The Real Manny Pacquiao

     Everyone by now knows Pacquiao's story.  A terrible childhood littered with days of hunger and hardship, a left hand and a ferocious fighting heart that brought him fame in boxing, a partnership with Freddie Roach that produced championships in 8 different weight divisions.  Everyone knows about Pacquiao's lightning quick speed, powerful left hand and blazing hand speed. Definitely, everyone knows of Pacquiao's off the ring problems, including extra marital affairs and uncontrolled gambling.  Everyone knows Manny Pacquiao, Fighter of the Year, sure-fire Hall of Famer, congressman and one-time pound-for-pound champion.  

     Or do we? 

       The downside of fame, I've found, is never about the loss of privacy. Oh please.  It's not even close. The greatest problem is perception.  People will always have opinions of you.  Right or wrong, with evidence or without, you and your actions will be judged by people you don't know about and their opinions will be right, according to them.  They'll believe they know how you think.  They can name your innermost desires and think the way you think. They will judge you, they will love you, they will hate you and that will be that. 

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No Hater Zone

     When Lebron James made his epic laugher slash middle finger, "The Decision," the sporting world seemingly split between haters and defenders.  Fans were quick to point out that James was well within his rights to leave Cleveland as a free agent, and the so called, "haters," who were calling for loyalty, respect and good taste, were deemed too "emotional." It just seemed like the two sides were constantly fighting with neither side getting the real point.  I weighed in on it, with one of my favorite articles , but I think mine didn't get the real point across either. 

     The Whore of Akron, written by Esquire writer, Scott Raab, does the best job by far.  Written throughout the year after James moved to the Miami Heat, Raab brings out a more complete picture of Cleveland's view of things.  He weighs in on the whole brouhaha, laying in facts, interspersed with his own commentary and coupling them with his own personal and family life.  Looking at the title, it would seem to be nothing but a novelized version of Anti-Lebron rants, but even if I'm a self-confessed Lebron "disliker," I was very glad to discover that it wasn't.  

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Judging the "Chotness" of It All

     When the PBA changed the All Star game format back to a "Veterans vs RSJ (Rookies, Sophomores, Juniors)" this season, many assumed it was to take advantage of the rich rookie class that came from Smart Gilas.  While this may turn out to be a shrewd move, business-wise, an interesting by-product has come about.  Chot Reyes as, "national coach 2.0" may get an early aptitude exam as well.

     The Veteran All Star line up have been finalized:

Starters: Mark Caguioa, JC Intal, Mark Pingris, James Yap and Arwind Santos
Bench: Jimmy Alapag, Kelly Williams, L.A Tenorio, Sonny Thoss, Gabe Norwood, Gary David, and Alex Cabagnot

     The RSJ Team, meanwhile, will have:

Starters: JVee Casio, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz, Dylan Ababou and Josh Urbiztondo
Bench: Japeth Aguilar, Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Rico Maierhoffer, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Chris Ross

     Apart from the weird starting line ups which features no centers, no point guards on one side and two on the other, what is most interesting is that, it is like Smart Gilas 1 versus Smart Gilas 2.  The veterans features 10 of the 16 players Chot named to the new national team pool.  Only controversial choices Rico Villanueva, Jason Castro, Larry Fonacier (plus Ranidel de Ocampo) are missing.  Meanwhile, the RSJ team features seven (eight if Al-Hussaini is included) of the Rajko-trained Gilas ballers in their team.  Missing only are non pros Chris Tiu, Greg Slaughter and Aldrech Ramos.  Of course, since the line ups are not complete, it hardly gives us an accurate picture, but it does pose some interesting questions.

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The "Most" List

     When I started this blog, I never meant for it to last this long, but a couple of Philippine Blog Awards nominations pretty much nudged me to continue writing.  This, believe it or not, is the 200th post of From the Fifty Peso Seats.  Not bad, eh? So here's the "Most" list, my quick compilation of the posts with the "mosts." Sorry. I just had to type it. 

