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Almaden, Manzano clinch National beach volley berth Sports News Archive : Summer 2007 | November 2007 Almaden, Manzano clinch National beach volley berth Kevin Marco Roxas and Luis Olitoquit Volleybelle mainstays April Almaden and Jennifer Manzano eliminated Ateneo de Manila University’s (AdMU) team one in the finals, 21-7, 21-7, even as they swept the rest of the opposition on the way to the title of the third leg of the Petron Ladies Beach Volleyball tour last July. The triumph in Lingayen, Pangasinan earned DLSU-D another trip in the Battle of Champions to be staged at Puerto Princesa, Palawan later this year. The AdMU duo of Asia Maris Orquico and Sharah So averted an all-green final battle when another DLSU-D tandem composed of Jeushl Wensh Tiu and Regina Tungol succumbed in the closest of margins, 18-21, 21-18, 15-17, during the semifinals. Almaden and Manzano, suiting up as DLSU-D team one, barged into the semifinals with a clean sweep of Bracket A where AdMU team one, University of Luzon, Philippine Women’s University, University of the Philippines (UP) team one, and Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA) team two fought hungrily for the other slot to join the unbeaten Patriots. Tiu and Tungol, tagged as DLSU-D team three, also achieved a perfect record prior to their crossover match against AdMU team one. The duo collected four straight wins and even garnered an impressive average of 10-point lead during the elimination round against UP team two, PSBA team one, AdMU team two, and other DLSU-D team, represented by Hidemi Miyata and Niña Lopez. Despite their co-Patriots falling short against the Blue Eagles spikers, DLSU-D first team continued to assert the green-and-white stand by routing UP team two, with a 21-4, 21-9 finish against the Eagles. Almaden and Manzano did not lose hope and fought until the finals and eventually won the championship. They said that they just enjoyed the game and didn’t take it seriously. “Number one naming sinasabi sa sarili namin na i-enjoy na lang ‘yung game, ‘wag masyadong seryoso kasi takot kang magkamali,” Almaden elaborated. Unfortunately, the mixing of two setters to form a beach volley duet proved to be an unproductive experiment for Coach Darwin Campaña as Miyata and Lopez ended up winless in their pursuit with an average score deficit of 6.75 points in all their games. In their bracket, they fought against UP, PSBA, AdMU and co-patriot spiker team three. They were the second team sent to play for DLSU-D, but their journey in the league has to end early. This leaves the two other teams to fight for the glory of the University. Volleybelles on preparation Coach Campaña said that the DLSU-D team underwent intensive training to prepare for the event. He had also explained that they requested a ball used in beach volley to familiarize the team. He furthered that he had attended the International Beach Volley seminar where he got ideas and techniques that can be applied by the team for their participation in the tourney. Meanwhile, Almaden and Manzano shared their experiences about their preparation and adjustment for the competition. “Nagte-training kami ‘pag madaling araw, mga 5:30 to 7:30. Nagi-individual training kami ng partner ko sa hapon, nagbi-beach volley kami, ayun nakikipaglaro kami sa mga lalaki para mas magamay namin yung bola,” Almaden said. After a loss in their previous participation in the same league, the champion team wanted to come back strong and get the championship title on this leg. Next for the champions This will be Almaden’s second Battle of the Champions assignment. The last time she went to Puerto Princesa was with Precious Grace Abaño who qualified last year in the same volleyball tournament. Campaña said that Manzano and Almaden’s team will be participating in the Puerto Princesa league while Tiu and Tungol’s tandem is on standby. The Petron Ladies Beach Volleyball champs are to face a bigger challenge as they will battle with other champions this coming October. Moreover, their training as part of the preparation for the Battle of the Champions will also be much harder in their attempt to be the Champion of the Champions in this league.
