Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube
Home Blog Page 11501

Waiting for the surprise:Kia bets on present lineup, three new models to revitalize the brand in PHL

WHEN South Korea’s oldest and second-largest selling car brand Kia went “dark” in the Philippines early this year, the industry groped for answers, and restless speculation of a takeover by a corporate giant ran rife.
On Dec. 17, Emmanuel A. Aligada for the first time faced journalists in his official capacity as the president of Kia Philippines, which is now majority owned by Ayala Corporation (AC) Automotive Business Services, Inc., operating under AC Industrials (ACI).
Mr. Aligada disclosed some of the important details of the takeover, including this: On Jan. 30, 2019, three new models (yet to be named) will signal the Kia brand’s re-launch in the Philippines.
He revealed that it was only on Dec. 5 that ACI was appointed the official distributor of the Kia brand in the country, replacing Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC). But since then, Mr. Aligada said the company has gone into overdrive to “shift the situation around” for Kia.
BULLISH
Mr. Aligada takes his cue from the stellar local performance of another Korean brand — Hyundai. He said that Hyundai’s recent accomplishment as the third top auto seller in the Philippines gave one of two compelling reasons for ACI and Kia Motors Corporation in Seoul to believe that Kia could also “compete on the same level” here (Hyundai Motor has a 33.8% stake in Kia Motors).
The other reason is that he believes that a year that has been somewhat cruel to the Philippine auto industry would soon come to an end.
“Kia’s Korean headquarters is very bullish about the Philippine market…. We’ve seen 2018 as an irregular hump which should normalize starting next year. Kia headquarters is very confident that there would be a synergy and compatibility between the Kia brand and the Ayala brand, for the [shared values of] quality, customer experience and reliability [as seen in our nearly 30 years in the automotive business]. They are confident that we can bring Kia in the Philippines to levels never seen before,” Mr. Aligada said.
He added Kia, represented in over 185 countries, presents AC Automotive the opportunity to become a more significant player in the Philippines. Kia’s global volumes and multiple assembly sites also assure the Philippines of steady and substantial volumes, as well as market share.
“Kia is a fighting brand,” Mr. Aligada stressed. “Even today, our lineup can be active players in the segments they are in. They are present in 60% of the total market segments of the automotive industry,” he said, referring to the Kia Rio Hatchback, Rio Sedan, Forte Sedan, Sorento, Picanto, Soul, Sportage, the K2500 commercial truck, and the Carnival MPV.
“These models were the players at the time Kia hit the 10,000-unit sales [mark, in 2015] and the 4.1% market share [in 2012]. We think that if we position things well, offer them the right way, and make people want to line up in the dealerships [for them], this team of cars can get back to those levels three years ago.”
Along with the three new vehicles to be launched on Jan. 30, a number well exceeding the targeted 10,000 units is feasible as well, according to the executive.
“Kia as an international brand is very strong, known for its durability, reliability and after-sales [service]. We want to bring that back into the Philippines and use that [strength] as our springboard.”
TURNAROUND
From Day One of the takeover, Mr. Aligada said that Kia Philippines has been assembling a team that could make that “U-turn” for Kia the fastest, most efficient way possible. It’s a turnaround process that he hopes wouldn’t take all of 2019 to accomplish.
“From now up to 2019, our objective is to stabilize the business, build on the Kia brand emphasizing on the Ayala partnership, and to revive the interest in the brand. Then we’ll have to strengthen the dealer network and maximize the current presence, then introduce competitive financing packages to drive sales.”
Mr. Aligada noted there are already 37 Kia dealerships in the Philippines, only 10 of which are in Metro Manila. Apart from that, he also pointed out that Kia dealerships are also absent in northern and southern Luzon, western Philippines (Palawan), and in many parts of Mindanao.
“We are already engaging a team looking at how we are going to expand this. It takes about a year, at best, to put up a new dealership. So, we’re looking at moving simultaneously to get the multiple expansion efforts in place,” he revealed.
More than just adding new dealerships, Mr. Aligada also stressed that the quality of the after-sales service would also have to be greatly enhanced.
“The dealership facilities will have to be expanded” so that they would be aligned with Kia’s global reputation in after-sales.
And as far as marketing the new Kia Philippines goes, he said; “By Jan. 30, there will be a major marketing push here in Metro Manila, in the Visayas, and in Mindanao just a few days apart, an effort that has never been seen before for this brand.”

