Fighting the Good Fight

     The only goal a good documentary should have is to shine the light of truth on an otherwise hidden or unknown subject.  Whether it's to expose a government's ineptness to handle a terrorist attack or the terrifying effects of eating fast food everyday, documentaries need to surprise and move people and their emotions with an unadulterated dose of the truth.  The problem that faced the directors, Oscar winner Leon Gast (When We Were Kings) and Filipino american Ryan Moore, was that their only subject, Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, is one of the world's most recognized faces.  Pacquiao's day to day routine and life story have been well documented, too well documented , in fact, that showing a new side, a new truth is a herculean task.

     Predictably, the documentary tracks Pacquiao's rags to riches story, from a small fishing village in General Santos to the small city in Saranggani and then later the streets of Malabon.  It also predictably tracks Pacquiao's amazing (and still ongoing) boxing career, from his early Philippine and Asian wins to his startling rise to greatness on the world stage.  But to say that the documentary is a predictable reel with the hopes of bolstering Pacquiao's future political career would be just too lazy.  The documentary provides a hidden, unexpected gem that only real silence will allow.

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The Human Condition

     One of my favorite lines in the Eddie Murphy movie, "The Golden Child," is from the Tibetan monk, who wistfully told his daughter, "These marvelous Americans, they have the power but they don't know how to use it."  It was too much like stereo-typing, but then again, there are some that make the line the cold truth.  Certainly, these three contribute to solidify the monk's statement.     


Blood Boil

     Some say that if not properly punished, the offender will be doomed to repeat the crime.  Barely punished two years ago when she castigated and threatened a USTA official, Serena Williams again unleashed her fury, this time on a chair umpire who gave her opponent Sam Stosur a point due to a fault.  Not satisfied with just arguing, Williams then accused the umpire of being the same umpire from the past, saying, "It was you."  It turns out, not only is the umpire a different person, she's not even from the same country! That just reads too close to "Y'all look alike." for comfort for me.  Being one of the few successful African American players on the tennis circuit, Serena is in a position to influence a tremendously large amount of minors who strive to better themselves through the sport.  Instead of showing class on top of her physical gifts, she once again showed poor anger management, lack of courtesy and borderline racist behavior.

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The Long Kiss Goodnight

     In just two weeks, the sporting world has witnessed what seems to be the departure of three hall of famers.  While all three have greatness as their common trait, the manner in which they departed their sport varies tremendously.  The differences, though, highlight the toughest question every competitive athlete must answer, "Is it time to hang them up?"


Clock Strikes 11

     Heading into the 2011 NBA Playoffs, the Lakers seemed to be in trouble.  Their game lacked the usual flow, execution and swagger that were signatures of Phil Jackson-coached teams.  Still, it surprised everyone as a team, led by Kobe Bryant, the NBA's most clutch player since Michael Jordan and coached by 11 time champion coach Jackson, struggled through a weak New Orleans Hornets team and then proceeded to be dismissed by the Dallas Mavericks in a sweep.  While losing is part of every team, even the great ones, this final stand for Jackson was sad at best.  The winningest coach of the playoffs couldn't muster up any supreme effort from his players and worst of all, he couldn't keep his players' attitudes and frustrations in check, failing to stop both Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum from hurting the Mavericks' players with blatant dirty plays.  As many highs as Jackson attained in his career, that exit was just plain horrible.


Race to (B)itch Mountain 

      When Floyd Mayweather cooked up yet another excuse not to face Manny Pacquiao, "Sugar" Shane Mosley stepped up to challenge the Filipino champ.  While many were quick to scoff at Mosley and his advancing age, I defended their fight because Mosley would at least man up and trade punches with Pacman; or so I thought.  After testing Pacquiao's power and getting knocked down in round 3, Mosley did the unthinkable. The man who beat the great Oscar de la Hoya (twice) and the man who racked up over 30 KO's to his name ran, and I mean RAN. Mosley spent rounds 4 through 12 backpedalling, trying his best to get some cardio while avoiding getting hit.  So cowardly was his tactics that Pacquiao literally stopped and asked him to punch in the middle of the fight. This shameful loss may be only one loss in Mosley's storied career and he himself is unsure if his career is over, but as exits go, this is probably the worst.  A tremendous career littered with supreme talent and transcendent achievements will forever be tarnished by a tragic race around the ring.


