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Machismo games

President Rodrigo Duterte’s latest rants against saints is, to my mind, just another instance of his continuing campaign to express his machismo; still another effort to demonstrate his manliness in terms of iconoclasm against all things held sacred, even by religious tradition.
The determined campaign to expel veteran missionary Patricia Fox, who served our disadvantaged communities for almost 30 years, is to my mind, still another manifestation of his need to demonstrate his macho power. Why he has to resort to such radical expressions of his manliness strikes me as an obvious form of insecurity. What is it about assertive women that he fears, so that he has to oust them from high office, or have them indefinitely detained, or ousted from the country?
He has already attained the highest, most powerful position in the land. Why the need to prove this time and time again, even to the point of wielding the awesome powers at his command? He actually comes out a bully, since the contest is not even.
Rodrigo Duterte strikes me as an epitome of a hopefully dying breed of men who need to put down women in order to assure themselves that they are superior. Those who have attained maturity may have come to terms with the idea that the genders are equal; and are likely to have healthier relationships. An old friend has even gone further. He says to me that “it is really a woman’s world; but thank God, I will be dead by then.” Haha.
A clinical psychologist friend says we really need to run a “men’s liberation” campaign, in order to help women attain their own liberation. She thinks that men are burdened by the high expectations on them. Women seem to be less under pressure to perform; and are easily recognized when they attain some measure of success. It is said that Filipino women mature at the age of 25, and the men mature at the age of 30. Perhaps it is because in our families, girls are brought up differently from the boys. Girls are given responsibilities at home (cooking, cleaning, running errands); while the boys are allowed a lot of freedom to play and hang out with their gangs.
Rodrigo R. Duterte
I find that my own grandson, who married at the age of 30, seems to have a healthy relationship with his wife who is actually the same age. They prepared well for their marital commitment and family life. They dated for seven years, and attended a “discovery weekend” where volunteer facilitators helped them to find out if they basically held the same values and attitudes about crucial matters like money, children, education, in-laws, and the usual things that cause marital discord. It was only when they realized that they differed only on minor matters (which they were able to resolve during their workshops) that they decided to get engaged. They now have a 7-month-old son, and are enjoying him and work as a team in rearing and bringing him up.
I am really impressed with their clear and committed egalitarianism. They both work to earn a living; and share in their family expenses; and in running their home and caring for and rearing their son. Their peer groups of young urban marrieds also seem to hold the same attitudes and values about gender roles and responsibilities. It makes me optimistic about the coming generation of parents and leaders in our communities.
The schools and communities can play a key role in orienting future and current parents on bringing up their children and orienting them on equitable roles and responsibilities for boys and girls.
Obviously, there is a lot of work to do to turn the egalitarian trend into an epidemic. The fact that Duterte, with his iconoclastic ranting and machismo games, is so popular indicates that we are a long way from an egalitarian and enlightened society. The fact that the barbaric ranting and macho posturing of our national leader is acceptable and even, alas, popular, is a sad reality that indicates that majority of our menfolk, and their parents and forthcoming parents need a lot of reeducation.
The schools can do a lot to hasten the transformation. Egalitarian gender consciousness along with civics education can bring us closer to the mature and civilized nation that we have the potential to become. Certainly the business community can help mobilize gender re-education in the workplace. A more mature citizenry will likely choose more mature and enlightened leaders. We can perhaps look forward to less childishness in our legislative proceedings and in government executives’ public behavior.
 
Teresa S. Abesamis is a former professor at the Asian Institute of Management and an independent development management consultant.
tsabesamis0114@yahoo.com

Santo Rodrigo or Santo Muerte?

