Both cagers are at the top of their game, playing in professional, local and international sports leagues that require nothing but the best of their talents. During the Philippine Cup Championships of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), their teams faced off, proving their mettle in the action-packed sport.
The shooting prodigy
A former team captain for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), as well as the Smart Gilas team and Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) team Sinag Pilipinas. Chris Tiu is an accomplished leader both on and off the court. Known for his excellent team planning and smooth ball-handling skills, Chris is a prodigy that transcended collegiate basketball to the international league before joining the PBA.
The Rain or Shine shooting guard started his prolific basketball career early at Xavier School’s Golden Stallions where he played alongside fellow soon-to-be UAAP stars Joseph Yeo and TY Tang. As an Ateneo Blue Eagle, he was a two-time Mythical Team member and part of the winning team that broke their 6-year championship drought against rival De La Salle University in Season 71.
Chris went on to head the Smart Gilas and SEAG Sinag Pilipinas teams in the following years, earning the country a gold medal in basketball by defeating tough rival, Thailand. In the last PBA Philippine Cup, he played a significant role in leading Rain or Shine to the Finals.
“Playing basketball honed not just my senses but also my perspective in team play. Basketball is a team game and one does not win by being good alone. From my days in Xavier to Rain or Shine in the PBA, knowing your role and playing it well is a significant key to winning,” says Chris.
Tiu is an accomplished player and successful businessman, taking his team to championships from his young days until today. He is co-owner of the famous milk tea chain Happy Lemon, as well as a handful of other fine dining establishments. Many also recognize him as a TV show host for a youth educational program in one of the country’s biggest networks.
Apart from his achievements in basketball, Chris has also received entrepreneurship awards and was named one of The Outstanding Young Men of 2013.
The hardcourt powerhouse
The 6-foot-5 forward/center Marc Pingris is a powerhouse of skill and confidence. Known for his unparalleled rebounding skills and defensive play, Marc is a veteran of international games. He is currently part of Gilas Pilipinas which will represent the country to the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Barcelona, Spain.
The towering San Mig Coffee Mixers cager developed his skills through a long and hard track, from his young days practicing at local basketball courts, to joining school varsity teams. His dedication to the game led to his discovery as a player for the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, landing him a spot in the PBA. Aside from carrying his previous teams to 5 championships from 2006 to 2014, he has set a personal career record of 11.6 average points, as well as a stunning 7.4 rebounds per game in the 2013-2014 season, leading the Mixers to win the year’s Philippine Cup. He has also been awarded as the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice, in 2006 and 2013.
“Discipline is one of the things every player should have in this game. Without it, everything will just go down and the team will have a hard time facing their opponents, and I believe that’s what’s keeping me in line with my goals in each game,” he says.
Some attribute him with superhuman skills on the court, earned through his notable skill in rebounding and blocking, with fans giving him the nickname “The Rebounding Demon.” Some fans also call him the “Pinoy Sakuragi,” as they find his looks to be similar to the famous Japanese animated character. On the other hand, Pingris is known for his casual comedy and down-to-earth attitude, earning him the hand of Danica Sotto, daughter of famous TV actor Vic Sotto.
Taking on challenges face-to-face
One thing that many fans observe about the two superstars is their cool, always-confident look. Keeping fresh, before and after a game, is a priority for both hardcourt heartthrobs that get female fans excited to see them every game. Their secret lies in observing strict hygiene routines.
“Before and after every game, I make sure to wash up with Master Oil Control Max Facial Wash, and it’s not just about looks. It’s important to keep away the oil and dirt to play your best, as it affects the way you hold the ball and move around too,” says Chris.
“On the court I face very talented players and keeping my confidence up is important. For that I wash with Master before any game so that I can always look primed, ready to look at my opponents with my game face on,” says Marc.
Putting a Game Face everywhere
With a complete line of face care products including facial wash, face cleansers and face moisturizers for the highly competitive sportsman, Master – the no 1 face care brand for men takes basketball to a whole new level.
Boosting anti-oil protection for up to eight hours, Master facial wash with its revolutionary cooling ZEROIL formula helps keep skin oil-free for that fresh game face look to bring out the best in anyone’s game – even off the court.
As one of the most exciting and dynamic brands and the No. 1 Face Care Brand for Men in the country, Master also teaches young men proper facial grooming before and after playing through a series of demonstrations and wet sampling activities during the Master Game Face 3 on 3 Challenges in the baranggays and universities. With Master, get 8 hours of no oil so you can put your game face on – just like Chris and Marc.
For more details about Master, the Master Game Face 3 on 3 Challenge and about Master Face Care Products, visit www.facebook.com/MasterPhilippines.
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