KALIBO NEWS

NHI Unveils Historical Markers of Aklan Heroes

By Terence Toriano

Deputy Executive Director Emelita Almosara of the National Historical Institute (NHI) and Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo honored two Kalibonhon National heroes just recently. They are Col. Pastor C. Martelino and Captain Gil M. Mijares whose lives were cut short by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.
Director Almosara and Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo led the unveiling of historical markers in honor of the two heroes which took place in their respective edifices built in their honors. One at the Camp Pastor C. Martelino in Brgy. New Buswang, the present headquarters of the Aklan Provincial Police, and the other at the Capt. Gil M. Mijares Memorial Building in front of Pastrana Park. The building houses the Municipal Library, Social Hall and the Kalibo Police Station. The unveiling ceremonies was one of the highlights of Kalibo’s 435th Foundation Day.
Deputy Executive Director Almosara said, "this is the first of its kind in the whole country where two historical markers were simultaneously unveiled.
Col. Pastor C. Martelino hailed from Kalibo, Aklan. He completed his military course at the US Military Academy in West Point, New York. He was the first Filipino superintendent of the Philippine Military Acedemy, Baguio City. When war in the Philippines broke out, he was caught with other USAFEE defenders. The Japanese Imperial Army offered him the rank of general if he would defend Corregidor from a coming US-led invasion to take back the Philippines. His refusal made him the subject of 14 days of torture. He later died in Ft. Santiago, Manila in 1945.
Capt. Gil Mijares, on the other hand, was one-of-a-kind line officer. He was in his third year law studies when he was called to active military duty at Camp Delgado, Iloilo City. Capt. Mijares became the Regimental Adjutant of the 65th Infantry Combat Team of the Panay Guerilla Forces after the fall of the USAFEE in Panay in 1942. He was captured with 7 other enlisted men in 1944 at the hills of Binangbang, Barbaza, Antique.
They were subjected to torture by their Japanese captors in order to extract information regarding the arrival of American submarines from Australia. But none of them talked following his orders until the third day when one of his men broke after continuous floggings. Mijares went to the soldier and slapped his mouth and said, "Do not talk!" He was then seized and subjected to slow death along with his men.
LGU-Kalibo Launches Artificial Coral Reef
LGU-Kalibo thru the Municipal Agricultural Services Division launched the concrete Jackstone-type artificial coral reef at Sitio Pudlon, Brgy. Mabilo, Kalibo, Aklan on November 10, 2006. This is another environment friendly project similar to Bakhawan Eco-Park.
The program was conducted at the seashore of Sitio Pudlon in the morning. Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez was among the guests. Marquez has actively supported the program.
This artificial coral reef is another commitment of the Municipality of Kalibo to preserve and conserve our environment not only for the benefits of our fisherfolks and the community but also for our natural marine wealth," Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo pointed out.
The Provincial Agriculture office (PRO) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel, aquaculturists, fisherfolk leaders, barangay officials and the community living in the area attended the launching.
Municipal Agricultural Services Division of Kalibo facilitated the project resulting to the allocation of P50,000 from the provincial government for the fabrication of the concrete Jackstone-type artificial coral reef.
Ka-Tribu Radio Competes In The 15th Golden Dove Awards
After a year of operation, the Community Broadcast Information System Ati-Atihan 98.5 Hot FM Ka-Tribu Radio became one of the finalists in three categories in the 15th Golden Dove Awards last month at the Star Theater, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila.
The Ka-Tribu radio was selected as a finalist in: 1. The Best Public Service Announcement where "Kabaeaka" (Concern) featuring the Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, 2. The Best Field Reporter category where Allen "Double Alpha" Alcedo is the reporter; and 3. Local show host Jay Tejada rubbed shoulders with Korina Sanchez and Ted Failon as one of the finalists in the Best Public Affairs Program Host.
In its infancy, CBIS 98.5 Hot FM Ka-Tribu Radio in partnership with a leading broadcasting company is a brainchild of Mayor Rebaldo. It is meant to bring the projects and programs of the local government of Kalibo including the latest local news and information to the very homes of the people while music and entertainment are enjoyed in the late evening hours by the young and old alike. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

‘SPYING’ IN BORACAY

Regional PNP Mulls Surveillance Cameras on Resort Island

By Boy Ryan Zabal

The Philippine National Police (PNP) plans to set up close circuit television cameras at Cagban Jetty Port - the one entry one-exit port in Brgy. Manoc-Manoc - to secure the island from possible terrorist attacks, said PNP regional director Chief Supt. Geary Barias.
The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) will be "hi-tech" to secure this island resort from possible terrorist attacks. It plans to install hidden cameras in strategic spots to track down possible and suspected criminals and terrorists.
The closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) will be posted at, among others, the Cagban Jetty Port – the sole entry and exit point in Boracay, said Chief Supt. Geary Barias.The hidden cameras are hoped to deter terrorists attacks and guarantee the safety of tourists, Barias said during his recent visit in Aklan.
Barias said CCTVs are common in London where, in July 2005, bombs exploded in its subway. The hidden cameras helped the British police identify and arrest the bombers. At least 52 people died in the worst British subway and transportation system attack.
"If we have those CCTVs in the island and a database identification system, we could allay the fears of tourists – local and foreign – in Boracay," Barias said.
Presently, some 100 policemen are guarding Boracay. They have the support of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Senior Insp. Christopher Prangan heads the Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office (BSTPO).
"Even the superpowers – United States and Britain – are not spared by terrorist attacks despite their sophisticated intelligence and military capability," Barias stressed.
Boracay is a likely target of terrorist, he said, because an attack on it would have international impact.
"We do not want that to happen," he said.
At the moment, Barias said, "the local police vowed to thwart any terrorist activities with its 24-hour security on strategic areas coupled with the support of non-governmental organizations in the island.
"If they planned to attack, the most likely target is Boracay Island, but, we do not want that to happen" he added. /mp mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

EDITORIAL

Task Force Bantay Boracay Enforces
One Entry, One Exit Policy

By Ulysses Espartero

P/Supt. William Macavinta ordered the Malay Police Station and Boracay Special Tourist Protection Unit (BSTPU) to implement the one entry, one exit policy effective November 1 this year.
The local government unit of Malay and the Caticlan Boracay Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CBTMPC) expressed no opposition after the Regional Trial Court in Kalibo has finally junked the complaint filed by Malay Mayor Ceciron Cawaling against the province of Aklan from the implementation of the one entry, one exit policy in Boracay Island.
"The case has been decided. We are asked by the Aklan provincial government to implement the policy in order to secure the safety of tourists coming into the island," Macavinta told the pump boat operators and and other stakeholders in Boracay.
Caticlan Jetty Port Administrator Niven Maquirang confirmed the "Cagban Port in Boracay Island is designated "entry-exit point" of all vessels from Caticlan and from other points of origin as far as Romblon and Mindoro.
All vessels will now be subjected to proper port clearance before any departure with their respective passengers and cargoes of any kind to security check and inspection. The boat stations 1, 2, and 3 will be closed to any vessel starting Friday, November 1.
The enforcement of the policy is provided for in Provincial Ordinance No. 05-032 for the preservation, protection, security and safety of the provincial tourism assets and resources.
Vice Governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino stressed that "security measures to protect the tourists and the general public must be taken seriously."
"We have crafted the ordinance in order to ward off any possible attack and other criminal activities," Tolentino added.
Governor Carlito S. Marquez issued Executive Order No. 13 to immediately implement the policy stressing that Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 empowers the provincial government to issue executive orders for the faithful and appropriate enforcement and execution of laws and ordinances.
Marquez appealed for support for this security program which is in line with the continuing and intensified efforts to improve tourism facilities and condition in Boracay Island.
"Boracay island is a major tourism revenue earner of our country and for our province. The resort island is the springboard to our economic development."
"We need to constantly improve conditions in Boracay to make it globally competitive," Marquez added.
According to him, Aklan’s tourism is now a P4-billion-peso industry.
THE POLICY
Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) Chief Rex Consemino explained that privately-owned vessels may use the existing boat stations as drop-off points only of their own guests including cargoes which are for their own use or consumption provided prior clearance is secured from concerned authority.
After unloading, vessels shall be required to park and must park in the designated mooring area. All vessels shall at all times use Cagban Port only as drop-off point of passengers and cargoes.
SUPPORT
The one entry, one exit policy is strongly supported by the Boracay Association of Resorts, Restaurants and Independent Allies (BARRIA) chaired by Nemesio Dalisay.
Barria contends that the implementation of the said policy is most appropriate considering the highly disorganized and mismanaged conditions of the tourism assets and its peripheral services especially with regards to transport services, land use, environmental preservation, enforcement of laws, rules and regulations, that gradually drag the Island of Boracay into the abyss of unimaginable chaos, notwithstanding the burgeoning risks of man-made calamities.
Barria is an association of small scale and medium resort/hotel owners and stakeholders. It was organized to unconditionally support, to protect, and to preserve Boracay Island. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Western Visayas Beauty

Photo above shows Miss Western Visayas Tourism candidates with Ms. Ladylyn Riva of Aklan who placed first runner-up in last month’s Regional Tourism Assembly.
Photo below shows Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, center, with DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta and other officials posing for a souvenir picture after receiving the five Western Visayas Tourism Excellence awards for LGU Kalibo. (Gary Vargas photos)

Entrepreneurial Farmer

By Ambrosio R. Villorente

Who Will Follow After Sec. Cruz?

Mr. Eduardo Mañalac, resigned his position as president of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) just this week. PNOC is a government owned and controlled corporation. He resigned from his post, according to Mañalac, due to policy differences and in view of the loss of confidence on him by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Mañalac is one Filipino who exhibits principle, integrity and honesty worthy of emulation and respect. How many government officials like Mañalac are still with us?
Last week, Secretary of the Department of National Defense resigned irrevocably from his post. Words came out the DND secretary Avelino Cruz is not anymore comfortable working with PGMA and her cabinet. Cruz’s resignation followed after his announcement that "he values institutions like the Philippines Constitutions and that "the people’s initiative petition of changing the charter was a legal harebrained idea". Harebrained means, "having no more intelligence than a hare."
To many, Secretary Avelino Cruz believed, the people’s initiative as a means to amend the constitution is the thinking of a rabbit. He has set in motion reforms in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. But some presidential critics said, "Cruz’s departure from the cabinet exposed rifts among PGMA’s official family."
At least, there are still people on top of the government who readily speak out their feelings and thinking on things happening in the government. Cruz is one who spoke even at the expense of his separation from the cabinet. Who will follow atfer him?
-o0o-
A friend has put me to task concerning the awards the Rotary Club of Kalibo and the Aklan Press Club, Inc. conferred upon Mr. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. He ask why these two organizations conferred the "International Business Award" by the Rotary Club of Kalibo and the "Golden Press For Exemplary Business Leadership" by the Aklan Press Club while the Aklan Ati-Atihan Chamber of Commerce and Industry did not give recognition to Haresco.
"Well" I said, I cannot speak of the Aklan Ati-Atihan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. I’m no member of that organization. It is proper to address such question to the proper person.
In the field of Rotary, I told him, "it aims to advance business and the profession, no matter how lowly." And to recognize someone who is successful in either business or profession is in line with the objectives of Rotary. The Rotary Club of Kalibo has been recognizing successful persons in their chosen fields since it is organized 40 years ago .
The month of October of every year is Vocational month and one of the highlights of our celebration is to recognize a successful individual. Mr. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr. was recommended for the award which was finally conferred upon him on October 8, 2006 in a simple ceremonies at Sampaguita Gardens Resort Hotel, New Washington.
The Aklan Press Club too conferred upon Mr. Haresco the "Golden Press for Exemplary Business Leadership Award" as one of the highlights of its 50th year anniversary. Mr. Haresco has assisted to a certain degree the Aklan Press Club, Inc. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Aklan Diesel Power Plant Generates Health Problems

