Taunted

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

I WAS teased again during the world title fights of our five Filipino boxers against the Latinos last February 14. Understandably so as the brawl dubbed as ‘Pinoy Power 3“ featured Filipinos versus Mexicans and Puerto Ricans. It was convincing victories for the three Filipinos headed by world champion Nonito Donaire Jr. who retained his World Boxing Association (WBA) interim super flyweight title by kayoing Chicano Manuel Vargas in the third round. Bernabe Concepcion gathered a unanimous verdict against Puerto Rican Manuel Santiago while Mark Melligen had a technical knockout victory over American-Mexican Raymond Gatica in the sixth round.

It was so sad that the aging Gerry Penalosa lost via split decision against former world champion Eric Morel of Puerto Rico while the puerile Ciso Morales suffered a humiliating defeat in the first round scored by Mexican Fernando Montiel.

As I had expected I was taunted again by my friends for being half-Mexican and half- Filipino. Yet, my advantage is I will never be a loser whenever a Mexicans and a Filipino clash (which is the trend now in world boxing). Now think about that.

* * *

The basketball tourney for colleges in Dagupan City with six teams participating was a huge success. While I was not there during all the games (due to some important cycling appointments) that started on December and concluded on February, I was there during the opening ceremony that Mayor Al Fernandez and Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez attended. I was also there during the first game of the finals between PAMMA and AIE and their third and final encounter. With the event’s success, organizers (headed by Renato “Jack” Vidal, Angel Gumarang, Manny Gatchalian and Seato Gonimil) are planning to hold another tourney with a similar format but this time as an inter-commercial or inter-secondary school competition. According to Vidal and Gumarang, it’s tentatively scheduled this summer.

Carry on with the good work guys, we, the sports aficionados are behind you.

* * *

Kudos to our local cyclists who topped the first tryout for the Philippine national team held on February 15. Bicol son and Pitaki Boyz member Irish Valenzuela topped the road race event with 2007 Padyak Pinoy runner-up Baler Ravina of Asingan coming in second, while San Fabian-born but now Mangaldan-resident Sherwin Carrera finished third. 2009 Padyak Pinoy titlist Joel Calderon of Guimba Nueva Ecija landed fourth while Renato Sembrano of Mangaldan and 2009 Tour of Luzon king John Mark Guevara of Manila finished fifth and sixth, respectively.

If plans don’t miscarry due to the endless feud of our cycling leaders, the six have the big edge among other cyclists to become members of the national squad and will train for this year’s Asian Games slated on November 12 -21 in Guangzhou, China. They will be trained under the UCI Phil Cycling wing of Tagaytay City Mayor Bambol Tolentino.

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments