Chris Pacana

It could have been hard for us fans not to see Chris Pacana on the hardcourt for the longest time now. If it saddens us, I believe it is breaking Chris' heart. But with Chris' perseverance coupled with our prayers, our Lord blessed him another shot at the hardcourt.

Yes, Chris will be suiting up as a Kuala Lumpur Dragons in the Asian Basketball League. Here's an article about the GOOD NEWS:

Source: In The Zone

Kuala Lumpur Dragons' Ariel Vanguardia's US scouting trip
By: RICK OLIVARES

What’s in the life of a Filipino coaching abroad? For Ariel Vanguardia who was head coach for the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers and an assistant in Talk ‘N Text and Barako Bull, it’s an opportunity to get around and go up.

Now he does get around as coach for the Kuala Lumpur Dragons for they play in the domestic league, in tournaments in Indonesia, as well as the Asean Basketball League.
In an effort to beef up the Dragons for the coming ABL tournament, Vanguardia went to the United States recently to scout some American basketball players to augment his squad. He also convinced former PBA player Nic Belasco to give it one more go alongside Chris Pacana who last played for Meralco in the local pro league.

Vanguardia was also able to attend a coaches’ clinic conducted by Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari. He was also one of three coaches allowed to watch a closed door practice and a scrimmage by the Wildcats. Vanguardia also went to Stanford, where he was welcomed by former Duke Blue Devil and Philadelphia 76er Johnny Dawkins who is now coach of the Cardinals. His last two coaching stops were at Cal Berkley where he was a guest of coach Jeff Montgomery, the son of Golden State Warriors coach Mike Montgomery and in Fordham.

I met up with coach, who became a friend while I covered the Heavy Bombers first in the PCCL and after that in the NCAA, last Sunday night while watching the PBA. Vanguardia says that the trip was an enriching one and he hopes that it his recruits and his learnings will help him in his craft and pursuit to deliver a title to the Dragons.

Oh well, could this be enough proof that Chris does have reputable basketball history? Aside from being an MVP he had played and worked with a number of well-known basketball personalities. One of which is a reigning NBA Champion from the Dallas Mavericks, Tyson Chandler. Hey Chris, if you have a picture playing with or against him, care to share?

Last August 4, 2011, he had been reunited after ten (10) years with now Miami Heat Assistant Coach Chad Kammerer.

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Photo Credits: Istib Lopez

By the way, don't forget to include him in your prayers. Let us all hope that he could land a next season. How about BMEG? *wink*

Source : In The Zone
Date : November 14, 2010
By: Rick Olivares

Cardona scored 23 points including seven big ones in the final 90 seconds of play to outlast hardluck Air21 Express 95-93. The former La Salle Green Archer hit a triple from the top of the arc that gave Meralco the lead for good 92-91 with 1:04 left. He followed that with a fade away jumper over the outstretched arms of Ronjay Buenafe 81 seconds later to give his squad some breathing room at 94-91.

Buenafe atoned for a missed three-point attempt by picking Cardona’s pocket for a lay-up with 15 seconds left. Rookie Hans Thiele added the marginal point as Air21 was unable to get a good shot off with Buenafe well guarded from the three-point line.

The win gave the Bolts their first-ever two-game win streak in league history (they beat Alaska 83-71 in Victorias City, Negros Occidental last November 6) and a 4-5 record to move from out of the bottom into the middle of the pack.

“That’s how big that win was,” said victorious coach Ryan Gregorio. “One win and you’re in the middle of the pack. One loss and you’re in the cellar. That’s how competitive it is this Philippine Cup.”

It wasn’t only the return of Cardona that boosted Meralco. Gregorio also attributes the acquisition of forward Thiele from Barako Bull as a big pick up for them for the former University of the East Red Warrior’s ability to hit the outside shot and his penchant for hauling down those rebounds. “That’s something we need since we don’t have Asi Taulava (who is at the moment with Smart Gilas in the ongoing Asian Games in Guangzhou, China).”

The two-game win streak also coincides with the addition of Thiele and the call up of Chris Pacana who was on the reserve list. Thiele added 16 points in Meralco’s winning cause over Air21 on top of six boards. Since his arrival, the 6’5” forward has averaged 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds for Gregorio.