By Boy Ryan Zabal

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) clarified that the five-megawatt (MW) power plant of Avon River Holdings Corporation in Brgy. Mabilo, New Washington, Aklan had an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Baltazar Gerardo of the Provincial DENR Office said this following the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s (SP) resolution urging them to revoke and/or cancel ECC No. 0604-0301-113-120 issued to Avon River for failure to operationalize the Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT) and the Environmental Monitoring Fund (EMF).
"The power plant has complied with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as prescribed by Presidential Decree (PD) 1586 and Section 3 of PD 1121. The proponent and the EIA preparer are severally accountable for any misrepresentation and their failure to state material information shall be sufficient cause for the cancellation or suspension of the ECC," Gerardo said during the 38th regular SP session. Gerardo added, "Avon River Power Holdings Corp. has a temporary permit to operate the 5-MW diesel engine/generator set on April 5, 2006 and a Discharge Permit issued by Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Regional Director Bienvenido Lipayon.
On March 1, 2004, Ariel Armand Lapus, Vice President for Business Development of Avon River Holdings Corp. also secured the ECC from then DENR – Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Regional Director Samson Guillergan.
Edwin Jimenez, who was also invited in the session, stressed those 133 residents of Sitio Eo-ok, Brgy. Mabilo, New Washington, Aklan complained of headaches, restlessness, coughing, respiratory problems and other illnesses attributed to the toxic fumes of the plant when it was operated on September 28 to October 11.
"They are operating even at midnight; ash falls reached the ground, affecting our health, including those of our children," Jimenez said.
But Gerardo said "the power plant is installing a 40-meter chimney to mitigate the alleged ill effects in the health of the people due to its operation./MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

PNP Vows Justice On Media Killings

By Boy Ryan Zabal

ON THE GO. Chief Supt. Gerry Barias, PNP regional director, lauded the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc (PAPI) for its support and mutual cooperation in the promotion of press freedom during the Aklan Media Summit closing program held in Aklan Sampaguita Gardens Resort, New Washington, Aklan.

Philippine National Police (PNP) regional director Chief Supt. Gerry Barias said, "the police fully respects the freedom of the press in the wake of extra-judicial killings of journalists."
This he stressed during the closing ceremony of the first-ever Aklan Media Summit of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc (PAPI) and the Aklan provincial government at Aklan Sampaguita Gardens Resort last Sunday, October 29.
"The journalists based in the urban centers and the provinces are very important bulwark of press freedom in our country and we take pride in having the liveliest and most democratic media in this part of the world," Barias said.
He also lauded the PAPI for its promotion of the practice of responsible journalism among its members and the mutual support and cooperation being given to the police.
"PAPI is at the forefront of efforts to re-orient the mass media industry towards developmental journalism and the responsiveness to the national objective to all parts of the country through a concerted effort among government, industry, business sector, NGOs and media," said Barias, who represented PNP Director GeneralOscar Calderon.
The farewell party for some 100 delegates of the four-day summit from October 26 to 29, 2006 was graced by PAPI president Juan P. Dayang, Aklan Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino and former Aklan solon Allen Salas-Quimpo.

COMMON CONCERN
Barias added, "the local police shares a common concern on the much-publicized incidents of violence against members of the media in some parts of the country, including Bombo Radyo Kalibo station manager Herson Hinolan."
"The PNP condemns these attacks on individual victims collectively as a blatant assault on press freedom and the democratic right to free-expression that we all enjoy. In every case brought to our attention, we do our level best to bring the perpetrators to justice," Barias stressed.
PNP, under the stint of Calderon, has vowed to get to the bottom of the senseless murders that had been committed, resolve the unwarranted killings and uphold everyone’s right to life and peaceful living.
"Whether a case may be work-related or not, a case of slain journalist is one murder too many deserves swift police action," he stressed.
TASK FORCE USIG
Barias also praised the efforts of PNP Task Force Usig investigating the prosecution of those behind the murder of journalists in the country.
"We have made a significant headway in putting into motion a stronger partnership and collaborative action as a confidence-building measure such that the solution efficiency rating has been remarkably unprecedented," he added.
Barias pointed out to the creation of an independent Melo Commission which helps solve more cases and more perpetrators will be put behind bars.
"The investigation of these cases of violence committed against journalists and members of militant organizations has now become a multi-sectoral and inter-agency total approach," he said. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

DTI: Surcharge On Credit Card Purchases Is Illegal

By Ruby M. Melliza

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reiterated the rules on Price Tags and Labels by the issuance of Department Administrative Order No. 10:2006 "Reiterating the Rules on Price Tags, Labels and Providing Prohibition Against the Imposition of a Surcharge. Extra Charge or Additional Charge in the Use of Credit Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Debit Cards for Payment of Purchases of Consumer Products or Services."
DAO 10:2006 states that Republic Act No. 7394 otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines declares that it is the Lucena, Cebu, Butuan and Davao.
2. Real Estate Appraisers (REA) – will be held simultaneously on Sunday, 26 November 2006 in the cities of Quezon, Cebu and Davao.
3. Real Estate Consultants (REC) – is scheduled on Tuesday, 05 December 2006 at the DTI Head Office, Makati City.
Deadline for submission of application with complete requirements for REB and REA examinations, to the DTI regional and provincial offices where the examinations will be conducted, is on Monday, 20 November 2006.
For REC examination, please get in touch with Ms. Corona Olivia Rivera. Application forms for the above examinations are available at the nearest DTI regional and provincial offices in your area. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Readers To Please Score The Pacquiao-Morales Duel

By Alex Vidal

"I don’t wanna close my eyes. I don’t wanna fall to sleep ‘coz I miss your game …and I don’t wanna miss a thing" – AEROSMITH

Good news to all excited fans of the Emmanuel "Manny The Pacman" Pacquiao-Erik "El Terible" Morales "Grand Finale": You can now act as judges while watching the fight live (on TV, SM City Cinema, or in the ringside!).
To begin with, I would like to ask the indulgence of the readers that, since I am a licensed professional boxing referee and judge, I would like to share to the boxing fans some techniques on how to score a professional boxing championship fight. If we know how to score a boxing fight, we can compare our scorecards with that of the three official judges in the ringside and we will know if they are into monkey business as feared by some cynics or they are really straight shooters as widely believed.
My topic today actually augurs well with the recent decision of the World Boxing Council (WBC) to approve the open scoring or the radical new plans to reveal the official judges’ scorecards at regular intervals in title fights. Under the rules, the announcer would tell the audience who was ahead after the fourth and eighth rounds. The new system will be used for the first time during two WBC title fights in Tokyo on 13 November.
WBC president Jose Sulaiman said: "I believe that we have taken a major step in the history of boxing." Sulaiman thinks the system will help maintain the integrity of the sport. "One of the most important things is to do something for justice in scoring," he added. "We have been doing so many clinics, basic guidelines, booklets and videos, but we still have a problem. "I believe that this is gigantic in sports and will make the judges more conscientious of their responsibility. It will ensure the judges concentrate 100 percent concentration and it will give them a sense of pride, because they have confidence in themselves and their scoring".
The Japanese commission has confirmed that it will apply the new rule in two WBC world title fights on 13 November in Tokyo, Japan. These will be the WBC bantamweight clash between Hozumi Hasegawa and Genaro Garcia and the strawweight clash between Eagle Kyowa and Lorenzo Trejo. The new rule was approved by a majority votes of the WBC governors on condition that any national commission may decide not to use it. The idea of open scoring is not a new one. It was experimented with during Muhammad Ali’s heavyweight fight against Earnie Shavers at Madison Square Garden, New York in 1977. This deserves watching whether other boxing governing bodies will follow the WBC’s lead as they did when the WBC cut the length of title fights from 15 to 12 rounds.

WHAT A JUDGE LOOKS FOR IN A FIGHT?

There are three basic factors being used to score a round and ultimately the fight: 1. Clean punching/effective aggressiveness; 2. Ring generalship; 3. Defense.
CLEAN PUNCHING/EFFECTIVE HITS
Most fights are won by the fighter who uses clean punching with effective aggressiveness to score points. Boxing is a combative sport. The object of the professional boxer is to score a greater number of effective punches than his opponent while avoiding as many punches as possible. This is the key to winning. In other words, the boxer who gets off first, who controls the action while scoring good clean punches is on his way to winning. Since boxing is considered so combative, and although defense is important, offense or clean punching and effective aggressiveness are what win a fight. A knockout is a professional boxer’s ultimate achievement. A knockdown carries much weight. This can only be accomplished by a fighter who utilizes clean punching in combination with his aggressiveness. Simply moving forward is not enough. In many fights one observes a match-up that might be termed the "Matador and the Bull." The "Bull" is the connotation for the fighter who keeps moving forward.
The "Matador", of course, is the fighter who may be moving backwards or side to side, as the "Bull" charges forward. If, however, the fighter moving forward is not punching effectively and is not scoring with good clean punches, he is not gaining an advantage. In the meantime, the fighter moving backward, or side to side, might be scoring with good clean counter punches and good stiff jabs and piling up points, even though he is not moving forward. Effective aggressiveness does not necessarily mean a boxer must be moving forward.
A good counter puncher, scoring effective punches while moving backwards or using lateral movement, still scores points against a fighter who may be moving forward but is not punching effectively. If this analysis of effective aggressiveness is misunderstood, it could lead to flawed scoring. In conclusion, the aggressor who takes the lead gets off first, scores clean punches both in quantity and with quality, regardless of the direction he is moving, should win the round. /MPmailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Sugilanon Ni Tita Linda

Ni Tita Linda Belayro

Bermuda Triangle

Sa may Bahamas, abô nga mga eroplano nga naga kabag-bag ag mga barkong naga kaduea. Indi sanda makabalik sa gin halinan.
Rong mga nasyon hay naga kabaeaka. Raya man lang rong rota nga eaktod para sa mga barko, agud madali maka abut sa gina adtunan. Rayun man ro aeagyan it mga eroplano. Rong mga maeagko nga nasyon kapares kong Russia, Amerika, Japan ag Great Britain hay nagboeoligan. Nag imbento sanda it isaeang ka barko nga puno it armas ag radar agud mabantayan idto sa ibabaw ro naga eayag nga barko.
Sa royong lugar pageapit, guina higop ro barko paidaeum. Nagbukas rong isaeang ka trayangolo nga matsa puertahan ag guin tueon rong mabahoe nga barko. Kompleto sa idauem, kapareho it isaeang ka komyunidad. Ro mga tawo hay may mga himbis ag mataeawis ro andang doeonggan. Mabakod ro andang eawas tongod sa andang pagkaon nga agar-agar ag eana halin sa pating.
Guin bihag rong mga tripulante ag guin daea sa pinaka puno nga isaeang ka magueang nga eaeaki. Sa pageapit it "monitor" sa ibabaw, nakilaea nga si Dr. Sternberg gali, isaeang ka siyentista nga Aleman nga naduea it mga 50 años eon nga nagtaliwan. Dati imaw nga, siyentipiko nga guin hibaygan ro anang imbensyon. Guin sumpa nana nga himo-on nana rong tanan agod makabaeos imaw sa nag intremis kana. Umpisa kato, naduea imaw ag owa masayori kon siin mag-adto. Lipod sa tanan, guin tipon nana ro anang mga kagamitan ag kaibahan ko anang mga sumueonod, nagpatindog imaw it laboratoryo sa idaeum it dagat. Amat-amat nga nag-abo ro anang tawohan nga puro mangingisda ag tripulante sa barko nga andang nahigop.
Bilang bihag nga tawohan, guin tun-an sanda it mga hilikuton. May bantay sa kada pamusod it komunidad. Rong naga plano nga mag ea-as hay guinapakaon sa piranha ag pating nga alila ni Dr. Sternberg.
Guin planuhan kon paalin mauesob rong anang laboratoryo. Paagi sa kamera nga naka kabit sa kada tripulante, guin planuhan nga eroplano rong masalakay. Guin paandaman ro mga preso nga magpaeayo sa "target area". Guin paguwa ni Dr. Sternberg ro anang mga kanyon. Pagkakita nga nagbuka rong puertahan, tinira it "guided missiles" rong laboratoryo. Wasak tanan ro kutob sa natamaan. Guin bantayan man rong sekretong aeagyan. Kaibahan ni Dr. Sternberg, nadakpan rong tanan. Guin presentar sanda sa media. Bilog nga kalibutan hay naga tan-aw sa mga telebisyon. Umpisa sa rayang incidente, owa eon it nadudueang barko ag eroplano.
Makaron nangin "tourist attraction" rong Bermuda Triangle. Guin kaayad it gobierno ag guin bantayan. Rong sekretong aeagyan rong guina-agyan it mga turista sa idaeom it dagat. Kapares it isaeang ka "underwater aquarium" nga makita ro mga sari-saring isda ag mga pating.
Makaron, isaea eon lang ka estorya rong Bermuda Triangle, ogaling rong mga tripulante nga bihag sa mabuhay eon nga dinag-on sa idaeom it dagat hay indi gid nanda malipatan rong makangingidlis nga hitabo sa andang kabuhi. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Aklan Is Investors’ Haven*

* Welcome address of Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Vice Governor, Province of Aklan, on the opening ceremonies of the Aklan Media Summit sponsored by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) with the support of the provincial government of Aklan, held in Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Memorial Training and Tourism Center, Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan, October 26, 2006.

