Year Ender for Sports

           As we near to the end of this year, allow me to share with you some updates on the world of sports. We all know that various developments had happened to the sports world.

* In the world of UFC, the latest defeat of the considered greatest martial artist of all time by Dana White, UFC president, Anderson Silva at the hands of Chris Weidman showed that UFC has now a latest star on its roster of players on the person of Weidman.

* In NBA, the much celebrated team of Miami Heat scored another victory over the equally talented ballclub of Portland Trail Blazers with the score of 108-107. It was such a close match that left all spectators on the edge of their seats as both teams slugged it out for the winning basket.

imagecredit:
 http://www.freeimageslive.com/galleries/sports/sportsgames/pics/leather_football.jpg

*In the world of tennis, at Mudabala World Tennis Championship, Dubai,  the present world number 1 Rafael Nadal was subdued by the other Spanish popular player David Ferrer 4-6, 4-6. Nadal, being considered as one of the Top Comeback Player of the year for tennis, was unable to hault the superb performance of the other Spaniard, Ferrer.

* Finally in football, one of the year ending news in the league is the sacking of Cardiff Football Club malky Mackay due to the disagreement he had with Cardiff City chairman Vincent Tan. Due to their conflict, the club decided to end the services of Mackay. 

These are but some of the news in the wide world of sports that we have. And we continue to wait for more updates as we are almost starting the year 2014. 

                              

What's New In Boxing?

          Among the sports that we have nowadays, boxing is one of my top favorites. Everyday I try to read as much as I can anything on boxing from its latest headlines,  fight results, comebacks, upsets etc. I read them thoroughly just to enrich myself with what is new and fresh in the world of boxing. Consequently, I would like to share with you the latest achievement of Manny Pacquiao in the sports.

           Though the fight was held a few weeks back yet I believe it is still worth mentioning here that the recent win by Pacquiao over Brandon "Bambam" Rios significantly showed that he has successfuly made a comeback after that devastating knock out loss to Juan Manuel Marquez a few  months back. 

imagecredit:

           With that fight on Rios, from start to finish, Pacquiao clearly dominated over his younger opponent. Rios, while possessing talented boxing skills, obviously was outmatched and outwitted by the speed and strength of Pacquiao. Though at the sound of the bell signalling the end of the fight, both fighters were still standing however there was no doubt that Pacquiao emerged as the winner.

           Thus, we can expect for another mega fight of Manny Pacquiao with any top rated boxer next year. For sure, that fight will be as exciting as all of his previous fights.

                              
                                                     

Sports Celebrities Express Sympathy for Typhoon Haiyan Victims

          The recent Typhoon that struck the Philippines is said to be one of the hardest hitting typhoons that hit the world.  The recent great news in sports such as the so much euphoria that has been given to the just concluded World Series wherein the Boston Red Sox once again catapulted their name in the history of baseball by winning the coveted crown.

           While in boxing, what dominated recently is the overwhelming victory of Nonito "the Filipino Flash" Donaire Jr. on his second classic encounter with Vic Darchinyan. It was such a gruelling match that Donaire had a difficult time looking and waiting for the lucky punch that sent Darchinyan to the canvass.

           Aside from these two great sporting updates, there are several victories worthy to mention yet the sporting world is saddened and shakened by the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan. As of this moment, scores of victims especially children and old people are still left without homes and everything, some of their loved ones are still missing, feeling hopeless and aimless.

imagecredit: ID 13888257 © Kk8737 | Dreamstime.com

Scenes of misery could be reflected on certain scenes:

           “The doctors say his entire body has been infected,” Purga said, her eyes filling with tears that she was unable to wipe away as she used both hands to squeeze and release the wheezing, plastic air pump keeping her husband alive.

With no nursing staff available, Purga had no option but to stay permanently by her husband’s bedside working the pump, unable to eat or go to the bathroom.

          “These three are also scheduled for amputations,” Gamba said, pointing to two men lying on benches and a third on a gurney. All three were hooked up to intravenous drips"- Source:.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/528393/vision-of-hell-in-taclobans-divine-hospital

 

           This is just one among the many agonizing scenes in Tacloban and in other areas badly affected by Haiyan. On the other hand, pictures of kindness and compassion continued to pour in. Countries such as US, UK, Australia, Canada,, Israel, South Korea, China, and many more shared their resources like money, manpower, food, medicine and others to aid the victims.

