Batista Quits WWE

>>> My, my, my... what happened to our wrestling fav Batista? Is it a done deal or just a publicity for his career? Anyway guys, we all know what his capability on and off the court that is if your a fan...  another thing comes on my mind is, does Batista will try to replicate "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson's career on the big screen? If Batista chooses to be an actor, he could don for a Marvel movie, a hero or not Batista can still wow a crowd... anyways, read the details below about his so called 'retirement' on WWE.

Half-Filipino, half-Greek 6-time world champion Batista decided to call it's quit at the WWE after over a decade of body-slamming in the squared circle, mainly because of the injuries he suffered last May 23 PPV, Over The Limit. But the news buzzing around is, after his last appearance on RAW last May 24th, "The Animal" will pursue a career in MMA! With a video of him seen training at Affliction, WWE alumni Jim Ross was asked about his comments about Batista joining the likes of Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar in the MMA, he stated in his blog :

“I’ve heard some rumblings that when Batista gets healthy that he might try his hand in the MMA world. This rumor is FAR from official but I do know that Batista has been doing some MMA training and has a bona fide interest in the genre,” Ross wrote.

He then added, “This would be a huge challenge for Batista if he indeed attempts to compete in MMA at a high level which, again, is not a done deal.”

As for WWE's John Cena "As for Batista, I never know how permanent 'quitting' really is. The only two I've seen quit, and truly not come back yet are JBL and HBK."

WWE has yet to announce it's official statement about Batista's actions but news around the company is he'll comeback before Wrestlemania 27. His profile on WWE's website is also transferred from RAW to Alumni section.

Link: The Fighting Pride

 

Philippines dominates in 108th Malaysian Amateur Open Golf

 >>> This is a game that I didn't play, well, first reason is that I don't have the money for it :P Anyway, Good job guys!!!

PERAK, Malaysia – The dominating performance of the Philippines in the recently concluded 108th Malaysian Amateur Open golf championship has validated the country’s better-than-average chances of regaining its once-lofty standing in Southeast Asia.

“We beat the best in the (SEA) region here,” Tommy Manotoc, a stalwart of many Philippine Putra Cup champion teams in the past, said in a telephone interview a day after Mhark Fernando won the individual championship that sealed a twin kill for the Philippines.

“For the past several years, this is the best chance that we have to win again,” added Manotoc, who recently took over as the chairman of the National Team and Golf Development Committees of the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

The Putra Cup, regarded as the official Southeast Asian team golf championship, in celebration of its 50th year, will be holding this year’s edition in the venue where it started, in Kuala Lumpur, in the third week of October.

No country came close to touching the Philippines in the event in the past, with Manotoc being a part of so many squads that the late great Luis “Golem” Silverio used to spearhead from the 1970s to the 1980s.

Fernando’s victory certainly gave the 28-year-old an inside track on one of the four slots in that team that is expected to be finalized by the end of August.

The Philippines last won the Putra Cup in 1996 in Myanmar with a team made up of Antonio Lascuña, Rey Pagunsan, Richard Sinfuego and Gerard Cantada.

Since then, the Philippines has rarely contended and for several years even languished in the lower half of the field.

Along with Fernando, also available for the Philippines are United States-based talents like Judson Eustaquio, Jik-Jik Abdon, Marcel Puyat and Carl Santos Ocampo.

Those belonging in the local pool are Jonel Ababa, Jessie Balasabas, Peter Villaber, Dante Becierra, Jobim Carlos and prodigy Miguel Tabuena.

Source: Philstar

Wesley So at Battle of GM's

>>> I still remember when I'm just a freshmen on our high school and played chess. Believe it or not I beat college students that time even with money at stake for additional thrill. And as my skill sharpen on the game, me and my best bud tried the high school chess club. But that time, chess is not the flavor of the game, but still we played it. :D

MANILA, Philippines—Grandmaster Wesley So stakes his clean slate when the third Phoenix Petroleum “Battle of GMs” chess championship begins Tuesday at the Character Hotel in Tagaytay City.

The 16-year-old Grandmaster emerged unscathed in ruling the first edition of the event in Manila in 2008 and in Dapitan City last year, making him the top favorite to bag the P200,000 top purse.

So, the country’s top player with an ELO of 2665, will be challenged by his fellow World Cup campaigners—GMs Rogelio Antonio Jr. and Darwin Laylo—in the tournament organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines in cooperation with the Tagaytay City government and Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc.

“So is expected to play well and defend his title, but Antonio, Laylo and the rest of the participants are all capable of pulling off surprises,” said NCFP president Prospero “Butch” Pichay, prime mover of the event with Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

Pichay, Tolentino, and Phoenix Petroleum president-CEO Dennis Uy and brand marketing manager Jay Delloso will grace the opening rites at 1 p.m.

By/From: Roy Luarca
Link: Inquirer

Jesson Cid rips decathlon record

>>> Another prodigy in decathlon is now rising like a sun. If he keeps it up, he can achieve more than that and may represent our country in the future Olympics. Another thing is, how I Jesson could get more exposure from the game and sponsors so that he can enhance his skills to be more competitive in his game.

MANILA, Philippines - Not until he can prove his age will his effort be recognized as the new Philippine record.

Jesson Ramil Cid of Far Eastern U posted 6,094 points in the boys’ decathlon yesterday, but officials still could not confirm if he had broken the 28-year-old record set by Dario De Rosas during an RP-US dual meet in Baguio City.

But Cid, who said he’s turning 19 on Dec. 31, still went home smiling after being awarded the gold medal as the 2010 National Open Track and Field Championships came to a close at the sun-baked Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Ben Silva Neto, executive vice president of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association, said once Cid could show his birth certificate proving that he’s not above the age limit of 18, then the record would be his.

In the stands, moments after he won the decathlon gold, the native of Dingras in Ilocos Norte said he could have done much better if not for the searing summer heat. Still, he said he was happy with his performance.

“It was okay. I expected it anyway. But I could have done better if not for the heat,” said the 5-foot-11 youngster, who said he started out as a basketball player until people around him took notice of his jumping ability.

“They said I was a high leaper. So I went into track, tried high jump and long jump, and left basketball behind,” said Cid, a third-year college student at FEU. He has the legendary Rosito Andaya and Jojo Posadas as mentors.

Andaya, who worked with great champions like Lydia de Vega, Isidro del Prado and Elma Muros-Posadas, recalled that De Rosas was already 22 when he set his record, and here comes an 18-year-old trackster breaking it.

Go Teng Kok, RP track and field president, said with or without his birth certificate, Cid, a protege of Michael Keon in Ilocos Norte, deserves a slot in the training pool.

“He has the potential. I already asked my coaching staff to talk with the FEU management so we can invite him in the training pool. We’re preparing for the Youth Olympics in November or maybe he can join the team for the 2011 SEA Games,”said Go.

Overshadowed by Cid’s feat in the discipline that combines 10 track events (100m dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400m run, 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw and 1500 run) was Eduardo Buenavista’s own victory.

Buenavista’s dominating performance and Southeast Asian Games hammer throw record holder Arnel Ferrera’s double gold performance were relegated to supporting scene.

Buenavista, last year’s SEA Games gold medal winner in marathon, barely flexed his muscles in winning the 10,000m run with a time of 32:59.07, while Ferrera scored a double by dominating the hammer throw (54.96) and men’s javelin (44.11).

Patrick Unso, who set a new record in boys’ 110m hurdles last Friday, took the gold in the 400m hurdles with a time of 54.18 seconds.

Joining Ferrera, Sheen Atilano (100m hurdles and 200m dash) and Unso in the short list of double gold winners was Rosie Villarito, who won the women shot put (11.08) and the javelin throw (33.04).

Other final day winners were Gregg Vincent Osorio in boys 1000m (35:43.0), Vabesa Membrado in girls 1000m walk (1:02:12.0), Joy Verlie Cabanilla in boys walk (1:01.08.02), Irin Baluran in girls triple jump (11.67), Precious De Leon in girls shotput (9.46), Archand Christian Bagsit in 400m dash (49.75), Chris Joy Bonifacio in men’s triple jump (12.24), Gervy Deriada in boys discus throw (40.25), Blessie Mae Sanchez in 400m dash girls (1:10.88), Michell Barrameda in women’s 400m (1:07.63) and John Rey Bardos in boys 400m (50.28).

Source: Philippine Star 

Lee Van Corteza wins 2010 US Open 10-ball

 >>> another legend in the making, Lee Van Corteza wins the US Open 10-Ball... Congratulations and may you "Slay" more opponents on your game :D

FILIPINO Lee Vann "The Slayer" Corteza defeated Chinese Hi Wen-lo, 13-12, in their rematch on the final to rule the just concluded 2010 US Open 10-ball championship at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada, USA Saturday.

 "Winning a tournament wherein you have to compete against the world's best players is a very big accomplishment, and I'm very happy for this win," said Corteza, the top player of Jonathan Sy's Negros Billiard Stable.

"I got my confidence after winning against Van Boening (Shane)," said Corteza, who also edged American hopeful Shane "The South Dakota Kid" Van Boening, 9-8, in their loser's side encounter to take the last final berth.

Aside from getting the top prize of $20,000, the feat made Corteza ranked No. 5 in the world based on the latest rankings released by the World Pool Billiard Association (WPBA) following his second back-to-back international titles. He captured the 1st Annual Hard Times-Mezz Cues 10-Ball Open title at the Hard Times Billiards in Bellflower, Los Angeles, California, USA, two weeks ago.

Lo, on the other hand settled runner-up purse of $12,500 while 3rd placer Boening got $8,500 and fourth placer, another Filipino bet Francisco "Django" Bustamante, went home with $5,700.

"I've hoped and prayed hard enough to win this crown for my countrymen as well as my boss Jonathan (Sy) who has been helping me compete abroad," added Corteza.

“Once again, congratulations Van-Van (Corteza). You have made every Filipino proud of your triumph,” long-time benefactor sportsman/businessman BMPAP co-founder Jonathan Sy, the president of the rising Negros Billiards Stable (NBS) said of the top player of NBS.

"This is the reason why we managers are still holding the dream that someday our lawmakers can help this sport. We will also work in making Quezon City the Wimbledon of billiards," added Billiards Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) founding head Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, also the president of Bugsy Promotions.

Earlier, Corteza bested Tony Robles of Mexico (9-6), Chris Bartram of US (9-5), Francis Crevier of US (9-8), Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan (9-2), Mike Dechaine of US (9-8), and Manny Chau of Peru (9-8) in the winner's brackets of this $89,000 to prize double elimination format. He lost to Lo (9-6) during their first encounter in the hot seat match.

Actually, Corteza raced to a 6-3 lead against Lo in their first match but the latter (Lo) won six straight racks for 9-6 triumph to earn a first final berth.

Against Van Boening in their do-or- die match, after a 5-all deadlock in the 10th rack, Van Boening won three straight racks to reach the hill (8-5). However the last American hopeful was stuck at 8 after Corteza won four straight racks to escape with a narrow 9-8 win.

The former undefeated Lo, earlier beat Marc Vidal of US (9-2), Tyler Edey of Canada (9-7), Oscar Dominguez of Mexico (9-6), Corey Harper of US (9-0), Charlie Williams of US (9-6), Mika Immonen of Finland (9-5) and Corteza (9-8) in the hot seat match before bowing to Corteza (13-12) in their rematch on the final.

Other Filipino bets who saw action include 2010 Player of the Decade and hall of famer Efren "Bata" Reyes, Jose "Amang" Parica, Ronato Alcano, Roberto Gomez, Warren Kiamco, Edwin Montal, Al Lapena and Dennis Orcullo, who won the 2010 Party Poker World Pool Masters last Monday in the same venue.

According to RP billiards spokesman Ramon "Maestro Monching" Mistica, over-all in three weeks time, the Filipinos captured four international title, two title courtesy of Corteza (LA and Las Vegas 10-ball), World Pool Masters contribute of Orcullo and Super Billiards League in Winnipeg, Canada won by Bustamante.

Source: PhilBoxing 

Glenn Aguilar an Asian Champion

>>> I always have thrills seeing this machines run on the dirt then fly on a ramp, I wish I could too but first thing first is that I don't have an off road bikes like they have... and another thing, I think Glenn and I are not related, wish we could be and if there's a chance, I wish he could teach me to ride those mean machines :P

MANILA, Philippines - Motocross superstar Glenn Aguilar of Team KTM-Therasil Lozenges displayed the form that earned him an Asian championship when he swept the Pro Lites and the premier Pro Open of the Sel J Sports National Motocross Championship Series’ seventh leg at the Clark International Speedway last weekend in Angeles, Pampanga.

Aguilar, who is still the only Filipino to have won an FIM Asian Motocrosss Championship, dug deep into his bag of tricks and with some more new techniques, swept the four heats of both the Pro Lites and Pro Open to the delight of the 10,000 Pampangueno crowd.

The 11-time Rider of the Year of Team KTM-Therasil Lozenges mastered the 14-man field of champion riders from all over the country, as he swept all races of 12 grueling laps each in the 1.2-km track, which boasts of international design and standard.

“The crowd was amazing, and so I didn’t want to disappoint them,” said Aguilar. “It was pure joy giving them a good motocross show.”

Legendary rider Jovy Saulog took the hole shot, but after two laps Aguilar caught up with him at the 25-foot tabletop jump before pulling away for good in the final centerpiece race.

Last year’s Golden Wheel Rider of the Year Dondon Yuzon overtook Saulog to finish runner up to Aguilar in the event also backed by Therasil Lozenges, Fastlane, Flamboyant Constructions, Nature’s Spring, Access-Plus, MS Motosuit and Sel J Pharma.

“With the success of the first season, Sel J Sports will again be a partner of the motocross series in the coming Season 2, with Enersel Forte as the title sponsor. We promise to have more races all over the Philippines,” said Jay Lacnit of Sel J Sports.

The Sel J Sports National Series features 15 classes, with more than 150 riders from all over the Philippines participating, making it the biggest and toughest motocross tournament in the country today.

“The goal of this is to popularize the sport again,” said Johnny Tan of Clark International Speedway. “If we hold more races, more enthusiasts will be drawn to the sport. If that happens, we may see a motocross renaissance yet in the very near future.”

Other winners of the seventh leg were Ted Conde (Intermediate Class), JB Bacabac (Novice Production), Jacob Orbe (Beginner Production), McLean Aguilar (85cc and 65cc), BJ Pepito (50cc), Jay Lacnit (executive class),Dexter Bacabac (Veterans class).

Next and final stop of the Sel J Sports National Motocross Championship Series will be Camarines Sur, where more than 200 riders from all over the country are expected to participate.

Link: PhilStar

URCC University Challenge 2010

>>> I just stumbled this news on URCC's web site... how I wish I could still fight like a young stud like them but time do really changes my body :P

Colt 45 URCC University Challenge 2010 QualifiersMay 22, 2010. 2PM (Weigh-ins). 5PM (Start). B.A.M.F. MMA Center, Sucat Rd., Paranaque City

details and pics - URCC

Pacquiao agrees on blood testing to fight Mayweather Jr.

>>> here's my two cents here guys, on Pac-Man's or should I say Congressman Pacquiao issue on blood testing is if he has nothing to hide as a boxer he should comply to this earlier and prove that he is truly the king of the ring and for Mayweather's account on our national pound for pound hero is that he is out of excuses now to fight Congressman Pacqiuao... by the way, will Michael Buffer announce "Congressman Manny 'Pac-Man' Pacquiao"?

MANILA - Manny Pacquiao would be willing to take a blood test 14 days prior to a bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr, local media reports said, edging the two men regarded as the world's best pound-for-pound boxers closer to a showdown.