Big boy toys:Yes, these can be parked under the Christmas tree

WHILE auto brand’s online “configurators” — the function which lets a user spec his new car in great digital detail — are a delight to play with, a 3D analog piece of metal and plastic and rubber that can be held in hand offers an extra dimension to one’s “car ownership” experience. And, anyway, if all what one really wants is to add a shiny new garage queen to his collection, then scale model cars — especially highly detailed ones — allow a taste of what it’s like to own really nice cars at a cost laughably small compared to buying nice real cars.
The examples featured here are just some which can be ordered in the brands’ online shops (not to mention these are but a few of the car brands offering scale models). Some can be bought in the brand’s dealerships in the Philippines, too. And, as seen here, a couple of car makers even sell models of their historical products.
Getting these scale models throughout the year isn’t a bad thing at all. But having them parked under the Christmas tree would be nice, too.
big boy toys 1
Lego Technic 42096 Porsche 911 RSR
Not sold by Porsche, but by Lego, so a lot of assembly required — the set contains 1,580 pieces. Measures 13 centimeters high, 50 centimeters long, 20 centimeters wide.
big boy toys 2
Bentley Continental GT RC
Radio-controlled Bentley Continental GT3 RC can travel up to 20 meters at its top speed of 9kph. Detailed interior, authentic GT3 livery, and functional headlights and taillights.
big boy toys 3
Audi R8 Assembly Kit
Meant for hobbyists, Audi R8 V10 Plus Coupé model kit contains 37 parts, various decals and rims in two colors (silver, black). Glue-free assembly means it be taken apart again. Scale 1:24.
big boy toys 4
Lamborghini Urus
Made of resin. Highly detailed exterior with real rubber tires.
big boy toys 5
Porsche 356 C Cabriolet
Limited to 1,963 examples, with own serial number. Exterior in enamel blue, cabin in fawn brown. Made of metal.
Scale 1:43.
big boy toys 6
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE (W108)
Made of metal. Highly detailed exterior (with real rubber tires) and interior. Scale 1:18.
big boy toys 7
Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe
Made of metal. Collectors grade die-cast. Scale 1:43.
big boy toys 8
Range Rover Classic
Made of metal. Collectors’ grade die-cast with highly detailed exterior and interior. In period-correct Tuscan Blue paintjob. Scale 1:18.

Porsche brings out updated Macan S

PORSCHE on Dec. 11 unveiled in Stuttgart, Germany, the new, sportier version of its Macan S. The Macan S is based on the heavily revised Macan which the car maker introduced in Shanghai, China in July.
The Macan S is the high-performance variant of the Macan.
Benefitting from the upgrades received by the Macan, the Macan S gets a new turbocharged V6 engine equipped with a gasoline particulate filter, better brakes that can still be upgraded to a ceramic composite set, and a steering wheel lifted from the Porsche 911.
The Macan S’s 3.0-liter V6 (the Macan has a four-cylinder engine) has its turbocharger located in between the two banks of cylinders. This means the charge expelled by the engine — which is what’s used to spin the turbo — has less to travel from the cylinders to the turbocharger. The turbo can then spool up more quickly, improving response.
Helping out further is the turbocharger’s twin-scroll setup, in which the engine’s exhaust is continuously fed to the turbine wheel in separate streams, ensuring more grunt in low revs. The revised layout in the combustion chamber — fuel is injected from the center — ignites the charge better. Also new to this V6 is its gasoline particulate filter.
What these revisions do is increase the power output per liter from 111hp to 116hp while at the same time cutting emissions. The new V6 now makes 349hp, up 14hp from the previous engine, and 480Nm, or 20Nm more. If the Sport Chrono Package is optioned in the Macan S, the car can sprint from a standstill to 100kph in 5.1 seconds, 0.1 seconds quicker than before, and on to a top speed of 254kph. Its fuel consumption is reckoned to hover around 8.9 liters per 100 kilometers.
The Macan S rolls on staggered-size tires governed by the latest evolution of the Porsche Traction Management four-wheel drive train. According to Porsche, some steel components in the front suspension have been replaced with aluminum, making steering more precise and the ride more comfortable. Sway bars have also been retuned to keep the car’s handling neutral.
Porsche said it upgraded the Macan’s brakes, with larger, thicker brake discs in front to boost stopping power. A Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake is available as an option.
The Macan S has been fitted with a full LED kit, which counts in the three-dimensional rear LED light bar. In the cabin, the Macan S also sees the new Porsche Communication Management that has a 10.9-inch, high-defintion touch screen panel, with which an array of connectivity functions can be controlled and accessed. The centerpiece is the optional GT sports steering wheel taken from the 911. This thing integrates the Sport Response button that comes with the Sport Chrono Package.

