact they were handing out free t-shirts even Clutch gave his Clutch dolls amongst the crowd. There were also fan contests throughout. In addition, they honored NBA legends Clyde Drexler, Robert Horry, Ron Harper and Jalen Rose who graced the country for the series of events that transpired over the past couple of days. As the final buzzer sounded, the players came out to hand in some freebies to the crowd in attendance.

The Indiana Pacemates doing a dance for the crowd.

NBA legends Clyde Drexler, Robert Horry, Ron Harper and Jalen Rose.

Clutch and Boomer up with their crazy antics during the timeout.

Rockets Launch Crew wowing the crowd.

Air Clutch and Air Boomer with the Rockets Launch Crew and the Pacemates.

Photos ©Karl Carandang

The game also gave me an opportunity to see the players and legends I only see on television live in person. At the same time see both teams play their brand of basketball right before my eyes. From the Rockets players like James Harden, Jeremy Lin, Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons to the Pacers players like Paul George, Danny Granger, Roy Hibbert, George Hill and Luis Scola. At the same time, seeing coaches Kevin McHale and Frank Vogel. Even Rockets GM Daryl Morey and Pacers President Larry Bird.

James Harden at the line

Dwight Howard taking free throws

Jeremy Lin at the line

Photos ©Karl Carandang

As for the crowd atmosphere, well it's a different sight. As for most of the game. Filipino basketball fans were not as rabid and wild as if it were a college basketball or PBA game. The crowd was very attentive to every play, every basket, every block, every three pointer that came along during the course of the game. You can even hear the coaches give instructions on their players. I even saw fans of the Pacers who came all the way from Indiana to see their team play here. There was one guy who came to the game with the sign "I Love the Pacers" and at the back "Mahal ko ang Pacers". An irony about the fan reaction during the the game, there were cheers when Jeremy Lin gets a basket or touches the ball and he was given a nice ovation when his night on the floor was done. While Dwight Howard got jeers whenever he has the ball or takes free throws, when he got his fifth foul, the crowd just went crazy. The Mall of Asia Arena also wasn't filled to capacity as only around 15,000 were in attendance to watch the game. One factor could be the ticket prices as well as the bad weather around the area. The fans were wearing either Rockets or Pacers gear as well as NBA gear from other teams.

Well, the Global Games/Red Nation experience was all worth it. Not only because the Rockets won the game which I would say was a bonus, but the experience of seeing my favorite players and legends from both teams at the same time the once in a blue moon experience of an authentic NBA game on Philippine soil. Well, I would say it would have been better if a Filipino was on an NBA roster and the fans will come out with their all-out support. Similar to what Yao Ming experienced when the NBA came over to China in 2005 and what will Jeremy Lin experience up in Taiwan as both the Rockets and Pacers made their second stop in their NBA Global Games trip. At the same time, they can improve on ticket prices to make the experience affordable to every Filipino, the next time the league decides to come back and play on Philippine soil once again which I believe will happen sooner than many people expect.

To wrap up this entry I would like to thank the NBA and NBA Philippines for bringing the Global Games here in the Philippines. I hope it's not the last time they will do this on our shores and I always believe that one day, a Filipino player will shine bright in the league. Someday, I will get to watch the NBA in the United States.

From a member of Red Nation in the Philippines,

K-Smoove

P.S. Is the NBA Cafe at SM Aura in Fort Bonifacio open already?

Rise to the occasion.

My recent illness the past couple of days has been keeping me on the shelf, as much as I tried to come to school to finish the week off, the illness still bugs me today. Even so, I'm writing this entry today to regain my confidence back and to write again after a long hiatus due to my schedule loaded with a lot of schoolwork. Besides, I'm getting better with every hour.

Picking up from where I left off, the journey through this whirlwind of a semester went through a massive detour once the results of the preliminary examinations came out last month, and it wasn't a pretty sight as the struggles I endured during the first half of the semester finally showed up. Despite the setback, there is still another half of the semester to bounce back and recover. I'm not giving up and will give everything I can to finish the semester strong so that we can move forward into taking up practicum at a tourism establishment.

