PACman(FOCUS)

Manny “PacMan’’ Pacquiao(WBC International Super Featherweight Champion), the most phenomenal, charismatic boxer the Philippines had ever produced and probably the number 1 pound for pound pugilist in the world today. Through his matches his divided nation unites transcending political and social beliefs, giving him the moniker “Pambansang Kamao” (National Fist) and “People’s Champ”. His rise and fame came when he faced some of the world class Mexican fighters Marco Antonio Barrera,Juan Manuel Marquez and boxing hall of famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales and beating the latter twice thus making him one of the country’s pop icon.
This coming April 18, he will face an undefeated Mexican fighter Jorge Solis in San Antonio, Texas. Another bout in Pacquiao’s mind is whether he will enter another arena this time not a boxing but politics in his native land Gen.Santos City which he will run as a congressman facing the incumbent solon Darlene Antonino-Custodio.Whether he will enter the filthy and dirty world of politics, I think by this time he should focus on his forthcoming match and start training and should not underestimate his opponent though Solis may not be in his caliber as a fighter.
Political wise, Manny told the media that he wanted to run to help his countrymen. But in my personal opinion, with the money he acquired through his boxing career, record deals, TV and movie appearances and product endorsements he can surely serve not only the locals of the city but also the a national program for Philippine Boxing or sports in general even without gunning on a political position and also not giving in to the woos of some politicians. By this time I think “People’s Champ” should put his act together by starting to train not in the Philippines but overseas because there are a lot of distractions in his own country. With barely 40 days to go there is only very ample time to prepare against this upcoming unbeaten Latino fighter. And the bottom line is if Pacquiao wants to stay on top of his game and uniting the country whenever he fights inside the squared circle he should put his political aspiration aside ,fix his contract dispute with Oscar de la Joya's Golden Boy Promotions and Bob Arum's HBO and even stop endorsing political bets both on local and national level because sports and politics don’t jibe and stay away from other worldly distractions it will divide the people who look up to him or it will be the beginning of the end .Eventually political life can come later because he is still very young and at his prime. IMO

**On February 24, 2007 in Cebu City, Pacquiao, for the first time ever, was booed by thousands of spectators as his presence was acknowledged by the organizers of “The Battle of Cebu”, a WBO sanctioned boxing festival . **

Favorite HKG landmark.

photo taken by the author

The suspended or hanging bridge that connects Lantau Island(airport,Disneyland) and Hong Kong

Hong Kong-Lovin It

Nathan Road at night photo by the author

I considered this city as one of the cosmopolitan and diverse cities in Asia or I might say worldwide .A city of diversity bridging the culture of eastern and western influences without compromising its cultural uniqueness.
I’ve been in this part of Asia several times; it was in the early 90’s when I first visited this soil.
What I really like in this city besides its character is its peace and order, like you can roam around the city even in the wee hours of the morning or even sitting in a park without worrying about safety. The transportation system is efficient and fast, you can have access to London double-decker like buses, train (MTR/KCR), mini buses and even ferry (Star Ferry) just having the ever convenient Octopus Card (credit card like transport reloadable card) though riding a cab along the metropolis is a bit expensive but if you’re a real traveler one will settle for the local commute just keep a city map handy. Communication is hassle free as long you have a tri-band/open line mobile phone just buy a local pre-paid reloadable sim card and voila you’re ready to go. With regards to fashion sense every individual has his/her own style, you can wear anything as long as you can carry it well though they follow the Japanese/Shanghai’s latest. When you think of shopping this place is a haven from the posh brand name stores to buzzing busy and cheap street market name it they have it .My favorite shopping hang-out are the record stores namely HMV and HK record store the home of some hard to find CD’s and some local hobby and toy shops though most of the toys here are more of the Japanese and anime genre. Electronics and gadgets here are of multitudes just go to Sam Sui Po and the choices is enormous. The nightlife is very diverse you can spend it by going to some café’s, bars and restaurant. Bars in the famous LKF(Lan Kwai Fong) where it hosts a pretty eclectic crowd which consists of local,expats and tourists are more wholesome than in Wanchai’s girly bars.Food is multi-cultured if somebody wants to dine-out ,there are fine dining places ,fast food and even street joints. And if a tourist is on a skinny budget one can eat at the ever reliable tourist friendly Mcdonalds or some delicious authentic Hong Kong street food. But I’m fortunate enough to feast on my cousins and aunt’s home-style cooking because I stay in my uncle’s place whenever I visit the city. Every tourist should not miss some tourist spots like Disneyland, Ocean Park,Harbour City and Victoria Peak.
All I can say as I travel here multiple times that Hong Kong never ceases to amaze me as it constantly evolves into an ultra-modern world class city.I’m lovin it ,the culture ,the food ,the weather and of course my relatives as well as considering the city my second home.

Love month

As the end of February is fast approaching, let’s retrospect on the so called “LOVE” month. As far as my opinion goes this time of the year simply ends the cold winter time and starts the searing summer season. But nonetheless it also brings a vivid dimension in any individual’s loveliest some this month means “expensive” especially to those who are romantically inclined, due to the buying of those lavish bouquet of flowers and extravagant dinner. Some people love the month for it will bring good business and to others it’s just an ordinary part of the year. My whole idea of this is it’s a combination of those elements and it depends on a person’s circumstances.
And as far as my current situation ,I’m happy to have a very special inspiration and most of all I’m still hanging and clinging onto the “GREATEST GIFT “ that the our Heavenly Father had given me and that is my Christian faith. I always remember that His love is the greatest and no earthly love can ever match. For Him so love the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.