Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez IV: Traumatic Day

Time: 3:50 p.m.
Where: In my bedroom. ;(
Now Playing: "Neutron Star Collision (Love is Forever)" by Muse.

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It's been four months since I last had my blog entry and it's obvious that I was so busy with school. Glad to be back but not a nice comeback though. I was quite disappointed today, cried a bit and scream a lot when I saw Manny flat on his chest, unconscious for two minutes and it was the same scenario when he knocked out Ricky Hatton flat on his back as well in May 2, 2009. Like Manny's scary knockout to Marquez, that one was about to end the round. After that, Hatton started to get addicted to drugs and stuff the reason for his retirement that time was that traumatic KO loss to Manny.

All of the Filipinos who watched the fight felt what Pacquiao just received there. "Sobrang sakit", 1 second na lang ng round, where Manny could've awarded that round six eh nagkasalubong ang aggression ni Manny at ang kanan ni Marquez, twice the force and BOOM goes Manny. Totally traumatic. With these questions answered on whether who is the greatest after four matches, I don't care now if Marquez proves it but Manny is my champion, the champion of Filipinos and I respect the achievements he did in the past decades who really sets the tone in the sport of boxing. Making it into the mainstream sports because of his thrilling encounters like with Juan Manuel Marquez.

I wanted Manny to continue with his career but with this tragic loss to his long time rival, I don't know where would be his next move. I think it is the time that Manny hang up his gloves and concentrate to public service and his chosen religion. It's like these are the thing that Manny caused him lost his passion for boxing, maybe a bit. Also, he forgot his rosary and the signature sign of cross routine before the bout that will somehow make him different again in the ring like his prime few years back.

I congratulate Juan Manuel Marquez for the best win he had in his whole career and for the Pacman, hope he thinks of a better decision for himself and his family. Laban Pacman. So proud being a Filipino!

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Time: 4:34 p.m.
Where: Still here. :(
Now Playing: "Head Over Heels" by Tears for Fears.

My first footsteps in the historic Araneta Coliseum.

Time: 1:41 p.m.
Where: In the living room.
Now Playing: "Bring It On" by Hard-Fi.

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I've been a passionate fan of basketball for a long time, whether college hoops (NCAA or UAAP) or professional ball like the PBA or NBA, because if you're here in the Philippines, it is natural to be a basketball lover even though I am busy following football in general. After all, it is the most beloved sport here, but with all of those times, I've never watch a game live, EVER. I was dreaming of going to Araneta Coliseum one day when I was little as if I wanna experience the passion inside with all of the fans around. On August 19, 2012, it is a Sunday, finally, I've got a chance to be in THE BIG DOME to watch my school (Adamson University) go against my mother's Alma Mater (University of Santo Tomas) in their first round encounter in the UAAP.

I was uncertain of going to the venue because it was understandable that it was my first time of going in there but still, I managed to get in because I won't waste this opportunity.

1:24 p.m., I finally made it and got on my seat. Realistically, I never thought that the Araneta Coliseum was small unlike what was shown when they host a game of PBA or even the UAAP but what the heck, I would be watching a great game.

Start of the game, Adamson got a slow start. Of course, we miss some key players from last year like Alvarez and the others, and Alex Nuyles got his injury that would sent him out of the season but the loss of key players is the not reason to give up on the game, it's all about stepping up the level of play. We finish the first quarter getting closer with Fortuna's company with UST.

Second quarter was a tight affair but Adamson led most of the time in that 'kanto' and even boost the squad's momentum when they bury a buzzer-beating shot to end the first half of the game.

Second half was underway and like they end the first half, Adamson going hard on the interior and Karim Abdul couldn't figure out the same play the Falcons were doing inolving Monteclaro and Brondial. Camson had a great third quarter.

