Pacman in Forbes’ most influential list–it’s déjà vu all over again

SACRAMENTO—Yogi Berra’s fun with fractured English is the stuff of sports lore. Two of the baseball Hall of Famer’s malapropisms came to mind Tuesday when Manny Paquiao was selected to yet another prestigious list.

Forbes Magazine came out with its choices of America’s most influential athletes and picked Pacquiao, boxing’s marquee attraction, at No. 4.

“I want to thank you for making this day necessary,” Berra once said in St. Louis as the Cardinals baseball team honored him, replacing the world “possible” with “necessary.”

In all likelihood, Manny, known for tinkering with the Queen’s language at times, would not mind getting wrapped up in Yogi’s words, and then some.

“It’s déjà vu all over again,” Berra said in awe of the frequent home runs by his New York Yankees teammates Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. Manny’s been on several select lists—including Time Magazine’s roster of the 100 most influential people on earth—he’d possibly have a ball with this Yogi–ism in his own provocative way.

Pacquiao, who is not even an American but maintains a house in Los Angeles, was listed behind three of most recognizable athletes hereabouts. Nascar driver Jimmie Johnson is Forbes choice as America’s most influential sports figure for the second straight year. Nos. 2 and 3 are two mega-hyped National Fooball League quarterbacks—Peyton Manning, now with the San Francisco 49ers and Makati City-born Tim Tebow, formerly of the Denver Broncos, now with the New York Jets.

Rounding out the list were Tom Brady of the New England Patriots, Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, Johnson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, Manning’s brother Eli of the New York Giants and Jeremy Lin of the NBA’s New York Knicks.

Brady, Rodgers, Brees and Eli Manning are also signal callers in the NFL. Their selection shows the league’s grip on the American sporting scene.

The rankings, released Tuesday, are done by public opinion polling. Forbes used Nielsen and E-Poll, to survey more than 1,100 adults about dozens of well-known athletes to “measure their likeability and whether they are considered influential to marketers,” according to published reports.

Forbes, known for putting out the much-awaited list of the world’s richest people, cited polling numbers that said Johnson held influence over 25 percent of those surveyed.

Pacquiao held influence among 20 percent of those polled. He was fourth behind Lin, Rogers and Brees in likeability at 59 percent.

Floyd Mayweather Jr., Pacquiao’s ring arch-nemesis who had boasted to Ring Magazine that he wielded enough power he would let US President Barack Obama carry his title belt into the ring if his match with the Filipino icon materializes, did not make it to Forbes’ list.

“The contrast between (Pacquiao) and boxing ‘bad guy Mayweather’ doesn’t hurt,” said Forbes.

Dropping off the list from 2011: Another Nascar driver Jeff Gordon, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, LeBron James of the Miami Heat and future NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’ Neal, who has retired from the NBA and was no longer eligible for selection.

Their replacements: Lin, Pacquiao, Eli Manning (who snagged a second Super Bowl ring in January), Brees and Rodgers.

Pacquiao Bradley news

What’s in a name? Scarborough, Panatag or Bajo de Masinloc?

Should the Philippines call the shoal by its local name or should it refer to it by its international name since its dispute with China is an international controversy?

Manila has three names for it: Scarborough Shoal, Panatag Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc. Zambales fishermen call it simply as Karburo.

China has only one name for it, Huangyan Island, and uses this name even for international communication.
The shoal’s international name is Scarborough Shoal, which international news wire services and the Philippines’ major newspapers use.

Asked about it in an interview on dzRB radio yesterday, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said both the government and the press used Scarborough Shoal, the “more familiar name” that appears on world maps.

She noted, however, that the shoal is also called Panatag Shoal, the name she prefers to use.
But the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has of late been referring to the shoal as Bajo de Masinloc, which, according to Valte, is the shoal’s “legal” or “formal” name.

“You know, I’m not aware if we have a preference,” Valte said. “For us in the communication group, it’s what is most understandable,” she said.

Which is?

Valte said she would ask her superiors whether the government had a preferred name for the shoal.
But the press can decide how to call the shoal, Valte said, citing as an example the wide use in the press of West Philippine Sea as a reference to the South China Sea.

For nearly three weeks now, Chinese maritime ships are facing off with Philippine civilian vessels at Scarborough Shoal as China and the Philippines stand firm on their rival claims to the group of rock formations 124 nautical miles (220 kilometers) west of Zambales province. That is well within the Philippines’ 330-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ), but China ignores it, insisting on its claim to all of the South China Sea.

The Senate opened an inquiry into the standoff on Friday, and yesterday Malacañang thanked Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile for calling on the nation to rally behind President Aquino in asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

“We appreciate that statement from the Senate President,” Valte said.

More  Scarborough Shoal news here.

2 world title fights on Pacquiao undercard

LOS ANGELES—Unbeaten Mike Jones and Guillermo Rigondeaux will fight for world titles on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s June 9 bout against undefeated Tim Bradley, promoters has announced.

Filipino icon Pacquiao, 54-3 with two drawn and 38 knockouts, will defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown against unbeaten Bradley, 28-0 with 12 knockouts, in the main event at Las Vegas, Nevada.
Jones, 26-0 with 19 knockouts, will face US compatriot Randall Bailey, 41-7 with 36 knockouts, for the vacant International Boxing Federation welterweight crown.
Cuban southpaw Rigondeaux, 9-0 with seven knockouts, defends the World Boxing Association super-bantamweight title against American Teon Kennedy, 17-1 with two drawn and seven knockouts.

It will be the first world title fight for Jones, who at 29 is eight years younger than Bailey, who is 3-0 since losing to Colombia’s Juan Urango in 2009 in an IBF light-welterweight world title bout. Bailey also lost a world title fight to Miguel Cotto in 2004.

Rigondeaux, who at 31 gives up six years to Kennedy, is a two-time Olympic champion and seven-time Cuban national champion who only made his pro debut in 2009. He won the crown by stopping Puerto Rican Rico Ramos in the sixth round last January.

Kennedy will be in his first world title bout.
Pacquiao Bradley news

More favorite ‘secret’ summer destinations

From El Nido in Palawan to the Castello d Casole in Tuscany, the list goes on

“My personal favorite destination is not really a secret one because it’s quite well-known. It’s the good old Miniloc Resort of El Nido because it’s what I would consider almost perfect. You live in a water cottage or a room by the beach. There’s a cove in front of you where you have a white sand beach and the bottom slopes gradually—perfect for swimming. Then at the edge of the resort’s wooden jetty, you can snorkel with jacks. Now how many places in the world can you have such things literally in front of your cottage? Then of course, there are other options beyond the resort. There’s kayaking, cave exploration, snorkeling, and diving. Also, when you cruise around the nearby islands, everything is still pristine. You barely see any human habitation or bare patches. Your banca just skims over clear water that changes from turquoise to mineral water-clear. A sea breeze blows in your face and you pass island after island, each with its own small, beautiful cove. Really, how good does it get?

“For a guest, service at El Nido Resort is quite good. On a higher level, I am proud that El Nido Resort has garnered so many prestigious awards, including ‘One of the Best Green Resorts’ from Condé Nast Traveler magazine a few years back. It’s sad, though, that most Filipinos think anything that is abroad is always better. So I always talk about how great our own attractions are. ”—Jun Ventura, publisher and editor in chief, Mabuhay Magazine

“I love Siargao’s year-round beach feel; even when it rains it’s a different kind of tropical paradise! Amazingly warm people. If you’re there more than a couple of days and you make friends, each trip back is like a grand reunion. It caters to a whole variety of activities—mountain biking, kayaking, surfing, beach bumming, island hopping, snorkeling. Food is good, and with great variety. General Luna in particular has a very cosmopolitan mix. Stalls by the roadside attest to this—it’s the only place I’ve seen jaffles, burritos, and pancit together in the short order menu. Pack your board shorts and explore—there’s always an island nearby, just for you.”

“I’m in Tuscany now. This place is now my favorite—Castello d Casole, very relaxing, in a vineyard setting only minutes from Florence.

“I also like Amanpulo every time we need to have privacy. Maldives will also be on top of my list.” —Rikki Dee, Mesa, Lamesa Grill
“They’re not so secret anymore, but here’s my list: Pacita
Fundacion in Batanes and Calicoan Surf Camp in Samar, for
peace and tranquility.  Bali, not so much for the beach, but for
the vibe, people and culture. Nice to walk around with a beer
in hand. Lastly, Bangkok and Singapore for some retail therapy.” —Joanne Limoanco, Unilever executive chef

“El Nido Resort in Palawan for us. Still one of the best untouched beauties locally. This is no secret, though.”— Princess Pilarta, Bistro Ravioli

“These are not exactly my favorite destinations, as I haven’t been there. But these three places are on my summer wish list of secret places to explore in the Philippines. Number one is the not-so-secret Bellarocca, our own version of Greece’s Santorini.

“Number two is Casa Luminaria in Lipa, Batangas. It is a three-hectare property with lush gardens, a main house, villas/cottages and a pool. They only rent it out to one group at a time so it’s great for a family outing.
“Last on my get-away wish list is this super-exclusive island in Coron, Palawan: Ariara Island. It is a five-star island rented out exclusively to one group at a time (maximum of 17 persons). All villas and bungalows were designed by Jorge Yulo. Beautiful place and so serene-looking but so pricey!”

—Ma-an de Ocampo, Quattro restaurant

More on Summer to do's here.

Jessica Sanchez in top 3 as ‘Idol’ trims hopefuls to 5

LOS ANGELES—Budding diva Jessica Sanchez was in the top three while Elise Testone won’t be winning it all on “American Idol” as the popular talent show trimmed its hopefuls to five.

With the finale less than a month away, Sanchez, 16, gave a soulful rendition of “Dance With My Father” by American R&B-soul singer-songwriter Luther Vandross.

“You’re so natural, your tendencies vocally, where you go with your melodies, your ideas, how it flows, and now you got the feeling in there, now you’re making the connection,”  said Idol judge Randy Jackson. “You know what’s wrong with it? Absolutely nothing!”

Filipino-Mexican  Sanchez, who hails from San Diego, California, was sent to the bottom by American Idol viewers two weeks ago, prompting the shocked judges to use their one-time save option.

Since then, the Filipino community in the US vigorously campaigned for their celebrity compatriot.

Testone, meanwhile, was revealed to have received the fewest viewer votes Thursday on the Fox singing competition. The rockin’ 28-year-old teacher delivered energetic renditions of Queen’s “I Want It All” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Bold as Love” on Wednesday but wasn’t able evade eviction after appearing at the bottom of the pack six times this season.

Testone was joined in the bottom three Thursday by 18-year-old vocalist Hollie Cavanagh, who tugged at the judges’ heartstrings with Queen’s “Save Me” and Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb,” and 18-year-old country rocker Skylar Laine, who wowed with Queen’s “The Show Must Go On” and Jason Aldean’s “Tattoos on This Town.”

In Testone’s  farewell tribute video, she said that her favorite part of her Idol journey was connecting with the other contestants. “I want to be an inspiration for people,” she said. “That’s what this is all about.”

Aside from Sanchez, the other singers in the top three  are powerful 20-year-old gospel singer Joshua Ledet and blusey 21-year-old pawn shop worker Phillip Phillips. The five finalists will return to the stage next Wednesday and face another elimination Thursday.

An 11th season “Idol” champion is scheduled to be crowned May 23. With the Associated Press

Jessica Sanchez news

Zaldy Ampatuan arraignment reset

The judge hearing the Maguindanao massacre case on Wednesday granted a defense petition asking for the deferment of the arraignment of former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Zaldy Ampatuan, which was scheduled for Thursday.

Lawyer Sigfrid Fortun had asked Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes to allow the defense to file a motion for reconsideration to appeal Reyes’ ruling which set Ampatuan’s arraignment for this morning at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan.

Reyes said Ampatuan would be arraigned after she rules on the opposing arguments of the prosecution and the defense on the issue of the arraignment.

Fortun argued that arraigning Ampatuan now would deprive the latter of his right to appeal to the Supreme Court a recent Court of Appeals decision junking the former ARMM governor’s petition to have the case against him dismissed for lack of probable cause.

The prosecution objected, pointing out that Fortun had yet to file a petition for certiorari before the high court, hence there was no legal impediment to Ampatuan being arraigned now.

Fortun, however, claimed that the defense had received a copy of the Court of Appeals ruling only on Tuesday.

“It was the judge’s call. She was the one who set the arraignment and she was the one who recalled it,” said lead state prosecutor Peter Medalle.

“This is just a temporary setback. Ultimately, (Ampatuan) will be arraigned,” he added.

Relatives of the 57 massacre victims, some of whom flew all the way from Mindanao to attend Ampatuan’s arraignment, denounced the deferment.

Zaldy Ampatuan news

Meet Gumball and the Gang at SM Mall of Asia April 29

MANILA, Philippines – Cartoon Network helps kids beat the heat this summer with cool new episodes from its award-winning series, The Amazing World of Gumball. Airing every Saturday at 9:00 a.m., the new season promises laugh-out-loud fun, ranging from the unbelievable (Gumball’s dad getting his first job as a pizza delivery guy) to just plain wacky (the lamest duel in the history of love, a.k.a. Gumball versus Tobias).

Cartoon Network also invites Filipino kids and their parents to share in the fun through exciting activities with Gumball and the gang at Cartoon Network’s Gumball on Tour event this Sunday, April 29 at the SM Mall of Asia. Upon entry, guests are granted passports and can experience the wonders of travel through fun booths, awesome games and much more!
Fans can also get a chance to win the new Apple iPad and other super cool photo gear runner-up packs by joining the Gumball Pic-O-Rama contest. In simply downloading Cartoon Network’s awesome Pic-O-Rama app from the iTunes store, users can capture their favorite destinations featuring Gumball, Darwin or Tina and post their photos on the online gallery at www.CartoonNetworkAsia.com.

Since its 2011 debut, The Amazing World of Gumball has charmed critics and audiences alike across the globe. The series has recently earned top honors at the 2012 British Animation Awards: ‘Best Animated Series’ and ‘Children’s Choice’; the 39^th Annie Awards: ‘Best Animated Television Production’; and the 2012 Kidscreen Awards: ‘Best Kids Program 2012’, ‘Best Animation 2012’ and ‘Best Animated Series: Kids Category’. A certified fan favorite, the series has garnered over 319,000 ‘Likes’ on Facebook –  a majority of which hail from the United States, with fans from the Philippines the second largest fan base in the world.

Discover how a typical suburban family survives, lives and enjoys life in an extraordinary town. Join twelve-year-old Gumball, a playful and funny blue cat, and see how he takes on the bombshells of his life in the all new season – every Saturday, 9:00am on Cartoon Network.

For more information on Gumball on Tour and Gumball Pic-O-Rama contest, visit http://www.cartoonnetwork.com.ph/contest/2012/04_gumball_on_tour/.  // Summer to do