John Patrick de Guzman and Loiuse Braille Mahilum As part of DLSU-D’s long term development plan, an extension of the Sports Complex was proposed due to a need of additional facilities and some conflicts with the Physical Education (P.E.) classes, varsity training, and gym repairs. Buildings and Grounds Office (BGO) Director Arch. Dennis Pontanilla stated that the complex already has preliminary drawings but is not in full details yet. He also clarified that there are other amenities to be added such as beach volleyball court, tennis court, and diving pool. Pontanilla said that they are still waiting for the final plans and the total budget for this project which will come from the general funds of the University. He furthered that when the construction of the sports complex starts, they will prioritize the beach volleyball court because of the Patriot’s triumph in the Petron Beach Volleyball Tour, plus, it is the easiest facility to construct. Pontanilla also discussed the plan to cover the basketball court beside Mariano Trias Hall (MTH) near the Administration building. He said that they are already finalizing the details, blueprints, and costs to construct the building which will start late this year or early next year. An aid for ULS Sports Development Office (SDO) Director Gerardo Sergio III stressed that the sports complex will be a big help for the Patriots especially for their training. Due to various events in the University that require the use of Ugnayang La Salle (ULS), P.E. classes and athletes’ training are oftentimes postponed. He stated that once the complex is finished, conflicts regarding the schedules of P.E. classes and varsity training will be solved because of an alternative venue. “Another beneficiary natin ‘yung mga estudyante, kasi ‘yung mga estudyante natin, hirap din maka-book sa gym. Kung sakaling matayo yung MTH covered court, magagamit din [nila],” Sergio said. Sergio also stated that once the proposed plans have been finalized, there may be new varsity teams to be created in the University depending on the facilities that will be constructed in the said plan. Varsity’s stand With the sports complex extension proposal, the varsity team raised different opinions regarding the matter. Rolly Gusi, team captain of the DLSU-D Tracksters, said that if the sports complex extension will have been finished, it would greatly help the school because the University can conduct tournaments for the sports that have not been played before. He also said that although the plan will be of help, it may not be easily established because of the lack of budget that the plan may cost. Meanwhile, volleyball coach Darwin Campaña said that the players could excel more because they can focus further on their training. He also agreed with Sergio that it would be good for the students and the athletes if the MTH court will be finished because it will serve as an alternative venue for P.E. classes and varsity training. Volleybelle April Krizia Almaden added that they can train anytime and do not need to travel anymore to other courts for practices if the said plan will push through.
Luis Olitoquit With reports from John Patrick De Guzman The men’s basketball team failed to snag a victory in their first acid test of the season, giving a scare but succumbing to defending Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) champions Universal College (UC) Dragons , 76-79 in a loud and animated Ugnayang La Salle last August 20. Despite coming from a long lay-off, the Patriots managed to stay close with the fierce Dragons, and even had a chance to steal the victory when Rico Rivera stole the ball and sprinted for a contested fastbreak, 73-76. UC’s Lester Reyes then hit an undergoal shot to keep the lead within two possessions. DLSU-D captain Kater Licudine had picked a loose all foul from Gerald Omadto and went to sink the two penalty free throws with :32 left to play. With no timeouts left for both sides, the Patriots stole the ball again and fed a streaking Sam Plamares, who in turn, picked an unsportsmanlike foul from JV Ferreria with just 7 ticks left. However, Plamares, a rookie playing his first game, hit only one of his charities. Retaining possession, the Patriots had one chance to take the lead or at least send the game to overtime. However, Bryan Igtiben’s inbound missed its mark, thus forcing the Patriots to foul again to stop the clock at :5. Dragon Cedric Matugas hit another free throw and missed his second one. Still, UC grabbed the rebound and dribbled the seconds away en route to DLSU-D first loss of the season. The DLSU-D cagers underwent a roster revamp during their long offseason and it was evident during play that they lack familiarity in playing with one another. Numerous turnovers were amassed in the first half; some were momentum-breaking for their own offensive runs. Even with the loss, Coach Ephraim Serrano is still plainly satisfied with how the new Dasmariñas squad stood its ground against the seasoned champions whose core has been retained. “Nakita ko [naman] yung (laro) natin, maganda para sa akin ‘yung game,” he commented as soon as he finished his talk in the post game huddle. “Maturity na lang ang kulang,” he adds before explaining his approval of Jake Bautista and Plameras who filled in for the loss of all point guards from last year. Noticeably changing his jersey number from 19 to 14, Rivera wowed the crowd with his usual airborne offense to lead all players with 32 points. Ian Genova contributed the 18 markers along with a solid performance in grabbing boards. Three Dragons tallied twin digits lead by Lester Reyes who paced with 17 points along with Jeff Ompad’s 12 and UC scoring hotshot Mac Montilla’s 11. The green-and-white led at the beginning of the second quarter, 17-15. Then the Dragons figured out the pressure full court defense of DLSU-D and surged with an 18-6 run. Rivera eluded backcourt defenses and engaged the UC big men with acrobatic layups, ending with his half time buzzer beater to put the Patriots within five, 37-32. In the second half, the Patriot’s flaws were all too evident. UC started covering Rivera especially in the open court. The Dragon’s backcourt began to successfully penetrate in half court set, forcing the DLSU-D big men to resort to fouling or double teaming, which eventually opened another UC player. The Dasmariñas five persisted with quality in-out offense and managed to regain the lead halfway in the third, 47-46. Montilla stopped the Lasallian momentum by hitting an open trey to retake the lead and start 12-2 run that left the Patriots with a twin digit deficit for the first time in the game, 58-48. Rivera hit two field goals and Genova scored on a putback to put the Patriots back, 58-52. DLSU-D was unable to endure the inside game of the defending champions, and fell further behind 69-60 past the six minutes into the final quarter. It was lemon time until the clock hit 1:30, with the Patriots proving more effective in the transition game and shredded the margin, 75-71. Both teams burned out of timeouts in the closing minute of regulation. Crowd noises escalated with the nail-biting sequences of the endgame, until the not-so-climatic end for the Patriots. With only seven participant teams this season, every win and loss is a potential key determinant in their season eight finish. The tournament follows a linear robin format that is to be followed by the crossover phase among the top four finishers. The losers of the crossover figure in a knockout battle for third while the successful ones enter a best-of-three series for the championship. Because of the linear format, there will be no knockout games in case of ties in the standings at the elimination round as the quotient system will be utilized. DLSU-D is host of the season of this year’s UCAA season. The opening ceremonies confirmed the changes in UCAA membership this year. Returning members are Colegio de Sta. Monica, Olivarez College, caging power Philippine School of Business Administration, Trace College Laguna, and UC which dropped the word “Nursing” from its former UCN name. Technological Institute of the Philippines returns in UCAA action after the former original member school left the league temporarily. Emilio Aguinaldo College – Cavite took its sister school EAC-Manila’s slot after the latter entered the National Collegiate Athletic Association as a guest member. Volleyball rivals Saint Francis of Assisi College System left the league after disbanding its teams due to funding problems caused by the extreme drop in enrollment in the said school. DLSU-D President Br. Augustine Boquer, FSC graced the opening ceremonies to welcome the athletes to the University. Br. Gus exalted the virtue of sportsmanship and camaraderie among participants. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Harry Angping drew loud cheers as he encouraged members of the less publicized leagues like the UCAA to keep improving their sports programs because of the possibility that the PSC may tap the athletes to undergo the state training program and that one day, they may represent the country in international competitions. Krisha Lou Doliente Competing with the rest of the Philippine contingent, Patriots taekwondo jins Ivan Marcelino and Romano Eusebio, with Patriots’ mentor Rolando Futulan, bagged medals in the third Taekwondo World Culture Expo in Muju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea on July 3-10. Clinching their niche in the tournament as high caliber Filipino taekwondo athletes, Eusebio and Marcelino underwent an all-Filipino square-off finals encounter for the finweight division. This match gave the RP team an assured 1-1 gold-silver output in the said division, with Eusebio emerging as the gold titlist and co-Patriot Marcelino settling for silver. Eusebio, an Electronics and Communications Engineering freshman, was honored to be part of the RP delegation in Korea and one of the team’s proud victors. He shared, “Dun sa pagkapanalo, sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam lalo na’t hindi lang siya basta competition, world competition ‘yun. Dala ko ‘yung flag ng Philippines. Sobrang nakaka-proud kasi nagbunga ‘yung paghihirap namin sa training. ” When asked about his thoughts and feelings when he faced a teammate in the finals, Eusebio said, “Masaya kami dahil pareho kami[ng] Pinoy na nakarating sa finals. Nagkaro’n kami ng deal na walang teammates, wala muna magkabansa, go for gold, laban kung laban. Sinuwerte naman ako at naunahan ko si Ivan. Sa dulo, tropa pa din kami.” Meanwhile, the Patriots’ taekwondo coach proves his prowess in the sport as he copped three medals. Futalan won two bronze medals for the poomsae, the forms event in taekwondo, and another bronze finish for the sparring competition. The two Patriots jins, Eusebio and Marcelino, also snagged silver and bronze in the poomsae event respectively. Luis Olitoquit and Albert Gamino Basketball Coach Ephraim Serrano’s face was painted with stress after the final huddle of morning training sessions for the Patriots. The weeks prior to the opening of the Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) must have been mental torture for the veteran coach of the DLSU-D five as he tries to find an appropriate team play for a squad that has endured a terrible roster shake up in the middle of the team development stage. Even though time runs out for