Last quarter of the game, it seemed that the Growling Tigers were on a frenzy when they made a run to somehow match with Adamson's intensity. In the dying seconds of the game, Karim Adbul, the hero of the FEU match, again defying the odds to put the Espana outfit in front. 18 seconds to go and Camson was holding the ball, tries to go underneath and tried to buy a foul but the referee didn't call it. It was a little bit unfortunate and we were all disappointed but nonetheless I had fun cheering most of the time and I was like very loud and that's where the passion comes.

FINAL SCORE: Adamson 60-61 UST

Although it was a painful loss at the end, really, it was a great game, end-to-end action but I must say, it was a valiant effort for our team despite the uncharacteristic record they have right now at 1-6 where most of their losses where held in tight contests like this one. It didn't reflect the last season's record where they finished 3rd because we were having a complete line-up. I'd say that the Adamson team we have right now is a rebuilding squad because of the huge losses in terms of roles of the key players use to do in the previous time but I know how rebuilding goes and I must support in the coming years and go back to the time of 1952 where Adamson have their first and only UAAP Basketball Championship with the leadership of the "Director" himself and one of the 25 Greatest Players to play in the PBA, Hector Calma, one of the most prolific alumni of Adamson University.

Again, I had fun that day and I just wish I can go to another live game and share the passion again with my fellow hoops fans.

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Time: 2:19 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Bubblegun" by CatPeople.

The End of an Era... NOT.

Time: 4:34 p.m.
Where: In the living room.
Now Playing: "Belong" by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart.

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Today, I was so excited to see Manny Pacquiao back in the ring because not only he makes boxing exciting but the whole world as well, including his homeland, the Philippines. I even have my new MP t-shirt from Nike ready to wear prior to the fight with American undefeated boxer, Timothy Bradley. I even have less sleep this day because I was so excited even though this fight, realistically, is not a MEGAFIGHT material. Watched Denmark upset the Dutch and Germans prevailed against Portugal at the EUROs and forgot to rest. I was so stoked because after years of me and my father watching in a free public viewing room inside the city's sports complex where we always suffered too much perspiration to the heat inside the said establishment and with tons of people inside, we always discomfort but this time, nice atmosphere with a nice drink, good food and satisfying entertainment, the undercard that is.

The undercard was really exciting that almost every fight has a knockout result. We saw an old boxer rose to fame with a stunning upset in the name of KO king himself, Randall Bailley beating young prospect Mike Jones, suffered his first loss and another controversial fight with the legendary Jorge Arce and young Jesus Rojas involved with a no contest.




That was when the main event came early because of the last undercard ended in no contest in Round 2. We learned that Pacquiao wasn't ready with his gloves and mitting because he was focused on watching the Game 7 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics. Yes, he finished the game and he made Bradley and the audience wait for a long time. I just thought that time that it might caused something to the match with Manny, losing his focus and stuff. Also, I thought that how would this fight go because there were rumors that Team Pacquiao having their own ways. Conditioning coach, Alex Ariza, left the Philippine training camp weeks ago and said he would prepare Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr first because the younger Chavez's fight was just a week away that time. Also, there were rumors of miscommunication between the members including Coach Freddie, Ariza, and others but Roach said eventually that everything was going smoothly.

The national anthems were much anticipated as well with AI Season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez singing the U.S. anthem. The fight was minutes away, everyone was so pumped in the cinema, including me and joined along with Michael Buffer's famous line, "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!"

Bradley was great in the first two rounds, beating Paccquiao to the jab and power punches and it seems that Manny can't get into Bradley and Bradley's stalking tactic payed off. Three rounds after, Manny got his groove with barrage of power punches on Bradley. It seemed that Bradley can hadle Manny's punches but he looked hurt with those 4-5 punch combinations by Manny including powerful hooks to the jaw. Manny though, couldn't land a powerful body shot on Bradley with those rounds. Three rounds left and Bradley woke up and again showed what he did in the early rounds. Stalk Manny and land the power punches. I just noticed that Manny landed a few punches and didn't answer back with some of Bradley's combinations that mostly blocked by Manny.