Which should we prefer: a blustering, vulgar President Rodrigo Duterte or a sleazy, barefaced liar like President Donald Trump? The ideal answer is: Neither. But if we have to make a choice, it would be Duterte. As his spokesman, Salvador Panelo, rationalizes, whenever Duterte puts his foot in his mouth, he should not be taken seriously because he’s just joking. Trump, on the other hand, is a vicious demagogue who purposely lies to confuse, mislead and delude the American public, especially his voter base.
Every time Duterte spews another one of his atrocious or ridiculous comments, I am reminded of a grade school teacher’s quip about the antics of a juvenile delinquent in her class. “Nagpapapansin lamang iyan. KSP kasi!” (He just wants attention. Kulang sa Pansin kasi — because he lacks attention.)
Of course, being president of the Philippines, Duterte should already be satisfied with all the attention he is getting from the media, his sycophants and the DDS or Die-Hard Duterte Supporters. But craving for attention can go to one’s head and when it does, one is never satisfied.
One can only guess that when Duterte is seated on the john, his thoughts are on the latest shocker he will pull out of his mischievous brain to gain him more attention. Remember how he became the talk of the Christian world when he called God “stupid”? And remember how he cursed the Pope?
Duterte keeps trying to outdo those classics in vulgarity. In fact, he may have already succeeded. Duterte’s latest caper was to mock the solemn observance by Filipinos — many of whom are DDS — of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Not satisfied with spiting the way ordinary folks respect their dead, Duterte reportedly suggested that his picture should, instead, be mounted on an altar and be venerated as Santo Rodrigo.
Note that Duterte still hasn’t dared to place himself higher than God, but by naming himself a saint, he has already ranked himself higher than Pope Francis who has not yet attained that celestial stature.
Imagine that! Santo Rodrigo. Or San Digong. Don’t be surprised if his ardent admirers allow that to metamorphose into “San Diego.”
To refer back to Panelo’s lame explanation that Duterte’s proposed sainthood should not be taken seriously, some pundits disagree. They think Duterte’s idea is worth considering. First of all, sainthood is usually conferred on folks who have passed on, which is something that the political opposition has reportedly been praying for.
This reminds me of the two husbands who were talking about their wives. One husband described his wife as an angel. This prompted the other man to quip, “You’re lucky. Mine is still alive.”
At any rate (invoking executive privilege), Duterte could be conferred sainthood while still remaining on this earth, but with a slight modification. The folks at my favorite watering hole in Daly City think that Duterte should refer to himself as Santo Rodrigo Nuestro Señor del Santo Muerte.
This could give the Philippines its own version of Mexico’s Nuestra Señora de la Santa Muerte or Our Lady of the Holy Death. Santa Muerte is a deity who is the personification of death and is part of Mexico’s annual observance of Dia de las Muertes or Day of the Dead, which falls on the same day as All Saints Day.
Mexico’s Santa Muerte is depicted as a skull but dressed up like a saint and mounted on an altar, befitting sainthood. It is said that the same set-up would be appropriate for Santo Rodrigo Nuestro Señor del Santo Muerte. Better yet, he could be mounted physically on an altar in Davao City (not just his picture) and he could be kept there for the remainder of his term.
Imagine him standing triumphantly on the skulls of thousands of tokhang victims. The Mexicans would envy that and could be constrained to upgrade the presentation of their own Santa Muerte.
The guys at the Daly City watering hole (some Mexicans among them) think the idea of a Santo Rodrigo Nuestro Señor del Santo Muerte is fantastic and is perfect for someone like Duterte who loves to brag about killing people.
But all kidding aside, the Filipino people have had Duterte in Malacañang long enough to understand that he is “just joking” when he makes atrocious statements. And his really big promises, like getting rid of corruption in government, cleaning out the drug trade, attracting foreign investments, and protecting Philippine territory from Chinese intrusion, should be taken as “just jokes.” Duterte should just be allowed to run out his term and then be consigned to Davao.
The more serious challenge is choosing the next president of the country. The Philippines has had a streak of bad luck in the choice of president. Noynoy Aquino’s supporters were prepared to confer sainthood on him before his election but he turned out to be a big disappointment.
We all know about President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her co-president, Mike Arroyo. And before them, there was President Joseph “Walang kai-kaibigan, walang kama-kamaganak” Estrada.
Filipinos became so desperate for “change,” they elected Duterte — and they ended up with loose change. And a lot of dead bodies.
The perception among international media and corporate leaders is of a Duterte government with a revolving door system, by which officials who are ostensibly fired or displaced for corruption or incompetence are subsequently appointed to other key positions. The perception is also that corruption has not lessened — but has, in fact, increased — under Duterte and that incompetence still prevails.
Duterte’s apologists will argue that these perceptions are wrong, but among foreign investors, perception is reality. When they read headlines like, “Foreign funds still leaving PH stock market,” “Foreign investors jittery on the Philippines,” and “Why some investors choose Vietnam over Philippines,” the likelihood of big money being placed elsewhere becomes almost a certainty — only the really daring entrepreneurs will invest in a market when it is down in the hope of seeing an eventual upturn.
It is said that the families of OFWs are rejoicing over the fact that their US dollars are getting upwards of P53 or even more than P54, but then, with the prices of commodities and services correspondingly rising, the gain is really illusory.
Indeed, the prospects for the Philippines are not encouraging. It seems there is a greater possibility of Duterte, Leni Robredo, Tito Sotto and Gloria Arroyo attaining sainthood than for a competent, honest and dedicated politician to be elected president — at least, not in the foreseeable future.
In this regard, we do not suggest that the Filipino people should pray to Santo Rodrigo Nuestro Señor del Muerte for succor. Even if Duterte responds, spokesman Panelo will likely say it’s just a joke.
 