Pacana has added some backcourt depth to Meralco and scoring sock. The former St. Francis of Assisi Dove who was born in California, USA, tallied eight points, two rebounds, and four assists.

“I think our defense is getting better.” explained Gregorio. “It’s a part of our growth as a team.”

Cardona seemed a little tuckered at certain points of the game but he was just glad to be able to contribute. “Okay naman makapag-contribute ng ganito na kababalik lang. Makakatulong yan sa confidence ko.” Entering the match, Cardona was the sixth leading scorer in the Philippine Cup with a 16.8-point average.

Air21 rookie Rabeh Al-Hussaini kept his team in the game with 20 points and seven rebounds. His missed shot preceded Cardona’s triple that gave Meralco the lead.


Boxscores:

Meralco 95 – Cardona 23, Thiele 16, Gamalinda 9, Ross 9, Espinas 9, Pacana 8, Aquino 8, Weinstein 5, Omolon 4, Menor 2, Belga 2

Air21 93 – Al-Hussaini 20, Buenafe 17, Quiñahan 15, Matias 11, Urbiztondo 7, Baclao 6, Najorda 6, Gonzales 2, Sharma 3, Arboleda 2, Guevarra 0, Arellano 0, Rodriguez 0

Source: Manila Bulletin Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET

This is a three year old video courtesy of Rafi Reavis. This is dated June 9, 2008 wherein Mike Holper, Jay Jay Helterbrand, Rafi Reavis, Chris Pacana, Alex Cabagnot, and Sherwin is having a blast (lunch) at Robinson's Galleria!

The conversation is not that clear, but you can still understand most of it.

I started following Chris Pacana's PBA career when he was still with the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK). Well, August of 2008, BGK were hailed as the 2008 Fiesta Conference Champions. Jay Jay Helterbrand's injury at that time had been a blessing in disguise for Chris and Paul Artadi. They've been given quality time in the hard court to prove themselves and show off their basketball IQ.


The following conference is not that great. He had been sidelined at the bench. Then, the next thing I know, a year after the championship, he had been traded to Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR). Watching basketball games is not that hype for me anymore. But yes, I still follow his PBA career and would like to know the results, on how he performed and the like. Sadly, he is not given enough minutes.


I become occupied with running and other things that I had been not into PBA that much. SLR become Meralco Bolts to be headed by Coach Ryan Gregorio. With that changes, Chris had been put in the reserved list. And Coach Ryan had been struggling to get a 'W'. But when he reactivated Chris from the reserved list, he immediately get that victory that he longed hoped for.


But I guess it is not yet time for Chris for he is, again, put on the reserve list. And what can you expect? Meralco is at the bottom three of the PBA's current conference. Well Chris, like what Coach Taylor told David in the movie, Facing the Giants,

So it's official, Chris Pacana is in the reserve list of Meralco Bolts. *sigh*


I can't believe it. Coach Ryan Gregorio might have done something real bad in his decision-making. What more can I expect, they are in the bottom in the team standing of this conference. He failed to remember that the time he activated Chris last conference, Bolts win one game after the other.


Alright, enough of sour-graping. Let me just share you a picture of Chris the last time I saw him wearing a Meralco Bolts-related uniform.


This picture was taken by a dear friend at SM North EDSA Annex last November 19, 2010. You can also share photos of Chris in his official Facebook Fanpage. *spread the word*

I'm sorry guys for keeping you waiting for a new post here in Chris Pacana's blog. I've been uber busy for the past months. My apologies.

Event: TechKNOWlogy Launch

I had confirmed from Chris Pacana's Facebook Fanpage that he'll be joining the event. So, I'll see you guys there?


P.S.

I'm sorry for failing to update this blog for quite sometime now. I've been busy but I'll promise to catch up once I've settled some personal matters. Meanwhile, let me share a picture of him in his debut game against Alaska Aces.

Credits: The Visayan Daily Star

A one-point lead, 13-12, by Meralco Bolts against Alaska Aces, in a low-scoring first quarter threatened to disappoint the Negrense crowd that trooped to Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center, Saturday for another out-of-town PBA game.