It's Only Natural

      Ask anyone and they'll tell you that sports are for the young, but apparently, Randy Couture didn't get the memo.  At well over 40, Couture was still fighting at a high level and even racked up yet another three-fight winning streak.  Couture, though, was already contemplating retirement and was looking for one last big fight.  With a hall of fame career and five titles to his name, it made a lot of sense for Randy to seek out an easy fight to put a cherry on top of his sundae of a career.  Instead, he asked for a match against Lyoto Machida, the UFC's most elusive fighter and resident karate kid.  Machida posed plenty of problems for Couture, but he wanted a true challenge as his last fight, just like every other fight he fought in his long career.  While Couture was eventually knocked out (via a tremendous "Crane Kick" by Machida), he exited with his head held high (albeit lacking a tooth) because he went out the same way he came in; fighting at a tremendously high level.  Just like Japan's samurais before, Couture went out swinging and he (and we as fans) couldn't ask for a better end.



     The competitive nature of athletes makes it difficult to determine when it is time to stop and retire.  Oftentimes, we see athletes play one more game or fight one more match than they should've.  Here's a hint for them, though.  They make a conscious effort to end things on their terms, fighting/playing as hard as they can and then exit.  If they're going to be unable to maintain a high level like Phil Jackson or embarrass themselves like Shane Mosley, they might as well hang them up early.

Besties (Part 1)

     Everyone who knows me knows that 2010 was a great year for me, possibly one of the greatest.  What I'm not sure of is if people know that 2010 was so great because aside from winning Lifestyle Network's Clash of the Toque-en Ones (and a future cooking show), this blog was voted as finalist for Best Sports Blog in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards.  To celebrate, here are some of the blog entries from last year I'm most proud of. Click the titles to read the original articles. Do you have a personal favorite? Let me know!

8. Gee Thanks Mom and Dad

Synopsis: What happened when I spent time looking for weird names in sports? What I found was a treasure trove of fun. 


Favorite Lines from the Post: The irony for this former player and later on pitching coach (actual name was Calvin Coolidge Julius Caesar Tuskahoma Mclish) is that his father named him.  His father's name? John.

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11 for '11 (Part 1)

   The start of the new year is always the best time to hope, since there is a ton of time to get things done.  The start of 2011, then, is where I will post the 11 things I hope will happen in the sports world in 2011.  Pleas enote that I used the word HOPE and not WISH, so I cannot put "Peping Cojuanco resigns from POC as one of the 11, since it's impossible"  I've also ranked the 11 based on my level of desire to see it happen and on each item's feasibility.

11.  New weight divisions prosper in the UFC

     Folding the WEC into the UFC was big news, but we have yet to see how well it really goes for the UFC.  This year, the UFC will feature Bantam and Featherweight Divisions, and finally top dogs like Jose Aldo, Urijah Faber and Anthony Pettis will get their chance to shine on the big stage.  I think it will be interesting to see the lighter weight divisions fight MMA and I hope early fights bring exciting stoppages to get the casual fans to buy into the lighter weight divisions.  

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Uneducated

     I was supposed to write about Pacquaio's immense ability to forgive and how maybe he should make an exception with Antonio Margarito's cheating with hand wraps.  I hesitated because I wasn't sure if he should or not, but one thing I am sure of is that Pacman should not grace Floyd Mayweather Jr. with his legendary forgiving nature.


     In the now infamous internet tirade, Mayweather sullied up the world wide web with what Yahoo! Sports' Kevin Iole called, "a hateful, racist, vitriolic," rant, attacking Pacquiao.  Among his many points of attack, Mayweather called Pacman, "a yellow chump" and a "midget." He also talked about making Pacquiao "make him a sushi roll" and "cook him some rice."  Then, as if those weren't enough, Mayweather talked about Pacman never saying no to money and reiterated his belief that the FIlipino icon takes illegal steroids.  


     What is truly infuriating, however, is his supposed "apology."  Days after destroying whatever respect he may have earned over the years, Mayweather comes out to "apologize to everybody," claiming that he doesn't have, "a racist bone" in his body. He adds that he was "just having fun."

     That is how a world class boxer shoots himself and his legacy.  Mayweather has never been a popular figure here in the Philippines, with many believing he has continually ducked the opportunity to fight Pacquiao, but real boxing fans (even the ones residing here) have always respected his blinding quickness, his amazing boxing defense and his unbeaten record.  Not now though. 