the Patriots, Serrano still dedicates effort on adjustments to streamline an underdeveloped bench that is expected to compete against UCAA rivals in August. This year, expect the Patriot five to be more aggressive on the defensive end, with the squad gaining height during the off-season. In turn, that may possibly add depth to the current roster, moving forwards like team captain Keith Licudine back to their natural positions instead of having to force themselves in the shaded lane. Provided that the cagers develop as a team, Serrano’s contingent shows a lot of promise for the future. Team’s adjustments Since the departure of Leovell Pelayo two years ago, there had been no solid presence at the frontcourt making the Patriots vulnerable to rebounding disadvantage against teams with more ceiling. Now, picture the DLSU-D roster with three young centers standing at least six feet and four inches running with the quick fleeted guards and forwards to put into motion Serrano’s transition-offense and pressure-defense philosophy. That would be a sight to behold for the green-and-white spread and one to intimidate the would-be visitors of DLSU-D, host of the eighth season of the UCAA. Previous rosters have been marred by the height deficit against taller backcourt of teams like Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), which was accepted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association as a guest member, Philippine School of Business Administration, and Saint Francis of Assisi Colleges System (SFACS). While speed has not been a question in all the previous DLSU-D squads, there is no assurance that the added big men of the current squad would be effective in the running game. Plus, perimeter shooting of the bigs is still undocumented, thus pick-and-roll in the wings is an uncertain possibility. That is why Serrano expects more points to come from the paint. Then, there is Rico Rivera. Playing small forward, he is essentially a slasher during half-court plays, and one who is designed to follow in transition defense. With his length and versatility, manning the midcourt during pressure defense is a reasonable task for the veteran. But then, since Rivera plays like the primary scoring option for the cagers (on instances he scored more than 40 points each against different opponents), he would probably be more effective sliding down the two spots or the shooting guard position. Such a move would pose match-up problems on defenders and keep him more involved in forcing turnovers against the opposition’s guards, enabling him to run the fastbreak (a department where he is almost unstoppable) with less obstruction. This could be effective at times when Serrano decides to go big and experiment on a steadier half-court defense. Because of the abundance of guards in the team, the Patriots can also utilize pick and roll plays among the guards and the forwards, provided that their outside shooting and passing have improved and that the centers maintain their post assignments. Also, Serrano has to find bodies to fill in for the departure of point guards Mark Aranza (graduation), Kenneth Eldialde (immigration), and Louie Chy (temporarily on leave because of loaded academic units). Patriots not martyrs Still, on Serrano’s part, formulating the playbook this late is as demanding as that of a graduating student prepping for the major exams. Promising recruits from Pangasinan backed out of their enrolment conscription here. Adding to his woes is mainstay Lean Alejandro’s reported transfer to the Colegio De San Juan De Letran team. Moreover, rookie big man Neil Bryan Bernardo may not be able to play with 100 percent physicality after he sustained an injury in his nose during one practice session. Licudine also admits certain flaws in the team, especially in their conditioning. He commented that without sufficient time for training (because being the Patriot’s training facility is no longer the primary function of the Ugnayang La Salle), it is particularly difficult for them to achieve superior physical condition. Asked about what they could possibly do for themselves to make up for such hindrances to the team’s development, Licudine says that all they can do is to focus on their training. He furthered by enumerating every member’s individual effort of extra training at the Ugnayang La Salle when the venue is free from classes and other occupancies. Dedicated as they are, the team sees the 6:00 to 7:30 a.m. training schedule as a fairly deficient allotment. But the pressure does not end in the confines of the University. Once the competition begins, the team has to contemplate on how much they would measure against intact line-ups of the opponents. With red-clad rivals EAC Generals and SFACS Doves gone, logic dictates that DLSU-D move up in ranks, rather than the habitual dogging in the middle of the standings. According to Serrano, even with his program undergoing (an unexpected) redevelopment stage, the semifinals is still within their sight. As for now, all he can hope for the team is to peak early. Serrano mentioned three essentials for the team to be this season’s success story: individual game maturity, team gelling, and enough practice on the court. Ironically, a coach’s powers can only influence the first two. A year is the shortest possible time that players could go on a smooth flow with one other as they are expecting to be molded in preparation for this year’s tournaments (National Capital Region Athletic Association and PRISAA). With the UCAA season knocking at his wits, Serrano’s dilemma is a cliché of the most unfortunate sports mantra: the first is the hardest. No wonder, Serrano does not seem too bubbly after the huddle.
