While surfing the web I saw this vintage Coca-Cola poster.

Yes, this is Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz. Back then he has yet to put on weight and would rather direct than act, he was a matinee idol. He is the other part of the Bobot and Vi love team.

Vilma Santos became a star larger than life. While in perspective, Bobot Mortiz owns less popularity compared to the Star of All Seasons, he did had his share of triumph. He was part of the awesome foursome called The Bad Bananas which comprises of highly-acclaimed actors Christopher de Leon, Johnny Delgado, and Jay Ilagan. He was also the man that launched Tropang Trumpo which pretty much restarted the whole gag show genre.

Game over.

I will never be a fan of Lady Gaga.

I think her music is tolerable... I just don’t like looking at her. She wears actual meat for crying out loud! It’s like I’m checking a cross-dressing dude whenever I look at her which is not bad since that is her target audience. She’s like the current generation’s response to Barbra Streisand, Cher, and Annie Lennox! I can respect that. I just don’t like looking at her.

But then I have a reason to like what she’s doing now.

Masculinity fail?

I don’t think so.

Saturday Night Live has this digital short where Lady Gaga met with comedic awesomeness Andy Samberg and musical monster Justin Timberlake. I am a huge fan of these digital shorts which is mainly produced by Samberg while I may be an alternative rock person by I am a huge fan of the musings of Justin Timberlake. Anyway, Andy and Justin have done a couple of colabs doing a hornier and melodic version of those guys from The Night At Roxbury.

At first, they introduced us to the Dick in a Box.

Then they whored the beautiful image of Susan Sarandon by coming up with Mother Lover.

Now say hello to the awesome lyrics and melody that is 3-Way!

If you want to know the words behind the music, scroll downwards.

The Lonely Island Ft. Justin Timberlake & Lady Gaga –

3-Way (The Golden Rule) Lyrics

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah no no

Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

Summertime in the city
And everybody’s having sex

You know I just got a page from a girl that I met last week at the Payless
Shoe stores

I also have a cutie to call who likes the way I knock on her boots

Well let’s help them back
Let’s handle that
In two-to-six hours,
We’ll meet back here and regroup

Now let’s shoop

Roll up to her crib with some Bartles & James
Hop off the bus with the Alizé
Now hold up player, whatchu diggity-doing here?
I should diggity-ask you the same
And she sang

[Lady Gaga]
Hey, boys I want you both
I hope that you think that’s cool

(Say word?)
I know most guys won’t freak together
She forgot about the Golden Rule — a huh huh

It’s OK to put us in a three-way
It’s not gay when it’s in a three-way
With a honey in the middle there’s some leeway
The area’s grey in a one, two, three-way

Normally, I don’t get down with dudes
But tonight is a special exception (Great)
See you’re my best friend
Through thick and thin
Now it’s time to make a triple connection

Lights off

Here in the dark (Here in the dark)
It’s so hard to tell (So hard to tell)
Where her body ends (La la)
And my homie’s begins (Ew wee)
This rule dates back (The Golden Rule)
To ancient Greece (Takin’ about Cesar)
We’re two Jack Trippers and a Chrissy
The new Three’s Company

You guys are still here.

It’s OK to put us in a three-way
It’s not gay when it’s in a three-way
With a honey in the middle there’s some leeway
The area’s grey in a one, two three-way

Fellas. Get ready.
Doin’ us a chick
Helicopter d*ck, go! Hellicopter d*ck. Helicopter d*ck
Doin’ us a chick
Helicopter d*ck

And all of that was OK
‘Cuz it was in a three-way
It’s right there when you see the instant replay (boom)
Maybe two is enough
That’s what they’ll say
But we’ll say, “Hell no.”
It’s a one, two, three-way

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

Game over!

There are a lot of things that can kill you.

If you watch Burn Notice or if you’re kind of old, MacGyver, you’ll find out that there are a lot of household items can definitely be used to incite chaos. This is why terrorists can cause massive destruction just by merely wearing clothing!

My officemate Manuel Edralin is checking The Chive site when he stumbled on this clip. This is a visual from a campy American movie from the 90’s called Hard Ticket to Hawaii. This is basically a movie with huge atrocities in logic... and life in general.

There are embarrassing ways to die.   

Having a heart attack at a strip joint is rough.

Getting trampled by a sidecar is just wrong.

And then there’s this...

DEATH BY FRISBEE!!!

GAME OVER!

I am like that guy. 

I remember when they first battled it out during the 2006 NBA Finals. I was rooting for Miami because I couldn’t stand Mark Cuban and his “heaven-sent” Dallas squad.

With the help of Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal and a bunch of 30-something guys who wants a final crack for recognition like Alonzo Mourning, Gary Payton, Jason Williams, Eddie House, James Posey, and Antoine Walker, the Heat climbed out of a 0-2 binge to finish the Mavericks in six games.

In 2011, the roles have reversed.

My brother from another mother (or so he seems) Francis Villanueva is about to bet a huge chunk of money on the Miami Heat winning against the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals.

It feels wrong... but what the hell. 

He said that when he watched Game 4 of the Mavs’ series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he wasn’t too thrilled at the Mavs’ offense. He feels that Miami can handle Dallas’ ball rotations and can adjust well when they square up. He felt that the Dallas’ rotation is too slow. In terms of defense, Dallas is definitely the wrong team to stop the high octane offense of the Heat.

In his fearless prediction, he called it with Miami winning the series in five games.

On a different note, my buddy dubbed the Geist also predicted that Miami will win the whole thing. He however points out that Dallas will win if they can get Dirk Nowitzki to play well. The defense will automatically scatter once Dirk is hot and Miami has no other choice but to double team him. When he’s not though, the Mavs will hunt for the person that could give them the points.

But let it be known that even when struggling, Dirk will always be a threat. 

The thing is I find the outcome differently. Sure, I hate Miami but the Heat still rely on three superstars to give them the championship. Once the Mavs find a way to at least contain Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh, then the Heat will have to look for other scoring options.

Dallas has a regular rotation of nine men. Dirk Nowitzki leads the team in points with 28.3ppg with Jason Terry (17.3) and Shawn Marion (11.2) as the only players in double figures. However, Jason Kidd, JJ Barea, Peja Stojakovic, and Tyson Chandler are all averaging seven points and more. Terry also has never started in the playoffs.

Miami have six players playing all of their games in the playoffs. James averages 26.0ppg, and then Wade has 23.7ppg, and Bosh nets 18.6ppg. The next player after the big three is James Jones who missed 3 games with the squad with a 6.5ppg clip.

Dallas likes to use their outside shots to bombard the enemy. It was depressing to see Pau Gasol looking weak during this season’s Western Conference Semis because Dirk is sending him outside his comfort zone. Unless LBJ guards Dirk when he drifts to the long ball zone, there is no one available to corner his triple/penetration.

Dallas will have it hard defending against Lebron and D-Wade. Kidd could check Wade but Wade will eat him with his speed. As for Lebron, he’ll probably get Shawn Marion because Peja is not the right player to man him.

Also, remember when Lebron was in Cleveland? The Cavs’ arch-enemies during the playoffs were the then-Gilbert Arenas-led Washington Wizards. There was this guy who said to the critics that LBJ may be the key, but he is the lock pick.

That guy is DeShawn Stevenson.

And he plays for Dallas.

Word. 

The series will be long and will go back and forth. I’m going to say that the Mavs will win their first championship. Sure, teams have been warned that with the Big Three in Miami, they will win it all. But Dallas is hungrier than the Heat. Most of their players are 30 and up and this could probably be their last time to chase the plum. Chris Bosh owned Carlos Boozer but hopefully the same can’t be said with Tyson Chandler manning the frontline. At this point, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Joel Anthony, and Udonis Haslem will be needed and must contribute.  

And I’m not just saying this because I hate the Heat... BUT I HOPE DALLAS BEATS MIAMI!  

Dallas will win the series in six games!

Game over.

From the Funny or Die website comes the most appealing and self-improving screensaver known to man. Funnyman Craig Robinson of The Office, Pineapple Express, Zack and Miri Make A Porno, and Hot Tub Time Machine will let you experience the most awesome dull time on your computer... EVER!

Craig Robinson Screensaver from Craig Robinson

Game over!

This is an iPhone app that could make your palms sweaty and your knees weak.

Technology was never this good.

And kinky.

For those who are alone and horny but is too busy with work, those glorious tekkies may have invented just the thing for you.

iPussy - watch more funny videos

If and when this app becomes available, I suggest you invest on a lot of iPhone LCD screen protectors.

I got this clip from Funny or Die.

Game over.

The film has yet to show but at this point, people are anticipating for the impending car crash that is Transformers 3. I have taken leeway on science fiction movies ever since I had a girlfriend (we love watching movies) but there are some movies that I can’t stand.

Harry Potter is one.

Twilight is another.

And then there’s Transformers.

The Transformers franchise is for some, a hit or miss event. The beef I have with the movie is that just to show off their state-of-the-art technology, the robots lost its coolness. Others feel that the movie underachieved. 

I saw a clip in Youtube that I felt should have been the look of the franchise. Sure, it is cartoony... but at least the awesomeness of our beloved cartoon will still be intact.

Although...

This might not be the Transformers you had in mind.

Game over.

Does this look like Luol Deng checking out his shlong?

If it is, Luol Deng doesn’t need to check it. He had an awesome series and I expect him to become a huge factor next season.

Hopefully the Chicago Bulls will give him more scoring opportunities because as what we learned from their series against the Miami Heat, the Bulls are in dire need for a Scottie Pippen-like superstar.

And fact is, Deng plays the same position as Pips.

Game over.

The season is turning out to be a memorable one for the Talk N Text Tropang Texters. The last time a PBA team had a chance to win it all was in 1998 when the Alaska Milkmen won the All-Filipino Conference and the Commissioner’s Cup. The team had the chance to win it all but they sacrificed their chances to loan Tim Cone, Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, Bong Hawkins, and Kenneth Duremdes to the Centennial Dream Team.

While missing out on a second grand slam, Kenneth Duremdes still ended up as the league’s MVP.

And if and when Talk N Text even gets to the semifinals of the Governor’s Cup, expect a TNT player to win the MVP.

Word.

HOW THE STATS WERE TABULATED

The PBFANTASY rules apply but I also made use of how they fare with the minutes they were getting and the turnovers they are acquiring. But I guess the most important part of the tabulations is the games the top players played.

The league has yet to give the MVP award to a player who didn’t play in any of the conference finals. Reigning MVP James Yap played 64 games in the 2009-10 PBA Season. Barako Bull, the worst team in that season only played 36 games – which is basically the total number of games Barako Bull was booted out in both elimination rounds (back then it was still the Philippine and the Fiesta Cups). Unlike in the NBA, the league combines all phases of the conference. This includes the elimination round, the wildcards, the quarterfinals, the semis, and the finals. With the return of the three-conference format, elimination rounds will be shortened and the number of teams advancing to the next round will be lessened.

In this conference, this is the number of games your favourite teams played:

1 TALK N TEXT – 45 (2 finals appearances)

2 GINEBRA – 45 (1 finals and 1 semis stints)

3 SAN MIGUEL (now PETRON) – 36 (1 finals stint)

4 BMEG – 31 (1 semis stint)

5 AIR21 – 30 (1 semis stint)

6 ALASKA – 29

7 RAIN OR SHNE – 27

8 MERALCO – 25

9 POWERADE – 23

10 BARAKO BULL – 14

11 SMART-GILAS – 13*  

* The elimination round of the Philippine Cup is 14 games while the elim round of the Commish Cup is a mere 9 games.

The reason why Talk N Text and Ginebra have the exact same games despite having different fates is that the Tropang Texters used the outright semis berth reward in both conferences while Ginebra had to claw their way for obscurity to register a good amount for their selves.

And just like in previous conferences, the All-Filipino Conference trump the import-laden ones.

Game starts now!

OUTSIDE THE TOP TWENTY:

50 REED JUNTILLA / BARAKO BULL – MERALCO – AIR21

PHILCUP: (17 games / 23.8mpg) 9.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists

COMCUP: (13 games / 13.2mpg) 3.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists

49 JOSH URBIZTONDO / AIR21

PHILCUP: (15 games / 17.0mpg) 4.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists

COMCUP: (15 games / 17.5mpg) 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists

48 ASI TAULAVA / MERALCO

PHILCUP: (14 games / 21.6mpg) 7.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists

COMCUP: (9 games / 25.7mpg) 8.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists

47 SUNDAY SALVACION / BARAKO BULL – SAN MIGUEL

PHILCUP: (27 games / 21.6mpg) 9.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.4 assists

COMCUP: (9 games / 11.0mpg) 4.0 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists

46 NINO CANALETA / BMEG

PHILCUP: (21 games / 18.2mpg) 7.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.5 assists

COMCUP: (9 games / 29.1mpg) 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.7 assists

45 WYNNE ARBOLEDA / AIR21

PHILCUP: (15 games / 22.2mpg) 5.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals

COMCUP: (15 games / 19.7mpg) 6.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals

44 RICO MAIERHOFER / BMEG

PHILCUP: (21 games / 23.9mpg) 7.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 blocks

COMCUP: (2 games / 7.5mpg) 0.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 0.0 assists

43 MARK ISIP / BARAKO BULL – MERALCO

PHILCUP: (17 games / 29.1mpg) 14.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 0.8 assists

COMCUP: (7 games / 12.9mpg) 3.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 0.1 assists

42 TONY DELA CRUZ / ALASKA

PHILCUP: (17 games / 31.6mpg) 9.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals

COMCUP: (12 games / 24.0mpg) 5.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.0 steals

41 MARC PINGRIS / BMEG

PHILCUP: (12 games / 26.8mpg) 6.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists

COMCUP: (9 games / 35.6mpg) 12.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 steals

40 RONJAY BUENAFE / AIR21 – RAIN OR SHINE

PHILCUP: (15 games / 29.6mpg) 17.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals

COMCUP: (12 games / 13.8mpg) 6.3 points, 0.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists

39 DANNY ILDEFONSO / SAN MIGUEL

PHILCUP: (23 games / 21.7mpg) 7.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists

COMCUP: (9 games / 21.0mpg) 5.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists

38 ENRICO VILLANUEVA / GINEBRA

PHILCUP: (23 games / 20.7mpg) 7.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists

COMCUP: (8 games / 12.1mpg) 4.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists  

37 DOUG KRAMER / RAIN OR SHINE

PHILCUP: (15 games / 22.1mpg) 8.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists

COMCUP: (12 games / 23.8mpg) 8.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists

36 LARRY RODRIGUEZ / RAIN OR SHINE

PHILCUP: (15 games / 21.5mpg) 9.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists

COMCUP: (12 games / 25.8mpg) 11.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 blocks

35 JONAS VILLANUEVA / BMEG

PHILCUP: (22 games / 27.4mpg) 10.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.0 steals

COMCUP: (6 games / 28.5mpg) 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists

34 DORIAN PENA / SAN MIGUEL – AIR21

PHILCUP: (25 games / 18.5mpg) 4.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists

COMCUP: (14 games / 25.2mpg) 4.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, 0.7 assists

33 JAY-R REYES / RAIN OR SHINE – AIR21 (OR ALASKA UNLESS APPROVED)

PHILCUP: (14 games / 25.6mpg) 9.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists

COMCUP: (15 games / 24.0mpg) 7.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks

32 ROGER YAP / BMEG

PHILCUP: (21 games / 30.6mpg) 7.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals

COMCUP: (9 games / 26.6mpg) 6.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists

31 GABBY ESPINAS / MERALCO

PHILCUP: (15 games / 32.3mpg) 14.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists

COMCUP: (9 games / 31.7mpg) 9.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists

30 CHRIS ROSS / MERALCO

PHILCUP: (16 games / 35.8mpg) 9.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 2.4 steals

COMCUP: (9 games / 26.7mpg) 4.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.3 steals  

29 SOLOMON MERCADO / RAIN OR SHINE – MERALCO

PHILCUP: (12 games / 35.5mpg) 16.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.0 steals

COMCUP: (9 games / 35.0mpg) 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists

28 GABE NORWOOD / RAIN OR SHINE

PHILCUP: (15 games / 35.7mpg) 11.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.1 steals

COMCUP: (12 games / 28.4mpg) 9.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists

27 RANIDEL DE OCAMPO / TALK N TEXT

PHILCUP: (16 games / 20.1mpg) 9.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists

COMCUP: (18 games / 24.1mpg) 13.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists

26 MIKE CORTEZ / GINEBRA

PHILCUP: (23 games / 21.7mpg) 7.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists

COMCUP: (22 games / 28.3mpg) 7.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists

25 LARRY FONACIER / TALK N TEXT

PHILCUP: (27 games / 25.7mpg) 9.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists

COMCUP: (18 games / 24.7mpg) 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists

24 DANNY SEIGLE / SAN MIGUEL – AIR21

PHILCUP: (21 games / 17.4mpg) 9.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists

COMCUP: (13 games / 31.9mpg) 14.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 blocks

23 RABEH AL-HUSSAINI / AIR21 – SAN MIGUEL

PHILCUP: (15 games / 31.5mpg) 17.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists

COMCUP: (10 games / 30.8mpg) 12.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists

22 CYRUS BAGUIO / ALASKA

PHILCUP: (17 games / 36.1mpg) 13.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals

COMCUP: (12 games / 32.5mpg) 11.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.3 steals

21 JAMES YAP / BMEG

PHILCUP: (22 games / 35.6mpg) 17.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists

COMCUP: (5 games / 34.8mpg) 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists

THE TOP TWENTY

20 PETER JUNE SIMON / BMEG

PHILCUP: (21 games / 33.3mpg) 18.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists

COMCUP: (9 games / 33.2mpg) 17.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists

In the Philippine Cup he was the person helping James Yap in the scoring chores. In the Commissioner’s Cup, he was the one helping recently reactivated Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris with King James sidelined because of injury. The Double Apostle was spectacular in delivering the goods and he is the constant thing working for the Llamados in this season.

19 ALEX CABAGNOT / SAN MIGUEL

PHILCUP: (26 games / 26.8mpg) 9.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists

COMCUP: (9 games / 29.2mpg) 9.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.4 blocks

At the heels of enjoying his first year with the squad, Cabagnot was San Miguel’s most excellent force especially when the game is on the line. It was amazing to see Cabagnot finishing the matches with his buzzer-beating shots. However in the Commissioner’s Cup, his offense was almost non-existent as the Beermen finished at the bottom of the heap.

18 RYAN REYES / TALK N TEXT

PHILCUP: (23 games / 27.8mpg) 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals

COMCUP: (18 games / 25.4mpg) 7.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals

He is a combo guard. He doesn’t get a lot of minutes but he sees to it that when he does, he’ll give hell on his foes. He was one of the reasons why the Tropang Texters won the Philippine Cup. After the death of his brother, he played inspired ball. While he was still dependable in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, he took a backseat to the Jimmy Alapag-Jason Castro combo.

17 LA TENORIO / ALASKA

PHILCUP: (17 games / 35.9mpg) 11.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.2 steals

COMCUP: (12 games / 34.4mpg) 17.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals

In the elimination round, he often finds success. Last season he was one of the favourites to covet the MVP trophy. However unlike last season, the Aces have yet to reach the finals. Tenorio had a somewhat weak Philippine Cup but he followed the feat with an impressive Commissioner’s Cup showing. The problem with Lieutenant LA though is that both appearances failed to land the squad past the quarterfinals.

16 SONNY THOSS / ALASKA

PHILCUP: (17 games / 31.3mpg) 12.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 blocks

COMCUP: (12 games / 33.6mpg) 9.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 blocks

This season perhaps is Thoss’ best. In both the Philippine and Commissioner’s Cups, Thoss the Boss was hailed as a double-double magnet. Playing a key role because of the small imports, this is the first time that Thoss averaged 30 minutes in consecutive conferences. Expect more from Thoss in the Governor’s Cup to exploit teams with 6’4 or less imports.

15 GARY DAVID / POWERADE

PHILCUP: (14 games / 36.1mpg) 21.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists

COMCUP: (9 games / 35.8mpg) 23.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists

Mr. Pure Energy is the best offensive performer in the Philippine Cup as well as the Commissioner’s Cup. The Tigers live and die with his exploits. The problem is he just can’t find offensive help from his teammates. For some insane reason, the defenders are willing to elude him of the double team as long as he won’t have a clear view of his teammates. This ploy often materializes to success.

