$2 Million Guaranteed at Asia Poker Tour Philippines Main Event

2010 Asian Poker Tour in August 2010

The Asian Poker Tour (APT) will have its 2010 Main Event at the Resorts World Manila, Philippines, from August 23 to August 29, 2010. The buy-in for the Main Event is $2,500 + $200,  and the prize pool is a whopping $2 Million guaranteed, so far the biggest pot ever to hit the Philippine shores.

I’ll hope to get in the money.

Manny Pacquiao Will KO Floyd Mayweather Jr.

The Philippines is gearing up for its national elections on May 2010 with several notable politicians vying for the Philippine Presidency, and slots in the Philippine Senate, Philippine Congress and other local government posts.

Even boxing champ Manny Pacquiao has already field his candidacy to vie for a Congressional seat in his hometown district in Mindanao, and many were expecting that Manny Pacquiao‘s next bout was going to be in the political arena.

However, that’s all been sidetracked for the moment as Manny Pacquiao has just signed the fight contract to go up against the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. on March 13, 2010.

Manny Pacquiao recently won the WBO Welterweight belt from Miguel Angel Cotto via a 12th round TKO, and made history by being the first and only boxer so far to win 7 titles in 7 weight classes. Indeed, the feats of Manny Pacquiao inside the boxing ring have earned him the reputation of being the best pound-for-pound boxer in the history of the sport.

Manny Pacquiao Will KO Floyd Mayweather Jr

That reputation was also held by Floyd Mayweather Jr., who was also coined as being the best pound-for-pound boxer, and his recent demolition over Juan Manuel Marquez clearly showcases his capacity to be among the top fighters in the sport of boxing.

Of course, it wouldn’t take long for boxing fans to want to see a showdown between Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather Jr., two of the best pound-for-pound boxers. And after a month or so of taunting and negotiations between the two camps, the deal has finally been sealed. Well, at least in the camp of Manny Pacquiao.

Freddie Roach, the trainer of Manny Pacquiao, has already confirmed that Manny Pacquiao has signed the fight contract, and the rest of the world excitingly waits for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to back up all his talk and sign his name on the dotted line.

Meanwhile, boxing promoters are already expecting the Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight to be one of the biggest pay-per-view events in the history of boxing, and will certainly put sales through the roof, to earn both fighters a very, very heavy purse. Not only that, many experts anticipate that the Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight will last more than just one bout, and will look to exasperate itself to a three-fight trilogy.

However, my opinion is that if Manny Pacquiao wins, he’ll just hang up his gloves, enjoy the fruits of his wins, and concentrate on his campaign for Congress, and if he wins that, then that’s where he’ll be busy for the rest of his life. Well, at least, while he’s still in Congress. Perhaps, this fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., will be the culminating event to a colorful and illustrious career.

Besides, it might be the same if Floy Mayweather Jr. wins. If Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeats Manny Pacquiao, then the whole world can expect a mouthful of arrogance from Floyd Mayweather Jr., and certainly he would love to keep his undefeated record in tact, and will just retire to enjoy his fat paycheck.

One thing’s for sure, all of this will be settled in the ring on March 13.

My prediction for that fight – Manny Pacquiao will KO Floyd Mayweather Jr., and shut up that loud mouth once and for all.

Philippine Sports: What Now Manny Pacquiao?

The Philippines and all Filipinos around the world are still buzzing from Manny Pacquiao‘s recent victory over Miguel Angel Cotto, winning the WBO Welterweight title via a 12th round TKO.

Manny Pacquiao Knocks Down Miguel Angel Cotto

I got to catch the fight at Friday’s Alabang Town Center upon the invitation of Ryan Eigenmann and his fiance Cathy Bordalba, and took along my wife and kids to join some good friends. I personally cheered for Miguel Angel Cotto. Well, not because I didnt’ want Manny Pacquiao to win, but just to be different.  In Tagalog – “Para lang maiba.”

But really – Manny Pacquiao is just plain awesome, and I wasn’t the least bit surprised that Miguel Angel Cotto got floored twice and that eventually the fight ended with a TKO. The face of Miguel Angel Cotto was beaten to a pulp, and at the end he wasn’t even throwing anymore punches, just running around the ring to try and avoid the onslaught of Manny Pacquiao, who seemed determined to knock out Cotto.

The victory gives Manny Pacquiao a historical world record by being the first boxer to win 7 titles in 7 different weight divisions. Of course, experts still say that it’s not really legitimate, considering that the Ring Magazine title of Manny Pacquiao is not an official belt. Whatever. It doesn’t disprove the fact that Manny Pacquiao will be a hall-of-famer, and a boxer that will forever be remembered around the globe.

So – now that Miguel Angel Cotto is done and over with, what’s next for Manny Pacquiao? A fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a possibility that the boxing world highly anticipates. Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the history of the sport, and certainly a fight between the two will be a match that will certainly have the entire world watching. For sure – the Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight will be legendary.

In the meantime – Manny Pacquiao will be looking to fight in the Philippine political arena, where he has ambitions to run for Philippine Congress in his home town of General Santos City. Manny Pacquiao tried his luck to run  for Congress in the last elections, but lost miserably. If he tries again, I’m pretty sure he’ll lose. The citizens of General Santos know well enough that Manny Pacquiao is not built for Philippine politics, and they would rather that he spent his hard-fought cash to help out through charity rather than through a seat in Congress. Certainly, his lack of eloquence (and maybe even literacy) will make it difficult for him to even go through the many legislations and reports that a congressman must absorb as part of his responsibility, you know?

Manny Pacquiao can do what the hell he wants in Philippine showbusiness, even make albums and sing in a band, but for the sake of the country – he should really stay away from the political arena.

Anyway – I don’t want to rain on the parade of Manny Pacquiao. I’m happy for his victory. I’ll celebrate in the streets for that. I might even watch his upcoming movie Whapakman just to remind myself of how stupid some Philippine movies can be. I might even listen to him sing just because I’d love a good laugh. But to listen to him campaign for Congress? Well, I just might throw an egg at him.

Philippine Sports: Burger King To Donate Wynne Arboleda’s “Lost Income” To Typhoon Victims

Just finished writing the piece about the DSWD volunteers, and how Rock Ed Philippines founder Gang Badoy received word from DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral. Of course, I shared a copy of the post with Gang Badoy at her Facebook account, and sort of reconnected. For the past years, we’ve bumped into each other but without much conversation, or at the least just surface conversation.

Anyway – we had a chance to exchange more words than normal, and she gave props to the Philippines Fun Wall, and shared with me her petition which is – Burger King Inc. should donate Wynne Arboleda’s “lost income” to the survivors of recent Philippine typhoons.

The petition reads as:

To Concerned Filipinos:

In the light of the recent suspension (by the Philippine Basketeball Aassociation) of Burger King player Wynne Arboleda it has come to our attention that the quantified ‘loss of income’ he will have to accept as part of the penalties has been estimated to be approximately PhP 2.73Million.*

Less than a month ago our country withstood two consecutive typhoons that resulted to reducing many areas of our country into literal ‘states of calamity’ – many are rendered homeless, many are orphaned, many are robbed off property, capital, crops, capacity to earn, and even now deprived of hope. To this day, (Oct 19, 2009)thousands of families are still clueless on where or how to rebuild their lives.

