Maniolas

Rod Mijares SportsWriter Balita Media Manny Pacquiao throws a punch but doesn’t his target as he fails to beat Floyd Mayweather, Jr. during their welterweight WBO, WBC and WBA (Super) title fight in Las Vegas, Nevada. (MNS Photo) May 2, 2015: The fight finally concluded. The result was expected. Boxing analysts were right. Mayweather won by a unanimous decision and still clings to his unblemished record that now stands at 48-0 after defeating Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38KO) in a tactical fashion and unified the world welterweight championship titles and captured WBC’s handcrafted emerald belt. Judge Glenn Feldman and Judge Burt Clements have identical scores of 116-112 in favor of Mayweather winning all rounds except round 4, 6, 9 and 10. Whereas, Judge Dave Moretti scored it 118-110 with Pacquiao only winning round 4 and 6. The fight of the century did not live up to the hype leading to the match. Mayweather did what was expected of him, did what he normally does, jabbing, counter-punching, clinching, dancing and running away when an opponent was getting the upper-hand. “He was moving around too much, it wasn’t easy throwing punches at him. If he would ‘ve stayed in one place then I could’ve thrown punches. I was cutting him and countering. I wanted to fight,” Pacquiao said. Pacquiao’s preparation for three months and strategy formulated with Coach Roach were not enough to win the fight. He was simply out-smarted, out-boxed and out-played by Mayweather. “I knew he was going to push Read More …

Manny Pacquiao Fan Rally at Mandalay Bay: Photo Credit: Chris Farina / Top Rank By Rod Mijares Las Vegas, April 28, 2015 – Boxing fans from all over the world converged for a Pacquiao Fan Rally at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino’s Convention open hall to wait the formal arrival of the 8-division world champion Filipino Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao beginning at 9 in the morning and culminated when Pacquiao team emerged from the backstage at 11:30 in the morning. While waiting, boxing fans were treated by cultural dances of the Filipiniana Dance Group of Las Vegas that included “Tinikling,” the most popular traditional dance and the pride of the Filipinos. There was no shortage of local entertainment as the duo of the Jas Band serenaded the crowd with their Filipino song “Dahil Sa Iyo” and they followed with a series of English songs. Quincy Victoria and Ron Cabildo of Las Vegas worked hand-in-hand as emcees of the event and making sure that the crowd was animated with their chant of “Manny is in the House” from time to time. 11-year old Breanna Besantos also entertained the crowd with her strong voice worthy of American Idol talent. Jerene Cantos sang the Philippine National Anthem right before the official rally and Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum started his pep talk. Bob Arum recognized Pacquiao’s contribution to the Philippines as Filipinos applauded. “He give you reason to be proud of this man. He represents you wonderfully and he has taught the world and Read More …

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (AFP) Monday 4/27/2015 – Indonesian President Joko Widodo is “sympathetic” about the plight of a Filipina facing death for drug trafficking and has promised to look into her case, a spokesman for Philippine President Benigno Aquino said Monday after he made a personal appeal. While the comments seemed to indicate a faint prospect of reprieve for Mary Jane Veloso, the Indonesian leader is seen as extremely unlikely to change course on the executions which he has insisted for months are essential to halting a national drugs crisis. Veloso, a 30-year-old single mother of two boys, is due to face an Indonesian firing squad on Tuesday. She is among eight foreigners facing execution in Indonesia, which has come under international pressure to spare them. Aquino made his appeal in person on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) being held this year in Malaysia, his spokesman Herminio Coloma said. “President Aquino talked with President Widodo earlier this morning and appealed for humanitarian consideration for Mary Jane Veloso, who was apparently duped into being an unwitting carrier of illegal drugs,” Coloma said in a text message. “(Aquino) said President Widodo was sympathetic and was consulting with the Indonesian Attorney General on the legal issues.” Coloma said Widodo promised to discuss the issue again later on Monday, when the summit that started in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur in the morning shifts to the resort island of Langkawi. Asked if there was Read More …

NEW YORK – “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere…,” goes the song originally sung by Frank Sinatra that has since been sung by many, even in karaoke bars worldwide. But while others can only sing it, Filipino entrepreneur Dennis Josue is living it. “I am most proud of the fact that I am not only living here in New York; but also thriving,” he said in a recent interview at Fantasia Floral Design, a flower shop he owns and runs in the East Village. The city is often referred to as the “concrete jungle” – busy, bustling with activity, intimidating and known for harsh winters and the perceived I-don’t-care attitude of the people. But florist Josue, who migrated from the Philippines in 1983, cares; and with this Filipino trait of caring, is able to conquer the urban complex with love and flowers. “I love flowers! I love looking at them, working with them. They never complain or talk back to you,” he joked. “They’re very pleasant to see. Seeing them makes me happy.” In the Philippines Josue graduated from San Beda College with a degree in Economics. But eager to pursue his passion for the performing arts, he also took classes at the University of the Philippines School of Dance, with a minor in voice training. After graduation, encouraged by his sister who was already living in New York, Josue packed his bags and the dream to perform in one of the greatest cities on the Read More …