     What kind of idiocy allows such garbage be spewed from one's mouth? Mayweather's words do nothing for his already struggling sport, one which has been incredibly good to him. His words are certainly unwelcome, in a time when hate still reigns in this world and racial divides have not been fully crossed.  His words are woefully inappropriate, in a time when everyone, even young children, could easily access the hateful rant of their boxing hero.  

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Poisonous Cocktail

     The line, "Sports and politics should not mix," has become a tired, old adage with everyone spewing it left and right.  While that may be a truth that cannot be denied, another field mixed with sports produces an even worse cocktail.


     When sports figures achieve a certain level of success and fame, the call from the movie world cannot be far behind, especially here in the Philippines.  What results is usually a poisonous cocktail, wreaking havoc on both the sporting world and the movie world.  With both these fields struggling in our country, shouldn't we ban the two from ever mixing?  If you need further evidence, take a gander at some of the culprits.

Wapakman (Manny Pacquiao and Onyok Velasco (Boxing) Benjie Paras (PBA Basketball), Krista Ranillo     

     Ring or court brilliance has absolutely no effect on making movies, as evidenced by this box office blunder.  Featuring not one, but two boxing champions, and a PBA great, the superhero movie was a super flop, gaining the least ticket sales in the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival.  Pacquiao plays Magno, a dedicated father who, by virtue of an accident gains powers to become Wapakman.  Magno then struggles to balance his time with being a superhero and a good father to his children.  It actually features Wapakman fighting a giant crab and a villain with supersonic breasts.  Yeah, I know.  Making bad movies that earn very little seems to be a Pacman staple, but this one actually was worse, spawning a controversy with co-star Ranillo, causing his biggest spat with wife Jinkee yet.  It was probably the universe agreeing with me.

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Taking (Second) Chances

     On Sunday, UFC Middleweight and MMA Pound-for-Pound Champ Anderson Silva gets yet another main event fight, despite his last three being inexplicable head scratchers.  In his last three main event fights, SIlva toyed around with his clearly overmatched opponents, namely Patrick Cote, Thales Leites and Damian Maia, refusing to engage them in any serious exchanges.  It was clear he could knock out any of the three at any time he wanted, but he instead chose to dance around, doing for talking and running than anyone cared for.  This Sunday represents a new beginning for him, his second and last chance, according to UFC President Dana White.  Before he gets anymore ideas to again dance around and waste his second chance against challenger Chael Sonnen, I have some cautionary tales for him.  

Delonte West - Despite being drafted with high hopes by the then rebuilding Boston Celtics, West was quite a disappointment for Beantown fans and his name slowly began fading into oblivion.  The Cleveland Cavaliers, seeking to fit pieces to help Lebron James win a championship, gave West a second chance.  Instead of rising to the challenge, West continued to be an inconsistent scorer, missed games due to a battle with clinical depression and got arrested by carrying not just a handgun, but a shotgun on his all terrain vehicle.  (Plus, there is a rumor that he was having an affair with James' mom.  Okay, so that's not verified. Sorry.) Now, West's appeal for teams have so plummeted that one of the NBA's worst teams, the Minnesota Timberwolves, traded for him, just so they can waive him and save money.  If you get waived by the Wolves?  Ouch.

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Fifty Peso Shots: July 2010

Some shots from the cheap seats:

• A long-awaited light heavyweight match ups has been set up in the UFC.  Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida will face Quinton "Rampage" Jackson  The Dragon vs Rampage match should be a slam bang affair with both looking to rebound after big losses.  I'm looking forward to Machida bouncing back with renewed energy.  Rampage actually nixed this match up earlier to shoot the A Team movie, he can only hope his performance will be miles better than his impression of B.A. Barracus.

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Broadcast Comm 101: THE Interview (part 2)

Here's the conclusion of my two-part interview with broadcast great Sev Sarmenta.  Enjoy!

Fifty Peso Seats:  With Smart Gilas and the other national team programs, the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) seems to be struggling to find franchises and players.  What do you think of the PBL adopting the NBDL format, becoming the "farm" teams for the PBA players where raw but drafted players can hone their skills? (Question was asked before PBL-Liga Pilipinas merger)

Sev Sarmenta:  That will only work if the PBA teams still have money left to run farm teams.  The existence of the PBL helps the PBA because it prepares players for the pros, even if PBA teams don't necessarily have a PBL team.  A strong amateur league, or transition league between college and the PBA will still emerge given our passion for the game and the appeal of getting great exposure for middle sized companies.  Who would've known about Excel Roof, Harbor Center, Ascof-Lagundi and other names, if not for the PBL?

