UAAP women's volleyball: La Salle rallies past Ateneo to win championship

MANILA, Philippines — For the second straight season, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers are the queens of UAAP women's volleyball.

In a thrilling showdown against their archrivals, the Lady Spikers showed their championship poise in hacking out a 19-25, 25-14, 18-25, 25-18, 15-10 victory over the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles in Game 2 of the Season 79 Finals at Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.

The hard-fought win allowed the Lady Spikers to sweep their best-of-three series over the Lady Eagles, and secure their second consecutive title. It was also their 10th overall championship, all of which came under the guidance of coach Ramil de Jesus.

"Siguro, sa lahat ng na-form ko na team, ito 'yung medyo roller-coaster [Of all the teams I've formed, this is the one that performed like a roller-coaster]," said De Jesus, referring to La Salle's relatively shaky elimination round campaign wherein they went 11-3, losing twice to Ateneo. "I'm very, very happy right now."

It was a balanced effort by the Lady Spikers, with last season's finals MVP Kianna Dy scoring 19 points, Tin Tiamzon 16 points, and eventual finals MVP Desiree Cheng contributing 12. Season 79 MVP Majoy Baron had 10 points.

It was not an easy victory for the Lady Spikers. Like Game 1, the Lady Eagles seized the first frame, though La Salle bounced back in the second set on the strength of graduating setter Kim Fajardo's spectacular service game.

Ateneo seized control of the match anew in the third, with Bea de Leon anchoring a 5-0 run through her serve that allowed the Lady Eagles to pull away, 13-10. They completely distanced themselves later, this time with Kim Gequillana coming through with an ace to spark a 4-0 attack, turning a slim 18-16 lead into a 22-16 advantage.

With Ateneo fans chanting "Game 3, Game 3" ahead of the fourth set, the Lady Spikers buckled down to work. The two squads traded points early, but La Salle took control midway, thanks to a series of errors by the Lady Eagles and an ace by Tiamzon.

Ateneo came as close as three points, 21-18, but La Salle ended the frame with four unanswered points capped by a resounding block by Dy on Michelle Morente.

"Sabi ko lang, ayaw kong umabot ng Game 3," said De Jesus of his message to the players ahead of the fourth set. "So sabi ko sa kanila, tatapusin natin ngayon. Maniwala lang kayo na tatapusin natin ngayon."

[I told them that I didn't want it to reach a Game 3. I told them that we will end it today, they just need to believe that they can end it today.]

The Lady Spikers raced out to a quick 6-1 lead in the fifth and deciding frame, forcing Ateneo to play catchup the rest of the way. The Lady Eagles had no answer for Tiamzon and Dy, who conspired to punch attacks through Ateneo's porous defense.

De Leon's net defense and Kim Gequillana's ace allowed the Lady Eagles to come to within two points, 10-8, but La Salle restored order immediately through Cheng and Tiamzon.

A swipe by Jhoana Maraguinot proved to be Ateneo's last stand, 10-14, before Baron's quick kill and an attack error by Maraguinot wrapped up the victory for the Lady Spikers.

It was a fitting ending to the UAAP career of Fajardo, who returned to the Lady Spikers for her final year and served as the inspiration of the team all throughout their title defense. The captain had six points on four aces, along with 43 excellent sets, in her final game for La Salle.

"She was my main inspiration for today's game," said Dy of the graduating Fajardo. "I'm happy that we were able to give her the exit that she deserves."

"Sobrang saya ko talaga," said Fajardo. "Hindi ko naramdaman na ako 'yung pinakamatanda sa amin. Hindi ko naramdaman na ako 'yung mag-isa, na ako lang 'yung lumalaban. Never ko na-feel 'yun."

[I'm so happy. I never once felt that I was the oldest person in the team, that I was alone in the fight. They never made me feel like that.]

Morente had 16 points for Ateneo, while De Leon and Maraguinot each tallied 14, and Kat Tolentino scored 10. Morado also had six points and 53 excellent sets to her credit.

