Sports Eye
Staying neutral again
By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.
AS you read this piece, the comeback fight of Filipino boxing icon former world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao against WBO (World Boxing Organization) titleholder Jessie Vargas may still be in progress or may already be over.
Nonetheless, I still think Pacman, turning 38 this coming December 17, is the heavy favorite, 8-1, against the 27-year-old garish but simpatico Chicano. Like in the past, my friends, relatives and media colleagues aware that I’m half-Mexican and half-Filipino, again offered to have a friendly bet with me again over a case of beer whether I pick a Mexican or a Pinoy. I repied with just a simper to impress upon them that I stay neutral.
Admittedly, I was again divided. My mind says for Pacquiao but my heart points to a Vargas victory. But whoever prevails on November 6, I feel it will still be my victory. Unfortunately, I will not be able to watch the fight live on TV because I will be travelling to Subic Bay on November 6 with my only cycling child Jazy to personally watch the Ronda Pilipinas bikathon first elimination race. Cycling is still my number one sport, boxing only second. I don’t want to miss this opportunity to be up close at the race.
Unknown to many perhaps, I graduated at the Jackson High School (now called Olongapo City National High School) and I still have some relatives, friends and co-cyclists there. I will have the story for our cycling fans in my next column. I wish and hope our local bets will finish impressively to be able to join the 12-day 2017 Ronda slated to commence on February 4 in Vigan City. Siya nawa.
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I consider a beauty pageant a sport as well because all of the contestants in these beauty contests (Miss Universe, Miss, International, Miss World, Miss Earth) are in it to outdo each other. Notably, many of the participants were into athletics, doing aerobics, zumba, calisthenics, jogging, dancing, to name some.
And last October 29 and like in the past, I watched the coronation night of the 16th edition of the Philippines-based Miss Earth held at Mall of Asia in Pasay City on TV. Unfortunately, our national bet Filipino-German Imelda Schweighart failed to make it even to the top 16 cut. Last year our Philippine representative, Filipino-Chinese Angela Ong wrested the title.
I was also impressed to see four of the 83 contestants from different nations were from Latin countries, headed by this year’s winner, Katherine Elizabeth Espin of Ecuador. It was Ecuador’s second crown after 2011. Colombian lass Michelle Gomez came in a close second while dominant country Venezuela (seven Miss Universe, seven Miss International, six Miss World, two Miss Earth) placed third and Brazil (crediting two Miss Universe, two Miss Earth, one Miss World and Miss International crowns, finished fourth. It was fun as always to watch an international beauty pageant.
If truth be told, pageants make me feel young. Yes!
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My sincere condolences to the families of the Velascos of Bonuan Gueset for losing their loving mother Aurora, 89, last Thursday due to lingering illness. One of the sons of Nana Aurora, JunV, is a close and great friend of mine, my best tutor in journalism writing. May she rest in peace.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: And Jesus Christ said, “You will be betrayed even by parents, and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. By your patience possess your souls.” LUKE 21: 16-19.
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