In addition, once the preliminary examinations were done, my training resumed for the competition at hand which is the Final Round of the 5th PHILTOA Tourism Quiz Bee. The bad weather prior to the competition took out most of my training time as class suspensions came along the way. But, I just had enough training to get me prepared for the big day. Then on September 7, it all came down to one afternoon at the SMX Convention Center as I competed with 10 other contestants in the Final Round. I was happy that my family and friends were there to support me in the competition. It was a tightly contested battle, the questions as expected were pretty tough especially those involving manual computations. Apparently, I almost won the event. However, I ended up in 2nd Place since the champion was able to answer a difficult question which was worth more points. Despite that, I'm happy with what I achieved in this competition, especially the fact that last year, I didn't made it to the Final Round and in the semi-finals this year, I barely made it through the Top 10. To quote Mr. Cesar Cruz, PHILTOA President: "Bumawi 'tong bata na to." "This kid came back." The following day, I came back to receive the award and winnings that came along with the victory.

Photo ©Karl Carandang

With the competition through, it caps off my quiz bee competition run for the semester. As my last tour of duty for the team will continue into the next semester. More than a week later, I was given the chance to give back in what the college has given me over the past two year as I was given the privilege to be the quizmaster in the Tourism Quiz Bee competition in our college. It was also an opportunity for me to share my experiences to the contestants. It was a great feeling for me, that I get to be on the other end of quiz bee competitions where I got to ask the questions instead of answering them.

Last week, three months of blood, sweat, tears and thinking caps came down to one week as the THORC Week (Thesis week) came along. The work everyone put into the past three months came down to this week which included the poster presentation and the thesis defense. Our group came through BIG throughout the week as we won third place in the Best Group Presentation category and fifth place in the Best Paper category. Afterwards, we started working on making adjustments to our paper and put it into journal format.

Photo ©Kymie Constante

In the UAAP, the UST Growling Tigers are back in the Final Four as they pulled off a huge victory on the last day of the elimination round against the defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles with a 82-74 win. The win ended Ateneo's title defense as their five-peat championship streak is snapped and they will miss the Final Four for the first time in 14 years. The Tigers will now face the top seeded NU Bulldogs who enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. In the other bracket, the FEU Tamaraws and the DLSU Green Archers will battle in a virtual best of three as the first game will determine who will have the twice to beat advantage.

The semester is winding down, and in a couple of weeks, we'll be heading for our practicum. Graduation shots to be taken soon. We're coming to the conclusion of what has been a great ride. Better bring everything I got, and lay it all on the line. Rise to the occasion as they say, it's time to put into action.

Rise to the occasion.

18 days to go until NBA Global Games Philippines 2013

K-Smoove

The monsoon gave me a chance to catch up on things.

This is my 200th blog entry since I opened this blog over a year ago. It's been almost two months since I last wrote an entry here. Never did I think, that I'm writing this one in the middle of the monsoon rains that is caused by the typhoon up north in Taiwan. Well, the rains caused suspension of classes which opened up time for me to write this one. So yeah, as the title goes, it's time for me to catch up on some of the things that happened from the time I wrote my last entry almost 6 weeks ago.

We start back on the week after the retreat, least did I expect that the lessons I got from the retreat would not kick in right away. I was hoping to come out swinging afterwards. But it wasn't easy and I still had difficulty in catching up with things. But yeah, I was reminded that "storms" in our life will come after the retreat and so I calmed down and re-channel my attention on the important matters.

Then later in the week, another competition came along for me, the first one for the year which was the NLEX Tara Na Sa Norte Quiz Bee at the Atrium in Robinson's Place Ermita Manila. I competed with a pair, which was my recruit from the third year Chamille. 9 schools competed in the competition. Well, it took awhile to finish the competition as there were a lot of controversies with regards with the questions. Despite that, it was a tightly contested battle. In the end however, we came out as champions by a mere solitary point. So we took home the cash prize of P5,000 which we later split as well as a certificate at the same time we had a celebratory meal at Yellow Cab. Then a couple of days later, our victory got put on a tarpaulin outside of our building.

