Mayweather-Pacquiao Fight in May 2012

Floyd Mayweather Jr. taunts anew Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao in his twitter, saying, "Manny Pacquiao I'm calling you out let's fight May 5th and give the world what they want to see".

Previous negotiations for this much-awaited boxing fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather have gone off following Mayweather's extraordinary conditions (blood test mesures, profit sharing, etc.).

It has become pretty annoying for Pretty Boy Floyd to once again bad-mouth and belittle the Pacman in his press releases, and so it is but rightful for us Filipinos to retaliate with his latest twitter challenge.

Let all Filipinos and boxing fans say, "Whatever, Floyd. Whatever!"

Manny Many Prizes, Manny Many Absents

Is Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao giving a disservice to his constituents?

Let's do the math.

In a recent record gathered from the Congress of the Philippines, Pacquiao placed 4th among congressmen with the most number of absences in the 15th Congress. Pacquiao had 26 absences out of the 70 regular sessions. (The list also revealed that Ang Galing Party-list Representative Mikey Arroyo has the most number of absences with 32-but that's another story).

It may be perceived that Pacquiao may have been absent due to his training for his bouts abroad (the latest with Mosley). However, it must also be noticed that aside from defending his boxing titles, Pacquiao is also busy with his commitments in showbiz.

Just last Saturday, July 16, Manny Pacquiao spearheaded GMA's newest Game Show entitled Manny Many Prizes where it is perceived by many that this must be GMA Network's shot to rival ABC 5 controversial host Willie Revillame's game show.

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Being your area's Representative in Congress doesn't only mean you distribute goods and do projects for your constituents. As the term implies, a Congressman should represent his domain on issues and discussion in Congress.

Apathy

• After several years of following up and commenting on the columns of The Filipino Voices, I feel the lack of interest in returning to their website simply because I found out that now, the site is only for (Selected) Filipino Voices only. They started to moderate people's comments and it seems to me that they only get to approve comments made by regular columnists. Thus, the common people's voices is not bothered anymore. Many thanks, and salute, though, goes to Nick of Tingog.com for putting up such an informative site. But then again, it's only for Selected Filipino Voices.


• Away-bati, away-bati, away-bati. C'mon, people! I've had enough of the Kris Aquino-James Yap story! I bet they'd reconcile, anyway.

• Even before the president-elect Noynoy Aquino assumes office on June 30, lots of leftist groups are already doing rallies at Times Street. Many politicians have ressurected (laos na dati, mabango na naman ngayon), various groups are giving unsolicited advise to the president-elect, many congressmen are jumping ship from one party to the Liberal Party (the latest of which is Congressman-elect Manny Pacquiao). Where is change? Or are we just back from the usual cycle of governance?

I hope I am mistaken.

Coming Soon

Folks, here are two of the important events that Filipinos will sure to watch out for this first half of 2010.


First is, of course, our pride Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao's match against welterweight Joshua Clottey on March 13 in Arlington, Texas.

The fight went about right after the highly-anticipated megabout between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. didn't push thru after failed negotiations from both parties.

Early on, Pacquiao is the heavy favorite over the virtually unknown but equally dangerous Clottey. But despite of this, Filipinos are still sure to cheer on and watch their favorite Filipino boxing icon floor down his opponent.

Immediately after the fight, Pacquiao's thoughts will immediately shift from sports to politics with the national elections coming in May 2010.

This brings us to our second important event- and that is the introduction of the Poll Automation on May.

Although the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) boasts that we will go into full automation, a lot of people are still apprehensive about it.

For one, the machines have not yet arrived. Smartmatic and Comelec has promised that the machines will arrive on February 2010 (this was originally scheduled to arrive on December 2009).

Political analysts see some problems regarding the Poll Automation:

1. Because the machines have not yet arrived, do officials still have time to inspect if the machines will work properly?

2. The teachers (who will officiate in the elections) were not yet oriented with the use of the machine; and/or with the new procedures on poll automation.

3. Most of the voters are still uneducated with the use of the machines- thus errors might happen during the election day. How do we fill up the form? What are we going to do if we want to change our votes (or can we still change our votes)? How do we submit the ballot in the machine, etc....

For these (and many other reasons), some people do have fear that there might be problems that will arise during the elections; or worse, failure of elections can occur in some areas.

But let us all hope that things will work out fine.

Above all, let us ensure to choose and vote only those people who deserve to be elected.

Alin Ang Naiba?

(photo credits here)

Kung mayroong isang personalidad na gusto mong alisin sa larawan, sino iyon, at bakit? Isulat ang inyong sagot sa comments portion sa ibaba.

Ako Mismo

Ako Mismo made waves since its controversial pilot advertisement at the height of the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton match on May 2, 2009.



The advertisement has become an instant hit, thanks to the famous celebrities endorsing the organization. With the likes of Ely Buendia, Angel Locsin, Luis Manzano, Chris Tiu and Arnel Padilla at the forefront of the advertisements, the audience can only speculate what this Ako Mismo organization is up to.

