3-team trade okayed - Tubid to Petron?

Published under Manila Standard Today 

by Jeric Lopez

PHILIPPINE Basketball Association commissioner Chito Salud on Friday approved the three-team transaction between Barangay Ginebra, B-MEG and Barako Bull.

The deal had versatile swingman Kerby Raymundo of B-MEG and Barako rookie Dylan Ababou going to the Gin Kings, with Ginebra’s Ronald Tubid and Reil Cervantes being shipped to the Energy and JC Intal taking his talents to the Llamados’ camp.

‘’The three-way trade was fairly sound and reasonable. The teams gave and received players and picks of relative even value and use for their respective purposes,’’ said Salud of the trade.

Raymundo, who is now in his third PBA team after Red Bull and B-MEG, and Ababou, already attended their first practice yesterday as Gin Kings, while Intal is expected to start scrimmaging with the Llamados anytime this weekend.

The new players from Ginebra and Barako Bull will have a chance to showcase their skills to their new teams when the two teams collide today in an tune-up game at Reyes Gym in Mandaluyong.

As for Tubid, sources indicate that Barako Bull is not his final destination in this whole trade involving San Miguel Corporation teams and the Energy.

Should plans do not miscarry, Tubid will eventually find himself back to the SMC group as he is planned to once again be moved this time to Petron Blaze, in exchange for fellow veteran wingman Lordy Tugade.

Meanwhile, Meralco shipped forwards Mark Isip and Nelbert Omolon to Air21 in exchange for Mark Canlas, Dennis Daa and a 2012 first-round pick from the Express.

It was done in a snap yesterday afternoon and the official proposal was already passed to the commissioner’s office.

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Lordy Tugade for Ronald Tubid may not be a bad idea at all... It is a waiting game again for PBB and Barako fans. 

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Iggy Arroyo dies of cardiac arrest in London

Negros Occidental Representative Ignacio Arroyo dies of cardiac arrest in London, Thursday. Iggy Arroyo is the younger brother of Former  First Gentleman, Mike Arroyo who went to London to seek treatment for his liver ailment.

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Iza Calzado now a Kapamilya

ABS-CBN adds another prized gem to their equally talented roster of talents in former GMA-7 stalwart, Iza Calzado.

Iza is slated to do a Maalala Mo Kaya guesting, to be part of John Lloyd and Sarah's movie and to host the next Biggest Loser edition. 

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Bourne producer says sorry for heavy traffic in Edsa - Taft

In lieu of the series of local shooting for the Bourne Legacy movie, local producer Jun Juban has recently apologized for the film's production which caused heavy traffic at Edsa-Taft as it prepares for the shoot on Saturday. 

In an interview with DZMM's Failon Ngayon, Jun Juban admitted that the miscalculation while setting up a crane caused the heavy traffic.

"Unang una nagpapaumanhin po kami talaga sa nangyari. Pang-apat na pong beses kaming naglalagay doon, ang nangyari po yung kahapon. Kasi we are filming in Navotas, ang concentration po ng tao namin is in Navatos fishport. Eh na-miscalculate po ng tao namin noong nailatag po yung crane eh napahaba po, eh. Di po ba parang may paa yon? We didn't realize pero immediately noong natawagan kami ay pinaalis namin kaagad. It was a miscalculation and I really feel so bad about in the sense na parang bakit nangyari? Pang-apat na beses po kaming in the past two weeks naglalagay ng gamit doon, pero hindi na po mauulit. When MMDA [Metropolitan Manila Development Authority] called me about it, I immediately told them [the crew], 'Take it out. What's wrong with you guys? Bakit nagkaganoon?' Pero paumanhin po talaga," Juban said.

For Saturday and Sunday's shoot, the MMDA announced that the outer lane of EDSA northbound from Taft Avenue to Tramo 2 will be closed to traffic.

[Please do not go to that area if you don't need too - a friendly reminder from NBO]

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Finals Preview: Powerade Tigers ROAR to the Finals

The team has ousted B-MEG, #1 placed team during the Quarterfinals by beating them twice, they have also ousted Rain-Or-Shine in a 7 game series and they've made it to Finals.