Photo ©Karl Carandang

Driven by the recent victory, I slowly made my comeback bid a reality as I was able to find comfort in doing all the necessary schoolwork that I need to accomplish and I was able to contribute better in each project and homework that we have as the days progressed well until the end of the preliminary period of the semester. We also continued with our thesis work within the past couple of weeks. At the same time, my training continued as we prepared for the biggest competition in the semester and the most difficult and challenging quiz bee for the year which is the PHILTOA Quiz Bee exam, so it was me, Chamille and we were joined by Miah who was also a third year student. Then on August 7, we competed at the campus of Lyceum of the Philippines University in Intramuros. Just like the story last year, we all made it through the semi-finals. However, this version of the story had a change from last year. With my back against the wall, I was able to make it through withing the inch of my life to the Final Round on September 7 at the SMX Convention Center because I sat 9th out of the Top 10 that made it through to the Final Round. Unfortunately, my two other teammates were unable to make it through. Yet despite that, they gained experience in competing. We got something special coming up especially with more competitions lined up in the next semester.

Meanwhile outside of the life at school, as one of the many hoop junkies in this country, at the start of August, Filipino basketball fans were in for a great treat as the FIBA Asia Championship was held here in the country as three spots were on the line to represent Asia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 in Spain. It was also an opportunity for Filipinos to come out with their full support for the national team which is famously known as Gilas Pilipinas. Filipino basketball fans were not left disappointed as Gilas was able to gain the silver medal which marked the first time the Philippines finished at the podium of the FIBA Asia Championship and secure a ticket to the Basketball World Cup for the first time since 1978 when the country hosted the event. From the early heartbreaking setback against Chinese Taipei, to the chants of "Puso", "Laban Pilipinas" and "Gary" (David) that rained down at the Mall of Asia Arena, to the emotional semi-final victory against long time archrival-tormentor in South Korea, and giving the eventual champions Iran a good fight for the gold. This tournament will always be remembered by a lot of Filipino basketball fans of this generation.

Photo ©Yahoo! Sports

Unfortunately for me, I wasn't able to watch a single game live at the Mall of Asia Arena during the duration of the tournament, at the same time I have yet to watch a UST game this season. I also made it a point that I won't watch an UST-Ateneo game again this season as three of the four games I've watched live were this matchup. Also, the Philippines was visited by NBA players from LeBron James in July to Kobe Bryant in August. However, there was one event that I was able to come to and that was the NBA 3X event at the Mall of Asia Music Hall where I saw James Harden and Eric Gordon in person. Fortunately, I was wearing an adidas shoe at the venue, and I was able to get a photo signed by Eric Gordon. Even though I didn't end up with an autograph of Harden, I walked away happy and at least I got a photo of him.

Photos ©Karl Carandang

Well, there are still a lot of events coming up, from Derrick Rose coming over to Manila this September to promote for Adidas. As well as the anticipated NBA Global Games Philippines at the Mall of Asia Arena on October 10 as my favorite team the Houston Rockets will battle Eastern Conference finalists the Indiana Pacers in a fun match-up between teams that have loaded up their roster in the off-season as James Harden, Dwight Howard, Jeremy Lin, Chandler Parsons and the rest of the Rockets will battle the likes of Paul George, Roy Hibbert, George Hill, David West, Danny Granger and the rest of the Pacers. I'm fortunate that I'll bear witness to history in the making as this is the first NBA pre-season game to be held in the country.

As of this moment, our preliminary examinations has yet to come to an end due to the fact that classes have been suspended due to the inclement weather across Metro Manila and nearby provinces. We've already finished four days of exams which also included our mock defense for our Thesis. While some are already done with their exams like my younger brother also in UST, I still have to take two more exams. With every suspension, a day is lost in the preparation time for the competition I'll be competing in next month, at the same time my fear that there will be classes come October 10 could come true.

But then again, safety is above anything else and the fact that we should look after those that were affected by the widespread flooding. We'll get through this tragic moment with our heads up high and the sun will rise again. Of course, I send my prayers to those who were gravely affected by the heavy flooding as well as the sinking of a passenger vessel in Cebu almost a week ago.

