ALLAN THE MAN

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, two almost certain Hall of Famers, are heading to Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster trade that could tip the balance of power in the Eastern Conference.

The Nets and the Boston Celtics agreed to the trade late Thursday night in the midst of the N.B.A. draft, which was largely overshadowed by the negotiations. The deal, which cannot be consummated until July 10 for salary-cap purposes, was confirmed by two people involved in the talks.

Despite suffering a shocking loss to Juan Manuel Marquez last December, fighting congressman Manny Pacquiao remained among the world’s top 100 most powerful celebrities, according to business magazine Forbes.

The former world champion, however, suffered a slide in the list, dropping 45 notches from his No. 33 ranking last year.

According to Forbes’ 2013 Celebrity 100, the former world champion is now ranked No. 78 after suffering back-to-back losses to Timothy Bradley and Marquez in 2012.

Canadian Anthony Bennett of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas was taken with the number one pick of the 2013 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.

Bennett, a versatile 6-foot-8 (2.03 m) forward who averaged 16.1 points and 8.1 rebounds as a freshman last season, joins a Cavs team that was 24-58 record last season in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed its disapproval on GMA-7 hit primetime series "My Husband's Lover".

"My Husband's Lover," the first gay-themed series in Philippine television starring Dennis Trillo, Carla Abellana, and Tom Rodriguez tackles sensitive yet relevant social issues about homosexual relationships, the society's discrimination against homosexuals and infidelity.

Marian Rivera was named as FHM magazine's "Sexiest Woman in the Philippines" for 2013 after she got the most number of votes out of the millions cast by readers of the men's magazine.

Charice. "My Husband's Lover." Pugad Baboy. This must be the year of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender).

Add to that this year's Palme d'Or to the French lesbian drama, "Blue is the Warmest Color" and, back here at home, the gay rights march at UP Diliman Thursday afternoon (June 27), and you have, well, the spirit of the times?

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manuel V. Pangilinan has extended an invitation for Erik Spoelstra, the Filipino-American coach of the Miami Heat, to return to the country to watch the national team’s training for the FIBA Asia Championship.

The SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national squad is currently in the midst of a build up for the top Asian cage competition set on August 1 to 11.