MANNY PACQUIAO WINS - MABUHAY!

http://msn.foxsports.com/boxing/story/7918842/Pacquiao-Marquez-an-electric-battle-to-the-end

Pacquiao-Marquez an electric battle to the end
by SAMMY ROZENBERG, BoxingScene.com

We waited four long years and it finally happened. The rematch was well worth the wait. In 2004, Juan Manuel Marquez survived three knockdowns in the first-round to box his way to a draw with Manny Pacquiao.

On Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Pacquiao (47-3, 35 KOs) won a close split decision over Marquez (48-5, 35 KOs) to win the WBC super featherweight title. The scores were 115-112 Marquez, 115-112 Pacquiao and 114-113 for Pacquiao.

The rematch lived up to the hype and had just as much drama as the first meeting. Marquez came out boxing for the first two rounds and stunned Pacquiao at the end of the second.
In the third, Pacquiao unloaded with a hard left that would send Marquez down. At that point the war began, with both combatants trading some heavy leather as Pacquiao went for the finish. The drama continued to unravel for the next few rounds as Marquez obliged Pacquiao by standing his ground to trade power punches.

A clash of heads in the seventh opened up a cut outside the right eye of Marquez. The tide would change once again in the eighth, as an inside right hand opened up a bad cut on the right eyelid of Pacquiao. The cut bothered Pacquiao and impaired his vision. Marquez would take advantage by unloading with combinations and right hands to the head to once again shift the momentum of the fight. Both were battered, bleeding and bruised by the 10th.

The fight was on the table going into the 12th and final round. Marquez began to connect with numerous combinations on a tired Pacquiao, who was unable return fire with his counters. The crowd stood up as they continued to trade in the closing moments of the fight. At the end of the day, the knockdown in the third won the fight for Pacquiao. Marquez feels he was robbed of a win.

"I won the fight. It was the wrong decision. One knockdown is not an entire fight," Marquez said.
According to the plan for the last few months, Pacquiao is set to fight WBC lightweight champion David Diaz, who won a non-title bout on the undercard, this summer. Diaz is not going to be a pushover for Pacquiao. He's a big, strong lightweight. He lacks one-punch knockout power, but he uses his big frame to physically impose his will on opponents.

He possesses a sneaky defense and picks off a lot of the punches that opponents throw in his direction. He showed in his winning effort with Jose Armando Santa Cruz that he's able to change the direction of a fight with a single punch.

The year-end opponent, should Pacquiao get by Diaz, is up in the air. One mega-name that everyone involved has mentioned is Ricky Hatton. HBO, Top Rank and Hatton's handlers want the fight.

A fight with Hatton would require another jump in weight to the junior-welterweight limit of 140 pounds. Hatton would also need to beat his comeback opponent on May 24, Juan Lazcano. There are many in the sport who feel that Hatton, although he's only five pounds north, is too big and too strong for Pacquiao, who weighed 106 pounds for his ring debut in 1995.

Manny Pacquiao could be eyeing Ricky Hatton after Pacquiao's next fight. (Isaac Brekken / Associated Press)

Another name mentioned has been newly crowned WBO/IBF/WBA lightweight champ Nate Campbell. If Pacquiao beats Diaz, a bout with Campbell would be for the undisputed lightweight title. If Campbell shows up in the same fashion he did in his big upset win over Juan Diaz last weekend in Cancun, Pacquiao will have his hands full.

With Pacquiao moving up in weight, Marquez would become the top fighter in the super featherweight division. He will probably find himself in a fight for the vacant WBC title that Pacquiao will leave behind.

BAGUIO DAY 1

In the bus with my boys. They were quite behaved during the trip and maybe because they lacked sleep, they slept during most of the 6-hour ride.



In our temporary Baguio home. I loved the coziness of the place. It was also so clean and well-maintained. There were 2 bedrooms, a toilet and bath, water dispenser, a ref, and a kitchen. It was very homey. They even provided us with cleaning solutions for the bathroom, dishwashing liquid, pots and pans and plates and utensils. We were fortunate to stay in this lovely place. It's located in Greenwater Village, which is relatively near the bus terminal, the mall and Camp John Hay (where dad had his tournament).

We arrived in Baguio at 10:30am and after unloading our things in our place, we headed for SM City Baguio to have lunch. It is of course, dad's first time there and he admired the architecture.