All of us are aware that the media have never relinquished or abandoned their role as independent watchdog. We are likewise cognizant of the fact that the media have not surrendered their primary task as instruments of political, social and economic progress. Media continue to form attitudes, establish values and nurture receptivity to change. The media have continuously reported and commented perceptively on the issues of growth, renewal and reform.
The Aklan Media Summit spotlights investments opportunities in the province of Aklan through the media. This gathering of media practitioners and communicators from all over the Philippines highlights the potent role of the media in promoting investments for the province’s varied opportunities for economic growth.
Indeed, Aklan has plenty to offer the would-be investors as one of the prime tourists destinations of the country due to its Boracay island and Ati-Atihan festival and an eco tourism zone.
The Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) envisioned Aklan Media Summit under the leadership of our very own Johnny Dayang and with the support of the provincial government of Aklan under the progressive administration of Governor Carlito Samson Marquez. Through your participation as leaders of the media in the different regions of our country would have positive impact in projecting Aklan not only as an international tourist destination but as investors’ haven as well.
For and in behalf of the provincial government of Aklan, I most welcome you to the Aklan Media Summit. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Ilonggo Athletes In The 2006 Asian Games

By Alex Vidal

"So beat it. Just beat it" MICHAEL JACKSON

Iloilo’s Junel Perania (karate) and Rene Catalan (wushu) are two of the famous names in the 229-athlete Philippine contingent to the 15th Asian Games in Doha , Qatar on December 5-15, 2006. Perania is a cop and a product of my tokayo, Alex Palabrica’s karatedo program in the early 1990’s during the administrations of Mayor Mansueto A. Malabor in Iloilo City and Gov. Arthur Defensor in Iloilo Province.
In his first stint as member of the Philippine Team in the 1989 Brunei Southeast Asian (SEA) Games or SEAG, PO1 Perania bagged a bronze medal. So ecstatic was Perania’s friends and relatives that they celebrated the bronze like it was a gold medal. Then Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director, Chief Supt. Carlito Dimaano was so proud of his police officer that he recommended his promotion to the next higher rank to Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) director Chief Supt. Jose Ayap.
Catalan, on the other hand, is a former amateur boxer from Sta. Barbara, Iloilo who turned professional after representing Iloilo province in the 1st LGUlympics hosted by Iloilo and held for two weeks at the Iloilo Sports Complex in 1997. After a brief lackluster performance in professional boxing (he was exploited by unscrupulous promoters and was made to fight in fly-by-night promotions in Aklan and Capiz), Catalan embraced the then debuting wushu under the tutelage of martial arts guru Arnold Tinagan.
WORLD CUP GOLD
Catalan has won a gold medal in the world cup of wushu in 2005 in Macau and recently defended his title in China . In Gov. Niel D. Tupas’ state of the province address (SOPA) last year, Catalan was a special mention. He is one of the only few Filipino athletes penciled to win one of the five gold medals being targeted by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). The Filipinos will participate in 31 events. Of the 348 official contingents, 229 are athletes, 94 are team officials, 15 are administrative staff, and 10 are medical personnel. With a slogan: "The Games of Your Life" an estimated 45 participating countries in 39 events, this year’s games will open at the Khalifa Sports Stadium. The 15th Asian Games (also known as the XV Asiad), is a multi-sports event that will be participated by different countries located in Asia . The event is going to be one of the most widely broadcast events all over the world. Doha became the first city in its region and only the second in West Asia since Tehran, Iran in 1974 to host the games.
MASCOT
The Doha Asian Games Organizing Committee chose "Orry", a Qatari Oryx, as the official mascot of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006. The Oryx was once an endangered species, but thanks to preservation and conservation groups, it has recently been reintroduced to the wild.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, China, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Palestine, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Timor-Leste, Chinese Taipei (Republic of China), United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Yemen are countries participating. Events are Aquatics, Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Billiards & Snooker, Bodybuilding, Bowling, Boxing, Canoe & Kayak, Chess, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing Field Hockey, Football (soccer), Golf, Gymnastics, Handball, Judo, Kabaddi, Karatedo Rowing, Rugby, Sailing, Sepak Takraw, Shooting, Softball, Soft Tennis, Squash, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling and Wushu
FAR EASTERN CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
The Games started as the Far Eastern Championship Games in 1913 hosted by the Philippines. After which, the other hosts were China 1915, Japan 1917, Philippines, 1919, China 1921, Japan 1923, Philippines 1925, China 1927, Japan 1930, Philippines, 1934 and Japan 1938. The Games was cancelled because of the World War II. When it was reinstated in 1951 in New Delhi , the Games was called as Asian Games. Manila hosted the 1954 edition followed by Tokyo in 1958, Jakarta in 1962, Bangkok in 1966, and in 1970, Tehran in 1974, Bangkok again 1978, New Delhi in 1982, Seoul South Korea in 1986, Beijing, China in 1990, Hiroshima, Japan in 1994, Bangkok, Thailand in 1998, Busan, South Korea in 2002, and finally in Doha, Qatar this year. Guangzhou, China will host the 2010 and 2014 editions.
POSTSCRIPT:
The world’s greatest racer Michael Schumacher has bidden farewell to a life that turned him from the unknown son of a bricklayer into the world’s greatest race-winning Ferrari star. He bowed out in style in his 249th and last year in the recent Brazilian Grand Prix won by his heir apparent Fernando Alonso, the 25-year-old new darling of Formula One.
Alonso is a man to watch after Schumacher. He has won 2 world titles and was the youngest world champion at 24 years old, 1 month, and 27 days. In 2003 in Hungary, Alonso was also the youngest winner of a Grand Prix. Currently, he has a record of 15 wins, 15 pole positions, 8 fastest race laps, 381 points scored, 7 wins in a single season (2005), 37 podiums.
Iloilo society page columnist John Castigador said he was impressed by the opening ceremonies of the University Games in Bacolod City last October 23. "If Bacolod can do it (hosting), why can’t we do it here?" he quipped. Castigador said he will meet with Nielex Tupas next week to discuss the possibility of convincing university presidents in Iloilo to also hold similar games in Iloilo City . "For a start, we can tap at least two events only. Let’s do it," challenged Castigador. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Aklanon Places 7th In CPA Exams

