Ultimate Shindig X (August 11-13, 2017): A Decade Of Play Hard, Party Harder
After a smooth boat trip from Iloilo City to Bacolod and a good 6-hour bus ride, I was welcomed by Gio, Bea, and Chubby in the city of Gentle People. We grabbed a quick bite at El Amigo, and the first thing that I really needed to do was to visit a very good friend. Bea was so kind enough to give me a ride to see Nikki Pinero in the cemetery. We all know what happened to Nikki, and since that tragic night, I haven't gotten the chance to say my goodbye to this beautiful soul. I am glad to finally had the chance to visit her and her unborn child, Akiva. I hope and pray that soon, Nikki and Akiva will find peace in heaven. We still miss you, Nikki.
The day began way too early for my liking, but it was time to hustle up in the early hours of Day 1. This is Ultimate Shindig. This is the Visayas. This is Dumaguete City. And on this side of the country, the action never waits.
The 10th edition of Ultimate Shindig was finally here!
As expected, the sun was trying to get my attention as I was shooting two playing field locations. Two fields in Perdices Coliseum and another two in RUSI/Daro Field. Thank you to Gio and Jazper who gave me a swiftly ride in both fields. But during the afternoon - the great ball of fire was winning the battle. But was I complaining?
YOU BET I DID!! It was Freaking Hot!!
But the games were so much fun to shoot, so I didn't stop.
The party at El Amigo was just right to welcome everyone to Dumaguete, and going to bed at 3:00 in the morning was just a regular routine.
Day 2 was absolutely no different from Day 1. The teams went on full throttle every time they were on the playing fields. And for a photographer like me, it always felt a lot like Christmas when that happens. But of all the 24 teams that participated in Shindig X, team ACEtoryahe again caught my attention. This team from Tayasan, Negros Oriental was so much fun to watch, especially Angel Callao and Angelli Luzuriaga who both are way too young to have those kinds of Ultimate Skillsets. Sure, most of them need to polish their understanding towards the rules of the game, but give these kids a few more years; I have a feeling that this team will be a major force to be reckoned with.
As the day went dark, and when the stars behind the dark heavy clouds showed up on a Saturday night during Shindig weekend, Mommy Bac and the crew in Payag Sa Likod were all set to give you a fun and crazy night. For the past four years of covering Shindig and partying on Saturday night, Payag Sa Likod always delivers. And the best thing about that night? I remembered everything! But I won't tell you anything. You better be there next year to experience it yourself.
Day 3 was all about the semis and the finals of Pool A, B, and C. At this point, the Perdices Coliseum was supposed to be wet and muddy, because, for the past couple of years, Shindig was cursed by rain on one of the scheduled three days. Heavy clouds showed up during the pool A Semifinal round, but the sun was just too stubborn to step aside. After the semis, the sun again beat the crap out of me with all its glory. So yes, this year it's ME = 0, Sun =3. A hat trick for the great ball of fire. At one point I even asked for a single drop of rain, but it never came.
After the exciting Pool B and Pool C final games (Congratulations Team Safe Ra, Pool C Champions. And team ACEtoryahe Pool B Champions), The battle of the top two teams of Shindig X was the game that everyone was waiting for. With names like, Tajji, Macky, Jack Jack, Alex, Angelique, Chubby, Ronan, Paloy, and Shosho to name a few, the star studded game between Extreme and the Notorious Connor McGreggor was a classic battle that will be remembered as one of the most exciting championship game for the past couple of years of Ultimate Shindig. With Chubby's almost epic layout D as my first three frames of the game, I knew right then and there that it was going to be a very special game to cover. Both teams put on an amazing show.
After dozens of highlights and tons of "oooh's" and "Aaah's" from the cheering crowd, Team Extreme was just too tough to handle as the Notorious bowed down to settle for the 1st runner-up trophy. Though it looked like a blowout on the scoreboard, Team Notorious gave Extreme a run for their money. It was indeed the perfect finals game to celebrate the 10th year Anniversary for both Shindig and Team Extreme.
The 3rd and final night of Shindig were again held at the newly constructed Tiki Bar, which I have really blown away by what it looks like today. The Semi-Super club look of Tiki Bar was a great way to end an epic weekend in Dumzville. It also made me smile that all players wore shoes that night. "Nakakapanibago lang". Slippers and sleeveless shirts are not allowed inside the club.... Well except for Bhagdok. But we all sure looked good that night with our pair of sneakers. What really happened inside Tiki Bar was for all of us attendees to see. There may be some leaked photos and videos of us having the best time of our lives, but there were more things that happened that night behind our smiles.
Whatever happens at Tiki Bar, Stays at Tiki Bar.
I only began covering Shindig about 4 years ago, and it really amazes me that in this tiny little town called Dumaguete, there lives a monstrous team and a huge ultimate tournament existed for 10 years, that in just a few hours of travelling by boat, bus, and plane, you will have the privilege to experience the gentleness and the laid back atmosphere of the place and the people in it, while witnessing some of the greatest ultimate plays and highlights you could ever imagine. And don't forget the cheapest and delicious, mouthwatering food you will ever have, as long as you know how to look for them. Dumaguete is my little Paradise besides Boracay and Ormoc. And I will always try to go back to cover Shindig for another 10 years as long as they still need me to.
As for Team Extreme, I've seen them hoisting the championship trophy during my first Nationals coverage in Tagum, Davao. That Callahan first point. That one sky grab that gave me the introduction to the kid they called Tahor., and the layout D of Dada that made my jaw dropped and forgot to raise my camera to take the shot. I also witnessed them went head to head with Sunken Pleasure in Bacolod City in a very intense, competitive and highly spirited Mixed Nationals Championship we've ever witnessed to date. And I saw a lot of their players represented our country in the international arena, making us all proud for what they have done for the flag. The team almost did everything successfully for the past 10 years.
Team Extreme Dumaguete is without a doubt one of the best and exciting teams that came out from the Visayas area, and it is always a privilege to photograph their games for the past 4 years. It was truly an honor celebrating this milestone with Mommy Bac and the rest of the team.
Congratulations Ultimate Shindig for another successful tournament, and happy 10th anniversary, Extreme Dumaguete! Here's to another 10 years of playing hard and partying harder with massive sky battles and intense Ultimate plays!
Thank you for always making our Ultimate weekend in Dumaguete memorable.
Every. Single. Time.
I have a couple more things to say.....
Amo ning Balay....
SAMANENGA, PARTY!!!!!!!
Until then... More Images to Share. More Stories to Tell...
It's All About U!
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