          And even some sporting greats such as the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr. who once told the media that he did not like the Philippines especially Manny Pacquaio is now saying that " my thoughts and prayers are with the people in the Philippines". True or not (seems some netizens are doubting his sincerity due to his past negative remarks on the Philippines), this great act is another manifestation that one kindhearted individual is there feeling hurt and down similar to the typhoon victims.

          On the other hand, there is also the famous coach of the champion club Miami Heat, Eric Spoelstra, who happens to be half- Filipino, who expressed his desire to raise funds in order to render assistance to the victims. All in all, amidst the agony and the misery felt by the typhoon victims nowadays, they are comforted by the great act of deeds as shown by these two sporting greats and by others so special to enumerate.

                                     

                                                  

SPorts Highlights

           It's the month of November and we're nearing to the end of this year 2013.Anyway you perhaps would like to check some round up in some sports happening all throughout the world. Hit them from here:

Basketball:

1. First we saw some trades in Philippine Basketball Association as in the case of third stringer guard of Ginebra San Miguel, Rob Labagala, in exchange of sophomore point guard Emman Monfort. 

2. Regarding to injecting some fresh blood into the game, you will see the new faces in the game as the Philippne Basketball Association Annual Draft will happen today. Some expected names to grace the world of basketbal of this country will be the following: 

          -Greg Slaughter, a behemoth who at 7 feet is look up as somebody who can help Ginebra to come up with another crown,

          - San Mig Coffee is expected to choose Ian Sangalang

          - then Rain or Shine is eyeing on reigning NCAA MVP Raymond Almazan

imagecredit:www.freeimages.co.uk

3. In the NBA, the once dreaded Chicago Bulls triumphed over the New York Knicks with a score of 82-81. It was through the heroics of Derrick Rose in the closing seconds of the game that settled the win of the game. Meanwhile Brooklyn Nets scored a convincing win agains the the defending champion Miami Heat with a score of 101-100. 

Boxing:

1. The world of boxing is excited to see the much awaited comeback fight of Manny Pacquiao against the ounger Brandon Rios. The venue is the heralded as the gambling haven in Asia- in Macau. Also considered as the Las Vegas in the far East, Macau is said to be generating five times revenue as that of the more famous Las Vegas place. Going back to the  fight, it is a very important fight for MP since this is the first time that he will go back into the ring after his shocking defeat at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez in November last year.

2. Meanwhile, Brandon Rios keeps on telling the press that he will send Manny Pacquio into retirement when they will fight this coming November 24, 2013 in The Venetian, Macau. He declared that he is very much prepared now, physically, psychologically and morally, to beat the boxing superstar and give him his thrid straight loss. Now 27 years old, Rios seriously believes that the former champion's boxing days are over following his back to back losses recently. Anyway, all boxing fans are now excited to witness the big fight come the 24th of this month.

                                               

                     

 

A Heart of a Champion

          Just a few days ago, the world of boxing was filled with excitement when two hard hitting and never say die champions slugged it out for the WBO Welterweight Championship. Both boxers are conquerors of the equally famous Manny Pacquiao and this fight became a gauge for fans to check whose the best between the two of them.

          What an outcome was it when Timothy Bradley retained his crown by scoring split decision victory over the highly respected Juan Manuel Marquez. Watching the fight itself, one could see that it was the former who sticked to his game plan more than that of latter. Though Bradley was not really a popular champion among boxing fans yet his victory nevertheless earned him some respect on top of the ring.

imagecredit:
By John Kasawa, published on 10 December 2012

          For him, it was the third time that he emerged triumphant over his opponents in the ring. However, there was no doubt that both fighters had a heart to be rightly called a champion however in that much coveted fight, it was Bradley who skillfully dominated over his opponent.

          The whole boxing world is one with Bradley as he celebrates his recent victory. For sure, he will  have more fights as he continues his reign on his weight division. After all, he is a champion with a heart.

                                            

WHAT's UP on SPORTS?

          Sports is one of the favorite past times everywhere. Everyday so many events are happening in the sports world. Hence, here are the latest developments in sports all over the world. In football, a thrilling match was witnessed by many fans as the famous Real Madrid team overwhelmed a thrilling game with the opposing team in a game held at Levante the other day.

           Meanwhile in the Premier League, Manchester United staged a comeback against the opponent Sunderland 2-1. It was such a suspenseful game that it was later decided on the later part of the game. 

         In the world of basketball, Adelaide Lightning won against the visiting Chinese team 87-60. Lightning coach Peter Buckle said in a statement, " I was pleased with our defensive intensity for portions of the game." As the league WNBA continues, we therefore can anticipate for coming excellent games from the rest of the teams as they try hard in their effort to compete for the elusive championship crown.  (Source: http://www.news.com.au/sport/basketball/adelaide-lightning-smash-china-87-60-on-eve-of-wnbl-tip-off/story-fne5rn2j-1226732874493)

imagecredit: jscreationzs
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Indoor_Sports_g219-Basketball_Player_p16289.html

            On the other  hand, in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rain or Shine stays alive with a win over Petron Blaze 92-87. With the win, Petron's hope to gain a seat in the finals is still alive. It was through the gallant effort of Tiu, Reid, Quinahan and Chan that mattered most for the team as they continued to have hopes for the next phase of the tournament.

          These are but just a few of the updates in our wide world of sports. Expect for more exciting actions in the coming days in all aspects of this world of sports. 

                                                     

WATCH OUT FOR HISTORY

          Today is another significant day in the world of boxing. Floyd Mayweather will be fighting against  the famous and dreaded Saul Alvarez. The undefeated champion, Floyd who reigns in five divisions, and the lineal championships in three various weight classes, has been enormously successful in his present division. 

          Though he has been through rough roads in his life caused by a dark background being in an environment so complicated with things such as drugs, he succeded in overcoming such unhealthy situations by determination and guts thus emerging as the king in his division.

imagecredit

          During his prime and still on it nowadays, he fought with the best in the boxing world such as  Arturo Gatti in June 2005, the similarly famous Zab Judah in 2006, the popular fight against Oscar de la Hoya in May 5, 2007, the overwhelming showdown against the very popular British fighter Ricky Hatton, the September 2009 clash against the Mexican fighter Manuel Marquez an dmany more.

          On the other hand, his opponent Saul Alvarez, a noted young Mexican fighter at the age of 23, who just like any Mexican fighter is thought to have the qualities of a truly Mexican warriorr such as being fierceless, determined, uncompromising, intelligent and others. He has a positive boxing record of 40 wins, 0 loss and 1 draw.

imagecredit

          THE ONE, as the slugfest is being dubbed, will become another chapter in the world of boxing. Just like any arm wrestling match, the best fighter will emerge as the triumphant. Cheers for your favorite boxer as they will collide in the ring and write another chapter in the world of boxing.

FOOTY FINALS IS HERE

          As the season of winter comes to an end, there is also an atmosphere of excitement as Australia is bracing the finals of AFL (Australia Football League).  

          As a development, only eighth teams remain as hot contestants to the finals in the coming week. Some of the contending clubs are the following:

imagecredit

- Hawthorn Hawks- they have a very good performance this year marked by four consecutive victories. Including in those wins is one against Sydney Swans which resulted to the latter's third loss in the past month. Some of this team's star players are Jed Anderson, Max Bailey, Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli, Grant Virchall to name a few.

- Sydney Swans- this team which is based in Sydney is one of the eight teams this year vying for the finals seat. One of the credentials of this club is that since 1995, they are the only team which have not missed the finals in consecutive seasons. They have strong rivalries with some of the AFL teams such as St. Kilda, Brisbane Lions, and North Melbourne.

- Geelong Cats- the famous ballclub from Geelong City, which is another strong team and in fact, every year they also performed outstandingly much to the delight of the ballclub's fans. In the 2000 up to this point, the Cats have been living up to its billing as one of AFL's club favorites and strong contenders. Some of their great players are Joel Selwood, the team's captain, Jimmy Bartel, the co-captain, Joel Corey etc.

imagecredit

          The rest of the eight teams are: Freemantle, Collingwood, Port Adelaide, Richmond, Carlton.

          These teams are on the top of their games and even though some of these clubs have stars on their teams on the injured list yet they, with the rest of the team members, are highly spirited and inspired by their supporters to go all the way to the finals. Good luck to all these remaining and exciting clubs.