By Boy Ryan Zabal

Christy Iledan Cezar of Sta. Cruz, Malinao, Aklan and a graduate of Garcia College of Technology (GCT), Kalibo, landed in the top 7 of the Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants given by the Board of Accountancy last month.
Cezar garnered 89.57 percent to place seventh among the 1,597 successful examinees out of the 6,499 who took the test. She graduated Magna Cum Laude of Class 2005.
Aside from Cezar, the new accountants from GCT are Jojit Dela Cruz, Mark Milan Iguban and Vanessa Rasco. A UP-Diliman graduate Gillianne Roselle Say topped the examinations with 91.86 percent followed by Irene Te of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology with 91.43 percent and Alvin Caballero of Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta Mesa with 91.00 percent rating.
College administrator Violeta Distor has attributed the achievements of GCT to affordable and accessible quality education to students, including faculty development program for its instructors.
The GCT also produced topnotchers in the other professional examinations. Its graduates are consistently among the top schools in Region VI in terms of performance in the licensure examinations.
Just recently, Engr. Eugene Nicolas also passed the Registered Mechanical Engineer Licensure examinations given by the Board of Mechanical Engineering. Engr. Junery De Juan hurdled the Electrical Engineering examinations and the Master Electrician Licensure Examinations last September.
The oath taking of successful CPA examinees is scheduled on November 22, 2006 at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center, Manila. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

Aklan Peaceful, But Phil. Army, APPO Not Letting Guard Down

By Venus G. Villanueva, PIA

Aklan is currently peaceful but the Philippine Army based in Camp Jizmundo, Libas, Banga, Aklan is not letting its guard down. It is but prepared at all times, so terroristic incidents like bombings in Mindanao and the CPP-NPA raid of Bacolod International Airport and the destruction of its facilities will not happen here in Aklan.
This was the assessment of Capt. Tony Tumnog, designated information officer of the 47th IB, Banga, Aklan of the Philippine Army when he reported on the activities of his organization at the 4th quarter meeting of the Aklan Public Information Officers Association (APIOA) recently held at PIA-Aklan Office.
The Philippine Army attributed the peaceful situation obtaining in Aklan to close military and civilian interaction resulting from an effective peace process initiative in the form of medical and surgical missions in far-flung and poor barangays.
Capt. Tumnog cited the recently-held Kalahi Community Day and Hinun-anon sa Barangay held in Malinao, Aklan wherein one of the major components was the medical mission jointly manned by the AFP medical team and members of Aklan Medical Society.
On the part of the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO), Kalibo, Aklan, Police Inspector Ramon Santos said PNP-Aklan is prepared at all times.
"We have to be ready always. ‘Hindi paatras ang panahon.’ We are also appealing to the people to help us by reporting to the police whenever crimes are committed or if some persons are acting suspiciously - for fast crime solutions, or preventions," Inspector Santos said.
"If you have also seen something unsatisfactory with our police personnel, report right away," he added.
Insp. Santos said, "to prevent the similar incident in Silay City from happening in Aklan, the 601st Mobile Group is constantly monitoring vital installations in the province like airports and major seaports."
Incidentally, with the recent Regional Trial Court decision of dismissing the case filed by the Municipality of Malay through Mayor Ciceron Cawaling against the provincial government of Aklan represented by Governor Carlito S. Marquez for Declaratory Relief with Preliminary Injunction, the "one-entry, one exit" provincial ordinance in Caticlan and Boracay Island will now be fully implemented.
This is the signal that the Aklan Police Provincial Office under the leadership of Provincial Director William Macavinta has been waiting for in order to fully monitor the Caticlan and Cagban Jetty Ports "so terror acts that happened in some places will not happen here", according to the PNP-Aklan head.

NSO Data Dissemination Forum Bares
WV’s Family Planning Trends

Last year, almost half of married women 15-49 years old in Western Visayas practiced family planning, and 35 percent of them used modern methods.
Among the methods used, pill and ligation are the leading modern contraceptives used. Women who used no method at all also comprised 50.3 percent
These family planning information were bared during the recently-held Data Dissemination Forum on the 2005 Family Planning Survey initiated by the National Statistics Office (NSO) provincial office in Aklan as one of its major culminating activities in the celebration of National Statistics Month.
The presentation on Family Planning and Maternal and Child Health where these data came from was done by Engr. Norman R. Julag-ay, Regional Director of National Statistics Office 6.
The counterpart data of Aklan on Maternal and Child Health was presented by Marissa M. Carillo, Nurse II, Provincial Health Office, Kalibo.
Engr. Julag-ay bared that Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR), the proportion of currently married women who are using any method of family planning in 2005 was highest in Cagayan Valley with 58.4 percent while the lowest was in ARMM with 15.9 percent Western Visayas has 49.7 percent, slightly higher than the Philippines’ CPR of 49.3.
The survey result also shows that both poor and rich women are willing to pay for various family planning methods and the percentage and median, the amounts they could afford are quite close.
For instance, 92 percent of poor women expressed their willingness to pay P30 for pills, while for their economically better counterpart, 95 percent also expressed willingness to pay the same amount. For injectable, a poor woman could pay P50 while the non-poor could afford to pay P75.00; and for ligation, the poor could spare P200.00 while the non-poor could pay P500.00
Among attendants at birth, hilots were the leading birth attendants in rural areas, while doctors led in urban areas in the country, with 57.6 percent of birth deliveries occurring at home.
In Aklan for 2005 as reported by Ms. Carillo, most deliveries were attended by midwives with 3,334; trained hilots, 2,917; and doctors with 1,405. Others who attended birth deliveries were nurses and untrained persons. Most babies were delivered at home with 6,236; hospitals with 1,436 and others, 71.
From 2001 to 2005, Carillo revealed that 7 of the 10 leading causes of infant mortality were non-communicable diseases like prematurity, congenital anomaly, heart diseases, malnutrition, asphyxia, hydrocephalus and congenital debility.
Aklan’s maternal mortality rate in 2005 was 39 percent per 100,000. Carillo said, "the leading cause of maternal mortality were hypovolemic shock and rheumatic heart disease/pneumonia."
Based on the 2005 Aklan health indices, total live birth was placed at 7,743; total death at 2,771; total infant death at 118; still birth, 22; and maternal death, 3.
Aklan’s ten leading causes of mortality include pneumonia, cancer of all forms, hypertension, heart disease, CVA, Pulmonary TB, COPD, Diabetes Mellitus, accidents and multi organ failure.
At the forum, Dr. Myrtle Pelayo, Provincial DOH Representative who delivered a message, stressed the importance of statistics as a tool in decision making on public health concerns. Ms. Consuelo L. Virgula, Regional Statistician, gave the background of the 2005 Family Planning Survey.
Selected heads and representatives of government agencies, the local media and NSO staff Aklan attended the forum. Provincial Statistics Officer Blas M. Solidum heads NSO-Aklan. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

DOT Allocates P179-M for Kalibo Airport Development

By Ulysses Espartero

The sum of P179 million was allocated for the development of the Kalibo Airport, according to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.
Durano was keynote speaker during the Western Visayas Tourism Forum held recently at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, Iloilo City.
According to Durano, the development of the airport is ongoing. Its completion in April 2008 will allow the airline companies to launch its international flights in Kalibo town considered as a jump off point for tourists bound for the world famous Boracay Island.
"This is a welcome development for us officials not only of the capital town of Kalibo but also for Aklanons. For a long time, we have been dreaming of an airport of international standard," Kalibo Senior SB Member Mark Vega Quimpo pointed out.
"The completion of Kalibo Airport development is anchored on the belief that one of the tenets of tourism industry to be fully developed, highly successful and institutional is the assurance to local and foreign tour operators of a sufficient air capacity and flight schedule. Accessibility is a major and critical factor in the enhancement and promotion of tourism," Quimpo added.
In April this year, P56 million was released for the installation of the Instrument Landing System as a response to request of local officials in Aklan to enable the conversion of Kalibo Airport into a regional airport for direct flights from ASEAN countries.
Kalibo, where the world-renowned Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival is annually celebrated, is about 216 air kilometers or approximately 50-minutes travel from Manila by plane. The Philippines Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly daily the Manila-Kalibo-Manila route.

Aklan Bags Six WV Tourism Excellence Awards

In another development, significant accomplishments of Aklan in the promotion of tourism was recognized during the Western Visayas Tourism Excellence Awards 2006 on October 25 at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, Iloilo City.
Tourism remains as one of the two major thrusts of Gov. Carlito S. Marquez. It remains an anchor industry of Aklan. Despite the worldwide slump in tourism industry due to economic downturn, tourist arrivals in Boracay continue to increase making the island a top tourist drawer.
"By the end of last year, we nearly hit the half-million mark. Boracay’s tourist arrivals for 2005 generated an estimated P3.8 billion in tourism receipts, money that circulated into Aklan’s mainstream economy," Marquez said.
Aklan won six of the 18 Institutional Awards including the award for WV Best Resort under the Class AA Category for the Sampaguita Gardens Resort in New Washington, Aklan and an award for WV Best Tourism Council for the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Tourism Council (KATC).
The town of Kalibo, under the leadership of Mayor Raymar Acevedo Rebaldo, was recognized as the region’s Best Local Government Unit in the implementation of tourism related programs and events.
Kalibo Municipal Tourism Officer Nester Ann Templonuevo was selected as this year’s recipient of WV Best Tourism Officer Award.
Environmental Tourism special Award was given to the stakeholders of the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project in Kalibo for Best Eco-Tourism project.
Uswag Development Foundation got the highly coveted Regional Director’s Award from DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

PAPI Urges Journalists To Discover Aklan’s Economic Potentials

By Boy Ryan Zabal

Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) president Juan P. Dayang has challenged the media practitioners to bind into a formidable force to continue on reminding those who seem to forget the social responsibility and instead continue to enjoy the ever increasing return of investment which the public are still suffering from.
This he stressed during the four-day Aklan Media Summit on October 26, to some 100 delegates at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Memorial and Training Center, Buswang Old, Kalibo.
"We are here today to discover these economic potentials and proclaim to the whole world through the latest information technology facilities we are enjoying, that our country is the best and the most ideal place to invest and fulfill the social responsibility of alleviating the people from poverty and disenfranchisement," Dayang pointed out.
"I remind you all that before we leave the portals of our respective homes, let us, through resolutions, and in no uncertain terms, condemn the killing of journalists, call for the decriminalization of libel, and issue a strong appeal to either amend or repeal PD 1079, which has outlived its relevance to present-day conditions in community newspaper publishing," he added.
North Cotabato Gov. Emmanuel Pinol opened the media summit along with Aklan Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino, Kalibo town mayor Raymar Rebaldo and former Aklan solon Allen Salas-Quimpo.
"One instance is the continuing increase in electric rate even while its services do not improve – what with the constant brownouts we are experiencing. While we are more interested in promoting investments, let us not forget, that we will never tolerate greedy and corrupt businessmen, who have no regards for the welfare of the common people," Dayang stressed.
The summit included a strategic communication management seminar, a forum on investment opportunities, conferment of awards, a tour of Boracay Island and the Kalibo Bakhawan Eco-park and a journalism seminar on ethics, libel and broadcasting. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

PCCI Confers Highest Award To Haresco

eodorico Tumbocon Haresco, Jr. who traces his roots from Aklan and Iloilo was honored by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) with the Aurelio Periquet, Jr., Business Leadership Award (Pillar Category Award).
Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo conferred the award during the Awarding Ceremonies of the 32nd Philippine Business Conference (PBC) held last month at Manila Hotel.
Launched in 1998, the award is considered the most prestigious honor for the leaders of Philippine business.
The award highlights the exemplary achievements of Filipino business leaders who dedicate their lives in the service of the country. It aims to recognize excellent business leaders who are not only successful in their business but who also promote the welfare of Filipinos and the country.
The Periquet Business Leadership Award is composed of the Pearl Award for business leaders aged 35 and below, while the Pillar Award is for those 36 years old and above.
The Rotary Club of Kalibo also awarded Haresco the International Business Award while the Aklan Press Club, Inc. the Golden Press For Exemplary Business Leadership in a joint award ceremonies held on October 8 at Sampaguita Gardens Resort, New Washington, Aklan.
Former Assemblyman Jose "Soñing Tumbokon, a cousin, believes that Haresco has risen from micro entrepreneurship in business to the vantage level of Global Achievers. "He has shied away from the glare and scalpel of publicity," he added, but a book entitled "The British Legacy in the Philippines" credited him as one of several Filipinos of monumental contribution to the Philippines national economic development for the last 425 years.
Haresco has widened his business sphere of activity on top of his global affiliations. He now serves as chairman and CEO of Win Ace Holdings Philippines, Incorporated, the mother holding corporation and several business corporations – WinAce Land Development Corporation, Inc., One White Beach Hotel Corporation, Chaikofi Corporation, Technostrat Corporation and R.T. Haresco and Associates, Winsource Solutions, Inc., Boracay Island Group, Inc., and WinAce Security Agency. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com

THE FEARLESS..