After the trip to the mall, we went to Baguio Cathedral to hear mass. The boys and I had to stay near the courtyard because the church was full and Ethan got restless because of all the people. (He's biting his nails in this photo! What a horrid habit!) =D

AM BACK - FINALLY!

Oh my gosh! It seems like forever since I last blogged!! It feels so good to be back. I tried to log in last Friday but I couldn't get through to Blogger. Must be something wrong with the connection or something. Anyway, it's just great to finally keep in touch with you again! =D

I have mixed feelings about our trip. As much as I would love to gush that it went wonderfully, it didn’t quite turn out that way. Firstly, there was my dad’s golf tournament. We had to work our days around his 3-day schedule. Since we originally planned to go to the places we haven’t seen last year, it would be terrible of us to go around without dad in tow. Then, there was the dampening rains. It just ruined our planned visits to places of interest and as much as I would love to prance and frolic in the rain, I just did not want my boys to catch a cold (or pneumonia for that matter). Also, there were those trips and schedules that just went awry. Like when we passed by Aguinaldo Shrine, we were shocked to see tall grasses and graffiti all around and over it and to find the museum nearby closed for the day (even if it was only 2pm and was a weekday). Also, we were supposed to go strawberry picking but wouldn't you know, La Trinidad needed all those strawberries for their festival? They are planning to make this huge strawberry shortcake or something. So, that didn’t work too well for us. On the plus side however, we did love the place where we stayed. It was a bit out of the way but was cozy and perfect for us. The people living there were so accommodating and friendly. I also enjoyed cooking for my parents which I very rarely do when I am in Zamboanga, not because I don’t want to but because mom usually has the whole week’s menu already planned out and marketed. Also, mom and dad loved the fruits and vegetables in Baguio. Mommy especially loved the seedless oranges and the lettuce and carrots. Daddy loved the marinated bangus and of course, the peanut brittle. We also got to have lunch at Rose Bowl. That’s the place we stayed years ago when my siblings and I were very little. So it was like a trip down memory lane for Daddy because he hasn’t been to Baguio for more than 20 years I think! Anyway, we had a really nice lunch there and Mommy loved the pancit. So yeah, I had fun with that little trip. We also got to see Tam-Awan Village, the Butterfly Sanctuary, the Orchidarium, the Easter Weaving Room and the Chinese Bell Church. At least those places, we all got to see for the first time. It’s just too bad that my sis wasn’t with us during this trip. I think Mom and Dad were mentioning something about going back to Baguio next year. =D

The boys did have some fun at least and I’m happy about that. They really enjoyed the cool air, the greenery, the new sights and bonding moments with their grandparents. They also had some fun at a huge inflatable slide at SM. Nikki, who is usually not that physically active, really tried his best to keep up with Ethan. My little boy, on the other hand, had the time of his life. Now, I am thinking of getting them a trampoline just to let them have some fun fitness here at home.

Anyway, I suppose the whole thing (good and bad) was a wonderful experience still. Despite it all I am still very grateful for the bonding time I had with my family. Hopefully, there will be more vacations like this - only better.

GETTING READY

I think we're going to have a pretty busy week.

Mom and dad are arriving from Zamboanga any minute. My brother will be picking them up at the airport. For the moment, our luggage is all ready for Baguio but I'll still have to check everything tonight and make sure that I don't forget anything. Plus I have to prepare the bags we will be bringing with us in the bus. Oooh! I'm so excited! =D

We will be leaving the house tomorrow at 3am because the first scheduled bus for Baguio leaves at 4am. Hopefully, mom and dad will get the tickets later. We will be back on the 14th so that means, I will be incommunicado for a few days. If I still have the energy to log in, I'll drop a line on Friday.

I hope this will be another fun family adventure. For now, I'm saying bye! =D

HAPPY BOYS

ENCHANTED

I watched this movie yesterday and I really really loved it! I told Ruther that I'm so like Giselle when she talks about love. I could really live in a bubble with all the fantastic thoughts I have about it: the wonderment, the romance, the magic, the ups and downs, the singing and dancing, the sparkly eyes, and happily ever after. I also teased Ruther that he's a bit like Robert in the movie. Hahaha!! He denied it of course. =D But I think that Amy Adams as Giselle was perfect. She was really pretty and really made me think she was a storybook princess trapped in the real world. My favorite scene in the movie was when eveybody started to sing "That's How You Know". Yup, definitely my favorite. I even watched that scene again after watching the whole movie. The song just somehow stuck to my head. Anyway, I already told Ruther that we just HAD to have the DVD of this movie. This is one movie I will enjoy watching over and over. =D

BUSY DAYS

Our days just got so much busier. Well, maybe mine at least. I've been trying to concentrate more on my studies (really really want to finish it by next month) and have intensified our homschooling lessons as well. I want the boys to have a more "planned" day than usual, especially for Ethan so that we could have more one-on-one lessons. Then, there's next week's trip to Baguio with my mom, dad and brother. That's another thing to look forward to but will definitely add to our hectic schedules. I really don't know if I should be glad for all this busy-ness. Oh well...

.....

The mornings have been so cold lately that sometimes, I have to wake up in the early morning to make sure that the boys are under the blanket. Ethan usually kicks it off and sometimes suffers from little sniffles during the day. Nikki has his own blanket but sometimes it gets tangled up so I have to fix it for him. Me, I sleep with a blanket most nights even when it's not really chilly. Got used to it I guess. Ruther doesn't sleep with a blanket unless it's really cold. I remember when we were in Japan he once (and unconsciously) stole my blanket and I was really chilled in the morning! =D

March is usually the start of summer but with this really cold air, it actually feels a lot like December. And I'm not complaining. =D

FOR DADDY

Nikki makes a picture for his dad. Ruther already received it a few days ago through the care package I sent him. =D

GROWING BOYS

As a mother, I think it is always ingrained in my mind and heart that my boys are my babies. Even if they are officially preschoolers now at their ages, I still would like to think of them as my babies even if I don't treat them as so. So I suppose the only times I realize that they are growing and being less baby-like is when their clothes or shoes or hats no longer fit them. The other day, I realized that Nikki's toes were kind of sticking out of his sandals and Ethan's were getting a bit too tight and I had another oh-my-gosh-my-boys-are-growing-so-fast-and-are-no-longer-babies flashes. Yup, it kind of pinches my heart a bit because well, I want my boys to be my babies. It's really not like I can help it but you really want to spend as much time with them as you can and when you see these little growth spurts you feel like time is ticking away and you think, in a few years, my boys will be men. And yeah, I get scared. But not scared of letting them go but scared that I am not doing all that I can right now to ensure and make them ready for the future. I DO think and wonder about how they will be once they take on the world. I can only guide them but they will of course, have to make their own decisions in that respect. I only hope that when that time comes, they will know EXACTLY what they want and not be like me when I was deciding what I chose to take for college. I don't want them to settle for second best but neither do I want them to be one-dimensional. I want them to pursue what they truly want, to make mistakes, to get up and try again, to see the world in different views, to relish everyday and live it to the fullest. Yes, these are all my hopes and dreams for my boys. Hopefully, all my teaching will not go to waste. I would like to hope that my decision to homeschool will mold them into the kind of men that would make their families proud. Yes, all the best intentions for my boys. But those will come much later, I know. For now, I think it's time I each get them a new pair of sandals.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH ETHAN

Last night, I thought it was time to try having one-on-one lessons with Ethan. He usually cannot sit still for long periods of time or sometimes, when we leaf through a book and I would ask him questions like, “How many dogs do you see?” or “Where is the rainbow?” he would just flip to the next page and ignore me. I don’t force him to answer my questions when he’s not in the mood but it can really be frustrating.

Anyway, last night, I thought we could try again. This time, I got his write-and-wipe book. I know he loves interactive books and I know he loves to write and draw so I called him to me and showed him the book. On the bed, he sat on my lap and slowly, we did the book together. I would hold his hand while he tried to follow the curves and lines, the letters, the objects and the shapes. I was really happy that it lasted longer than I expected it to be. I think he was really fascinated with the way we answered the book (I made airplane and train noises while we drew because he likes airplanes and trains a lot) that even after we were done, he still kept at it. And this morning, when he saw his write-and-wipe book, he immediately got his boardmarker and doodled in it. I think this is a good sign. Maybe next time, we might even last through a whole story. For now, I am glad for little miracles.

