Boxing gold will complete 3Bs gold projection

THE MISSING LINK: Among the "3 Bs" that were expected to win the gold for the Philippines in the 14th Asian Games in Busan, only boxing, a sport so dear, so close to the Filipinos, has yet to deliver.

Bowling, under Steve Hontiveros, was the first to strike in Busan when it won the gold in the men’s doubles courtesy of vintage Paeng Nepomuceno and youthful RJ Bautista. The RP bowlers also won the silver in the men’ trios and women’s team of five, and the bronze in women’s singles, making it the most successful group in the RP camp so far.

Billiards then followed suit, pocketing the gold in 9-ball doubles courtesy of Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Antonio Lining. Warren Kiamco took the silver in 9-ball singles while Efren "Bata" Reyes, the 1999 world 9-ball champion, settled for the bronze in 8-ball singles.

But Manny Lopez, president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, is unfazed despite the fact that only one of the eight boxers he brought here has a shot at the gold.

Lopez, who basked in glory when boxing won all three RP gold medals in the 1994 Hiroshima Asiad, is confident that lightfly Harry Tanamor has what it takes to go all the way.

The Armyman nicknamed Inday is already in the semis, assured of a bronze. Up next for him is Thailand’s Suban Pannon, the gold medalist in the 1998 Bangkok Asiad. And, if Harry makes it to the finals, he will face the biggest battle of his life against South Korea’s Kim Ki Suk.

"We still haven’t given up. The campaign is not over yet. Our focus is on the attainment of our goal and we will move heaven and earth to try to reach that goal," said Lopez.

"Puro gold pa din ang nasa isip namin. Even from the start, wala kaming inisip kung di ang manalo ng gold dito."

The entire nation, I suppose, would agree to that.

PUWERA BISITA: The Philippine basketball team that will face South Korea in Saturday’s semifinals failed to get even a glimpse of the Sajik Gymnasium where the cage finals on Monday will also be played.

The basketball competition was transferred to the bigger venue located near the Busan Asiad main stadium after the preliminary and quarterfinal rounds were held at the Geomjeong Gymnasium.

RP team officials tried to book a slot at the Sajik Gymnasium for Friday’s team practice but were denied. According to Rickie Santos, the executive assistant to PBA commissioner Jun Bernardino, they were told that the venue is still unavailable and that it was still being used for the gymnastics competition or that the gymnastics equipment have yet to be taken out.

So, the Filipino cagers practiced at the Busan Educational and Cultural Center for Students.

But when Reah Navarro, the RP team’s liaison officer, went to the Sajik venue Friday morning to purchase tickets, she found out that the South Korean cagers were there – practicing, of course.

Well, talk about hospitality.

GREEN AND GO: They hardly speak English and at times are slow in taking directions. But bus and cab drivers in Busan, and those driving their own vehicles, too, are probably the most disciplined bunch you’d ever find in the region.

Yes, they drive fast, but not furious, and going 80 kph on the not-so-wide roads of this port city is a common thing. But for them, traffic rules and regulations are there to follow.

No wonder these drivers step harder on the gas pedal whenever the green light is up ahead, feeling safe and confident that there’s no whacko who’d try to beat the red light crossing the intersection.

It’s very much different in the Philippines where you’d hesitate most of the time with trucks, buses, taxis, tricycles or even pedicabs and private vehicles suddenly popping out, their drivers unmindful and so ignorant of the traffic light.

Comedian Vic Sotto, an avid golfer and a great sports fan as well, once said: "Walang tatalo sa Pilipinas. Dito sa atin, kapag green ibig sabihin go at kapag red stop naman. Kapag orange? Eh, kanya-kanya na."