But coach Ryan Gregorio and the Bolts electrified the crowd and stunned the Aces middle of third quarter to get away with a come-from-behind 83-71 win that made the game one of the classic actions in PBA’s Philippine Cup.

“It’s a monster victory for us. We fought hard, did not give up and were rewarded with our effort,” Gregorio said in the PBA website as he lauded his wards for a good job.

“We dug deep into our hearts and made the impossible possible. Defense was the key and we scored enough to win,” Gregorio said.

Chris Ross provided the spark late in the third quarter as rookie Hans Thiele and Chris Pacana combined forces to erase a 14-point Aces lead in the early quarters.

With Macmac Cardona still nursing an injury, the Bolts kept their focus to deal the Aces their fourth straight victory in the tournament.

Guangzhou Asiad-boudn Asi Taulava provided the bulk for the Bolts, while Beau Belga engaged Aces big men at low post as the Bolts pulled away in the final quarter for their third win in eight games.

Five Meralco players scored in double figure -- Ross 16, Gab Espinas 14, Taulava 12, Thiele 11, Belga 10 -- as the squad displayed an outstanding performance that earned the respect of the basketball-loving Negrenses.

Alaska was led by Joe Devance with 21 points while Sonny Thoss contributed 12 markers. Cyrus Baguio chipped in 10 points for the Aces losing quest as LA Tenorio ended the game with seven points.*NAB

I dreamed of Chris Pacana last Tuesday. And it felt great that I've sen him playing in the hard court (at least in my dream).

I don't know, maybe this dream is brought about by the recent happenings in PBA.

• Sta. Lucia Realtors will now become Meralco
  
• Coach Ryan Gregorio will be the coach of Meralco
• Purefoods is acquired by UNILAB and URC
• BMEG will now become Petron
  

No matter what, I hope these changes will all be for the better. While the PBA Fiesta Cup Conference is not yet finished, I am already bidding good lucks and God bless to PBA. Hope the next season will become a better one.

And by the way, I hope Alaska Aces wins the Fiesta Cup crown this time.

Let me leave you with my favorite picture of Chris, a game where he had 8 points and 10 rebounds with just 11 minutes of playing time.

For those who really love basketball, I'd bet you were all eyes on the current NBA Finals 2010 between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. You had your own player and team being cheered. How about Chris Pacana? Here is his response to Ms. Patricia Bermudez-Hizon's question on "Who do you think will be the 2010 champions and why they have the edge?" in her Fit to Post at Yahoo! Philippines entitled NBA Finals fearless forecast.

Chris Pacana, Sta. Lucia Realtors: Lakers. Black Mamba is the edge. Michael Jordan is 6 for 6 in the finals. Kobe is mad he let one slip away. Not to mention the added length that Bynum provides along with Artest’s defensive presence. Defense will win it.

Kobe Bryant #24, LA Lakers (Black Mamba)
Photo Credits: MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images

Hmmm... I'm sorry Chris, but I am rooting for the Boston Celtics. Aside from Ray Allen, I love this man:

I had stumbled on someone's Multiply account and read that Chris Pacana's look-a-like is Deron Williams. Hmmmm... I don't know that man; so, I Googled for William's pictures and it somewhat satisfies my eyes.




What can you say?

Photo Credits: Civil Service Club

Hi guys, I just want you to know that despite the sad reality that our Chris Pacana had been put in the reserve list, I am Still Updating this blog. To know what had been added recently, just check on the What's New? section of the side bar.

I have seen several photos of him, but I decided not to share most of them for they were personal photos, and I respect Chris' private life.

If you had something to share (pictures, videos, or articles), just email me; and I'll gladly post it here.

Thanks! Keep on praying!

Last week, while checking on PBA Online, I noticed that Chris Pacana's name is not listed under Sta. Lucia Realtors roster. I checked his name immediately at the players list; but his name is nowhere to be found. I immediately message Sir RV, the site's administrator and owner, and asked why Chris' name is not in his list. It could be an honest mistake of removing/deleting his name from the list. But later I realized that it was something really disappointing.

My fairy told me last Saturday (and I believe you Chris Pacana fans have the right to know as well) about a very bad news - that Chris had been put in the reserve list. That was something that paints a frown on my face, and made me think, "That verdict is something that he does not deserve." However, there's nothing we can do about it. That's fate. Probably it is a way of rewriting his destiny and putting him into a much better team who could give him the "break" that he needed (I firmly hope so). Let us all just pray and hope the best for our Chris Pacana. May God bless his PBA career.

Let me leave you with my favorite picture of Chris. He did great here (10pts and 11rebounds if I remember it right). That was the sweetest smile of Chris (at least for me).



Chris, I'll still be seeing you at the hard court SOON!

It is really boring to watch a game without your favorite player in the hard court. I had gone tired of watching Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR) games. For one, because I am really not a fan of the team; secondly, Coach Boyet Fernandez always sidelined Chris Pacana at the bench. I am just missing Chris' debut at Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) where he had an average of 16.50 minutes per game. Unlike now, where he only got a maximum of 2 minutes? Tell me, how can he possibly prove himself with that playing minutes? I believe coaches should trust his player sometimes to prove his worth; like what Coach Ryan Gregorio did to Chris Timberlake in their last game.

Anyhow, I had watched SLR's game last night knowing that Chris would play. Sadly, he just played for some minutes. His first few seconds on the floor, he had a floater against two or three San Miguel Beermen.


I also saw his confidence when he shot another basket [although he missed it]. But that move made me smile and think that he no longer fears of making a shot. I just do hope that he'll be given some more playing minutes. Wondering if the table would turn around last night if he had his fair share of playing time.

Sadly, they lost against SMB with 93-74 to end the game.

I am in search for a picture of Chris Pacana over the internet that I haven't shared yet here in his blogsite. Luckily, I stumbled upon this one. I just don't know when this photo/game took place. Obviously, this was a game between the Sta. Lucia Realtors and Barako Bulls.

I just hope to see him play big time soon.

Eliminations
Date	Opp	Mins	3-Points	FG	FT	Pts	Reb	Ast	Stl	Blk
040710	DAL	2	0/0	0/0	0/0	0	0	0	0	0
041110	TNT	6	0/0	0/1	0/0	0	0	0	0	0
050710	SMB	6	0/0	1/2	0/0	2	1	0	0	0

Previous Season Game Log

Last Wednesday, Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR) battled with the reigning All Filipino Cup Champions, Derby Ace Llamados. For me, this would be hitting two birds with one stone: seeing my favorites [Chris Pacana and Kerby Raymundo] in one game. However, at the back of my head, I am somewhat hearing thoughts from Coach Boyet Fernandez that he won't be utilizing Chris' skills. On top of that, I heard that Kerby won't be playing for he was still nursing a knee injury. Most likely, my stone won't hit any bird at all. With that in mind, I chose to run with my bestfriend at UP Diliman's Academic Oval. Only to find out a day after that Chris actually played, for 2 minutes. Short. But still seeing him play is noteworthy. Good thing I was able to download that game. I will be watching it and hopefully crop the part where he did play and post it here. Which quarter did he play?

Yesterday, while I was still on the hype of my new Personal Record of 01:14:56 in my 10K run [conquering Buendia Flyover twice], I forgot that SLR is battling against Talk N' Text (TNT). And it's already late when I realized that. I, once more, missed SLR game. But the most disappointing of that was, I again failed to see Chris play [this time for 6 minutes].

He played... but I failed to watch. *sigh*

I won't cover-up for the joy that I felt back when Purefoods TJ Giants [now Derby Ace Llamados] earned the All Filipino Cup Trophy. It is exactly the same feeling I had when the Barangay Ginebra Kings won the Fiesta Conference back in the Chris Alexander days. Championship victory is indeed the sweetest.

All this reminiscing is brought about by my search for new articles having "Chris Pacana" in it. I had found this interesting statement from Mico Halili:

"Chris Pacana, with no team at the start of the conference, and here he is a few moments away...." - Mico Halili after Pacana sinked 2 free throws that sealed game7, and the championship, for Ginebra!

I believe, for players, victory will become sweeter when you had become a part of it. I just miss how Chris contribute largely in the victory of his team. Hope to witness one soon.