Real Sports Authority

Close to 256 NBA 2K13 gamers showed up at the Ronac Art Center last November 10, 2012 to vie for the 128 available slots for the Titan 2K13 Finals set on December 20, 2012 also at Ronac.  The venue packed in at least 300 people which besides the participants, included family and friends as well.  The competition started at 10am and lasted till 8pm, 10 HOURS tops.  Overall, it was a fun-filled activity as everyone enjoyed the basketball “gaming” festivities, the friendly competition, and the joy of making it to the finals.  All set for the FINALS!

Intense gaming action all throughout the day

Titan 2K13 Bracketing Board. This was probably the busiest area during the whole event.

Former PBA Cager VAUGHN CANTA and AKTV Talent/Radio DJ AARON ATAYDE were the 2 celebrities who participated in the Qualifiers

Most used teams during the competition: MIA, OKC, LAL and even the NYK. I’m just glad some guys had faith in the SAN ANTONIO SPURS!

Even little boys can play…and win too!

See you on December 20!

Riding on the success of  Titan 2K11 Celebrity Challenge, we made a promise to our loyal followers that the next tournament will be something that they will never forget. And we did not disappoint.  Our objective, invite 128 gamers, gathered in one awesome venue for a single knock-out NBA 2K12 competition.  The date: December 23, 2012.  The venue: The Playground, Ronac Art Center.

Titan 2K12 Tournament coincided with the Retro Air Jordan XI Concords launch.  Hundreds of sneaker enthusiasts flocked to Ronac to  get a chance to cop a pair.  The “Concords” is historically, the most popular shoe from the Jordan series.  To add flavor to the launch, a special exhibit showcasing all the Jordan footwear and Jordan history/memorabilias/pictures kept the fans entertained as they patiently lined up and waited for their turn at the purchase area.

Amazing set-up incorporating the 2K12 Gaming Station, Jordan Exhibit and the AJXI Claiming Area

2K12 Gaming Area

Jordan Exhibit

AJXI Claiming Area

The Prizes!

The 2 Finalists: Migz Rocha (Miam Heat) and Kitt Mendoza (OKC Thunder); After 7 hours of non-stop gaming action, 126 players eliminated, it came down to two.

In the end, there could only be one.

KITT MENDOZA: Titan 2K12 Open Champion!

The day wasn’t over as immediately after the Open Challenge, the Celebrity Challenge went underway.  The top 4 finishers of the Open tournament were invited to stay on and compete with the celebrity gamers.

PBA’s Sol Mercado and Gabe Norwood

BGK’s Jayjay Helterbrand and Slam Marketing Guy Banjo “Billionz” Albano

Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena

Radio DJ and PBA Broadcaster AARON “Josh Strike” ATAYDE

Finals saw Open Tourney runner-up Migz Rocha going up against Ajay Sunjue.

Celebrity Finalists: Migz Rocha and Ajay Sunjue

REDEMPTION!  Migz Rocha wins the Celebrity Challenge Tournament

Celebrity Challenge Winner: MIGZ ROCHA. Migz is currently Slam Philippines’ editorial assistant

Truly an amazing day for everyone.  November 10, 2012 promises to live up to the expectation.  TITAN 2K13 QUALIFIERS, here we go!

As we near the Qualifying round of the Titan 2K13 Challenge (November 10, 2012 @ Ronac Art Center PLAYGROUND), let’s take a look back at how this whole Titan 2K Series started.  Taking inspiration from all these gaming competitions we see on TV, your local gaming shops, Madden tournaments held in the US and even just friendly competition among friends, Titan together with RSA (Real Sports Authority, my company at that time) drummed up a plan of staging an NBA 2K Tournament for the Titan community.  To play it safe though, we decided to keep the participants to a minimum, but making sure our participants stood out.  It was decided that our first tournament will be named the TITAN 2K11 CELEBRITY CHALLENGE.  This celebrity gaming event was staged at TITAN 22 (FORT) and coincided with the launch of the adidas TS Heat Check “Jack O’ Lantern” shoe as well as the launch of the NBA Revolution 30 Uniforms.

The tournament had close to 25 players representing celebrities, friends from the media and local amateur and professional basketball players.  Ballers such as Wesley Gonzales, Jonas Villanueva, Brandon Cablay, Kelvin dela Pena, Chris Ross and Josh Urbiztondo were present that evening. We had 5 gaming stations positioned in certain areas inside and outside of the store.  It was a beautiful sight.  Grown men playing video games for close to 3 hours.  Just a few more of the guys who brought their “A” game:

Former Ateneo Blue Eagle JAI REYES and BNO Member DJ SLICK RICK

DORIAN PENA (Petron Blaze Booster)

JERIC TENG (UST )…was that younger brother JERON TENG (DLSU) in the background? He was still playing for Xavier during this time.

In the end it came down to JAI REYES and actor RAYVER CRUZ for the championship.  JAI and his ORLANDO MAGIC Team against RAYVER and the OKC THUNDER.

In the end, it was RAYVER CRUZ who emerged the winner.  Funny thing here was that Jai didn’t hear the end of it from his PBA buddies after he lost the game. To quote, “PBA Player beaten by a teen heartthrob!”

Actor RAYVER CRUZ showing off his OKC THUNDER Jersey, one of the prizes given by adidas

Overall, it was a great start to a dream concept.  This success paved the way for us to take the tournament to another level.  Open tournament. More participants.  Bigger Prizes.  TITAN OWNED!  We couldn’t wait for 2012 to arrive.

Tony Parker hits the winning basket as the Spurs beat the Thunder 86-84.  Tim Duncan giving the screen and setting Parker for the clear shot.

It’s going to be another exciting year of NBA video gaming competition in Metro Manila as Titan 22 (through RSA-TITAN Management Group) will be staging the Titan 2K13 Challenge this coming November and December 2012.  Now on it’s 3rd year, the competition promises more participants, tougher competition and more exciting prizes.  Prizes for this tournament will include the following:

PRIZES CHAMPION: – One (1) PlayStation 3 unit – One (1) NBA 2k13 game – One (1) year FREE subscription to SLAM Philippines Magazine – Customized 1 of 1 Titan x WIP ‘Champions’ Cap – Trophy and Medal – One (1) Year Supply of Sneakers from Titan (Any footwear of the Winner’s size, subject to size availability)

1st RUNNER-UP: – One (1) Year Subscription of SLAM Philippines Magazine – Medal – PHP10,000 worth of Gift Certificates from Titan

This year, Titan will be holding two major events; The “QUALIFIERS” on November 10 and the FINALS in December 2012.  Both events will be held at The Playground, Ronac Art Center in San Juan City.

Titan hopes to target more than 200 players for this coming qualifiers.  Celebrity VIP’s, Media and Professional/Amateur Players will also be invited to participate in the tournament.  Last year, players from both the professional and collegiate level participated in a special Celebrity Challenge pocket event; Kiefer Ravena, Sol Mercado, Gabe Norwood to name a few.  This year, Titan decided for at least 30 celebrities to join the main event and give our fellow gamers some friendly competition.

For those interested, registration is still ongoing at all Titan 22 Stores till October 31.  I have posted the tournament rules as well below.  First come, first served.

GENERAL TOURNAMENT RULES

• All games will be played using the NBA 2K13 for Sony Playstation 3.

• Registration for Qualifiers is open from October 19 – 31, 2012

• Registration Fee is PHP750.00 (CASH ONLY). Registration and payment can be made at ALL Titan Stores (Fort/ Taft/ Katipunan/ Ronac) on a First Come, First Served Basis.

• Titan 2K13 Qualifiers will be played on November 10, 2012 at The Playground, Ronac Art Center, San Juan City. The Championship Leg will be played on December 2012 (FINAL DATE AND VENUE TBA).

• All players will play a minimum of 2 games for the Qualifiers: o Winners of their 1st game will move to the Winners Bracket. If player wins their 2nd game, they automatically advance to the Championship Leg o Losers of their 1st game will move to the Losers Bracket. If player loses their 2nd game, they are out of the tournament. o Players from the Winners Bracket who lost their 2nd game will play a Knockout Game with players from the Losers Bracket who won their 2nd game. Winners of the Knockout Game advance to the Championship Leg.

• The length of playing time during the Qualifiers and the Championship Leg will be 3 minutes per quarter, except for the Championship Game, which will be 5 minutes per quarter.