Most Read: Top 10 "Top 10s" Most Beautiful Women in Sports

Link: http://fiftypesoseats.blogspot.com/2010/05/top-10-top-10s-most-beautiful-women-in.html

Highlight: The Melina ring entrance video justifying her number 1 position

Ana Ivanovic:placed 2nd in my list

     As part of my celebration in reaching 100 posts, I wrote 10 "Top 10" lists and this one was wasily the most popular, and easiest to write.  It helps that internet searchers find this post after searching for their favorite female athletes.  By the way, the first paragraph explains how I am not sexist by writing this post, just in case you're wondering.

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Oh Please

     Every sports fan has probably heard about it by now.  Two members of the Azkals, the Philippine Men's National Football Team, were accused of sexual harassment by AFC Commisioner and former presidential daughter Cristy Ramos Jalasco.  Now, people have apparently decided to take sides on this issue in a classic he said/she said situation, but there really is no side to take.  There is only the truth.  If Angel Guirado and Lex Moy did what Ramos Jalasco alleged, then they must pay.  If they didn't sexually harass her, then she must explain her actions and resign from her position.  

     The real dangerous issue here though is not the incident itself.  Yes, it's a serious matter, but both parties are adults here, with enough influence to ensure justice is done.  The real danger is in the resulting prose coming out of supposed respected members of the media.  It started with the papers, reviving the same prose the PBA and its players had to endure; about how Fil-Ams and other FIlipinos of mixed heritage are not "real" Filipinos and how they bring nothing but trouble.  Last time, during the wave of FIl-ams invaded the PBA, supposed experts accused them of "stealing" jobs from "true-blooded" Pinoys and condemned them as if it were the Spanish Inquisition.  Now, it's beginning again. From Al Mendoza to Recah Trinidad to Manolo Inigo, the hate just spilled out, blaming their mixed origins, accusing them of lacking manners and breeding.  Then there was this, by GMA7 reporter Arnold Clavio.  Never mind that he is from GMA7, the rival network of ABS CBN, which supoprts the Azkals.  At the 50 second mark, Clavio turns from a blowhole into a full-pledged ass.  





     His masterpiece of a speech included, "Hindi naman kayo Pilipino.  Nagpapanggap lang kayong kayumanggi." ("You are not Filipino. You are pretending to have caramel complexion.")  Not to be a smart aleck, but Moy looks pretty kayumanggi to me.  Seriously, though, this is where everything becomes a farce.   This is such an old issue and the fact that it's resurfacing just shows how much racism is prevalent in our nation, most likely brought about by the numerous foreign countries which occupied us. 

     Oh please.  Since when did being Filipino become a matter of blood or color? If Clavio and all these writers are so adamant about being true Filipinos then they need to excuse themselves as well, unless they are of pure blood from the Filipino indigenous tribes.  After all, they're looking for "real" FIlipinos here.  How can Jose Rizal be a true national hero then, when he is of mixed origin? 


      Being Filipino has never been about skin color, race or place of birth.  That is why you can be born anywhere and still be Pinoy.  Being Filipino has always been about heart.  It is about love of country and family, respect for elders, ingenious adaptability and warm hospitality.  It is about deciding to sacrifice your body, blood, sweat, tears to play for the country.  It is about declaring to the world that you are proud of your roots.


     If there really are Filipinos of mixed heritage that err, then I'd be the first to stand in line in condemning them.  If all we have are allegations,  then it is intensely stupid to condemn all of our national athletes of mixed heritage. Heck, even if Guirado and Moy are found guilty, it is still stupid to condemn all the other athletes.  These are men and women who chose to play here and represent us.  They have the ability to compete and they chose to declare their FIlipino citizenship and help make us proud and lift our country's morale.  To call them anything less than true Filipinos is a hate crime. Plain and simple. 


photos courtesy of ellentordesillas.com, azkalsfootballteam.com 

The Long (and Hard) Road

     Recently, former Ateneo guard/forward Kirk Long expressed his desire to play in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).  Knowing full well that his American heritage prevents him from applying, he is apparently taking steps to get the PBA to make an exception to his case.

     Kirk, the son of Faith Academy pastor Jeff Long, was actually born and raised in the Philippines, where their family has spent their years spreading the word of God.  The younger Long joined the Ateneo Blue Eagles in 2007 and became an integral part of their unprecendented 4 championship run.  He also played 4 years of high school basketball, giving him 9 years of playing experience here in the country.

     This Long case is bringing back the arguments brought on when Alex Compton, another player of pure American heritage born in the Philippines, applied for the PBA as well and here are just some of my short (pun intended) random thoughts about this whole situation. 

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Fifty Peso Previews NBA 2011-12: Southwest Division

Dallas Mavericks

Major Additions: Lamar Odom, Vince Carter
Major Subtractions: Tyson Chandler, Caron Butler

     The Mavericks couldn't have picked a worse way to begin their title defense by enduring a lockout.  Losing a vital defensive cog in Tyson Chandler, playing veterans in a compacted schedule and incorporating two new key players has left them in disarray.  While the Mavericks have seemed to find some footing, the real key for this team is to survive the regular season and redevelop their camaraderie to make another run at the title.  On paper, the task seems impossible, but then again that was what everyone said last year before Dirk Nowitzki just Dirk Nowitzki'd everyone.

Fearless Forecast: At least 2nd round of the playoffs

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Fifty Peso Previews NBA 2011-12: Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors

Major Additions: Nate Robinson, Kwame Brown, Brandon Rush
Major Subtractions: None

     The Warriors' owners are determined to give the fans a team embarking on a new and better direction, but that is a tall order, especially this season.  The Warriors remain a small team with very little frontcourt presence.  As new coach Mark Jackson faces his own acid test, the Warriors will fight an uphill battle, especially with injuries continuing to hound an already limited roster.  Guard play from Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry and Nate Robinson will net them lots of points.  Wins are a different matter and even if they develop the kind of defensive toughness Jackson intends to give them, it won't matter much this season.

Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season

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Fifty Peso Previews NBA 2011-12: Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets


Major Additions: None
Major Subtractions: None


     The Nuggets are looking for a drama-free year after the whole Carmelo Anthony trade situation last year.  They have the right line up for it, as there are no clear stars on the team.  The Nuggets have great pieces in Ty Lawson, Andre Miller, Nene and Danilo Gallinari, and they are looking to continue their run and gun ways. That will mean exciting basketball and a slot in the playoffs.  The Nuggets will make the playoffs again, but they do need someone, perhaps Nene (he of the new massive contract) to rise and take the cudgels as the go-to-guy if they want to go deep in the playoffs.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round)

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Fifty Peso Previews NBA 2011-12: Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks

Major Additions: Tracy McGrady, Jerry Stackhouse
Major Subtractions: Jamal Crawford


     The Hawks decided to keep the nucleus of their team, gaining McGrady while losing 6th man Crawford, in the hopes that yet another year of playing together will finally be "it" for this team that has played together for years.  The Hawks, however, are still a team that struggles mightily against good defensive teams.  Unless Josh Smith decides to completely reach his potential and Joe Johnson defies father time, the Hawks may be doomed to yet another loss in the playoffs.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (2nd round)

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Fifty Peso Previews NBA 2011-12: Central Division

Chicago Bulls

Key Additions: Rip Hamilton

Key Subtractions: None

     The Bulls had quite a year last year, seeing the emergence of Derrick Rose as the league Most Valuable Player and the defensive dominance of Coach Tom Thibodeau.  In the playoffs, though, the seemingly complete Bulls showed some holes in their game which cost them against the Miami Heat. The Bulls think that the addition of Hamilton and another year of maturing will be enough and they may be right. The key for them will be Carlos Boozer. The Bulls need a solid presence down low and Boozer should be the help Rose needs if they want to take the next step.

Fearless Forecast: At least the Eastern Conference Finals

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