WORLD OF FOOTY

          AFL- the very famous professional league of Australian football. For this footy crazed country, one could not keep the excitement especially when the footy's finals is fast approaching.

imagecredit

          As of this time, AFL is nearing to its finals. Just recently one of the league's favorites, Hawthorne's Hawke, posted a win against another AFL favorite team, Collingwood Magpies. It was a tight contest and as such, it left the spectators both loyal fans of the two teams on the edged on their seats.

          AUSTRALIA FOOTBALL LEAGUE - was first established in 1896 and it was a break away group from Victorian Football Association. It started with just six clubs and during its inaugural season in 1897, it invited two more VFA clubs- St. Kilda and Carlton.

imagecredit

           Thus every year, AFL fans constantly look forward to every playing date that it offers. No matter what the weather is, winter or non-winter, sunny or rainy day, the show still goes on.

WHAT A GAME!

          The recent success of GILAS PILIPINAS in the ongoing FIBA ASIA Championship as it clobbered South Korea with a 86-79 game was a sweet one not only for the team but for the whole nation.

          It is fresh in the minds of the country how South Korea broke the hearts of the Filipino people when its team defeated the Centennial team in 1998. At that time, the Philippine team was under the leadership of Coach Tim Cone. 

imagecredit

          Then in 2002, the Philippne team under coach Jong Uichico dropped a heartbreaking semifinal loss to another Korean team. On that game, at the crucial stage of the game, Olsen Racela missed two crucial free throws. Consequently, it allowed Lee Sang-Min, a team's triggerman, made a long trey. 

          Another heartbreaking loss by the Philippine Team against the Korean Team happened in 2011 Fiba Asian Championship, the team under coach Rajko Toroman, lost to another Korean team while it battled for third place. 

imagecredit

          Thus the recent victory of the Philippine Team against the South Korean team made it more significant as it ended its previous defeats to the Korean Team. 

          Today the Filipino cagers will battle for the championship title against another powerhouse team Iran. Yet whoever emerge as triumphant on this day's final game will eventually be remembered as heroes by all those basketball afficionados everywhere.

                       


                                                      

SUCCESS IS GREAT

          Just recently the famous England club Liverpool came to Melbourne and played against the famous Melbourne Victory. Liverpool won the game with a score of 2 against 0. After 31 minutes, Steven Gerrard stormed the defence of Melbourne Victory and made a goal. 

Imagecredit

          After 90 minutes of the game, another goal was scored by Liverpool this time courtesy of Luis Suarez thus completing a domination on the local team. With this development,  the spectators had mixed reactions like those who were die hard fans of Melbourne Victory, they were feeling awed through the skills showed by both team's players. While those were voting for Liverpool, they were thrilled by the win and it again showed how skillful these players in the game.

Imagecredit

          Indeed it is such a moment when our favorite players triumph in their game most especially when we know that they are really doing their best and play in a very fair way. Their examples will also serve as motivation in reaching our dreams in life. May our dreams come true. 

WIN OR LOSE......STILL A WINNER?

          The world of sports is composed of so many facets. And one of these is its similarity to a coin- it is composed of two parts - positive and negative. Any sport's  aim is always winning the game. Hence giving one's 100% performance in any sport is a must. No second level or lopsided performance but rather, everything should be aiming for the best. 

imagecredit

          On the other hand, losing in any competition is the other side of the coin. Pain, desolation, downhearted, heartbroken and others are but some of the negative consequences of any loss. Sometimes, a player could ask himself/herself, "What went wrong with my performance? How did it happen when in fact, I have given my best shot?" Other questions could come up in one's mind yet at the very end, this unfortunate result could be a blessing in disguise and it will happen when one says the positive effect of losing.

           That instead of blaming oneself or the worse, blaming others, one will resort to retrospection and assess what needs to be improve or revised in terms of one's approach to the game.

imagecredit

"Better luck next time" is always a seemed compliment afterwards yet there would always be a room for improvement in one's performance.

          Thus one of the best ways to approach any game is to look at it as a means of emerging as a winner- both in winning or losing the game. It's all in the mind after all.