It is from that note that this petition is being presented. We would like to pressure Burger King Inc and/or the Philippine Basketball Association to donate the salary set aside for Mr. Wynne Arboleda either to rehabilitate communities, to send relief goods to the still needy or organize a subsequent and periodic medical assistance program to flood-razed sites.

This group stems from the fact that the suspension was already passed and declared by the PBA therefore we have not and will not release any statement regarding the incident-per-se that got Mr. Arboleda suspended. All we know is that his suspension has been declared and PhP 2.73M is the estimated (now) savings of Burger King from that drop-out.

So let us state our petition again:

WE WOULD LIKE TO RESPECTFULLY AND REASONABLY REQUEST BURGER KING AND/OR THE PHILIPPINE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION OR WHOEVER CAN GIVE THE DIRECTIVE OVER THIS SITUATION – TO DONATE THE AMOUNT SET ASIDE FOR THE NOW-SUSPENDED ATHLETE – MR. WYNNE ARBOLEDA TO ANY EXISTING RELIEF AND REHAB OPERATION SET UP TO ASSIST SURVIVORS OF TYPHOONS ONDOY AND PEPENG.

REGARDING WHICH NGO/INSTITUTION TO SUPPORT: WE WILL LEAVE THAT TO THE DISCRETION OF THE UPPER-MANAGEMENT OF BURGER KING INC AND/OR THE PHILIPPINE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION.

We do this with utmost reason, we look forward to your kind consideration of this request all that we ask for is this – when you heed this petition, kindly inform us of your decision. It would comfort many of us to know that big businesses and corporations have real heart as well- please give us hope. This is not a request for EXTRAS Burger King, Inc – we are aware that this is not a real loss to your profits because the amount has been earmarked and promised to Mr. Arboleda before he was suspended anyway.

We will await your response with optimism and a complete trust in your Bayanihan spirit during this terribly needy time in our country.

Now for those who wish to sign the online petition, then just click here.

We Encourage Burger King To Donate The Forefeited Salary of Wynne Arboleda To The Typhoon Victims

However, maybe the signed petition may not be needed because according to certain sources, it seems that Burger King Inc. has decided to take upon the suggestion of the petition to donate the ‘lost income’ of Wynne Arboleda to the typhoon victims anyway.

Gang Badoy explained that PBA sportscasters TJ Manotoc (who proposed the petition) and Patricia Hizon were not optimistic at first that Burger King would consider this because allocating that salary wasn’t that simple. Of course, nothing is.

But then, the petition does make a valid point – that 2.73M is already in the budget, and if it was supposed to be spent on Arboleda, but he can’t accpet it, then maybe it can be put to good use to help others who are in need of that cash, such as the many typhoon victims. Burger King Inc. must have realized that this was also a good way to protect their corporate image, and also do something to improve the reputation of Wynne Arboleda. In any case, the reports were published in Philstar.com about Wynne Arboleda pursuing the suggestion with Burger King Inc. management to donate his ‘lost salary.’ You can actually read the article on the donation of Wynne Arboleda by clicking here.

If that really holds true, and there is a true confirmation of the donation by Wynne Arboleda then it’s awesome that an online petition (on an idea suggested by TJ Manotoc and executed by Gang Badoy) has progressed to something helpful and tangible for the typhoon victims.

If you want to see the change, you just gotta be the change. Don’t feel afraid , to share your thoughts, and especially to act those ideas out! The hope for the country is the fact that every single Filipino is empowered to help out there fellow countryman. We indeed have the power to improve our country – through small steps – through a little persuasion in the proper perspective.

Impossible is nothing.

Philippine Sports: Burger King Should Drop Arboleda And The PBA Should Just Ban Him Permanently

If you don’t know what PBA player Wynne Arboleda of Burger King did to merit a season-long suspension, then watch this:

Now, Wynne Arboleda was suspended by the PBA for one entire season and will not receive any pay during his period of suspension. Is that enough?

Alain Katigbac, the PBA fan mauled by Wynne Arboleda, is not yet satisfied with the outcome, and wants Arboleda banned from the PBA for life and in other leagues around the country. Katigbac’s lawyer, Jose Angelo Agcaoili, drafted an administrative complaint to PBA Commissioner Sonny Barrios to recommend a lifetime ban on Wynne Arboleda.

Apart from that, Jose Angelo Agacaoili also has prepared criminal charges and a damage suit to be filed against Wynne Arboleda.

According to Jose Angelo Agcaoili, “My client is still in mental anguish and in shock over Arboleda’s viscious attack. His parents, who are both in their senior years, had elevated blood pressure after seeing the incident. His wife, who is six months pregnant, shook violently after seeing the incident on television and on the internet and continues to have chills as a result.”

Meanwhile, Wynne Arboleda says he is not afraid to face these charges in court, and might even file a counter-charge against Alain Katigbac. According to Wynne Arboleda, “I lost my source of livelihood because of him. I will not allow him to totally destroy me. He cursed me to no end in front of my family.”

Truth be told – Alain Katigbac indeed had a dirty mouth, and had nothing really nice to say about the game of Wynne Arboleda, especially after the hard foul he committed just prior to the incident. But then, the shit has hit the fan, and there are consequences to be taken as a result.

The professionalism of Wynne Arboleda is under question. PBA players are expected to maintain their composure even if the fans are getting carried away, and certainly they should not retaliate in that manner towards a fan.

Last season, there were also incidents of PBA players vs. PBA fans with the likes of  Marlou Aquino, Danny Ildefonso and Marc Pingris. However, the penalties suffered by these players were not as big as that of Wynne Arboleda because the other three were restrained before they got to the fan.

Personally – if you hit a fan, you deserve to be taken out of the league. Besides, what kind of basketball is Arboleda playing, giving a hard foul like that? It’s bad enough that he has bad intentions when it comes to fouling other players, and possibly giving them serious injuries that can cost them their careers. And then, a fan who gets emotional and shouts incentives at Wynne Arboleda for his cras play gets hit because Wynne Arboleda can’t take the insult.

Wake up, Wynne Arboleda! If you played ball in my court, you take what you can dish out, and if you can dish out dirty fouls, then I’m sure you can expect to get hit with a few as well. But that’s basketball, and that’s the way we play the game. And I’m sure you didn’t get to be the pro baller you are now without going through that in the court. And certainly, you’ve gone through your share of jeers and hisses from the crowd even at small community leagues. Pare naman, parang di ka na nasanay!

