Swak sa lakas ang Barako Bull

Keep throwin' 'em 'bows Enrico

Better yet, "Oooohhh---sssSSsssWAHK! sa lakas ang BARAKO BOOOL. Swak sa lakas ang Barako Bull!"

Sorry, but the catchy jingle never fails to humor us as it does seem pretty apt for such a testosterone-laden product and basketball team. If you want Pinoy macho on the hardcourt, then look no further than the Barako Bull Energy Cola's intimidating frontline of Enrico Villanueva, Doug Kramer, Jondan Salvador, Mick Penissi and rookie Dave Marcelo. Throw in bloodhounds like Josh Urbiztondo, Ronald Tubid and Roger Yap, and you could pretty much overlook the on-and-off performances of arguably the team's best player (on a good, healthy day) "Dynamite" Danny Seigle. Oh, and nothing speaks Pinoy Macho more than head coach Junel Baculi's slick-back hairdo and 80s porn-moustache.

Now sporting a respectable 3-5 slate, the Energy Cola's are looking more and more like a darkhorse if it ever gets to reach its full potential. After all, the team is playing in a league that preaches physicality and hustle while opting to ignore touch fouls and flops.

The one thing that's really holding the team back is consistency. Coach Junel went on record to say that this is Tubid's team as he is the best and more established of the lot (he's also the healthiest and can play both sides of the floor). Problem is, Tubid has never really embraced his true potential as one of the league's best. He seems to be satisfied in playing the support role (to James Yap back at UE, Mark Caguioa at Ginebra, etc.) when all along, he has the makings of a lead SG in the PBA.

Tubid is a solid one-on-one defender (when he chooses not to go overboard with the theatrical flops), he has also been blessed with range and hops. He has charisma, swagger and a bunch of bruisers down low who have his back. Really, it's all up to him to take this team to where he wants it to go. We're not saying that he should be christened as the Energy Cola's answer to Mark Caguioa or James Yap. But just for him to have the confidence to take the last shot so to speak and not wait for Seigle to enjoy one of his vintage explosions.

Yap and Urbiztondo are both Derek Fisher-like point guards who aren't big on assists but can make the correct inside passes to their bigs Villanueva and Kramer while also able to drill in kick-out threes. Villanueva has been enjoying a basketball resurgence so to speak, but his post game still needs work. Right now he's just doing what he's always done-- bullying his way into the paint and relying more on muscle rather than skill. Hopefully the extended minutes and varying defenses thrown his way will help him go back to basics and learn the proper footwork (why Eric Menk, brittle knees and all, was always preferred at the PF spot than Villanueva over at Ginebra).

Honestly, we kind of like the Energy Colas. They have all the tools needed to succeed, perhaps a 6th man/ slasher type would help bring open things up more for both Tubid and Villanueva. As much as we hope that Seigle enjoys another strong season like he did last year, it would be wise to invest for the future rather than just sitting and waiting for a guy to relive his glory days. If anything, since this is a Lina franchise, we hope that they keep the pieces together (specially the bigs).