DO YOU WORRY TOO MUCH?

Your Worry Factor is 51%

While you're not a worrywart, you worry more than you should. Maybe you don't have enough to keep your mind occupied at times... Or perhaps you've trapped yourself into some bad thinking patterns. Try to worry less and enjoy life more. There's no point thinking about things you can't change!

Do You Worry Too Much?

SOTANGHON SOUP

1 tbsp oil
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp minced onion
1/2 C flaked cooked chicken
2 C chicken broth
1 C soaked sotanghon nooodles
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp pepper
1/4 C chopped green onion

Heat oil and saute garlic, onions and chicken. Stir fry for a few minutes until chicken changes color. Pour in broth. Bring to a boil then add soaked sotanghon. Season to taste. Add chopped green onion.

SKIPPING SCHOOL

Once in a while, we have a “skip school” day. On this day, we don’t do any formal lessons. I just leave the boys to do as they please and I could curl up in bed with a good book. I know some homeschooling moms would gasp at this and might even think, “What is this woman doing?! She should be teaching those boys the way I do!” Well, in our home, we are quite laidback. Some days we would sit outside and just look up at the sky and the forming clouds. Other days we would be immersed in experiments or Playdough. And some days we would be at the mall doing groceries and interacting with a variety of people. Today was a “skip school” day. When I woke up this morning, I had a little headache so I told Nikki that we were going to take it easy today. So they played with their blocks and Ethan read his Insects book while I tried to finish my book quietly. While waiting for me to get up, they watched an episode of Blue’s Clues and ate some cereal. Then I readied their bath water and after having their refreshing baths, I decided to fix the boys’ workbooks and stuff in the bookshelf. While I was doing this, Ethan did some coloring and Nikki played with his Nintendo DS. Then after a quick lunch and bath (for me), we read some books together. At 2pm, it was naptime but the boys were so talkative that they eventually dozed off at 230 pm. I tidied up the room and napped a bit as well. Then at 5pm when the sun was not too hot anymore, we went outside and the boys took turns on the bicycle. Nikki was particularly fascinated with the falling leaves. Actually only one or two fell when the wind blew so when it got a bit windy, he would look up at the tree for falling leaves. I thought, “This must be what Newton was like when he discovered gravity.” Anyway, after an hour or so, we fried some hotdogs and then the boys showered. A few minutes ago, Nikki spoke to his dad and told him about his uneventful day. Ethan was too distracted with his blocks to speak to his dad but he went to the camera to say hi.
And so far, that was our day. Nothing spectacular, just all fun and relaxation. But then again, the night is still young…

TITA NICKI

Today I received a wonderful email from Tita Nicki. In case you have no idea who she is, she is Ruther's Australian aunt who lived with us when she came for work last year. That was longest I've been with her because in previous visits, she would say with Mama's relatives. But last year, we had enough space for her and her daughter Natasha so they stayed with us and it was great finally getting to know them so well.

I miss Tita Nicki a lot. She's very caring, empathic and intelligent. She's the type of person I could share anything and everything with. Yup, I really feel like she's my second mom. During the months she was here, I have grown to respect her so much. Not only does she have this dedication to her work, but she is also very devoted to her family. I wish I could be like her and be able to balance career and family when the time comes.

What I really miss the most about Tita Nicki is our chats. In the evenings when she's home with us, we would sit at the table and just talk about anything. We could talk about serious things like OFW's (Overseas Filipino Worker's) situations in other countries, about family life, about education, and tv shows. Sometimes, we would just talk about food and health and sickness. I told Ruther that before Tita Nicki came, I was beginning to think I would not be able to have any intelligent conversations anymore. Really, I miss just having to talk and share thoughts, ideas and opinions about whatever is close to my heart. I just miss her so much now.

I suppose it helps a bit that we email each other from time to time. It can't be on a regular basis because she is quite busy with work but once in a while, when I see a letter from her, it just gives me a very warm feeling. I hope to see her again this year but she's still not sure if she'll be coming for another visit. If that does not push through, I guess I just have to be content with getting emails from her. That will not make me miss her any less, but at least I will still get to "talk" to one of my favorite people often.

WINDMILL

Cheerful, colorful and looks wonderful during windy days...