I’m thinking Burger King should just drop Wynne Arboleda completely. After all, he violated his contract by not living up to his duties as a  professional basketball player. So why should Burger King even suffer the consequences of his lawsuit, or even have the Burger King lawyers give Wynne Arboleda any kind of representation or help. And you all see how dirty he plays, now does Burger King really want that kind of dirty player endorsing your products. I mean – I know you don’t have a Ronald McDonald or a Jollibee mascot, and if anything these pro athletes could’ve been the face for Burger King, but really? Would a face like Wynne Arboleda be right in Burger King outlets nationwide?

Now – if you didn’t hit the fan, and went up to the stands, then I believe you still ought to be given a season suspension. Im fact, I was a bit surprised that the penalty for Marc Pingris and Danny Ildefonso was only a one-game suspension. They should’ve been not allowed to play the entire finals. I mean – the minute you step out of the bounds of the court and into the fans with bloodlust in your eyes, you have broken your oath of sportsmanship and professionalism as an athlete, and you shouldn’t be in there for a long time. And come to think that Danny Ildefonso was once upon a time a back-to-back MVP of the PBA, and still he reacts that way.

This is basketball! Trash talk and hard play is all part of the game. Set a pick like you’re a linebacker, and talk some trash to get them off their game. Say something about their sister while they’re taking freethrows. Tell the other team that this is my house! Grab that rebound and protect it with elbows out. This is basketball – we’re meant to be tough-minded that way. And then, of all things, you’ll give in to the jeering and incentives of a fan? Pikon pala kayo? Eh sa akin, ang pikon – TALO!

And no matter how much you try to justify that you’re human and you have emotions that get hurt, you just come out as a loser with bad excuses for a lack of professionalism and integrity for the game. And for that – you don’t deserve to play at the highest level of the league. Take a look at the NBA and other leagues. You think the home crowd says nice things to the visitors? There is a reason why it’s difficult for NBA teams to win on the road, and part of that is the unfriendly atmosphere they walk into when they’re the visitors at someone else’s home court. And what? Do you see them chasing after fans?

Well, there’s Ron Artest. I’m sure  Ron Artest can take any kind of trash talk and heckling from players and fans, but the dude attacked him with a beer projectile, and that was his breaking point, and we saw how he paid for it.

But you guys – Marlou Aquino, Danny Ildefonso and Wynne Arboleda – you guys get hurt by simple words. Well, here’s a word you should get to know better – LOSER!

Philippine Sports: Brandon Vera Ready To Battle Randy Couture IN UFC 105

Brandon Vera Looks To Defeat Randy Couture in UFC 105

Filipino-American UFC fighter Brandon “The Truth” Vera is set to do battle with five-time UFC Champion Randy “The Natural” Couture when UFC 105: Couture vs Vera kicks off at the Manchester Evening News Arena in Manchester, England this coming November 14, 2009.

Brandon Vera will be fighting Randy Couture at the Light Heavyweight category in UFC 105, a weight class that Brandon Vera has been dominating most recently. Brandon Vera has, in fact, won his last twolight heavyweight UFC fights over UFC fighters Krzysztof Soszynski and Mike Patt.

Of course, Randy Couture has been a UFC Light Heavyweight champion twice, but his recent fights have been in the Heavyweight division against the likes of Antonio Nogueira and Brock Lesnar, where he lost both fights. However, Randy Couture might actually fight better in the light heavyweight, although the weight loss might certainly affect his performance against the likes of Brandon Vera, who seems to be perfectly built to fight at the Light Heavyweight division.

Other fights on the card for UFC 105: Couture vs Vera include: Michael Bisping vs Denis Kang, Dan Hardy vs Mike Swick, and James Wilks vs Matt Brown among others.

Bet on Brandon Vera to win against Randy Couture in UFC 105 here.

Tickets and Ringside Seats for UFC 105: Couture vs Vera Are Available Here.

Philippine Sports: NBA Legends To Challenge PBA All Stars

As part of the their promotions in Asia, the NBA has put together NBA Asia Challenge 2009, which is the most ambitious and largest event ever in Asia. The event will feature NBA Legends teaming up with the top NBA Development League (D-League) players to play three exhibition friendlies in Korea and the Philippines.

The NBA Legends already made their appearance in Korea, playing agains the KBL All-Stars and the ETLAND Blackslammers, and will now be set to play the PBA All-Stars at the Araneta Coliseum on September 11th, 2009.

Among the NBA Legends who will be participating in the event are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (who will be the head coach), Tim Hardaway, Dominique Wilkins, Robert Horry and Vlade Divac. PLayers from the NBA D-League who will team up with these legends include Billy Thomas, Chris Ellis, Derrick Dial, Marcus Hubbard, Russell Robinson and Lanny Smith.

NBA Legends To Play Against PBA All Stars

The PBA All-Stars who are going up against the NBA players include Alvin Patrimonio, Allan Caidic, Ronnie Magsanoc, Benjie Paras and Kenneth Duremdes to name a few.

Personally, I would love to watch the game to get a chance to see Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the court, even if he doesn’t play. He’s the all-time leading everything in the NBA, and was really one of its most recognized players. Plus, he was one of the reasons why I’ve been a Lakers fan ever since I could remember.

On another personal note, I really hope that Danny Ildefonso is not included in the line-up for the PBA All-Stars. I just believe he’s not a very good professional basketball player, especially after that stint wherein he went out of his way to beat up a fan during the recent PBA Finals of San Miguel vs Ginebra. He may have been a lauded MVP at one point, but no professional player should ever get into a scuffle with a fan who paid for his seat to watch the game, and have the privilege to cheer his heart out even if some of the things said may have been vulgar and crass. As a pro player, you should be able to take trash talk, and have the mental edge to block it. That’s very different from Ron Artest‘s blow-up because he was thrown a glass of beer.

I’m sure the basketball will be entertaining, and if not then the dancers of the New Jersey Nets  – the Dunking Divas – are pretty sure to add a little spice to the festivities.

Anyway – the NBA Asia Challenge 2009 should be an amazing event, and will certainly be packed.  Tickets for the first-ever NBA Asia Challenge 2009 range from 2,640 for Patrons and 264 for General Admission.

Philippine Sports: Brandon Vera Takes On Krzysztof Soszynski in UFC 102

UFC 102: Couture vs Nogueira is coming up with some big names when it kicks off at the Rose Garden Arena in Oregon. The highlight event is, of course, a clash between former heavyweight champions Randy Couture vs Antonio Nogueira.

A co-feature will be a light heavyweight duel between Keith Jardine vs Thiago Silva.

And then, the fight that most Filipinos will be focused on will be that of our own Philippine pride Brandon “The Truth” Vera vs Krzysztof Soszynski.

Brandon Vera has a pretty impressive 10-3 record in mixed martial arts, but he’s only won 2 of his last 5 MMA fights. Of course, things were different back then, and well he showed that he was in great shape in his last fight against Mike Platt, whom he defeated via TKO due to leg strikes.

Brandon Vera Demolishing Frank Mir

Krzysztof Soszynski – I don’t even really know how to pronounce his name – is nicknamed The Polish Experiment, and one look at the guy makes you really think he was kept in some dark dungeon where they did all sorts of experiments on him. Igor-ish looking dude for sure! But anyway, Krzysztof Soszynski has an 18-8-1 MMA record, and while it may not seem that impressive, Krzysztof Soszynski has won 6 consecutive MMA fights, including two submission of the night awards. So, certainly, Brandon Vera will have his hands full at trying to stop The Polish Experiment.

In any case, I’ll be cheering for Brandon Vera and hope he does well in UFC 102. Pinoy Pride, baby!

UFC 102 Tickets and Ringside Seats Are Still Available Here!

Philippine Sports: Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines At Camarines Sur

Eleven-Time Ironman Champ Lisa Bentley

Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines! What else can be said?

It’s the most trying kind of race that will cover 70.3 miles (113 kilometers), and includes the disciplines of swimming, biking and running. Triathletes will be covering a 1.9 km swim, a 90km bike ride, and finished off with a 21km run. Wow!

The Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines to be held at Camarines Sur this August 23, 2009, is the first of its kind in the Philippines. There have been triathlon competitions, but none with the scale and scope of an Ironman. The promotions for this have been so well done that several professional triathletes from around the world have committed their participation. Among the big names in the sport of triathlon who will be here in the Philippines include: Gina Kehr, Tim Marr, Pete Jacobs, Bree Wee, Chris McCormack, Terenzo Bozzone, Lisa Bentley, Cameron Brown and Charlotte Paul.

Representing the Philippines, we have our very own Arland Macasieb, August Benedicto, Kim Mangrobang and Monica Torres. Arland Macasieb is hoping to finish among the top 10 despite the tough field of international pros competing here.

“It’s the satisfaction of competing in such a challenging sport and against the best athletes in the world that will push us to the limit,” Macasieb said.

On a personal note – long-time acquaintances Amanda Carpo, Leica Carpo, Jon-Jon Rufino and fellow Upsilonian Anthony Pangilinan will be competing, and I wish them well.

Other friends, such as Nonoy Basa and fellow Upsilonian Leo de Guzman and Raoul Floresca will be participating in the relay under Team Sabak-Supersonic (Woot woot!); Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan will be swimming as part of the relay team Tri-Umph; and Lara Parpan will be running for Women’s Health Timex. Go for it!

Me – I’m envious. I wish I could’ve been a part of this. But unfortunately I hadn’t prepared enough. The only time I ever ran 21km was in Subic last year, and I had to walk the last 6km due to threatening cramps in both legs. But at least I crossed the finish line. I would’ve loved to just cross the finish line at Cam Sur, maybe not as a full-pledged triathlete or Ironman, but even just a part of a team that gave it their all and surpassed their personal best in effort and determination. After all, that’s what really this is about. It sounds unfathomable and crazy for anybody to want to go through such torment, but to be able to push your mental toughness and physical endurance to accomplish such a feat is a reward on its own.

Anyway – to all the athletes participating in the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines at Cam Sur – my sincerest wishes on the achievement of your goals. And to the organizers, especially to Ironman 70.3 Philippines Chairman Wilfred Steven Uytengsu – galing!

Philippine Sports: Can Miguel Angel Cotto Stop Manny Pacquiao?

Being a biased Filipino – my simple answer is NO.

I haven’t been the best fan of Manny Pacquiao. When Manny Pacquiao rematched Juan Manuel Marquez, my money was on Marquez. Well – the payout for the odds was much better, but even at the end of the fight, despite Juan Manuel Marquez kissing the floor, I still believed Juan Manuel Marquez did enough to win the fight. But oh well.

When Manny Pacquiao faced Oscar De La Hoya, I expected it to be a bloody battle that would push the fight to the last round, and eventually the judges favoring Oscar De La Hoya. And while I cheered for Manny Pacquiao, I didn’t feel that confident. I mean Oscar De La Hoya is THE Golden Boy. Well, I was wowed by Manny Pacquiao, and certainly I’m not alone there.

When Manny Pacquiao faced Ricky Hatton, I was thinking that Manny Pacquiao might be a bit too over-confident, and that he would eventually get tagged by the famous Ricky Hatton body shot to the liver. Once again, I was proven wrong.

But don’t get me wrong – it’s not that I don’t want Manny Pacquiao to win. It’s just that I’m never 100% on Manny Pacquiao because he can be careless at times, and of course there are the equally awesome reputations of the fighters he’s faced.

Miguel Cotto Rocking Shane Mosley

But now – against Miguel Angel Cotto – I’m 100% behind Pacquiao. Miguel Angel Cotto may have an impressive 34 wins and 1 loss with 27 KOs – with some big wins against the likes of Shane Mosley, Zab Judah Oktay Urkal, Carlos Quintana and Alfonso Gomez, but in the world of boxing, you’re only as good as your last fight.

In the case of Miguel Angel Cotto, his last three fights include a TKO loss to Antonio Margarito, where he gave up his WBO Welterweight belt. Of course, Miguel Angel Cotto gained the WBO Welterweight belt back again when it was left vacant. This time he KOed Michael Jennings in the 5th round. In his last fight, Miguel Angel Cotto was able to defeat Joshua Clottey, but in a split decision. So, it’s not really that impressive.

Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao has been more than impressive in his recent wins. And well, Miguel Angel Cotto looks to be another victim that will soon be added to those that Manny Pacquiao will run over.

The Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Angel Cotto is scheduled for November 14, 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The two boxers will be fighting at the weight of 145 lbs., which falls under the welterweight category. And although there has been no announcement that Miguel Angel Cotto will put his WBO Welterweight Title on the line, it is expected that the WBO Welterweight belt will definitely be on the line. Firstly, if Miguel Angel Cotto refuses to make it a title match, then he will be stripped off the belt, and the title made vacant, and eventually free for Manny Pacquiao to win. If Manny Pacquiao wins – it will be another championship in a record-setting seven weight classes.

Incidentally, Miguel Angel Cotto has expressed his intention to retire from boxing before he hits the age of 30. Currently, he is 28 years old. According to reports on Miguel Angel Cotto’s website, Cotto would like to retire to enjoy fatherhood.

“I have four little ones between the ages of 3 and 13 who require a father… because one wants to play an instrument, another wants to play tennis, if you ask another, golfing, and the small child is three years old and I do not know what he wants to do, but I need to be there,” Cotto explained.

As for Manny Pacquiao – he has a new sitcom TV series coming out on local Philippine TV called Show Me The Manny which will co-star the Philippines’ Queen of Primetime Marian Rivera.  I guess if Manny retires, then he’ll have showbusiness to fall back on.

But in the case of the Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Angel Cotto, I just hope I’m not wrong again. But something is telling me this could be a trilogy.

Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Angel Cotto Tickets Available Here.

Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto Odds Here.

Online tickets tip: If you buy early, it costs less. If you buy closer to the date, it will be very pricey.