Kia’s new PHL distributor has its priorities in order

If you’re into cars and have been observing the local automotive industry in recent years, this question may have crossed your mind: What the hell is going on with Kia?
The South Korean automaker is one of the biggest in the world and boasts some of the most attractive offerings on the market. One could argue that its product line is even more compelling than Hyundai’s. And yet the market performances of these compatriot brands in our country are like night and day. While Hyundai has consistently been the third-largest car company in our territory in terms of sales — although Nissan could potentially overtake it by the end of the year — Kia has steadily declined to unimaginable depths.
Granted Kia has never been an overwhelmingly big-volume seller in the Philippines, but it did peak at 10,010 units in 2015 for a respectable 3.1% share of the market. The three years that followed, unfortunately, proved to be one sustained nightmare. Sales dipped to 7,304 vehicles (1.9%) in 2016 and then went further down to 5,186 (1.1%) in 2017. This year, it is projected that Kia will close at around 2,400 units for an appalling market share of 0.6%.
What happened? How could a strong car brand with compelling products fail so ignominiously? The simple answer: priorities. Columbian Autocar Corporation, owned by Palawan Governor Jose Ch. Alvarez, lost its focus. Its chairman, now totally immersed in politics, had turned his attention to other concerns. The car business no longer appealed to him, it seemed. So much so that he unloaded BMW to San Miguel Corporation.
Kia soldiered on but simply went through the motions. Even its marketing efforts became inexplicably baffling, putting nearly all its eggs in the Philippine Basketball Association’s expensive basket. Any observer would have been able to tell that the company was more interested in managing a basketball team than in selling motor vehicles. Predictably, all of this organizational chaos trickled down to the dealers, which lost the energy and the spirit themselves to look after the brand. Word has it that some of these Kia dealers never had their hearts in the automotive trade to begin with, and that they merely got into it because of their other business ties with Governor Alvarez.
The result? A car brand that Filipino buyers have stopped trusting and considering.
Thankfully, Ayala Corporation has entered the picture. The group’s car division, AC Automotive, has been appointed the new Kia distributor in the Philippines, with the brand re-launch scheduled for Jan. 30, 2019. Besides Kia, Ayala also distributes Volkswagen and will soon bring in a Chinese commercial vehicle brand called Maxus.
On Monday, new Kia Philippines president Emmanuel A. Aligada faced journalists for the first time in his new capacity. He presented the brand’s current business outlook and laid down his team’s immediate plans, chief of which is to “stabilize the business.” He shared his intent to quickly return to the 10,000-unit sales level and to strengthen Kia’s nationwide dealership network. He also revealed that they would be introducing three new models to our market.
But of all the sound bites he spouted at the news conference, there was one statement I particularly liked — one that assured me that the brand was finally in good hands. Asked why Ayala didn’t also acquire Kia’s professional basketball team, he replied: “We’re in the automotive business.” Something so simple and yet so clear — something that indicates the new Kia distributor knows what its priority is. And that priority is to sell cars. Not basketball, not politics, not other businesses. Just cars.
Hopefully, now that it has a new importer and seller that understands its number one job, Kia will soon regain market relevance and prominence. I’m actually rooting for it.

Peso weakens further to new low

THE PESO continued its decline against the dollar to log a fresh one-month low amid continued risk-off sentiment as market players await the policy decision of the US Federal Reserve.
The local unit ended Tuesday’s session at P53.07 versus the greenback, nine centavos weaker than the P52.98-per-dollar finish on Monday.
This was the peso’s worst showing in more than a month or since it closed at P53.09 per dollar last Nov. 14.
The peso opened the session at P52.98 against the US currency and slipped to a low of P53.07 intraday, which was also yesterday’s closing rate. Meanwhile, its best showing stood at P52.91 versus the dollar.
Trading volume climbed to $790.46 million from the $685.95 million that switched hands the previous day.
Two traders said the peso traded lower versus the dollar as investors are waiting for the last policy meeting of the US central bank, which it holds on Dec. 18-19.
“The market is widely expecting the Fed to raise its interest rates. However, players are more or less looking into next year’s view,” a trader said in a phone interview.
In a Reuters report, the interest rate futures market is pricing in only one policy tightening from the Fed next year, compared with its September projection of three rate hike, since higher borrowing costs will hurt the US growth and ultimately prompt the Fed to pause its policy tightening path.
“As market players remain uncertain to the possible monetary policy path of the US Federal Reserve for next year, local investors flock toward the relatively safe-haven dollar for the meantime,” another trader said in an e-mail.
For today, the first trader expects the peso to trade between P52.90 and P53.10, while the other gave a P52.95-P53.15 range. — KANV