SUMMER MEMORIES

March in other countries, especially the ones with four seasons, marks the beginning of spring. In the Philippines, it is the beginning of summer and is a warning of hot months ahead and jampacked malls and summer clinics/classes.

I remember when I was in college, I really hated going to school during summer because it was really really HOT! Not only did it make learning uncomfortable but I really could not enjoy and appreciate all the lessons in the stifling classroom. I studied in a state university and well, it's not really first class so sometimes, the air conditioning would break down or an air conditioning unit was simply a fan in disguise (yup, the thermostat was broken) or the classroom we were in did not have an air conditioning unit at all. If you forgot to bring a fan to class, woe is you. But I really had fun with Zoology. I just love science so much!

I also remember when I was little, summer usually meant halo-halo stands everywhere. I grew up in a small city and for a time, we lived with my paternal grandparents. It was fun living with my cousins' families (there were 3 of us living with my grandparents, which is not unusual for Chinese families). During the summer, we would either buy halo-halo at the stores or make some for ourselves. Of course, making our own halo-halo was more fun. It was fun shaving the ice, adding all the sahog you could want, and drowning everything in evaporated milk and topping it with a spoon full of sugar. Sometimes, my cousins and I would ask someone to climb the coconut tree in the backyard for some yummy buko juice and meat. I liked mine with some milk and a bit of sugar. Really yummy. Other times, we would also get some green mangoes from the tree (also in the backyard) and eat it with soy sauce and come evening, we would have tummy aches. One summer though, we decided to be entrepreneurial and make our own ice candy. We decided to make 3 flavors: milk, choco (which was milo mixed with milk) and mongo (which was milk with like 10-12 pieces of mongo beans in it). At the end of the day we hardly had money earned because we usually just ate most of the ice candy. But we had loads of fun.

I can still remember so many memories of summer and I don't think I have enough time tonight to write them all but maybe I'll write a bit at a time while I can still remember and reminisce. Now that I am a mother, I want my boys to have their own summer memories. They may not be like mine, but I want them to be memories that will last them a lifetime.

COUNTING MY CHICKENS?

The other day while at the mall, I happened to spy this really cute stroller bag that had an accompanying handbag that you could daintily put through the handle of the stroller bag so it seems like you have 2 bags in one. I really liked it because to me, it looked so handy and I could still remember the pain I endured after carrying my shoulder bag during the entire trip to Japan last year. I told myself that if there was a possibility that we were going back to Japan, I would use a stroller bag next time that could be checked in. And this bag I saw was cute and at the same time not expensive. I really really wanted to get it but then, I got soooo worried. I thought, "Am I counting my chickens?" Am I hoping too much only to be disappointed later on? I was in such a quandary because I thought that a.) if I get the bag/s it could mean that I'm thinking positively and should I get the bag/s and make it to Japan, the purchase would be worth it (it's on SALE!); BUT b.) if I AM counting my chickens before they hatch and I get the bag/s and we won't be going to Japan, I would really really hate myself for getting it and wasting money and just jinxing the whole trip. Yeah, I can think crazy sometimes. Okay, maybe not sometimes but really, thinking like this is driving me nuts!! Should I get the bag? Should I not get the bag? Should I get the bag?...

TV SHOWS

American Idol

Been following this show and I must say I already have my favorites. For now, I have only 2 and they are all girls: Ramiele Malubay and Carly Smithson. Carly is really talented. She knows her stuff and can work the camera. But I'm betting on Ramiele not only because she's Asian American but because she is also very talented. She just needs a bit more confidence. But I think she's really smart and she can really win this. I also believe she is more talented than Jasmine Trias. So you go girl!! Wishing you all the luck! =D


Project Runway

Oh my god. I was soooo disappointed when Chris did not make it to Fashion Week. I really went AAAARRRGGH!!! on this. I felt so bad. I really think that it would have been interesting to see his collection on the runway. I must admit that using human hair in his collection was something really weird but I was quite open to his creativity and I thought it was really gutsy of him. Rami's was not too spectacular. Yeah, he made pieces that showed more than his usual draping but I still liked Chris' a whole lot more. I was soooo disappointed when they said that Rami was in. It was just a really bad season. My first bet Victorya did not make it and now Chris is out. Good thing Jillian is one of the top 3 and now I really hope that SHE wins this season. Am so looking forward to seeing all their collections! I can't wait!