Philippine Sports: Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton On May 2

Ricky Hatton Is Next Victim of Manny Pacquiao

After the historical victory of Manny Pacquiao over Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao will now be set to fight Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Freddie Roach – the trainer of Manny Pacquiao – has expressed that Manny Pacquiao will be beating Ricky Hatton via KO. Floyd Mayweather Sr. – the trainer of Ricky Hatton – thinks that Manny Pacquiao will not stand a chance against Ricky Hatton. Big words from both trainers who definitely show confidence in their fighters. But – in the end – all will be settled in the ring.

As a Filipino – of course, I’m rooting for Manny Pacquiao. I believe he is a great boxer, but then also like many Filipinos I believe there is still that big question mark  looming in my mind about Manny Pacquiao. Trying to be an avid fan of Manny Pacquiao doesn’t come easy. I admire Manny Pacquiao as a boxer, but there are just other aspects of Manny Pacquiao‘s person that I can’t stand.

There’s Manny Pacquiao the actor. Damn! I can’t even believe he even tried his luck there. Lucky for him, he got to lock lips with screen siren Ara Mina, but I’d rather watch Manny Pacquiao on TV while boxing in the ring instead of looking like an idiot acting for some action flick. He’s not even eloquent enough to answer basic questions, and yet he tries to go one step more into delivering movie lines. Puh-lease!

There’s also Manny Pacquiao the recording artist and singer. You’ve heard him speak. You really think he can sing?

There’s also Manny Pacquiao the politician. I really dislike the fact that he wants to enter the realm of Philippine politics. I’m really glad that the people of General Santos didn’t vote him into Congress when he ran in the last national election. It just goes to show that even the most prolific of Manny Pacquiao fans have enough wisdom to know that Manny Pacquiao’s place is in the boxing ring and not the political arena. I’m pretty certain that his wealth may buy him a seat in Philippine politics, but then he can always do good for the country even without sitting in government. Forming a foundation or a non-government organization should be good enough for Manny Pacquiao without having to add the title Congressman or even Senator to his name.

Manny Pacquiao the gambler, the cock fighter, the billiard king and the poker player. Manny – do something better with your money!

Anyway – that’s among the things I don’t like about Manny Pacquiao. But when it comes to boxing. Well – of course – I’m there as a staunch supporter of Manny Pacquiao, and will be among the millions who will cheer for him in beating up the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, and now Ricky Hatton. After all, Manny Pacquiao has earned my respect with the talent he has in the boxing ring. And that’s what I like.

I guess the big question mark about Manny Pacquiao, and what makes me have second thoughts about thinking whether he can win or not is because he has all these other distractions in other “career moves.” This lack of focus on his boxing career has led me several times to question whether or not Manny Pacquiao will come out the winner. I had doubts about his performance against Juan Manuel Marquez (I still believe Marquez was the better boxer in their rematch), and I certainly had doubts against Manny Pacquiao versus Oscar De La Hoya. But nevertheless, I cheer for him – for country, for Philippine pride.

Of course, I also can’t help thinking that maybe all these other distractions around Manny Pacquiao will one day catch up with him. One day some boxer will knock the shit out of Manny Pacquiao because Manny would’ve just been too distracted with promoting Magic Sing and locking lips with leading ladies. And when that day is realized – eventually I  will be forced to say that Manny Pacquiao is a joke. Give credit to where credit is due, and of course give credit to the fact that Manny Pacquiao will be a boxing legend around the world. At least he has that one good thing no one will ever take away. But if he continues to dabble into other distracting extracurricular activities – it’ll be difficult to put together a wholeness of respect for the total person of Manny Pacquiao.

Well – I have a feeling… Ricky Hatton is going to kick the shit out of Manny Pacquiao. But Manny – I’ll cheer for you nonetheless.

Mabuhay ka, Pac-Man!

Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton Tickets and Ringside Seats Available Here.

Philippine Sports: Manny Pacquiao TKO’s Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya congratulates Manny Pacquiao

I won’t bother to give an update on the fight as I’m sure every Filipino out there already had the chance to see the fight, or at least the highlights. Or if you didn’t watch the fight, then at least you should know by now that Manny Pacquiao defeated Oscar De La Hoya via TKO at the end of 8 rounds.

I’m pretty certain everyone has their take on what happened about the fight – what went right for Manny Pacquiao and what went wrong for Oscar De La Hoya – and I also have my own opinions. And while I might not be a boxing expert, all I can say is that Manny Pacquiao was just too quick for Oscar De La Hoya. No matter how big you are or how far your reach is, if you can’t tag your opponent with a meaningful punch, then how do you ever expect to even win a boxing match? Well, in the case of Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao was just the faster chicken, and he just couldn’t be touched.

But more than the highlights of the fight and Manny Pacquiao‘s excellent boxing form, what I appreciated most about the outcome of the fight was the end of the fight. When Manny Pacquiao told Oscar De La Hoya, “You’re still my idol.” and Oscar De La Hoya replied, “No, Manny, now you’re my idol.” – that for me was the defining moment which capped off an awesome promotion for the fight. After all was slugged out, that little bit of pride, respect and honor was definitely the icing of the Pacquiao-De La Hoya circus. It sounded like that scene in the movie Top Gun – Iceman says, “Maverick, you could be my wing man anytime.” to which Maverick replies, “Bullshit, you could be mine.”

Of course, I had expected so much from the fight, and was expecting bot fighters to be bloodied up. I didn’t expect it to be the one-sided massacre it turned out to be. I mean – Oscar De La Hoya was a clear favorite, and what took place against Manny Pacquiaob, I didn’t ever think that would happen to someone as talented as Oscar De La Hoya. But then, I guess Freddie Roach was a bit correct in saying that De La Hoya couldn’t pull the trigger. Anyway, there’s more to be said than what wasn’t said, but I leave that up to the real boxing columnists and critics.

On a personal note, I had a ball watching the fight. I watched the fight at noontime in the Philippines, waking up at 7am to make it to Handle Bar Makati early enough to grab our chairs. My huge thanks to Dustin Derkinderen for taking the initiative in reserving a table. I had so much fun just cheering with my 6 year-old son Kaj, shouting at the top of our lungs and banging on the table top. Then, of course, the chance to be with some awesome people like Albert Gaw, Angelo Alvendia and Dustin Derkinderen. Looks like we’re the Handle Bar regulars for fights, whether it be Manny Pacquiao or UFC. Cheers, boys!

Anyway, so now they’re saying Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton. All I have to say – Did you see what he did to De La Hoya?

Manny, maraming salamat sa maligayang pasko.

Philippine Boxing: Can Manny Pacquiao Knock Out Oscar De La Hoya?

Manny Pacquiao Training With Freddie Roach

The Filipino People are getting excited with the upcoming boxing match between WBC Lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya.

Oscar De La Hoya, who has won 10 world titles in 6 weight divisions, is a slight favorite to win against Manny Pacquiao when these two great boxers clash on December 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, while the odds makers are favoring Oscar De La Hoya to win over Manny Pacquiao, boxing critics and boxing fans are excited of the prospect that Manny Pacquiao can certainly knock out Oscar De La Hoya.

Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao will be fighting at the 147-pound welterweight limit. Speculations by boxing critics are saying that Manny Pacquiao will be out of his comfort zone at 147 pounds since Manny Pacquiao is so used to fighting at 135 lbs. Meanwhile, Oscar De La Hoya should be able to dominate the fight, considering his size and reach advantage, plus the fact that he is comfortable fighting at the 147-pound welterweight limit.

However, Manny Pacquiao is also expected to knock out Oscar De La Hoya, who hasn’t had a professional boxing fight since May 5, 2007 when he lost a split-decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and also lost his WBC welterweight championship title in the process. Oscar De La Hoya doesn’t seem to have the steam he’s had during his younger years, and it might be difficult for De La Hoya to even keep up with the energetic Manny Pacquiao, who is at the prime of his boxing career.

Manny Pacquiao might certainly be able to knock down Oscar De La Hoya, but might not have enough power to actually keep De La Hoya down for a ten count. In his previous boxing fights against the likes of Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, Manny Pacquiao was able to successfully send these boxers to the canvas, and it was only Erik Morales who really felt the sting of Manny Pacquiao and was not able to recover from getting up on time to beat the ten count.

Manny Pacquiao has been KOed twice earlier in his career but that was way before he gained enough experience to become the boxing champion that he is. Meanwhile, Oscar De La Hoya has already suffered one KO against Bernard Hopkins Jr., who tagged De La Hoya with a left hook to the liver which was just unbearable for Oscar De La Hoya to recover from. As seen in Pacquiao’s previous fights, he turns into a monster when he gets hit, and when he gets fired up, his frenzy of combo punches are very solid. In the fight, if Oscar De La Hoya gets to hit Manny Pacquiao with 2 to 3 punches, you can expect Manny Pacquiao to come back with 4 to 6 punches of his own, and that area of Pacquiao’s fight strategy might be difficult for a slower De La Hoya to fend off. Definitely, Manny Pacquiao will be throwing more punches, and if a lot of them get in, it won’t be a surprise if Oscar De La Hoya will be seen picking himself up from the ring.

In any case, The Dream Match between Oscar De La Hoya vs Manny Pacquiao will be underway on December 6, and bets are available for the fight! Tickets for the fight have long sold out, and the only place left to get them are here.

De La Hoya-Pacquiao Tickets Are Only Available Here.

Philippine Sports: Manny Pacquiao Striptease!

Manny Pacquiao and fan Sofie Garrucho

It’s confirmed! Manny Pacquiao is involved in a striptease scandal!

Well, the big boys from the World Boxing Council (WBC) are getting all hyped up over Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, and have got Manny Pacquiao involved in a strip tease. The WBC is charging Manny Pacquiao $130,000 total to cover a $30,000 fighting fee or something, and another $100,000 for some other boxing fee. If Manny Pacquiao fails to comply with the request at a given deadline, then the WBC will have no choice, but to loosen the WBC Belts of Manny Pacquiao and strip him off it.

The WBC has made every effort to get in touch with Manny Pacquiao, who has been very busy training for the fight against boxing great Oscar De La Hoya, in what many boxing fans and boxing experts have dubbed as The Dream Match.

The Dream Match between Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar Dela Hoya is a non-tile fight, and takes place on December 9, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao-De La Hoya Tickets and Ringside Seats are still available, but they’re getting to be more expensive as the date grows nearer. Why is that?

Anyway, Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya may not be a title bout, but then if Manny Pacquiao doesn’t settle his bill with the big boys of the World Boxing Council, he may not even have a title at all. Certainly, Manny Pacquiao has the cash to afford the $130,000. That’s just about the same budget Manny Pacquiao uses for his poker bankroll, and just about the same amount he gambles with at the billiard tables.

Dear Manny Pacquiao – neighbor, idol, champ – please pay your bill to the WBC. On behalf of the Filipino people, we don’t want you to get involved in a Manny Pacquiao stripper, strip-tease scandal involving the stripping of your belt. Di ka na champ niyan? Baka maging chump ka na lang!

Philippine Sports: Philippine Girls Football Team To Play In Asian Football Confederation Qualifiers

I am a fan of football – the REAL football where you actually use your foot to control the ball – or what the Americans defined as soccer. Apparently, their brand of American Football has nothing to do with the foot.

Anyway, as a fan of football, I really sincerely hope that the Philippines would develop this sport because it could be something that we could be good at. Height is definitely not such a big requirement. After all, everything is equal when the ball is on the ground and at your feet.

Well I read an interesting article in the Manila Bulletin today that announced that the Philippines would be sending a Philippine Girls Team to compete in the Under-16 category for the Asian Football Confederation Qualifiers. The AFC is the Asian version of the UEFA Champions League, and it’s definitely a very prestigious football tournament that will be a great experience for the girls participating.

According to the reports in the Manila Bulletin, it will be the first time that a Philippine National Football Team for the Under-16 category was ever put up. Well, at least for girls. If I recall correctly, there was a point in the past when there was an Under-16 Philippine National Team for boys, which competed in the Gothia Cup and Helsinki Cup, and even won. But that’s another story.

Kali Navea-Huff, Cara Abaya, Marie Navea-Huff ("borrowed" from Kali's Facebook Pics)

In any case, 25 girls were named to the
Philippine Girls National Football Team (Under-16). These talented girls are: Sabrina Nierras (La Salle-Zobel), Ina Palacios (Colegio de San Agustin), Marie Nicole De Leon (Colegio de San Agustin), Camille Rodriguez (Miriam College), Natalie Nisce (Assumption), Sharlene Constantino (Miriam), Cara Abaya (Assumption), Stephanie Bantoc (South Hill), Ira De La Cruz (Woodrose), Monica Manalansan (Colegio de San Agustin), Catherine Orsolino (St. Paul University-Pasig), Micaela Romero (Poveda), Kristina Vergara (Poveda), Paulina Abadilla (Rosehill), Kali Navea-Huff (Poveda), Marie Navea-Huff (Poveda), Patricia Punsalan (Woodrose), Dominique Scott (Miriam), Caira Tagbo (La Salle-Antipolo), Mariz Magdolot (Philippine Women’s College of Davao), Leah Cruz (La Salle-Zobel), Marie Cadayona (Ateneo de Davao) and Christina De Los Reyes (La Salle-Zobel).

The Philippine National Girls Football Team will participate in the AFC Qualifiers, which kicks off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this coming November 8. The Philippine Team will be bracketed with the heavyweights Australia, Jordan, Myanmar, Thailand and Singapore in Group A.

National coach Casper Ian Ngo will be leading the Philippine National Girls Football Team.

Well, I certainly do hope that the girls will do well in the AFC Qualifiers. For sure, I’ll be cheering them on!

Go, Philippines!!!

Philippine Sports: Brandon Vera Fights Keith Jardine in UFC 89

Fil-American Brandon

The main event of UFC 89 to be held at Birmingham, England this coming October 2008 will be a middleweight bout between Chris Leben vs Michael Bisping. One of the undercards and highlight bouts will also feature FIlipino-American Brandon Vera vs Keith Jardine.

