Aton Ini

“Atin ito” was adopted by the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons as its battlecry in the just-concluded 81st UAAP Basketball Tournament. Of course the author of the now famous cry is Cebuano Paul Desiderio, who was instrumental in ousting the seeded Adamson Falcons, despite the latter’s twice-to-beat advantage.  After 32 long years, the Maroons were back in the Finals. But as I said earlier, even before the  start of the best-of-three series against Ateneo, the Blue Eagles will be hard to beat.  Not only are the Eagles the defending champions, they also have honed their skills and teamwork in international competitions such as the Jones Cup in Taiwan. True enough, the Blue Eagles swept the Maroons routing them in Game 2 where Thirdy Ravena exploded for 38 points.  Adding to the misery of the Diliman boys was the injury of Bright Askuetie, the UAAP’s MVP.  So it was almost a walk in the  park for Angelo Kouame who scored 22 points mostly on dunks as Bright couldn’t keep pace. After the game, the Blue Eagles were talking of a grandslam with still a potent  lineup with only Anton Asistio graduating this season. Desiderio will be leaving UP but the Maroons will be stronger next  year with the entry of Kobe Paras and ex-La Sallite Ricci Rivero. When the smoke cleared, Ravena, who hails from Iloilo City, must be saying “Amon ini” or in Cebuano “Ato ni bai”.

Christmas with Elvisaya

Shoppers  and mall goers will be treated to another trip down memory lane when some of Cebu’s top singers perform at the Robinsons Activity Center on December 15 at 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon.  The annual Christmas variety show dubbed “Christmas with Elvisaya and Friends” will again feature Cebu’s Frank Sinatra, Jun Villahermosa, Edison Monternel, the Tom Jones of Cebu, 2018 Cebu Pop Music Festival best interpreter June Villarta, Awit Awardee and “Handurawan TV host, “Amie Filomeno and Raffy Uytiepo, Elvis of the Visayas.  Host is veteran broadcaster and stand-up comedian Sam Costanilla.  The two-hour show is free to the public.

Did you know?

Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird ran at least 2 kilometers on the second level of the Boston Garden before or after a game.  Bird ran and finished the 1985 Shamrock Classic ( 5miler)  in 32 and a half minutes.  Two days later, he scored 60 points against theAtlanta  Hawks. During his senior year at Indiana State, Bird clocked 5:08 in the mile.  Although he never ran the Boston Marathon, he always go down to Fenway Park to cheer the runners.

Wilt Chamberlain

Held the most assists in a game by a player who was not a guard.  The 7’1”,  275- pound center recorded 21 assists during a game in 1968

Left-handed players

A publication listed an all-lefty squad starting from the 1990 era.  The starting five consisted of Chris Mullin and Wayman Tisdale at  forward David Robinson at center and guards Johnny Dawkins and John Lucas.