• Players who advance to the Championship Leg do not need to pay any additional fees to participate.

• You are permitted to use any of the normal 30 NBA teams from the 2012-2013 season. No special teams may be used. • You are permitted to change teams during the tournament.

• You can also change your plays and coaches settings during the tournament. • If two competing players want to play with the same team, they will have to flip a coin to decide who gets to use that team in front of a Marshal.

• If you are losing by 20 points after the 3rd quarter, the rest of your game will be terminated. • Players are encouraged to bring their own PS3 controller. RSA-Titan Management Group will not be responsible for any loss or damage to PS3 controllers brought by players.

• No food and drinks in the playing area GAME SETTINGS

• All Settings and Camera Views are DEFAULT. Skill level is HALL OF FAME.

• Instant Replay and Cinema Cut Scenes will be turned OFF.

• Fatigue will be turned ON. Injuries will be turned OFF.

• MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC Substitutions, Time Outs, and Late Game Fouling are allowed but must be preset before the start of the game.

• No manual substitution via START button. Substitutions are only allowed in-game via D-Pad and during called Time Outs.

• If you pause the game (using the START button) or press the PS Menu button, you must burn a timeout as a penalty. If you have no timeouts left, you will be required to take a penalty (delay of game for offense, or out of bounds for the defense).

• If the game goes into overtime the competing individuals will be allowed to compete given the allotted time. The individual with the highest score at the end of the overtime game wins the game.

• In the event of an outage of power, accidental unplugging, system freeze or some other event not in either player’s control that would not allow the participants to finish the game, the game will be restarted using the “situational setup” to exactly match the score, settings, quarter, time and possession so the game can continue as it was. GLITCH RULES

• Remember, once this happens you must pause the game immediately and call for a judge to come and review the play. DO NOT take the liberty of reviewing the play before contacting a judge. PENALTIES FOR BREAKING THE RULES

• If you feel that your opponent is cheating, notify a judge. The judge’s decision is final and you could be kicked out of the Tournament and all futures tournaments. CONDUCT

• Please refrain from using “in-your-face” foul language. Also, please be respectful of all other players. The judges have final say over what is “respectful”, and you may be disqualified from the tournament if you do not cooperate.

• Narcotic use of any kind is not permitted in the tournament facility.

• No sideline coaching is allowed. You may not offer advice to anyone playing a game.

• If you are more than 10 minutes late to a game’s posted time, you forfeit that game.

• If a player purposely turns off a game while it is in progress, that player will forfeit that game.

• No verbal or physical threats of violence to other tournament participants. This will result in your immediate disqualification from the tournament. LIABILITY

• We are not responsible for property stolen, broken or lost during the tournament.

• All decisions by the Judges about any aspect of the tournament are final.

ADDITIONAL IN-GAME RULES

• WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO ADD, DELETE OR CHANGE RULES AT ANY TIME DURING THE TOURNAMENT, ESPECIALLY WHEN A NEW GLITCH IS FOUND.

• FURTHER, BY AGREEING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FOLLOWING VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT YOU UNDERSTAND THAT PICTURES FROM THE TOURNAMENT MAY BE POSTED FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES AT THE COMPANY’S WEBSITE OR IN A FUTURE BROCHURE.

PRIZES CHAMPION: – One (1) PlayStation 3 unit – One (1) NBA 2k13 game – One (1) year FREE subscription to SLAM Philippines Magazine – Customized 1 of 1 Titan x WIP ‘Champions’ Cap – Trophy and Medal – One (1) Year Supply of Sneakers from Titan (Any footwear of the Winner’s size, subject to size availability)

1st RUNNER-UP: – One (1) Year Subscription of SLAM Philippines Magazine – Medal – PHP10,000 worth of Gift Certificates from Titan

L-R (Standing): Mark Ramos, Vincent Santos, Rely San Agustin, Domeka Garamendi, Blue Avelino, Monch Espejo L-R (Seated): Jonji Castaneda, Patrick Moran, Anton Abad, Tojun Malvar, Miguel de Jesus

Last February 25, 2011 marked the 15th year since the Ateneo Blue Eagles snagged its FIRST UAAP Football title against the powerhouse DLSU Green Archers.    This is the story of the 1996 Ateneo Men’s Football Team.  My personal recollection.

I didn’t know what to expect coming into the 1995-1996 UAAP Season.  Having placed dead last the year before, no one really expected any improvement with the team.  Most of us were graduating; Domeka Garamendi, Jet Lacson and myself included.  Faced with the thought of playing my final year of UAAP Football, I was a bit relieved that I could finally turn my back on what was to be a disappointing 3 years of college football.  But fortunately, all this was about to change.

First day of tryouts had some big surprises.  The emergence of some outstanding rookies from the south (Southridge, CSA) plus some of our very own high school stars, these new batch of players were to give the AMFT a big boost.  Southridge boys Karlo Laurel and Mark Ramos proved to be the best among their peers.  Jonji Castaneda, Jong’s younger sibling, was set to continue the Castaneda tradition of being the best defensive stoppers the school has ever produced.  And lastly, the biggest surprise of them all was that “tisoy” lefty from CSA, Ramon “Monch” Espejo.  Monch, I remember, just showed up on the last day of practice wearing those PINK shorts.  But looks sure could be deceiving!  Scrimmage time and just when I thought this guy was probably another reject (again, the PINK shorts and not to mention, showing up on the last day of tryouts), Monching got a good look on goal and unleashed that ball with his powerful left foot. Bam! …top corner.  I was dumb-founded, wanting to put my foot in my mouth. This boy sure can play!  On my way home from practice, thoughts came running through my head. Could it be?  Could it really happen? With these bunch of rookies plus returning players and new additions (Anton Abad, Blue Avelino, etc.), do we finally have a team capable of winning the UAAP?  This I had to see.

First tournament of the year was the Chipper Afable Cup (pre-season tournament).  It was our first test.  And we didn’t disappoint.  We topped our group and scheduled a finals showdown against Navy B (or was it Airforce B…or Army B?).  Of course, with the many times playing against the armed forces, nothing was certain.  In fact, we were just happy to be in the finals.  But lady luck was on our side that day.  The setting: ULTRA. Minutes before the first half came to a close, rookie Monch Espejo unleashed  his trademark strike from the left position, hitting the RIGHT top corner of the goal. Keeper no chance!  Ateneo up 1-0, halftime.  We were not done yet.  Second half saw Mark Ramos giving the Blue Eagles the 2 goal lead with a well placed shot from top of  the goalie’s area.  And finally, as the match came to a close, a Domeka Garamendi strike to give us the 3 goal advantage. And it stayed that way.  Final score 3-0.  Finally, the Chipper Afable Cup belonged to us!  I thought to myself, wow, could this be really happening? I was convinced we had a good team here, but the biggest test was yet to come.

UAAP season had finally arrived.  It was the moment of truth.  Months of training and hard work all boiled down to this.  The season for the AMFT also saw the return of Vince Santos.  Vince wasn’t able to play the year before due to a slip disc injury and had to undergo surgery and rehabilitation.  He was back. Ready to play.  During the Chipper Afable Cup finals, he was actually lined-up but was riding the bench as he was still getting back into shape.  With Vince back in the starting 11, this was a season you didn’t want to miss.

And we’re off!  First round results saw big wins against FEU (5-0), UE (13-1), UP and a surprising 2-0 win against DLSU.  A 2-0 loss though to UST set us back a bit which brought us to second place at the end of first round.  Second round was an uphill climb. We drew against UE (1-1) after thrashing them in the 1st round, but wins against FEU (2-0) and UP and finally a convincing 3-0 win against UST booked us a place in the finals against arch-rival DLSU.  We still had one game left, DLSU.  A win or draw would give us the twice to beat advantage.  Final score 1-1.  Anton Abad scoring from a corner kick (curved in) to give us the advantage but DLSU’s Jay Pascual equalized in the second half.  Ateneo was twice to beat.