SPORTS ROUND UP

          The world of sports is so vast. So many interesting events are happening every now and then. To give you some updates on this world,Just some of the recently hot news regarding sports worldwide:

          WIMBLEDOM- final round of the famous grand slam event. The remaining survivors who will slug it out in the prestigious event's finals are: Andy Murray (2) vs. Novak Djokovic (1) for the Men's finals while on the women's side, it is M. Bartoli (15) vs. S. Lisicki (23)

Imagecredit

          It was such a surprise finals this 2013 Wimbledom tournament sicne no top rank player has emerged triumphant. The likes of the Williams sisters, Maria Sharapova and other top rank women were eliminated fromt his year's tourney.

          TOUR DE FRANCE- just a brief  background of this prestigious event. This is an annual multiple stage bicycle race primarily held in France. " This race was first organized in 1903 to increase paper sales for the magazine L'Auto. It is currently run by the Amaury Sport Organization. The race has been held annually since its first edition in 1903 except for when it is stopped for the two World wars. As the tour gained prominence and popularity the race was lengthened and its reach began around the globe." From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

          This year's race is presently ongoing. The present standing is as follows:

1st- Daryl Impeh- team Orica greenedge

2nd- Edvald Boasson Hagen- team Team sky

3rd- Simon Gerrans- team Orica Greenedge

4th- Michael Albasini- team Orica Greenedge

5th- Michal Kwiatkowski- team Omega Pharma

          This is just the partial standing since they still have a long way to go before the final stages of the race.  There are 188 riders for this year's event. What has transpired on the race was just the 8th lap out of 21 stages. 

Imagecredit

          These are just some of the most prominent sports events recently. More updates will be shared in the coming days. Share your own favorite sports updates here for everyone to cherish.

                                                               

NBA FINALS 2013: WHO'S THE BEST OF THEM ALL

          It's a classic showdown between Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs as these two great teams collide to gain the coveted crown as 2013 NBA Finals champion. These elite teams have both this top three players on their line-up. For the San Antonio Spurs, they have Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker while on the other end, the Heat have Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. 

          Moreover, these two teams have passionate and great coaches. Gregg Popovich, the Spurs coach, is heralded as currently the longest tenured coach of one team in the NBA. He was handling the main coaching position of the Spurs since 1996.  On the other hand, the Heat's coach is Erik Spoelstra who has been bringing the club to glory since 2008. 

from:www.dreamstime.com

          Currently, their showdown is tallied at 2 all.Who will emerge as this year's eventual champion greatly depends on the consistency and persistence by players of both teams. These star players cannot and never can do it alone. The rest of the team has lots of things to do to make their own worthy contribution.

          Whoever will emerge as the over all champion this year, CONGRATULATIONS and may this triumph serve as inspiration to others to continue striving for perfection and greatness. Never retreat in giving up any competition but rather, consistently aim for the top position.

  

The Triumph of a Great Champion

          One of my favorite tennis players is Rafael Nadal and he did it again this time by topping the recently concluded Roland Garros tournament- the second of the annual four grand slam tournaments. He defeated his fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in the finals with the score: 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. 

          Just to share with you a little background of this annual event, here is a part of an article of this famous event:

from: www.kozzi.com

          The French Open, often referred to as Roland Garros (French: Les internationaux de France de Roland-Garros or Tournoi de Roland-Garros, IPA: [ʁɔlɑ̃ ɡaʁɔs]), named after the French aviatorRoland Garros, is a major tennis tournament held over two weeks between late May and early June inParis, France, at the Stade Roland Garros. It is the premier clay court tennis tournament in the world and the second of the four annual Grand Slam tournaments – the other three are the Australian Open, US Openand Wimbledon. Roland Garros is the only Grand Slam event held on clay and ends the spring clay court season.

          It is one of the largest events in tennis and by far the largest clay-court tournament.^[2] Because of the slow-playing surface and the five-set men's singles matches without a tiebreak in the final set, the event is widely considered to be the most physically demanding tennis tournament in the world. (Source-Wikipedia the free encyclopedia)

          Thus, the recent victory of Nadal is a major one since it happened in one of those major tennis annual events. What made it more historic and meaningful for Nadal is that it marked his 8th triumph of this said tournament thus earning him the title of the first player to win 8th titles on this famous tournament. 

          Moreover he is such a powerful player that his arsenal is consists of the following: "His formula includes speed, balance and steely defense. It features a left-handed forehand that he can curl inside every line with sonic speed, or hit with so much topspin on it that it’s near impossible to respond to with a winner off of it if the shot lands deep.

from: www.kozzi.com

It includes a twisting serve that usually results in a weak reply that can be buried for a winner. It includes a competent net game, an efficient drop shot, a steady, effective and improving backhand and a library’s worth of strategic knowledge." - Roland Garros 2013 official site.

