Asi Taulava punches Malaysian opponent at Jones Cup (Video)

Asi Taulava threw a couple of punches to the head of Malaysian player Kwaan Yoong Jing after the latter "grabbed" and "squeezed" Taulava's crotch during the Philippines versus Malaysia match at the 2011 William Jones Cup in Taiwan on Tuesday.

See what happens if you grab Asi Taulava's privates | Video courtesy of ESPN

“He grabbed them, squeezed them then back-punched them. I wouldn’t have reacted that way if he didn’t do it, it was like a punch, it’s the worst feeling.” Taulava told the Philippine Star.



Taulava and Jing were both ejected from the game because of the incident.



After the game, Taulava took time in updating his newly created Twitter page with a statement of apology.



"Would like to apologize to everybody that watched the game today for losing my cool. No excuses for my actions, and I’m sorry," Taulava tweeted.



The Philippines won the said game against Malaysia, 86-68.

Mark Yee 'sundot' scandal

During the Game 1 of Petron vs. TNT PBA Governors' Cup Finals face-off last night, Mark Yee made sundot of Anthony Grundy's pwet, prompting the ref to call a foul. Lol.

"If u missed Mark Yee's intimate foul on Anthony Grundy, here's a screengrab. Yup, Grundy has been informed," Mico Halili tweeted attaching the pic above.

Meanwhile, check out the video of Mark Yee's "sundot" scandal below:

Courtesy of Studio 23

By the way, here are the score cards of last night's game:



PETRON 89— Salvacion 19, Grundy 17, Ildefonso 13, Santos 12, Miranda 12, Cabagnot 9, Pennisi 5, Duncil 2, Baclao 0, Hubalde 0.

TALK N’ TEXT 88— Alapag 18, Fonacier 16, De Ocampo 13, Williams 10, Reyes 8, Castro 7, Carey 6, Peek 6, Reynolds 4, Yee 0, Dillinger 0, Aban 0.

Philippine Dragon Boat team nabs 5 gold, 2 silver medals at US tilt

The Philippine Dragon Boat team (the Dragon Warriors) dominated the 10th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) World Dragon Boat Championships held in Tampa Bay, Florida, United States.

The Philippine Dragon Boat team members

The Noypi paddlers earned a medal in every event they joined in the competition, bagging a total of 5 gold and 2 silver medals. ABS-CBN reported that the team broke the world records in all of the events that they won: the 1000-m men's event, the 200-m men's event, the 500-m men's event, the 200-m mixed event, and the 500-m mixed event.



This year's championships attracted teams from 17 different countries who competed in 18 competition classes. This is the second time that a U.S. city has hosted them. The next championships, in 2013, will be held in Iran.

Philippine Dragon Boat team wins 3rd gold, 1st silver medals at World Championships

The Philippine Dragon Boat team (a.k.a. the Dragon Warriors) has won its third gold at the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) World Dragon Boat Championships in Tampa Bay, Florida, United States on Saturday.

The Philippine Dragon Team Members

The Noypi paddlers stormed their way to victory in the 200-meter mixed event small boat division in a time of 57:07 seconds, leaving their rivals from Italy, Japan, and Trinidad and Tobago in awe.

The team previously won the first place in premier 200-meter mixed event and in the 1000-meter men's event where it set a new world record with the fastest time of four minutes and 57 seconds.

Meanwhile, aside from the three (3) golds, the Filipinos have also bagged their first silver medal in the premier 200-meter men's division event on Saturday.

The first World Championship Dragon Boat Racing was in 1995 at Yueyang, China and was organized by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) . Since then, it is being held every after two years, a grand event that National athletes yearns among the IDBF members dare not to miss. The Dragon Warriors are the current defending champions of the event.

Jones Cup 2011 Schedule on IBC-13

The 2011 William Jones Cup is about to kick off on August 6th at the Sinjhuang Stadium, New Taipei City, Taiwan. Its official broadcaster in the Philippines, IBC-13 (AKTV), has released an updated version of the games it will air. Catch the games of the national team Smart Gilas Pilipinas live as well as other featured matches on IBC on the following dates:

Jones Cup 2011 Broadcast Schedule on IBC 13

Saturday, August 6
Philippines vs Iran (live) – 5 p.m.
South Korea vs Malaysia (delayed) – 7 p.m.

Sunday, August 7
Japan vs Iran (live) – 5 p.m.
Philippines vs Chinese Taipei (live) – 7 p.m.

Monday, August 8
Jordan vs Philippines (delayed) – 5 p.m.
South Korea vs Iran (delayed) – 7 p.m.

Tuesday, August 9
Malaysia vs Philippines (delayed) – 5 p.m.
Japan vs South Korea (delayed) – 7 p.m.

Wednesday, August 10
Philippines vs South Korea (live) – 5 p.m.
Jordan vs Japan (delayed) – 7 p.m.

Thursday, August 11
United Arab Emirates vs Philippines (delayed) – 5 p.m.
South Korea vs Jordan (delayed) – 7 p.m.

Friday, August 12
Philippines vs Japan (live) – 5 p.m.
Jordan vs Iran (delayed) – 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 13
Jones Cup semifinals game 1 – 5 p.m.
Jones Cup semifinals game 2 – 7 p.m.

Sunday, August 14
Jones Cup battle for third – 5 p.m.
Jones Cup championship game – 7 p.m.

Meanwhile here's the FULL schedule of games at the 2011 Jones Cup:

August 6, 2011
13:00 Jordan-UAE
15:00 Korea-Malaysia
17:00 Philippines-Iran
19:00 Opening ceremony
19:30 Taiwan-Japan

August 7, 2011
13:00 Malaysia-Jordan
15:00 UAE-Korea
17:00 Japan-Iran
19:00 Philippines-Taiwan

August 8, 2011
13:00 UAE-Japan
15:00 Jordan-Philippines
17:00 Korea-Iran
19:00 Taiwan-Malaysia

August 9, 2011
13:00 Iran-UAE
15:00 Malaysia-Philippines
17:00 Japan-Korea
19:00 Jordan-Taiwan

August 10, 2011
13:00 Iran-Malaysia
15:00 Jordan-Japan
17:00 Philippines-Korea
19:00 Taiwan-UAE

August 11, 2011
13:00 Japan-Malaysia
15:00 UAE-Philippines
17:00 Korea-Jordan
19:00 Taiwan-Iran

August 12, 2011
13:00 UAE-Malaysia
15:00 Iran-Jordan
17:00 Japan-Philippines
19:00 Taiwan-Korea

August 13, 2011
15:00 #7 vs. #6
17:00 #4 vs. #1 (Semifinals)
19:00 #2 vs. #3 (Semifinals)

August 14, 2011
15:00 #7/#6 winner vs. #5
17:00 Third-place game
19:00 Championship game
Closing ceremony

Eumir Felix Marcial nabs gold in World Junior Boxing Championships

Eumir Felix Marcial, a Filipino amateur boxer, won a gold medal in AIBA World Junior Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Gold Medal match between Eumir Marcial and Cengiz | Video courtesy of Деннис Принкайп

The 15-year-old Marcial defeated Cengiz Onat of Turkey Saturday, winning Philippines' first gold medal in the event, which was first held in 2001.

The southpaw Marcial had previously defeated Armenia's Henrik Hovannisyan and Nasraddin Mammadov of Azerbaijan.

In the semifinal round, Marcial stopped Eduard Vaha of Belarus to arrange a final battle against Onat.

Three-time Olympian Romeo Brin serves as Marcial's coach.

Notes: Whew! There is still plenty of time to prepare for the 2016 Olympics. Please bring home the first Philippine Olympic Gold as well. :D

PBA Season 36 Governors' Cup 2011 live stream via Philstar

The Philippine Star (PhilStar) has let its readers watch the PBA Season 36 Governors' Cup on July 29, 2011 via online live stream. The video feeds are actually coming from Studio 23 and when it's time for a commercial break, Philstar shows the schedule of their live stream instead.

PBA Season 36 Governors' Cup 2011 live stream via Philstar

Yes, the Alaska vs Barangay Ginebra game later will also be broadcast via the Philstar livestream and as well as the rest of the games in the 36th Season (Governors' Cup).

