Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo: LEGACY

Beware, the mark of the best... or beast!

A Good Story

I just have to post this one.

Never underestimate the power of a good story.

Variations of the Same

The Roi Perdu. The Ubermensch. The Rex Mundi.

My character keeps evolving.

Man is something that shall be overcome.

It's all happening in Messiah 666... where the "beast" is yet to come.

Pacquiao-Mayweather: Aftermath of No War (at boxingnews24)

Pacquiao-Mayweather: Aftermath of No War

by Rasheed Catapang:

There’s a school of thought out there that Mayweather would have easily dominated Pacquiao had their fight actually push through and that it’s just as well it won’t happen because it would have altered the current landscape of boxing for the worse.

Don’t entertain nor dwell on such things for there’s just no “happy thoughts” there – not for Peter Pan or for the rest of us (boxing fans).

Read complete article from boxingnews24:

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2010/01/pacquiao-mayweather-aftermath-of-no-war/

The Blasphemy of Syam

Let's keep this drawing here for posterity, a sketch by Syam (of me) back in 2005.

Sports News

Basketball pumps me up. I love this game.
I'll try my luck in other sports like dragon boating just the same.

And again, guess what the article I've just written is all about.

Boxing: http://www.boxingnews24.com/2010/01/mayweather-–-pacquiao-floyd’s-fear-factor/#comment-100542

Article posted in Boxingnews24

Mayweather – Pacquiao: Floyd’s Fear Factor

January 11th, 2010

By Rasheed Catapang:Floyd Mayweather Sr. had wanted us to believe that there’s something about – and amiss with – Manny Pacquiao. But I believe History and not “his story” will judge the Pacquiao’s remarkable ascent in the Pound-for-pound throne. In that regard, and with the benefit of hindsight, I hope this piece would shed some light.

While Dela Hoya was Pacquiao’s sacrificial lamb in the Altar of Fame, Hatton was really the deciding factor in his pound-for-pound claim. In the Pacquiao-Hatton fight, there was just no over-the-hill and weight-drained excuses as Ricky Hatton was the undisputed Junior Welterweight Champion who’s still in his prime and is undefeated at 140 lbs. So when Pacquiao’s devastating punch rendered Hatton unconscious in less than two rounds, it was both a statement and an affirmation.

It had another far reaching effect though when it struck fear in the heart of Floyd Mayweather Sr.

But had Floyd Sr. been paying more attention to the facts than to his poems, he would have known that the hitman’s defeat was inescapable destiny. Sun Tzu, I mean Roach, really just had Hatton figured out. (Though Floyd Sr. wouldn’t consider that as well since that would mean acknowledging Roach’s doing a much better job).

Consider this: As early as after two weeks from Pacquiao’s second fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, which the records will show, Roach was already salivating over getting a fight with Ricky Hatton. Roach knew he has the perfect weapon in Pacquiao to overwhelmingly destroy the popular Manchurian champion.

See, that was even before the Pacquiao–Diaz fight which marked the beginning of Pacquiao’s rampage in the higher weights. Check also the Pacquiao-Diaz post fight interview where Hatton’s name has already been thrown as an opponent preferred by Roach. That said, Hatton simply didn’t stand a chance.

Of course, when the Pacquiao–Cotto fight came to fruition, Pacquiao was already a different beast altogether. He simply will have his way and will not be denied. He has by then the calm demeanor of an assassin, so confident in his well-honed skills. If there’s a transition from a great fighter to an All Time Great, Pacquiao transcended that in the Cotto fight.

After that, Floyd Mayweather Sr. then said that he won’t let his son fight Pacquiao if it were up to him. Through all his garble, that’s perfectly understandable as no father would send his son on a road to perdition. Still, the sin of the father shall be visited upon his son.

For Floyd Mayweather Jr, pound-for-pound Glory is a long way back home. And though everyone gets to reach somewhere by taking one step at a time, Mayweather could have made a big leap had he taken the Pacquiao fight. He won’t be accused of cherry picking anymore and he could regain his rightful place as P4P King – a position he claimed was always his.

Not anymore.

In spite of his great skills set and vast boxing arsenal, Floyd Mayweather Jr. chose to engage with words. He injected some “bad blood” in the equation. And now the super fight is dead.

His “whoop his punk ass” statement is another broken promise, easier said than done. Delivered when the fight negotiations failed, it’s not a threat but a cushion to break his fall.

The sin was passed on from father to son. And in the end, it came back to haunt us all. The truth is out there now, Floyd Mayweather Jr. like his father before him is truly afraid of Manny Pacquiao. And he has every right to be.

Mayweather and Pacquiao might just be the “yin and yang”- equal powers on opposite sides of the spectrum. But Roach affects that balance of power and sways it in Pacquiao’s favor. The scariest thing then for Floyd Jr. is not just being in the other corner with the Pacmonster. Rather, it is that Roach had him figured out. That makes his fear very real!

I just hope Mayweather proves me wrong by taking on Pacquiao inside the ring where it matters.

Mayweather vs. The Incredible Pacquiao’s Urinalysis and More

Please see link for the complete article:

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2010/01/mayweather-vs-the-incredible-pacquiao’s-urinalysis-and-more/#comment-94774

Mayweather - Pacquiao's Bad Blood

40 Million dollars. That’s just about the amount this era’s top pound for pounders are each to earn should they take on each other on March 13, 2010. And then some. That’s a lot of money to burn.

Mayweather, one of the protagonists in this epic battle, has been known to do just that. Coming out of a 2-year retirement after spending a fortune on a lavish lifestyle, he may yet be the fastest man alive in that regard. The 40 odd million might as well be gone baby gone before it ever reaches his hands. What a bloody mess he’d done.