Buddy James Gempis and Kevin Marco Roxas The year 2008 had passed and this year will become a legacy not just for the volleyball enthusiasts but for the Lasallian community who are raving to see the Patriots in action as the green-and-white spikers and volleybelles are expected to prove their lethal prowess in the upcoming leagues like the Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA), UNIGAMES, National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) and Private School Athletic Association (PRISAA). The Patriots has a new goal this year. A year ago, the volleybelles had to work hard to claim their UCAA, NCRAA and PRISAA titles. But this time, the Lady Patriots have to defend those titles stint. On the other side of the story, the male spikers have to adjust in terms of team plays since some of the players are rookies. Both teams made changes in their game tactics, however, how they are going to execute what was practiced in court is up to them. Game on If there is one team to look forward to this year, it is the strong line-up of the DLSU-D volleybelles. The Lady Patriots are expected to be more competitive, determined, and confident since most of the veteran volleybelles are still part of the team, like April Krizia Almaden, Jeniffer Manzano, Jeushl Wensh Tiu, and Precious Grace Abano. These key players are equipped with experience and exposure to different leagues and training. In addition, running spikes and v-quick are the plays that the volleybelles are doing to establish good offense with good execution ahead. However, there must be some adjustments since the absence of the previous libero Shiela Marie Nanquil would affect the defensive strategies of the team. Last year’s team performance was undeniably strong after they conquered the battleground in the Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) and reclaimed the title from Saint Francis of Assisi College (SFACS). This year, expect a stronger and more solid roster of the DLSU-D volleybelles as their assistant coach Raymundo Ramirez assured that the team is being trained to a higher degree. Confidence is seen naturally on his players after a series of victories in various competitions. “Mas agresibo na kami ngayon, kasi last year parang malamya kami, tsaka [ang] puso sa paglalaro. Siyempre ‘yung mga babae natin ngayon, medyo kilala na and well-experienced na sila.” Adjusting to the flaws On the other hand, the male spikers have been exerting efforts to be the best team despite the exit of last year’s key players such as previous team captain Almahdie Hamid and hard-hitter Salanie Pajiji. Since some of the veteran players have graduated, the most crucial part in handling the team is the adjustment period of the rookies. Rookies Bonnie Villanueva and Andrew Lucenio were expected to show their individual prowess; unfortunately, rookie setter Lucenio decided to withdraw from the team. Furthermore, holdovers Poli Gil, Edison Sundiam, Alnakran Abdilla, Michael Sales and the setter Raymond Ramirez are the players to look forward this season; they are the ones who will give new moves of play to give the team a shot on their upcoming face-offs. Meanwhile, former Patriot and new Assistant Coach Kenneth Panes said that the rookies are now in their basic training to be able to adjust to the plays and styles of the Patriots. “Sa ngayon kasi puro first year, pinapalaro muna namin sila kung pa[a]no nila maa-adopt ‘yung sistema namin,” he added. Since some of the players are rookies, there is also too much pressure on the side of team captain Gil who takes the responsibility to lead the team in and out the court. According to Panes, the team is not expecting a championship title but they will be focusing on their defense and offense techniques.
Along with other taekwondo athletes from all over the country, the Patriots sent their ten-man delegation to compete in the 32nd Smart National Taekwondo Championship which kicked off on August 1 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. However, facing tougher contenders from other schools, the Dasmariñas-based squad found themselves tumbling down during the elimination rounds. The Patriots male taek jins were nosed out by fighters from Ateneo De Manila University via a 2-3 victory. Patriots Romano Eusebio, Ivan Marcelino, and Kevin Go were humbled in their matches while their fellow Patriots Kim Dong Jin and Ruther Carubio managed to survive their respective encounters with the Eagles. Meanwhile, the female taekwondo line-up for the Patriots composed of Dian Aquino, Alyssa Presa, Shawie Bayani and Jane Vidallon also endured the same fate as they were beaten by their counterparts from the University of the East (UE). Vidallon missed her match, thus the Patriots were left to pitch in four jins to battle the UE squad. The green-and-white team only managed to win one match courtesy of Aquino.
