May 10, 2009 is the 112th Death Anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio, National Hero of the Philippines — Does the National Historical Institute Care?

10 May 2009

Today, May 10, 2009 is the 112th death anniversary of Andres Bonifacio.  

The National Historical Institute (NHI) is the government agency tasked with protecting our cultural heritage and that includes national monuments such as the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City, also fondly known simply as the Monumento.

This is the link to the full NHI Guidelines on Monuments Honoring National Heroes:

I will quote here excerpts from the NHI's guidelines and show pictures of the Monumento for us to find out whether the NHI follows its own guidelines:

GUIDELINE

Monuments and memorials must, therefore, be treated as sacred or hallowed grounds andaccorded with the same full reverence as we have for the Philippine Flag. Any form of desecration against the monument, such as squatting, graffiti andimproper advertising commercialism shall not be allowed. (NHI Guidelines, Section 1, Definitions. Paragraph 4)

REALITY

GUIDELINE

Maintain a simple and unobstructed landscape development. Commercial billboards should not proliferate in a town center where a dominant monument is situated. (NHI Guidelines, Section 2, Definitions. Paragraph 4.2)

REALITY

This is what the National Historical Institute (NHI) website has to say about May 10:

If we zoom in on the relevant portion, this is what the NHI is saying:

That's right!  "10 May ... No Today in History events were found."

After coming out in force against performing artist Martin Nievera for alleged improper rendition of the national anthem before the Manny Pacquiao - Ricky Hatton boxing championship bout in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, what should officials of  the National Historical Institute (NHI) do regarding the Monumento? What is in their hearts and minds right now?  In fairness to Martin Nievera, I don't think anyone can say that he did not give his heart out in singing Lupang Hinirang in the Pacquiao-Hatton bout.

I believe NHI Chairman Ambeth Ocampo and the other Commissioners of the NHI owe all Filipinos an explanation as to why they are allowing the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City to be treated in this manner.

Perhaps the question equally important is: What are we, who call ourselves Filipinos, going to do about this?  Close our eyes and do nothing and be proud about it?!  

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Manny Pacquiao Mobbed by Fans Upon Returning Home Despite H1N1 Flu Virus Warnings

8 May 2009

A determined Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao landed safely in Manila via Philippine Airlines PR Flight 113 at 6:50am today and was met by three of his children whom he lovingly kissed and hugged. Team Pacquiao had been advised by no less than DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III to postpone his homecoming to ensure that he will not contribute to the H1N1 problem here.

But Pacquiao who stopped the British "Hitman" Ricky Hatton cold on May 3 (Philippine time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, USA would not be deterred by what he believed were unfounded fears.   

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

"I'm so happy because there's a lot of people coming here this morning to welcome me," said Manny Pacquiao at the airport. 

From the airport, Team Pacquiao proceeded to the Renaissance Hotel where he was mobbed by fans.  The hotel gifted Manny with a small dog which he promptly dubbed "Pacgirl."  It is the same breed as that of his other dog named, "Pacman."  Manny said that he asked for and got "Pacman" as a gift during his fight with Oscar Dela Hoya.

While at the Renaissance, Igan Arnold Clavio interviewed Manny and Jinkee.  Before the interview, Igan showed the couple a Mother's Day presentation.  The presentation started with Celebrity Mom Dionisia Pacquiao doing some boxing routines.  It was said said that at one time, Mommy Pacquiao wanted Manny to become a priest.  

"Mommy is nice and she takes care of us all the time," said one of the Pacquiao boys while the other one said, "We hug her and we kiss her."  "I love you Mommy, Happy Mother's Day," chorused the boys.

"Saludo ako bilang asawa, saludo ako sa pagiging matatag ng asawa ko."  Manny's were the last words in the presentation which was obviously a surprise to Jinkee.

 

By this time, Jinkee was already crying.

"Ano'ng mensahe mo kay Jinkee, Manny?" asked Igan.

"Napaiyak, napaiyak mo si Jinkee." replied Manny, smiling.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Around 10:00a.m., Manny arrived at the Quiapo Church, a spiritual tradition that has marked every recent Pacquiao fight.  Here as well, Manny was mobbed by his adoring fans.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

I'm watching Balitanghali  as I write (12:11pm, Manila time) and they're showing how GMA 7 accompanied Team Pacquiao from L.A. to Manila. At the start of the trip, Manny was served his favorite noodle by the PAL stewardess who normally serves him on his flights to and from the U.S.  At the stopover in Guam, he was served oatmeal and pandesal.

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Celebrating Manny Pacquiao's Sensational Victory Over Ricky Hatton in Video Clips

3 May 2009

These GMAnews.tv video clips tell the multi-faceted story of Manny Pacquiao's fight with and sensational victory over Ricky Hatton.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV 

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

These are the ones from ABS-CBN via kyte.tv:

Mabuhay ang Pinoy!  