And the stage was set.  The first Ateneo-La Salle UAAP Football Finals.  To be played in DLSU’s backyard, the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.  Chilling atmosphere.  The Ateneo Community came out that night to witness this historical match up.  Both teams were ready. Game on!  First half:  Evenly matched and each team feeling each other out. Moments later, Vince Santos with a strike from top of the box to give us the 1-0 lead.  Just when we were still enjoying the 1 goal advantage, 1 minute later, DLSU’s Jay Pascual equalized.  Halftime 1-1.  Second half was nerve wrecking as both teams stepped up their play both offensively and defensively.  Then it happened.  A corner kick awarded to DLSU.  The kick was taken, floating towards me.  As I reached up for it, the stadium lights messed up my line of sight. Fumble on my end, and out of nowhere was DLSU rookie Alvin Ocampo taking advantage of the error.  Score! DLSU 2-1.  And that’s how it ended.  DLSU lived to fight another day.  Game two, scheduled a week later.  It was a terrible loss.  We were so close, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be.  We had another week to prepare.

We were in serious preparation mode.  We hit practice twice a day that whole week.  The team even had a short session with university psychologist Ms. Gustilo to assess what didn’t work for us in the last game and what will work in the next game, overcoming our fears.  We were ready!

Game 2.  We were back in Rizal.  Same setting, same atmosphere. But on that night, one team was going home with the title.  There was an adjustment to our lineup as our left winger Anton Abad suffered a major sprain in game 1.  Karlo Laurel started.  First half:  back and forth, back and forth.  Both teams were prepared, giving their all.  Then it happened.  DLSU foul just a few meters form the half line, free kick.  Vince Santos stepped up to take the shot.  Blasted that ball from way out, confusion in the Archer defense, GOAL!  Ateneo up 1-0.

But just when we thought lightning doesn’t strike twice, a minute after we scored,  Jay Pascual receives a perfect pass inside my box,  faking off Lacson and drops off a perfect pass to Chris Lozano who beat two defenders to set himself up for a well-placed shot. I was beaten. Score!  Game tied 1-1.

And it remained that way halftime.

Second half was played the same way as game 1.  Back and forth back and forth.  Defense tightened, Offensive arsenal leveled up.  It was going to be a close one again.  I was already thinking penalty shootout.  But with 20 minutes remaining, the miracle happened; this time with Santos stepping up again.  With Karlo Laurel leading the offensive charge, he makes a beautiful breakaway pass to Vince on the right side of the DLSU box.  Seeing DLSU keeper Jules Villanueva strayed off his line, he unleashes a perfectly angled strike. Goal!  Ateneo up 2-1.

Pressure now on the Green Archers.  Tempers flare.  Ateneo players now playing defensive.  It was a just a matter of time that La Salle was going to equalize.  But the score line remained the same.  When the final whistle sounded, the dream had finally come true!  Ateneo 2 – DLSU 1.  The Ateneo community was ecstatic, some running to the pitch to congratulate my fellow teammates. I, on the other hand, ran to Chris Monfort, tackled him down on the track.  ”This is yours”, I said to him. “This is all yours”. Fireworks in the sky.  The song. “We are the champions!” playing in my head. Priceless!  We achieved the unthinkable.  Cellar dwellers the year before, but now on top of the world.  Who would have thought? I had to pinch myself a few times just to make sure it was real.  And it was…

To all my teammates: Lax, Pat, Miguel, Jonj, Kaloy, Ramos, Toj, Blue, Vince, Dom, Monching, Anton, Woowee, Anting, Baby Love, Valdes, Christian, Ompong and Chris; This one’s for you.  This will always remain in our hearts.

“Here’s to you, Here’s to we, Here’s to the team that will always be…”

One Big Fight!

I’ve been playing the ‘Keeper position ever since I was 11.  Wow, that makes it almost 25 years now and still going strong.  I still continue to play , but now on a recreational level.  But boy, being in this position, during my younger years, was no joke.  I had to contend with all the pressure that was thrown at me each day.  Teammates screaming at you, telling you the other keeper from the other school was better, and everything else that could smash your confidence to bits.  But luckily, it all turned out okay.  I worked harder, faced my fears and in the end, it paid off.  But more importantly, what kept me going and I’m sure the same goes for everyone else growing up, were the inspirational athletes we looked up to and aspired to be .  Just like how everyone who played basketball wanted to be like Mike or Magic or Kobe , I had my share of “Goalkeeper Gods” whom I sought inspiration from to keep me going.

5.  GORDON BANKS

Gordon Banks, one of the greatest goalkeepers to play for England.  I got to know this guy for his miraculous save off that thundering header from Pele.  I remember having this documentary video on the whole 1970 World Cup and voila, the “Save” of the tournament.  Pretty much one of the best saves EVER.

4.  PETER SHILTON

Ah, the great Peter Shilton.  Played for England during the 80′s-early 90′s.  This guy was memorable for me because my very first video on goalkeeping basics had him conducting it.  But of course, everyone remembers Peter in that so called “hand of  God” goal scored by Diego Maradona in 1986.  Man! Questionable up to this very day.

3.  DINO ZOFF

One of the greatest Italian goalkeepers to have ever lived.  He captained the Italian team during the 1982 World Cup at the age of 40.  That makes him the oldest player to have played and lift the trophy in the World Cup.  I first learned of Dino Zoff in this official film of the 1982 World Cup: GOL!  Great documentary with Sir Sean Connery as narrator.  Loved that UHLSPORT gloves he wore during the tournament.  Probably the best gloves ever!  When I took that trip to Scandinavia in 1986 (Gothia Cup), I made sure I got myself a pair.

2.  HARALD “TONI” SCHUMACHER

Who could forget this West German’s merciless charge on former French national, Patrick Battiston during the 1982 World Cup semifinal, damaging the latter’s vertebrae and having his teeth knocked out.  To make matters worse, he wasn’t sent off.  However, looking beyond that incident, I admired the guy for his toughness and attitude during the game.  He sort of had this game face that actually spoke to you.  He had that smirk.  It”s like he was saying: “I dare you to come near me or i dare you to take that shot”.  He was a very effective goalkeeper, but his attitude was what really stood out.  Fierce!

1.  PETER SCHMEICHEL

The great Danish Goalkeeper who was part of the Euro 92 champion team, and probably the best goalkeeper to ever suit up for Manchester United; the best club in the world!  This guy was just totally amazing.  He was stocky, but his reflexes and aerial moves were just off the charts.  Stone wall defense at it best!  Oh, and the guy can score too.  He loved going up for those corners and on few occasions, has scored fantastic goals.  I remember back in 1996, I was able to purchase of pair of his signature REUSCH gloves.  It was a very memorable piece of equipment as it had the letter “S” on it and would call that letter my own.  Each time I wore those, it brought out the “Schmikey” in me.  He will go down as my number 1 goal keeper of all time.  I salute you.

I love sports.  Growing up, I was exposed to different kinds of sports such as Tennis, Basketball and the one closest to my heart: FOOTBALL. I started my football career back in grade school as a center fullback, but eventually found my calling as a GOALKEEPER.  I played all my years for the ATENEO.  Had my share of ups and downs, but eventually the biggest success was attained during my final year in college, giving my alma mater it’s first UAAP Football championship in 28 years.  A short stint with the RP Booters (now, called the “Azkals”) in 1998 as well as playing for various clubs such as Loyola FC, Kaya FC and Team ERAP basically sums up my career for now.  Currently playing in this tournament called the Weekend Football League (WFL). Nice to be back playing after a 2 year break.

Add basketball to the mix, I pretty much enjoy what most Pinoys love playing.  I play a decent game…well not really. I’m not a prolific scorer, but hey…I play solid defense.  That is my role…defense, rebound, hustle!  And it does win games.  And I love the San Antonio Spurs!  David “the Admiral” Robinson the great number 50…no one else comes close.

I’ve been lucky I never left the sports industry.  My work career thankfully gave me a chance to still be a part of it.  Having worked for Nike for 7 glorious years…Solar Sports for 3 years, what more can a former athlete like me ask for.  To be able to do sports marketing…two words: DREAM JOB!

I turned my back on the corporate world a couple of years ago, but I still continue to do what I love doing…Sports Marketing through my company RSA-TITAN Management Group Inc.

My vision: Not only to promote sports, but to focus on sports development as well.  Quite a big challenge given the current situation.  However, I am optimistic.  The opportunities are there. We just have to create those possibilities.  As of the moment, I still get to focus on the two sports categories I love the most: Basketball and Futbol (Soccer).  My OWN dream job now.  Stay tuned.