PH set to build world’s biggest sports dome

In four year’s time, the Philippines could very well be the site of the world’s biggest domed coliseum, rivaling that of the historic 22,000-seat Araneta Coliseum, once considered the world’s biggest indoor venue in 1960.
If constructed as planned, the project would put the country on the record books again. Located in Bocaue, Bulacan, the project covers some 52 hectares and will serve as a multi-purpose venue designed to host religious, cultural and sports events.
“The project,” according to my source, “aims to establish itself as a wholesome gathering place for people and an entertainment home for the whole family.” In fact, he further explained, the project could also help boost the Philippines’ tourism program.
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With an affordable bleacher ticket price at only 80 centavos, the Araneta Coliseum was inaugurated on March 16, 1960 in front of over 30,000 excited boxing fans who saw hometown idol Gabriel “Flash” Elorde knock out then junior lightweight champion Harold Gomes of the United States in the seventh round of their scheduled 15-round title bout.
What followed was a series of blockbuster events that included some of the biggest names in boxing and show business like international stars Nat King Cole, Bon Jovi, Andrea Boccelli, Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, Alicia Keys and local icons Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez and Sarah Geronimo.
Also called the Big Dome, it is the most famous attraction in the 35-ha Araneta Center in Cubao. It is also the permanent home to the biannual World Slasher Cup, widely accepted as the “Olympics of Cockfighting,” besides being the organizer of the prestigious “Binibining Pilipinas” beauty pageant where our very own Venus Raj recently emerged fourth runnerup.
But one Big Dome event that stood above the rest was the classic “Thrilla in Manila” on Oct. 1, 1975. On that memorable day, the great Muhammad Ali successfully kept his world heavyweight boxing crown against a fiercely determined Smokin’ Joe Frazier before a jam-packed home crowd and millions of television viewers around the globe.
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Way back in 2004, I had questioned why some colleges and universities collect miscellaneous fees, including athletic fees, from their students every semester even though these schools do not spend these so-called athletic funds for the sporting activities of the student body? (Inquirer, 4/28/04)
I was therefore delighted to read that several student organizations have recently called the attention of lawmakers, the senators in particular, to the redundant and sometimes “bizarre and unfathomable” charges allegedly hidden in miscellaneous fees charged by many colleges and universities.
They lamented the dubious and unreasonable fees, suggesting that miscellaneous fees be made a matter for consultation with the parents and students.
I say Amen to that.
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To mark the country’s celebration of “Araw ng Kalayaan,” the province of Bulacan, Bulacan’s Environment and Natural Resources, the Bulacan chapter of the Philippine Councilors League and Salika Foundation Inc. will stage a clean and green fun cycling event starting from Biak na Bato and ending in front of the historic Barasoain Church. A registration fee of P150 will be charged per cyclist to cover the cost of a jersey, food and drinks and a raffle ticket.