Greg B. Macabenta is an advertising and communications man shuttling between San Francisco and Manila and providing unique insights on issues from both perspectives.
gregmacabenta@hotmail.com

Investments for the environment

“When the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught, the last river poisoned, only then will we realize that one cannot eat money.” — Native American saying
A recent report released by the leading international body for assessment of climate change, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UN IPCC), established a target global warming limit of 1.5°C. To maintain this global warming limit of 1.5°C requires rapid and far-reaching transitions in energy, land, urban and infrastructure, and industrial systems around the world. This is described as the largest clarion bell from the science community which hopes to mobilize people and dent he mood of complacency.
What was previously perceived as a political concession to small island states’ vulnerability to rising water levels, the 1.5°C global warming limit is now seen as a necessity. Although it lies at the most ambitious end of the Paris agreement pledge to keep temperatures between 1.5°C and 2°C, the UN IPCC says that the target is affordable and feasible.
We are already experiencing the destructive consequences of the unprecedented rise in global climate. Therefore, measures to mitigate climate change should be implemented now more than ever.
Following an increase in global initiative to invest in green projects, the Green Bonds Principle was developed. Based thereon, the ASEAN promulgated their ASEAN Green Bonds Standards (GBS). These are principles that govern issuance of bonds to finance green projects and ensure that the proceeds are really used for that purpose.
In turn, the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued SEC Memorandum Circular No. 12, Series of 2018, “Guidelines on the Issuance of Green Bonds Under the ASEAN Green Bonds Standards in the Philippines,” which took effect last September 2018.
With the increasing amount of global capital, the primary objective of the ASEAN GBS is to enhance transparency, consistency, and uniformity of ASEAN Green Bonds which will contribute to the development of a new asset class, reduce due diligence costs, and help investors to make informed investment decisions.
The eligible green projects under the ASEAN GBS include but are not limited to renewable energy, clean transportation and climate change adaptation.
The issuance of the said SEC Memorandum effectively supplements Section 8 and 12 of the Securities Regulations Code, which primarily governs the registration and non-financial disclosure requirements for securities prior to issuance.
The GBS requires that the issuer should disclose in the documentation for issuance the utilization of the proceeds of the ASEAN Green Bonds and the Project Evaluation and Selection Process. The issuer is also required to make publicly available the same information through an Issuer-designated website.
Hopefully with the promulgation of the ASEAN GBS in our jurisdiction, local and foreign investors seeking green projects will be able to pour in needed capital to start and sustain green projects, at the same time allow project proponents or issuers of green bonds to tap the capital market.
Apart from creating a market for investors of green projects, this recent development invites businesses to be actively part of the environmental advocacy to mitigate climate change and its baleful effects.
Provided these ASEAN Green Bonds acquire high prominence and are utilized as intended, this could well address the demand of rapid and far-reaching transitions in energy, land, urban and infrastructure, and industrial systems.
In the UN IPCC report, experts have shown that climate change can be mitigated within laws of physics and chemistry. The final tick box is political will. The adoption of the GBS is an effort in the right direction.
There is a growing trend of Investors interested in green projects. The Philippines is the perfect example of an archipelago severely affected by climate change. Connecting both dots should encourage more businesses in the Philippines to take advantage of the ASEAN Green Bonds in generating green capital.
Will we keep climate change a mere “hot” topic, or is this a start of an arduous process to save a world we have neglected?
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. This article is for general informational and educational purposes, and not offered as, and does not constitute, legal advice or legal opinion.
 
