In the Finals, it’s Team Qatar versus the powerhouse China, in the Men’s Basketball in the Doha 2006 Asian Games.
We were able to witness the games during the preliminary rounds between China and Japan, and Qatar and South Korea. These are the pictures I’ve taken.
A funny thing happened during the match between China and Japan last Friday (December 8, 2006). Japan was rallying in the first few minutes after the start of the second half–and cut China’s lead to only 6 from as high as 16 points (I think!) in the first half. The crowd, mostly Filipinos, were excited, and chanting—“GINEBRA! GINEBRA! GINEBRA!”
You can just feel the frustration of Filipinos here that there were no representatives for the Philippine Team in the Men’s Basketball.
China won that game. Wang Zhizhi was the highest pointer with 30 points.
On the other hand, in the game between Qatar and Korea, the latter won in overtime. It was the first overtime in the 2006 Asian Games.
Back home, it must be very busy by now for Christmas shopping. At the Ayala Center. stores must have already extended business hours to accomodate the growing number of shoppers. Christmas decorations must already be all over the place, from commercial buildings, to offices, to houses, to the streets selling lanterns, lights, and Christmas trees.
The Simbang Gabi, I’m not sure whether I can attend one here in Doha. But I missed dragging myself up in the wee hours of the cold morning just to attend those early morning masses, singing along the jubilant songs, and the early hot bibingka.
NBA Live 07 is a lot like its cover athlete, Tracy McGrady: It’s capable of some stunning moves, worthy of the highlight reels, but is a little too offensive-minded and selfish. It’s got a lot of skill, but doesn’t do enough to get to the playoffs. – 
