After 12 years, Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho tie the knot in a civil ceremony
MANILA, Philippines - Their love story is certainly no fairy tale, but celebrity doctors Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho have proven that their love is much bigger than the trials and controversies they faced through the years.
After 12 long years, the couple have finally said their “I do’s” in a civil wedding ceremony.
The simple ceremony, officiated by Makati Mayor Abby Binay, was witnessed by their 2-year-old daughter, Scarlet Snow Belo.
The celebrity doctors shared photos of the event in their respective Instagram accounts.
"I was afraid that I would feel like I would lose my freedom by getting married. Instead, I feel joyful and free. Thank you [Mayor Abby Binay] for officiating our civil wedding,” Belo wrote.
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh,” Kho said.
In a Philippine Daily Inquirer report last April, it was revealed that the long-time couple are planning to get married in Paris, France this coming September. According to said report, Belo and Kho reportedly sent a private message to some of their closest friends regarding the planned wedding.
"This is Scarlet Snow Belo and I would like to invite you to be present when my parents, Daddy Hayden and Mommy Vicki, get married in our favorite city, Paris,” the text invitation reads.
Their on-and-off relationship made headlines in the past years.
In 2009, the couple decided to part ways after Kho and actress Katrina Halili got involved in a scandal that was investigated in the Senate. Kho’s medical license was revoked because of it.
But in 2014, the Board of Medicine under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) reinstated Kho’s medical license. Kho, Belo and Halili have since reconciled.
Soon after, the couple had Scarlet Snow in 2016 through in vitro fertilization.
Belo was previously married to businessman Atom Henares, with whom she has two children, Quark and Cristalle.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
After 12 long years, the couple have finally said their “I do’s” in a civil wedding ceremony.
The simple ceremony, officiated by Makati Mayor Abby Binay, was witnessed by their 2-year-old daughter, Scarlet Snow Belo.
The celebrity doctors shared photos of the event in their respective Instagram accounts.
"I was afraid that I would feel like I would lose my freedom by getting married. Instead, I feel joyful and free. Thank you [Mayor Abby Binay] for officiating our civil wedding,” Belo wrote.
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh,” Kho said.
In a Philippine Daily Inquirer report last April, it was revealed that the long-time couple are planning to get married in Paris, France this coming September. According to said report, Belo and Kho reportedly sent a private message to some of their closest friends regarding the planned wedding.
"This is Scarlet Snow Belo and I would like to invite you to be present when my parents, Daddy Hayden and Mommy Vicki, get married in our favorite city, Paris,” the text invitation reads.
Their on-and-off relationship made headlines in the past years.
In 2009, the couple decided to part ways after Kho and actress Katrina Halili got involved in a scandal that was investigated in the Senate. Kho’s medical license was revoked because of it.
But in 2014, the Board of Medicine under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) reinstated Kho’s medical license. Kho, Belo and Halili have since reconciled.
Soon after, the couple had Scarlet Snow in 2016 through in vitro fertilization.
Belo was previously married to businessman Atom Henares, with whom she has two children, Quark and Cristalle.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
Cum laude graduate from UP takes various “rakets” to finish college
Nowadays, poverty no longer hinders determined students from finishing their education. With various available opportunities, students can now support themselves while studying.
Geoselle dela Cruz, who recently earned her bachelor’s degree in Tourism at the University of Philippines Diliman, has shared her struggles as a working student while earning her degree at the country’s premiere university.
Because of the financial difficulties of her family, Geoselle had to take var-ious jobs in order to support herself and keep her UP dream going. During the course of her stay at the state university, the self-proclaimed “Diskarte Queen” worked as a tutor, dance choreographer, rappel instructor, thesis transcriber, research and student assistant, emcee, host and even as a dance contest host. She even sold preloved clothes and food items in or-der to earn money.
“There are a lot of things I tried just to keep this UP dream going. Lahat ng raket na pwedeng gawin, I did. Tutor for 3 years, dance choreographer, rappel instructor, taga-transcribe ng thesis ng iba, pa-rummage sale ng own pre-loved clothes, R.A. dito, S.A. doon, sideline here, sideline there, back-up dancer, pati hosting at emcee rakets, judge ng mga pa-dance contests ni Mayor, benta ng pizza rolls, donuts, graham balls, oreo chenes at kung ano ano pang pwede ibenta,” she wrote in her viral Facebook post.
Despite taking various jobs, Geoselle learned that it was God who truly provided all her needs.
“I’ve learned that when all my “Diskartes” are tired, and when all the rakets are gone, there He is. The One who truly provided for all my needs since day 1—even when I do not ask, even when I do not deserve. And when I met Him, I lacked nothing,” Geoselle said.
Towards the end of her post, Geoselle encouraged struggling students to endure and not escape challenges.
“So please, do not escape hard times. Do not invalidate your struggles. Do not be afraid to fail. Make your failures your footstool. Do not take shortcuts to success. For in the shortcuts, you might miss wonderful things, people & experiences He has placed in the way for you. The becoming is always more important than the being.”
Check out her inspiring message below.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
Geoselle dela Cruz, who recently earned her bachelor’s degree in Tourism at the University of Philippines Diliman, has shared her struggles as a working student while earning her degree at the country’s premiere university.
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| PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Geoselle dela Cruz |
“There are a lot of things I tried just to keep this UP dream going. Lahat ng raket na pwedeng gawin, I did. Tutor for 3 years, dance choreographer, rappel instructor, taga-transcribe ng thesis ng iba, pa-rummage sale ng own pre-loved clothes, R.A. dito, S.A. doon, sideline here, sideline there, back-up dancer, pati hosting at emcee rakets, judge ng mga pa-dance contests ni Mayor, benta ng pizza rolls, donuts, graham balls, oreo chenes at kung ano ano pang pwede ibenta,” she wrote in her viral Facebook post.
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| PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Geoselle dela Cruz |
“I’ve learned that when all my “Diskartes” are tired, and when all the rakets are gone, there He is. The One who truly provided for all my needs since day 1—even when I do not ask, even when I do not deserve. And when I met Him, I lacked nothing,” Geoselle said.
Towards the end of her post, Geoselle encouraged struggling students to endure and not escape challenges.
“So please, do not escape hard times. Do not invalidate your struggles. Do not be afraid to fail. Make your failures your footstool. Do not take shortcuts to success. For in the shortcuts, you might miss wonderful things, people & experiences He has placed in the way for you. The becoming is always more important than the being.”
Check out her inspiring message below.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
Here’s the heartbreaking reason why this graduate took her toga outside graduation ceremony
MANILA, Philippines - A fresh graduate has recently revealed the heartbreaking reason why she didn’t immediately return her toga and even took it outside her graduation ceremony.
Christine Jasmine Edrozo, who recently earned her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, has shared the story behind her seemingly rebellious act on her graduation day through a viral Facebook post.
According to Christine, they were supposed to return their toga to the registration booth after their graduation ceremony. However, she decided to purposely snuck it out of the venue in order for her sick mom to see her wearing the toga.
Apparently, Christine’s mom, who battling breast cancer, was being treated at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila. This prevented her from witnessing an important milestone in her daughter’s life.
“Kanina after Graduation sabi samin hubarin na yung toga at ibalik doon sa registration booth. SORRY PO! Sinadya ko po talagang itakas .Gusto ko po kasing makita ni mama na nakasuot ako ng toga personally. Gusto nya sana kasi na sya yung sumama sa Graduation day ko kaya lang hindi sya pwede kaya ako nalang pumunta,” Christine wrote.
Christine had to travel all the way from Muntinlupa to PGH after her graduation ceremonies. Although she arrived at the hospital at around 10 p.m., which was beyond visiting hours, the hospital guard still allowed her to visit her mom.
In her post, she revealed that she isn’t asking for any material thing as graduation gift. She only wishes that her sick mom would remain strong and fight in order to overcome her delibitating disease.
“Ang gusto kong graduation gift ay yung magpalakas ka, magpagaling ka, at magTIIS ka pa konting tiis pa mama. Gusto ko pang makasama ka sa pagsabak ko sa bagong yugto ng buhay ko. Graduate na ko mama tutuparin ko pa yung pangarap mo na maging successful ako. Mama! Alam ko na po kung pano magtiis,” Christine wrote.
Sadly, on Thursday, June 22, Christine’s mom passed away.
Read her heartbreaking story below.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
Christine Jasmine Edrozo, who recently earned her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa, has shared the story behind her seemingly rebellious act on her graduation day through a viral Facebook post.
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| PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Christine Jasmine Edrozo |
Apparently, Christine’s mom, who battling breast cancer, was being treated at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila. This prevented her from witnessing an important milestone in her daughter’s life.
“Kanina after Graduation sabi samin hubarin na yung toga at ibalik doon sa registration booth. SORRY PO! Sinadya ko po talagang itakas .Gusto ko po kasing makita ni mama na nakasuot ako ng toga personally. Gusto nya sana kasi na sya yung sumama sa Graduation day ko kaya lang hindi sya pwede kaya ako nalang pumunta,” Christine wrote.
Christine had to travel all the way from Muntinlupa to PGH after her graduation ceremonies. Although she arrived at the hospital at around 10 p.m., which was beyond visiting hours, the hospital guard still allowed her to visit her mom.
In her post, she revealed that she isn’t asking for any material thing as graduation gift. She only wishes that her sick mom would remain strong and fight in order to overcome her delibitating disease.
“Ang gusto kong graduation gift ay yung magpalakas ka, magpagaling ka, at magTIIS ka pa konting tiis pa mama. Gusto ko pang makasama ka sa pagsabak ko sa bagong yugto ng buhay ko. Graduate na ko mama tutuparin ko pa yung pangarap mo na maging successful ako. Mama! Alam ko na po kung pano magtiis,” Christine wrote.
Sadly, on Thursday, June 22, Christine’s mom passed away.
Read her heartbreaking story below.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
WATCH: 30 years after he got lost, Fil-Australian returns to PH to be reunited with biological mom
MANILA, Philippines - For more than three decades, Filipino-Australian filmmaker Joel “Jojo” de Carteret, had questions about the whereabouts of his biological mom in the Philippines.
Back in 1985, four-year-old Jojo was found wandering alone in Muñoz Market in Quezon City. Since he was too young to remember his home address, he never had the chance to return home.
In his interview with “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (KMJS), Jojo recounted the moments leading to an event that forever changed the course of his life.
“One day, I stole some of his matches and I bring it to my room and I lit the paper. Next thing I know the whole wall and the bed caught on fire. My next memory from that was I went downstairs I couldn’t find my parents. I suddenly I realized I was lost,” Jojo recounted
Eventually, a jeepney driver found him and brought him to an orphanage. In no time, Australian couple Julie and George de Carteret adopted him and brought him to their homeland.
More than three decades after Jojo lost his way, the filmmaker who is now in his 30’s decided to return to the Philippines in search for his family. However, such feat was extremely challenging for Jojo as he had vague memories of his parents.
“My memories of my parents was that my dad was a jeepney driver and my mother was a dressmaker,” Jojo revealed.
Initially, Jojo met Danilo and Vicky, a couple who also lost their son 30 years ago. After undergoing DNA test, it was revealed that they weren’t related.
Determined to reunite with his biological family, Jojo continued his search for his real parents. Through the help of some residents in the area he got some information about his potential parents, Herminia Rio and Carding Culadilla.
Apparently, his father Carding already moved to the US and is now working as a chief mechanic. With the help of staff of KMJS, he was able to contact his dad.
“Im trying to find you for so many years. I keep coming back then to the place where your mom left you,” Carding told Jojo through a video call.
His brother Jurie Culadilla told him: “When I was a kid I used to be mean to you. I’m sorry. I love you.”
Still, Jojo knew he had to find his mom. After two months of continuous search, he decided to go back to Australia but not long before making an announcement in a radio program.
“This is Joel and this is your lost boy that went missing in 1985 and I’m back and I’m really eager to meet you,” Jojo said in the radio program.
Fortunately, that radio program announcement reached Herminia. A day prior to his flight to Australia, Jojo was finally reunited with his biological mom. A DNA test eventually confirmed that Jojo indeed is Herminia’s long lost son.
“Palagi ko siyang sinasama sa trabaho. Kaya lang noong araw na iyon, hindi ko nasama siya dahil natutulog pa siya. Nawalan na ako ng pag-asa. Nagdadasal na lang po sa Diyos na sana minsan magsalubong yung landas namen,” Herminia said.
Watch Jojo’s heartwarming story below.
--Mini, The Summit Express
Back in 1985, four-year-old Jojo was found wandering alone in Muñoz Market in Quezon City. Since he was too young to remember his home address, he never had the chance to return home.
 |
| PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho |
“One day, I stole some of his matches and I bring it to my room and I lit the paper. Next thing I know the whole wall and the bed caught on fire. My next memory from that was I went downstairs I couldn’t find my parents. I suddenly I realized I was lost,” Jojo recounted
Eventually, a jeepney driver found him and brought him to an orphanage. In no time, Australian couple Julie and George de Carteret adopted him and brought him to their homeland.
More than three decades after Jojo lost his way, the filmmaker who is now in his 30’s decided to return to the Philippines in search for his family. However, such feat was extremely challenging for Jojo as he had vague memories of his parents.
“My memories of my parents was that my dad was a jeepney driver and my mother was a dressmaker,” Jojo revealed.
Initially, Jojo met Danilo and Vicky, a couple who also lost their son 30 years ago. After undergoing DNA test, it was revealed that they weren’t related.
Determined to reunite with his biological family, Jojo continued his search for his real parents. Through the help of some residents in the area he got some information about his potential parents, Herminia Rio and Carding Culadilla.
Apparently, his father Carding already moved to the US and is now working as a chief mechanic. With the help of staff of KMJS, he was able to contact his dad.
“Im trying to find you for so many years. I keep coming back then to the place where your mom left you,” Carding told Jojo through a video call.
His brother Jurie Culadilla told him: “When I was a kid I used to be mean to you. I’m sorry. I love you.”
Still, Jojo knew he had to find his mom. After two months of continuous search, he decided to go back to Australia but not long before making an announcement in a radio program.
“This is Joel and this is your lost boy that went missing in 1985 and I’m back and I’m really eager to meet you,” Jojo said in the radio program.
Fortunately, that radio program announcement reached Herminia. A day prior to his flight to Australia, Jojo was finally reunited with his biological mom. A DNA test eventually confirmed that Jojo indeed is Herminia’s long lost son.
“Palagi ko siyang sinasama sa trabaho. Kaya lang noong araw na iyon, hindi ko nasama siya dahil natutulog pa siya. Nawalan na ako ng pag-asa. Nagdadasal na lang po sa Diyos na sana minsan magsalubong yung landas namen,” Herminia said.
Watch Jojo’s heartwarming story below.
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--Mini, The Summit Express
Philippines is the world’s 10th fastest growing economy
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines currently has the 10th fastest growing economy in the world in 2017, according to the World Bank’s latest edition of Global Economic Prospects.
The country’s economy is expected to advance between 6.5 to 7.5% in 2017. This figure is almost twice the country’s long-term growth.
Based on the data of Tradingeconomics.com, the country’s annual growth rate averaged 3.68% from 1982 until 2017. It reached an all-time high of 12.4% in 1998 and a record low of -11.1% during the first quarter of 1985.
The Philippines’ vibrant economy is said to be brought about by a stable macroeconomic environment of low inflation and low debt to GDP ratio helping it sustain a healthy domestic demand growth. Moreover, the revival of the Asian Pacific region have boosted exports accounting for almost a third of the GDP. As of April 2017, exports from the Philippines amounted to $4.81 billion, which is a 12.1% increase from last year.
In a recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Philippines is projected to have the fastest economic growth in Asia for the next two years amid the expected stronger global economic recovery.
The projected growth for the Philippines in 2017 is faster than China’s (6.6%), Vietnam’s (6.5%), Indonesia’s (5.1%), Malaysia’s (4.5%), Thailand’s (3%), Singapore’s (2.2%) as well as Taiwan’s (1.7%).
Still, Forbes.com pointed out that hard working Filipinos remain poor despite the Philippines’ fast growing economy since corruption persists.
“Those who have followed the Philippines economy for a long time have seen a familiar show: hard working Filipinos remain poor, watching the people of other nations in the region get rich. Revolutions come and go in Philippines, but the old villains -- corruption and political oppression -- remain intact, holding Filipinos back from making the transition from poverty to riches,” Forbes wrote.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
The country’s economy is expected to advance between 6.5 to 7.5% in 2017. This figure is almost twice the country’s long-term growth.
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| PHOTO CREDIT: PhilStar |
The Philippines’ vibrant economy is said to be brought about by a stable macroeconomic environment of low inflation and low debt to GDP ratio helping it sustain a healthy domestic demand growth. Moreover, the revival of the Asian Pacific region have boosted exports accounting for almost a third of the GDP. As of April 2017, exports from the Philippines amounted to $4.81 billion, which is a 12.1% increase from last year.
In a recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Philippines is projected to have the fastest economic growth in Asia for the next two years amid the expected stronger global economic recovery.
The projected growth for the Philippines in 2017 is faster than China’s (6.6%), Vietnam’s (6.5%), Indonesia’s (5.1%), Malaysia’s (4.5%), Thailand’s (3%), Singapore’s (2.2%) as well as Taiwan’s (1.7%).
Still, Forbes.com pointed out that hard working Filipinos remain poor despite the Philippines’ fast growing economy since corruption persists.
“Those who have followed the Philippines economy for a long time have seen a familiar show: hard working Filipinos remain poor, watching the people of other nations in the region get rich. Revolutions come and go in Philippines, but the old villains -- corruption and political oppression -- remain intact, holding Filipinos back from making the transition from poverty to riches,” Forbes wrote.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
Fresh graduate reveals how he survived college with Php 20-daily allowance
Would you survive a day with just a Php 20 allowance?
For fresh graduate Robin Lee Metiam, this amount helped him survive five years in college. Through hard work, discipline, and God’s help, Metiam was able to earn his degree in Electrical Engineering at Tarlac State University (TSU) despite the small sum of daily pocket money.
“20 pesos. Marahil halos lahat tayo hindi kayang mabuhay sa araw-araw na 20 pesos lang ang pera. Lalong lalo na sa mga estudyante na kung titingnan eh prang sa pamasahe palang eh ubos na. 20 pesos. Dyan sa halagang yan umikot ang limang taon ko sa kolehiyo,” Metiam wrote in his viral Facebook post.
His first year in college became financially challenging for Metiam’s family as his father suddenly lost his job. As a result, his older brother had to sacrifice and give up his studies in order to make way for him.
From Php 50-daily allowance in high school, Metiam struggled to budget his Php 20 allowance for transportation fees and food. He spent Php 7 for transportation going to school and another Php 7 going home. Meanwhile, he spent the remaining Php 6 little by little throughout the day, which was just enough to buy a refreshment and one piece of candy.
In his second year in college, a period of his life when he got to know God more, Metiam worked as a Math and Science tutor after his classes in order to have his own earnings. Although he had additional income, Metiam still allotted Php 20 for his daily allowance and saved his extra money in order to help his period. At this period he spent Php 7 for transportation going to school, Php 2 for tithes and offerings and Php 11 for his snacks. He just walked home in order to save Php 7.
His third year in college opened a door of opportunities for him as he qualified as a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholar. His scholarship allowed him to help his family and others in need. Despite his new status, he still kept a Php 20-budget. But this time, he just allocated Php 20 for food budget. Other expenses such as transportation, tithes and offerings came from his allowance from the DOST.
Metiam maintained this lifestyle until he finished his fifth year in college.
According to him, living on a Php 20-daily allowance for five years taught him a lot of lessons in life.
“Grabe kase ang tinuro ng Panginoon sa akin gamit ang 20 pesos na yan. Tinuruan akong magtiyaga, mas lalong pahalagahan ang mga bagay bagay na meron ako, at higit sa lahat ay mas lalo akong naturuang mas kumapit at magtiwala sa Panginoon sa lahat ng oras,” Metiam wrote.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
For fresh graduate Robin Lee Metiam, this amount helped him survive five years in college. Through hard work, discipline, and God’s help, Metiam was able to earn his degree in Electrical Engineering at Tarlac State University (TSU) despite the small sum of daily pocket money.
 |
| PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Robin Lee Metiam |
His first year in college became financially challenging for Metiam’s family as his father suddenly lost his job. As a result, his older brother had to sacrifice and give up his studies in order to make way for him.
From Php 50-daily allowance in high school, Metiam struggled to budget his Php 20 allowance for transportation fees and food. He spent Php 7 for transportation going to school and another Php 7 going home. Meanwhile, he spent the remaining Php 6 little by little throughout the day, which was just enough to buy a refreshment and one piece of candy.
In his second year in college, a period of his life when he got to know God more, Metiam worked as a Math and Science tutor after his classes in order to have his own earnings. Although he had additional income, Metiam still allotted Php 20 for his daily allowance and saved his extra money in order to help his period. At this period he spent Php 7 for transportation going to school, Php 2 for tithes and offerings and Php 11 for his snacks. He just walked home in order to save Php 7.
His third year in college opened a door of opportunities for him as he qualified as a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholar. His scholarship allowed him to help his family and others in need. Despite his new status, he still kept a Php 20-budget. But this time, he just allocated Php 20 for food budget. Other expenses such as transportation, tithes and offerings came from his allowance from the DOST.
Metiam maintained this lifestyle until he finished his fifth year in college.
According to him, living on a Php 20-daily allowance for five years taught him a lot of lessons in life.
“Grabe kase ang tinuro ng Panginoon sa akin gamit ang 20 pesos na yan. Tinuruan akong magtiyaga, mas lalong pahalagahan ang mga bagay bagay na meron ako, at higit sa lahat ay mas lalo akong naturuang mas kumapit at magtiwala sa Panginoon sa lahat ng oras,” Metiam wrote.