Enroute to Digos, Powerade Tigers made fans proud and non-believers believe as they set up a match with the defending champion, Talk and Text Tropang Texters. 

POWERADE CORE : DMC (David, Marcio, Casio) 

Gary David has proven his all-season long brilliance for Powerade and he was there delivering the goods when the team needed it the most. He's also my hands down choice for BPC. Expect him to lead the Tigers in their quest for a championship. I hope you did vote for him for the Veterans for the All-Star game, It would be a shame if you didn't, He deserves to finally have a slot there.

Marcio Lassiter and Jvee Casio both used their Smart Gilas experience to their advantage. Marcio, the 2011 4th Pick was able to show non-believers that he would not disappear during big games by delivering 30 pts in 2 games (this is how I remember it) during the Semifinals series against the Rain-or-Shine Elasto Painters. He is also Mr. Do-It-All by stopping players from opposing teams to score and finding breaks for his team mates.

Jvee Casio, the top rookie of the 2011 draft started out flat with injuries and all but as the conference progressed, he used his experience that differentiated him from other rookies, "Gilas", He delivered as they close out the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last night, I guess it also ended the Paul Lee hype, that there was the reason why Powerade chose Jvee instead. His leadership on the court feeds off to his team, he just doesn't find a way to score, he finds his open team mates for the shot. 

POWERADE CREW: Doug Kramer, Rommel Adducul, Will Antonio, Alex Crisano, Sean Anthony, Josh Vanlandingham, Francis Allera, James Martinez, Rudy Lingganay 

The supporting crew for Powerade is not the same of the star-studded teams, but their team chemistry is pretty much evident with the way they move the ball, find ways to score and stopping their opponents. Expect them to be around for the series against TNT. They can match up well with the likes of Dillinger, Peek, Carey, Williams and the rest of the Tropang Texters. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Powerade Coach Bo Perasol 

Bo Perasol may be considered as the underdog when the Coaches statistics are place head-to-head, but you can never count Coach Bo out. He has the ability to bring out the best in his players and keep them motivated. He knows how to trust his players and let them play the Powerade game. 

To the Powerade franchise: This conference has been successful on your end, Good luck on your finals bid! 

(I would be doing a separate feature on Gary David to be up soon) 

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It's not bad being a GAY anyway...

Ricky Martin opens up about his boyfriend, Carlos - LIVIN LA VIDA GAY! :) 

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Wade out indefinitely with sprained ankle

Source: Agence France-Presse

Star guard Dwyane Wade will be out indefinitely with a sprained right ankle suffered the fourth quarter of a defeat at Denver on Friday, coach Erik Spoelstra said Sunday.


"Thankfully it's not in a cast or boot and he is walking around," Spoelstra said.
The latest injury to Wade made for an even more depressing end to the Heat's five-game western road trip, which they ended with three defeats on the trot.


Wade had already missed playing time in this lockout-shortened season with a bruised left foot and battled a painful right strained calf.


"He probably needed to sit down and rest in the first place ... it's a blessing in disguise," said forward Chris Bosh. "We need to be healthy when it's time to make a run in the playoffs -- that's the most important thing."
Forward LeBron James agreed.


"We'd rather him be 100 percent healthy than playing where he's not comfortable."

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Ronald Singson free

Having had his 18-month sentence for illegal drugs possession reduced to 10 on good behavior, former Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Versoza Singson flew home Saturday afternoon on a private plane from Hong Kong 

Earlier, he was booked on Philippine Airlines flight PR 307 from Hong Kong, to arrive at 7:30 pm Saturday, but immigration officials at Laoag International Airport confirmed the arrival of a Dornier 328 aircraft, with Singson as passenger, shortly before 4 pm. With him were his 3-year-old daughter Sam, a nanny and his father, Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson.

After clearing the CIQ (customs, immigration, Quarantine) formalities, the Dornier immediately flew to Vigan Airport, arriving at 4:50 pm.

The former congressman was convicted in February 24, 2011 by Hong Kong Wan Chai District Court Judge Joseph Yau and sentenced to 18 months in jail after he admitted that the drugs found in his possession were intended for personal use. However, Singson was released in less than 10 months due to good behavior.

Singson was apprehended at the Chek Lap Kok International Airport on July 11, carrying 6.7 grams of cocaine and two tablets of Valium.

On July 11, 2010, Singson resigned from Congress as he remained in detention in Hong Kong, and was replaced by his brother Ryan Luis.

In earlier interviews, Governor Singson said his son, 44, has no plans to go back to politics once he returns home and will instead focus on business and helping drug victims.

SOURCE: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/21921/ronald-singson-free-again-flies-home-on-private-plane-from-hk 

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Prosecution: We are underdogs in Corona trial

The Impeachment trial of Supreme Court CJ Renato Corona begins tomorrow, January 16 at around 2 pm and the prosecution believes that they are the underdogs in the Corona trial.

“He doesn’t only have a stable of lawyers but a call center of attorneys to take care of his defense,” Tañada said. “That is not unexpected because any lawyer in this land would give an arm and a leg just to be on the good side of the Chief Justice.”

For his part, Deputy Majority Leader Miro Quimbo said: “We admit that CJ Corona's high priced legal team have been practicing litigation law their entire lives. They are clearly legal giants. But they should never forget what happened in the Valley of Elah several centuries ago. It was a small man named David who slew the giant Goliath.”

Nonetheless, the prosecution team has on its side a “good number of good private lawyers” who were “not even given free coffee.”

“At the end of the day, our prosecution team and their volunteer lawyers will carry the day for the people because truth and the people are on their side,” Tañada added.

13 more lawmakers join the impeach Corona bid:

13 more lawmakers have signified support for the impeachement of CJ Corona: they are the following - Erico Basilio Fabian (Zamboanga City), Christopher Co (AKO Bicol Party-list), Dan Fernandez (Laguna), Alfredo Maranon (Negros Occidental), Eric Singson Jr. (Ilocos Sur), Florencio Flores Jr. (Bukidnon), Maximo Rodriguez Jr. (Abante Mindanao Party-List), Jane Castro (Capiz), Al Francis Bichara (Albay), Mark Aeron Sambar (PBA Party-list), Rodolfo Antonino (Nueva Ecija), Emil Ong (Northern Samar), and Antonio Kho (Masbate).

Adding them to the 188 who signed the impeachment complaint, 201 had supported the impeachment filed at the House of Representatives. 

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/15/12/prosecution-we-are-underdogs-corona-trial

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Mayweather needs to reapply for Nevada fight license

Unbeaten but controversial Floyd Mayweather will need to re-apply for a Nevada fight license should he intend to pursue the fight on May 5.


The Nevada State Athletic Commission said that Mayweather should secure his fight license not later than February 6. 


Once settled, he would be called for a hearing. 


Amongst his probable opponents for May 5 are: Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Robert “the Ghost” Guerrero.

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Mercato, Soderno to Open This Weekend

Weekend Food Market Mercato Centrale - opens again on Saturday, January 14
Midnight Mercato - opens on Friday, January 13.
Soderno Market at Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang - would open on January 15.
Distrito - please wait for further announcements on the new location.

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PBA Semifinals Update: One Seeks for Finals, the other, for the Lead

After 4 semifinal games, one series seeks lead and one series caught everyone to surprise as they lead their rivals 3-1.

Yeng Guiao lead Rain or Shine Elasto Painters would duel against the Bo Perasol's Powerade Tigers, with one seeking for a 3-2 advantage at 5:15 pm. Expect their respective leaders to step up the game as they both want to outdo each other.

Talk and Text would try to play for their tournament lives as they duel against Petron Blaze Boosters on the second game at 7:45 pm. One more win for the Blaze Boosters and they would be in the finals. Petron leads series 3-1.

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Alex Cabagnot trends anew Worldwide

The long-haired Petron Blaze point guard proved that despite his off-games, winning-time matters the most. He hit the game-winning triple that gave the Boosters 2-1 advantage over the Tropang Texters, 95-93.

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"Bourne" actress Rachel Weisz arrives in Manila

British actress Rachel Weisz is now in Manila for the shooting of the fourth installment of the "Bourne" series entitled "Bourne Legacy" with the new lead actor, Jeremy Renner. Renner arrived a few days earlier.

Weisz refused to give any statement and wore a beanie to avoid being recognized by the media at the airport.

The British actress, who is married to "James Bond" star Daniel Craig, has appeared in Hollywood films such as "About a Boy," "Lovely Bones, "The Mummy," and its sequel "The Mummy Returns.

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The Search is On for the 2012 Bb. Pilipinas

The search is now on for the 2012 edition of Binibining Pilipinas. Interested applicants may download application form at BBP's Website. 

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Alternate Routes for Black Nazarene road closures (whole day)

ALTERNATE ROUTES FOR BLACK NAZARENE ROAD CLOSURES
(Monday January 9, 2012 whole day)

FROM QUEZON CITY - ESPAÑA TO LUNETA (WEST BOUND)

Right turn at A.H. Lacson, straight ahead to Tayuman left at Rizal Avenue, right at Ronquillo left to Mc Arthur Bridge all the way to Padre Burgos to destination.

FROM QUEZON CITY - LAONG-LAAN & DIMASALANG TO LUNETA (WEST BOUND)

Right turn at A.H. Lacson, straight ahead to Tayuman, left at Rizal Avenue, right at Ronquillo left to Mc Arthur Bridge all the way to Padre Burgos

FROM QUEZON CITY - ESPAÑA TO LUNETA (WEST BOUND)

Left turn at Lacson, right at Earnshaw, right at Legarda, P. Casal – Ayala Blvd. to destination

FROM LUNETA TO ESPAÑA – QUEZON CITY (EAST BOUND)

Take Padre Burgos straight ahead to Finance, Ayala Blvd. straight to P. Casal straight to Legarda, left at Bustillos to destination.

FROM ROXAS BLVD. TO ESPAÑA – QUEZON CITY (EAST BOUND)

Take U.N. Avenue left to Otis, left to Nagtahan, A.Lacson to destination

FROM ROXAS BLVD TO BLUMENTRITT (EAST BOUND)

Take P. Burgos, straight to Lawton, Mc Arthur Bridge, right to Carriedo, then keft to Avenida to destination


- MMDA 

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PBA Semifinals Series Update: Petron versus Talk and Text (1-1)

The battle between two seasoned teams continues to be an exciting affair as the semifinals series of Petron Blaze Boosters and Talk and Text Tropang Texters are currently tied (1-1).


The first game was won by Talk and Text 87-83 with Larry Fonacier scoring half of his 22 points in the second half. They got minutes from their starters who are returning from their respective injuries. 


The second game was reversal of roles, Petron starters outclassed their TNT counterparts by having 68 points out of their 91 point production. Danny Ildefonso came in with his veteran experience and contributed for the cause. Alex Cabagnot lead the way with 24 markers. 


Both teams seek for 2-1 advantage on Monday, January 9 at Cuneta Astrodome. 

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PBA Semifinals Series Update: ROS - Powerade (1-1)

(photo: www.pba.ph) 

This series is as interesting as the Petron - Talk and Text series as ROS - Powerade head to Game 3 later with a 1-1 series tally. 

The first game was won by Rain or Shine where Paul Lee shined at the 2nd half by scoring 22 of his 25 points in the second half and Jeff Chan shined with 27 points. 

The second game last Friday showed that the Tigers can bounce back with their James-Wade combo, Gary David and Marcio Lassiter combining for 62 points of Powerade's 121 points to beat ROS and tie the series (121-113). 

Now that the playing field is relatively equal, ROS-Powerade would make imperative adjustments as after tonight, 1 team would be leading 2-1 :

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Visa Exemption for Filipinos

No Visa Required for Filipinos in the Following Countries…

Asia

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

• Brunei Darussalam - 14 days

• Cambodia - 21 days

• Indonesia - 30 days

• Laos - 30 days

• Malaysia - 30 days

• Singapore - 30 days

• Thailand - 30 days

• Vietnam - 21 days

Non- ASEAN

• Azerbaijan - 30 days visa issued upon arrival for US$100

• Bangladesh - 90-days visa issued upon arrival for US$50

• Republic of China (Taiwan) - 30 days if holding a vaild visa for Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Schengen countries, United Kingdom or United States

• Georgia - 90 days visa issued on arrival for US$10 ~ US$200

• Hong Kong - 14 days

• Iran - 15 days visa issued upon arrival for US$50

• Israel - 90 days

• South Korea (Jeju Island only) - 30 days

• Macau - 30 days

• Maldives - 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)

• Mongolia - 21 days

• Nepal - 15/30/90 days visa issued upon arrival for US$25/40/100

• Sri Lanka - 30 days

• Timor-Leste - 30 days visa issued upon arrival for US$30

Europe

• Kosovo - 90 days

Oceania

• Cook Islands - 31 days

• Fiji - 120 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival (free of charge)

• Marshall Islands - 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)

• Federated States of Micronesia - 30 days

• Niue - 30 days

• Palau - 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)

• Samoa - 60 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival (free of charge)

• Tuvalu - 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)

• Vanuatu - 30 days

North America

• Bermuda - 31 days before but since May, they now require visas for Philippine passport holders

• Costa Rica - 120 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival (free of charge)

• Dominica - 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)

• Haiti - 30 days

• Nicaragua - 30 days

• Saint Kitts and Nevis - 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)

• Saint Lucia - 60 days Visitor's Permit issued upon arrival (free of charge)

• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - 30 days visa issued upon arrival (free of charge)

• Turks and Caicos Islands - 30 days

South America

• Bolivia - 59 days

• Brazil - 90 days

• Colombia - 90 days

• Ecuador - 90 days

• Peru - 90 days

• Suriname - 120 days

Africa

• Burundi - visa issued upon arrival

• Cape Verde - visa issued upon arrival

• Comoros - A free 24 hour transit visa issued upon arrival at the airport. Within 24 hours this must be converted into a full visa at the immigration office in Moroni (fee payable)

• Djibouti - 10 days visa issued upon arrival for DJF3,000; 30 days visa issued upon arrival for DJF5,000

• Gambia - At port of entry passport 24-72 hour transit pass is issued. This must be converted into a full visa valid up to 1 month at the immigration department in Banjul (fee payable)

• Kenya - 90 days visa issued upon arrival for US$50

• Madagascar - 90 days visa issued upon arrival for MGA140,000

• Morocco - 90 days

• Mozambique - 30 days visa issued upon arrival for US$25

• Saint Helena - visa issued upon arrival

• Seychelles - 30 days

• Tanzania - visa issued upon arrival for US$50

• Togo - 7 days visa issued upon arrival

• Uganda - 180 days visa issued upon arrival for US$50

• Zambia - 90 days visa issued upon arrival for US$50

Reposted: http://twentyfive.hubpages.com/hub/Visa-Exemption-for-Filipinos

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Miss Tourism International Update: Miss Malaysia wins Miss Tourism International

Miss Tourism International 2011/12 winners 

Malaysia's Aileen Gabriella Robinson won the most coveted Miss Tourism International 2011 crown during the coronation night (Finals) which was held at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa in Malaysia on Dec. 31. 

Runners up were Carolina Cerrud (Panama) who was crowned as Miss Tourism Metropolitan and Thailand's Patsaraporn Khonkhamhaeng was crowned as Miss Tourism Global International.

The competition lasted for 3 weeks in the country where the contestants competed for 13 subsidiary titles. Philippines' bet Diana Sunshine Rademann won the award of Miss Spec Personality earlier in the competition. 

Source: http://elyvalendez.blogspot.com/2012/01/miss-malaysia-crowned-miss-tourism.html

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