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Top 10 "Top 10s": Greatest Filipino Athletes (1971-Present)

     This is officially my 100th post and before I begin, I would like to thank all of you have seen my blog.  Whether you follow my posts regularly, you glance at it from time to time, or you visit so you can post spam on my comment box, thank you.  Let's get it on then.


Parameters:  Once again, all athletes with Filipino blood qualify for this list, provided their claim to fame and greatness after 1971.


10.  Mansueto Velasco

     After Anthony Villanueva won a silver medal in the 1964 Olympics, the Philippines experienced a silver medal drought, always falling short of Villanueva's effort.  The drought would end only in 1996, when a tiny flyweight by the name of "Onyok" Velasco captured only the Philippines' second Olympic silver medal, along with the hearts of a proud nation.  Velasco used his skill and quickness to rise through the ranks, but then lost a controversial (yet again) decision to Bulgaria's Daniel Petrov.  Aside from causing commentator Ron de los Santos to completely lose his professionalism (he started shouting, "Dinadaya tayo!" repeatedly during the telecast), the loss would shatter the country's gold medal dream.  Despite that, though, Velasco has earned his spot on this list.  

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Top 10 "Top 10s": Most Awesome Knockouts

     In this second of my top 10 "top 10s," I name the most awesome knockouts I've seen and know of.

Parameters:  Since From the Fifty Peso Seats covers both Boxing and UFC, it would be fair to give 5 slots each to both sports.  They will all be ranked under one list though.  While knockouts come in many forms, I am most awed by quick, sudden and unexpected knockouts.  Here we go:

10.  UFC - Matt Hamill vs Mark Munoz

     In what was a memorable UFC debut, Munoz, the Filipino Wrecking Machine, underestimated fellow wrestler Hamill's stand up game and well he, as my friend put it, "got wrecked." Hamill absolutely destroyed Munoz with a well placed head kick and the fight was over.   I'm still a fan of Munoz though and his recent victories over Nick Catone and Kendall Grove have me smiling.

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Appointments

     A lot of people have been discouraging Manny Pacquiao from running for political office, claiming sports and politics shouldn't mix.  Then, add in the history of athletes in our political world (i.e. Senator Robert Jaworski, Secretary Eric Buhain) and you've got yourselves a compelling reason to agree with those people.  Let's think about it though.  What if the right athletes made the trek to the political world?  Our country may find its best government yet, so to our upcoming new (hopefully!!!) president, take a gander at these potential cabinet appointees from the sporting world.

Paeng Nepomuceno (Department of Health) - The four-time World Cup Champion and Greatest Amateur Bowler on the Planet is over fifty years old, yet he looks not a day over 40.  Still competitive against the world's best, Paeng has repeatedly stated his secret is keeping in shape.  He bikes, runs and does calisthenics, all while eating right.  My brother, who was roommates with Paeng during the Asian Games can attest to Paeng's supreme work ethic, as he wakes early every morning for sit ups/crunches as well.  Wouldn't it be great if we were all a la Paeng, healthy and looking good even at 50 years old?

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The Other Brother Experiment

     I just love Ball Don't Lie , the Yahoo! basketball blog.  They recently posted one of the funniest things I've read in months, jokingly describing that the Phoenix Suns have an, "Other Brother Experiment."  I didn't get it at first, but then I realized that the among the players listed in the Suns roster are Robin Lopez, Taylor Griffin and Jarron Collins, all players with more accomplished or famous brothers in the same sport.  Now, while I found the blog comment funny, my heart does go out to the world's numerous "Other Brothers," since I am an "Other Brother," myself.  That's why I thought it would be nice to mention other "Other Brothers" in sports.  Those athletes who never could make it unlike their more illustrious brothers.