Brandon Vera won his last fight against Reese Andy to improve his record to 9-2. Prior to that though, Brandon Vera lost a fight to Fabricio Werdum due to referee stoppage under some very controversial circumstances, and another loss to Tim Sylvia. Now, he is surely out to prove that his losses were a fluke, especially the last one to Fabricio Werdum, which many felt was an early stoppage.

In any case, Brandon Vera has booked impressive wins over the likes of Frank Mir, Assuerio Silva, Justin Eilers and Mike Whitehead.

Brandon Vera fights out of the United States, but never fails to acknowledge his Filipino roots, and even proudly carries the Philippine flag during his bouts. Of course, there are also his alibata tattoos which are very, very Filipino indeed.

Anyway, Brandon Vera is a really awesome guy, and will certainly be a force to reckon with when goes up against Keith Jardine.

UFC 89 Tickets and Ringside Seats are available here.

Go, Brandon!

Philippine Events: Rogue Magazine Wrap-Party and Black Tie Brawl

I was at the September issue wrap-party of Rogue Magazine at the sleek and chic Music Room at the Hyatt Hotel And Casino in Malate a few weeks back. Apart from it being a really cool party hosted by Rogue Magazine, it was also the birthday celebrations of the Thunder Goddess Katrina Tuason as well as the unveiling of the Black Tie Brawl event, which will be co-hosted by Rogue Magazine and the fine boys of the URCC.

Anyway, I was supposed to write this post a long time ago, but I was hoping to make use of the video footage I took from the party to include in the post. As it happened, the video camera got semi-drenched during the rain (it was a very, very rainy day/night and there was a 4-hour traffic jam earlier that day), and now the camera is experiencing technical difficulties and I can’t even play the tape. (Josemari, forgive me for the delay in editing the footage!)

Without any more excuses, and still without the footage, I decided to write about it anyway before my article really becomes late news.

Well, the party was fun. Got to see some really good friends – Karl Roy, Paolo Basa, Carlos Celdran, Kat and Felipe, Twinky Lagdameo, Dennis Lagdameo (you related to Twinky?), Marcus Maguidad, Erwin Edralin, Cacay Moras, Miguel Arellano and of course the awesome people of Rogue Magazine – Carmela and Miguel Mari, Josemari Ugarte, Brian Banta, Jay Pou, and the other Jay. Of course, DJ Danger Sanchez spinning some groovy tunes, and Rogue’s September cover girl Hindy Webber-Tantoco lighting up the room with her glow.

We had fun singing it out in the different KTV rooms of the Hyatt’s Music Room, and let me just say that the rooms were pimp! Huge couches, big-ass flat screen TV, private bath room for powdering, a bar. And just when we thought we would run out of margarita, the waiters were spot on time in bringing in a fresh tray of drinks and sossy munchies. Horse Devours as Jay Ignacio would say.

Rogue Magazine Presents Black Tie Brawl

Some time in the night – there was the unveiling of Black Tie Brawl, an MMA event which will be hosted by Rogue Magazine and URCC (Alvin Aguilar and Jed Dario reprezent!) on October 18, 2008 at the Hyatt Hotel And Casino. The MMA event will feature a 5-course sit down dinner while watching eight professional MMA bouts. Of course, strictly black tie. If you don’t know what that means, think James Bond. Or look at the damn picture.

The ticket prices range from P6,000 to P10,000 bucks per seat, and the tickets are limited. Of course, there are also special discounted room rates for those who want to avail of a room at the Hyatt to powder up before and after the fight. Room party anyone?

Anyway, I talked to some of the MMA fighters at Elorde Sucat when I went training, and I was excited to find out that Lando Espinosa, Bimbi Perezand URCC Middleweight Champ Caloy Baduria will be included in the fight card for Black Tie Brawl.

In the last URCC event held at A-Venue, the Elorde Sucat boys didn’t fare too well. Only Lando walked away with an impressive win via armbar submission. The rest – Bimbi, Caloy, Panchito aka Sugar Ray – disappointingly failed to book a win. At least now Bimbi and Caloy have the chance to redeem themselves with a win at Black Tie Brawl. That’s something to look forward to. And hopefully Lando can continue his win streak!

So there – in the middle of soup and salad, expect some blood, sweat and tears to add some spice in Black Tie Brawl. I’m certain it’ll taste yummy no matter what – after all, it’s a 10,000 peso plate, so it should taste great.

For information on tickets for Black Tie Brawl, you can call the Rogue Magazine office at 7297747.

Philippine Sports: Ateneo Blue Eagles One Victory Away For UAAP Basketball Championship

Ateneo vs La Salle (photo by Sir Mervs)

Ateneo 69, DLSU  61

The Ateneo Blue Eagles have defeated the DLSU Green Archers three times a row – all in this UAAP 71 Season for Men’s senior basketball. The Ateneo Blue Eagles busted the DLSU Green Archers twice during the elimination rounds of the UAAP Season 71 tournament, and then defeated the DLSU Green Archers for the first game of the best-of-three finals.

Leading all scorers during Game 1 of the UAAP Season 71 Finals between Ateneo vs DLSU was Blue Eagle Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who scored 27 points. Blue Eagle Nonoy Baclao also had a huge defensive game with 7 blocked shots, most of them on Green Archer Rico Maierhoffer. Of course, Cris Tiu and Jai Reyes added strong performances for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, who hope to win their 2nd UAAP Basketball title since the Final Four format began in the 1993-1994 season.

The DLSU Green Archers will be hoping to make it their 6th UAAP Basketball title, but then that’s highly unlikely as the Ateneo Blue Eagles are out to prove that this UAAP Season 71 is their season!

Philippine Events: UFC Champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell To Visit Manila

Chuck Liddell Is Coming To Manila

Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion of the World Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell is coming to Manila! Chuck Liddell will be here to have an open training session on mixed martial arts this coming Sunday, September 21, 2008, at the Atrium of SM Mall of Asia from 3pm to 5pm. Chuck Liddell will show off his MMA skills with his trainer Ian Parkinson, and will be entertaining MMA enthusiasts who might want to learn a thing or two from the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. The event is being sponsored by Colt45 and Solar Entertainment Corp. through their Balls Network on cable television.

Of course, apart from this major event, Chuck Liddell will also be out party-ing in Manila, hoping that the R&R in Manila might help heal some of the pain from his recent knockout against Rashad Evans during UFC 88. In relation to that, Chuck Liddell might also offer a bit of insight on what it takes to become a heavyweight champion, and also how it feels to get knocked out cold.

Whatever it is – certainly hanging out and seeing Chuck Liddell live should be a treat for any fan of the UFC.

