Remembering Kiev : Euro 2012

Kiev circa 1984

Euro 2012 comes to conclusion with the finals match between defending champion and current World Cup champion Spain against a resurgent Italian squad scheduled on Monday in the beautiful city of Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. It is a fitting climax to the drama that characterizes the passion of the Europeans on the sports of soccer. It is also a testament to the all out preparation of the co-host city, putting up and spending a fortune building new stadiums and infrastructure, despite the negative impact of politics. For me, far far way  from it all, it is nostalgia and memories of a memorable past. Many years ago, pre glasnost and perestroika, I stayed in Ukraine for 4 months from March to July 1984 as one of the 17 engineers from 10 developing countries who attended the UNIDO/UNDP In Plant Training for Iron and Steel Engineers in Zaporozhtal Iron and Steel Works in Zaporozhye, a large industrial city south of Kiev.

St. Sofia Cathedral

We arrived in Kiev in early April 1984, spring coming as a relief to the cold winter of March when we arrived in Soviet Union. It was one of the oldest cities and the 3rd largest city in the former Soviet Union, after Moscow and Leningrad. It was a city of parks, so many of them as with the other major cities then of USSR. It was a city built on both sides of the famous Dneiper River, the largest and longest river in Ukraine which stretches out to the Black Sea in the southwest. The churches were marvelous, notably St. Sofia and St .Andrews, gold plated multi domes, reflections of the rich Christian tradition of the place before the Communists abolished religion. Other famous landmarks were the monuments to the Great Patriotic War ( as they call World War II with the tall Statue of the Motherland towering all other monuments.

Subway station downtown Kiev, 1984

Visiting Kiev then was  a relief to many of us delegates used to the Western type of living. Open cafes, busier streets, marvelous Metro ( subway stations), more approachable crowd. Otherwise it was still "borsch" ( Russia's "national soup" ), queueing, and Parooski. But we love the city, we love to stroll, we love the peacefulness of the place, and we love their ladies whom we think are more beautiful than Western women.

Statue of Motherland, Kiev

Football is big in USSR. it sure is big in Kiev, and other Ukraine cities. Football fields are everywhere all over the country. Their local football team, Kiev Dynamo, was very popular. Everyday, from morning till night, all we see in our TV sets was football; the only show in TV we can understand. Months later, in June 1984, every night, we would cram in the room of our fellow Chinese trainee to watch Euro 1984, the first time I was introduced to it. If my memory serves me right , I think it was Portugal who won that time. But the most famous player in that tournament was the French player by the name of Michel Platini. Incidentally, today, Platini, as president of UEFA, is in charge of overseeing Euro 2012.

Spaseeba Kiev. ( Thank you Kiev). Thanks for the memories. 

Wimbledon 2012 Shocker: Nadal Eliminated in 2nd Round

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I woke up this morning  and immediately switched on  the TV  to check the result of the Germany-Italy semi- final match up in Euro 2012 played a few hours earlier ( Philippine time) in Warsaw, Poland. Instead, a shocking news reverberating from London greeted me. Rafael Nadal, the world's No.2 and the tourneys 2nd seed, and just a few weeks ago, a big winner( a record 7th title) at the French Open was ousted in the 2nd round in 5 sets. Not so soon I said. It's still the early stage of the tournament when top seeds use this as warm-up sessions. And I don't even intend to write about Wimby till next week when the critical Round of 16 starts. I don't think my friend and tennis partner and a Nadal fan Matt in California would believe the news. 

And since this is still the 2nd round, I was sure the giant slayer is an unrated, unknown and maybe just even a mere qualifier. And he is really sort of that. From now on, his name will be etched in the history of Wimbledon and tennis. He is Lukas Rosol, from the Czech Republic, and seeded 100th. Consider his credentials: this is his first Wimbledon and has never won an ATP match in grass since 2005. And how he ended the match: he fired an ace at love. 

I have always viewed such upsets as highly possible and probable. Players ranked as low as 150th have the capacity to win against top players at any given day. They have already that skill,the power, speed, stamina and the hunger for recognition to ambush any top player on his off day. What these unheralded players often lack is mental composure, concentration and consistency that can be taught only by experience. 

I have watched Rafa's opening game. Also against an unrated Brazilian player, he fell behind, 0-4 in the first set before rallying for an eventual easy win. It could not be a sign of course since sometimes they lose the first set only to be fired up and win. But this is no doubt a huge upset, far bigger even than the early exit of another great, Pete Sampras, in 2002 to another unknown player. But that was because, as observers pointed out, Sampras was already then going down the hill while Rafa now is still at his peak. Oh well, is this good news for Federer and Djoko fans?

Going back to my original objective. This morning, my surprise and disappointment was completed.  My bet, Germany lost, clearly and convincingly, to Italy, 1-2. And with Spain eliminating another personal bet, Portugal on a shoot-out ( it's painful to lose this way ), my misfortune on guessing winning games continue. Spain vs. Italy? Can't figure it out now. Ha ha ha! Let's see how the road to Kiev looks like. 

Euro 2012: The Clash of the Titans

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Europe's heavyweights separated themselves from the so so when the semi final cast was completed. Earlier, Portugal nipped the Czech Republic, 1-0, Germany outclassed Greece, 4-2, defending Euro and World Cup champion and No. 1 in the world Spain eliminated France, 2-0 and finally, today, Italy sent the English team heartbroken with a 4-2 penalty shootout win. England's penalty loss was their greatest fear for it seemed like a curse to past English teams. Since 1990, they lost 6 out of 7 penalty shootouts, and this time, it happened  again, following a goal less regular and extension time. In all four quarterfinal matches, the winning teams clearly dominated their opponents, notwithstanding the scores. Of the four teams, only Portugal did not win a World Cup title. I was glad I have watched all the replay of these games and look forward to its conclusion.

It will be Spain vs. neighbor Portugal, and Germany vs. Italy. I go for Portugal, the underdog and the powerful Germany in the finals. Spain is heavily favored against Portugal but who knows, Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's superstar might show his true wares and give his country  a glorious victory. Spain is powerful, with its players culled mainly from Real Madrid and Barcelona, all veterans of the Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010. But I get bored with their style of play, long set up plays, disciplined and patient though. Portugal plays a running game and I like football that way. Germany on the other hand is strong both in offense and defense and have a deep bench. Against an ultra defensive but boring Italian team, I'm sure they'll be able to make breakthroughs and score.

That's the reason why I like South American football, the way Brazil, Argentina et. al. play. Free flowing, smooth attacking style. That's how you can appreciate the beauty of football.

After all is said, I think Germany will be the Euro 2012 champions. I like to see their leader, Chancellor Angela Merkel jump for joy again, like she did in the game against Greece. It would be a good break and relief for her while leading the European Union out of bankruptcy and disintegration.

Pacquiao Lost, Pacquiao Redeemed!

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On fight night, Manny Pacquiao lost by a close split decision to two judges. On recount, commissioned by the ruling World Boxing Organization and reportedly done by five international judges, Pacquiao won unanimously and convincingly. So what's the real score now?

Well, the WBO recounting satisfied the clamor by many for a review. It made a decision many also thought was the right decision. It somehow lessened the impact of the loss. But it can not overturned the judges decision. Timothy Bradley still remained the champ. The belt could not just be given to Pacman. And in a show of sportsmanship and maturity, Pacquiao said he does not want to take the belt either. He didn't even lash out at the judges and maintained he respect the decision though he believed he won and wanted a rematch. It makes one wonder: so why was it recounted. Only a criminal intent which has yet to be proven could overturn the ruling. Unfortunately, lapse in judgement, incompetence, judges error, could not make Pacquiao win and retake his belt.  Well, this is boxing; this was held in Las Vegas and they have their own rules.

To me, the best decision could have been this: WBO to declare the title vacant, and order a mandatory rematch this year between the two to settle once and for all the issue. I'm not just sure whether that would make another blockbuster fight.

Heat's Glory: It Was All Lebron James Story

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When my kids, Gabo and Rago, were still very young, they would often ask me this common question kids normally ask: Papa, which is stronger, Fire or Rain, Light or Wind? This year, a similar true to life question was added: Which would prevail? Heat or Thunder? This time however, they already have their answer; a foregone conclusion even way back last year. Heat of course.

My sons had been Heat fans. They idolize Dwayne Wade. And how they whoop it up when Lebron James and Chris Bosh came along last year, in a celebrated but controversial move. Now, they prove themselves right. This is also a rare time when we all root for one team. I was never a Heat fan , though I admire James and Wade for their individual virtuosity on court. But when this year season opened in December last year, delayed due to Union-Management disagreements, I boldly predicted. It's the year of the Heat. It's King James coronation. And even when they were up and down in the regular season, even when the Celtics were up 3-2,  with Game 6 back to the Garden ( Celtics home court), I still maintained,  Heat all the way.

I wanted Heat to win for the primary reason that for me, it's time Lebron James gets a championship ring. For all his achievements already, 3-time MVP, 2 Finals appearance, All Stars appearances, Olympic championship, and all. He transferred to Miami in his utmost desire to win a championship which he could not get with the Cavaliers. And for that, he was despised in Cleveland, he was criticized by many including the press. But who would want to retire without a ring? Ask Karl Malone, ask Charles Barkley, both NBA's greats and hall of famers, members of the original, the true one and only Dream Team. They retired without this greatest  prize.

Hail King James. Hail to Miami Heat! Hail to our very own, Miami's Fil-Am coach, Eric Spoelstra, hail to Pat Riley. When Gabo and Rago go home from school this afternoon, they will be happy, and we'll have one interesting discussion yet again.  

Euro 2012 Football Championship

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It's been over a week now that Europe is all agog over this tournament, second only to the World Cup in terms of importance and prestige. Never mind the crisis, serious enough to make their nations, Greece especially, bankrupt. They forget all their worries and problems once their countries play.That's how passionate Europeans are about football. National pride, passion, at times plain arrogance and hooliganism. Football to them is everything.

Such major sporting event yet it pains me that local media doesn't even bother to prominently report it. No news in major broadsheets and if ever, just a very tiny space likened to reporting the result of a barangay basketball tournament. And I thought that we are suppose to promote football now. If we are to promote this sport nationwide, media should play a very major role in promoting it, through its reporting, broadcasting, etc. Look at how they play up NBA. Basketball is already very popular in the country, and everybody is reporting it, giving it headline news in the sports pages and giving news at the scores. One major TV network even scrap their morning programs to beam live the on-going NBA finals when it is already actually covered in other channels. Good thing, Solar Sports ( which I think started sport coverages before other networks followed) is showing replays of the Euro Cup in the evenings. For the stories, Business World ( and perhaps the other business newspaper too) cover it regularly, including the other European and South American Cup championships.

Because of the TV coverage, we saw how NBA players play; and we follow their moves, their set-ups, etc which enhance our skills and basketball sense or IQ. Imagine if the same coverage is shown to us when Messi, Ronaldo, Rooney, Drogba, Lampard, Gomez, Roben, Shevchenko, Van Persie, et al show their wares.

The Euro 2012 is now in the quarterfinal stage.. Azkals fans, catch them and see the real  football.

Sleepless in Seattle

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This isn't about our favorite movie years ago, when Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan titillated us with their love story that ended up at New York's Empire State Building. This is about NBA, about the Oklahoma Thunder which may become this season's big winner and its predecessor, the Seattle Supersonics.

A few years ago, in 2008 , the Sonics folded up the Seattle franchise and moved to Oklahoma. The reason?  The Sonics team owners and the city of Seattle failed to agree on the expansion of Key Arena, the Sonics homecourt. So Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp, stars of the 90's who battled the mighty Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls for the NBA crown in 1996 , Dale Ellis, Xavier McDaniel in the 80's, Dennis Johnson, Jack Sigma in the 70's, Ray Alllen, Rashard Lewis of the early 2000, and the people of Seattle are the ones who maybe are now having sleepless nights.

Consider this. Back then in 2008, Kevin Durant, the man responsible for the ascendancy of the Thunder now, was already with the Sonics team, coming out from a Rookie of the Year season. And the flamboyant, high flying Russel Westbrooke from UCLA, the flip side of the Thunder's dynamic duo, was already drafted. So, back then, the future already belonged to them. They could have been in this prestigious position right now. 41 long years and one NBA championship in 1979, that was their story. It could have been a green and gold (Sonics color) celebration; not the blue and white Thunder  color.And future Hall of Famer Gary Payton is terribly sad.

Many of my friends say Seattle is a beautiful city; and I believe them. This city, home of America's great names in business, among them,  Boeing ( that's why they were called Supersonics), Starbucks, Microsoft, and what more, deserves to have an NBA team.

Incidentally, last summer, I read from an old book of my father-in-law, the speech of an Indian tribal leader delivered during the turn-over of their sacred land to the "whites." It was a very beautiful speech, full of passion with a tinge of disappointment that they have to give up their hallowed ground, the home of their ancestors. It was about their culture, tradition, and bravery in fighting for what they rightfully claimed was theirs. But why am I relating this?

Because the name of this Indian tribal leader was Chief Seattle, and the city was named after him.

Super Sunday

Last weekend was a blockbuster weekend with a smorgasbord of exciting major events which made me glued to the tv set whole day and night, changing channels back and forth. It was a 3 in 1 plus 1 weekend. I couldn't ask for more. The first made me feel great, the 2nd was a big big disappointment and the 3rd decided only an hour ago Monday night as rains delayed its final conclusion.

It actually started last Saturday evening when my favorite, Maria Sharapova, completed a big big comeback from years of injury and frustration to enshrine herself as the Queen of Tennis by capturing the French Open. It was the only title absent in her three major titles, thus capturing the rare Grand Slam in tennis; Wimbledon, US Open, Australian and French Open. rare because only 10 women  before her achieved it. And with her French Open title came a bonus, the world's No. 1 ranking. Nothing can beat that.

Sunday morning, we have the Game 7 of the NBA East finals between the revered Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. Before the season began last year, I said I would bet on the Heat. And indeed, they won the East and now flies to Oklahoma for the most coveted NBA finals. It's time, Lebron James gets his championship ring. But they are up against the Thunder, a team bannered by young talented players led by Kevin Durant and Westbrooke. I thought Durant and Westbrooke are still young; they can wait for their time. I also predicted this match up in the finals.

Right after that game, came the most awaited event. Our national boxing hero, Manny Pacquaio against an undefeated but unheralded young challenger. Timothy Bradley. Shock, disbelief, disappointment, anger, sadness. Our Pambansang kamao lost by a split very controversial decision. It was a rub-out. How they could do it to a universal boxing icon is beyond me. Las Vegas boxing has seen many of such trash but victimizing our own Pacman? It's national tragedy in the Philippines. Even the international community was dismayed. This will be talked about for a long time. Now, the Filipino nation is cring out for revenge; Rematch.

Came the evening and there's Novak Djokovic, the world's No.1 and the top seed going against his great rival, the King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, world's no. 2 and 2nd seeded. In both ways, history is at stake. For Djokovich, it's the distinction of becoming the only man after more than 30 years to hold the four major titles at the same time. It started last year at Wimbledon, then US Open, then Australian Open last January. It's no coincidence that in all these tournaments, his opponent in the finals was... Nadal. Now for Rafa, which considers the clay of the Roland Garros his kingdom and turf, it's the unprecedented 7th title, breaking from 6 titles he jointly holds with one of tennis greats, Bjorn Borg. Alas, after 3 sets, with Nadal leading 2-1, the match was postponed due to rain. When play was resumed, nadal reigned supreme in 4 sets.

The Azkals Has Arrived!

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If we are to gauge the performance of our men's football national team (represented by the popular Azkals) the last two years since that eye opening Suzuki Cup performance, then, indeed, we can now say that finally, Philippine football has arrived. Their performance in the on going friendly games against long time regional tormentors, Malaysia and Indonesia has cemented that observation. Gone are the days when those two ASEAN neighbors, long dominant in the regional games, would outclassed our national teams by such forgettable scores as 7-2, 8-3, margins considered in football as massacre. Now, they can not intimidate us anymore. Now, they can not under estimate us anymore. Now, they are showing us respect.

Last week's friendly game in Malaysia against the host nation was played to an exciting and fighting draw. The team was not even complete with the inavailability of the Younghusband brothers and Neil Etheridge sitting out a one game suspension. In their last friendly a few months ago, played at Rizal Memorial, Malaysia was just lucky to even the game scoring in the closing minutes of the game, following a lapse in defense. Up 1-0 then with time ticking out, it could have been a sweet victory for our revered Azkals. Last night's game against Indonesia played in our own turf was also another heart rending game. Played in rain, it was marred by a bench clearing altercation following a Malaysian foul and which resulted to two red cards issued for the Philippines and one for the visiting Indons. But it proved beneficial on our side as the penalty kick which resulted on that early foul prior to the altercation resulted in a beautiful goal, courtesy of our No.1 scorer, Phil Younghusband. A penalty kick, a header pass to Phil in a crowded area in front of the goal, which he simply volleyed to a stunned Indon goalie.  It was a goal tying kick, 2-2, on the 80th minute which droved the highly partisan crowd in frenzy and uproar. Angel Locsin, wherever she maybe at that time, could have surely jumped from her seat. Now, the Azkals are flying to Bacolod for their 3rd friendly match against Guam, minus the hometown favorite, Ilonggo star and team captain Chieffy Caligdong who was one of those given the red card. How I wish the prolific Stephan Schrock will be there but he did not play last  night because he flew back to Germany on an emergency.