Harvey Grant - Horace Grant is known for his tremendous work ethic, defense and rebounding and these talents made him a vital cog in the Chicago Bull's first "Three peat" run with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Then, he went ahead and won another championship as a veteran off the bench for Shaq and Kobe's L.A. Lakers.  Unfortunately, that level of enviable success did not run in the family as Horace's twin brother Harvey.  While Harvey was a an NBA player himself, his level of success certainly pales in comparison.  Harvey had a 5-year NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Bullets and the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 9.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists, numbers that aren't that bad, until you realize that in Horace's 17 year career, he was not only an NBA All Defensive Second Team four times, but also an NBA All Star, playing in the annual event  in 1994. Hey, at least when I used Harvey Grant in NBA Jam, he could make three pointers.  That's always a plus, right?

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Delusions

     I don't smoke, I have never and will never get near illegal drugs (take that Floyd Mayweather!) and I hardly drink anymore.  That's why it's hard to imagine that I would ever get moments of insanity or delusion.  These sports developments, however, had me second guessing myself a bit.

• We all know about the top 4 teams of the NBA's Eastern Conference, and it's already quite a surprise that Atlanta is third, not Boston.  The real clincher?  Take a gander at the fifth and sixth seed.  Perennial whipping boys Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Bobcats are deep into the playoff race and they seem to settling in.  Wow.

•  Say goodbye to Purefoods. After winning the PBA Philippine Cup Championship, the Tender Juicy Giants are changing names.  While it's tough to not see the name Purefoods in the roster of PBA teams, what really takes the cake is the name they're changing into.  From now on (hopefully only this conference), they will be known as the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados.  That's right.  That's the name.  That's a big mouthful.  Of livestock feed.  Goodness.

• In a doubles exhibition match with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, "legends" Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras, armed with aging bodies and wireless mics, proceeded to have a highly uncomfortable, supposedly funny and good-natured ribbing that turned into a horrible PR nightmare.  What started as a funny Sampras imitation of Agassi turned into Agassi calling Sampras a cheapskate and Pete serving a ball straight into Agassi.  What's worse than two great tennis players in an immature bickering match?  Two RETIRED former great players in an immature bickering match in a charity event.  Yeesh.

• Manny Pacquiao is surely the biggest sports icon in our country today.  Maybe ever.  So what does it say that the best and most comprehensive story on the Philippines' National Fist was written by an American (Andrew Corsello) for the American GQ magazine?  Don't believe me?  Read the article here.

Shorts: Powerful Pinoys

Forgotten But Not Gone

     It's easy to understand but not altogether forgivable that most people forgot that Manny Pacquiao was not the only Filipino that fought in a boxing ring last weekend.  Filipino pugilists Richie Mepranum and Eden Sonsona also took to the ring and like their idol Manny, ended up victorious.  (Michael Farenas also fought but the fight ended in a no decision because of a clash of heads)  Mepranum outworked and outpointed previously undefeated flyweight Hernan Marquez in their 10-round battle in the Gaylord Hotel on the eve of the Pacquiao fight. Meanwhile, Sonsona reminded the world he was the Sonsona to remember (and not Marvin) as he knocked out former world champ bantamweight Mauricio Pastrana in the 8th round.  So devastating was his knock out that the referee didn't bother to count out the Colombian when he fell to the canvass.  Mabuhay!

Fill 'Er Up

     If people are still wondering just how many Pinoys are already in the U.S., they need to look no further than Sunday's Pacquiao-Clottey fight.  Cowboy Stadium, configured for 45,000 seats, welcomed 50,994 people, the third largest boxing audience in an indoor arena in U.S. history.  Judging from the amount of flags seen along the stands and the deafening roar for Pacman, it can easily be surmised that Pinoys made up a good number of that crowd.  Pinoys, not only from Texas but as far as New Jersey and Chicago, according to an AP Report.  Talk about people power.

Action Star

     Of course, the best example of Pinoy dominance last weekend is the planet's best boxer, Manny Pacquiao.  Pacman unleashed a flurry onto challenger Joshua Clottey, pounding the Ghanian into a dominant, unanimous victory.  While many concentrate on Clottey's reluctance to punch (actually I did too on my Facebook status), what many should consider is that Clottey's intention to not get knocked out is not the only reason he didn't punch.  For anyone who doesn't, here are two questions.  Have you seen what happens to people (like Miguel Cotto, David Diaz and Ricky Hatton) who trade punches with Pacquiao?  What do you do when a hurricane of punches named Manny comes?  The answers are, "They get knocked out," and, "Cover up like hell."  So, as much as last weekend's massacre was a function of Clottey's lack of resolve, it's also about Pacquiao's sheer brilliance, ferocity, speed and power.  

photos courtesy of the AP and special thanks to Tiborce and his tremendous blog

3 Reasons to Get Even More Excited for Sunday

     It could be Pacquiao's sheer dominance and brilliance in his past 5 fights or it could be Clottey's relative anonimity.  It could even be disappointment over the postponed fight against Mayweather.  Whatever it is, there just doesn't seem to be enough buzz for this Sunday's fight between Manny Pacquiao, the Philippines' greatest boxer and Ghana's former Welterweight Champion, Joshua Clottey.  While many people scoff at Clottey's chances, I think there is more  than one reason to find this fight more than exciting.


