NBA Finals contest winners

When we launched our National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals contest last May 26, four teams were left in contention to advance to the best-of-7 title playoffs.

Now, only Dallas and Miami are standing.

The contest ran for a limited period with May 31 the cut-off date. We wanted to make sure all the entries were in before the Eastern and Western Conference Finals ended.

Most of the entries picked Detroit for the East with Dallas and Phoenix splitting the votes for the West.

Aside from choosing the two finalists, each entry contained an essay expressing "why I love the NBA" to qualify.

We selected 15 winners from the entries, each to receive an authentic NBA Finals T-shirt (not available locally, sent by NBA Asia) and a video of "The Year of the Yao" from C-Interactive Digital Entertainment through Tony Atayde of Virtual Ideas.

Here are the lucky 15:

• Catalino Holgado, Christian worker of Sanyo, Novaliches.

• Lorenzo Calvelo Jr. of the PPA Training Center, South Harbor, Port Area.

• Xavier Patrick Chua, fifth year student in Applied Economics and Management of Financial Institutions, De La Salle University.

• Joven Villaroman care of Villman Computers, Sunvar Plaza Building, Amorsolo corner Pasay Road Makati.

• Luis Aguilus, Jr. of Guerrero Street, Wawa, Taguig.

• John Gabriel Ojeda, third year high school student of La Salle Zobel, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa.

• Juan Nicolas Bulandi of Concepcion Catholic School, Concepcion, Tarlac.

• Carlos Alvarez, pre-med student of the University of Santo Tomas, New Manila, Quezon City.

• Noel Villanueva of Severino Reyes Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila.

• Larry Pineda of Nepo Subdivision, Angeles City.

• Ronaldo Santos of Barangay Almanza, Las Pinas.

• Rodolfo Agunod of Mabini Street, Poblacion, Makati.

• Arnold Portugal of Quezon Street, Gumaca, Quezon.

• Ed Elegado of Bayabas, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan.

• Guillermo Soriano Lim of West Fairview, Quezon City.

Additionally, Holgado gets to take home a 7-6 life-sized cardboard standee of Houston Rockets center Yao Ming.

Some of the winning essays (unedited):

From Catalino Holgado:

"Yes, I love NBA since I got interested in basketball. It’s exciting to see and watch every time the NBA season open. Of course, there are always favorite players and teams to cheer. Since then, I am an avid fan of Chicago Bulls because of the presence of Michael Jordan, one of the greatest NBA players in the history. His style of play is always exciting, that’s why his team got many championship trophies.

"Then after Chicago, I like the Los Angeles Lakers because of Kobe Bryant. Kobe is an excellent player and his achievement prove is worth deserving. His consistent scores of 40+ per game is a record breaking. Being added in the lists of great players in the past is a great honor for him and to his team. The Lakers once again prove when they reach the playoff inspite of the many adjustments in the team. Plus many of the players are new. I hope next year, they will be in the Finals. But still, it’s great to continue to watch the NBA because I can see how the players in different teams play superbly. Now that it’s semifinals, it’s exciting to see who will be the best team to win and reach the championship. Yes, I just love to watch the NBA. It’s fun and exciting."

From Lorenzo Calvelo, Jr.:

"I love NBA just because I love NBA. The excitement and thrill you experienced while watching your favorite team especially the Cavaliers and LeBron James. It’s just amazing the different styles in dunking the ball to the rim. The John Stockton vintage pick-and-roll pass. The death-defying acrobatic shot of Hurricane Wade. The long three-point shot of the Suns spitfire Nash. The Mavs’ heart and soul Nowitzki with his long shot and fade-away jumper. The hustle and short jumper of Billups. Oh yes, the Reggie Miller look alike shooter Hamilton. His quick brown fox jumper and driving to the hoop. Oh, I just love NBA."

From Xavier Patrick Chua:

"People love the NBA for several reasons, from the quick flash-like and explosive moves of Dwyane Wade to the simple yet effective ways of Tim Duncan, from the sweet-shooting fade-aways of Dirk Nowitzki to the unselfishness and brilliance of two-time reigning MVP Steve Nash. However, if one thing is common in every player, it is their passion and sheer determination for fierce competitiveness that rise above everything else. This has truly earned my timeless desire and utmost respect for every player, win or lose. I love the NBA."

Winners may claim their prizes from Babes Angat, Tel. 527-6007, 5th Floor, ECJ Condominium, Arzobispo corner Real, Intramuros.