Philippine football has still a long, long way to go to even just be a contender in Asia, much more in the world. A generation or more perhaps. The question lingering in our minds will be: after Azkals, what? They will aged, most will go back to their country where they grew up, mostly in Europe. But now, even for just the popularity and attention revived, and the grass root development  that we now see, Sportydad is happy. Happy in the thought that I have something to cheer about in the sport I first loved, the sport I first played even before I entered school.

Golf Your Way to Father's Day at Marriott Manila

This June, we share our own fun way to uniquely indulge every great leader of the family—our dads! At Marriott Manila, we ensure that we’re the perfect venue to celebrate his life and love through golf.

Since it’s another event that deserves a grand blow out, food is always the first thing to consider especially for the man who takes time to enjoy family, hobby, and a good meal of course. If thinking where to eat on his special day, it would be great to consider a venue where dad can enjoy a hole-in-one treat from dining, accommodation, plus his love for golf!

Wake up the whole family a little earlier and head to Marriott Café for a taste of our most-talked about Sunday Brunch. Needless to say, there’s just something so endearing about a brunch especially at Marriott Café which has set the bar on the way we brunch—cozy, comforting, and basically has everything to satisfy an ever-fickle taste buds. For only P2, 500 net, the whole family is in to be treated with a spread that is purely gourmet. You cant’ go wrong with executive chef Meik Brammer’s 17 stations, featuring its newest additions such as oyster bar, chilled seafood, salumiere, cheese studio, homemade pasta, yakitori, Chinese, and tandoor. Plus, Cru Steakhouse also incorporates its specialties such as Angus beef rib eye, strip loin steak, grilled fish, squid and veggies--which of course, every meat lover dad should never pass up! If you’re family is a fan of big, tender, and tasty slabs of steaks, you must have heard about our Cru. Our well marbled, precious steak slices that are usually saved up for special occasions can now be gorged limitless and enough to suffice the price for this brunch. And who would’ve thought that a martini bar is such as pleasure to enjoy this time of they day? With these well-crafted cocktails and great mixes, it will surely set the stage for dad’s extra special event.  Plus, our chocolate room that spells decadence is brimming with assorted chocolates and rich cake choices is always worth saving up the space for. Whether it’s for the romantic mom and dad or sweet-toothed siblings, this corner is bound to let you experience a taste of heaven. And if you haven’t tasted just yet our sensational homemade gelato, it’s the best time to savor every flavor,   especially the famous Ferrero!  

What’s amazing with dads is that, they love all sort of action-packed bonding experience, especially if it’s a golf game. That’s why while enjoying brunch, an indoor putting station awaits all families that is guaranteed to bring fun and can make any family closer than ever. Make sure to bring out the best putt for a chance to win Marriott Manila gift certificates such as overnight stay, Java+, Marriott Café buffet, golf lessons, and freebies when dad makes it hole-in-one.

But if your goal is to surprise dad with a most romantic kind of date, book for a Cru Steakhouse dinner. For this occasion, sous chef Redj Casanova takes it up a notch with a special Father’s Day 4-course menu: Crispy soft shell crab salad, cream of chicken veloute, grilled grain fed Australian rib eye or pan roasted salmon fillet, and dark chocolate soufflé with Bailey’s ice cream--all at P4, 000 net. And since it’s a day to be extra lavish, might as well consider treating him with a wine-by-the-glass which can add a wine tasting dimension to a meal. With its welcoming yet sophisticated fine dining vibe coupled by Cru’s personalized flair of service, dad will surely feel an amazing king of the day experience that he’ll probably talk about for years.

Another hands-down way to reward a hard working head of the family is by taking him at the Quan Spa, where he’s in to experience a whole new way to wholeness and wellness. Featuring Pevonia Detox massage for only P5, 950 net, this two-hour treatment is designed for distressing, detoxifying, and toning while taking away toxins and impurities of the body. This revered treatment for two hours is using Pevonia’s seaweed wrap teeming with nourishing extracts, guaranteed to revive and refresh a tired body. 

A grueling first half of the year deserves a much-awaited break, and kicking back with your family sounds heavenly. Why not take them at Marriott Manila and avail of the mid-year bonus room package? For only P9, 888++ per night when staying for two nights, the deluxe room accommodation is also inclusive of buffet breakfast for two—and an extra 3^rd night for free plus a double Marriott Rewards points!

Who said that crafting a special event like this would be such a pain? At Marriott Manila, we offer a simple formula for an occasion that is worth remembering while getting out of the traditional.

For inquiries or reservations, call 988-9999.

ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:

An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City. Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40" full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.