Main index extends decline ahead of Fed review

By Arra B. Francia
Reporter
LOCAL EQUITIES dropped on Tuesday, tracking the negative sentiment in global markets as investors expect a more hawkish tone from the US Federal Reserve’s upcoming meeting.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) lost 1.33% or 100 points to close at 7,420.40 yesterday, extending losses from the previous session. The broader all-shares index likewise slumped 0.88% or 39.88 points to 4,470.22.
“Market’s drop reflects concern on the Fed’s possible action after its meeting tomorrow. From the looks of its they will take a hawkish stance,” PNB Securities, Inc. President Manuel Antonio G. Lisbona said in a text message.
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) holds its two-day policy meeting on Dec. 18-19, with analysts expecting the body to raise benchmark rates by 25 basis points. If realized, this will be the fourth increase this year.
I.B. Gimenez Securities, Inc. Research Head Joylin F. Telagen also attributed the market’s performance to the FOMC’s decision.
“Until then, the PSEi might experience risk-off sentiment,” Ms. Telagen said in a separate message.
For Papa Securities Corp. Sales Associate Gabriel Jose F. Perez, the PSEi mirrored the performance of US markets.
“The story remains the same with negative sentiment due to US markets once again diving last night, along with renewed net foreign selling, proving to be the bane for the index,” Mr. Perez said in an e-mail.
Wall Street suffered a bloodbath overnight, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 2.11% or 507.53 points to 23,592.98. The S&P 500 index tumbled 2.08% or 54.01 points to 2,545.94, while the Nasdaq Composite index also dipped 2.27% or 156.93 points to 6,753.73.
Meanwhile, back home, net foreign selling stood at P652.15 million on Tuesday, although narrower than the previous session’s P822.25 million.
The mining and oil counter was the lone sub-index that ended with gains, adding 0.18% or 14.99 points to 8,020.37.
The rest declined, led by financials which fell 2.06% or 36.52 points to 2.04% or 150.43 points to 7,239.39. Holding firms shed 2.03% or 150.43 points to 7,239.39; services tumbled 0.78% or 11.37 points to 1,435.32; property went down 0.08% or 2.96 points to 3,658.16; while industrials slipped 0.06% or 6.79 points to 10,972.06.
Some 4.93 billion issues valued at P8.5 billion switched hands, rising from Monday’s P5.94-billion turnover.
Decliners outnumber advancers, 124 to 73, while 38 names were unchanged.
“We remain cautious moving forward for the week as it looks like the index is still being swayed by the aforementioned movements from abroad. Continue to watch out for how US markets move [on Tuesday] to have an indication of what to expect…,” Papa Securities’ Mr. Perez said.

Coronation or extension?

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE best-of-seven Philippine Basketball Association Governors Cup finals series hits Game Six today with one team going for the jugular and another out to stay alive and force a rubber match.
Series-leading Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok, 3-2, look to complete their trek back to the champions spot with a victory over the Alaska Aces today in their scheduled Game Six match at 7 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Alaska, on the other hand, tries to live to fight another day and send the series to a winner-take-all on Friday.
The Hotshots, seeking their first PBA title in 12 conferences, put themselves in a position of command after fashioning out a gutsy 79-78 victory in Game Five on Dec. 14.
Paul Lee played the hero by hitting what turned out to be the game-winning basket with 1.3 seconds left on the clock.
The game-winner capped what was a very competitive match that saw both teams going all-out to get the victory.
Despite getting the crucial edge heading into today’s game, Magnolia knows that Alaska will not just roll up and die and is expecting a very tough challenge from the Aces.
“It is going to be hard next game because it’s a closeout game. In basketball it’s common knowledge that it is the toughest of games. We need to prepare for the next game but also we should be mindful not to put too much pressure on ourselves and just play our game,” said the best player of the conference, who finished Game Five with 11 points and 10 rebounds to go along with his game-winner.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero, too, is not celebrating just yet, recognizing that they still need to work and get the title.
“We are happy with the victory. But the work is not over for us. We should not be content with this win [in Game Five]. We must avoid complacency heading into Game Six and stay hungry and prepared,” said Mr. Victolero, who is in search for his first PBA title.
DETERMINED TO STAY ALIVE
Alaska, for its part, is not giving up its fight and is determined to stay alive and keep its chances going for first PBA title since winning the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup.
“We treat every game like a do-or-die situation. I ride with my guys until the end,” said Alaska import Mike Harris as he looked forward to Game Six.
The import, who finished the last game with 20 points and 28 rebounds, highlighted the need for them to come out swinging right from the start to put them in a better spot to see their goal of extending the finals series through.
It is a position that Alaska coach Alex Compton agrees with, saying, “If you will ask me, we lost in the first half [of Game Five]. We did not have what we showed in the second,” said Mr. Compton, who nonetheless praised the effort that his players showed in the previous game.
Like his counterpart in Magnolia, Mr. Victolero, the Alaska coach is also seeking his first championship in the PBA.

Fil-Chinese teener Capito stuns world no. 1 Kaci to reach final 16

By Ted Lerner
WPA Media Officer
DOHA, QATAR — Up until the very last moments of the round of 32 today, this year’s World 9-ball Championship was notable for its lack of upsets that always seem to be a hallmark of this annual 9-ball extravaganza. That is until Robbie Capito decided he wasn’t going away quietly.
Robbie Capito? Yeah, don’t be surprised that you haven’t heard of him. Not many outside of his native Hong Kong have. But this cool headed and fearless 17-year-old of Filipino descent pulled off what is easily the biggest upset of this year’s championship, and one of the biggest we have seen in years here in Doha, when he came back from certain defeat and took down the world number one, Klenti Kaci, 11-10, to move into the final 16.
Only minutes before, Capito looked like he would be exiting the Al Arabi Sports Club as unknown as he was when entered at the start of his match. He trailed the mighty Albanian 7-1. He then slowly clawed his way back into the match, but it didn’t quite seem enough. Down 10-8, surely the steady Kaci would close out the match and move into the round of 16 on Wednesday.
Capito, who had earlier defeated Lebanon’s Mazen Berjaoui in the round of 64, never gave up, and he tied the score at 10 all. Breaking in the final frame and clearly under duress, he held his nerve and closed out the rack to notch an unlikely win, and an even more unlikely spot in the final 16 at the World 9-ball Championship.
Capito, who speaks four languages and is still in high school, will now go on to face Germany’s Joshua Filler when the tournament resumes on Wednesday. (The tournament will have a day off on Tuesday as Qatar celebrates its National Day). The Hong Kong native will have to reach into his bag of tricks to stop the flashy young German, as Filler has looked unstoppable so far. The German played his trade marked fast and loose style in two easy wins so far, first against Greece’s Nikolas Malaj and then Vietnam’s Nguyen Anh Tuan.
If you like the youth movement in pool, you certainly want to pay attention to another 17-year-old who has been turning heads this week. Like Capito, Poland’s Wiktor Zielinski is still in high school and can boast world class talent. The young Pole proudly displayed his formidable wares today in two solid wins, first against fellow Pole Tomasz Kaplan, and then the Philippines Johann Chua.
It will surely be fascinating to watch how Zielinski handles the likes of Albin Ouschan in the round of 16. The Austrian, who won this event in 2016, is playing top notch pool and looks impervious to the pressure. Ouschan’s two strong wins today showed he has the goods to go all the way this year.
Defending champion Carlo Biado stayed on track to defend his title, and he is also now the only Filipino left in the field. After two wins today Biado will engage in a fascinating matchup in the last 16 against former world 9-ball champion, and China’s last hold out, Wu Jiaqing.
America’s Shane Van Boening continued his march through the field today with two steady wins. Van Boening played with his characteristic laid back style, but always on point when he needed to be. After losing in the final here in 2015 and 2016, the American seems to be carrying a bit of a chip on his shoulder. It’s victory on nothing for Van Boening, and with the way he is performing now, he could be considered the favorite.
SVB, though, will first have to get through a red hot Chris Melling of England in a match that already has pool fans around the world salivating. Melling played in his usual swashbuckling in his two victories today but will have to step it up several notches to take down the determined Van Boening.
Corey Duel is the only other American remaining in the field. The veteran always plies his trade in characteristic quiet and laid back fashion and this week, these traits have served him well. Duel earned his spot in the final 16 with two workmanlike performances first against Canada’s John Morra and then versus Spain’s Francisco Diaz Pizarro.
Duel, though, hasn’t yet faced anything like what he will be up against on Wednesday when he matches wits with Taiwan’s Ko Pin Yi. Ko, who won the China Open this year and won this event in 2015, hammered compatriot Liu Ri Teng in the round of 64, 11-5, then did it one better to Korea’s Woo Seung Ryu, 11-4.
The Taiwanese are proving yet again that they are arguably the world’s strongest pool playing nation with a quarter of the final 16. It will be an all Taiwan matchup when Lin Ta Li takes on world number two, Chang Jung Lin. Chang had struggled in the group stages but shook off the rust today and looked his old killer self. In the round of 32 he disposed of hall of famer Ralf Souquet, 11-6.
Lin Wu Kun’s beautiful cue action led him to the semi-finals here last year and this year he appears to feel he can get there again or even more. Lin had to scrape his way into the final 16 in an 11-10 nail biter against China’s Liu Haitao.
Lin will face Finland’s suddenly red hot Petri Makkonen. The hard working Finn put in a tremendous effort today with wins over Filipino Jeffrey Ignacio, 11-9, then young Russian Fedor Gorst, 11-8.
World number six Niels Feijen has that same look he had when he marched to the crown here in 2014. The Dutchman looked untouchable in his two big wins today and he is admittedly confident and playing without pressure. In the round of 16 he’ll have to square off with his Mosconi Cup teammate Alex Kazakis. The Greek grinded out two tough wins today, first 11-10 over Poland’s Radislaw Babica, then over Finland’s Casper Matikainen, 11-9.
After a day off where the country celebrates the Qatar National Day, play resumes on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. Doha time (GMT +3).
The winner of the 2018 World 9-ball Championship will receive $40,000. The runner up will receive $20,000. The total prize fund is $200,000.

