Bali ~ Friends, Margarito v Cotto fight, UC Silver, and Bali Zoo

In early December I ran out to Bali again.  My friend was in town from the US, and there was another group of friends from Singapore that were out celebrating another friend's birthday.  What better place to celebrate your birthday, than Bali. 

I'm generally a good planner, but I didn't book accommodations early for this trip.  I ended up choosing a 1 bedroom villa at Danoya, because it had its own private pool and was two levels (i.e. had stairs).  I have always liked stairs.  Further, even though the property didn't have a restaurant on-site, the villa had a kitchen and it was nice to have a couple of people come over and make breakfast.  I enjoyed the mee goreng (i.e. noodles) one morning and the nasi goreng (i.e. rice) another morning.

****  My friends stayed at Villa Massilia and it appeared that the party of about 20 people had the complex to themself. 

On Friday night, I went out to Ku De Ta for drinks and a quick bite.  There I met Sanaz and her husband.  We share mutual friends and they had been traveling throughout SE Asia, so it was a treat to meet and chat.  Another thing that was cute was that Sanaz and I carried the same Chanel handbag!

Saturday, was spent lounging by the pool and with friends. 

Sunday, before running around and showing my friend, Taiwanna, the sites I had to watch the Margarito v Cotto boxing match.  As the fight was starting, there was a knock on the door and the hotel staff asked us if we needed help with our luggage.  OK, most people may consider this rude ~ but I knew I was already overstaying my welcome and there was a driver waiting for us so we could see the sites.

After checking out, I asked the driver to please take us to a bar so we could watch the fight.  Within 10 minutes we were at a bar and taking in all the action from the ring!  Talk about a good driver, and lucky man since he was able to watch the fight as well.  Miguel Cotto won the fight, and Margarito lost AGAIN.  Honestly though...  What's it going to take for Antonio Margarito to stop risking his vision?!!?

Anyway, another great trip with some sports (i.e. even if it was only on TV)... 

After the fight we went to UC Silver (i.e. took a tour and stopped in the shop). I was determined to check out the store since I'd seen so many ads.  Admittedly, I'm not a silver person, but I was taken in by the design and the dragonfly. 

We were greeted by a gentleman who gave us a tour.  It was a public holiday so there weren't many people working. 

After our tour we went to the store and I discovered that they also sell gold.  However, the name of the company IS UC Siler (i.e. and not UC Gold) so I decided to stay true to the name.

Afterwards we visited the Bali Zoo to ride the elephants.  Yes, I've done it before...  BUT you can never ride too many elephants...  Ha!!!

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Pacquiao defeated Mosley in an underwhelming fight, but Mark and I were there

Ok, so let's talk about the Shane Mosley v Manny Pacquiao WBC Welterweight bout on Saturday night...

As I mentioned in a previous post, I took my cousin's son, Mark, with me to the fight.  ****  Mark you still owe me the pictures, so please send me them when you get a chance.

There was no question that I was going to bet the fight.  I wasn't going to lay 900 to win 100 though.  Instead, I opted to place a small, $100 bet on the boxing match to go the distance (i.e. all 12 rounds). 

I was at the Margarito v Pacquiao fight in Dallas, and I felt that Manny could've easily knocked out Antonio Margarito ~ but he didn't.  Based on that previous fight, I felt that Pacquiao (i.e. who seemed to be friends with Mosley) would "let" the fight go the distance.  Needless to say, I was right.

By the time Mark and I arrived at the MGM Grand and went to the sportsbook, the Lopez v Pavlik fight was off the board.  This was too bad, because I wanted to parlay my "Will go" with a Pavlik victory to increase my payout.  C'est la vie. 

I like Pavlik (i.e. who's from Youngstown, OH) and he won easily.  I was excited to see him fight "live" since he didn't end up boxing at the last fight in Dallas.

Arce won the next fight.

Finally it was time for the main event and a mini-concert.  Uber-talented Charice (i.e. I know her from watching Oprah) sang a perfect Philippine national anthem. Tyrese sang the US national anthem and Jamie Foxx sang "America the Beautiful".  LL Cool J sang "Mama Said Knock You Out" for Shane Mosley.  ****  This is the 2nd or 3rd time I've seen and heard LL Cool J perform this song live, but for obvious reasons this time it was even more hyped.  Manny Pacquiao came out towards the ring to "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. 