In the meantime, I'll do something a Filipino is well know for which is finding happiness in tragic moments by looking back at the Claretian Dictionary from my days in my high school Alma Mater as I write on this Throwback Thursday. Well, the title states that it was time for me to catch up on things and now I did. I hope y'all stay safe and I take a line from the movie 3 Idiots "Aal izz well!"

Laban Pilipinas! Puso!

We will rise again.

K-Smoove

Went up the mountains to get away from it all.

It's been a very long time since I wrote a blog entry here. With the rigorous schoolwork upon us, it was only now I found time to write again on this blog. So here we go with this blog entry for today.

Last Wednesday, my blockmates in class 4T5 as well as 4H5 took a break from the rigors and struggles of the life of a senior student as we went up to the mountains to have our retreat at the Caleruega Retreat Center in Batangas. But before we got there, we had lunch at Paseo de Sta. Rosa where I spent it with my friends at Cafe Breton. Then afterwards, we all went back on the road going to Caleruega. Along the way, there was a karaoke session on the bus. I tried my best singing the songs I picked on the song list, but the microphone's modulation wasn't good. Then in the afternoon, we arrived in Caleruega. At first glance, I saw a basketball court. I said to myself, I should have brought my basketball and played while there. But, I didn't do my research on the place.Later, I'd realize even without bringing the basketball, I'd still have a great time all along.

On our first day, we were tentative on each other since most of my classmates do not know much about the people on the other block. Unlike me, where most of the guys from H5, I have met and known prior to this retreat. After a small orientation about the place, we went up to our rooms for the first time, where me and my classmates shared a room with three guys from H5. While the rest were on the other room aside from us. All the ladies were packed in one huge room. Then we went in for sessions for the rest of the day, the theme of our retreat was "Life is a journey." at the same time having meals in between those sessions along the way. Also, we had a prayer session, I took in all the time I could. First man in, last guy out. We also got to know a little bit about the people from both sides. After the session at night, we all went to our rooms and worked on retreat letters along the way.

Then on the second day, I woke up to a very cool morning. It was pretty cold outside and I found peace within me. Then we went for breakfast, dropped some of the retreat letters I was able to write and had a morning session before going for lunch. After lunch, I got a chance to roam around the area. It was a bit wet since it rained in the morning. After exploring the retreat center, we all celebrated the mass at the Transfiguration Chapel (which was near our room) where I ended up as an altar server once again. Prior to the retreat, I've been an altar server in our college since I was in second year. It was a very inspirational mass to say the least. Then afterwards, we went for snacks before going to another session. It was also a time where I got to tell them a little bit more about myself. We had a chance to hug it out with all our closest friends. Then at night, well we got to know more about each other as we met each and everyone of us for 30 seconds at a time. It was special for me, for the most part it was more of rekindling my friendship with the people in that room, with my blockmates as well as some of the guys from the other block. Then I finally got to meet the rest of the people in their block whom I've never talked to yet. It was like the weight I've been carrying all this time went away in an instant. After the session, we all rested for the day.

On the last day, I once again woke up to a very cold morning. After breakfast, I packed my things up and brought them down to the hall for the last time. I also sent in the final retreat letters I was able to write during that night. Then spent some time bonding with my blockmates as well as the guys on the other block. Then in the middle of the morning, we went in for our last session where we looked back on what happened the past couple of days. We shared our stories about the retreat. Including my own story about the retreat, where I thanked each and every one for making this retreat very special not only for me but to all of us. I also got the chance to read out a retreat letter that was addressed to both sections from one of our former professors in UST. There were times when we all shared the emotions. Even I was shocked to find out that one of our classmates would be leaving the country before we march. When it was all over, we hugged with each other, first with our friends, then with our fellow blockmates, and finally with both blocks together while singing to some nice songs to end the retreat. After lunch, we all took one last picture at the entrance of Caleruega before going back to the bus that will take us home. But before we went straight back to Manila, we bought souvenirs to bring home. Afterwards, we went back on the road while having one last karaoke session. It was funny, while stuck in the middle of Makati traffic and while most were sleeping. I pulled off a trick where I sang Parokya ni Edgar's The Ordertaker which woke everyone up and in the end got people pissed.

