Imagine Middle East Countries Without Filipinos

By Alon Calinao Dy: “Imagine Middle East Countries Without Filipinos,” One OFW said. One Arab admitted that they owe their prosperity to diligent Filipinos who considered their country as their second home.

      What would it be?

Who is to blame: Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Manny Pacquiao for fight not happening?

If ever, these two great warriors face each other, who do you think will win? It is believed to be the greatest battle of the century in boxing.

By Alon Calinao Dy :Philippine pride Manny Pacquiao called out Floyd Mayweather for a boxing showdown to finally settle who is the best fighter among them. Pacquiao, however, said Mayweather has many reasons and alibis for not taking the fight. The talks of a mega-fight between the two boxing icons have existed years ago till now. Since both parties did not agree to each other’s terms and conditions, they have decided to fight different opponents that resulted a big dismay of a lot of fans. It has been a leading talk to all boxing forums, but now it seems fans are no longer interested in this dream match.

With each passing year, people would rather spend dollars watching MMA fights than any boxing shows. They are frustrated because they don’t get the boat they want, but only promoters are the ones who decide and those who have the final say, not the fans. It’s not as exciting fight any more compared to the time of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, who battled for supremacy.

Boxers, nowadays, compete for the money and are no longer looking for the best fights in their careers. They have been selected for their opponents and has become sort of good revenues for their respective promoters to have fixed fights in boxing. Sometimes, errors of decision from the judges are huge disappointment for many pugilists and aficionados – an example of this was the first meeting between Timothy Bradley and Manny Pacquiao last two years ago.

Despite what’s happening in the sport of boxing, I still believe that the biggest fight of the century is going to happen this late month for a year or early next year. For most people, that’s the only best fight left out there. And these fighters, should be grateful for the support of boxing fans around the world. It’s time to fight each other and say ‘thank you’ to all people who have believed and supported them throughout the years.

Bradley’s camp convinced he’ll beat Pacquiao

By Alon Calinao Dy: Trainer Joel Diaz believes that his fighter WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (31-0, 12 KO’s) is now going to beat a former pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KO’s) after defeating Pacquiao conqueror Juan Manuel Marquez last year in October.

However, long-time coach Freddie Roach of the Filipino boxing icon simply never minds the opinion with Bradley’s trainer. This time, the unbeaten American boxer could never cheat the outcome of the contest because Pacquiao will leave no trace for Bradley to win even by unanimous decision. As everyone would remember that Bradley struggled on his fight against Russia’s Ruslan Provodnikov, and everybody knew how difficult it was for Bradley to face an aggressive fighter like Pacquiao. But he schooled Juan Manuel Marquez, who knocked out Pacquiao a couple of years ago, and considered as a greatest counter-puncher – second to Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Although Bradley took a beating from the slugger Provodnikov, he promised to derail the career of Pacquiao and his long-time dream to fight Mayweather Jr., for he’s now determined to prove to everyone that he has improved a lot since his big humiliation and controversial win against the Filipino congressman. But Freddie Roach assured his supporters that Bradley hasn’t improved.

On April 12, Pacquiao is going to challenge Timothy Bradley to a rematch for his WBO Welterweight title at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Whoever wins the fight, there are rumors around various boxing forums that the winner is going to face the Veteran boxer Juan Manuel Marquez. This means, if Pacquiao wins the bout, everyone would see a fifth epic bout against his nemesis Marquez.

This never –ending war is not going to end anytime soon, since Pacquiao has a best comeback of the year after he defeated Brandon Rios last year – chance to win a rematch against his long-time rival Marquez. Although Marquez said that he is not fighting Pacquiao anymore, he’s now changing his tone because of the big offer from Top Rank promotion. That’s why there’s no reason for the Mexican boxer to say ‘NO’ for this tentative bout that Bob Arum is expecting if Floyd Mayweather won’t face Pacquiao this late year.

But for now, Pacquiao should concentrate and give all his best for his upcoming fight, because the unbeaten American is a real threat. Roach was even impressed by Bradley’s performance against Marquez last year. He said “He fought a very good fight. It was a very, very good performance by Bradley.” Roach, therefore, advised Pacquiao to stay focused on his training at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California.

