Odds

CEBU - Legendary sportswriter Grantland Rice said, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet.”

While Manny Pacquiao is a sentimental favorite to win this Sunday’s (RP time) match against Oscar de la Hoya, the latter is still the odds on favorite.

I am not putting my money on anyone of them though so no need to ask me. Who am I rooting for? I like the Golden Boy and followed part of his career, but I am a Filipino and no matter how much I think this bout somewhat has made a mockery of boxing, I am rooting for the Pacman and I want him to win.

I don’t buy the talk about these men not after the money, because all else seems to tell us it’s all about windfall.

Will Pacman beat de la Hoya? I’m sure there is a good probability for that to happen, but the odds remain stacked against the Pinoy pride.

If there is one thing I am hoping that this fight on Sunday would bring, it would be some sense into Pacman’s head that if indeed he retires from boxing next year, he would not throw his hat into politics and do something else where he can be more useful.

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If you don’t want to pay a premium to watch the fight live in the comfort of your home, there are many places where you can be with other fight fans to witness the bout.

I received a text message the other day from Bambi Gothong-Tan inviting me to the Alpa Suites to watch the Dream Match. Ticket prices are only P600 per head and this already includes a lunch buffet.

Alpa Suites is located just outside the Singson Village in Mandaue City. You can’t miss it coming from F. Cabahug St.

If you want to do some shopping better do that Sunday morning because you won’t have to deal with the traffic and the long queues at the counters as most of the people would be glued to their TV sets.

If you want to keep posted on what’s happening while on the go, radio station dySS AM will be covering the bout live without any delay. This shall allow you to be on the go and still aware of what’s happening.

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The economic crisis might mean fewer sponsors for sports events and if you browse the various news sites on the Internet, you can come across stories of how certain events are now trying to cope with losses and failure to meet their sponsorship targets.

The same will be happening in the local sporting events and organizers, most especially those who don’t have much marketing experience need to study the matter carefully before taking the plunge.

There was once a notion that companies can just shell out money to support various events, but things are a lot different now.

In 2009, we might see a dip in the number of sporting events, but this should not stop us from continuing to push forward. Being in sports can help keep us fit so we can have more energy to face whatever crisis there is.

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MILESTONES: Today is a very special day for the Costales family as they celebrate the 75th birthday of Virgie ‘Mama Gie’ Costales. I’ve been a loyal customer of Mama Gie for more than 20 years now, not just because her daughter Carmela was my classmate from elementary to high school and then college, but because I enjoy the food.

Belated birthday greetings go to Iste Sesante-Leopoldo, who turned a year older yesterday as well to Justine Frances Angela Laya Uy-Israel.

Tomorrow, my favorite radio showbiz program host is turning a year older – Ryan Mark Borinaga of Ok Ryan over radio station dyLA.

Congratulations also to Maite Moraza, who recently opened Gelatissimo – The Real Taste of Italia at SM City Cebu. She’s opening an outlet at the Terraces in Ayala soon also. I promised her mom, Tita Vicky Moraza, that I’d pay a visit and enjoy their gelato.

More power to all of you! - THE FREEMAN