ONE GAME NIGHT AT THE BIG DOME

It was one Sunday evening when I was able 

to invade once again the BIG DOME or the 

SMART-ARANETA COLISEUM 

in CUBAO, QUEZON CITY...

My MISSION was to have a refresher course for Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)

It was already almost a year since I last watched a PBA game at the actual venue. I needed to reorient myself watching the game in full view and 

seeing the players and coaches in person.

My OBJECTIVE was CLEAR and SIMPLE, 

to witness the game between the most popular team, 

the BARANGAY GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL 

and the newly-crowned champion, 

TALK 'N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS...

This was a welcome break after traveling to the wonders of nature in nearby provinces for the past weekends. For this weekend, it was an exploration of the man-made structures and urban activities in METRO MANILA.

The BIG DOME is one of the pioneer multi-purpose venues in the world. It opened as the world's biggest indoor venue in 1960. One of the notable events held at the BIG DOME that carved indelible mark was the "THRILLA IN MANILA", a HISTORIC BOXING FIGHT between MUHAMMAD ALI and JOE FRAZIER 

on October 1, 1975

Today, the BIG DOME is the venue and silent witness to the BIG TIME CONCERTS, HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SHOWS and OTHER EQUALLY IMPORTANT SPORTING 

AND ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS... 

The BIG DOME or SMART-ARANETA COLISEUM can be reached conveniently by using public transportation:

1. By MRT, alight at the ARANETA-CUBAO station.

2. By LRT2, alight at the ARAENTA-CUBAO station.

3. By BUS along EDSA, alight infront of FARMERS PLAZA in CUBAO. 

4. By JEEPNEY along AURORA BOULEVARD, alight at EDSA.

5. By TAXI, just tell the driver to bring you to SMART-ARANETA COLISEUM in CUBAO.

...along the footbridge connecting
FARMERS PLAZA and GATEWAY MALL...
...infront of the SMART-ARANETA COLISEUM

Since we arrived early in the venue, we extensively explored first the various malls inside the ARANETA CENTER including the GATEWAY, the FARMERS PLAZA, the ALI MALL and the SM, while waiting for the 3pm which is the scheduled start of the game.

at the rooftop of the GATEWAY MALL...

still at the rooftop of the GATEWAY MALL...

The tip of the ARANETA COLISEUM
as the background...

After a tiring exploration of the whole compound of the ARANETA CENTER to check the new developments, we are now ready to witness double-header game of BASKETBALL.

 Prior to the main game, the first game was played between BARAKO BULL ENERGY and the BLACKWATER ELITE...

court action between BARAKO and BLACKWATER...

The BARAKO BULL ENERGY easily won the game with excellent performances from JC INTAL, RR GARCIA and CARLO LASTIMOSA...

The most awaited game, BARANGAY vs. TROPA...

Although it was still in the ELIMINATION ROUND, many people watched the game. A concrete proof of the popularity of the BARANGAY GINEBRA...

It was actually a close game, but the consistency of playing the effective system for TALK 'N TEXT put them in the advantage position.

The scores tied for the first time in the first few minutes of the third quarter of the game...

the BARANGAY was on top for the first time
 in the game...

The game at tied scores once again...

certainly an exciting games. The whole ARANETA COLISEUM was full of shouting, clapping, stamping and many other loud different sounds... 

scores tied again at the start of the fourth quarter...

The fans went wild when the BARANGAY was once again in the lead...

However, the TROPANG TEXTERS keeping on coming with their own baskets to tie the game once again

The succeeding schedules were flashed
during the timeout...

another set of game schedule..

The BARANGAY was once again in the lead with about 7 minutes remaining in the game...

The TALK N TEXT TROPANG TEXTERS won the exciting game...

MY ANALYSIS:

Looking at the rosters of both teams, there are many star players including former PBA MVPs and part of the GILAS team. MARK CAGUIOA, JAYJAY HELTERBRAND, LA TENORIO and MAC BARACAEL for the BARANGAY while KELLY WILLIAMS, LARRY FONACIER, RANIDEL DE OCAMPO and DANNY SEIGLE for the TALK 'N TEXT.

But what made the TALK 'N TEXT won the game was the presence of an EFFECTIVE SYSTEM which the BARANGAY didn't have. The GIN KINGS can match-up with individual plays but basketball is a team game that should be played with teamwork ably supported by a highly effective system. TEAMWORK is the key. Having an EFFECTIVE SYSTEM is an essential reinforcing element for the teamwork to come into play. The TALK N TEXT employed highly experienced coaches who won several PBA championships and those coaches are hired for long term partnertship not just for one conference. The BARANGAY changed coach every conference which explains why there was no effective system. In that particular game, the BARANGAY thrown the ball away several times. They committed plenty of unforced errors and turn-overs. There was no chemistry for the people of the BARANGAY. The import of BARANGAY is an exciting player. He is an NBA caliber. He exploded with more than 45 points and dunked the ball several times. But he is just one compared to the several TNT players who scored in double figures. Even a Michael Jordan or a Lebron James needs teammates and effective system to win games. An indication that TEAMWORK and EFFECTIVE SYSTEM are indispensable in BASKETBALL GAME.

With scores tied up for several times during the entire game which made the game exciting that caused the fans to become crazy and with the winning margin of only 4 points despite numerous lapses is a crystal clear indication that BARANGAY has talents individually as players, but having an EFFECTIVE SYSTEM will make them operate like a well-oiled machine and catapult them as a CHAMPIONSHIP caliber team.

The BARANGAY won the HEARTS of the fans, but TALK N TEXT won the GAME for the night.

EFFECTIVE SYSTEMS and TEAMWORK certainly apply to any organizations and activities including the PBA and its participating TEAMS.

P.S. My only wish is for the management of the ARANETA CENTER to place "NO SMOKING" signages along the walk-ways and passageways to protect non-smokers especially children from the hazards of TOBACCO SMOKE. "SMOKING AREAS" should be established in PLACES that cannot negatively affect non -smokers.