On a personal note – I’d love to hang out with Chuck Liddell, and I am really a fan. Many are thinking that the UFC career of Chuck Liddell is over and done with, especially after getting knocked out by Rashad Evans, but I don’t think he’ll ever be done. After all, he is still one of the most exciting UFC fighters to step into the Octagon, and he really made my day when he beat the crap out of TIto Ortiz and even Wanderlei Silva. And while Chuck Liddell may have suffered some big KO losses, he is still one helluva fighter and has shown his resiliency in bouncing back from a defeat to go back to winning. What else is there to be said – Chuck Liddell lives to fight, and win or lose, he’s always pushing himself to the limit to kick some ass. Respect, bro.

Anyway, The Iceman Cometh!!! Don’t miss out!

Opinion: The Smart Thing To Do With SMART

Smart Billboard Is A Waste of Space and Money

Smart Communications, Inc. is one of the biggest telecommunications providers in the Philippines if not the biggest. Well, SMART is on a pissing war with Globe Telecom and indeed they are fighting for every inch of space in order to promote and advertise their brands and product services.

Anyway, because of the advertising pissing war, SMART and Globe have gone all-out in their budget for things like 30-seconder ads, outdoor advertising, newsprint ads, magazine ads and all sorts of other gimmicks like events, concerts and what-have-you. Certainly, it doesn’t take much math to figure out that SMART and Globe probably spend billions of pesos on advertising just so that the simple Filipino consumer will eventually use their products and services, or to continue to do so.

First off – let’s get it straight. The supposed target market for a company like SMART includes every single FIlipino in the Philippines, with a big percentage of them being the masses. The masses comprise about 70% of the population, and fall under the socio-economic bracket of D or E, which is probably in the minimum wage to less-than-minimum wage income earner. Now, while they have the numbers in terms of sheer volume, the amount of money they earn collectively is nothing compared to the kind of cash raked in by the small 5% of those that belong to the A or B markets.

Notwithstanding, SMART spends billions to continue to advertise to the masses. In fact, SMART spends billions on advertising period – whether it be for the masses or for those that are better off. Of course, the strategy is to have SMART subscribers remain loyal to the brand, but in truth, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BRAND LOYALTY among the Philippine masses. For the basic Mang Pandoy, brand loyalty comes as a matter of convenience. In Aling Maria’s Sari-Sari store, I can purchase pre-paid accounts of either SMART or Globe, either through pre-paid cards or E-load because Aling Maria carries both brands, and even has two cellphones (one Globe, one Smart) to pass the load of whatever the consumer requires. In the same manner, because of the added value of texting Globe-to-Globe or Smart-to-Smart, or even making calls Sun-to-Sun, most people have afforded to carry with them two or even three phones, with one phone representing each of the major tele-com providers.

Anyway, the whole point is that it is pointless for SMART to spend unnecessarily on advertising. For one, they already have a near-monopoly on their captured market, which is the entire Philippines. The entire Philippines already knows about SMART, and probably has a cellular phone with a SMART line. There is no need for them to spend on TV commercials, daily newsprint ads, magazine ads and especially outdoor advertising! We don’t need another SMART banner beside yet another Globe banner in the same store advertising the availability of sim cards or pre-paid load availability.

SMART already has the power of direct marketing. If they want information shared to their subscribers, then they have the capability of sending whatever information directly to the cellular phones of their consumers without the need to become redundant through print ads, TV commercials or outdoor advertising. Now, if they have a new service or product to endorse that might need a bit of introduction – say SMART money – then perhaps that could be used. But still, all those services cannot be explained in a 30-seconder, or in a catchy newsprint ad. The best way to explain all that information is still in the form of step-by-step instructions, especially if their target market is the masses who cannot comprehend beyond the creativity of a 30-seconder ad.

Next, SMART is wasting away money on their celebrity endorsers. So what if Angel Locsin is the number one thing happening in the country? Her face on a SMART billboard won’t increase sales, or improve the image of SMART. Perhaps an Angel Locsin endorsement might be good for beauty products, but for a telecommunications provider – it just isn’t necessary.

I would rather SMART re-allocated their budget for advertising to developing other businesses or other services, or maybe even for a worthy charity beyond what they normally give out for charity.

For example, I would love for SMART to allocate a budget in the development of a world-class stadium that can perhaps host huge sporting events, such as the SMART Philippine Open Tennis Tournament, which could be part of the Men’s and Women’s ATP Tour, and have the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic play tennis at our shores. Or maybe be able to invite the likes of Real Madrid or Manchester United to have an exhibition match. Or maybe even have the Los Angeles Lakers go up against the Talk N’ Text Phone Pals.

I would also love for SMART to sponsor let’s say the Ati-Atihan Festival, but instead of spending their money on their collaterals, banner placements, billboards and video screens – to just cover the entire production cost of the Ati-Atihan Festival, and not even have a single SMART logo advertised on the site. SMART will just merely send a text message to their subscribers saying that the Ati-Atihan Festival is free for everyone, and that they will be feeding and giving out drinks to everyone who goes, and then when everyone goes there – they won’t even find a single SMART ad or logo advertised anywhere. Angel Locsin can perform, and everyone would know already who brought them the party without the need to say it over and over again on the PA system, or to have banners at every street post.

Or maybe SMART can invest their profits or re-allocate their advertising budget for other things like a desalination plant, or for alternative energy sources, which they can eventually use to power their telecommunications equipment scattered all over the country.

At a rate of say 1 peso per text message sent, and the millions that they can easily earn on a daily basis, SMART indeed has a lot of profit at their disposal. While it may take also millions of pesos for operating costs of all their infrastructure, spending for unnecessary advertising is just a waste of profit. There are other things of greater concern. Eventually, SMART shouldn’t be the one advertising, but should be the one controlling the advertising, especially for products who might want their brand marketed to the subscribers of SMART. A hard-sell text message everyday about a particular shampoo might be an annoyance for their subscribers, but then it’s a paid text message ad from the shampoo company, and hard-sell is what they do anyway when they put up billboards and daily newsprint ads. Change focus, change strategy. DON’T WASTE MONEY.

I seem to have gotten carried away, and still have more to say on this topic. Eventually, I would really like to back up this claim with actual figures on advertising expenses, or maybe give a real insight on the kind of numbers that can be played with by a giant company like SMART. I do understand that SMART has other programs that include community partnership in regards to developing education facilities in small towns, disaster relief and even helping out with environmental causes. But then, maybe a shift on focus and budget could be made for those projects even more.

In totality, it’s not just about SMART, or Globe, or Sun. Every company should really re-think their budget for advertising, especially with bigger companies who have a monopoly on the market industry they represent. Everyone would drink San Miguel Beer on a daily basis even if Manny Pacquiao didn’t endorse it. Everyone would drink Coke or Pepsi regardless of the well-thought of tagline by the ad companies who do their ads. And besides, if Coke was the drink available on the sari-sari store next to my house, then that’s what I’d buy. I am practical enough not to have to travel 3 blocks to the next sari-sari store just to show my loyalty to Pepsi. I’m sure I’ve driven the point across.

Anyway – I’m sure there are other smart things that SMART can do, and I don’t need to be the one to say it. But hey – I’m just sharing my two cents worth, and that’s not even the price of a text message.