Going for Number 7

Some time July of last year, I wrote a piece on Bike4U, a Cebu-based non-profit foundation promoting bike advocacy. Well, last Sunday, despite the early morning rain, about 80 mostly young people had a fun ride organized by the group through their Bike-to-School project. This undertaking aims to help kids go to school thru bicycling, targetting the low-income segment who have difficulty in getting rides, thus preventing them from dropping out of school.

Forty used and reconditioned bikes from Japan were bought by the foundation for this purpose. 20 of these bikes were given to Danao City and the other 20 were received by this writer and Councilor Cocoy Jumapao in behalf of the Municipality of Liloan.

The fun ride ended at Sandtrap in Banilad with a hearty breakfast of puso, pansit, pork barbecue and spring rolls. This group will never end an event without a raffle so items from Habagat, Blood Red, Columbia Sportswear, Graphic Star, YKK Bicycle Shop, Sandtrap and Rudy Project were given away. A young lady participant got the technically cool eyewear from Rudy Project.

Present were Bike4U founder and president Jens Funk and officers Rob Creville, James Webb, Meyrick Jacalan, Noy Jopson and fellow Bosconian Roy Zapata. The foundation holds office at the 12th floor of the Ayala FGU building at Cebu Business Park, so if you wish to help, drop by at their office or visit bike4U.org for more details.

* * *

Of all the articles related to Manny Pacquiao, an in-house piece at Philboxing.com written by Dr. Greg Penilla mentions about the sad truth of Pacman’s doubters. We are a nation of skeptics but when it comes to boxing and Pacman, except for a few lost and misguided souls, we rally behind Manny and time stands still in the republic when he fights. Damn, we even cheer for Nanay Dionesia.

Dr. Penilla’s article zeroes in on Manny’s detractors, never mind all those impressive victories. These people always have a ready excuse and to quote him, “In spite of his hallowed place in boxing history, some writers, so-called boxing experts and jealous boxers do not give him the recognition he rightfully deserves.”

There is no other jealous boxer than Oscar dela Hoya when he said, “Pacquiao doesn’t hit hard enough to knock anyone out in the welterweight division. I’m basing that on my fight against Pacquiao. I could have stood there and put my face in front of him and he couldn’t have hurt me.” Yeah, right. Gi atay na.

This guy is still not impressed with our guy. We have seen that fight and Pacman made target practice of his pretty face, thereby applying his own version of a facial. Had he come out in the ninth round, dela Hoya would have kissed the canvass. He is now declaring to the world that Pacman didn’t hurt him on that fight. Obviously, nobody shoved a mirror in front of his face for a month.

Margarito Cotto will be a formidable and difficult opponent. But Pacman has trained well. Having annihilated the elite fighters in the lower weight classes, the logical thing to do is move up the ladder and fight bigger adversaries. And we all have seen the great results. Barrera, Morales, Marquez, Diaz, Hatton and yes, dela Hoya all experienced defeat.

God-willing, by this time next week, Pacman would be victorious in his quest and again make history by becoming a seven-time champion in seven different weight classes. No other boxer on earth would have ever done this feat. Then again, we will hear from the pundits the different excuses ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous.

I know Pacman’s secret for this fight. He showers with Head and Shoulders, it not only takes away dandruff but it also keeps the Cotto away. And for added12:05 PM 11/10/2009 boost, don’t forget to “drenk yor magnulia melk perst”. Now you know.

E-mail me at [email protected]