Talks between the fighters' camps stalled earlier this year over Pacquiao's refusal to agree to Mayweather's demands for Olympic-style random drug testing, with the Filipino saying he did not want blood drawn from him too close to a fight.

"Fourteen days is okay with me, as long as isn't done on the day of the fight, and only the right amount of blood will be drawn from me," Pacquiao told Filipino media.

Pacquiao's compromise could bring the two camps back to the negotiating table for a fight many feel would have the potential to be the sport's richest ever.

Since talks broke down, Mayweather eased to a decisive points victory over fellow American Shane Mosley earlier this month in a welterweight non-title bout that drew 1.4 million pay-per-view buyers.
That followed Pacquiao's mauling of Ghana's Joshua Clottey in March. The seven-weight champion has since been elected to congress back home and will need to fit his training regime in with parliament sessions after being sworn in on June 30.

However, Pacquiao believes he is perfectly capable of being able to pursue both a boxing and political career.
"I will attend sessions in the morning until afternoon then I go to the gym around 4 or 5 p.m.," Pacquiao told the Manila Bulletin.

"I will stay in the country during training camp then with two weeks before the fight, I will fly to the U.S."

Link: Yahoo! Philippines News/Sports

Jeffrey "The Jet" Cariaso Retires

hi guys, here's my first blog post for this all pinoy in sports... mostly, all my resources or link are from the internet and maybe some of it will be from our local newspaper here in the Philippines... hope you like it as a simple info or tidbits in anyway I can...

MANILA, Philippines - Jeffrey Cariaso, a Fil-Am player who has carved a distinguished PBA career highlighted by a Rookie of the Year citation and three berths with the Mythical Five selection, announced yesterday his retirement at the end of the current PBA season.

His wish is to be given a chance to end his career on a bright note.

Cariaso is calling it quits at 38 after having played 15 PBA seasons also marked by a number of championships won with Alaska Milk and Coca-Cola.

The 6-foot-2 off-guard from Sonoma State U in Los Angeles, California also played five solid seasons with Mobiline and Tanduay in an illustrious pro career that had him earning career averages of 13.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.14 assists through last season.

Cariaso, a member of the RP team that narrowly missed the gold-medal game in the 2002 Busan Asian Games, is now on the reserve list, though, as he has requested after being kept on the bench by coach Tim Cone through their first six games in the current PBA Fiesta Conference.

“Let me just say that I feel this is for the betterment of the team and for the direction the team wants to go now,” said Cariaso.

“I didn’t play a single minute in our first six games this conference so I felt it was best for the team to ask coach Tim to put me on the reserve list. It was probably the hardest request I’ve ever asked for,” Cariaso added.

The old warrior, a core member of the Alaska grandslam-winning team in 1996, believes he deserves better.

“I feel like for all the years of service I have put in for the team, and for the league, I honestly feel I deserve quality minutes. For all the sweat, tears, success, failures, and everything in regards to team chemistry, I feel giving me playing time in my very last conference before I retire is fair,” he said.

“Playing me is not doing me a favor. I’m not asking for a favor. Although I feel I deserve better, the reason behind this belief is I actually can still perform,” he added.

Cariaso is puzzled why this treatment from his coach.

“They believe that I can still compete and help out the team. I use practice to show my competitiveness. I am announcing that this is my last year of playing in the PBA. Why is it so hard to give me a little respect? Respect that I deserve, respect that I’ve earned,” Cariaso said.

Cariaso said he’s thankful to the whole Alaska organization and insisted he’s not sour-graping.

>>> for me, I really admire the heart of Jeff Cariaso, he really deserve a quality "farewell" game for his fans and the league... and also, this is the sad part to any baller out there... when they get old, the coaching staff realizes that they (veteran players) compete very well versus the young and much more talented players that they know or with... anyways, i'm just a fan too, i can't do anything by just "blogging" this... it's always business as usual for the team... Good luck and God Bless Mr. Cariaso :D

 

link: Philippine Star - Sports