Work on biggest sports dome starts

I’m glad  to know that construction work has started on the world’s biggest sports dome in the Philippines, confirming my exclusive report on June 10.
My source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about the construction, said, “Filling of soil materials at the 52-hectare land in a barangay in Bocaue, Bulacan, has started.”
The source added that the owners of the soon-to-be built complex want to finish the project four years from now, in time for a centennial celebration.
Several prefabricated materials are also to be used in the construction of the complex, which is designed to host religious, cultural and sports events.
I gathered the fillers are neck-deep in work right now, covering the surface of the proposed site with a layer of soil to elevate the area.
Truth be said, the article elicited many questions from inquisitive readers. Who owns the proposed complex?
“Is it [land developer] Megaworld?” asked JCI senator Larry Cruz II, executive director of the TOYM Foundation and franchise owner of the Country Style coffee house at SM Marilao.
“Is it the JIL (Jesus is Lord) [a religious movement headed by Brother Eddie Villanueva, whose son Jon Jon is town mayor of Bocaue]?” asked another.
Lawyer-professor Rollie Garcia also inquired, ditto with sportsminded William Tan and Andrea of “GMA’s Game!”, a sports show hosted by Chino Trinidad, son of my longtime friend and esteemed colleague Recah Trinidad; and swimming great Christine Jacob.
Since I’m still awaiting an official announcement, I could not add further details about the project. Sorry to disappoint you Andrea.
As of now, I have no picture and blueprint of the complex. In due time, perhaps?
If constructed as planned, the multipurpose complex would place the Philippines as the site of the world’s biggest sports dome, rivaling that of the 22,000-seat Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, once widely regarded as the world’s biggest indoor venue way back in 1960.
The Araneta Coliseum, also known as The Big Dome, was opened on March 16, 1960, before a record-setting crowd of 30,000 who saw our very own Flash Elorde stop American champion Harold Gomes in the seventh round to win the WBC (World Boxing Council) junior lightweight title.
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Paeng strikes again!
Even though he is 54 years old, International Bowling Hall of Famer Paeng Nepomuceno recently flashed his old fiery form by winning his eighth Philippine Open crown at Midtown Bowl, Robinsons Ermita.
With the victory, the southpaw Paeng, a six-time world bowling champion, became the oldest winner of the country’s most prestigious kegfest. In 1974, the handsome, 6-foot-1 Paeng became the youngest PH Open champion at age 17.
“I dedicate this victory to my departed father-coach Angel,” said Paeng after his stirring triumph. “He helped me win,” added the unprecedented winner of four Bowling World Cup championships in four different decades, earning him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Paeng lives a clean, healthy lifestyle and treasures family values as well. Paeng and his wife Pinky are both ardent devotees of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.