Machete?

     Despite being a heavy underdog, people don't seem to remember that Clottey has never been hurt in a fight.  He has lost, twice by (controversial) decision and once by disqualification, but no opponent in his career has ever hurt him enough to get him in trouble.  Even when Miguel Cotto knocked him down, it was one of those flash knockdowns, and Clottey promptly stood up and almost ended up beating Cotto.  Clottey is always chiseled and in shape.  He has excellent defense (even Kevin Iole calls him a modern Winky Wright), making him tremendously difficult to hit and when he does get hit, he has shown he can take it.  That's why this fight, as much as it is a test for Clottey, it is a actually a true test for Pacquiao.  If people want to see just how strong Pacquiao is and exactly how technically sound his offense is now, this is the fight that will show them.


Three Handed Monster

      Joshua Clottey, as powerful as he is, is even more dangerous because he is, as my brother calls it, a "three handed monster."  Aside from his heavy right hand a capable left, Clottey has a penchant for using his head, the illegal way.  Call it whatever you want, dirty or just lunging, the fact of the matter is, Clottey's opponents have a high percentage of getting hit with a head butt.  That's why a lot of Clottey's opponents have ended up bleeding.  This is a significant problem because as tough as Pacquiao is, he hates bleeding.  He hates blood tests and he loses speed and ferocity when he starts bleeding in fights.  It can be remembered that he had a lot of trouble in the fights against Agapito Sanchez and Erik Morales, where he was bleeding from head butts.  (He lost to Morales, while Sanchez was disqualified)  That's why this fight is a lot more dangerous than people anticipate.  It's hard to fight an opponent who uses his head (illegally).


Pressure Points

      The problem with being the great one like Pacquiao is, everyone now expects him to dominate everyone not named Mayweather.  Now, Manny is the ultimate favorite, and all the pressure to dominate and win is all on him.  That, coupled with the pressure to win for the entire Philippine nation is more than enough for mere mortals to carry.  That's why this fight is tougher for Pacquiao than usual.  This time, he has to win and dominate. Otherwise, his aura of invincibility loses a lot of luster.


      Of course, like any other FIlipino, I am still 100% behind Pacquiao.  I'm still predicting an impressive win, 9th round or later.  It's just that, I think I'm going to be a lot more excited than others about this fight.  You would be too if you agree.


photos courtesy of AP and Yahoo! Sports

Shorts: Speaking Out

(Each week, From the Fifty Peso Seats has a weekly edition of shorts, compilations of interesting but short posts of developments and trivia about the sporting world.)

2009 is now part of the history books, so I figured I would celebrate the new year by speaking out. 

Living the Dream

     By now, everyone has read, watched and debated the still-in-negotiations Manny Pacquiao - Floyd Mayweather fight, and everyone has formed opinions about it.  Most citizens of the world have surmised that this is now Pacquiao's fault, as his insistence to refuse random blood testing seems to be the only sticking point to making the fight happen.  The way I see it, that's just, as the English say, bollocks.  As much as Mayweather has the right to demand a blood test no professional fighter has ever been asked to do, Pacquiao has every right to refuse it too.  Yes, the blood to be taken is minimal, but at best it is still a minor distraction to Pacquiao's pre-fight routine.  I believe greatly in the importance of mental prepartions and doing or undergoing something unusual is no way to prepare for a fight.

     On a personal standpoint, I would love for Pacquiao to keep up in refusing blood testing.  Why will it again be the Filipino who will accommodate to a foreigner's request?  Manny is the pound for pound king.  This is one of the few times a Pinoy can call the shots and it would be disappointing if the world's most well-known Filipino accedes to foreigners demands as many have done over our history.

Do They Still Make 5th Place Trophies?

