It never fails. That tsunami of expectations that rush by every time Nonito Donaire Jr. steps into the ring. Sometimes they are too big they inundate the crafty fighter’s already impressive feats. He defeated his last three foes convincingly – the last two he floored using his sensational left hook – yet it failed to [...]
This will regrettably be our farewell column in the Inquirer. For some 14 months we have enjoyed the privilege of reaching the widest audience possible because of the unmatched readership of the Inquirer. However, to us at least, there are other things more important than the mere opportunity to reach a wider readership base. One [...]
When Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association president Go Teng Kok was ousted as a member of the Philippine Olympic Committee, there was considerable press coverage. The POC’s rump resolution was made without due process as required by the Olympic body’s constitution as well as the specific provisions under the International Olympic Committee charter. For [...]
We have consistently maintained that when athletes represent our country in various athletic disciplines in the international arena, we have an obligation to support them. If they win we share in the pride of their victory and feel happy for them. If they lose we share in the agony of their defeat but never, ever [...]
Donnie“Ahas” Nietes had always wanted to fight before his hometown fans in Bacolod City ever since he won the WBO minimum weight title and had to defend his crown against Mexican challengers in their hometowns in Mexico. When Nietes decided to relinquish his title and move up to junior flyweight, and WBO president Francisco “Paco” [...]
One of the first things that struck the ABS-CBN television panel in the opening game of the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, were the Filipino fans. Made up mostly of women who carried a giant Philippine flag, flaglets, posters and placards and screamed themselves hoarse throughout the match—even after we were down by two [...]
Whenever a Philippine national basketball team doesn’t fare too well in a major international tournament, there is a negative effect on the PBA in terms of interest, attendance and TV ratings. This is why we are confident—and so are PBA commissioner Chito Salud and chair Mamerto Mondragon—that the fine performance of the Smart Gilas national [...]
Whether the Smart Gilas national team returns home with a bronze medal from the Fiba Asia Men’s Championship or not, our basketball-crazy nation will embrace them with all the pride we can muster for a gallant performance against seemingly overwhelming odds. Even prior to the start of the tournament, it was clear that there was, [...]
If there ever was an individual who is as passionate about sports and in using athletic disciplines as the bedrock for the development of character and an avenue to building a strong and healthy nation, that gentleman is the esteemed businessman-sportsman Manny Pangilinan. His commitment to sports is becoming legendary. But let us hasten to [...]
The obsession with selling the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex has surfaced once again, with Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia claiming that talks with Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. look positive. While Garcia believes he has full control over the RMSC and other government sports facilities, [...]
There has been a clear resurgence of public interest in sports and a broadening of the disciplines that have stirred interest and a great deal of excitement and attention. Foremost among these sports is football, due mainly to the charismatic Azkals and their endearing, down-to-earth and simple qualities which contrast with some of the so-called [...]
It is becoming increasingly evident that pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao is either surrounded by incompetent advisers, including lawyers who don’t know the law, or that he is stubborn enough to ignore them.
Alaska team owner and avid sportsman Fred Uytengsu doesn’t talk about the PBA very often. But when he does he always makes sense and certainly doesn’t mince words—a trait that endears the gentleman to us. Mr. Uytengsu may not always be one hundred percent correct in his claims but he is very near the mark [...]