T5-H5: Friends forever

Little that people know, we both shared the same past where our image wasn't that good. 

Yet, it didn't stop us from being the best, and in time we all grew up and be better ladies and gentlemen. I'll always have a smile on my face that I got to meet these great people out here.

Photos ©Vin Angelo Soriano

I admit, three days may not have been enough for me to spend a good time with everyone from both my blockmates as well as the H5 PEEPS who both have been very special in my life at UST-CTHM, T5, the block who always had my back every time as well as those who made me a better person in life and H5 who were the guys who welcomed me with open arms even though I belong with another course and another block. But hey, we still have 263 days left until the 27th of March when the Thomasian journey comes to an end and a new journey begins. March 27 will once again be a special day for me. Aside from what will happen next year, it was on this day 3 years ago when my Claretian journey ended with graduation. To those who gave me a retreat letter on my envelope, Thank you so much for the kind and inspirational words. Thank you as well to the people who talked with me during the retreat, I hope we'll have time to sit down and talk again. I'll be happy to say "Hi!" and have a good talk when we see each other inside the building, around campus or anywhere we may come along with our lives. I'll never forget these people who've made my college life very special and worthwhile. I found my peace in this retreat, I left all the bad things that have been bothering me behind, and brought me some of the lessons and memories this retreat gave me. You guys made me very happy.

Life is a journey.

T5 and H5, you all made a difference in my life. I love you and thank you so much for all the great memories we shared!

K-Smoove

P.S. Do you know how to do the dougie?

MIAMI HEAT: BACK TO BACK NBA CHAMPIONS

They validated themselves and proved all the critics wrong again. The Miami Heat may have won the title last year, but they just got branded with a brand new name: Back-to-back NBA champions. After winning a thrilling seven-game series against a veteran and battle-proven team in the San Antonio Spurs.

Photos ©NBA.com

In a series where prior to Game 7, the odd games went the way of the Spurs and the even games went the way of the Heat. A series where Spurs guard Danny Green broke an NBA Finals series record with 27 three pointers in the entire series. A series where the Spurs veteran Big 3 of Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili went up against the Heat's version of the Big 3 in LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Where all the role players stepped up in big games like Miami's Ray Allen, Shane Battier, Mike Miller, Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole to San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard, Gary Neal, Danny Green, Boris Diaw and Tiago Splitter. A series where big shots and plays were made on both ends of the court.

But when it all came to Game 7, when the Spurs could not deliver the big punch to grasp the title for a fifth time in their history and when the Heat took advantage of every lapse the Spurs gave them. The Heat once again stood atop of the mountain in the basketball world. LeBron James who led the Heat in their quest for a repeat and scored at will in Game 7, was named the Finals MVP for the second straight season. The series loss for the Spurs marks their first defeat in an NBA Finals series in franchise history after coming out successful in their  four trips to the NBA Finals prior to this and once again, the home team came out on top in a Game 7 situation where no road team since the 2-3-2 format for the NBA Finals has won in Game 7.

Once again, congratulations to the Miami Heat. Your 2013 NBA Champions.

Give credit as well to the San Antonio Spurs. They fought hard in a great series like this one.

Now here are the scores from all games of the series:

GAME 1 @ Miami: Spurs 92-88 Heat

Spurs leaders:

Points: Parker 21, Duncan 20, Ginobili 13

Rebounds: Duncan 14, Leonard 10, Green 5

Assists: Parker 6, Duncan 4, Ginobili 3

Heat leaders:
Points: James 18, Wade 17, Bosh 13, Allen 13

Rebounds: James 18, Bosh 5, Haslem 4, Miller 4

Assists: James 10, Cole 4, Wade 2, Chalmers 2

GAME 2 @ Miami: Spurs 84-103 Heat

Spurs leaders:

Points: Green 17, Parker 13, Neal 10

Rebounds: Leonard 14, Duncan 11, Blair 4

Assists: Parker 5, Leonard 2, Diaw 2, McGrady 2

Heat leaders:

Points: Chalmers 19, James 17, Allen 13

Rebounds: Bosh 10, James 8, Chalmers 4, Andersen 4

Assists: James 7, Wade 6, Bosh 4

GAME 3 @ San Antonio: Heat 77-113 Spurs

Heat leaders:

Points: Wade 16, James 15, Miller 15

Rebounds: James 11, Bosh 10, Haslem 3, Battier 3, Anthony 3

Assists: Wade 5, James 5, Bosh 4

Spurs leaders:

Points: Green 27, Neal 24, Leonard 14

Rebounds: Duncan 14, Leonard 12, Splitter 5

Assists: Parker 8, Ginobili 6, Joseph 4

GAME 4 @ San Antonio: Heat 109-93 Spurs

Heat leaders:

Points: James 33, Wade 32, Bosh 20

Rebounds: Bosh 13, James 11, Wade 6

Assists: Chalmers 5, James 4, Wade 4, Cole 4

Spurs leaders:

Points: Duncan 20, Parker 15, Neal 13

Rebounds: Leonard 7, Duncan 5, Parker 4, Green 4

Assists: Parker 9, Green 4, Ginobili 2

GAME 5 @ San Antonio: Heat 104-114 Spurs

Heat leaders:

Points: James 25, Wade 25, Allen 21

Rebounds: James 6, Bosh 6, Miller 5

Assists: Wade 10, James 8, Battier 3

Spurs leaders:

Points: Parker 26, Ginobili 24, Green 24

Rebounds: Duncan 12, Leonard 8, Green 6

Assists: Ginobili 10, Parker 5, Diaw 3

GAME 6 @ Miami: Spurs 100-103 Heat (OT)

Spurs leaders:

Points: Duncan 30, Leonard 22, Parker 19

Rebounds: Duncan 17, Leonard 11

Assists: Parker 8, Ginobili 3, Splitter 2

Heat leaders:

Points: James 32, Chalmers 20, Wade 14

Rebounds: Bosh 11, James 10, Miller 7

Assists: James 11, Wade 4

GAME 7 @ Miami: Spurs 88-95 Heat

Spurs leaders:

Points: Duncan 24, Leonard 19, Ginobili 18

Rebounds: Leonard 16, Duncan 12, Green 5

Assists: Ginobili 5, Parker 4, Duncan 2

Heat leaders:

Points: James 37, Wade 23, Battier 18

Rebounds: James 12, Wade 10

Assists: James 4, Allen 4, Bosh 2, Chalmers 2

Heat win series 4-3

Another season of NBA basketball has come to an end, we'll see you again next season.

K-Smoove

Flood, it's a way of life for a Thomasian.

The flood has been a way of life at the University of Santo Tomas, for many years now. The campus has been flooded countless times from times of heavy rainfall or strong typhoons. There is not one year that the campus will be flooded.

For three years of my Thomasian life, I never experienced getting stranded in the flood on campus. It all changed yesterday. My classes on a Thursday always end at 1pm. However, we had to stay on campus for we were going to have a consultation for our thesis. Then came the heavy rain at around 2pm. We pushed with the consultation despite the heavy rainfall and the fact they already suspended classes at 3pm. Once were done, the flood waters continued to rise, we went up the second floor of the building. I knew they were not going to get themselves and will ride out until the floods subside. However, I took a chance and laid everything on the line. I left the building putting my own safety at some risk, and started my road through the floods to get a ride back home. Even inside the campus it was already flooding reaching above the gutter. Once I got out of the gate, it was just the start of the battle. I kept on walking, crossing the overpass to the direction of the road back home. It wasn't flooded on the gutters. But once the gutter ends on an intersection or corner where the elevation is low, the flood waters were at a high of knee-deep. I had no slippers which is better in walkig through the flood, so I braved the flood with leather shoes on and I took out my socks which was already wet. In some corners, residents set up bridges for people to cross through the road for a small price. But I didn't want to pay for that so I went through the flood. I walked from in front of UST up to Blumentritt which was 1 kilometer long for about an hour through the heavy flood. Once I got there, the flood was gone and fortunately, there was an FX bound north waiting so I took it for the ride back home, and after an hour on the road. I arrived home wet but safe.