And as Manny Pacquiao himself gave God the credit for his victory, let us shout,

Mabuhay ang Panginoon!

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Pinoys Worldwide Celebrate Pacquiao KO of Hatton as 92 Million Pinoys at Home Wait for Delayed Telecast

3 May 2009 1:27pm

Filipinos around the world have started celebrating Manny Pacquiao's smashing knockout victory over Ricky Hatton in the second round of their bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.  

This is so even as the majority of 92 million Filipinos await their chance to see via much-delayed telecast over GMA 7 the abbreviated match which shocked the entire world, but none more so than Ricky Hatton's British fans who got to see their idol lying flat on his back after running smack into Pacquiao's powerful left hand.

It's 1:35pm, Manila time and Channel 7 appears to be juicing this one to the dried pulp as it runs ads after ads in between rounds. The much-vaunted Humberto Sotto is squaring off against Benoit Gaudet.  It's now Round 9.  It's now 1:37pm Manila time and the delayed telecast shows Sotto has just finished Gaudet, 36 seconds remaining in the ninth round.

Pacquiao's victory is a watershed in the history of boxing.  Boxing experts will have to recalibrate their list of the ten (10) greatest fighters in boxing history.

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Pacquiao - Hatton Live Blog Starting 11:36AM May 3 Manila Time

3 May 2009

Pacquiao - Hatton 

Round 1

Hatton drops twice in the first round.  This early he is in trouble.

Round 2 (11:41am)

It's over 11:43am.  It's over.  Manny Pacquiao knocks out Ricky Hatton in the second round.

"It's impossible," said the announcer.

"It's unbelievable.  Time Magazine has ranked him one of the 100 most influential persons in the world."  (11:50am).

"The winner by TKO in the second round ... the light welterweight champion of the world.  The best in the world, Manny Pacman Pacquiao" (Michael Buffer, 11:47).

This is what the announcers are saying:

"You are looking at greatness," (11:47am).

"Top 5 greatest in any division."  (11:48am)

"Why not Klitschko next?" (11:49am).

"Hatton cannot be considered in the elite level anymore." (11:51am)

rollyocampo's thoughts right now (11:51am) - Floyd Mayweather, Sr. has just eaten some of his words in 24/7:  "Amateur ... no skills," referring to Manny Pacquiao.  An amateur with no skills knocking out Ricky Hatton!  Whoa!  

"You ended it with your patented left hook," (announcer, 11:53am).

"He's strong ... but I focused on the fight and careful not to get hit," (Pacquiao, 11:54am).

"He's a lesson for everybody ... and they don't learn anymore.  Manny keeps learning and getting better .. and not to forget God (with Manny urging him to say it, in 24/7 Manny said that his victory will depend on God's will) ... The greatest boxer who ever lived."  (Bob Arum, 11:57am).

"What happened to him?" speaking of Ricky Hatton. "Manny Pacquiao happened to him." (announcer 11:58 am).

My heart goes out to the gallant Brit Ricky Hatton. I hope he's able to make a comeback.  

Next stop, Pacquiao - Mayweather mega bout!

 

From Manila, Philippines signing off (11:59am).

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Hatton and Marquez Won't Spoil History's Richest Mega Bout — Pacquiao vs Mayweather

3 May 2009

Just a quick thought.  Ricky Hatton will be fighting Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas in a few minutes (actually Martin Nievera has just sang Lupang Hinirang, the Philippine national anthem and Tom Jones has just now finished singing the British national anthem, God Save the Queen followed by Jasmine Villegas with the Star-Spangled Banner of the US, the time in the Philippines, 11:22 am, May 3, Manila time) and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. will face Juan Manuel Marquez in July this year.  My bet:  the Briton and the Mexican won't spoil a Pacquiao - Mayweather faceoff which will become history's richest mega bout.  

Pacquiao - Mayweather stand to rank along with some of history's biggest boxing duels like Ali vs Frazier (New York, USA, 1971) Leonard vs Duran (Montreal, Canada 1976), Ali vs. Foreman (Kinshasa, Zaire, 1978), Leonard vs Hearns, Leonard vs Hagler.  At least these are the ones I've personally seen.  I'll try to get the dates and places right.  Got to follow the Pacquiao - Hatton fight.  Hatton is approaching the ring to music bearing his name (11:28am).

"Let's get ready to rumble ... (11:33am)."

Michael Buffer announces Manny Pacquiao as "the best fighter in the world. (11:35am)."

 

You're right. Sugar Ray Leonard is my favorite best pound-for-pound boxer of all time.

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