Big start by GenSan, Zamboanga bets

LANAO DEL NORTE—Working at the banana plantations of Bukidnon province has kept this long-distance runner in tip-top shape despite missing competition for quite some time.

Vincent Neri took time off from his chores in Malaybalay to rule the boys’ 5,000-meter run and earn the distinction of clinching the first gold medal of the 3rd Philippine Olympic Festival Mindanao qualifying games here.

A part-time banana carrier employed by multinational firm Dole, the 17-year-old Neri clocked 17 minutes and 10.41 seconds to seize the gold at the expense of Zamboanga’s Glenn Arellano, who timed 17:11.78, and Eduardo Padial of Agusan Del Sur, who clocked 17:13.56.

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Penalosa's 2nd title defense to be held in Cebu

Gerry "Fearless" Peñalosa the WBO bantamweight king is set to defend his title against Mexican Isidro "El Chino" Garcia on July 19 or 26 on Cebu City.

The undercard will also feature Oscar "Cholo" Larios of Mexico in his comeback fight against Indonesia's Alexander Bajawa.

Also the unbeaten pinoy WBO Oriental superbantam champ Ciso Morales will be squaring against Hussein Pazzi of Tanzania.

Peñalosa's last fight was against Thailand's Ratanachai Sor Vorapin, stopping the Thai in eight rounds.

Yesterday while I was going thru Manny Pacquiao's website I stumbled on a thread indicating Penalosa's plan on retiring in boxing, geez I hope he fights Daniel Ponce de Leon for the last time, because I truly believe that de Leon's victory against Penalosa is not convincing.

Philippines first swim-for-a-cause event raised Php 5 million

The Philippines first swim-for-a-cause event "The Olango Swim Challenge" which was held last May 10 was able to raise Php 5 million for the rehabilitation of the Olango Island, an internationally-protected bird sanctuary in Cebu.

Around 80 swimmers including Akiko Thompson joined the event, cross channeling the waters of Gilutongan Channel which separated Mactan and Olango Island.

Special thanks to Philippine Amateur Swimming Association and Philippine Business for Social Progress for making this event possible.

Hoping that this kind of event would be held regularly so that other islands would also benefit the community based projects by countries top companies.

Bata Reyes book in the works

Efren "Bata" Reyes the greatest and the most written-about billiard player in history is now setting his sights in books.

For three decades since 1978 he has occupied the center stage of premiere billiard competition. His victories and losses are witness by some of our fellow kababayan. But what makes Bata very special is that the way he treat losses.

He is a very admirable loser, meekly smiliing and shaking his head and saying " Talagang ganyan. Hindi palaging panalo (It’s a fact, you can’t win them all).”

Hailed as one of the Asian Heroes in the 60th anniversary issue of Time Asia (Nov. 13, 2006). On that issue, Bata is joined by former President Corazon C. Aquino, and late Hong Kong martial arts sensation Bruce Lee.

Indeed, Bata gain the respect of everyone, and having a piece of this book i my way of saying to bata " Salamat! " .

Lets support the debut of a Fil-Am Fighter

Ian Mauleon is a Fil-Am super middle weight boxer will debut on May 23, 2008 at Montebello CA.

He started his campaign as an amateur boxer way back in 1994. Oyertime, his record is 49 wins and 7 losses. His last amateur fight was in May 2007, where he lost a close fight during the US Olympic Trials in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mauleon will be pitted against Thomas Rittenbaugh whose record stands at 2-2-2, not a bad competition for a debut fight.

Lets support out kababayan on his quest for boxing supremacy. For tickets please contact Ramon at 213-926-1885 or John at 818-795-7084