          Thus, the world celebrates with this great Spaniard as he reasserts himself as one of the greatest players of the game. He joins the likes of those great names in tennis such as Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, John Newcombe, and many more. What made it sweeter for him since he just came back from a long break due to his injury. Welcome back and congratulations Nada.

WELCOMING DEFEAT IN A GRACIOUS WAY

          In life, one of the tragedies that we encounter one way or the other is defeat. And this could come in any form, whether in our work performances, life relationships, or in our sports endeavors.  When we are defeated the most common and immediate reaction is that of pain, sadness, and self pity. 

from:www.kozzi.com

Somehow, depending on our personal disposition, yet for sure we are greatly affected by those defeats that for some, these could lead to their personal demise and destruction. Others would resort to self- blaming and much worse for some,  they resort to blaming others for their debacle.

          On the other hand, one positive thing we can get from those defeats is that they can be our motivator to strive the more. That instead of being deeply down by it, we rather choose to fight back and retreat momentarily to reflect what went wrong on the process.

          Each defeat whether in sports or in personal affairs is a precious opportunity for us all to look back and assess what went wrong. Self evaluation is very essential in our life since it allows us to check the pros and cons of our past events. Like for example if we are defeated in a  game of chess, then we need to evaluate what are the factors that cause us to be defeated.

from:www.kozzi.com

           And this involves the following: checking of our own strategies in playing against our opponent, prior assessment on our opponent's positive and negative tools, preparing ourselves physically, mentally, psychologically, morally, or telling ourselves that our opponent indeed performed well than us.

            Thus, being defeated therefore becomes an opportunity for us to engage in a self- checking of our own strength and weakness. Afterwards, we express gratitude for our positive qualities and we promise to own as well as improve our negative habits and ways.

TEAMWORK: KEY TO A TEAM'S SUCCESS

Coming together is a beginning.

Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.

- Henry Ford

          Years ago, I had the chance to coach a basketball team composed of students between 15 yrs. old to 18 yrs. old. Recalling back that experience, I could say that several factors such as individual discipline, commitment to the team, set of self direction, perseverance, teamwork etc. contribute to the success of a team.  Among them, I would single out teamwork as focus of my sharing at this time. 

from:www.kozzi.com

          Going back to my team, those boys were young, talented and had much  vigor in them. There were 15 of them who comprised the school's varsity team. After weeks of try out, sweating it out with all hopeful, they came out as the lucky ones and emerged victorious. All throughout the year, we had our regular practice sessions and we were able to participate in certain competitions. Consequently, there were tears on moments of defeat and screams of joy when we won games especially against much favored teams. 

          Basically what came out as an outstanding quality among these kids was their ability to promote and maintain teamwork among themselves. Basketball is one of those games that needs teamwork among all players. Among anything else, there should be cohesiveness within the team. Each player must condition his heart that he plays an essential role in the team and the moment that he forgets about it,  it's the whole team that suffers. 

          As Henry Ford says above, "working together means success." At times, any player will experience a tug of war between one's self centered desire to get everybody else's adoration and accolade against the team's goal of winning. On the other hand, when teamwork is present, each member prioritizes the team's  goals and ideals. With teamwork, other areas such as defense, team morale, collective effort and morale are positively affected. Any team's integral parts are made up of members who are working together as one.     

from: www.kozzi.com

          As mentioned by one the game's most influential and popular player, Michael Jordan, " Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." With his statement, he knew exactly that he is considered as such an exceptional talent however, it is also very evident that he recognizes the contributions done by his teammates. He was never been selfish in his games. Being a winner then exemplifies certain characteristics with teamwork emerges as one of the most crucial one. 

WINNING THE GAME

          We have heard of such sporting legends in various games such as Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Niki Lauda, and many more names. These are all winners in their respective field. They have brought honors not only to their own names but to their country as well. 

          Such feelings as greatness and overwhelmed are what we usually go through when making any accomplishment in life. However the road to winning is a bit challenging and at times very tricky. It is never an overnight phenomenon that we emerge as winners. Aside from that, it takes a lot of patience and dedication before we reach fulfillment. 

          To have that attitude of a winner will usher us to our goal attainment. What is being dictated in our minds is also relayed to the other parts of our body system. We need to consistently focus on what are laid down as objectives then follow them up with the corresponding concrete steps for realization. On the other hand, it is also beneficial to look ahead for distractions or misgivings and in so doing, we allow ourselves to plan ahead for tools to counter any of them. 

http://www.dreamstime.com/english-countryside-free-stock-images-imagefree256269

          Those great players mentioned above had their own high and low in their career yet what is most distinguished in all of them is their triumph in their chosen path. For us, even if we are not yet savvy in our field yet with constant practice and focus, we can reach our goal in the future especially when we also adopt effective strategies.   

          Winning the game should always be our constant motivation- our guiding star to a positive outcome. 

THE SPIRIT OF WINNING.....

"The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur".......

          .........a famous quotation from Vince Lombardi...Personally I believe in what has been shared in this quote. First and foremost, yes it is so true that it's our  will that will guide us towards happiness and contentment in whatever sports undertaking we are involved in. If we engage in any competition, the will to win should always be our constant goal yet it should be devoid of whatsoever negative trick so as just to win the game. 

          Hence it should be consistently inculcated in our minds and hearts that winning is our primary goal. Apart from winning, being fair in all aspects of the game should also be our utmost consideration. In any game, there is always that two sides of the coin- being a winner and that of a loser. We all know that at times we could be winners and the next time around, we could also be losers. Let us also be fair and brave enough to graciously accept whatever outcome either victory or defeat.

by: SHURAKI ...http://pixabay.com/en/girl-boy-sitting-sit-kid-kids-105523/

          The will to excel is also another essential element in any game. It is coupled by such spirit to regularly and spiritually discipline ourselves in practicing all aspects of our chosen field. Winning the game is achieved when we are ready in all its various elements such as physical, emotional, spiritual and moral It's the spirit and will that will lead us towards excellence. 

          Moreover there should also be consistency in our desire for improvement thus we need to practice as hard as we can and never just do it according to any mood. With all these factors mentioned beforehand, being a winner is always within our reach.  

CONQUERING MT. APO...CONQUERING MY OWN FEAR.....

          Mount Apo, considered as the highest mountain in the Philippines standing tall at 2,954 meters or 9,692 feet, is incredibly a symbol of prominence...a symbol of freedom and a symbol of greatness. Luckily, I successfully summit this magnificent symbol twice. Though those twin trips were so challenging and risky yet I made it to the top with the rest of our group. There were several challenges on our way to the top. I believed that the unity among us all members of the group helped us greatly in those two successes. 

          First and foremost among those challenges is the goal of reaching the summit with our group intact. Hence it was a conscious part of our mindset that  every member of the team has to be at the top together with the rest of us. With this goal in mind, it was our conscious effort to tag along with the group. I and my mates could not afford to be left behind since this will adversely affect the team's pace. The trip upward was so treacherous since there were many slopes and several steep points along the way. We passed the rainforest of Kidapawan and I was mesmerized to witness the richness of the forest magnified through its creatures such as the various kinds of animals we met along the way. 

          Aside from these creatures, we also trekked at the shadow and shelter of all those huge and vibrant trees which brought coldness along the way. Personally I like it to be that cold rather than traversing the mountain as well as forest on a very hot atmosphere. Yet considering the abundant and huge trees on the way to the top, it is then very natural to have a very cold weather along the way. 

          We walked for almost 8 hours including those stop overs along the way. I was filled with ecstacy when we reached Lake Binado and it was there that we rested then spent the night since we decided to finally settling the summit early the next day. Freezing and intensely quiet, the night was relatively friendly to all of us and we were all jubilant on what we achieved during the day. Wearing our suits for cold weather, we settled  during the night and the following morning, we continued our trip to the crater and to the top. 

from:www.dreamstime.com

          Recalling those twin trips to the summit, I can always declare to myself that after all, I did not just conquer Mount Apo twice but I did conquer my own fears as well. Indeed, the fear of the unknown is what sometimes hinder us to make one more step forward. However, my twin trips to Mount apo summit will constantly remind me that I can make things possible. In fact, until now, I can recall when I reached the summit and exclaimed silently, " Thanks God, I triumphed over my inner fears!"