14 MACMAC CARDONA / MERALCO

PHILCUP: (14 games / 35.4mpg) 21.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists

COMCUP: (9 games / 35.2mpg) 15.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals

He was sent to the Bolts so that Ryan Gregorio will have a James Yap-like figure in his squad to mimic his B-Meg setup. Macmac Cardona was the main man but even with his high-scoring averages he struggled in making his shots. In the Commish Cup, Sol Mercado was sent to pair up with him and with the fear of getting bumped off by the Sol Train... he had no choice but exert more effort.

13 RONALD TUBID / GINEBRA

PHILCUP: (23 games / 28.9mpg) 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists

COMCUP: (22 games / 25.5mpg) 7.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists

While Ronald Tubid played less and was virtually trounced by John Wilson in Ginebra’s championship series with Talk N Text in the Commissioner’s Cup, Tubid was otherwise magnificent this season. He is a key offensive option in the Philippine Cup and was a major contributor in the elimination phase of the Commish Cup. He’ll surely benefit in the Governor’s Cup because of the small imports.

12 KELLY WILLIAMS / TALK N TEXT

PHILCUP: (25 games / 28.5mpg) 9.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists

COMCUP: (18 games / 25.9mpg) 9.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 0.9 steals

Scoring-wise this is not the Kelly Williams of old. However, Machine Gun Kelly continues to be a force in the paint. He can still play above the rim or convert jump shots into deuces. He may be at times missing in both of their championship runs this season, Kelly’s presence alone makes him a very dangerous performer to neglect.

11 JASON CASTRO / TALK N TEXT

PHILCUP: (27 games / 24.2mpg) 11.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists

COMCUP: (15 games / 25.2mpg) 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals

At times it seems as if he is merely Jimmy Alapag’s backup. However let it be known that call him that and he will burn you in any way possible. He can score, defend, and orchestrate. Not only is he a championship magnet, but Castro is well-known to become vicious during the playoffs and in the finals. Alongside Jimmy Alapag, he is a 2-time Finals MVP... this season just like when he was in Harbour Centre.

10 HARVEY CAREY / TALK N TEXT

PHILCUP: (27 games / 26.9mpg) 10.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists

COMCUP: (18 games / 16.8mpg) 5.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists

While he didn’t have a terrific Commissioner’s Cup, he did have a monstrous All-Filipino Conference. Exploiting Kelly Williams’ injury, he responded well and finished the Philippine Cup as the only player to average in double-double. His playing time dropped in the Commissioner’s Cup but he still delivered respectable numbers as a key contributor off the bench.

9 DONDON HONTIVEROS / SAN MIGUEL – AIR21

PHILCUP: (27 games / 33.0mpg) 14.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists

COMCUP: (14 games / 32.9mpg) 15.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals

At the start of the season, he was the only SMB starter in the early 2000’s to still start in the team. His scoring was instrumental for the Beermen to claim runner-up honors in the Philippine Cup. All of a sudden though, he was traded to the Express. He continued his scoring spree in Air21 and was helpful in leading the Express to the semis. Expect his stock to slide though with Dondon concentrating with Smart-Gilas and will be skipping the Govs Cup.

8 WILLIE MILLER / GINEBRA

PHILCUP: (23 games / 32.5mpg) 13.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists

COMCUP: (22 games / 23.0mpg) 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists

At times he looks contented to be Mark Caguioa’s backup but when he is on fire he can still light up the scoreboard. His numbers are down from his past efforts but you must be insane if you think The Thriller’s 20-point games have sapped his being. With the Kings getting the handicap of a smaller import, I don’t know the fate of Miller’s minutes. His production would likely drop but I hope Miller gets the chance to fight it. 

7 ALI PEEK / TALK N TEXT

PHILCUP: (27 games / 26.5mpg) 12.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.1 blocks

COMCUP: (18 games / 22.3mpg) 8.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 0.9 blocks

You do not need to be a big time scorer to be inside this list. In Peek’s case, he dominated the paint and did his thing without thinking of the reward/punishment. After an excellent Philippine Cup, his production waned. The minutes he’s been getting, miniscule to begin with, also dwindled a bit. But the scary thing about the Man Mountain is that despite his playing time, he can still churn up those kinds of numbers! Peek will get that chance since TNT will be working with a 6’2 import. 

6 JOE DEVANCE / ALASKA (OR AIR21 UNLESS APPROVED)

PHILCUP: (17 games / 37.7mpg) 19.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 blocks

COMCUP: (12 games / 34.7mpg) 14.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.1 blocks

If you have this much production, the logical seeding for JDV is in the Top 3 bracket. However, this is not the case. The Aces have found little success this season unlike in the last season were they competed in both conferences. Devance slightly slowed down on his offense but those Commish Cup numbers are dominating. His rank could go up depending on whether or not Alaska can reach the finals of the Govs Cup but with the recent developments, I am now imagining the Seigle-Devance Air21 frontcourt duo to do monstrous things in the tourney.

5 ARWIND SANTOS / SAN MIGUEL

PHILCUP: (27 games / 35.5mpg) 15.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 blocks

COMCUP: (9 games / 32.1mpg) 12.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.3 blocks

The Spiderman is his regular all-around self but it seems that he took a step back for Jay Washington to shine. What’s scary about Arwind is despite his scoring drop, he is still a dominant performer. Sure, he whenever he sees fit, he shoots the ball regardless the angle but his worst game can easily be an untalented player’s best game. Aside from J-Wash, he will battle the Talk N Text guys for the highly coveted MVP spot.

4 RUDY HATFIELD / GINEBRA

PHILCUP: (23 games / 30.5mpg) 9.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists

COMCUP: (22 games / 27.5mpg) 7.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists

Ginebra’s offense revolves around their high octane backcourt rotation. Getting points on the inside is great... but extremely scarce. Rudy Hatfield doesn’t really mind not scoring as long as he gets a significant amount of rebounds. He is the team’s most ferocious rebounder. Unfortunately for the Ginebra faithful, Hatfield is now back in the States just like what he said he’ll do when he last returned to the PBA three conferences ago.

3 JAY WASHINGTON / SAN MIGUEL

PHILCUP: (26 games / 35.7mpg) 16.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.2 blocks

COMCUP: (7 games / 35.4mpg) 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists

Leading the San Miguel Beermen to a finals stint with those numbers made a lot of heads turn to J-Wash. In their eyes, with the way he is playing, he could be the MVP of the current season. However with the dismal showing of San Miguel in the Commissioner’s Cup, Washington needs to put on a Herculean effort and send his team to the Finals and pray that TNT’s Grand Slam stint would get foiled. It would also help his cause if he cuts back on his DNP’s.

2 MARK CAGUIOA / GINEBRA

PHILCUP: (22 games / 27.7mpg) 14.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists

COMCUP: (22 games / 28.9mpg) 15.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists

He is the best non-Talk N Text guy to claim the title if and when the Kings win a Finals spot. His stats didn’t drop when the Commissioner’s Cup came and instead it flourished. Actually, he could have edge Alapag in the well-fought BPC race. This is to think that Ginebra is overloaded with offensive arsenal. With the Ginebra import being at the same position as Caguioa, Miller, and the other slashers, it will be puzzling as to how Jong Uichico would mesh his people.

1 JIMMY ALAPAG / TALK N TEXT

PHILCUP: (27 games / 32.4mpg) 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists

COMCUP: (18 games / 30.9mpg) 13.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists

In a team with talents overflowing, the Mighty Mouse is perceived as the center of the Tropang Texters’ success. With the way Talk N Text’s season is going, it seems as if Jimmy Alapag is bound to win the MVP trophy. He is the team’s most consistent scorer and he also hands out the sanity in the Tropa. For the second straight conference, he and Jason Castro shared Finals MVP honors. Besides that, he just won his first Best Player of the Conference award. Alapag’s performance will surely be in the spotlight as much as his team’s chase for the grand slam.

I definitely think there will be movement at the end of the season. Danny Seigle, Marc Pingris, and Kerby Raymundo have exploded in a manner that could catapult them on top of the list. When James Yap, Rico Maierhofer (?), and Rafi Reavis return from injury, they could find their selves in the list.

While it can be argued that some players have better percentages than the players on top of the list, one can’t help but wonder whether or not it is a wise idea to put the star player of a cellar-dwelling squad than a stellar contributor who was partly responsible for his team’s success.

Since this is my list, I’m going to choose the latter over the former.

By the way, the Best Player of the Conference is an automatic Mythical Five member.

So let’s check out the top guy to emerge in the Gov’s Cup.

Game over.