Thanks to the change in schedule, I was able to free up my late Sunday morning and without traffic, I got to the Cebu City Marriott Hotel faster than I had expected.
The ballroom was a little quiet when I got in. The people were engrossed with the food and the drinks that were served as it was between bouts. Well, just after Fil-Hawaiian Brian Villoria lost his match.
The next two bouts weren't really much to enjoy and well it was good that one of my buddies from high school, Kerrwin Sanchez, was there to talk to and exchange our notes about sports and boxing.
He's the star athlete of our class and, I'd say, has remained to be the fittest among us. He continues to follow all sorts of sports including baseball, which has quite a following from my classmates in high school.
When the introductions for the big fight came, the crowd suddenly got excited and the mumbles suddenly became cheers when the fighters stepped into the ring.
I won't bore you with my account of what transpired, you already know what happened. It was quick and well, many probably craved for more action.
As the crowd at the Marriott ballroom slowly dissipated, you can see the smiles on the faces of the people, who changed their schedule for the day just be one with the whole nation in cheering for the man acknowledged as the "people's champion."
Another thing that made that bout more significant was probably seeing the end of the illustrious boxing career of Erik Morales.
Now that the bout is over, the circus is yet to begin for Manny's homecoming. If there's one knockout punch, I'd love to see him throw, it should be one to the politicians, who just use him for their personal gain.
Yes these politicos also talk about sports development, but unfortunately they just talk about it and never do anything else.
Oh well, after the euphoria we're back to reality. I hope more than anything Manny can become not just a ring icon, but also a model Filipino, who will really have a positive influence on the youth.
The most important thing at stake in this event is "bragging rights" and the La Salle team, which is yet to win the overall title is hoping that this would be the year that we've been waiting for.
The strength of Ateneo's team is however in numbers with a huge population of alumni from Jesuit schools here.
Today, the age group tournament will be held and tomorrow, there will be a Ryder Cup style matchplay competition.
Some of the highlights should be the battle between La Salle's Mary Kim Hong and Ateneo's Lovelyn Guioguio.
Of course, there is also the battle of presidents between La Salle's Dondi Joseph and Ateneo's John Cheu.
The other matches should be equally exciting and I'll let you know the match ups in tomorrow's column.
Will this be the year for La Salle? Maybe. But I surely hope it is.