However, for the second straight game, the Lady Eagles were unusually error-prone. They gave away 33 free points to La Salle due to their errors, and their spotty reception allowed the Lady Spikers to score 12 points off aces.

La Salle has now beaten Ateneo in four of their six Finals meetings dating back to Season 74.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

WATCH: El Gamma Penumbra's tribute to LGBT community

"Asia's Got Talent" grand champion El Gamma Penumbra prepared a fitting tribute for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community at the "Keri Beks: The First Gay Congress" held at the Araneta Coliseum.

The group's performance tackled some of the issues hounding LGBTs, including workplace discrimination and the issue of same-sex marriage.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

What to expect from Vice Ganda's concert

MANILA -- Expect a concert of Super Bowl half-time proportions when comedian-host Vice Ganda returns to the Araneta Coliseum later this month.

Unlike most concerts, "Vice Gandang Ganda Sa Sarili," which will happen on May 22, will have an arena-style staging.

"Ito 'yung first time na mangyayari sa local concert scene na ang stage ay nasa gitna ng Araneta, parang Super Bowl," he said. "Tapos walang backdrop, bilog lang siya. Kaya ang mga mangyayari it's either nasa ere ka o nasa lupa ka."



Vice Ganda also hinted that the opening number will be "malalang buwis-buhay."

The comedian, whose last major concert "I-Vice Ganda Mo Ko at the Araneta" was held back in 2013, is sparing no expense for the upcoming show.

"Nag-over budget kami. May mga production dito na nag-abono na ako, para huwag lang matanggal. Sabi ko ibawas na lang sa talent fee. Kapag natanggal 'yung ibang effects parang sayang kasi 'yun 'yung mga pinangarap kong gawin na dito ko lang magagawa sa Araneta, sa big concert. Kapag hindi ko nagawa ngayon, ;di ko alam kung magagawa ko pa. Kung sa susunod pa, eh baka malaos na at baka magawa na ng iba," he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

WATCH: David Blaine performs trick on Kris

International illusionist David Blaine wowed TV host Kris Aquino with a card trick during the live telecast of "Aquino & Abunda Tonight" on Thursday. Blaine is in the country for a one-night show at Araneta Coliseum on Friday at 8 p.m.

Watch the full episode in iWant TV or TFC

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Sharapova, Murray join Manila team in tennis tour

MANILA, Philippines – Russian superstar Maria Sharapova is teaming up with 2013 Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and Philippines No. 1 Treat Huey to form the Manila Mavericks of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL).

Sharapova, Murray and Huey will be joined by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Kirsten Flipekns, Daniel Nestor and Carlos Moya during the Manila leg of the IPTL on November 28-30 at the Araneta Coliseum.

"We are happy that our Philippines No. 1 and current ATP Doubles Top 30 Treat Huey has joined the Manila team, so his fans finally get to see him live in action at a home event for the first time," Philippine Tennis Association president Edwin L. Olivarez said in a statement.

Manila will be the first leg of the league that will also have stops in Singapore, India and the United Arab Emirates. The Manila Mavericks will compete with the UAE Royals, Singapore Slammers, and the Indian Aces for the total prize money of $1-M.

It has been earlier revealed that world No. 1 Novak Djokovic will lead the UAE Royals. He will be joined by Richard Gasquet, Janko Tipsarevic, Goran Ivanisevic, Caroline Wozniacki, Martina Hingis, Nenad Zimonjic and top Arab player Malek Jaziri.

The IPTL is a new team tennis competition that features the best current and former ATP and WTA players across four selected cities in Asia in a competition lasting from November 28 to December 13.

The teams will play 24 matches in a round-robin format to determine the first ever IPTL League Champion.

There will be changes to the traditional scoring format of tennis, according to IPTL founder Mahesh Bhupathi, which allows them to "speed up the games and allows us to expose the fans to up to 24 different players in one evening."

Tickets for the event will go on sale in early August. Each ticket will entitle the holder to watch daily matches which will start around 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. each day.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Charice won't join ABS-CBN Christmas special

MANILA -- Singer Charice won't be part of ABS-CBN's Christmas special "Kwento Ng Pasko Pag-Asa at Pagbangon" on Tuesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Charice's talent manager Glenn Aldueza confirmed via his official Twitter account, that Charice was advised by her doctors to rest her voice.

"@officialccrp can't make it for ABS Xmas special. Dr. advice to rest her voice. Get well soon. #apology #chasters," Aldueza.

Aldueza's message was also retweeted by Charice.

Even prior to the announcement, Charice had been complaining that her illness has affected her singing.

"It was very hard. Glad I still got to sing it. Bear with my ngongo voice. Salamat sa mga nanood. Love you all!," tweeted Charice, who performed at Eastwood last Friday with her "The X Factor Philippines" ward KZ Tandingan.

Proceeds of"Kwento Ng Pasko Pag-Asa at Pagbangon" concert will go to the Sagip Kapamilya Foundation's efforts to help victims of typhoon Yolanda.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

San Mig Coffee wins Governors' Cup title

MANILA – San Mig Coffee drubbed Petron Blaze in the winner-take-all Game 7, 87-77, to clinch the PBA Governors’ Cup at a jam-packed Araneta Coliseum on Friday night.

San Mig Coffee took a 41-39 halftime lead before closing out Petron in the next two quarters.

The win enabled Mixers’ coach Tim Cone to match the all-time best record of 15 titles set by PBA coaching legend Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan.

San Mig Coffee also frustrated the campaign of Petron’s rookie coach Gee Abanilla, who steered the Boosters to a sensational 8-1 run in the eliminations only to lose in their best-of-7 title series versus the Mixers, 4-3.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Charice hopes family will watch her concert

MANILA – Singer Charice is still hoping that her family will watch her concert at the Araneta Coliseum later this month.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Charice said it would be nice if to see her mom in the audience when she shares the stage with Aiza Seguerra.

“Of course, I wish they could come. It would be very nice if they watch. Kumbaga magiging huge step na iyon eh,” she said.

In her live interview on “The Buzz” last Sunday, Charice said she still misses her mother and younger brother, with whom she hasn't spoken to since coming out as a lesbian months ago.

"Especially malapit na ang Christmas, nandoon 'yung wish ko na magkaintindihan [kaming lahat]," she said.

"Kahit lahat ng tao sa mundo sabihin sa akin na proud sila sa akin, iba ang feeling kapag sa kanila galing," a teary-eyed Charice added.

‘Chapter 10’

Charice revealed that she just thinks about how much support she is getting from her fans to drown her sadness.

Just recently, she held a successful mall tour where she launched her new album “Chapter 10.”

“Hindi ko inexpect na ganun kabilis [mabibili 'yung album]. Actually I was nervous kung ano ang mangyayari kasi from the day I came out, bago na lahat eh. I want to thank all the people who bought the album or downloaded the album,” she said.

Charice said the new album is more meaningful to her because the songs show who she really is.

“Nasu-suprise ako na nao-overwhelm and thankful and blessed. I just never expected this. Lutang pa ako. But it doesn’t matter because the most important thing is I want them to have it, to listen to it,” she said.

Among the songs included in Charice’s album is a duet with girlfriend, Alyssa Quijano.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Patti Austin to perform in Manila, Davao

MANILA - American Grammy award-winning singer Patti Austin is coming to the Philippines for a series of shows.

On its website, concert promoter Ovation Productions announced that Austin will be part of George Benson's concert on September 5 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

On September 7, she will have a show with Joe Pizzulo at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, and at the SMX Convention Center Davao on September 9.

The 63-year-old jazz artist is behind the hits "Say You Love Me," "How Do You Keep the Music Playing," "Baby, Come to Me" and "In My Life."

Austin has been promoting her shows in the Philippines on Twitter.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

'80s duo Pet Shop Boys to perform in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – The British '80s duo Pet Shop Boys will hold a concert in Manila this August.

According to the duo’s website, the Pet Shop Boys will perform at the Araneta Coliseum on August 6 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

The website added that tickets for the show will be available on Ticketnet starting at 8 a.m. on June 15, Manila time.

Composed of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, the Pet Shop Boys are dubbed as the most successful duo in UK music history based on awards and record sales.

Their hits include "West End Girls," "It's A Sin," "Domino Dancing" and "Suburbia."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Bb. Pilipinas 2013 candidates in Q&A portion

MANILA, Philippines – Candidate No. 41 Ariella Arida of Laguna was the first contestant to participate in the much-awaited question-and-answer portion of this year’s Binibining Pilipinas coronation night held on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Arida was eventually named Miss Universe Philippines 2013, and is set to represent the country in the upcoming international pageant.

She answered this question from judge Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima: “Name a lesson about life that women can teach men.”

The beauty queen, who also won Best in Swimsuit, replied: “One lesson in life that women can teach men is being sensitive because we all know that men are more logical when it comes to decision[-making]. They’re usually more rational, straightforward. Unlike we women, we use our hearts and tend to get emotional in some of our decisions. So, that’s it for me. Sensitivity is something that we, women, can teach to men. Thank you.”

Candidate No. 20 Bea Rose Santiago of Masbate was crowned Binibining Pilipinas-International, and is set to compete in the Miss International beauty pageant. She also bagged the Binibining Avon award.

She was given this question by judge Miss International Beauty Congress president Hirofumi Hashimoto: “Complete this sentence: The ideal Filipino is…”

Santiago replied: “Thank you. The ideal Filipino is both proud and happy people. We love Philippines so much that we are willing to come back here every year, we’re willing to spend our Christmas, holidays every year just to be here in the Philippines. Because we Filipinos will always feel at home here in the Philippines.”

Getting the Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism, the Binibining Petron and the Cream Silk Beyond Beautiful Woman award is candidate No. 16, Joanna Cindy Miranda, who answered this question from judge Liliana Zawadzki: “What is a personal quality that most people remember about you?”

“One word that can describe me is I’m unstoppable. Everything that I wanted in life, I did it, even if I didn’t have permission from my parents, from my friends, or people around me. If I know that what I want to do is right and good for me, I will do it. And at the end of it, I know every people around me will be proud of me. Thank you,” the beauty queen from Nueva Ecija replied.

Candidate No. 39 Mutya Johanna Datul was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Supranational, and also received the Binibining Photogenic and Best in Evening Gown awards.

She got this question from judge Amb. Roberto Mayorga: “Many beauty queens have embraced advocacies after their reigns. What would be your advocacy?”

Datul, who hails from Isabela, replied: “Thank you so much, sir. My advocacy is I want to extend my help to those people who are in need, especially the BPCI (Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc.) charity, and I want to be part of them to helping those charity, BPCI. Thank you so much.”

Meanwhile, candidate No. 15 Pia Wurtzbach of Cagayan de Oro, who is a member of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, was named first runner-up.

Purisima asked her this question: “What do you think is the greatest achievement of Binibining Pilipinas in its 50 years of existence? Why do you think so?”

Wurtzbach replied: “I think the greatest achievement that Binibining Pilipinas has given to the world is the candidates, not just the winners, but everyone. Because each candidate… our lives changed when we joined this pageant, and we became inspiration to other people. And that’s why I think the greatest gift of Binibining Pilipinas is its candidates. Thank you.”