In fact, rumors surfaced that this could be a vehicle to launch ( PLDT and Smart Big Boss ) MVP's (Manny V. Pangilinan) launch to the Political Arena, since the advertisement is actually sponsored by Smart and PLDT.

The Ako Mismo website, however, denounced the speculations, saying that the organization's real advocacy is for the people to realize that change should start from each and everyone of us. We do not wait for the government or for the others to act. We should start and make change happen from within ourselves.


Come June of 2009, people who have added themselves as online members of the Ako Mismo organization, has received an important announcement:

On June 12, 2009, the AKO MISMO dog tags will be made available to the public for the very first time. The dog tags will be sold at P40 each; the proceeds of which will go to our beneficiary charity partners and to the socio-civic activities which we will be mounting nationwide.

It is such an important event for us that we declared it the AKO MISMO DOG TAG DAY which will be held at the Bonifacio Global City Open Field in Taguig City.


And yes, people actually flocked to the Bonifacio Global city on June 12 to participate in the event and of course, to get hold of the prized AKO MISMO DOG TAG.

Getting the Ako Mismo Dog Tag, however, does not come into handy. People who got their tags say you have to wait in long lines towards the selling booth. Before you are even allowed to purchase, you also have to state your own pledge of what you would do for the country, somewhat like: "Ako Mismo, tatawid sa tamang Tawiran", or, "Ako Mismo, maglilinis ng sariling bakuran".



With much disappointment, I found out lately that fake Ako Mismo Dog Tags are now being sold in almost every Metro Manila streets. Thus, you can find these fake tags being sold in Tiangge, on various MMDA Footbridge, and alongside those selling pirated VCDs and DVDs in the streets.

It is as if other people are saying: "Ako Mismo, magbebenta ng pirated at fake Dog Tags", and, "Ako Mismo, bibili ng pirata".

Getting A Filipino Citizenship

The Philippine Constitution of 1987 under Article IV enumerates the provisions in order to get a Filipino Citizenship:

Citizenship

Section 1. The following are citizens of the Philippines :

(1) Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of this Constitution;

(2) Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines ;

(3) Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority; and

(4) Those who are naturalized in accordance with law.

Section 2. Natural-born citizens are those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship. Those who elect Philippine citizenship in accordance with paragraph (3), Section 1 hereof shall be deemed natural-born citizens.

Section 3. Philippine citizenship may be lost or reacquired in the manner provided by law.

Section 4. Citizens of the Philippines who marry aliens shall retain their citizenship, unless by their act or omission they are deemed, under the law, to have renounced it.

Section 5. Dual allegiance of citizens is inimical to the national interest and shall be dealt with by law.



Now, this new House Resolution may outrule the above requirements. :D

Laguna Representative Edgar San Luis has filed House Resolution 1142, which seeks to confer honorary Philippine citizenship on Manny Pacquiao's trainor, Freddie Roach.

San Luis states,

”Behind Manny Pacquiao’s legendary boxing triumphs is his 49-year-old American coach Freddie Roach, who over the years has masterfully sharpened the skills of the Filipino boxing icon to become one of the greatest fighters in the history of the sport.”

Roach, who has been Pacquiao’s trainer-coach for years, “has equally shown his deep understanding of our people . . . that he has easily become a part of the local community without as much raising any negative issue.”

Buffer Endorses Pacquiao

It may have come unnoticed by many, but legendary Ring Announcer Michael Buffer, who is famous for his phrase "Let's Get Ready To Rumble", seemed to have endorsed Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's second entry into Politics.

During the Fighters' introduction on the Pacquiao-Hatton Match on May 2, Buffer introduced Pacquiao as the fighter "from Sarangani Province in the Philippines", instead of the many previous matches where Buffer refers to Pacquiao as the fighter "from General Santos City in the Philippines".

This added to the speculation that Pacquiao is indeed planning to run for a Congressional Seat or Mayor in the Sarangani Province on 2010. Further, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has received a petition from Pacquiao to accredit his Political Party, the "People's Champ Movement".

We will have to wait and see if and when Pacquiao formally submits his Certificate of Candidacy for the 2010 elections.

Huwag naman sana.

Pacquiao-Hatton Bout: I Lost. And I Won

Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton must have stayed longer lying in the canvass rather than fighting Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao on May 2, 2009 at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada.

The bout, scheduled for 12 rounds, ended abruptly during Round 2 when Pacquiao landed the deadly left hook on Hatton's face, bringing Hatton's body flat to the canvass.


3 days prior to the fight, a colleague suggested that we bet on who's going to win. Just for fun, all of us in the group decided to field in 20 bill each and bet on Pacquiao or Hatton. I placed my name for Pacquiao, however, seeing the list later that only 2 fielded for Hatton, and about 13 going for Pacquiao, I switched to Hatton just to make the betting more interesting. Another one followed on me, thereby sealing the bet at 12-4 for Pacquiao.

And so I lost the fun betting.

But I won as a Filipino.

Stories of triumph such as this should create a positive impact for the Filipino. We, just like Manny Pacquiao, can win battles. We, just like Pacquiao, can turn situations around and change the course of destiny for the Filipino.