     Do I live in Planet Zog or something?  Reading all the write-ups about Team Philippines' performance in the SEA Games, I do not sense the outrage or disappointment in anyone's tone.  In fact, some writers listed this year's fifth place performance as an "improvement."  Now, it is an improvement from 2007's 6th place debacle, but my goodness.  Who should ever be happy about fifth place, except countries who have never reached fifth.  The Philippines used to battle for the top three spots in the overall medal tally in every SEA Games and now we have been reduced to celebrating fifth?  This can only mean two things.  This could mean that everyone has given up on our athletes and sports programs or it's a "white wash" style propaganda unleashed by the Philippine Olympic Committee.  If we are going to be happy placing 5th in the SEA Games, we might as well not participate.  I have met a lot of our national athletes.  I know we can do better than fifth and we should be disappointed with anything less than a top three finish.

Even a Broken Clock Tells the Right Time Twice

     It is no secret that I believe the Philippine Bowling Congress is in deep dudu because of certain characters and their boneheaded decisions, but as the sub title suggests, they got something right this time.  Word is, the PBC has hired Jun Trasporto, a Filipino with Canadian citizenship, as the new head coach of its national team.  Jun is one of the bowling world's top 100 coaches and is certified, both in coaching by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) and ball drilling by the International Bowling Pro Shops and Instructors Association (IBPSIA) .  In fact, he is proficient enough in drilling that he is a ball drilling instructor and a co-author of the drilling manual the IBPSIA uses.  We had a chance to hire him three years ago, but he was soon snatched up by Korea, who proceeded to win big in the 2006 Men's World Championships and Asian Games and then later by Qatar who also won big two years ago.  He will undoubtedly bring a lot of innovations and technical proficiency our bowling national team has never seen or heard of before, and if they listen (that's a big if, though) it can only mean good things.  I mean, I've been coaching for 10 years and I'm also a silver-certified coach, but I learn something new every time I talk to him.  The PBC can "tell the right time" a second time by letting Jun take over our youth program as well.

Pinoy Pride 2009

     The year has not been kind to the Philippines, from super typhoons, to corruption scandals to a reprehensible massacre, but the country has also been blessed with achievements by its people.  From award-winning films to CNN's Hero of the Year, the Filipino has stamped her class onto this world.  Sports was another field the FIlipinos excelled in, and as my year ender for 2009,  I am naming my Pinoy Pride 2009 Top Filipino Athletes.

5.  Philippine Track Team


     The much-maligned track team stepped up this past SEA Games.  While eyes were mostly on the Taekwondo and Boxing teams, the tracksters quietly put together one of their best performances of recent history, winning a total of seven gold medals, including record-setting performances in hammer throw (Arniel Ferrera) and long jump (Maristella Torres).  While none of these tracksters are expected to make waves on bigger stages like the Asian Games or Asian Championships, it's still nice to win in the SEA Games level.

4.  Cecil Mamiit (Lawn Tennis)


     The Filipino American who was touted as the key figure to revitalizing lawn tennis in the country did not disappoint, leading the Philippine Tennis Team to a two gold, two silver and three bronze medal finish in the 2009 SEA Games.  The former 71st-ranked player in the ATP Tour accounted for two of the gold medals (Singles and Team Event), including an unprecedented all Filipino final against Treat Huey.  While I maintain that Mamiit's continued exposure, while giving the country victories, may stymie the growth of young players like Nino Alcantara and P.J. Tierro, it is still nice to know that he is around, especially when we are bleeding for gold medals in the SEA Games.

3.  Wesley So (Chess)


     With Philippine Chess Teams consistently fumbling, even in the SEA Games, it's nice to know that a true superstar has finally come out for the Philippines.  16 year old Wesley So, who emerged as the country's first GM, took the chess world by storm with a gutsy performance in the 2009 World Chess Cup.  While he didn't take home the grand prize, So bewildered and stunned the well-established cast of players by defeating several experienced and highly-touted individuals.  The Filipino Super GM (ELO rating 2640) first defeated GM Gadir Guseinov of Azerbaijan (ELO 2625) in the first round before thrashing Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine (ELO 2735).  Then, So continued his winning ways against the Gata Kamsky of the United States (ELO 2695), booting out the defending World Chess Cup champion.  While he lost his next match against Russian Super GM Vladimir Malakhov (ELO 2705), So went down fighting, extending their match into a tie breaker round.  So's magical run was the best in Philippine history, not bad for somebody who still can't vote or buy liquor.

