Martes, Oktubre 23, 2012

Round up through the world of Circball


     Emerging from the metro, players in their emblematic jerseys with red band on their sweating heads all brace up as they clash against their rivals in the circle shaped arena. Yes, you read it right, in the circle shaped arena. You might actually think that it is your ordinary ball game, well, gear up as we put you in this one-of-a-kind circular battle of the era.
 Spinning up the ball
    Juan’s obsession to basketball had totally changed the Philippines sporting culture. Throughout the years, basketball proved to be invincible and remained as the country’s number one sport. However, with the desire of some Filipinos to create a game that is purely ours and we can be proud of, an innovation to basketball has been made giving rise to an all new ball game—Circball.
     Circball also known as Loveball game uses a cluster-ring design with two baskets in tandem located intuitively at the center of a specially designed round court. It is a 100 percent ‘pinoy’ concept out of the creative notions of Virgilio Vysosias, a 38-year old Philippine sports enthusiast.
First encounter
     Circball is a little bit complicated to play compared to basketball as it features an all new set of rules and regulations. It involves two teams; each composed of six players. The game will start with the ‘Drop ball’, which can be compared to basketball’s jump ball, after which, opposing teams will begin to brawl as they try to shoot the ball in a cluster ring design with a big out robe without backboard.
     Scoring in this game is easier than basketball; if the player fires in the red and white zone, one point is given when basket comes from the outer ring and three-points if the ball shrinks in the primary ring. Moreover, one will get three-points if the shot is made in the outer green zone and four-points will be given if one shoots from the blue zone. The scoring rule also includes the ‘Human rights play’ which gives chance for the losing team to score after the games score has been tallied.
Not your ordinary game
     Freedom of expressing moral principles— this signifies the overall goal of circball. More than the game, it wants to uphold the values that were slowly getting out of the Philippine sporting scene— love, cleanliness, charity and honesty.
      Blasting with fun-filled action, it clamors the artistry and creativity of Filipinos which can match the prestige of other well-known sports of this generation. Moreover, this game indulges and will continue to inculcate the principles and values as well as the spirit of sportsmanship among Pinoys.


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Weighing every drop of bottled energy




     Athlete or not, everyone needs energy — that enduring power to sustain one’s physique and stamina in this jam-packed battle-field world. And if you are trying to be like superman in facing the day in and day out war, then you might need more energy to keep you up. Thus, energy drinks might just be your best bud.

     However, as these “mythical potions” flock every store, try to pocket your penny and discover first if they are really worth drinking.
Energy’s first drop
     In the early 1960s, the word “energy drink” was unheard of. But, in the summer of 1965, the University of Florida Gators American Football team formulated a beverage they called “Gatorade” to help them replenish their energy during competitions. The following year, the Gators seized the orange bowl championship. When their opponents were asked about their loss, they replied only this: “They have Gatorade; that’s what made the difference”. From then on, other colleges started buying energy drinks hoping for similar results. Hence, the energy drink era commenced.
     Energy drinks became the top choice of every athlete in any sport. Tagged with an irresistible promise of herculean prowess, more and more athletes believed that this bottled energy is no myth at all.
     Today, as life becomes “all work”, it is no longer just the athletes who are taking this alleged elixir of vitality. Although some are specially designed for elite athletes, most energy drinks are produced and sold to cater people from different walks of life.
Fuel for workouts
     Swifter, faster and stronger. These are what every bottle of energy drink supposedly offers. Through its contents like caffeine, which reduces physical fatigue; taurine, which helps strengthen muscles; and glucuronolactone, which boosts mental alertness and stamina, energy drink is a great tool to improve one’s physical endurance, reaction time and concentration. It is also notable that energy drinks stimulate metabolism that results to better digestion.
     Moreover, besides giving insurmountable strength, energy drinks also help improve mental alertness while increasing a person’s overall well-being.
The drop threats
     FAST FACT: On November 2000, Ross Cooney, an 18-year-old Basketball player from Ireland collapsed and died in the middle of a game. It happened an hour right after he consumed four cans of energy drink.
     Despite of the numerous advantages they bring, one cannot deny the risks that they can also cause. Drowning yourself with energy drinks may result to high blood pressure due to increased heart rate. Thus, instead of emerging victorious in a game, you may end up lying down in a stretcher out of the field.
     However, caffeine is not the only element of energy drink that weakens the body. Carbohydrates, which form a large percentage of energy drink nowadays, can also result to a slower fluid and nutrients absorption if taken too much.
Drink moderately
     With the semester winding down, you might find yourself pulling overnight reviews just to fit the time for all your work before the finals. Thus, you might need to stock energy drinks to survive the night. However, if this article made you think twice, just resort into drinking hot chocolate, decaffeinated coffee and tea — they are great alternatives that will keep you awake all night.
     Honestly, there is really nothing wrong with relying on energy drinks for it can certainly power you up beyond your limit. However, you should always remember that the first bottle is enough, the second is too much and the third is plain lethal.




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Ride through the glide of Skimboarding


     As the smooth waves reach the shore of Nasugbu, 19-year-old Karl, with his teardrop-shaped board, stands waiting a few feet away from the sea. And as the sand patters to the ocean, he lets loose of his board, steps on it and runs in anticipation towards the shore — gliding through the small waves at the edge of the sea.
Boards up!
     From a mere lifeguard’s drill used to cross over beaches in California, Skimboarding has greatly established itself today as a visually thrilling and fun water sport worldwide. In the Philippines, the sport has been rocking the country’s coastline since 2000, starting along the shores of Tanauan, Leyte.
    In less than a decade, more people from neighboring towns and provinces were drawn to the sport, and what used to be a form of recreation soon evolved into a series of friendly competitions. In fact, a three-day sports festival called ‘Skimfest’ is annually held in Nasugbu, Batangas wherein Skimboarders compete and party all night.
     Skimboarding is one way on how I can release my stress. Masaya s’yang laruin lalo na kung marami kang kasama,” expressed Karl Dale dela Rosa, a second year Brahman AutoCad student who has been into skimboarding for a year now.
Conquer the waves
     Most people know Skimboarding as ‘the-thing-you-do-in-the-sand’, and while this is true, Skimboarding has evolved to something more than that.
     To start with this groovy sport, you must stand about 20 feet away from the ocean with the skimboard on hand. Once you see a wave, hold your boards up then drop it on the wet sand. The hardest part though is when you try to ride the board.
     “Medyo mahirap magsimula kasi ang tendency ng iba ay tumalon sa board, pero mali ‘yun, kasi mas malaki ang chance na mahulog sila,” explained Karl.
     Moreover, if you know now how to ride the board, the next step to do is to remain stable on it. You will then need to glide into the sand towards the  coming wave, bank off of it, and ride back onto the shore. There are many possibilities for riding the waves and that is where skimboarding gets really interesting. If you already mastered the basics, then you can try making tricks like Ollie and shuvit.
Surf and scratch
     Not everyone may love water sports. But remember, trying something new isn’t bad at all. Afraid of breath-taking water sports? Then, Skimboarding is definitely a great sport you can start with — cheaper, refreshing and definitely safer.
     So will you just be at one corner of the beach doing sand castles? Come on! You know what to play now.


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Sports for Women Prowess


     The triumph cannot be achieved without the struggle. And I know what struggle is. I have spent a lifetime trying to live with it, trying to live up on what it means to be the first woman in the world of sports, so that other young women would have a chance to reach their dreams.”  Wilma Rudolph hit the nail right on the head. As the testimonial above clearly suggests a womanly tongue, delve into her name as a living testament on how a woman conquered the manly world of track and field.
     Unlike Rudolph, the sports arena, for most women, has reduced their roles into mere spectators, faces of the crowd, muses of teams or moreso, cheerleaders. But as another sports era dawns, Eve and her playmates can now widen their playing ground as more women-friendly sports are being named to rock the sporting scene.
Not so soft in ‘Softball’
     Trying to hit a ball and running to bases in a small diamond-shaped field, while your opponent tries to tag you at any cost, may look a bit scary for some women watching a Softball game. Yet, hear not your screams. The modified rules of Softball now guarantee a lighter playing atmosphere and lower chance of injury — making it a certified sport for women to engage in.
     “At first, ayokong matutunan ang paglalaro ng Softball kasi mukhang nakakapagod laruin — takbo nang takbo, at higit sa lahat, nakakatakot matamaan ng bola,” shared Ara Ramos, 19, a student from Batangas City who has been playing Softball for a year.
     Softball, in many ways, is somewhat technically the girls’ version of Baseball. Being its direct descendant, it is played the same way as the Baseball. However, to fit women’s capabilities, some major modifications were done. The size of the field is relatively smaller, the bat is shorter, and the ball is bigger yet lighter. Moreover, the way of pitching also varies for Softball as it uses underhand pitching compared to Baseball that performs overhand pitching.
     Noteworthy, playing this game can improve and enhance a wide range of physical traits including balance, coordination, strength and stamina while increasing women’s self-esteem and confidence. Excited lagi ako kapag maglalaro na at talagang nag-eenjoy ako sa takbo ng game lalo na kapag may nakaka-homerun. Hindi lang ito panlalaki, pwedeng-pwede din ito sa mga kapwa ko babae. Extraordinary ang feeling kapag ang isang babae ay naka-bat,” added Ara.
‘Squash’ it up!        
     Once dubbed as the world’s number one healthiest and safest sport to play, Squash will surely complement females of all generation.
     Squash is played in a four-walled court using a specially designed racquet and ball. The game is performed by two to four players who act as servers or returners, each taking turns to hit the ball against the front wall. If the server wins the rally, she receives a point, while if the returner wins it, only the service changes.
     Though this sport may seem deceptively simple and easy to play, it can also provide an intense cardio exercise by improving the flexibility of the upper and lower body parts. Moreover, Squash is an ideal game for busy women. Besides that it does not require a lot of time and equipment, it is a good sport for stress release since it enhances concentration and mental alertness.
    Squash is also widely accessible that one can play it in recreational centers and country clubs. Some hotels even cater this sport. However, if you do not find it easy going to such places, you can always improvise your own court as all you will need is a four-walled room which is similar or approximately the size of a real Squash court.
Get hooked with ‘Netball’
     If you want to play Basketball but afraid of the injuries you may get, then trying Netball is the best for you girl.
     Netball originated from Basketball, but to avoid harsh physical contacts, a slight modification was considered. Instead of dribbling the ball, two teams of seven players each will have to hand the ball to each other and shoot it in a ring without a backboard. This type of gameplay improves hand-to-eye coordination and flexibility among players while increasing their upper body strength and cardiovascular system.
     Moreso, Netball does not require any special equipment or facilities. So girl, a Netball pitch with two goals is all you need for a game or even in an actual tournament.
Reach high through ‘Pole Dancing’
     Pole dancing is not just for strip clubs. If you still think so, then you are missing out a big chunk of the sports world. Pole dancing is now considered as an excellent aerobic workout that there are even rumors about its inclusion in the 2012 Olympics.
     “Maganda ang pole dancing, kahit ang iba ang tingin pa rin dito ay para lang sa mga club. Uso na talaga ito. And it’s more than just for entertainment kasi sport na rin ‘to dahil ng mga kompetisyon for this,” shared Princess De Villa, 27, a fitness instructor from Batangas City.
     Pole dancing is a kind of exercise that combines spins, climbs and dance moves with the aid of a vertical pole.  It provides an excellent workout for strength conditioning. Notable muscular development along the buttocks, arms, and thighs can be seen in just a month or two, if done properly and regularly. In addition, what’s interesting about pole dancing is that self-confidence and a sense of well being are being developed through this. It is often noted that it helps women feel stronger, more powerful and more self-assured.
     However, if you cannot find a place that will satisfy your pole dancing craze, you can just do it at home. Just be sure that the pole you will be using is strong enough to carry you.
     “Nakaka-boost talaga ng confidence ang pole dancing, kasi it enhances the physical appearance. Hindi na rin ako nahihiya sa figure ko everytime na lumalabas ako. At dahil dito, I gained more friends,” expressed Princess.
Go for goal with ‘Handball’
     Handball may not be popular among women but with its promise of an action-packed game that involves less physical contact, it will surely be an all-time favorite no sooner than later.
     Handball is a crossbreed sport between Basketball and Football. The game, as its name suggests, only uses the hands to score in a rectangular goal. The players work together, passing and dribbling the ball up the court, in an attempt to seize a goal. This sport helps develop women’s flexibility, agility and mental focus. It is also an excellent training ground where women can develop sense of leadership, teamwork, goal-setting, the pursuit of excellence in performance and other achievement-oriented behaviors.
     This sport can be played in a court with nearly the same size of a tennis court, and all you will need are the rectangular net goal and the ball.
Be good at ‘Badminton’
     “I feel great everytime I play Badminton. It’s a fun game,” beamed Rashida Breboneria, 22, a member of the UB Badminton Club.
     This might be your ‘oh-so-typical’ kind of game that even both kids and adults are so familiar with it. It is also not so new to see someone playing it on the streets. However, as common as it may seem, you still cannot deny the fun and excitement it brings.
     Badminton, unlike its sister sport, Tennis, uses a shuttlecock instead of a ball. Badminton players race to score 21 points by hitting the shuttlecock. Whoever wins the rally gains a point. It can be played in a medium-sized rectangular court by two or four players, either in singles or doubles. But here is the best part: physical contacts are least likely to occur — making it a safe but fun sport women can truly enjoy. Well, playing badminton becomes beneficial because it also strengthens cardio vascular system and helps women prevent osteoporosis.
     “Badminton, just like any other sport needs hard training and a big heart. When all of your techniques failed, it’s your passion that will keep you going. This sport is a great way to improve your discipline and self-confidence,” advised Shida to all aspiring badminton players.
Sports for all
     Gender is not a hindrance. Equality in sports may not be totally achieved because males are generally born with stronger physique. But this fact alone does not make females weaker beings unworthy of an active participation in the manly world of sports. Like males, they also have the right to enjoy the opportunities that any other sports offer.
     Modifications in extreme sports are created to give every woman a chance to prove that it is not impossible for them to reach their sportly dreams. Admit it or not: these women-friendly sports will continue to empower Eves of this generation; and this emancipation sends everyone one clear message; sports is universal.  




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The legend that was never told

    April 30, 1922 — in a football game between Spain and France, a player kicked the ball so forceful from a 30-yard distance that it ended up, not only making a goal, but breaking the net, as well.
    No, he is not the ancestor of America’s David Beckham nor the great grandfather of Portugal’s Christiano Ronaldo. He is not even related with today’s world top football player Lionel Messi. Nevertheless, he is a sports legend that the Pearl of the Orient should take pride of — Paulino “The Netbreaker” Alcantara.
Of Filipino roots
     Although born of mixed ancestry, a Spanish father and a Filipino mother, Paulino Alcantara resembled the physique of a native Filipino. Unlike any other Filipino-Spanish athletes nowadays (who look more Spanish than Filipino), he had a medium-built body — a figure unsuited for an athlete as many believed. However, this clearly did not hinder him from paving his way to the world of football.
     Paulino first started playing football in Iloilo at an early age. The province, being one of the few places in the country where Football is more popular than Basketball or Boxing, greatly contributed in carving a Football hero in him.
     He might not have known it then. But when his father decided to bring him back to Spain when he was still 14 years old, Paulino has just taken a step closer to the greater feats that await him.
Legend in the making
     It was in Barcelona where Paulino’s football career started to take off. Paulino, who played football since his early years in Iloilo, initially joined a football club formed by his classmates. And no sooner, due to his astonishing skills, he caught the attention of Joan Gamper, the man behind Barcelona Football Club (Barca). Gamper, seeing a great potential in him, signed up the aspiring player for the club. This definitely made Paulino the first Asian to play for a European sporting club.
     At a tender age of 15, Paulino became the youngest player ever to play for Barça. Moreover, in his debut game, Paulino garnered the first three of the nine goals that Barça made against Catala Sporting Club. With such record, he was also hailed as the youngest player in Barca’s history to score in a tournament match.
     Throughout his career, Paulino showcased powerful kicks that left everyone who watched him in awe. In fact, he was so good that the whole crowd went crazy over his signature kick in a match against France. He kicked the ball so hard that it was able to break the net. Since then, every child in Spain tried to imitate his signature kick.
    “History talaga ang nagawa ni Alcantara sa Football. Kahit hindi s’ya ganun kakilala ng iba, para sa akin na football player, eh napakalaki ng nagawa n’ya. Pinatunayan n’ya kasi na mali ang iniisip ng iba na wala pang napapatunayan ang ating bansa pagdating sa Football,” shared Alona Mae Enconado, member of the UB Women’s Football Club.
The rise of a star
     Granting his father’s wish, Paulino returned to the Philippines at the age of 21 to continue his studies in medicine. This however did not stop Paulino from playing. Despite of his academic career, he still managed to join the Bohemian Sporting Club in Manila and was even selected to play for the Philippine Football team.
     The team represented the country in the Far Eastern Championship Games (later known as Southeast Asian Games) in Tokyo. In the tournament, Paulino proved his prowess as he led the Phlippines to crush Japan in a score of 15–2 stint. Up to date, that might still is considered as the greatest performance the Philippine National Football team had in an international tournament.
     Meanwhile, in Barcelona, his absence was heavily felt by his former club. Barca struggled and found it impossible to win any major competition without Paulino. To prevent their breakdown, they begged for Paulino’s return. Paulino, owing the club so much of what he became, decided to go back and help them. In no time, Paulino was back in Barca, and with his aid, the club was able to win five Spanish championships and 10 Catalan titles. His individual contribution to the club made him the highest goal-scorer in Barca’s history, scoring 357 goals in a total of 357 games.
     And the rest, as we say, is history.
Farewell to Football
     The “Netbreaker” took his shoes off on July 5, 1927 at the young age of 31, to pursue his other endeavor — medicine. Paulino became a full-time doctor. But he did not give up Football that much easily. He became the club director of Barca for three years and had a three-game stint as coach for the Spanish National Football team in the 1950s. He  later died in Barcelona on February 13, 1964 at the age of 67.
Why reach this far?
     This might perturb you. His name sounds like a hush. And his story might be completely new to your eardrums — a legend not celebrated, a life not feasted by the town. But lend us an ear when we say “Paulino Alcantara is a respected figure in international Football community”.
     True enough, most Filipinos might not know him or not even be interested to know his story, but readers holding this piece could spell a difference.
     Now, live and tell the tale about our country’s own Football player; the one who immortalized such incredible kick; the one who sent a ball ripping its way through the back of the net. He is the only one Paulino “The Netbreaker” Alcantara, Barca’s all-time leading scorer, a doctor, and most importantly, a trueblue Filipino.


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Martes, Oktubre 2, 2012

Back to the Basics: One-on-One tutorial with the Batangan Skatelords


     It was a sunny Sunday afternoon, and nothing extraordinary chanced. But purposeful in searching a beat not in doldrums, my feet sent me to Batangas Provincial Capitol grounds. The day seemed so cooperative as I spotted there my preys — the ‘skatelords’. And soon after the catch, food chain began. A sure hit to jackpot, they rendered me their meat— a one-on-one tutorial on skateboarding tricks. Big burps!
     Fired up about it? Unleash the excitement with the Batangas Brothahood Skatecrew as I bring out the skateboarder in you.
The Ollie
     Basically, Ollie is the art of popping the board into the air with your feet stuck on it. To begin with this trick, kick the tail of your board and when it pops up, use your front foot to control it back to the ground. However, do not use too much force in kicking the tail. Exert just enough to the point that you can still withstand the board. Or else, you may end up running for it.
      This trick will surely take a lot of practice to reach mastery. It may take you a week or two before you get used to doing so. But once learned, it opens the door for more complicated tricks.
Brothahood tip: If you are not in haste of learning such trick, you may first practice popping the board. And if you are already comfortable doing so, you may practice popping it higher.
50-50 grind
     Comfortable doing Ollies? Then it’s time to bring it to the next level. Check your sense of balance and try the 50-50 grind.
     The 50-50 grind is done by grinding the middle of the board’s two trucks on the edge of a rail or a ramp. In order to do the trick, you must first be parallel with the obstacle where you will grind. When you are ready, get rolling with an acclerating speed. To do the trick completely, perform the Ollie then land the middle of your board’s trucks on the edge of the rail. Once you have managed to do so, keep skating until the end.
     This trick will surely make you look cool but more time will be needed to execute it properly. You may find yourself mastering the trick for two or three weeks; that is, if you are really determined.
Brothahood tip: If you want to learn this trick, you can first practice grinding in the platform. Don't get too hasty on doing it on a rail for you might end up spraining your feet. 
Kickflip
     Now, if you are so sure that you can bring your skateboarding to an even greater height, then let’s do kickflip.
     Kickflip is the art of flicking the board with your foot to make it flip underneath you while you are suspended in air. Sounds cool, right? In learning this trick, you must be in the basic Ollie position. However, half of your front foot should be hanging while the toe-part is on the board. This position will help you flip the board easier. First, you must perform the Ollie. When you are already in the air, flip the board by kicking upward with your front foot. Then to have a perfect landing, you must return your back foot fast guided by your front foot.
     Many of you would probably think that you should kick the board downward to make it flip, but here’s the real deal: kicking your board downward would not result to a complete flip and might just end up spraining your feet.
     This may really seem hard to do, but after a month or two of practice, combined with the desire and eagerness to learn, performing this trick is far from impossible.
Brothahood tip: Master doing your Ollies first before trying this. If  you are already comfortable and confident in doing your Ollies. Then try this.

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