April 22, 2009; Step one no problem for Powerade Team Pilipinas

The Powerade Team Pilipinas cruises its way pass the assembled PBA North All-Stars, 98-80, from the Victorias Gym in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.


The North All-Stars proved to be a threat during the early moments of the game, leading 15-4 in the 1st quarter of action. But when head coach Yeng Guiao pulled out guard Ryan Reyes from the bench, the RP Team never looked back. They ran the court and scored at different areas with the help of Reyes and the crew.


The North All-Stars were composed of Paul Artadi, Joseph Yeo, Macmac Cardona, LA Tenorio, Gary David, Marc Pingris, Rico Villanueva, Jay-R Reyes and Gabby Espinas. They are backed up by 3 imports, namely Shawn Daniels from Burger King, Tiras Wade of Talk 'N Text and Jahmar Thorpe of Purefoods. Danny Ildefonso should be a part of the team, but he cannot make it to the game because his child is currently under medical condition.


The winning team for each of the three All-Star Games will bag P75,000 in cash prizes. But this is not the motivation that the RP Team is utilizing. It is the challenge that the formed teams would give them, so that come August, during the FIBA-Asia qualifiers in China, they will be ready for those international teams, and for our country to be a part of the 2012 London Olympics.


On Friday, the second installment of the Motolite-PBA All-Star Games will be held at Panabo City, Davao del Norte as the Powerade Team Pilipinas face off against the PBA South All-Stars. The South selection will be composed of Dondon Hontiveros, Jimmy Alapag, Eric Menk, Dorian Pena, Jay Washington, Reynel Hugnatan, Ronald Tubid, John Ferriols, JR Quinahan, PJ Simon and imports Rosell Ellis of the Alaska Aces and Jeff Varem of the Barako Bull Energy Boosters.


The imports are there so that the RP Team would feel the same thing come the international competitions, where guys this big will be faced off against them.


The big day will be on Sunday when the RP Team will face the starters of the North and South Team and the four remaining imports, Gabe Freeman of San Miguel, Jai Lewis of Rain or Shine, Anthony Johnson of Sta. Lucia and David Noel of Brgy. Ginebra. The Skills competition will be the appetizer before the main game which will feature the Skills challenge, the 3-Point Shootout and the much-anticipated Slam Dunk competition. It will start at 4:00 pm at the Araneta Coliseum.


And now, for all you soccer fans, here are the results from the Barclays Premier League game this morning!


Liverpool 4
Arsenal 4
Anfield, Liverpool, England
LIV: Fernando Torres (49", 72"), Yossi Benayoun (55", 90")
ARS: Andrey Arshavin (35", 66", 69", 90")


Liverpool are once again tied with Manchester United in the standings, but due to goal difference, they are a top of the leaderboard. They are pegged at 71 points, which United having 2 games on hand. United will face Portsmouth and Tottenham tomorrow morning and Saturday evening, respectively.


Arsenal placed a dent on Liverpool's Premier League title dream with 4 terrific goals from Andrey Arshavin. The game was pretty much the same of their Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, with the same scoreline at 4 a piece.


And after the game, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez admitted that Manchester United, are now on the "driver seat" to win the Premier League title this year.


So there you have it, you guys have just been fed!


To those who were stranded due to the heavy rain a while ago, I feel your pain guys... At least now your safe and sound in the comfort of your own home.


God bless you guys! Stay safe! Peace out! The Wizard was here... :)

Comments, questions and suggestions are highly appreciated! :)