Martin Sings The National Anthem: A Review

"Seems so near yet so far"


As if to use a part of his "You Are My Song" hit, the National Historical Institute comments that Martin Nievera sang the Lupang Hinirang wrong during the opening ceremonies of the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton's Battle of East and West bout in Las Vegas on May 2, 2009 (May 3 in the Philippines).

The 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, provides that "the rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.

Felipe composed in 1898 the anthem's music, which has the tune of a march. It was played during the proclamation of the country's independence from Spain at Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.

National Historical Institute Chairman Ambeth Ocampo said that Martin sang it wrong because he sang the first stanza softly and slowly, and he sang the last line with prolonged, high notes.

At any rate, this criticism is easily overshadowed by the sensational knockout win by Pacquiao over Ricky Hatton.


source: Inquirer.net

Pacquiao and The Swine Flu Virus

Isn't it just fit that Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao should be quarantined and examined for a possible infection of the Swine Flu Virus?

The virus was believed to have originated from Mexico, home of Pacquiao's former foes Marquez, Barrera, Morales, Diaz, etc.

Seriously now.

The bets begin to escalate as the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton bout nears. The bout, entitled, The Battle of East and West, is scheduled on May 2, 2009 (May 3 in the Philippines) at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada. For now, the bettors in Las Vegas still favor Pacquiao over Hatton at 2-1.

Aside from the bloody fight, Siyetehan expects:


• Low, or even zero Crime rate in the country during the fight.

• A lot of congressmen, senators and other politicians flying to Las Vegas to watch it live.

• GMA Network to capitalize on advertising.

• ABS-CBN to spoil GMA by announcing the winner even before the fight is finished at GMA network.

• people will comment on how Martin Nievera sings the National Anthem.

• Movie houses and other establishments to earn a lot for their live telecast via pay per view.

• Gloria to wait for the time when she will call Pacquiao to greet him on the phone while inside the ring (if Pacquiao wins).

• Atienza to organize a welcome parade (if Pacquiao wins).

• Politicians to flock inside the ring for a photo opt with Pacquiao (if Pacquiao wins).

• Chavit to earn more, or lose more, depending if Pacquaio wins or loses.

• And for the whole Philippines to stop and let their eyes glued on their television set watching and hoping that the Pinoy will once again triumph and beat the odds.

Suntukan Na Lang!

“Because of his insult-to-intelligence definition of servant, thinking he could sweet talk us Pinoys, I am not accepting his apology and still would like one round, just one round in the ring with him. I will forget but will not forgive"


-Roilo Golez on Hong Kong Columnist Chip Tsao who made a "racist remark" against Filipinos in his article "War at Home".


Pihadong daig pa nito ang suntukan ni Pacquiao at Hatton sa May 2.

Go Go Golez!

Kapuso, Kapamilya, Katawa-tawa

As if the ongoing dispute on who is number 1 is not yet enough, ABS-CBN and GMA find another reason to engage in word war over the recent issue involving the airing rights for the upcoming Pacquiao-Hatton bout (The Battle of East and West) on May 2, 2009 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.


On March 18, Manny Pacquiao announced in public that the Pacquiao-Hatton fight will be aired by ABS-CBN. Inside sources say that ABS-CBN allegedly offered Pacquiao full media support in the upcoming 2010 elections.

The announcement, however, put Pacquiao in a breach of his existing contract with Solar Sports and GMA, who were airing his previous fights. After a long meeting with Solar and GMA officials in Los Angeles, Pacquiao agreed on Saturday, to honor his contract with Solar Sports. This was officially announced on Monday, March 23, via a Press Conference organized by GMA and Solar.

As this develops, ABS-CBN said that they respect Pacquiao's decision to remain in terms with Solar Sports.

But the story did not end there. To keep the flame of issue burning, Pacquiao has released another remark that has again led to a new series of word battle.

Manny Pacquiao stressed out that he did not give his go-signal for ABS-CBN to air his footage announcing his controversial decision to rescind his live contract with Solar Entertainment Corp. to hook up with the network. In a phone patch from LA, the boxing superstar claimed he only agreed to do the video for ABS-CBN and issue the statement of transfer on condition they would only be made public if he were to find contractual violations on the part of Solar.

Pacquiao was also quoted as revealing that representatives of ABS-CBN were actually the ones who prepared his previous statement insisting that the fight would be shown in ABS-CBN.

ABS-CBN issued a statement that they were surprised by Pacquiao's announcement.

"We respond because [Pacquiao’s] charge strikes at our core values as a news organization: Honest reporting and respect for our sources.”

They further clarified that Pacquiao gave consent to air the video.

Isn't it that all Pacquiao had to do in this time is to focus on his fight with Hatton?

Doesn't Pacquiao has his lawyers to take care of Contract disputes?

Does he have PR persons who can issue statements instead of him flip-flopping his words in front of the media?

And for his sake, can people please, please, please, stop Pacquiao from joining Politics?!

As the Professional Heckler humorously puts it, "In a matter of days, Pacquiao became Kapuso, Kapamilya, and Katawa-tawa."