LOVE ULTIMATE 2016:For Love & Ultimate
After one day of rest in Iloilo city, I again caught myself having a cup of coffee in the airport, trying to connect my phone in their lousy Free WiFi connection. An hour had passed, and I was on board flying to Laguindingan International airport in Cagayan De Oro, to meet up with Manong Nonoy and Jessica of Team Made In China-Ginisa Mix for a three hour road trip to Malaybalay, Bukidnon. I've heard a lot of amazing stories about Love Ultimate. From unlimited supplies of bananas the whole weekend, to discovering a young skinny player wearing a ninja like face mask a few years ago taking names on the field (That young skinny player is Bolantoy). Love Ultimate has a lot of history. Witnessing it for the first time, and covering the action in Mindanao for the first time this year is what I am more excited about.
After a night of great company and lots booze, I woke up way too late on the first day of the tournament. With a severe hangover, I pulled myself up from bed, took a shower, grabbed my gear and went straight to the field. What can I say, it's Malaybalay after all. It's cold during the night, and liquors taste so good in cold weather.
Movin on!
What I love about shooting ultimate in Mindanao, is not just about the amazing skills that they are showcasing on the field, but also the passion that they displayed the whole weekend. As a photographer it was easy for me to find that right moment. Standing in the middle of the field, witnessing all the commotion that was happening right in front of you is like you are in the middle of a mine field, about to explode any minute from now. It was awesome.
Chef Doi of Made in China - Ginisa Mix said: "Qoute me on this, it's going to be a dogfight later on. Magliliparan na yan silang lahat!"
The Chef is right. Day 2 was all about the highflyers. Layouts. Skies. phenomenal D's. It was epic. The games became more interesting the moment the quarterfinals started. It's like a war zone last weekend, and I was the guy with a rocket launcher trying to shoot down two aircrafts battling it out in the air, chasing a white unidentified flying object. Sounds like an X-Files tv series episode? It sure does! It was quite exciting, really.
Powerhouse team composed of players from all over the country, Team Made in China-Ginisa Mix found their way to the finals, facing the young and gun Bolantoy led team, ACIDUS. It was one of those Ultimate finals that will make your heart pound the whole time. Making you sweat even though the weather is getting colder by the minute. It was a very close battle. Bolantoy and team ACIDUS led by three points at one point, but Ginisa Mix led by Ronan, Botchok, April, Bao, Paolo, Chubby and Marv worked their way patiently to tie up the game to 13. from then on, they never looked back and took home the victory. The 2016 season has just begun, and I must say, the Love Ultimate 2016 finals is definitely on the running for best finals this year.
The month of February is a special month for me for the past two years. February is the month when I found out about this beautiful sport and this amazing community. For the past two years I did the best I can; voluntarily serving this community and helping spread the word out about Philippine Ultimate in my own very little way. Discovering the sport and meeting all of you was definitely the best thing that happened to me the past couple of years. Everybody knows that I have been using an almost blind laptop for almost six months now, I have been sharing photos and write-ups with you all, on a half dead equipment. My camera bodies had multiple repairs now for the past two years, but still, we managed to bring you some memorable moments to keep. Last Saturday night, together with great friends and a 5 gallon pineapple wine (Thank you Sir Edong!), three beautiful people that has a very special place in my heart gave me this epic second anniversary present, a struggling photographer could ever asked for. Until now, I am not even sure if I truly deserve all these blessings that I have been recieving, but hey, hard work and being true to your friends and extended families do pay off. To Akira, Karen, and Chlods... You guys are crazy! Thank you so much for everything.
Congratulations To all the winners!
Made In China-Ginisa Mix, Pool A Champions.
Team TLC, Pool B Champions.
Yamah Ultimate, Pool C Champions.
Congratulations to Team MAUT for a job well done in organizing the tournament this year. And special thanks to Bass Salang for making the trip possible!
Until Then... More Images to share. More Stories to tell. It's All About U!
www.facebook.com/puimages
www.twitter.com/puimages
www.intagram.com/puimages
0 comments: