Honoring the best

Today, the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) will recognize the top sports achievers of the year 2011 in ceremonies set at the Terraces in Ayala Center Cebu.

The 30th All-Cebu Sports Awards is an annual tribute to the best by the men and women, who cover the events. For the past 30 years, the SAC has partnered with San Miguel Corporation to make this event possible.

To all those who will be recognized today, congratulations!

To those who did not make the list, there is always the next year to look forward to. Never give up hope on becoming better in your sport and devote more time at getting better.

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Today's athletes have more resources available to them. 

Gone are the days when we only have our coaches, or those tasked to be one without the proper background or training, to rely on for guidance.

Many of today's coaches have undergone proper training and have more resources available to them to help them improve the skills of their wards.

There is also more sports equipment available now. Raw talent can take you somewhere, but the proper equipment can improve your chances of winning.

While technology has greatly improved the skills of many athletes, there is one thing that athletes need in order to succeed - the desire to be better.

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A few nights ago, the Philippine Azkals almost won against Malaysia. No thanks to a very late goal, the exhibition game ended in a 1-all draw.

The goal of the Azkals was spectacular. From a booming throw in, Dennis Wolf canned the ball with a header beating the Malaysian goalkeeper.

With the score staying at 1-0 since the first half and towards the dying moments of the game, the Philippine defense probably relaxed a bit and paid dearly.

Football is played for 90 minutes plus injury time. Until the referee whistles to signal the end of the match, the 1-0 lead was as flimsy as some of the items worn during a Victoria's Secret fashion show.

The draw wasn't really a bad result. More than that, the Azkals also showed some big improvements in teamwork, which I hope would help them succeed in the Suzuki Cup and other future tournaments.

The national football team has been the subject of a lot of scrutiny by both those who know much and those who know nothing, but think they are experts.

This is a fate shared by the national teams of other nations. It is always so hard to convince the fans, but they will always be there to support.

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MILESTONES: Happy birthday greetings to several friends turning a year older today. 

They are Wilson Yu of Siknoy, Luz Monzon, my mistah and former Calinog, Iloilo Mayor Salvador 'Badong' Divinagracia, MCWD's Charmaine Rodriguez, Reny Sarmiento, and Mandaue City Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede.

Advance greetings to those turning a year older tomorrow like my aunt Georgina Quiñones, Camp Cebu's Vicki Pastoriza, Col. Ben Basiao, Bong Abela, Maita Florendo-Alcantara, and my classmate Donald Antonio.

More power to all of you!