James Dolan reportedly open to selling New York Knicks and New York Liberty

NEW YORK — James Dolan is selling the New York Liberty and the owner of the New York Knicks and Rangers would listen if bidders wanted to make a run at his NBA and NHL franchises.
Dolan, 63, serves as chairman of Madison Square Garden and told ESPN of recent feelers from suitors for the Knicks’ franchise exceeded $5 billion. However, he said no one has come through with what he described as “a bona-fide offer.”
Should that certified offer arrive, Dolan said he owes it to shareholders to vet the opportunity.
“You have a responsibility as the guy who runs the place to deliver on that for them, that’s being open and transparent,” Dolan said. “And so in that position, I could never say that I wouldn’t consider selling the Knicks.”
PACERS AGM
Kelly Krauskopf was named assistant general manager of the Indiana Pacers.
She is the first female assistant general manager in NBA history. Krauskopf spent the past 19 seasons as the top executive of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, which reached the playoffs 13 times during her tenure.
“As the architect of one of the WNBA’s most successful franchises, Kelly is a true pioneer in our sport,” Pacers owner Herb Simon said. “I’ve worked with Kelly over the past two decades, so I know her tremendous basketball mind, strong work ethic and proven leadership skills will continue to be of great benefit to our organization.”
ARIZA
Trevor Ariza is officially a member of the Washington Wizards after passing his team physical.
An ill-fated, three-way trade involving the Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns fell apart on Friday before the Wizards and Phoenix Suns engaged to pull off the deal involving Kelly Oubre Jr. and Austin Rivers for Ariza. The 15-year veteran Ariza has 102 games of playoff experience and played for the Wizards from 2012-14. — Reuters