It was an experience unlike any other. I never thought I'd be able to go through this experience in my life. As they say, you're a certified Thomasian if you get stuck on campus in heavy rain or walking through the flood which I did. However, this could be the only time I'll pull off this stunt. If we get stuck in the flood again, I'll have to ride it out inside the campus and wait for the flood waters to recede before going back home. Well, it's better to get stuck on campus than falling on a manhole that could be opened on any road in times like these.

Lesson learned: Bring slippers and my phone's charger on campus from here on out.

Walked my way through the flood, now I'm a certified Thomasian. LOL!
K-Smoove

The Heat are once again back in the NBA Finals.

This Eastern Conference Finals went the distance for the second straight year, but in the end the Miami Heat prevailed as the defending champions advance to the NBA Finals for the third straight season as they defeat the Indiana Pacers in seven games.

 Photos ©NBA

The Pacers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals after stunning their old rivals in the New York Knicks in 6 games. Led by their All-Star frontcourt of Paul George, David West and Roy Hibbert as well as players like George Hill and Lance Stephenson. The Pacers pushed the defending champions to the limit in a series to remember in this year's playoffs. Unfortunately, they lost their "Gold Swagger" in Game 7 as the Heat took them out of the building to end their bid to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since Pacer great Reggie Miller led the franchise to their lone trip back in 2000. They played their hearts out in this series, but they were unable to blow the knockout punch that would dethrone the champions out.

The Heat returned to the Eastern Conference Finals for the third straight year after dispatching the Chicago Bulls in 5 games. They were pushed to their very limits, but managed to keep their composure and dealt the knockout punch of the series. MVP LeBron James in this series showed his play during his days as with the Cleveland Cavaliers carrying the champions when they need it the most. Despite the struggles of his Big 3 companions in Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. The Heat managed to stave off the momentum the Pacers came into Game 7. Now, they'll have a shot to get back-to-back championships.

The Heat will now face the Western Conference Champion San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals who dispatched the Memphis Grizzlies in a four game sweep in the Western Conference Finals.

As for the Pacers, their impressive run in the NBA Playoffs comes to a heartbreaking end. They will learn from this series, especially with a team stacked with young talent. They have proven that they are one of the elite teams the Eastern Conference has to offer. I cannot wait to see the Pacers play with my team the Houston Rockets this October 10 when the NBA comes to the Philippines and play a pre-season game here.

Now here are the scores from all games of the series:

GAME 1 @ Miami: Pacers 102-103 Heat (OT)

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 27, West 26, Hibbert 19

Rebounds: Stephenson 12, Hibbert 9, T. Hansbrough 6

Assists: Hill 7, George 5, Stephenson 3

Heat leaders:

Points: James 30, Wade 19, Bosh 17

Rebounds: James 10, Haslem 7, Wade 6

Assists: James 10, Wade 5, Cole 4

GAME 2 @ Miami: Pacers 97-93 Heat

Pacers leaders:

Points: Hibbert 29, George 22, Hill 18

Rebounds: Hibbert 10, Stephenson 8, West 7

Assists: George 6, Stephenson 5, Hill 3, West 3

Heat leaders:

Points: James 36, Bosh 17, Wade 14

Rebounds: James 8, Wade 6, Bosh 5

Assists: Wade 5, Chalmers 5, James 3

GAME 3 @ Indiana: Heat 114-96 Pacers

Heat leaders:

Points: James 22, Wade 18, Haslem 17

Rebounds: Haslem 6, Andersen 6, James 4

Assists: Wade 8, Chalmers 4, James 3

Pacers leaders:

Points: West 21, Hibbert 20, Hill 19

Rebounds: Hibbert 17, West 10, T. Hansbrough 5

Assists: George 8, Hill 2, Stephenson 2

GAME 4 @ Indiana: Heat 92-99 Pacers

Heat leaders:

Points: James 24, Chalmers 20, Wade 16

Rebounds: Allen 7, James 6

Assists: Wade 6, James 5

Pacers leaders:

Points: Hibbert 23, Stephenson 20, Hill 19

Rebounds: Hibbert 12, West 12, Young 6

Assists: Hill 6, George 3, Augustin 3

GAME 5 @ Miami: Pacers 79-90 Heat

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 27, Hibbert 22, West 17

Rebounds: George 11, West 8, Hibbert 6

Assists: George 5, Hill 4, Stephenson 2

Heat leaders:

Points: James 30, Haslem 16, Chalmers 12
Rebounds: James 8, Wade 6, Bosh 5

Assists: James 6, Chalmers 6, Wade 4

GAME 6 @ Indiana: Heat 77-91 Pacers

Heat leaders:

Points: James 29, Wade 10, Chalmers 10

Rebounds: Anthony 8, James 7, Bosh 4

Assists: James 6, Cole 2

Pacers leaders:

Points: George 28, Hibbert 24, Hill 16

Rebounds: West 14, Stephenson 12, Hibbert 11

Assists: Hill 6, George 5, West 4, Stephenson 4

GAME 7 @ Miami: Pacers 76-99 Heat

Pacers leaders:

Points: Hibbert 18, West 14, Hill 13

Rebounds: Hibbert 8, George 7, West 6, Stephenson 6

Assists: Stephenson 5, George 4

Heat leaders:

Points: James 32, Wade 21, Allen 10

Rebounds: Wade 9, James 8, Bosh 8

Assists: James 4, Cole 4

Heat win series 4-3

K-Smoove

Windup of the summer. The Final Push begins.

Summer 2013, arguably the last summer vacation I'll experience as a student is in it's conclusion. It's been one nice summer for me. Going to different places like Subic Bay, Antipolo and Batangas to discover good places and have a good time exploring in the open road. I also got the chance to earn some cash along the way with some side jobs I took, my birthday coming along at the end of April, hanging out with my friends in places like SM and TriNoma, and the never ending watch of the 2013 NBA Playoffs as my team the Houston Rockets made a nice but short-lived run in the playoffs including a win in a do or die game on my birthday. Aside from the Rockets, it's been a nice playoffs with upsets and great matchups from the 1st round to the Conference Finals. As we know it will be a great conclusion to the East Finals as the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat will battle for the right to face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. 

I also got to meet members of Red Nation (Fans of the Houston Rockets FYI) from all over the world from those living in Texas who are arguably the proudest members of Red Nation in the entire world, as well as those from other places around the world, places like Australia, Taiwan (Jeremy Lin nation), even Norway which my friend there told me has not much of a basketball following like we have here in the Philippines. More on the Rockets, I can't wait for them to come over to the Philippines to play a pre-season game here when they and the Pacers play this October 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena. I will not miss the opportunity to meet the Rockets players like James Harden, Jeremy Lin, Chandler Parsons, Omer Asik, Patrick Beverley and who knows they could bring in a big name in the free agency. Well it will also be fun to meet the Pacers, players like Paul George, David West, Roy Hibbert, George Hill and the rest of this team who have gone all the way to the East Finals against the defending champions and have a shot at going to the NBA Finals.

Well, summer is winding down and "The Final Push" will begin in hours time. The España journey will continue. Two more semesters to work on to complete the mission, a semester of thesis and a semester of practicum. I am as determined as anyone to FINISH STRONG in this last push of my school life before heading out to the field and get a job somewhere along the line. Of course, it will be the last semester I will get to see my blockmates on a regular basis since we'll be off to different ways come the time we take our practicum so I have to make each moment count. 

The journey is about to end, and after it another one begins. It will be one hell of a ride for sure. But just like what I have been doing for the past three years. I'll sit back and enjoy the moments while it lasts. SENIOR YEAR in the words of Mike Goldberg, HERE WE GO!

I also would like to take a moment to remember my CTHM batchmate who passed away last Thursday, John Sinas. Though I never got to meet him more in person when he was around. It's still tough on the heart to see a batchmate pass away early in his life. We hope you are in a better place man in the heaven's above and we will see you again when the time comes.

THE FINAL PUSH STARTS NOW!
K-Smoove