The FEARLESS!!! They have no fear in listening, no fear in thinking

and no fear in public speaking. They are (from left to right-2nd row)

Dr. Arnold Jayme, Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz (Div D Humurous Champ 2006),

TM Buddy Balleza, Dr. Botoy Villorente, TM Bing Santamaria and

TM Gel Sodusta. (from left to right 1st row) Founder/Mentor CTM/CL Megs Lunn,

KTMC Pres-Dr. Ramona Magayanes, Division D Governor-Dr. Philipp Matthys,

TM Weng Tamayo and TM Mario Balandra. (Pic taken by TM Cecile Dela Cruz)

THE KALANTIAO TOASMASTERS CLUB meet every 1st & 3rd THURSDAY

of the MONTH, 5-7 PM @ 2nd floor, Bread & Butter Store, Plaza Branch,

Kalibo, Aklan, Philippiness. For more details, pls visit http://kalantiao.freetoasthost.com

or www.toastmasters.org (picture taken during the 1st sponsored Speechfest

contest of the club for high school and college last August 31, 2006.

MEDIA SUMMIT IN OCTOBER FEST..

Giovanni of SP Gavel Cebu, Joel of Miriam College, Eloy of FAMAS, Manila

and Megs of MP.

Megs with Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo

Megs with Eloy -Board Director of FAMAS, Manila

Media Practitioners enjoying with Mayor Rebaldo (blue shirt center) during

the Oktoberfest at Magsaysay Park, Kalibo, Aklan.

EDITORIAL

Rushing ‘Old’ Gerry To World Title Duel Is Disastrous

By Alex Vidal

"When I’m old and wise, bitter words mean little to me" ALLAN PARSONS PROJECT

The knockout victory scored by "The New" Geronimo "Gerry" Peñalosa over top rated Mauricio Martinez in the 9th round at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas last week, was considered an upset win. The Panamian dynamo was rated No. 1 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight (118 lbs) division where Mexican Johnny Gonzalez is champion.
Although many Filipino fans believed Peñalosa was capable of trouncing the dangerous Martinez, they didn’t expect him to win by knockout as he was coming off a lackluster unanimous decision win over lanky Mexican Tomas Rojas last July in Manila while Martinez has won 12 of his last 13 fights.
At this early, Peñalosa’s publicists have started to make a noise. They are saying that the win could qualify the 34-year-old native of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental for a title shot the next time he enters the square-jungle.
Easier said than done. Although Peñalosa may have dislodged Martinez from his current position owing to his scintillating win, rushing him to fight champion Gonzalez is not a good management decision as the Mexican is much younger, undefeated and a knockout artist to boot.

FEEDING HIM TO THE LIONS

There is no doubt that Gonzalez is the superior boxer and Peñalosa’s handlers are smart enough to feed their ward to the lions.
For sure, he will make mincemeat of the "old" Peñalosa despite being a former World Boxing Council (WBC) superflyweight crown holder himself.
There are also talks that he might directly shoot for the WBO super bantamweight crown being worn by Daniel Ponce de Leon who successfully defended his title against Al Seeger in the main event of the Peñalosa-Martinez appetizer.
I suggest that Peñalosa’s handlers give the Ilonggo pugilist another tune-up fight before rushing him to the world title shot so as not to put a quick ending in his roller coaster career which was ruined when he lost back-to-back WBC title fights to Masamori Tokuyama in 2001.
Moreover, more tune-up fights mean more bucks for the stylist Filipino lefty who, along with his friend Manny Pacquiao, was able to ink a seven-fight deal with the Golden Boy Promotions of Oscar dela Hoya.Normally, Filipino boxers who are already 34-years old and above are not anymore allowed to revive their fistic careers for their own obvious protection. Boxers in the Philippines who are passed 30 are already considered over-the-hill and are candidates for permanent disability once they suffer fatal injuries.
Former world champions Flash Elorde and Rolando Navarette were forced to retire by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) because they continued to defy odds by insisting they could still win another title even if their performance and battered faces spoke otherwise.

UNFAZED BY A SWOLLEN LEFT HAND

Meanwhile, at 34, Peñalosa, despite fighting with a swollen left hand as a result of his powerful delivery of a straight that knocked down Martinez right at the end of the first round, Peñalosa showed the heart of a champion and the vast experience that won him the WBC super flyweight crown nine and a half years ago. Peñalosa cut his Panamanian opponent’s right eye in the third, scoring effectively with right hooks and sparingly dishing out his left straights. He also knocked down the durable Martinez in the fourth, using his potent right hand right in front of his new promoter Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions.
Peñalosa, now fighting at 118 lbs., scored his 51st victory and his 34th knockout in a career that spans 17 years but still, his skill and defense impressed a huge crowd as well as his good friend Manny Pacquiao who watched via pay-per-view television. Pacquiao, who was instrumental in convincing Peñalosa to make a comeback and dream of another world title, promised to give the San Carlos City native a sizeable amount as his bonus even before he faced Martinez.
"Talagang inspired ako sa ensayo at sa laban na ito sa tulong ng pamilya ko at mga kaibigan. I offer this victory to God and my countrymen," said Peñalosa, who brought with him his wife Goody and in-laws to the border city west of Texas.
With Hall of Fame trainer-turned-manager Freddie Roach and corner man Buboy Fernandez mapping out a game plan that negated Martinez’s vaunted jab-straight punches, Peñalosa unleashed a barrage of punches in the ninth capped by a straight to the body and to the head that knocked Martinez out cold.

ECSTATIC TRAINER

Also ecstatic with the win was Raides Neri of Davao, who helped out in the pre-fight conditioning as well as the nutritional diet that made Peñalosa’s comeback a reality. Peñalosa, who was cloistered in the apartment of Pacquiao and his brother Bobby as well as other boxers Ernel Fontanilla and Diosdado Gabi, thinks he could still win another world title.
"I will enjoy a brief vacation with my family but I will return back to training camp soon, maybe before the end of the year. I might get the chance to challenge for the world title and that depends on my manager (Roach) and promoter (Golden Boy Promotions)," said Peñalosa.
It will not look good if Peñalosa will suffer a brutal defeat in another world title fight as his name is already enshrined in the portals of Filipino boxing greats being a former two-time world champion.
But if his handlers are determined to give him a final stab at the world boxing crown, they must see to it that he is prepared to face the consequences of this dangerous mission. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com