PBA Rookie Draft pick Job Cariaga: Burden of proof

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
AMONG the players selected late in the recently held Philippine Basketball Association Rookie Draft, Al Josef Benedict “Job” Cariaga knows that he still needs to prove that he belongs with the big boys in Asia’s first play-for-pay league.
But the Filipino-Canadian player said he is up for it, believing he has the talent to hold his own which he intends to complement with the right work ethic to be a success as a professional player.
The six-foot guard Cariaga, who played for the AMA Online Education Titans and Zark’s Burger Jawbreaker in the PBA Developmental League, was picked in the fourth round by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. He was the 39th pick overall and third to the last selected.
Mr. Cariaga, who hails from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, said he was a bit surprised that he fell late in the draft but nonetheless was not worried of not being selected.
“I wasn’t really that worried because I know I have the talent to play in the PBA. Maybe I was just competing with big names in the draft that’s why I fell in the draft. But I’m just blessed that Rain or Shine gave me a chance to be part of the team,” said Mr. Cariaga in an interview with BusinessWorld immediately after the rookie draft on Dec. 16 at the Robinsons Place Manila in Ermita.
The Fil-foreign guard recognizes that to be picked in the rookie draft is one thing and to make it to the final roster of the team is another, which is why he is very determined to go all out to be able to make the cut.
“I’ll just come to practice confident. When you come in late in the draft you have to go out there with a first-round mindset and prove that you belong in the league. Of course, I have to have fun as well because at the end of the day it’s just basketball, right?” he said.
With Rain or Shine, Mr. Cariaga thinks he fits well even as he said that he is looking forward to learning from the veterans of the team and eventually making a name for himself.
“I like how Maverick Ahanmisi plays. Obviously the big names there like James Yap, players I look up to growing up. But I intend to make a name for myself in Rain or Shine,” said the newly drafted rookie, talking about what excites him about playing for the Elasto Painters.
Asked what he would bring to the team, Mr. Cariaga said he would strive to make his mark on defense.
“Rain or Shine fans can expect a lot from me especially on defense. I don’t have to score that much because there are a lot of scorers in the league. Even those not drafted today can score. I have to be selfless, do the dirty work and give my all to help the team,” said Mr. Cariaga.
Apart from Mr. Cariaga, other picks by Rain or Shine from the rookie draft were Javee Mocon (6th), Paul Varilla (13th), Robbie Manalang (19th), and Harold Ng (20th).

Gay, Aldridge carry Spurs past 76ers; Suns beat Knicks

LOS ANGELES — Rudy Gay had 21 points and LaMarcus Aldridge added 20 points and 10 rebounds as the host San Antonio Spurs routed the Philadelphia 76ers 123-96 on Monday to win for the fifth time in six games.
The Spurs led by 12 at halftime but broke open the game in the middle of the third quarter via a 15-0 run that expanded their advantage to 79-53. Gay had 11 points in a period that allowed San Antonio to build as much as a 26-point lead and take a 93-71 cushion into the final 12 minutes.
The fourth quarter was all but academic, with the 76ers showing fatigue while playing the second game of a road back-to-back that started Sunday afternoon in Cleveland. The Spurs, meanwhile, were hitting on all cylinders, recovering from a Saturday loss to Chicago in which they led by 21 points midway through the third quarter.
DeMar DeRozan poured in 20 points and Davis Bertans added 16 for the Spurs. San Antonio outshot the 76ers 56.3 percent to 40.8 percent and made 16 of its 17 free throws.
JJ Redick and Ben Simmons led Philadelphia with 16 points each, while Joel Embiid added 13 points and 11 rebounds. Mike Muscala scored 11 points and Wilson Chandler scored 10 for the 76ers, who have lost three of their past four games.
Philadelphia led throughout the first quarter by as many as nine points and still held a 36-32 advantage after a Jimmy Butler dunk with 10:40 to play in the second period. But that’s when the Spurs found their groove, rattling off an 9-0 run over the ensuing three minutes to pull ahead at 41-36. Bertans’ 3-pointer with 28.5 seconds to play in the quarter gave San Antonio a 60-49 lead entering the break.
DeRozan led all scorers with 16 points at the half.
SUNS SURGE PAST KNICKS
T.J. Warren scored 17 of his 26 points in a dominating third quarter and the Phoenix Suns opened a season-high five-game road trip by routing the New York Knicks in a 128-110 victory on Monday night.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 38 points in his second game back from a hamstring injury, but it was Warren who helped the Suns turn things around after halftime.
DeAndre Ayton had a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Josh Jackson (14 points) and Richaun Holmes (13) also finished in double figures for Phoenix.
Emmanuel Mudiay led the Knicks with 32 points while rookie Kevin Knox added 13 of his 17 points in the first quarter. Mario Hezonja (14 points), Enes Kanter (13) and Courtney Lee (12) also finished in double figures for New York, which was outscored, 66-59, after halftime.
Warren started off by missing five of his first six shots and had two points at halftime. He made 7 of 8 shots when the Suns blitzed the Knicks with a 41-17 third quarter. Warren hit three 3-pointers and dunked twice during the span.
The Suns never trailed after Warren knocked down a 3-pointer with 4:37 remaining to make it 82-79. Phoenix surged to its first double-digit lead at 93-83 on two free throws by Jackson with 1:41 left in the quarter and carried a 100-83 lead into the fourth.
The Suns’ Jamal Crawford set a career-high with 14 assists, eclipsing his previous career high of 12 set three times, most recently on March 15, 2005, with the Knicks.
The Knicks lost for the ninth time in 11 games and played without leading scorer Tim Hardaway Jr., who was a late scratch with a sore right heel.
After falling well behind, the Knicks made a slight dent in the lead as a 9-0 run made it 109-95 on a 3-pointer by Hezonja with 7:11 left. Booker scored the next six points before Warren hit a 19-footer and a 3-pointer to make it 120-105 with 2:50 left. — Reuters

Christmas sports wishes

In less than week we will be celebrating Christmas; a time to be merry and excited with family and friends and to reflect on life.
Wishes also abound during this time of the year, which this writer would not let pass without sharing his.
Among this space’s Christmas sporting wishes is for Gilas Pilipinas to make it to consecutive FIBA Basketball World Cup appearances.
As we all know, the Philippine men’s national basketball team has gone through a lot in 2018 — from an infamous brawl to suspensions to personnel changes to tough losses.
It remains to be seen if we get to book a spot in the 2019 World Cup in follow-up to the Philippines’ 2014 stint in the tournament, but Gilas is still in the running and could advance if it plays the cards it has been dealt with well in the next window of the qualifiers.
I am sure this is not only my wish but also that of any basketball-loving Filipino, who has witnessed the struggles and triumphs of the team in the last decade.
Another is for the local football scene to be vibrant anew.
The Philippine Azkals made noise of late with a spirited run in the AFF Suzuki Cup that saw them advance to the semifinals after failing to get past the group stage of the tournament in 2016.
Their new coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has many excited of the promise of the team moving forward which is well and good for the nationals.
The young Philippines Football League had its solid moments this year but recently received bad news that one of the teams competing in the league, Davao Aguilas FC, had decided to cease from playing in the PFL, following other teams which have left previously.
But the league has reportedly been rebranded as the Philippine Premier League and proponents of it affirmed their commitment to help the league, and the sport in general, grow, which is something football fans in the land are holding on to.
I also wish football stakeholders here, particularly the fans, would really do their part in supporting the local football league.
Enough of pitying on how football is being “left out” in a basketball country, albeit I encourage them to continue calling out officials when they see something wrong to keep these regulators on their toes.
The fans should go out there in the venues and support their teams to help raise the appeal of football among owners and potential sponsors.
The Philippines will host the Southeast Asian Games in 2019, an event I wish to be a rousing success.
Previously the government contemplated backing out from, but it is seemingly all systems go now less than year before it officially happens.
Venues are being built for it while some are being renovated and readied to be at par with the standards.
Officials are touting it to be a big one in more ways than one, with 56 sporting events, and are leaving no stone unturned in the preparation.
If we pull this off accordingly, the better it is for the country both from a sports and non-sports perspective.
And, yes, I am hoping we get the overall championship.
Being a product of the University of the Philippines, another wish of mine is for the Fighting Maroons to win another title in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
We had a good run in Season 81, making it all the way to the finals before bowing to Ateneo de Manila University.
Nonetheless, it was a special season for UP basketball that had the entire community coming together to support it.
Looking forward to a breakthrough year in Season 82, with added fire power, and ending a three-decade championship drought.
Lastly is for Filipino combat sports athletes to continue flourishing next year.
Boxing great Manny Pacquiao became champion anew in 2018 while Jerwin Ancajas continued with his ascent.
Mixed martial arts fighters Eduard Folayang, Geje Eustaquio, Kevin Belingon, Joshua Pacio, and Stephen Loman are all champions, too, in various organizations while Filipinos athletes in jiu-jitsu, wrestling, wushu and other martial arts have done well as well.
Combat sports are seemingly good and fit the Filipinos and here is hoping more of our countrymen join the champion ranks and succeed.
Merry Christmas, dear readers! And may all our wishes come true.
 
Michael Angelo S. Murillo has been a columnist since 2003. He is a BusinessWorld reporter covering the Sports beat.
msmurillo@bworldonline.com

1...11,50011,50111,502...14,169Page 11,501 of 14,169
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube