It’s a no work day on June 21, 2013

It’s official! It’s a no work day on June 21, 2013.

Now, that’s a good news for working people who want to watch the Game 7 of the NBA finals between the defending champion Miami heat and the 4-time world titlist San Antonio Spurs for the 2013 Larry O’Brian trophy.

The two teams have alternately won three games each and it will be a battle of hearts, guts and wits this Friday. Will it be a celebration for the big 3 of the Eastern Conference top team: LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh or for their counterpart from the West: Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker?

With the way the series has been going, new basketball fans were born and more crazy hoop fans became crazier. And the chance to watch it live in the comfort of their home is possible since it’s Holiday on June 21.

Well, that is if you are working in Canada of course or you’re a BPO employee handling Canadian-based accounts.  Canada’s National Aboriginal Day is annually held on June 21 to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of the nation’s Aboriginal peoples. National Aboriginal Day is a paid holiday for employees in the Northwest Territories, except those in the Northwest Territories Teachers' Association (NWTTA). It is not a statutory holiday in other parts of Canada. Traffic and parking conditions may be affected in areas where there are large celebrations to commemorate the day.

Now, if you’re from the Philippines like me. The only chance you can watch it at home is to file a sick leave (for diarrhea  or headaches, perhaps – it still sells), a big storm and flood go against your way going to work (which is something sick fans will probably wish) or just resign from work.

Disclaimer: I am not liable to what actions you will do on Friday just to catch the game live at home. Thanks for reading. At least you will now be motivated to file that Canadian immigration application that has been sitting in your desk for years.

The Legend of the Saint

I was inspired to blog about my PBA idol after his back-to-back 30-point games vs. Coca Cola and Barako Bull recently.

Did you know why Tubid was known as "The Saint" during his college, PBL and pre-Ginebra days?

Well, it was long story but I will make it short. During a game in his first year as a UE Warrior in the UAAP, Tubid was on the charity line for couple of freethrows. A high-ranked CBCP official was watching the game. This official was actually commissioned to look for "the face" for Pedro Calungsod, the Filipino who lives centuries ago who was ordained to be the second Filipino saint next to San Lorenzo Ruiz

After seeing Tubid on TV, the church official said to himself, "This is the face of Pedro Calungsod!"

And the rest is history!

Today, Tubid is known as "Mr. Fearless" --- 1/3 of Ginebra' "The Fast, the Furious and the Fearless" along with Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark "The Spark Caguiao".
There was also a time Tubid was referred as "The Rocket" by PBA commentators

Let's give the "Rocket" monicker to JC Intal who has been using in the amateur league. I've been a fan of Tubid since his college years. I followed his career to his PBL stint with Welcoat to PBA teams Shell and Air 21 and of course in Ginebra. One thing has never change, his flair and intensity as soon as he steps on the hardwood is still there. Not to mention his remarkable athleticism.

The last time I really got hooked to a basketball player was to the Living Legend Sen. Robert Jaworski (also a UE Alumnus) and NBA's Charles Barkley.

Going back to the monicker thing. I really prefer "The Saint" for Tubid. Since he glides in the air as if he has wings and has been the savior of the Gin Kings when Caguioa and Helterbrand are not available. But the "Fearless" is also a fit.

Hmmm.. how about St. Fearless... parang St. Elmo's Fire and dating :-)

The 2009 NBA Playoffs Bracket

My Final four would be Lakers vs. Hornets (West) and Cavs vs. Boston (East). The Nuggets and the Magic might be big surprises this year, though... :-) Reactions, anyone?

Double Click the image and print a copy of your playoffs bracket :-)