Philip James C. Tidoso is an Associate of the Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW), Cebu Branch.
(6332) 231-4223
pctidoso@accralaw.com.

San Beda claims Game One, a win away from another title

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE three peat-seeking San Beda Red Lions moved on the verge of another National Collegiate Athletic Association title after beating the undermanned Lyceum Pirates, 73-60, in Game One of their best-of-three Season 94 finals series on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
In their element right from the opening tip all the way to the end, the Lions proved to be too much to handle for the Pirates, who played sans top gun CJ Perez due to suspension, to move a win away from their third straight NCAA title and 22nd overall.
Perez, the reigning league most valuable player, was banned for the series-opener after being ruled by the NCAA in violation of league rules when he applied for the Philippine Basketball Association rookie draft without formally informing the NCAA about it.
League rules stipulate that those applying for the PBA draft must first inform the NCAA in writing of their intention before submitting their application, something Perez and his handlers were reportedly not able to do.
Towed by their hot shooting and steady defense, San Beda dominated the opening half.
It seized a 19-9 lead at the end of the first 10 minutes before extending it to a 21-point cushion, 43-22, by the halftime break.
At the start of the third period the Pirates would show more fight led by Jaycee Marcelino.
But the Lions kept their opponents in check as Robert Bolick and Javee Mocon made run-busting plays to frustrate the Pirates.
The count stood at 51-34, and the Lions on top, with 4:15 to go.
From there San Beda sustained control, building a 20-point cushion, 59-39, heading into the final frame.
Despite being in total control, the Lions showed no let-up to begin the fourth period.
They opened things with a 7-0 run to extend their lead to 27 points, 66-39, in the first two minutes.
The Pirates continued to battle after, coming to within 10 points with a minute to go.
It proved to be too little too late though as the Lions held on for the win.
Mocon showed the way for San Beda with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Bolick had 12 points and nine assists.
Clint Doliguez had 11 points and Donald Tankoua had 10 points and 16 rebounds.
Mike Nzeusseu led Lyceum with 16 points and 14 boards with Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino adding 13 points each.
“Without CJ their game plan was really affected but we only beat them by 13 points which speaks a lot of LPU,” said winning coach Boyet Fernandez in the postgame interview.
“Credit to my players for stepping up. I really did not know how they would respond since we only knew of CJ not playing only yesterday afternoon. But they responded well,” he added.
Game Two of the finals is on Monday, Nov. 12.
EZE IS MVP
Meanwhile, prior to Game One yesterday, the winners of the top individual awards were announced.
Leading the honor roll was Prince Eze of season hosts Perpetual Help Altas, who was named league MVP.
Eze finished with 61.39 statistical points on the strength of season averages of 18.2 points, 16.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks while also helping the Altas to a Final Four finish.
Joining the Nigerian in the mythical five were the Letran Knights’ Bong Quinto (48.83 SPs) and San Beda’s Bolick (48.39), Mocon (47.89) and Tankoua (46.56).
Perez, who would have been a shoo-in for at least a mythical selection, was eliminated from the running because of his suspension.
Rookie of the year was Larry Muyang of Letran while most improved was Archie Concepcion of the Arellano Chiefs.
Eze also led the defensive team, which included Hamadou Laminou of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, Nzeusseu of Lyceum, Michael Calisaan of the San Sebastian Stags and Tankoua.
Awarding is set before Game Two of the finals.

Azkals think tank sees tough challenge in Suzuki Cup but expresses readiness for it

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Philippine national men’s football team begins its campaign in the AFF Suzuki Cup next week where it sees a tough challenge from the rest of the field but nonetheless expressed readiness for it.
In a press conference held on Monday at Max’s Kabisera at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, the think tank of the Philippine Azkals, namely new coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, team manager Dan Palami, consultant Scott Cooper and advertising manager Jun Miras, met members of media and shared their thoughts on their upcoming campaign in the biennial regional football tournament.
They said that they are very excited to compete even as they recognize that a competitive challenge awaits them.
For Mr. Eriksson, who has had an illustrious coaching career with stops in Italy, Portugal, United Arab Emirates, and China, there is pressure to produce good results with him on board but they in the collective are not allowing it to hamper their preparation and go for what they have set out to do.
“The pressure is on the whole team, the directors, the federation, the coaching staff and myself to do better in the Suzuki Cup than what the Philippines had done before. There is pressure, of course, because there are a lot of good teams in the tournament but we are going to try and we look forward to it,” said the new Azkals coach.
Mr. Eriksson has taken over Mr. Cooper, who temporarily handled the Azkals following the surprise backing out of British Terry Butcher barely two months since being named as coach in the middle of this year.
Mr. Cooper, who will be assisting in the handling of the team, said with the background of Mr. Eriksson and very capable players in their fold, the Philippines should have a good chance in the Suzuki Cup.
“The challenge has always been the same. We understand that Southeast Asia has good teams like Vietnam and Thailand. But we also understand that we have players who could do good things as well. They know where we want to be and we are focused on what we want to do. We also have a World Cup coach who knows how to get it done,” Mr. Cooper said.
It is same enthusiasm that long-time team manager Palami shares.
“We look forward to the experience that our coaches would bring to the team. We know it’s not going to be easy but we are doing the best we can,” he said.
The Azkals begin their Suzuki Cup bid on Nov. 13 against Singapore at the Panaad Football Stadium.
Apart from Singapore, joining the Philippines in Group B of the Suzuki Cup are Thailand, Indonesia and Timor-Liste.
In Group A are Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.
In the 2016 edition of the AFF Suzuki Cup, which the Philippines co-hosted with Myanmar, the Azkals failed to advance beyond group play.
The team is also set to see action in its first AFC Asian Cup competition next year, which the Azkals think tank is also looking forward to.

Magnolia eliminates Blackwater, advances to semifinals

THE Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok are headed to the semifinals of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup after surviving the Blackwater Elite, 103-99, in their quarterfinal clash on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Held a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, the Hotshots avoided turning to it by hanging tough in the end amid a spirited challenge from the Elite, who were hoping to extend the matchup to a rubber match on Thursday.
Paul Lee had a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead Magnolia to the win.
He also scored key free throws late in the game to keep the Elite at bay.
Import Romeo Travis had 18 points and 20 rebounds while Ian Sangalang and PJ Simon had 18 and 16 points, respectively.
For Blackwater it was import Henry Walker who was the high point man with 18 points, to go along with eight rebounds and five assists.
JP Erram backstopped him with 15 points and 19 rebounds.
The loss ended the Elite’s campaign in the Governors’ Cup that saw it go on a good start before stumbling in the end with telling losses.
Meanwhile, quarterfinal action continues on Wednesday featuring the four other teams.
Number two team Phoenix Fuel Masters (8-3) take on the seventh-seeded Meralco Bolts (5-6) in the 4:30 p.m. match at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City while third- seeds Alaska Aces (8-3) clash with number six San Miguel Beermen (6-5) at 7 p.m.
Phoenix and Alaska have a twice-to-beat advantage over their opponents.
In Gilas Pilipinas news, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the PBA jointly announced the training pool for the fifth window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers happening later this month here in Manila.
Making up the pool are June Mar Fajardo, Greg Slaughter, Christian Standhardinger, Kai Sotto, Ian Sangalang, Japeth Aguilar, Beau Belga, JP Erram, Matthew Wright, Marcio Lassiter, Allein Maliksi, Troy Rosario, Gabe Norwood, Jayson Castro, Alex Cabagnot, Scottie Thompson, Stanley Pringle, Paul Lee, Arwind Santos, LA Tenorio, and Ricci Rivero.
Conspicuously not included were naturalized player Andray Blatche and Terrence Romeo. They, however, will be considered for the next window, officials said.
The team is still coached by Yeng Guiao.
It takes on Kazakhstan on Nov. 30 and Iran on Dec. 3. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

UAAP: Falcons, Archers shoot for important wins

ENGAGED in a tight race to finish inside the top two of the classification phase of Season 81 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, the Adamson Soaring Falcons and De La Salle Green Archers shoot for important victories when they take the court today against separate opponents.
Currently situated at second and third place, respectively, with the elimination round now in the homestretch, the Falcons (8-3) and Archers (7-4) look to emerge on top of their respective matches at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with the end view of giving their top-two push further wind.
As per tournament format, the top two teams at the end of the elimination round earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. So far defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles, at 10-2, are the lone team near booking a top-two spot.
The Falcons battle the prowling University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers (5-6) at 2 p.m. while the Archers collide with the National University Bulldogs (3-8) at 4 p.m.
Adamson lost to Ateneo, 62-48, on Nov. 4 in a game where it struggled mightily at the start and played catch-up for much of the time.
The Falcons tried to salvage the win in the fourth quarter but it proved to be too little too late as they slumped to the defeat, their first in four matches.
Jerome Lastimosa led Adamson with 13 points with Jerrick Ahanmisi the other Falcon in double digits with 10.
Despite the tough loss they absorbed, Falcons coach Franz Pumaren was still upbeat, seeing how his players were able to hold their own on defense, limiting the explosive Eagles offense to just 62 points.
He went on to say that if they are to soar in their remaining games they have to continue playing their brand of play and “doing their job.”
Waiting for the Falcons are the Tigers, a team also in need of a win to give its playoff push a boost.
UST is coming off a 110-69 shellacking at the hands of La Salle on Nov. 3.
LA SALLE VS NU
In the second game, La Salle is out to stretch its ongoing winning streak to three and close the distance with Adamson.
The Archers’ latest win was the romp of the Tigers where Aljun Melecio led the way with 22 points, five rebounds and six assists.
Mark Dyke played his best game to date in a La Salle uniform, finishing with 16 points, with Andrei Caracut and Jolo Go adding 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Down to their last few games in the elimination round, La Salle coach Louie Gonzales expressed hope that they would show the consistency needed for the entire game to put themselves in a better position in the tournament.
“We are pushing the players to be consistent and keep on improving,” Mr. Gonzales said after their win over UST.
Looking to derail La Salle is NU, which has lost back-to-back and has its playoff window slowly closing on it. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Murray’s 48 lift Nuggets over Celtics

LOS ANGELES — Jamal Murray scored a career-high 48 points to outshine Kyrie Irving, and the host Denver Nuggets rallied to beat the Boston Celtics 115-107 on Monday night.
Murray missed a chance to become the first Denver player since Carmelo Anthony to score 50 or more points in a game. Anthony did it twice, the last time on Feb. 7, 2011, two weeks before he was traded to the New York Knicks.
Murray, whose previous career high was 38 points, led the Nuggets to their fifth consecutive win and their ninth in 10 games to open the season.
Irving finished with 31 and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had 15 each for the Celtics, who have lost two straight.
WARRIORS 117, GRIZZLIES 101
Stephen Curry and Alfonzo McKinnie connected on 3-pointers in a 14-point Golden State run late in the third quarter that propelled the two-time defending champions to a victory over Memphis in Oakland, California.
Klay Thompson scored a game-high 27 points for the Warriors, who won their eighth consecutive contest overall and sixth in a row at home despite losing Draymond Green in the second quarter to a foot injury. Kevin Durant had 22 points, and Curry finished with 19.
Marc Gasol flirted with a triple-double for Memphis with eight points and game highs in rebounds (10) and assists (nine). Dillon Brooks had a team-high 18 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. and Shelvin Mack scored 15 apiece for the Grizzlies.
HEAT 120, PISTONS 115 (OT)
Josh Richardson had 27 points, eight rebounds and four assists, and the visiting Miami snapped a three-game losing streak with an overtime win against slumping Detroit Pistons.
Goran Dragic contributed 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Heat, while Dwyane Wade added 18 points. Andre Drummond powered for 25 points and 24 rebounds for Detroit, which lost its fifth straight.
Wade moved into 30th place on the league’s all-time scoring list during the first half, surpassing Clyde Drexler (22,195 points). Wade ended the night at 22,211.
THUNDER 122, PELICANS 116
With star point guard Russell Westbrook out in the second half due to an ankle injury, Dennis Schroder scored nine consecutive Oklahoma City points in the fourth quarter in a win over the visiting New Orleans.
Schroder finished with a season-high 22 points off the bench — 16 in the second half — as the Thunder extended their winning streak to five after losing the season’s first four games. It was New Orleans’ sixth consecutive loss after a 4-0 start.
Schroder got his chance for a big finish after Westbrook twisted his left ankle with 4:25 remaining in the third quarter. Westbrook rolled over and grabbed his left leg before slapping the floor in pain and frustration. Soon afterward, he went to the locker room, not putting any weight on the leg. — Reuters

