Sports

Pacquiao Will Return Home Friday

Its definite, amid the AN1H1 scare, despite the DOH (Department of Health) and World Health Organization (WHO) request to Team Pacquiao to postpone their travel, rain or shine, Manny Pacquiao will return home as scheduled tomorrow (Friday).

I have no idea how many is Manny Pacquiao’s entourage but the recommendations is to avoid the possible spread of A(N1H1) virus in the archipelago. “Kung wala ka naman sipon, lagnat, bakit ka ika-quarantine (Why would we impose self-quarantine when none of us has colds or flu),” Pacquiao said.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita announced that the national day of celebration in honor of Pacquiao would be moved from Friday to Monday next week. Meanwhile, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, Pacquiao’s adviser reportedly said that there will be a press conference when Team Pacquiao arrives and will attend a Thanksgiving Mass in Quiapo Church afterwards. To Pacquiao supporters, please avoid close contacts to Team Pacquiao.

As of this writing, typhoon Emong was raised to Signal no. 1 in Manila so its impossible to have a victory parade. In a way, its a blessing to avoid people from seeing Pacquiao especially in Quiapo Church and airport. Well, I just hope Team Pacquiao will pass by thermal scanners.

Pacquiao Wins Over Hatton On 2nd Round

Our Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao made Pinoys proud again for winning the Battle of East and West over Ricky Hatton. Pacman decked “The Hitman” Hatton twice in 1st round, Hatton floored again in 2nd round and didn’t got up again, the referee waved his hands to end end the fight. Pacquiao wins by technical knockout (TKO). Ricky Hatton proved that its really hard to beat Pacquiao.

Different strategy that made Pacquiao won was the combination of left hook followed by right hook. When the Pacquiao’s left hook hit Hatton’s the right jaw, he fell down for TKO. Hatton for sure was surprised and not prepared for a different strategy. “I expected my right hook to be dangerous for him,” said Pacquiao. Pacquiao won Hatton’s IBO (International Boxing Organization) 140-lb crown as well as The Ring Magazine junior welterweight championship.

I can’t believe it, I’m not sure but I think this was the shortest fight of Pambansang Kamao Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Both boxers were surprised with each others strength and stability. Actually, I heard some Pinoys bet for Hatton that he will win. My sister even told me “tagilid yata manalo si Pacquiao” before the boxing match. After the game, she said “buti na lang di ako pumusta” LOL

Even if its “bitin” for not finishing the 12th round match and didn’t see the expected action, I am proud to be Pinoy for Pacquiao’s victory. Congratulations!

Watch Pacquiao Hatton Live

The much awaited Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton boxing match tagged as “Battle of East and West” overall income will somehow be  affected by Swine Flu (already named as H1N1 virus). Pinoys in US will probably be choosing to stay at home, avail of PayPerView and watch the boxing match on TV. It is still live and not exposing themselves to crowded place MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

I’m not convinced with the Free Pacquiao-Hatton Live Stream or Free Pacquiao-Hatton Online posts most bloggers post on their blogs. I got irritated when I watch The Dream Match fight of Manny Pacquiao and Oscar dela Hoya online. After the 4th round, the live online screening stopped. Buffering… and all of the people in the chatroom started complaining. I ended up waiting for the delayed telecast on GMA7 and Solar Sports.

I don’t want to end up like this again… and will probably be avoiding crowded places just to watch it live.

I hope all pinoys who are going to be there in Las Vegas should submit themselves for voluntary quarantine, including Pacquiao, his staff and the rumored estimated 50 Congressmen. We won’t be needing the fame from Pacquiao’s victory if we will be having a Pinoy who will spread the H1N1 virus in the Philippines.

3 Stars And A Sun On Pacquiao-Hatton Match

Martin Nievera was chosen by Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao to sing Lupang Hinirang on the much awaited Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton boxing match on May 3 (Philippines) in Las Vegas. Nievera felt the pressure already when informed that he is the first male singer who will sing Philippine National Anthem.

“The pressure is doubled when I just realized the other day when I rehearsing, teka muna kung ako yung unang lalaki na kakanta ng national anthem, that means if Manny wins, then wala na…na break na ang curse, break na yung usual superstition”, Nievera said.

Other filipinos are superstitious that it could be unlucky on Pacquiao’s part if a male singer will sing Lupang Hinirang. I am superstitious in a way but I don’t believe it in this case. Remember that Martin Nievera is known as “Concert King” in the Philippines. To sing Lupang Hinirang in a major boxing match maybe his first time but he will surely handle it well. I bet, he is rehearsing our National Anthem.

Going back to 3 Stars And A Sun, Martin is thinking of wearing a shirt designed by the late master rapper Francis Magalona instead f wearing the traditional Barong Tagalog for a change. I don’t see anything wrong with that and its a good idea since the designs of Francis Magalona symbolizes our flag.

What do you think? Barong Tagalog or 3 Stars And A Sun shirt?

Terry Larrazabal Bike Fest 2009

My son with cycling hotshot Brian Lopes in recent Terry Larrazabal Bike Festival held in Subic last April 5, 2009. Other pictures are the start and finish of the race and his shirt signed by Brian Lopes.