Read more at http://www.boxingnews24.com/2014/02/bradleys-camp-convinced-hell-beat-pacquiao/#sIDM7YlEYVVLyR2H.99

Pacquiao Demands A Rematch Against Marquez After Bradley

By Alon Calinao Dy:“Mexicutioner” Manny Pacquiao (55 wins, 5 losses, 2 draws) is willing to fight Juan Manuel Marquez (55 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw) once again for a fifth epic bout – that only few veteran boxers in the sweet science have done.

According to Pacquiao’s interview with Lee Hawkins, he is demanding a rematch against Marquez. He said, “If he (Marquez) wants, I want that fight to happen, because you know, I was about to finish him in our last meeting.”

That’s right. If you have watched their fight last Dec. 8, 2012, Pacquiao was about to close the chapter of Marquez’s career when the Mexican fighter landed that “Lucky shot,” that was believed by many pundits and pugilists.

He (Pacquiao) repeatedly stressed out that he became careless during the fight because he wanted to finish Marquez early in their bout. When Marquez was about to lose the contest, Pacquiao made a huge mistake, and Mexican boxer took that chance to knock the Filipino boxing icon out.

Pacquiao has promised his boxing fans, especially Mexican fans, that he will bounce back from hi defeat. For now, he is going to concentrate first on his rematch against the undefeated American Timothy Bradley. This time, he would try to punish Bradley for his controversial win on their last bout.

After that, Marquez should give him a fifth fight for a public to know who is the better fighter between them.

Even famous trainer Robert Garcia and American-Mexican fighter Brandon Rios agreed that Pacquiao is not only the greatest fighter in the world, but also a great person according to EsNewsReporting.com by Elie Seckback.

Obviously, in order for Marquez to be given a second shot to Tim Bradley, he must handle Pacquiao first before anyone else. I think Bradley – Marquez II is not appealing anymore compared to Marquez -Pacquiao V. Therefore, Marquez should prove to everyone that he can beat Pacquiao again.

Of course, Marquez will continually avoid Pacquiao and tell everybody that he is the best fighter in the world after Floyd Mayweather Jr. But the unbeaten boxer “Money May” is afraid to take a risk his perfect records.

If Marquez is a real deal, he will choose to face Manny Pacquiao again. That’s the best fought for him out there, not Timothy Bradley and Floyd Mayweather Jr. As Pacquiao said, “This is not my time yet, so my journey will continue and I will rise again.”

Read more at http://www.eastsideboxing.com/2014/pacquiao-demands-a-rematch-against-marquez-after-bradley/#ZY12Li1mf1i92Vgg.99

Pacquiao laughs at Bradley and calls out Mayweather

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2014/02/pacquiao-laughs-at-bradley-and-calls-out-mayweather/

By Alon Calinao Dy:A former pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao is very confident to beat Timothy Bradley once again on their upcoming bout on April 12, 2014 after he clearly won an unanimous decision over Brandon Rios last year.

However, during the press conference early this week, Bradley said, “Manny fights for the money. I have the hunger. He has no more and it’s never coming back.” Despite of this, the Filipino politician has shown his relaxed state. Pacquiao is ready to punish the unbeaten American boxer for his controversial win on their last meeting.

Pacquiao said after hearing Bradley’s statement, “No, my time has not yet done.” And he smiled after that. he is well-aware that Bradley is trying to prove something that he has the key to defeat Pacquiao, and that he is coming to avenge his humiliation after the biased verdict handed to him by those incompetent three judges.

In another interview with Manny Pacquiao in stays up late if he is willing to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr., the Filipino boxing icon told, “I want that fight, but it is up to him. All I can say now is that our line is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week if he will call and say yes.”

Well, Pacquiao is tired asking for that fight. He doesn’t want to answer that question all over again. He knows exactly that it is a fight that all people want to see. In one show in love sports, entertainment talk on Fox Sports, Pacquiao even took a telephone under his chair to show to all boxing fans around the world that he really wants the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight to happen.

That is right. A brave call from Mayweather’s camp, then everything will be finalized according to Pacquiao. After that courageous move from the Filipino boxing superstar, he was cheered by the audience who watched the show. He repeatedly said, “My line is open 24 hours in 7 days a week. Anytime he can call me and say yes. And the fight is done.”

Now, I believe it is Mayweather’s call to respond the invitation from Pacquiao. After all, they are the legends in boxing today. One should come out as a winner if ever they decide to face one another. That’s most people want to see because their boxing techniques and styles match each other. Forget about Juan Manuel Marquez. He won’t fight Pacquiao ever again, and let him retire a sore loser.

Once and for all, let’s demand for a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight!

Read more at http://www.boxingnews24.com/2014/02/pacquiao-laughs-at-bradley-and-calls-out-mayweather/#iRIbWxZEoFRTLgZg.99

5 Good Reasons Why I Love My Wife

She is the love of my life and always adorable for me. I really want to keep that fire going… burning love and that keeps us alive.

Our One Star
By: Alon Calinao Dy

Above the clouds
We have dreams,
Wonder how far
Our love will be together.

Our one star,
The most beautiful star,
The brightest star of all stars,
The star in the universe,
The star that will live forever,
And the one I would say mine.

Our one star,
The star that will stand firm
In the test of time,
The star that will never fade,
The star that will always shine,
And the one that I’ll call love
Our one star.

We have known each other for so long before we have decided to get married last August 2011. During that time, Gre Pearl always asked me this question, “Do you really love me?” I had no idea what to tell her back then. But I knew in my heart, I was so deeply in love with her. And every time I looked at her, I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

Reminiscing the past, I said to myself, Damn! She’s so adorable and beautiful when she smiles. At that moment, I was speechless every time I was with her. She truly stunned me.

We have gone through a lot together that no one will ever believe how strong our relationship foundation is. Even though, we’ve had our ups and downs, we always talk to each other and solve all our problems immediately. We would never sleep at night unless we are settled. Both of us would listen to each other’s side attentively. Until now, that is what we do. We respect, love and trust one another.

It makes perfect sense for us to keep our love alive. Here are some reasons why I love my wife.

1. She Can Make Me Laugh

I know my wife is a sensitive person, but she can always make me smile at my worst times. She knows exactly what to do to make me happy. I can’t deny she lights up my day when I am sad, without even realizing it.

2. She Cooks Very Well

She can cook food anything I want. It makes her happy to see me my stomach so big and full. I don’t know if she wants me to be fat. But one thing I am sure of, it is just the way she expresses her deep affection for me.

3. I Can Trust Her

Although sometimes, we argue trust issues in our relationship. The truth is, we have faith in our love, as we put God at the center in our lives. For many years we have been together, trust has been with ourselves all our life.

4. She Has Deep Understanding

My wife is one of a few people I know in my whole life who can understand me so well. Our relationship is not only about love, but seeing our life in a positive way all the time. I know there is no such perfect love, but at least, we always try our best to recognize each other’s strengths and weaknesses to avoid conflicts.

5. She Is A Simple Woman

Although my wife is obsessed with fashionable dresses, bags, and shoes, she knows how to budget her money. She will only buy personal things if she has extra money. She will wear anything that feels comfortable with her body. I have never seen her complaining about the things she used.

Of course, there are so many reasons to love my wife. I can’t say all those amazing things she always does for me every single day. Honestly, I really want to tell her how much I love and miss her. I know it sounds crazy because I’m with her each day, but my love for her is burning inside. My wife, Gre Pearl Gay, has given me a long-lasting love that I would always cherish for the rest of my life.

Written by: Alon Calinao Dy

Mayweather and Marquez are Both Scared of Pacquiao?

If ever, these two great warriors face each other, who do you think will win? It is believed to be the greatest battle of the century in boxing.

By Alon Calinao Dy: Floyd Mayweather, Jr., an undefeated American boxer, who is considered by many as an all-time-great fighter in the world, has no intention to fight his top contender Manny Pacquiao.

When reporters asked Mayweather about a possible matchup against the Filipino superstar, he would suddenly avoid the topics. It seemed he did not want to meet Pacquiao in the ring, and he was sick hearing the name “Pacquiao, Pacquiao…”

Yes, it looked as though he was contented to handpick his opponents. He was satisfied to give lessons to the neophytes in boxing. He didn’t even care if people called him “Duck.” Duck means ducking Pacquiao.

A few years ago Mayweather said he would beat Pacquiao so easily. He even gained more confidence after he defeated Juan Manuel Marquez. It was a clear decision win by the American fighter.

However, boxing pundits and pugilists questioned the credibility of Mayweather when he was scared to fight the Filipino icon. For many people, he was always a cherry picker, because the bout against Pacquiao already happened long time ago if he had no many excuses.

The question now by boxing aficionados, why everyone is afraid to fight Manny Pacquiao? Even Marquez who was not scared to make war before against the Filipino boxing superstar, now seems his legs are shaking when Pacquiao’s camp wants to have a rematch. Marquez was a brave fighter before, but now he seems he has no interest for a fifth tentative bout.