Nadal pulls out of ATP Finals, Djokovic returns atop rankings

LONDON — Rafael Nadal has pulled out of next week’s ATP Tour Finals in London due to injury, so Novak Djokovic will end the year as world number one having returned to the top of the rankings on Monday.
French Open champion Nadal announced that an abdominal muscle problem, which prevented him from playing in the Paris Masters last week, and ankle surgery had forced him to pull out of the season-ending event.
“Unfortunately I had the abdominal problem in Paris last week and I also have an issue in the ankle joint that has to be removed in the operating room today,” the 17-times Grand Slam winner wrote on Twitter.
“This way I hope to be in full condition for next season.”
American John Isner will take the 32-year-old’s place in London when the Finals get underway on Sunday. Kei Nishikori has also been drafted in to replace Argentine Juan Martin del Potro who pulled out due to a knee injury.
Spaniard Nadal’s withdrawal in Paris meant Djokovic returned to the top of the world rankings. The Serbian will become the first player since ATP rankings were introduced in 1973 to end the year at number one having been outside the top 20 during the same season.
“Reflecting on what I’ve been through in the last year, it’s quite a phenomenal achievement,” said Djokovic. “And, of course, I’m very, very happy and proud about it.
“Five months ago, if you told me that, I would be — I always believe in myself, but it was highly improbable at that time considering my ranking and the way I played and felt on the court.”
Having missed the second half of the 2017 season because of his troublesome elbow, Djokovic returned at the start of this year but the injury flared up again at the Australian Open and he decided to have surgery on it.
He was dumped out of the French Open as the 20th seed at the quarter-final stage before embarking on a fine run.
Djokovic beat Nadal in a Wimbledon semi-final thriller before ending a two-year Grand Slam drought by defeating Kevin Anderson in the final. — Reuters

Mastercard debuts priceless experiences for followers at League of Legends World

MASTERCARD’s first activation of the World Championship came to life through The Mastercard® Nexus, a League of Legends-themed experiential pop-up in the Gangnam Gu neighborhood of Seoul.
The 2018 World Championship Finals kicked off in Incheon last Nov. 3 with the “Finals Opening Ceremony presented by Mastercard,” which included a performance of the 2018 Worlds anthem ‘RISE’ featuring The Glitch Mob, Mako, The Word Alive, and Bobby of iKON. There was also a special performance debut of a new Riot produced song featuring Madison Beer, Miyeon and Soyeon of (G)I-DLE, and Jaira Burns.
“The Mastercard Nexus is a result of passionate, creative collaboration designed to bring the League to life for fans in new and exciting ways,” said Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing and communications officer, Mastercard. “From the Mastercard Nexus to the Finals Opening Ceremony, we are thrilled to be on the ground for our first World Championship. Our promise to create unforgettable priceless experiences for the community is only beginning.”
“We’re excited to debut our partnership in such an engaging way at Worlds. Through the immersive Mastercard Nexus, the highly anticipated opening ceremony performances, and a variety of priceless experiences, Mastercard is delivering the kinds of fan-first touchpoints that enhance the overall Worlds experience,” said Naz Aletaha, head of global esports partnerships at Riot Games.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Mastercard over the next few years to further evolve and define what Priceless means for League of Legends esports fans all over the world.”
Mastercard has curated special priceless experiences for fans including the opportunity to view the opening ceremony rehearsal and get a behind-the-scenes tour, or to play test the gaming PCs that the pros will compete on during the World Championship Final.

Off timing

The just-started finals series of Season 94 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) between the defending champions San Beda Red Lions and Lyceum Pirates got an unexpected twist even before it unfurled with the suspension meted on King Pirate CJ Perez.
While as of this writing it is still to be determined if Lyceum will pursue a temporary restraining order to allow Perez to play, the suspension was expected to see the reigning league most valuable player sit out Game One of their best-of-three finals rematch with the Lions on Tuesday.
The suspension was over the failure of Perez and his camp to inform the league that he had applied for the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Rookie Draft.
As per league rules, it is mandated that student-athletes inform the NCAA in writing of their intention to be part of a professional league prior to submitting their application.
Reports have it that Perez only informed the league that he had applied for the PBA draft days after he submitted the requirements to meet the Oct. 29 deadline given to players categorized as Filipino-foreigners.
The NCAA found Perez in violation of league rules and after careful evaluation decided to suspend him for at least a game.
Expectedly Lyceum, which said it also was not informed of Perez’s submission of application, appealed the decision to the management committee but eventually was turned down, with the NCAA defending it as in accordance with existing league rules and intended in the end to promote the spirit of sportsmanship and discipline in the league.
Some parties labelled the NCAA decision as “a joke” or “unfair,” even citing notably the case of former San Beda star Yousif Aljamal and San Sebastian’s Leo Najorda, who were also suspended for the same infraction a decade ago.
Now, regardless of where one stands in this issue, there is no denying that the timing of it is very off and could be costly for Lyceum, seeking its first-ever NCAA title and is angling to bounce back after being swept by San Beda in last year’s finals.
Perez has been do-it-all for the Pirates in Season 94, averaging solid steady numbers of 18.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.3 steals per game.
He has been a true “motor” for his team on both ends of the court and a key reason why Lyceum is one of the top teams in the country’s longest-standing collegiate league in the last two seasons.
Take him away in the Pirates picture and surely everything will be disrupted, he is that valuable to the team.
Making matters worse, Lyceum was hardly given time to adjust as the decision was brought down on the eve of Game One on Monday.
And, yes, there is also the fact that the Pirates are facing the best team in the NCAA in San Beda in the finals.
Of course, Perez’s suspension could well be a rallying point for Lyceum and may see other players step up in place of its top man. But the Pirates and their supporters could only hope for that.
As lamentable the situation is for Lyceum, with what-could-have-beens beckoning, it is what it is and that there is still a finals series to be played. It is going to be interesting how the Pirates come out of this.
 
Michael Angelo S. Murillo has been a columnist since 2003. He is a BusinessWorld reporter covering the Sports beat.
msmurillo@bworldonline.com

Defense

When Mr. Jeff Bzdelik announced his retirement from coaching basketball last September, not a few quarters felt compelled to speculate on the reasons behind the development. It was sudden, to be sure; even as he indicated that he had given considerable thought to leaving the game for good, the timing was suspect at best. Heading into training camp, he left the impression that he was ready to buckle down to work as the Rockets’ defensive guru.
Bzdelik was clear about his reason to retire, noting in his official statement that he wanted to spend more time with family and friends. All the same, skeptics couldn’t help but associate his decision with the arrival of veteran Carmelo Anthony. After all, he shared a complicated past with the 10-time All-Star back when they plied their trade with the Nuggets 15 years ago. He did well in their first year together, presiding over a 26-match turnaround and boosting hopes of better things to come. Instead, they had a falling out that resulted in his departure 28 contests into the next season.
Considering that Bzdelik has agreed to return to the Rockets bench, the theories connecting his departure with Anthony’s entry appear to be without basis. In any case, he will be tasked with resurrecting a defensive strategy that looks to have gone to the dogs in his absence. Whereas they were among the league elite in coverage throughout their 2017-18 campaign, they’ve gone the other way this season to date. In other words, they need him — and to the point where owner Tilman Fertitta saw fit to coax him back.
No doubt, Bzdelik will be a boon to the cause. Because he’s around, the potential for improvement cannot be denied. Given the roster changes, however, the jury’s on how much he can truly help. For example, there can be no glossing over Anthony’s deficiencies on defense; so glaring are they that the Rockets turn into sieves when the former scoring champion is on the court, a fact made all the more evident by advanced metrics. Meanwhile, noted leeches Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute have changed addresses, further compounding matters.
If nothing else, Bzdelik will give the Rockets a chance. And, all things considered, it’s all they can ask for as they try to replicate the success that had them two quarters away from making the Finals last May.
 
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994.

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