Check out the said PBA live stream here: http://www.philstar.com/pbalive.aspx.

Azkals vs Kuwait Game 2 Replay, Highlights Videos | July 28, 2011

The Philippine Azkals vs Kuwait Al-Azraq Game 2 replay and highlights videos will be posted here once made available online. (Game 1 videos are posted HERE.)

(Update: FULLTIME Score: 2-1, 5-1 on aggregate in favor of Kuwait... Kuwait advances to the group stages of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers...)

Azkals vs Kuwait Leg 2 | Photo courtesy of Everythinginbudget

Update: Here's a video of the first and only goal from the Philippines courtesy of Stephan Schrock:

The Azkals vs Kuwait football match is currently being held right now (July 28, 2011) at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. It is the second leg of the World Cup qualifying game between the two teams. Whoever wins after their aggregate scores are determined, will advance to the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers. The Azkals previously lost to Kuwait, 0-3, in the first leg.

The game is being aired live on Studio 23 and Balls which started at 5:30 p.m. The kick-off will be at around 7:30 p.m. The replay schedules are as follows: July 29, 3 p.m. on Balls; July 30, 7 a.m. on ABS-CBN; July 31, 10 a.m. on Balls; and August 2, 2 p.m. on Studio 23.

Azkals vs Kuwait Game 2 live on Studio 23, Balls on July 28, 2011

The Philippine Azkals vs Kuwait Al-Azraq World Cup qualifying match continues on July 28, 2011. It will be the second leg and the home game for the Azkals. It will be held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Philippines.

Azkals vs Kuwait Leg 2 live on Studio 23 on July 28, 2011 | Photo courtesy of Everythinginbudget

The Azkals vs Kuwait Leg 2 match will be broadcast live on Studio 23 and Balls at 5:30 p.m. However, the kick-off will be at around 7:30 p.m. The replay schedules are as follows: July 29, 3 p.m. on Balls; July 30, 7 a.m. on ABS-CBN; July 31, 10 a.m. on Balls; and August 2, 2 p.m. on Studio 23.

(Update: Leg 2 FULLTIME Score: 2-1, 5-1 on aggregate in favor of Kuwait... Kuwait advances to the group stages of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers...)

NBA vs Smart Gilas Replay Videos and Result (July 24, 2011)

The Smart NBA All-Star vs Smart Gilas Pilipinas exhibition game on July 24, 2011 proved to be a more one than that of NBA vs PBA selection on July 23rd. Although the Philippine National team lost to the NBA team, 98-89, they were seen showing an impressive team work especially towards the end of the game.

Check out NBA vs Smart Gilas Replay Videos below which feature highlights of their tune-up game:


Smart Gilas vs NBA First Half Highlights | Video courtesy of "khalel610", AKTV

Smart NBA vs Smart Gilas Second Half Highlights | Video courtesy of "khalel610", AKTV

Kiefer Ravena stripped by teammates (Video)

Kiefer Ravena, probably the youngest of his team that time, was stripped by his basketball teammates in high school on this old video below:

Kiefer Ravena stripped by teammates

It was I guess the time when Kiefer Ravena is starting to be noticed for his basketball skills. Ravena was still 13 years old that time and yet he was an essential force of his high school varsity team. He was dubbed the "basketball phenomenon" and the "future basketball star". Check out this demo video of his and know for yourself why people are talking so much about this young man:

Kiefer Ravena Demo Reel

Ravena is now a freshman college student and is playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP. During Ateneo's match against La Salle last weekend, rookie Ravena was named the "Most Valuable Player" for his 24 points. Whew!

Check out below the bio of Kiefer Ravena below (will have to update more info though):

Kiefer Ravena

Birthday: Oct 27, 1993
Age: 17
School: Ateneo De Manila university

Parents
Father:

Ferdinand (Bong) Ravena jr.
Former basketball player
University of the East
Varsity player
Youth and Mens National Team Player
14 years professional basketball player
Current: Assistant Coach “Talk and Text” (professional league)

Mother:

Melizza (Mozzy) Ravena
Occupation: Former Volleyball Player
University of Santa Tomas Varsity Player
Youth Womens National Team Player
Current: Sports Analyst (TV – ABS-CBN)

Basketball Background:

Grade School Varsity since 7 years old
Highschool varsity (1st – 4th yr)
1 Runner up – Major League UAAP
3 Championships – Major League UAAP
2 Mythical 5 selection
2 Finals MVP (3rd + 4th yr)
FIBA Asia U16 (4th place) 2009 Team Captain
FIBA Asia U18 (5th place) 2010 Team Captain
Mythical 5
Best Forward
SEABA U18 (Champion) 2010 – Team Captain
College varsity

Azkals vs Kuwait Result and Highlights (Leg 1, July 23) | Video Replay

Azkals vs Kuwait Result and Game Highlights (Leg 1, Video Replay)

Azkals vs Kuwait Leg 1 First Half Hightlights | Video courtesy of ANC

The first leg of the Philippine Azkals vs Kuwait Al-Azraq World Cup qualifying match, held on July 23, 2011 at the Mohammad Al Hamad Stadium in Kuwait, ended with the score 3-0 in favor of the Kuwaiti team.

Azkals vs Kuwait Leg 1 Second Half Hightlights | Video courtesy of ANC

The two teams will again face off on July 28 for the second leg of their match. It will be held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Philippines. Their aggregated scores (leg 1 + leg 2) will be the final result and will determine the winner and who will advance to the next round of the 2012 Brazil FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Azkals vs Kuwait live on ABS-CBN, Studio 23, Balls | Game schedule

Azkals vs Kuwait World Cup Qualifiers Schedule

Azkals vs Kuwait live on ABS-CBN | Game schedule

The first leg of the much awaited Phillipine Azkals vs Kuwait Al-Azraq football match is scheduled on July 23, 2011 and will be held in Kuwait. The game will be telecast live on ABS-CBN starting at 11:30 p.m. with a replay the next morning at 7 a.m. There will also be replay of the Azkals vs Kuwait Leg 1 game on Balls at 3:00 p.m., on Studio 23 at 10:00 p.m. On July 26, the replay will once again be aired on Balls at 4:30 p.m.


Meanwhile, the second leg will be the home game for the Azkals. It will take place at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Philippines on July 28, 2011. This time, the Azkals vs Kuwait Leg 2 match will be broadcast live on Studio 23 and Balls at 5:30 p.m. The replay schedules are as follows: July 29, 3 p.m. on ball; July 30, 7 a.m. on ABS-CBN; July 31, 10 a.m. on Balls, August 2, 2 p.m. on Studio 23.

(Update: Leg 2 FULLTIME Score: 2-1, 5-1 on aggregate in favor of Kuwait... Kuwait advances to the group stages of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers...)

AZKALS VS KUWAIT SCHEDULE
ROUND 2 OF WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
LEG 1 IN KUWAIT
July 23, Sat		11:30 PM LIVE ON ABS-CBN
July 24, Sun		7:00 AM REPLAY ON ABS-CBN
.		3:00 PM REPLAY ON BALLS (CABLE)
.		10:00 PM REPLAY ON STUDIO 23
July 26, Tue		4:30 PM REPLAY ON BALLS (CABLE)
LEG 2 IN MANILA
July 28, Thu		5:30 PM LIVE ON S23
.		5:30 PM LIVE ON BALLS HD (CABLE)
July 29, Fri		3:00 PM REPLAY ON BALLS (CABLE)
July 30, Sat		7:00 AM REPLAY ON ABS-CBN
July 31, Sun		10:00 AM REPLAY ON BALLS (CABLE)
August 2, Tue		2:00 PM REPLAY ON STUDIO 23

Smart Ultimate All-star Weekend Free Tickets!

Get a chance to win FREE tickets to the biggest basketball event happening in the country this July 23 and 24, the Smart Ultimate All-star Weekend!

NBA stars will be facing a PBA selection and the Smart Gilas Pilipinas Team in a two-day exhibition games this July 23 and 24, 2011 at the Araneta Coliseum

At around 6 p.m., today (July 18, 2011), TV5's news website started a very easy contest wherein you can get FREE tickets to the basketball extravaganza. All you need to do is to simply give a photo a caption. TV5 will then choose the funniest caption and award 2 free tickets to its owner. A runner-up will also get 1 Free ticket! Whew!

New photo caption contest comes out everyday until July 22nd and thus there will be winners each day! To join just head to: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/caption-contest-day-1

Update: Day 2 link: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/caption-contest-day-2

Update: Day 3 link: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/caption-contest-day-3

Meanwhile, read about the Smart Ultimate All-star Weekend here: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/07/nba-all-stars-vs-smart-gilas-pba-this.html

Harper Seven Beckham debuts on Facebook, Twitter (Photos)

Harper Seven Beckham, the fourth child of celebrity couple Victoria and David Beckham, made her public debut via Twitter and Facebook on Sunday , a week after her birth.

Proud parents Victoria and David took turns in posting the first photos of Harper Seven on the social media sites.

On his Facebook fan page, David posted a picture of their first baby girl being cradled by Victoria along with the message, "I took this picture of my two girls sleeping."

Photo of Harper Seven Beckham and her mom Victoria revealed by her dad David on Facebook

And over on her Twitter account, Victoria tweeted a photo of David holding their newborn, writing, "Daddy's little girl!"

Picture of baby Harper Seven Beckham and dad David shared by her mom Victoria on Twitter

Harper Seven was born on July 10, 2011 at 7:55 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. She joins older brothers Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, 8, and Cruz, 6.

According to a US Weekly article, the little girl was named after an old English name and the number seven.

"Harper is an old english name that [Victoria] has always liked," a source close to Victoria told US Weekly.

"Seven is a very spiritual lucky number. She was born in the seventh month, in the seventh hour."the source added.

UAAP: 'Guide' to watching Eagles-Archers game goes viral on Facebook

UAAP rival teams Ateneo Blue Eagles and La Salle Green Archers are set to meet for the first time in UAAP Season 74 before an expected sellout crowd on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ateneo and La Salle to face off for the first time this season on Saturday

A few days before the highly anticipated duel, a so-called guide to watching the Ateneo-La Salle game made the rounds on Facebook. The list which was titled "How to keep your School Spirit (and Sanity) at an Ateneo-La Salle Game" contains 9 tips on how to enjoy "the thrill and experience of blue versus green."

They are as follows:

1. TAKE THE TRAIN. Expect the traffic around the Araneta Center to be heavy and the parking lines long, so it makes a lot of sense to avail of the mass transport system. The Big Dome is located where the MRT and LRT 2 lines converge. After hopping off the train, the coliseum is just a short walk within air-conditioned malls and walkways of Gateway and Farmers Plaza.


2. PARK EARLY. If you do decide to take your own vehicle, come early so you can find a place to park. There are five thousand parking spaces at the Araneta Center and most are just within walking distance such as the Gateway Mall Parking, Manhattan Parkway along General Malvar (beside Aurora Tower), parking areas around Shopwise along Times Square, beside the Farmers Garden and at the Ali Mall Parking Area.


3. SHUN THE SCALPERS. Police detail and Araneta security at the Big Dome will be watching for scalpers with an eagle eye. (No pun intended.) Scalping is illegal and punishable by law. You wouldn’t want to see your face on the nighttime news buying from a scalper. Report any scalping activities to the nearest guard or security detail. Besides, buying from scalpers goes against the values espoused by your schools.


4. DRESS LIGHTLY BUT BE READY FOR THE RAIN. Despite the breeze from the air conditioning, expect the Big Dome to be heated up by high energy from both camps. The lines at the gates will be long so it would be wise to dress light, wear comfortable footwear with just your mobile phone, purse or wallet. Bring just enough cash for that post-game party or mall gimmick. To protect yourself from the rain, wear a light windbreaker…in your school color of course.


5. FILL UP TO KEEP YOUR PEP UP. You will need all the energy you can muster to be heard over the din. Make sure you come early enough to nourish yourself before the game. Food and drinks can be found inside the Big Dome, but if you wish for variety, there are several food chains at the nearby malls to satiate your cravings. Just be sure to come in early.


6. KNOW YOUR GATE BEFOREHAND. Avoid the frustration of queuing for a long time only to find out that you lined up at the wrong gate. For Patron, Lower Box, and Upper A & B ticket holders, ADMU entrance is at the Red Gate; DLSU at the Green Gate. General Admission ticket holders may enter at the Yellow Gate right beside the Ticketnet/Uniprom Office.


7. WAIT FOR THE FIRST GAME TO FINISH. The UAAP is employing the two-ticket system on Saturday, July 16. This simply means that those who watched the first game will be ushered out of the Big Dome so that ticket holders to the second game, Ateneo vs. La Salle can enter. Patiently wait at the designated line after the first game finishes.


8. CHEER BUT DON’T JEER. Having a high dose of school spirit is fine but remember, that this is still a sport. Ergo, don’t go ballistic if your team loses. Hooliganism is so not cool. Besides, the hottie you spot may be from the competing campus.


9. POINT AND SHOOT ONLY, PLEASE! DSLRs and video cameras are not allowed at the Big Dome. Leave the professional shooting to the sports fotogs. Just bring your point and shoot cameras and focus on yelling your lungs out.

The list actually came from The Araneta Center Facebook fan page which asked its fans to repost the list and add a 10th tip for a chance to win 2 Upper A tickets to tomorrow's ADMU-DLSU game.

The Eagles-Archers game will be held at the Araneta Coliseum tomorrow (Saturday, July 16, 2011) at 3p.m.

NBA All-stars vs Smart Gilas, PBA this July 2011

Update: NBA vs Smart Gilas, PBA tune-up game tickets are now available!

“Kobe,Chris Paul,Tyreke Evans,Deandre Jordan,James Harden,Derrick Williams + 2 more @ d Araneta on July 23-24. Buy ur tickets now! 9115555," Talk n' Text head coach Chot Reyes tweeted earlier.

"SMART ULTIMATE ALL STAR WEEKEND TICKETS: Patron P5500 Lower Box P3800 Upper A 1500 Upper B 800 GA 350," he added.

Update made at 2p.m. on July 15

Update (July 16, 2011, 10PM):

"Update on Smart Ultimate All Star Weekend tickets: Only Upper B and GA tickets left! Better rush to your nearest TicketNet outlet TOMORROW!" - from the Araneta Center

"Derek Fisher joining the NBA roster" -from Coach Chot Reyes

Update (July 18, 2011, 12AM):

Derrick Rose added on the NBA stars list. - The Philippine Star

So here's the final NBA cast then:

1. Kobe Bryant
2. Chris Paul
3. Tyreke Evans
4. DeAndre Jordan replaced by Kevin Durant
5. James Harden
6. Derrick Williams
7. Derek Fisher
8. Derrick Rose
9. Javale McGee

Meanwhile, the PBA line-up looks like this:

1. James Yap
2. Marc Pingris
3. Mark Caguioa
4. JC Intal
5. Arwin Santos
6. Rabeh Al-Hussaini
7. Ryan Reyes
8. Jason Castro
9. Larry Fonacier
10. Sonny Thoss
11. LA Tenorio
12. Sol Mercado
13. Gary David
14. Gabe Norwood
15. Danny Seigle

All Smart Gilas team members would probably be playing.

The first game of "Smart Ultimate All Star Weekend" will be between NBA and PBA at 7 p.m. on July 23. NBA will then meet the Smart Gilas Pilipinas team at 1 p.m. on July 24.

Update (July 18, 2011, 2pm):

- Only GA tickets left
- Reservations no longer accepted, kindly BUY your tickets at the nearest TicketNet office/outlet
- TicketNet Box Office at the Coliseum's YELLOW GATE is open 9am-9pm
- All SM TicketNet outlets are open 9am-8pm
(Announcement from The Araneta Center)

Update (July 18, 2011, 9PM):

Get a chance to win FREE tickets to the event. Read details HERE>>>

“Kevin Durant is coming to replace Deandre Jordan in the Smart Ultimate All Star Weekend,” Chot Reyes said in a text message to InterAksyon (TV5's news website).

Update (July 19, 2011, 6pm):

Tickets sold out!

"There are currently no tickets left for all levels for both days of the Smart Ultimate Basketball Weekend. We are awaiting TicketNet's advice on whether or not they will be releasing additional tickets. We will let you know ASAP and rest assured that ALL your concerns have been forwarded to them. Thank you." - The Araneta Center

Update (July 20, 2011, 12AM)

Javale McGee is the final addition to the NBA line-up. - Coach Chot Reyes via Twitter

Update (July 20, 2011, 4PM)

It appears that additional tickets were released 3 hours ago. However, they have all been sold now. Please add The Araneta Center on Facebook to get updates on the tickets.

Update (July 21, 2011, 10:30AM)

"Updates on the Smart Ultimate All-star Weekend:
- We will be opening additional sections on the 23rd and 24th, on a first come first served pay-as-you-enter basis. Kindly wait for further announcements on what time this will begin." -The Araneta Center

Update (July 22, 2011, 10PM)

"Additional tickets for the Ultimate All Star game tomorrow will be available for sale only at the Red and Green gates of the Araneta Coliseum. Not SM TicketNet outlets.

Ticket selling will begin between 5-6pm. Gates will open at 6pm, after those who watched the UAAP games have been ushered out of the Big Dome.

To discourage scalpers, a first come first served, pay as you enter policy will be enforced and only ONE ticket will be sold to each person in line. Come and lineup early for better chances of buying your desired tickets." - The Araneta Center

Update (July 23, 2011, 5pm):

"Additional tickets to the Smart All Stars vs. Smart Gilas game tomorrow will be available for sale at the Green and Red gates of the Araneta Coliseum starting 11am!" - The Araneta Center

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has reportedly finalized a match-up between NBA All-stars and Smart Gilas Pilipinas as well as NBA All-stars versus a PBA selection. The exhibition games are scheduled on July 23 and 24, 2011 at the Araneta Coliseum, according to reports.

NBA All-stars versus Smart Gilas, PBA this July 25-26, 2011 at the Araneta Coliseum

The NBA roster includes Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Darko Milicic, Tyreke Evans, DeAndre Jordan and Mario Chalmers. (This list may not be the actual one anymore. Please check the update above for the official NBA line-up.)

Among the PBA players set to face the NBA stars are James Yap, Marc Pingris, Rabah Al-Hussaini, Arwind Santos, Mark Caguioa, LA Tenorio, Gary David and Gabe Norwood. (Update: According to Inquirer Sports, the official PBA roster includes Yap, Pingris, Caguioa, Intal, Santos, Al Hussaini, Cabagnot, Reyes, Fonacier, Thoss, Mercado, David, Norwood, Seigle.)

The Smart Gilas Pilipinas team aims to use the tune-up games as replacement for their canceled European training trip. The team is set to play in the Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei in August.

The event is also said to be a post-birthday celebration of basketball chief Manny V. Pangilinan who turns 65 this July 14th.

Update: According to TJ Manotoc, the basketball extravaganza will be held on July 23 and 24, not on the 25th and 26th as earlier reported. Final announcements are still to be made on Friday, though.

UAAP Season 74 Men's Basketball (Seniors) Schedule of Games

UAAP Season 74 has officially opened at the Marikina Sports Complex on Saturday. Now, the basketball fever is once again back as the eight participating teams begin battling it out on the basketball court starting today.

UAAP Season 74 Opening Ceremonies | Video courtesy of "yojeigor",Studio23

To be held at the Araneta Coliseum, last year's runner-up FEU will be facing La Salle Green Archers at 1pm, today, while this season's host, the Ateneo Blue Eagles meet the Adamson Soaring Falcons at 3pm.

(Update: FEU defeats La Salle, 74-65 | Ateneo beats Adamson, 55-51)

Below is the schedule of the UAAP Season 74 Men's Basketball (Seniors):

Sunday, July 10: Araneta Coliseum

1:00 pm (Game 1) FEU vs DLSU
3:00 pm (Game 2) ADMU vs AdU

Thursday, July 14: Araneta Coliseum

1:00 pm (Game 1) NU vs UST
3:00 pm (Game 2) UE vs UP

Saturday, July 16: Araneta Coliseum

11:00 am (Game 1) AdU vs FEU
3:00 pm (Game 2) DLSU vs ADMU

Sunday, July 17: Araneta Coliseum

1:00 pm (Game 1) UP vs NU
3:00 pm (Game 2) UST vs UE

Thursday, July 21: Araneta Coliseum

1:00 pm (Game 1) ADMU vs NU
3:00 pm (Game 2) FEU vs UE

Saturday, July 23: Araneta Coliseum

1:00 pm (Game 1) DLSU vs UP
3:00 pm (Game 2) UE vs ADMU

Sunday, July 24: Philsports Complex

1:00 pm (Game 1) NU vs FEU
3:00 pm (Game 2) UST vs AdU

Thursday, July 28: Philsports Complex

1:00 pm (Game 1) AdU vs UE
3:00 pm (Game 2) NU vs DLSU

Saturday, July 30: Araneta Coliseum

1:00 pm (Game 1) UP vs ADMU
3:00 pm (Game 2) UST vs FEU

Sunday, July 31: Philsports Complex

1:00 pm (Game 1) DLSU vs UE
3:00 pm (Game 2) AdU vs NU

Thursday, August 4: Araneta Coliseum

1:00 pm (Game 1) UP vs FEU
3:00 pm (Game 2) ADMU vs UST

Saturday, August 6: Araneta Coliseum

1:00 pm (Game 1) UE vs NU
3:00 pm (Game 2) DLSU vs AdU

Sunday, August 7: Araneta Coliseum

1:00 pm (Game 1) UST vs UP
3:00 pm (Game 2) FEU vs ADMU

Thursday, August 11: Araneta Coliseum

1:00 pm (Game 1) UP vs AdU
3:00 pm (Game 2) UST vs DLSU

The games will be broadcast live on Studio 23.

Azkals vs Kuwait home game ticket prices bared!

The Philippine Azkals, after winning matches against the Sri Lankan team, is off to face Kuwait in the second round of the 2014 Brazil FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Azkals vs Kuwait home game ticket prices on July 28, 2011 bared

The Azkals vs Kuwait opening match will be held on July 23, 2011 in Kuwait. While, the home game (Game 2) will take place at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila, Philippines on July 28, 2011.

Ticket prices for the Azkals vs Kuwait Game 2 on July 28 have been revealed, today. They are as follows:

Lower Grandstand : PhP 3,000.00 (Reserved Seating)
Upper Grandstand: PhP 2,000.00 (Reserved Seating)
White Section (Bleacher): PhP 300.00 (Reserved Seating)
Blue & Green Sections (Bleacher): PhP 200.00 (Reserved Seating)

For every ticket sold, there will be a transaction fee of P6.00.

Where to buy Azkals vs Kuwait Game 2 tickets?

They will be available at Ticketworld outlets and will go on sale starting July 16, 2011 (Saturday) at 10 a.m.

For online ticket reservations, you can check the Ticketworld website.

Manny Pacquiao nominated for 'Choice Athlete: Male' at US Teen Choice Awards 2011

The reigning pound-for-pound boxing king Manny Pacquiao has been nominated for "Choice Athlete: Male" award at the Teen Choice Awards 2011, an annual teen awards show being presented by US TV network Fox.

In the category, Pacquiao will be up against mixed martial artist Jon Jones, hoopster Dirk Nowitzki, baseball player Albert Pujols and surfer Shaun White.

Teen Choice Awards honors the year's biggest achievements in music, movies, sports, television, fashion and more, as voted on by teens aged 13–19. The announcement of this year's winners will be held on August 7th.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao was also nominated at the ESPN's ESPYs (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) Awards 2011 for "Best Fighter" award. Fellow boxers Bernard Hopkins and Sergio Martinez, and MMA fighters Jon “Bones” Jones and George St. Pierre were also nominated in the category. The ESPYs Awards Show will take place in the Nokia Center in Los Angeles on July 13th.

Photo courtesy of: pacquiao-margarito.com