What happened to the Mexican Warrior? Now, most boxing fans around the world believe it was a “Lucky Punch” that knocked Pacquiao out. Marquez already knew that if he would fight Pacman again, the Filipino fighter would surely avenge his loss. That’s why no second chance for Pacquiao.

Indeed, both Mayweather and Marquez are scared of Pacquiao. That’s why they have a hundred of excuses not to meet the Filipino congressman. Pacquiao, on the other hand, is waiting to fight one of them; whoever is brave enough to take the challenge.

Pacquiao wants to show the world that his defeat against Marquez was a stroke of luck. He wants Marquez as his next opponent, but Marquez is ducking him. He also wants to end the talks about a possible dream match against Mayweather. It’s true that Pacquiao has done everything to make the sport of boxing exciting and thrilling to watch.

In other words, if there will be no Mayweather or Marquez fight, Pacquiao has no choice but to choose between Timothy Bradley and Ruslan Provodnikov. We have been yearning for Pacquiao-Mayweather fight for years, as it’s considered as one of the biggest fight in the sport of boxing. But we are disappointed. Let’s just accept the reality that this mega fight is not going to happen anytime soon if there is no real talk between the two parties.

Read More At http://kickerdaily.com/mayweather-and-marquez-are-both-scared-of-pacquiao/

Mayweather Remains Silent Despite Pacquiao’s Challenge

Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

By Alon Calinao Dy:Undefeated American Floyd Mayweather, Jr. remained silent after eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao challenged him to a fight for charity. Pacquiao told the inquirer, “I’m not desperate to fight him just for the sake of money or material things. I’m not the one seeking this fight; rather, it’s the boxing fans all over the world.”

He added, “Above all, I challenge him to include in our fight contract that both of us will not receive anything out of this fight. We will donate all the proceeds from the fight – guaranteed prize, should there be any, gate receipts, pay-per-view and endorsements – to charities around the world.”

I doubt Mayweather would welcome this idea by the Filipino icon.

Judging from his nickname alone “Money May,” I think he needs the money more than Pacquiao, because Pacman has a lot of investments in the Philippines. In fact, the Filipino superstar gives his extra money to the poor.

Indeed, Pacquiao made the best effort to make the fight happen, but it seems Floyd is not interested to take the challenge.

This only means that boxing has been Mayweather’s life ever since the start of his career. If you would notice, he cares so much about of his undefeated record, and if you take away that from him, it is like you have taken his life away. I know Mayweather’s price is high, and he can’t afford to lose a game.

If he loses, it would be a big embarrassment for him. Also, why would everyone still want to see him fight? The truth is, Mayweather has everything to lose than Pacquiao. Perhaps he is scared of someone who can really match his speed and power.

Manny Pacquiao, on the other hand, has nothing to prove in the sport of boxing. He fought everybody who challenged him, including Marquez, who was desperate and very vocal during that time. He fought Marquez for a fourth time because that’s what a pound-for-pound boxer should do- take up the challenge. He never complained of anything, or wore shirts that demeaned his opponents.

Both Mayweather and Marquez could claim anything want, that they are “The Face of Boxing” and even greater than Muhammad Ali. Yes, they could do that. But most people know in boxing that they are avoiding someone who could derail their professional careers. And that’s Manny Pacquiao, who can bring them down to the ground, where they really belong.

Read more at http://kickerdaily.com/opinion-mayweather-remains-silent-despite-pacquiaos-challenge/

A fifth Bout Won’t Happen Between Marquez And Pacqui

By Alon Calinao Dy: Juan “Dinamita” Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40 KOs) is not dying to fight Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KOs) even though he will win the rematch against American Timothy Bradley.

In an interview with RingTV, Marquez said, “With Bradley, I don’t see that as a loss. It was a close fight and I thought I did enough to win. If I decided to retire right now, I would be satisfied. I always said I wanted to fight Pacquiao and beat him and I did. I do want that [welterweight] title, but I’m not obsessed with it, though it would be a great achievement.”

There is a lot of hesitation on the part of Marquez because he is thinking if he could still pull the trigger and upset the Filipino boxing superstar once more, as many believers are trying to say that Pacquiao is more focused than ever before after his knockout loss against a Mexican boxer.

By this time, he’s a very dangerous fighter to his opponents. That’s what he did to Brandon Rios last year. Perhaps, his defeat against Marquez would serve him best. He has a chance to avenge his humiliating loss, but Marquez has no interest for another bout against the Filipino boxing icon even though Bob Arum is offering him a bigger payday of his career.

S Juan “Dinamita” Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40 KOs) is not dying to fight Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KOs) even though he will win the rematch against American Timothy Bradley.

In an interview with RingTV, Marquez said, “With Bradley, I don’t see that as a loss. It was a close fight and I thought I did enough to win. If I decided to retire right now, I would be satisfied. I always said I wanted to fight Pacquiao and beat him and I did. I do want that [welterweight] title, but I’m not obsessed with it, though it would be a great achievement.”

There is a lot of hesitation on the part of Marquez because he is thinking if he could still pull the trigger and upset the Filipino boxing superstar once more, as many believers are trying to say that Pacquiao is more focused than ever before after his knockout loss against a Mexican boxer.

By this time, he’s a very dangerous fighter to his opponents. That’s what he did to Brandon Rios last year. Perhaps, his defeat against Marquez would serve him best. He has a chance to avenge his humiliating loss, but Marquez has no interest for another bout against the Filipino boxing icon even though Bob Arum is offering him a bigger payday of his career.

Speaking about a true legacy in boxing, I don’t think Marquez is showing a good example for his fans in Mexico and around the world. Dynamite should give a second shot to Pacquiao. He should show the world that he has the heart of a lion. This only shows that he is now ducking Pacquiao if he will avoid a fifth epic battle.

Although some boxing pugilists and aficionados do not want to see this fight again, I think many people are still interested to watch the comeback of a former pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. Diehard fans of the Filipino congressman want their idol to send Marquez into retirement just like what he did to Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and others.

Also, this fight is good for Marquez to show that his win against Pacquiao was not a “Lucky punch.” Sure, this would generate a huge revenue for both veteran boxers. This is one of the reasons why that this fifth fight needs to happen this year if Mayweather is not interested to face Pacquiao.

After a fifth fight between Marquez and Pacquiao, the Mexican fighter can retire peacefully – win or lose. I don’t think Marquez is afraid to fight Pacquiao, but he is trying to protect his boxing records. He can’t afford to lose another fight to Pacquiao. But don’t worry, there’s nothing to be feared of – especially if you lose to an all-time-great and one and only eight- division world champion Pacquiao.

Speaking about a true legacy in boxing, I don’t think Marquez is showing a good example for his fans in Mexico and around the world. Dynamite should give a second shot to Pacquiao. He should show the world that he has the heart of a lion. This only shows that he is now ducking Pacquiao if he will avoid a fifth epic battle.

Although some boxing pugilists and aficionados do not want to see this fight again, I think many people are still interested to watch the comeback of a former pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. Diehard fans of the Filipino congressman want their idol to send Marquez into retirement just like what he did to Erik Morales, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and others.

Also, this fight is good for Marquez to show that his win against Pacquiao was not a “Lucky punch.” Sure, this would generate a huge revenue for both veteran boxers. This is one of the reasons why that this fifth fight needs to happen this year if Mayweather is not interested to face Pacquiao.

After a fifth fight between Marquez and Pacquiao, the Mexican fighter can retire peacefully – win or lose. I don’t think Marquez is afraid to fight Pacquiao, but he is trying to protect his boxing records. He can’t afford to lose another fight to Pacquiao. But don’t worry, there’s nothing to be feared of – especially if you lose to an all-time-great and one and only eight- division world champion Pacquiao.

Read more at http://www.boxingnews24.com/2014/02/a-fifth-bout-wont-happen-between-marquez-and-pacquiao/#HJLVlpk60k6G3bot.99

My last day of 2013 – reflections on Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) and Tacloban

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On New Year’s Eve I made my way from Thailand to my friends in Maasin City, Philippines. To get to them, I had to fly into Super Typhoon ravaged Tacloban City. This day, 31 December 2013, will be a day that I will never forget – the scenes of sheer devastation and pain will stay with me. It has been 6 weeks since the disaster, however the scenes are unimaginable. My heart hurts for the people of this beautiful island.

On November 8th 2013, super typhoon Haiyan (or Yolanda as it’s locally known) struck the Philippines. The island of Leyte was worst hit as it was right in the path of the typhoon and it was the first place where the typhoon made land fall. It has affected 12.9 million people in the Philippines (13% of the population) and so far, 4460 people died. It is, according to the…

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