2.  Rubilen Amit (Billiards)


     Pool has always been a source of pride in this country, but rarely does the country recognize its female stars.  Blame it on the overwhelming presence of legends like Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante, but this year, Rubilen Amit made a case to be remembered.  The diminutive, soft-spoken pool player made 2009 a career year, taking in not one but two world championships, the 2009 Women's 10 Ball World Championship and the 2009 World 10 Ball Mixed Doubles Championship (with Reyes).  As if she feared she would still be forgotten, Amit then went ahead and produced a two gold performance in the 2009 SEA Games, winning both the 8 ball and 9 ball events.  If the Filipino people get excited about pool, it might not be just because of our male players anymore.  Amit has stamped her class.

1.  Manny Pacquiao (Boxing)


      It's quite an obvious choice, really.  Him fighting is already enough to warrant him the top spot, what with his fights uniting the country and stopping crime temporarily.  This year, though, Pac Man stepped into the history books by winning a seventh world title in a seventh weight division.  He has effectively proven that he is the greatest FIlipino fighter of all time, and he has made a case for being the greatest Asian boxer of all time.  Even long time boxing scholar Burt Sugar has indicated that Pacquiao should be placed in the top 25 of all time, a list that includes Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali.  Now, all Pacquiao has to do is finish off an obviously scared Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny's career would be one for story books.


      With these stunning sports achievements this year, it only makes sense that Filipino sports fans have a lot to look forward to in 2010.  Let's hope 2009 was not a fluke, and that it's a fiery start.


photos courtesy of tonylee.idv.tw, tennis-x.com, wikipedia.com, mannypacquiao.ph and rojo.com

Giving Thanks

     While Thanksgiving is an occasion celebrated in North America, I thought it would be nice to do a thanksgiving special.  After all, our family already had our turkey this week.  This time, I list down some of the more popular sports figures and what they have to be thankful for, or at least what they should be thankful for.

Michelle Wie (Golf) - Thankful for her first LPGA win.  Maybe after this, detractors will finally ease up on her.  Despite showing plenty of promise and talent, nobody has eased up on the pressure for this young golfer to win a title.  Maybe this time, she can compete under less scrutiny.

Steve Nash (NBA) - Thankful for Coach Alvin Gentry.  The Suns have looked like the Suns of old, scoring over 100 points every game and Nash averaging over 9 assists a game.  Currently, the Suns have the NBA's best record.

Rico Maierhoffer (PBA) - Thankful for Smart Gilas Philippine National Team.  With Gilas hoarding this present batch of young basketball players, Rico has more than a good chance of winning Rookie of the Year Honors.

John Cena (WWE) - Thankful for young WWE fans.  While most older and die hard wrestling fans have tired of Cena and his antics, young fans aged around 8 to 12, have been solidly behind Cena.  This has kept Cena one of the WWE's more popular stars.

Dana White (UFC) - Thankful for old hands.  With an unprecedented epidemic of injuries to the UFC's top stars, president Dana White had to dig deep to find main event-worthy performers.  He was fortunate (or talented?) to find old hands like Randy Couture and Tito Ortiz to give him consecutive heart-thumping main event matches in sold out arenas.   

Boxing (in General) - Thankful for Manny Pacquiao.  The old sport usually referred to as the, "Sweet Science" was slowly losing its popularity with casual and mainstream sports fans due to spoiled fighters often too pampered to provide any exciting fights.  Enter Pacman, a literal human dynamo, who has captivated the world, not only boxing fans.  With his attacking brand of boxing, mainstream media who have often neglected boxing like Time Magazine, New York Times and Jimmy Kimmel show have all taken notice.

Stephen Jackson (NBA) - Thankful for inefficient General Managers.  Despite his constant disruptive behavior, expensive contract and erratic play, Jackson still found a team (a GM) foolhardy enough to take him  on to make him a franchise player.  Bobcats Managing Partner Michael Jordan has continued to add on to his litany of questionable moves by trading away Raja Bell's expiring contract to take on Stephen Jackson's terribly expensive one.

     As for me, I am thankful for my students, both in my culinary class and my varsity bowling team.  They have so far given me their best efforts and I am glad that they are seeing the benefits of their efforts.  Hopefully they keep working.

photos courtesy of sports illustrated and mmaroot.com