-- Mini, The Summit Express
PBA Finals: TNT draws first blood over SMB with Joshua Smith’s game winning hook
MANILA, Philippines – TNT Katropa survived San Miguel Beermen (SMB)’s run and took the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals opener, 104-102, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was Roger Pogoy who officially opened the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup Finals with a clean steal and an easy 2-pointer while Charles Rhodes placed San Miguel Beermen on the scoreboard with his completed charities followed by Alex Cabagnot’s open layup.
Coach Nash Racela opted not to start Joshua Smith and instead started Moala Tautuaa at the middle. Smith who’s nursing his hurting right foot suited up for tonight in contrast to early reports that he might miss the finals and TNT might use its back-up import Myke Myers.
RELATED STORY
Moala Tautuaa did a good job in defending their basket against the much taller June Mar Fajardo. He gave Fajardo his first personal foul and blocked the gentle giant on the other end that totally pleased Coach Racela.
Finally, mid of the first quarter, the much anticipated match-up between the teams’ heavyweight centers happened as Joshua Smith entered the floor. Coach Racela held Tautuaa up on the floor to aid Smith in double teaming Fajardo. But in just under a minute, Coach Leo Austria pulled out June Mar Fajardo to preserve his fouls and sent Yancy de Ocampo in to guard Joshua Smith and provide an outside threat.
After the first 12 minutes of the opening period, the Beermen were up 31-24. Charles Rhodes topped all scorers with 21 early big points with couple of monstrous slams.
Jayson Castro might had gone quiet in the opener but when the 2nd period came, he sped-up and got his team closer to SMB. Castro even pulled Fajardo’s 2nd personal foul. Coach Austria didn’t like TNT’s run so he called a quick time out to re-group his squad.
Charles Rhodes felt exhausted after his 21-point first quarter performance and spent half of the second on the bench. He was sent back to match the scoring intensity of Katropa and to display a tough defense against them.
At last, after trailing for one and a half quarters, TNT got the lead from SMB with Joshua Smith’s initiative. 48-40 with 4:05 to go in the first half.
It looked that Charles Rhodes ran out of gas early in the game. He was scoreless in the entire 2nd quarter and his teammates didn’t step-up to maintain their lead while he was taking a breather. Joshua Smith turned the tides in favor of TNT and bagged 14 points as the 1st half ended 56-51.
It was not only Joshua Smith who was beating San Miguel up, even the tri-guards of TNT: Castro, Garcia and Pogoy were inflicting significant damages to the Beermen. In contrary, the top Best Player of the Conference candidates Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross were both silent.
Charles Rhodes had been scoreless for 18 minutes since he hit his 21st point. Worst, he picked up his 4th personal foul that left Coach Leo Austria no other options but to take him out for the rest of the third period at least.
With 3 more remaining in the third, Joshua Smith hurt his foot again after jacking his position against June Mar Fajardo. Smith immediately went straight to the locker room so that the team medics can check on his condition and status.
San Miguel took advantage of Joshua Smith’s advantage in the latter part of the third period. June Mar Fajardo initiated the attack to close the gap. Alex Cabagnot finished the quarter and SMB was just behind by 2 points, 75-73.
Joshua Smith confirmed that his right foot is once again hurt after June Mar Fajardo accidentally stepped on it. Smith just re-taped his right foot and returned to the game and started the fourth and final period.
After 2 quarters of being too quiet, Charles Rhodes finally came out of long hibernation and scored his basket after 24 full minutes. But he was sent back to bench again after that prompt appearance as he committed his 5th foul. Likewise, Yancy de Ocampo acquired his 5th foul and was also slapped with technical foul for continuous complaining.
Roger Pogoy relentlessly fired from the outside to widen their margin and he even broke Ronald Tubid’s ankle after the latter tried to stop the TNT guard at the rainbow country. Pogoy already had 25 points with 7 more minutes remaining in the game clock.
San Miguel made a decent scoring run that cut the lead to just 2. June Mar started the onslaught with a clean block on Joshua Smith. Alex Cabagnot drained a sharp trey and Charles Rhodes completed a fast break after a while.
Alex Cabagnot sank a mid-range jumper to tie the game at 98-all with 2 minutes left in the ballgame.
Under a minute remaining, out of nowhere, Jayson Castro pull-up a cold-blooded trey for the 102-99 lead. Charles Rhodes split his foul shots to cut the lead to 2 with 37.2 remaining.
Chris Ross was fouled by Roger Pogoy in the shaded area that brought the SMB guard to the free throw line and made 2 for 2. Ross left TNT with 7 ticks and the game is tied at 102.
Coach Nash Racela made a play designed for Joshua Smith in the middle where he was dominating June Mar Fajardo. The limping Joshua Smith created a tiny space between him and Fajardo that was enough for him to take the shot and incredibly pulled it off to win the game 104-102.
Joshua Smith saved the TNT by his winning shot but it was Roger Pogoy who won the Best Player of the Game with 27 points.
Game 2 will be held on Friday, June 23 at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Scores:
TNT 104 - Pogoy 27, Smith 21, Castro 14, Garcia 13, Rosario 10, Tautuaa 7, Semerad 5, Williams 5, Rosales 2, Golla 0, Carey 0, Nuyles 0
SAN MIGUEL 102 - Rhodes 31, Fajardo 18, Cabagnot 16, Ross 11, Santos 11, Lassiter 8, De Ocampo 6, Espinas 1, Tubid 0
Quarter Scores: 24-31, 56-51, 75-73, 104-102
--Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
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| Foot injury won’t bring a big man down. Joshua Smith finished with 21 points and a game winner. Photo Credit: pba.ph |
Coach Nash Racela opted not to start Joshua Smith and instead started Moala Tautuaa at the middle. Smith who’s nursing his hurting right foot suited up for tonight in contrast to early reports that he might miss the finals and TNT might use its back-up import Myke Myers.
RELATED STORY
Moala Tautuaa did a good job in defending their basket against the much taller June Mar Fajardo. He gave Fajardo his first personal foul and blocked the gentle giant on the other end that totally pleased Coach Racela.
Finally, mid of the first quarter, the much anticipated match-up between the teams’ heavyweight centers happened as Joshua Smith entered the floor. Coach Racela held Tautuaa up on the floor to aid Smith in double teaming Fajardo. But in just under a minute, Coach Leo Austria pulled out June Mar Fajardo to preserve his fouls and sent Yancy de Ocampo in to guard Joshua Smith and provide an outside threat.
After the first 12 minutes of the opening period, the Beermen were up 31-24. Charles Rhodes topped all scorers with 21 early big points with couple of monstrous slams.
Jayson Castro might had gone quiet in the opener but when the 2nd period came, he sped-up and got his team closer to SMB. Castro even pulled Fajardo’s 2nd personal foul. Coach Austria didn’t like TNT’s run so he called a quick time out to re-group his squad.
Charles Rhodes felt exhausted after his 21-point first quarter performance and spent half of the second on the bench. He was sent back to match the scoring intensity of Katropa and to display a tough defense against them.
At last, after trailing for one and a half quarters, TNT got the lead from SMB with Joshua Smith’s initiative. 48-40 with 4:05 to go in the first half.
It looked that Charles Rhodes ran out of gas early in the game. He was scoreless in the entire 2nd quarter and his teammates didn’t step-up to maintain their lead while he was taking a breather. Joshua Smith turned the tides in favor of TNT and bagged 14 points as the 1st half ended 56-51.
It was not only Joshua Smith who was beating San Miguel up, even the tri-guards of TNT: Castro, Garcia and Pogoy were inflicting significant damages to the Beermen. In contrary, the top Best Player of the Conference candidates Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross were both silent.
Charles Rhodes had been scoreless for 18 minutes since he hit his 21st point. Worst, he picked up his 4th personal foul that left Coach Leo Austria no other options but to take him out for the rest of the third period at least.
With 3 more remaining in the third, Joshua Smith hurt his foot again after jacking his position against June Mar Fajardo. Smith immediately went straight to the locker room so that the team medics can check on his condition and status.
San Miguel took advantage of Joshua Smith’s advantage in the latter part of the third period. June Mar Fajardo initiated the attack to close the gap. Alex Cabagnot finished the quarter and SMB was just behind by 2 points, 75-73.
Joshua Smith confirmed that his right foot is once again hurt after June Mar Fajardo accidentally stepped on it. Smith just re-taped his right foot and returned to the game and started the fourth and final period.
After 2 quarters of being too quiet, Charles Rhodes finally came out of long hibernation and scored his basket after 24 full minutes. But he was sent back to bench again after that prompt appearance as he committed his 5th foul. Likewise, Yancy de Ocampo acquired his 5th foul and was also slapped with technical foul for continuous complaining.