And blood is indeed what the ruckus is all about.

Trying to gain mental and physical advantage by initiating a severe blood testing regime, or merely initiating a ploy to evade a fight against his father’s accused drug user the- friendly-beater-to-a-pulp Manny Pacquiao (depending on who’s expert side you ask), the negotiation for the fight of the century just come to a halt.

For the moment, never mind the Pacmonster is afraid of needles because even Superman has his kryptonite. (And we know too well the plot is weak but we never question the man of steel). The fact is that Boxing’s Greatest Ever, a title Mayweather proclaims as his own, shouldn’t play hesitant in taking all corners. If you are such, you do not ask for concession. You do not ask why or why not. You simply take the fight and beat the opposing fighter to a bloody pulp. We’re not even talking here of taking on a bigger-than-Mayweather-behemoth-with plastered hands-a la-Margarito but Pacquiao who has always been the smaller man.

Boxing’s greatest ever should strike fear in the hearts of man, or fellow pugilists if you like. Mayweather being hesitant of taking Pacquiao doesn’t send that kind of message. And so, it’s like his alias “Money May”, which really is a title of no significance when applied to him.

The verdict for the man is this then: All hail Mayweather, the most elusive fighter of this era. You couldn’t even get him to a ring when a clear and real threat is on the opposite corner.

That said – and because Mayweather just won’t – let’s take on the Pacman. His is the ascent that is the stuff of legend (or of steroid as put forward by the ever-unreliable Floyd Sr.). Just what makes him tick? Bordering on disbelief, the not-so-always-disoriented-poet could not piece together how the small man’s run of havoc left fallen elite fighters in his wake. And it could not be due to God as Mega-Manny claims for He is known never to take side. Alas, he could only equate it with drugs to which his mind as a previous dope has close affiliation.

Enter USADA and the random blood testing. The little man has just been accused of taking steroids no matter if there’s lacking history to that. Naturally not agreeing, Pacquiao gave his reason to the world which is about his kryptonite.

Bloody hell, why not just bleed and give a little Manny. The Mayweathers made there point as much as those needles which created all those tattoos on your body. Bleed a little such that the little may save the whole and make us (boxing fans) happy.

It’s also because the usual urine test just wouldn’t do. Your old nemesis Marquez who admitted to be a consummate drinker of such potent an elixir would have made sure of that - alerting the Golden Boys and Mayweather never to trust yours. I mean, let’s face it, Marquez is an expert not just in boxing but in urine as well. (This news was kept in a tight lid because it’s not prim and proper to openly discuss. But it’s out now in the open.)

And notwithstanding the green with envy Dela Hoya’s take and fickle statements on the matter - It’s sad really - Pacquiao is just guilty until proven innocent.

The verdict: Counter to Mayweather is weak. Pacquiao should just give in to Mayweather’s demand to get them inside the same ring – and not in court. Then he could bring to Mayweather the beating of his life, if he can. After all, there’s no higher joy than mixing business with pleasure.

Drop the pretense like boxing is about doing the honorable thing and all such mumbo jumbo crap. It is war where a Geneva Convention only exists to not make it all look so bad. It’s more like ancient Rome’s gladiator combat with a Christian name. And just like the olden times, the people crave for blood.

And it’s not the one Mayweather had in mind.

We’ve asked for boxing and it’s a circus we’re getting. Blood Feud, Blood letting, Bad Blood – more like Bloody Mess - call it what you want but this fight might not just happen.

40 million dollars – it’s burn baby burn.

Blast from the Past

Another one from the archives, early 90's.

TRESE

Tikbalang Incorporated goes TRESE

Messiah666/ Trese: When worlds collide.

Imagine a blonde Alexandra Trese roaming the Messiah666 World (or Tikbalang Incorporated) in search of the Aswang. Or try her luck in seeking the godspark.

How would she fair against the Roi Perdus or the Rex Mundi? Will she claim the throne herself in the end?

The possibilities are endless.

See Trese (Budjette Tan)

http://exhibit13.blogspot.com/

From the sublime to the ridiculous (read from bottom up)

Just won't happen any time soon. Look, fresh like the morning dew is the devil smiling at you! Mabuhay!!!
The picture above circulated via emails during the late great Cory Aquino's funeral. It was claimed to have been published in the Manila Times with an erroneous caption as shown. Hmm, erring in the side of caution or wishful thinking?
Americans could learn a lot, or a plot, from the Philippine General (?). As if saying, "Son, this is how we do it!" Gotta be shameless boy.
Arreola has lots of pounds but isn't pound-4-pound.

This is the borderline!
(Ask the Hitman himself, shown here contemplating the fact)
So is Pacquiao's demolition of 140 stalwart Ricky Hatton.
Arnold "the Terminator" in his prime is sublime.

MOSTLY NOTHING: KNIGHTSHIFT/ KNIGHTMARE

Talk about twisted chivalry or dark vigilante. This character will bring shivers down your spine. I plan to have Knightshift/ Knightmare play a pivotal role in Rex Mundi Chronicles.

Made by evil, feared by devils. Crime's worst nightmare.

Knightshift or Knightmare: He answers to both calls.

MOSTLY NOTHING: Rosabel/ Batsheba

The Seducer Bathsheba and the immaculate Rosabel are characters in my book Messiah666. This early drawing could have refer to both.

MOSTLY NOTHING: Doom 3

Read from bottom up.

MOSTLY NOTHING: Doom 2

Read from the bottom up.