Here are more new year wishes from members of “Wanbol Uni,” the group of outspoken STAR readers whose comments may be found everyday in the sports section of philstar.com.
From Dondon Pascua (blogger taga_pitong_gatang), 35, electronics engineer (professor) and law student (Bulacan State University) of Malolos City:
“1. Unity among basketball stakeholders to fully support the cause of the present national team (under coach Guiao) and future national teams (under coach Toroman).”
“2. Pacman to fight and beat Hatton and Mayweather respectively (hopefully another championship belt for Pacman in another division).
3. Unity among boxing stakeholders to result in a good program and discovery of potential gold medalists for the 2012 London Olympics.
“4. Being an avid Purefoods fan, another championship for the Giants in 2009.
“5. Top three finish in 2009 Laos SEA Games for the Philippines.
“6. New Filipino world boxing champions.
“7. Major championships for Jennifer Rosales and Dorothy Delasin in the LPGA.
“8. An NBA championship for LeBron James and Cleveland.
“9. Another F-1 constructors championship for Ferrari and the individual trophy for Raikkonen or Massa.
“10. Another Tour de France title for Lance Armstrong.
“11. World No. 1 tennis ranking for Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer.
From Izzy de Castro (blogger izzy), 32, finance assistant of Laayoune, West Sahara (Morocco):
“What I wish for sports in our country is for our basketball leaders (and all sports leaders) to be united and act as one with one aim and one goal for the good of the sports that we all love.”
From Alvin (Vhyn) Baroga (blogger Viente), 26, computer tech of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
“My wish for sports in 2009 is for politics in sports to totally vanish. Unity specially in basketball. I know that many of us love basketball even though we lack the?height (to excel internationally. Have a concrete and long-term program (including budget) for Philippine sports. Take note that Philippine sports is not just basketball. Support potential sports where we could earn gold in international competitions such as?taekwondo, baseball, etc. A foundation for the athletes to help them specially those in need and old athletes who served the country before.
“For the PBA, more teams to come – the more, the merrier. For Ginebra to have a healthy lineup and reign again as the King of the All-Filipino conference and if possible, the addition of Marc Pingris or a center to help Eric Menk in the middle.
“For billiards, more talents to emerge and show the world that the Philippines is still the best in cue ball.
“For boxing, more Filipino world champions. For Pacman to beat Hatton then Mayweather. I also wish Pacman doesn’t get into politics. Mr. Dean, don’t get me wrong I know these wishes are for 2009 and the elections?are still in 2010 but that’s not too far away. I know?many politicians are now wooing Pacman to run. I hope Pacman just concentrates on boxing.
“Lastly, I wish to meet the Dean in person?’cause he’s my idol, a walking ?wikipedia but I think I will wait until I finish my?contract in Riyadh in 2010. Anyway, ?just a greeting from the Dean in his column would be?enough, particularly to the Wanbol Fantasy League GMs. I hope and wish that Wanbol will?continue its growing population.
From Christian de Peralta (blogger kenshinxxxhimura.aoshi.jamestakbuhinyap), 29, civil engineer of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
“What i just want to request from you is to allot one article a day for the NBA and/or the PBA especially of course sa PBA kasi before ang meron lang article eh yung first game and yung second game wala na so what we do WANBLOGGERS is get a news article from the other site then paste it in the FORUM of PHILSTAR which will eventually be deleted by the moderator. so yun lang naman din ang sakin.”