Roger Pogoy relentlessly fired from the outside to widen their margin and he even broke Ronald Tubid’s ankle after the latter tried to stop the TNT guard at the rainbow country. Pogoy already had 25 points with 7 more minutes remaining in the game clock.
San Miguel made a decent scoring run that cut the lead to just 2. June Mar started the onslaught with a clean block on Joshua Smith. Alex Cabagnot drained a sharp trey and Charles Rhodes completed a fast break after a while.
Alex Cabagnot sank a mid-range jumper to tie the game at 98-all with 2 minutes left in the ballgame.
Under a minute remaining, out of nowhere, Jayson Castro pull-up a cold-blooded trey for the 102-99 lead. Charles Rhodes split his foul shots to cut the lead to 2 with 37.2 remaining.
Chris Ross was fouled by Roger Pogoy in the shaded area that brought the SMB guard to the free throw line and made 2 for 2. Ross left TNT with 7 ticks and the game is tied at 102.
Coach Nash Racela made a play designed for Joshua Smith in the middle where he was dominating June Mar Fajardo. The limping Joshua Smith created a tiny space between him and Fajardo that was enough for him to take the shot and incredibly pulled it off to win the game 104-102.
Joshua Smith saved the TNT by his winning shot but it was Roger Pogoy who won the Best Player of the Game with 27 points.
Game 2 will be held on Friday, June 23 at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Scores:
TNT 104 - Pogoy 27, Smith 21, Castro 14, Garcia 13, Rosario 10, Tautuaa 7, Semerad 5, Williams 5, Rosales 2, Golla 0, Carey 0, Nuyles 0
SAN MIGUEL 102 - Rhodes 31, Fajardo 18, Cabagnot 16, Ross 11, Santos 11, Lassiter 8, De Ocampo 6, Espinas 1, Tubid 0
Quarter Scores: 24-31, 56-51, 75-73, 104-102
--Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
LIVESTREAM: TNT vs San Miguel Game 1 PBA Finals 2017
MANILA, Philippines - Who will draw the first blood in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven finals?
The San Miguel Beermen (SMB) TNT KaTropa begin the championship series today, June 21 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
READ: PBA Finals 2017 Game 1 PREVIEW: San Miguel Beermen vs TNT KaTropa
The SMB under the mentorship of Coach Leo Austria is now looking for their 24th title while Coach Nash Racela and TNT KaTropa will try to stop them like what they did to SMB’s sister team and this conference’s top seed, Barangay Ginebra.
Racela knows beating the Beermen, who are frequent finalists, is a intimidating task. But he enjoys the chance to go mano-y-mano against the “best” team in the PBA.
“San Miguel is the barometer of the PBA – they’re the best team right now. So it’s nice when you get an opportunity like this to play the best.”
Witness the live action in the PBA Finals with Game 1 tipoff at 7:00 p.m. It will be aired live by TV5.
Score (TNT - SMB): 24 - 31 (1Q) | 56 - 51 (2Q) | 75 - 73 (3Q) | 104 - 102 (4Q)
WATCH: The official livestream video of the 2017 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals Game 1 now up online (courtesy of sports.tv5.com.ph/live and TV5):
Note: The livestream video above will also served for full video replay of the match tonight.
Meanwhile, here's the live updates of the PBA Finals (from the official Twitter account of PBA):
The San Miguel Beermen (SMB) TNT KaTropa begin the championship series today, June 21 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
READ: PBA Finals 2017 Game 1 PREVIEW: San Miguel Beermen vs TNT KaTropa
The SMB under the mentorship of Coach Leo Austria is now looking for their 24th title while Coach Nash Racela and TNT KaTropa will try to stop them like what they did to SMB’s sister team and this conference’s top seed, Barangay Ginebra.
Racela knows beating the Beermen, who are frequent finalists, is a intimidating task. But he enjoys the chance to go mano-y-mano against the “best” team in the PBA.
“San Miguel is the barometer of the PBA – they’re the best team right now. So it’s nice when you get an opportunity like this to play the best.”
Witness the live action in the PBA Finals with Game 1 tipoff at 7:00 p.m. It will be aired live by TV5.
Score (TNT - SMB): 24 - 31 (1Q) | 56 - 51 (2Q) | 75 - 73 (3Q) | 104 - 102 (4Q)
WATCH: The official livestream video of the 2017 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals Game 1 now up online (courtesy of sports.tv5.com.ph/live and TV5):
Note: The livestream video above will also served for full video replay of the match tonight.
Meanwhile, here's the live updates of the PBA Finals (from the official Twitter account of PBA):