Here is the question and answer portion for the rest of the Top 15 candidates in this year’s Binibining Pilipinas pageant:

Candidate No. 45, Imelda Schweighart

Question (from judge Bobby Huang): “The Beatles believed that all you need is love. Agree or disagree, and why?”
Answer: “You know what, we should spread world peace. We people tend to overthink sometimes, and we tend to think about negative energies. And I think we should just think of positive energies. In that case, we will spread love to everybody. Thank you.”

Candidate No. 13, Charmaine Elima

Question (from judge ABS-CBN chairman Gabby Lopez): “You know, in this digital age, on Facebook, everything is made public. So, for you, what for you should remain private, and why?”
Answer: “For me, those things should remain private is your self, especially in terms of being open up in everything to them. Your personality, your personal intentions should be private. Thank you.”

Candidate No. 43, Rhea Nakpil

Question (from judge Sec. Rene Almendras): “Recently, a Filipino nurse was praised at President Obama’s State of the Union Address because of her heroism during typhoon Sandy. What is the trait that makes Filipinos stand out in the world?”
Answer: “I think one of the traits that make Filipinos stand in the world is honesty. For I believe honesty is the root to success, to heroism, heroic deeds and to the success of the world, most especially in terms of being a Filipino. Thank you very much.”

Candidate No. 46, Amanda Noelle Navasero

Question (from judge Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz): “Do you think you could be a good Catholic if you believe in the RH bill?”
Answer: “I believe that believing in the RH bill is a good… especially for us educated people, we should know how to be a… we should know how to… understand the RH bill itself. So it’s really important, especially for the kids right now. Thank you very much.”

Candidate No. 34, Grace Yann Apuad

Question (from judge Amb. Massimo Rosigno): “What can be your greatest contribution to your local community?”
Answer: “Good evening, sir. Thank you for that question. The greatest contribution that I can give is being an inspiration to the youth because I myself is a very independent person. I have been living on my own and I was able to finish studies even without my parents, and I think that will serve as inspiration to the youth today. Thank you.”

Candidate No. 22, Ellore Noelle Punzalan
Question (from judge Philippine Azkals player James Younghusband): “If you have the opportunity to speak to the new Pope, what would you tell him?”
Answer: “If I would have the opportunity to meet the new Pope, I would congratulate him first for having that opportunity. And I would like him to pray for our country, the Philippines, to be united. To have love, to serve as… something that would be relevant to everyone. The Filipino family is something that we should be proud of.”

Candidate No. 12, Camille Carla Nazar

Question (from judge Louis Ng): “Which country in the world, aside from the Philippines, fascinates you and why?”
Answer: “Nais ko po sanang sagutin ang iyong katanungan sa wikang Filipino. Sa totoo po, kung ako’y papipiliin, ayoko po sanang bitiwan ang Pilipinas dahil mahal ko po ito. Pero kung bibigyan ako ng chance, nais ko pong maka… sa Amerika po. Dahil sa tingin ko ito ‘yung pinaka… para sa akin, maunlad na bansa at andoon sa President Obama na siyang matatag na president natin. Thank you.”

Candidate No. 31, Maria Angelica de Leon

Question (from judge "The Buzz" host Boy Abunda): “My question is, are the best things in life really for free? Why or why not?”
Answer: “Yes, I do believe that the best things in life are free, like love, family, happiness and, of course, the care that you get from all your loved ones. And, of course, you could not buy that from anyone, you get it from respect and love. Thank you.”

Candidate No. 25, Merry Joyce Respicio

Question (from judge James Younghusband): “If you were to break one habit, what would it be and why?”
Answer: “At 18 years old, I love eating junk food and that’s one thing… that’s one thing that I would like to break ‘cause it’s not healthy. Thank you.”

Candidate No. 33, Parul Shah

Question (from judge Liliana Zawadzki): “What would you tell a child who’s being bullied in school?
Answer: “I would tell the child to never look down, bring himself up even though he’s being stepped on. Because for me, I do believe that it will start from one’s self. Respect everyone around you and humility in one’s self will actually… will actually eradicate people who bully children. Thank you.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com