Actress Danica Sotto-Pingris gave birth to her first child, a boy, with husband Marc Pingris on June 26. The couple has named their son, Jean-Michele. We all know Marc has French blood. Congrats to the couple! By the way, Marc and his comrades, the Magnolia Beverage Masters won last night against Alaska.
We all know that evening when Eugene got injured in Ynares Center. It was Purefoods against Red Bull if I’m not mistaken. Eugene is such a nice person. I usually see him lifting weights in Fitness First Ortigas and that’s how I got to befriend him, through Rob Duat. He even told me to drop by his house, and there he gave me a jersey and a basketball shorts he wore. I was so sad when he got injured and that he had to move back to the States. I hope he could come back here in the Philippines at least. 
The San Beda Red Lions beat the Mapua Cardinals in the opening salvo of the NCAA Season 84 yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum, 85-56. As expected, Sam Ekwe topscored among other individuals with 18 points, 12 rebound. Mapua top gun Kelvin Dela Pena was 1-of-7 from the three-point area and finished with only nine points. In another game, last year’s second placed Letran, was also off to an impressive start, walloping Jose Rizal U, 83-69, in the second game.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
2PM SBC vs MIT ARANETA
4PM JRU vs LC ARANETA
6PM UPHR vs SSC-R ARANETA
8PM PCU vs CSB ARANETA
Air21 Express will make history for itself if it wins on Wednesday against Purefoods. This after winning last night over Magnolia 90-88. The win gave them an advantage of getting into the semis automatically, a first for the team. Air21 hasn’t been gained an automatic entry to the semifinals since its debut in the league.
By the way, the games that were supposed to occur during the height of typhoon Frank will be on July 6, at the Cuneta Astrodome. It coincides the Ateneo - La Salle game at the Araneta Coliseum. I’m sure I’ll be tired that day. After the UAAP, I’d go straight to the PBA to watch that exciting game between Ginebra and Alaska.
Mac Cardona got married two weeks ago. This he confirmed to me when I chatted with him in an event. It was rumored that he and the mother of his daughter, Baby Sophia (or Sofia?) were not in good terms after the latter gave birth. I’m so happy for the couple. Congrats Captain Hook. 
At the Press Conference for the upcoming 84th Season of NCAA, it was said by NCAA ManCom Member Mr. Fernando Lozano of Mapua that this collegiate season will be held at the Cuneta Astrodome. Rizal Coliseum, the usual venue of the NCAA games is said to have floors that aren’t suitable for playing when it rains because the floors are moistened. Secondly, The Arena in San Juan seems to be too far for majority of the schools. And thirdly, the mayor of Pasay is giving the league 50% discount for all the games. Wise indeed.
Arwind Santos’ beautiful daughter celebrated her birthday last week at The Fort. It was attended by basketball players close to Arwind.
In the first round, only the Araneta Coliseum and PhilSports Arena (ULTRA) will be used. The Arena in San Juan will NOT be used at all. In the second round, only one playdate will be played at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium (NAS) while the rest will be at either the Araneta or ULTRA.
July 5 - Araneta Coliseum
12:30 PM - Opening by University of the Philippines
02:00 PM - UP vs NU
04:00 PM - UE vs UST
JULY 6 ARANETA COLISEUM
2:00 PM UP VS. NU
4:00 PM DLSU VS. ADMU
Despite the heavy downpour yesterday, some people were texting here and there to ask if the PBA will still push through. Undoubtedly, the game between Ginebra GinKings and the Alaska Aces was really a sight to behold. Both teams are displaying a good showing in their past games except for Aces being defeated by the Realtors the other Wednesday. Aside from that, the GinKings and the Aces were on their respective winning streaks and would have surely put up a nice show. Based on my experience, the games scheduled for tomorrow will be postponed after the last elimination schedule.
