Manny Pacquiao on Floyd Mayweather, Jr. — "He's Good But Not That Good ... Mas Gusto Kong Kalaban 'Yung Maraming Sinasabi!"

28 May 2009

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has confirmed that his next fight will be on October 17.  There are many fighters who want to face Pacquiao but he prefers to fight Floyd Mayweather, Jr. 

"Mas ok nga kung si Floyd Mayweather ... gusto ko nga yung maraming sinasabi," said Pacquiao of his desire to face the former  pound-for-pound king who's been drumbeating his own skills while belittling Pacquiao's fighting record.

Here is Dyan Castillejo's interview with the Pacman courtesy of ABS-CBN Sports via kyte.tv:

 

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"Without God, I'm Not Manny Pacquiao" — Andrew Stevens of CNN Interviews Manny Pacquiao One-on-One

13 May 2009

Andrew Stevens of CNN caught up with Manny Pacquiao face-to-face, one-on-one on the day of the latter's arrival in Manila in this rare close-up interview.  

Hear Manny Pacquiao express his faith, the secret of his unbelievable success, when he says, "Without God I'm not Manny Pacquiao or we're not here in this world.  We have to ... thank God for everything that He give us... We have to believe God one hundred percent."

This is the link to Andrew Stevens' interview with Manny Pacquiao on their way to the thanksgiving mass at Quiapo Church. 

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My Notes on the ANC Leadership Forum, May 11, 2009

11 May 2009 9:10 pm

I arrived home from work in time to catch what was left of the ANC Leadership Forum aired live at ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel). The ANC Leadership Forum, held at the Loyola campus of the Ateneo de Manila University, was hosted by Tina Monzon-Palma and Ricky Carandang. 

The presidentiables who attended the forum are Senator Chiz Escudero, Senator Richard Gordon, Governor Ed Panlilio, Senator Mar Roxas and Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.  

I took these notes, obviously incomplete  and probably containing some inaccuracies, which is my fault alone:

Question - Will you form a coalition with Manny Pacquiao's political party?

Gordon: Yes.

Panlilio: Yes, if people with him adopt principles of good governance.

Roxas: He should remain a symbol of unity, an idol of the youth.

Teodoro: Yes, he is very much welcome ... he has good drawing power.

Escudero: Yes, 'wag n'ya lang isama yung pinuntahan n'ya kanina sa Malacañang ...

Question - What was the last book you read or the last movie you've seen?

Panlilio  :  Book: Leadership Secrets of St. Paul

Roxas  :  Book: 1776 about the American Revolution

Teodoro  :  Book: Power and Prosperity, about rewards and incentives; Movie: John Adams, about the second President of the United States

Escudero:  Book:  Dinner with a Perfect Stranger;  Movie: Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo

Gordon   :  Book:  Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama; Movie: We are Marshals

Question:  Will you support an investigation of the Arroyo family for corruption allegations?

Roxas  :  Yes.  NBN-ZTE, fertilizer scam ... etc.

Teodoro  :  Walang makakapara n'yan.  Ngunit kung ito'y haka-haka ... political harassment, tutulungan ko ang aking Pangulo.  Secretary Teodoro is runaway winner of  the Most Loyal to GMA Award.

Escudero :  Yes.  Dapat panagutin s'ya sa mga pagkakamali at paglabag sa batas na ginawa n'ya.

Gordon  :  Kung magpa-file ng kaso, dapat i-file.  Hindi dapat haka-haka, hindi kuro-kuro.

Panlilio  :  We must be a nation of laws ... dapat lang magkaroon ng prosecution dito.  Let the law and justice take its course.  Hindi lang sa gobyerno ... kahit sa private sector at mga simbahan ... may corruption.

Question :  What are the positive contributions of the Arroyo administration?

Teodoro  :  Maraming positive, 7.3 pct GDP growth ... etc.

Escudero :  Isa lang para sa 'kin.  Dahil sa ilang paglabag sa batas ... at hirap na dinaranas ng ating mga kababayan ... Ginalit n'ya ang maraming Pilipino ... para makilahok sa susunod na halalan.  This is the most creative answer of the night. Expect bright answers like this from Senator Chiz no matter what position he eventually runs for in 2010.

Gordon   :  Transaction sa lahat ng mga Congressman.  Kapag naging Presidente, wala na dapat kaibigan ... truth palagi hindi lies.  But she has work ethic ... Kulang sa suheto sa mga nakapaligid.

Panlilio  :  When I first read this question, hindi ako makatulog.  Nag-provide siya ng transition nung mabakante ang presidency.  Sa environment, pinirmahan n'ya agad yung zero waste management law nung 2001 and last year yung R.A. on renewable energy... kung ii-implement n'ya ito is a different matter altogether.  What is often lacking is the political will to implement these programs.

Roxas  :  Ang isang mabuting nagawa ni Pangulong Arroyo ... inappoint n'ya kong DTI Secretary.  Sinuportahan n'ya ko nung nilabanan ko ang pharmaceutical cartel ... sinimulan ko yung IT BPO call center space ... gumawa kami ng strategic plan ... nilabanan ko yung cement cartel. This was the best self-promo campaign of the night.     

Question :  Who do you admire the most, living or dead?

Escudero :  Walang iisa ... piliin yung magagandang qualities sa lahat ng tao

Gordon  :  My father ... an American who became Filipino and raised his children as Filipinos.  This was the most emotional moment of the night as Senator Gordon fought back tears while reminiscing about his late father.

Panlilio  :  Andres Bonifacio, Tarik Soliman, Jose Abad Santos.  He related how then Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos, seeing his son crying, told him:  "Don't cry. Not everyone is given the opportunity to die for his country." (Abad Santos was executed by the Japanese in 1942 for his refusal to render the oath of allegiance to the Japanese Empire.) I rate this the most patriotic answer of the forum especially given the way Among Ed delivered it. Any Filipino who makes positive mention of Andres Bonifacio and reflects proudly on Jose Abad Santos' now-forgotten sacrifice  in the same sentence must have within him beating a patriot's heart. I looked up Tarik Soliman and it turns out he's a Capampangan who fought in the Battle of Bangkusay.   

Roxas  :  among the living, Cory Aquino;  among the dead, his father, Gerry Roxas

Teodoro  :  Rizal, Bonifacio, Marine soldier ...

After this, the would-be candidates gave their one minute closing messages.

My position remains the same, issues are more important than personalities.  It's too early to pick a presidential bet just yet. Let's ask them, from where they are, from whatever public position they occupy, to SPEAK OUT and WORK NOW on the issues that can improve our lives and secure a better future for the Philippines.  

Take the case of Senator Mar Roxas, for example.  I have two posts concerning him regarding tuition fee increases and has actually emailed him on one of them at mar@marroxas.com, without receiving any reply so far.  These posts are:

Let's Encourage Senator Mar Roxas to Make a Clear, Principled Stand on the Issue of Tuition Fee Increases (Lalaban Tayo!)

Let's Urge Sen. Mar Roxas to Act Quickly On Two (2) Tuition Fee-Related Resolutions Filed by Sen. Manny Villar (Ngayon Na, Now Na!)

Now, Senator Mar Roxas has done many things for this country especially in the ongoing investigation of the Legacy scam and I have given him credit whenever he deserves it, for example, in this post:  The Senate Resolution that Won Back Custody Over Jun Lozada, SRN-1049 (Adopted Resolution No. 172), Filed by Senator Mar Roxas.

But he should really work on the issue of tuition fee and state his position clearly if he is to maintain his credibility. Napaka-importante po nito para hindi niya pansinin. This issue belongs to what should be his "core advocacies" because he is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture.  Siya po dapat ang unang pumapadyak sa isyung ito. Hindi ko po siya kukulitin dito kung wala siyang pwede o DAPAT na gawin.  You can email Senator Mar Roxas at mar@marroxas.com and this is the Official Mar Roxas website.

The same principle goes for all of these aspiring presidentiables, not just Mar Roxas.  

I'll appreciate it a lot if you can give me guidance or share with me your thoughts on this matter.  

 

For more on the issues over personality paradigm, here's my post dated March 30, 2009,  2010 Presidential Campaign Issues. 

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Andrew Stevens of CNN Is Covering the National Day of Celebration for Manny Pacquiao in Manila

11 May 2009    8:27am

CNN's Kristie Lou Stout has just finished a telephone conversation with Andrew Stevens who is reporting about the Pacman motorcade in Manila and the National Day of Celebration for Manny Pacquiao.  Kristie asked Andrew about what he thought of Manny Pacquiao and Andrew answered by saying something to the effect that, "Manny is just that. He's somebody who comes across as a humble and straightforward man." Somebody who came from a very poor background but has high ambitions for himself and his family.  The is the link to the video clip showing Andrew interviewing Manny for CNN:

A little while before that, GMA-7 covered Manny's visit to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Compound in Quezon City. It has been customary for Manny Pacquiao to have his victory parade coordinated by one of his foremost supporters, DENR Secretary Lito Atienza, who used to be Mayor of Manila.

A few moments ago, Adrian Ayalin of ABS-CBN reported that the motorcade for Manny Pacquiao which will take him to various areas in Quezon City, Manila and Makati has already started.   

Below are video clips from GMAnews.tv showing preparations for the Manny Pacquiao motorcade.  

In the first report by Steve Dailisan, Manny Pacquiao is shown at Channel 7's TV Program SOP saying jokingly that in his next fight, because of the controversy triggered by Martin Nievera's rendition of Lupang Hinirang that he'll be the one to sing the national anthem "Kakanta muna 'ko naka barong ako, pagkatapos ng kanta ko time out muna." This prompted laughter from the audience including Regine Velasquez.  Manny continued, "Sakali ako ang kumanta, malay n'yo, naka-gloves na 'ko tapos kumakanta ako dun, 'Bayang Magiliw ...' Wala naman sa batas yung ang boksingero kakanta."  To which SOP hosts Janno Gibbs and Ogie Alcasid replied, "Wala, wala!"

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

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

More on Manny Pacquiao when I return.

 

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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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