It was decision time. I was so nervous because it was an another close call. Back-to-back close fights for Manny. So, 115-113 for Pacquiao, 115-113 for Bradley, and 115-113 all to the winner by SPLIT DECISION... and there... we're all disappointed because the fight didn't reflect the result. I was shouting, pumping my chest and threw my hat away. Others were saying "NOOOOO" aloud. A woman beside me cried. Well, Manny hurt Bradley but Bradley didn't hurt Manny even though he was aggressive in some rounds. I don't know if the judges were basing the tempo of the fight or the scoring of the punches landed?

I bet that in jail, Mayweather is happy & so are the Mexican fans. Also, gotta love the "Call Me Maybe" jokes about Pacquiao & Bradley. LOL. The most annoying picture of the day: Nanalo tapos sabay 'wheelchair'? Bwiset.



Just so disappointed, up to now but I guess we all have to move on and listen to Bradley on what he said three days ago that the rematch will be on between him and the Pac-Man. So, I guess I will definitely gonna watch that. I guess going back to school tomorrow with a smile on my face... NOT! LOL.

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Time: 5:12 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Collide" by Howie Day.

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Crab Mentality and Racism in the Philippines

Time: 1:54 a.m.
Where: In the couch.
Now Playing: "Heart in Your Heartbreak" by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart.

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Well, like most of the 92 million people living in the Philippines, I am proud to be a Filipino. I love our motherland, our culture, our natural resources. Before, we were one of the leading nations in Asia during the Marcos regime but decades after, we were left behind. Why? It's merely because "crab mentality" is all around us up to now. Which do you prefer? Choc-nut or Hersheys? There's the meaning of it in terms of the world of business where most of us realistically chose to buy foreign-based things compared to our locally made ones. Crab mentality isn't just all about marketing but it can go social as well. Crab mentality is one of the Philippines' major problems in both the business and social issues.


In other parts of the world, "racism" is really unacceptable and the world changes it's views about it and the judgement is not on the skin color, it's on the characteristics and here in the country, most of the Filipinos are not aware how racism goes around the world, on how big the consequences if you deal with racism? Recently, an ESPN reporter was sacked after making a racial slur on Jeremy Lin on his article. Luis Suarez and John Terry had their problems too. Thanks to Martin Luther King, he changes the world but still racism is a problem around the world and how we can fight it? I just simply can't deal with these problems even up to this.

Recently, the Azkals made history in Philippine football by winning their best finish yet in a high-caliber tournament they participated and that's the AFC Challenge Cup. They also made history by getting in to the semi-finals of the said tourney and eventually finished 3rd place. While the Azkals celebrate, I watched Unang Hirit, Wednesday morning at March 14 and I can't believe that I am speechless. Arnold Clavio just said some harsh words along with racial slurs around our national team. "Hindi kayo kayumanggi", "nagpapanggap lang kayong mga Pilipino". Mr. Clavio was one of the most respectable journalists in our nation until this happened. The report was the making of the semi-final of the Azkals and he just talked about the alleged sexual harassment which was totally unrelated and he expressed his frustrations about it and caught on national TV. Yes, we can express our opinions but he just crossed the line and like what I said earlier, racism is UNACCEPTABLE. It's not just the Azkals became a victim here but the OFWs sons and daughters who have found relationship with other nationalities, their hardships to bring the Philippines growing in terms of growth at nabale wala dahil sa mga sinabi nito ni Crabio and it's just plain unacceptable.

I saw some comments about the issue of both the 'alleged' sexual harassment and this 'Crabio' issue and some of the fans understand that racism and crab mentality is unacceptable but here's my take on this situation:

If Angel and Lexton did disrespect Ms. Ramos then punish them both but I just don't know why Ms. Ramos wants even to punish all the Azkals, just because they laughed. Is it me or this woman is bitter and tries to bring our national team down? Talking about crab mentality here and "ang babaw talaga ng reasoning niya". I know that sexual harassment is inexcusable here but I think she's going on public display of attention here. I am not judging her because it's pretty clear that she wants all the Azkals to suffer where only 2 lang naman ang alleged. Crab mentality talaga. Gusto pa sa AFC agad mag-reklamo at hindi sa PFF. She really wants attention. She's using the popularity of the team to down them and others seem to support her of making the Azkals down. I just simply wish that this issue resolve shortly so we can move on. I will continue to support our national team and show my Filipino pride. I don't mean to be racist at this one but I will say this for the others to understand "na mas may pusong Pinoy pa ang mga lumalaban para sa bayan, half man or hindi, kesa sa inyong walang sawang nagbabatikos upang ibagsak ang ating koponan."

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Time: 2:30 a.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Silenced by the Night" by Keane.

54th Grammys predictions and Whitney Houston.

Time: 11:19 p.m.
Where: In the living room.
Now Playing: "All of This" by The Naked and Famous.

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Before my prediction on Music's Biggest Night tomorrow morning, this morning, we are all shocked on sudden passing of one of the most influential singers and one of the best of our time, Whitney Houston. She was found dead in her hotel in LA around 3:55 p.m. PT (7:55 a.m. here) so, RIP Whitney Houston. Yep, we lose another legend here. Thanks for contributing to the music world. You will be missed.

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Here are my predictions for some of my chosen categories in the 54th Grammys tomorrow, I can't predict all 78 of them so here we go:

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GENERAL:

Album of the Year: "21" by Adele.
Record of the Year: "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele.
Song of the Year: "Holocene" by Bon Iver.
Best New Artist: Bon Iver

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POP:

Best Pop Solo Performance: "Someone Like You" by Adele.
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: "Body and Soul" by Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse.
Best Pop Instrumental Album: "The Road from Memphis" by Booker T. Jones.
Best Pop Vocal Album: "21" by Adele.

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DANCE/ELECTRONICA:

Best Dance Recording: "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" by Skrillex.
Best Dance/Electronica Album: "Zonoscope" by Cut Copy. (really tough on this one)

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TRADITIONAL POP:

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: "Duets II" by Tony Bennett.

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ROCK:

Best Rock Performance: "Walk" by Foo Fighters.
Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance: "Curl of the Burl" by Mastrodon.
Best Rock Song: "The Cave" by Mumford & Sons.
Best Rock Album: "Come Around Sundown" by Kings of Leon.

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ALTERNATIVE:

Best Alternative Music Album: "Bon Iver, Bon Iver" by Bon Iver.

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RHYTHM AND BLUES:

Best R&B Performance: "Far Away" by Marsha Ambrosius.
Best Traditional R&B Performance: "Surrender" by Betty Wright & The Roots.
Best R&B Song: "Fool for You" by Cee-Lo Green feat. Melanie Fiona.
Best R&B Album: "Second Chance" by Ellie DeBarge.

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RAP:

Best Rap Performance: "Otis" by Jay-Z & Kanye West feat. Otis Wedding.
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "I Need a Doctor" by Dr. Dre feat. Eminem & Skylar Grey.
Best Rap Song: "All of the Lights" by Kanye West feat. Rihanna, Fergie, Kid Cudi & more.
Best Rap Album: "Watch the Throne" by Jay-Z & Kanye West.

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COUNTRY:

Best Country Solo Performance: "Mama's Song" by Carrie Underwood.
Best Country Duo/Group Performance: "Barton Hollow" by The Civil Wars.
Best Country Song: "God Gave Me You" by Blake Shelton.
Best Country Album: "Red River Blue" by Blake Shelton.

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So there you go, just some of the categories I predicted... but whoever wins, I already saying my congratulations to them. So I'll watch the Grammys tomorrow and hopefully my favorites... mostly indie acts would somehow win. So, good luck to them!

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Time: 11:59 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Perth" by Bon Iver.

Happy New Year! 2012!

I just wanna say a very happy, happy, happy New Year to all of us! It's New Year here in the Philippines already. BTW, my New Year's Resolutions are to be a better person, as always, to have less time on the Internet but blog more often, and eat healthy food! Happy 2012 everybody!