Yap wants posh condo for son

AFTER DONNIE “Ahas” Nietes’ successful defense of his WBO minimumweight title against  Mexican Mario Rodriguez, the next question is  will he go the same route as  fellow Pinoy champions Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr.?
 It’s probably too early to tell, although all the experts I’ve asked agree that Nietes is “a damn good fighter,” and that right now, he and Pacquiao are the only two world boxing champions left, with Donaire  relinquishing his title.
 Successfully defending his title thrice in Mexico, which he describes as “oven-hot,” is in itself a big accomplishment. It may not be in his consciousness yet, but when will the perks—such as a television stint—start coming Donnie’s way?
 One boxing scribe said Donnie needs to develop his box-office appeal and charisma to enjoy the accouterments of boxing success.
     * * *
 James Yap is looking to buy a posh condominium unit in Makati so his son, presidential nephew Baby James, would have suitable accommodations when he comes to visit once a week.
 James Sr. was awarded by the court twice-a-week visitation rights, allowing Baby James to sleep with his father overnight at least once a week.
 According to James Sr., his primary consideration in choosing a property is security. Second, the property must have a swimming pool.
 “Baby James loves to swim,” said his father. “The condo unit I’m looking at is beautiful and will suit the taste of Baby James.”
 Purchase of the multi-million property will be finalized as soon as James returns from his vacation in the United States.
 James leaves this weekend with negotiations for the renewal of his expired contract with B-Meg Derby Ace still up in the air.
    * * *
 Did Krista Ranillo marry Jefferson “Niño” Lim on the rebound?
 A veteran colleague is inclined to believe such is the case, after doing an intensive research on the background of the groom, whose family owns a chain of grocery stores in California.
 His research yielded information that was far from impressive, some even downright negative, as he unearthed facts from long buried files.
 “He may not be the big catch everyone thought he was. But that’s not our problem.  After all, he made no such claim,” my colleague said.
 Niño was once engaged to former PBA courtside reporter Janelle So, now based in Los Angeles. He has three children from a previous marriage, according to the scribe, and he has a fourth on the way with Krista.
 A third wedding for the Lims was set in Manila next year, the same date picked by Nonito and Rachel for their church wedding.  That will be on Nov. 11, 2011 or 11/11/11.
    * * *
 Through media, semi-retired PBA cager Alex Crisano is making it known that he wants to make a comeback in the pro league.
 According to scribe Robert Pangilinan, the 6-foot-7 cager has his eyes set on the Rain or Shine team, which is in dire need of a big man.
 Crisano believes he can help the Elasto Painters win its first-ever PBA championship.
 “I believe I can bring Rain or Shine to the finals.”
 He said he has good chemistry with Fil-Ams Sol Mercado and  Gabe Norwood, with whom he envisions to form a “power trio.”
 “It will be the local version of Miami Heat’s dream team of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh,” Crisano said.
 Yesterday morning, I asked Rain or Shine team owner Raymond Yu if he was considering the proposal.
 His reply: “That’s a difficult question to answer.”