Krisha Lou Doliente Fullname: Rico M. Rivera Exceptional. I believed this article can be considered exceptional for two reasons: One, because it features Rico Rivera of the Patriots men’s basketball team and recipient of the 2009 Patriots Sports Awards Male Athlete of the Year award. You might not know his name, but if you’re one of the few people who had spent time watching at least one of the Patriots cagers’ games, you must have seen this guy wearing the number 19 jersey leading the Patriots in their point onslaught. He is also the very same guy you would usually read in basketball articles published in Heraldo Filipino for the past two years. Two, due to the untimely four-day class suspension with the A(H1N1) scare and our unmatched schedules, Rivera and I agreed to do the interview through SMS instead of a formal personal interview. With this kind of set-up for an interview, Rivera had all the freedom to answer the questions at his convenient time. The beginning Heraldo Filipino (HF): RICO Rivera (RR): Actually noong elementary days ko volleyball ang nilalaro ko until early high school. Noong nag-15 ako saka lang ako nahilig maglaro ng basketball. Tapos ‘ayun hanggang halos sa court na naming ako matulog, ‘yung tipong pagkagising laro agad tapos uwi lang tangahli para kumain tapos laro na naman sa court ... ganun. HF: Ever since po ba, have you been part of the varsity? HF: wow, walk in..cool..anyway can you share your experience when you tried out for the team? What made you decide to choose DLSU-D? HF: I see, gaano katagal ang inabot ng buong try-out process mo since day one ‘hanggang dun sa sinabi na tanggap ka na? The Patriot wearing the #19 jersey HF: for those who are not oriented with your sport, please describe your role for the team. HF: So what do you do para magawa mo yung role na ‘yun? HF: Describe yourself when you’re on play. HF: During games, what or who annoys you most? HF: Paanong malas? Paki-elaborate po. HF: Aside keeping your focus, what do you do to deal with those kinds of situations and how do you coordinate it with your teammates? HF: Have you ever thought that you would like to play for a different position or ever since ‘yun na talaga gusto mo? HF: I see…is there a big difference between the “Rico off-court” with the “Rico on-court?” HF: How was it whenever you are tasked to make the most important shots sa games that “mattered most?” HF: Have you ever been blamed by anyone when you missed those shots? With the green-and-white team HF: How’s your relationship with your teammates? HF: What can you say about your coaches? HF: Sino ang pinaka-strict? HF: How strict? Tsaka how does he influence you? HF: Had there been a friction between you and your teammates? How was that solved? Real-side HF: What’s your personal goals and priorities? HF: Who and what are your inspirations and motivations? HF: Anu-ano ‘yung kino-consider mong strengths sa paglalaro? Patriots memories HF: What do you think is your most significant game? HF: How does it feel facing the Archers? HF: What’s your most disappointing game? “Kangkong,” off-court life, and others HF: If we’re to give you a monicker? What will it be and why? HF: Isip tayo. Ano po gusto mo? HF: Bakit po Kangkong? HF: Have you ever encountered some schoolmates who commented nicely about you or your team and say that they are fans? What would you most likely say? HF: During breaktimes on school days what do you usually do? Where do you hang-out? Finale HF: What do you think is the fate of your team this year? HF: Ano ang masasabi mo sa’ting schoolmates who are either interested with your sport or would also want to be part of the Patriots team? HF: What do you want to say to the people who support you and the team? HF: What’s your maxim? *** After sending my ‘thank you’ and ‘sorry-for-the-hassle’ kind of text messages, finally my six-part installment SMS interview with Rico Rivera ended. And then… RR: Para saan nga pala ‘tong interview? LOL. Perhaps the interview was just that too long for this chit-chat article. Oh well, at least we’re done with it: I now had my article, Kuya Rico got himself featured in HF, and you finally know the usual protagonist in HF’s Patriots basketball articles. *** If you’re interested to read more about Rico Rivera, you can read the longer version (the raw one, with all those ‘text language characters’) of this article at www.hfsportsteam.multiply.com. |