Highlights of the match:

1) When Pacquiao knocked down Mosley in the 3rd round.

2) When Bayless incorrectly ruled that Pacquiao was knocked down in the 10th.  ****  If you ask me, it wasn't a knockdown.  As a result of the bad call, Pacquiao came out with more fire.

In my opinion, the fight was underwhelming.  I sold all my extra tickets and made a tiny profit.  I knew I was bored when I was trying to figure out what brand my water bottle was and was trying to to hold it in the light so I could read the label.  It was a full house in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, and you could hear the crowd booing loudly.  Boxing fans wanted to see a FIGHT.  We didn't pay to see Pacquiao and Mosley touch gloves and play it safe. 

It's obvious the two pugilists have a good relationship, but the friendship was overtly obvious and reminded me of when Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson would hug and kiss before the opening tip.  I didn't want to see buddies hang out.  I paid to see a fight.  There's no question that the Margarito fight was better.

I'm happy that Mark enjoyed the fight.  I know he enjoyed it.  I'm also happy that I'll never have to pay for dental again, once he finishes school.

Oh, and it's worth mentioning that the MGM Grand Garden Arena ran out of hotdogs.  Seriously.  That's a huge mistake.

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Margarito and accusations of cheating ~ Ephedra and Hydroxycut talk

I went out tonight to catch up with a bunch of friends and get their reactions to the Antonio Margarito v Manny Pacquiao fight.  A few of them started talking about Ephedra and Hydroxycut.  That reminded me of the Tweet that I saw before the fight about Margarito (i.e something about not being able to last through 3 anthems and a Nelly concert, even with Ephedra and a pill).  Huh?!!?  Since I was at the fight, this was all news to me.

From what I can piece together, evidently someone in Pacquiao's camp saw something and/or was alerted of something that looked suspicious.  I have no idea what happened pre-fight, with regard to the accusations, but I do know that Freddie Roach watched as Margarito's hands were wrapped.  I know because they showed it on the screen...

Is it just me, or does it seem like controversy follows the Margarito (i.e. or should I say, Margacheato) camp?  Maybe, it was "Just a Dream" (i.e. insert Nelly reference)...

Here's a pic of Nelly from the screen from the night of the fight.  He was on the opposite side of the floor.  Whoever the genius was, that decided not to raise the small stage, made a mistake.

Back to boxing...  Whatever the case may be, Margarito lost by unanimous decision and has a broken orbital bone...  Ouch!

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Margarito v Pacquiao fight ~ Videos, pictures, and PacMan wins!

Last night I went to my 3rd event that the new Cowboys Stadium (i.e I have already hit last season's Cowboys NFC Wildcard game and last season's NBA All-Star game).  This time I was there for my first boxing match. 

That's right.  I'm spoiled.  My first fight was in Dallas (i.e. ok, Arlington) and at the new Cowboys Stadium, because I couldn't resist the allure of the Antonio Margarito v Manny Pacquiao fight...  I had to watch it LIVE. 

As I settled into the scene at the stadium, I took advantage of my prime location to scan the crowd for celebrities.  I saw two of the guys from HBO's Entourage series (i.e. Kevin Dillon and Jeremy Piven).  I've been at the same place as Kevin Dillon before though, so the novelty has worn off a bit. 

Jeremy Piven and I

As for other notables in the crowd, of course Jerry Jones was there.  When he walked out next to me, I swear he was with Wade Phillips.  I need to look it up, but they walked to the other side of the ring where the media was sitting.  I looked at the huge screen, and I still think I'm right about it.  I mentioned this to ESPN.com's boxing writer and TV commentator, Dan Rafael, this morning on flight back from Dallas, and he wasn't sure I was right ~ but, I think I am...  I'd bet on it. 

Here are 2 other pictures that I took during the fight, of the big screen, that show Wade Phillips sitting next to Jerry Jones.

Wade Phillips and Jerry Jones

Looks like Wade Phillips to me

Ok.  Enough about that, back to the fight...  With a great seat to the fight, and my camera in tow, here are a few of the pictures and the videos I shot.

The Philippine flag and Pacquiao in the ring

You can see Margarito is cut

The punch from Pacquiao that cut Margarito

Margarito on offense

Margarito with a punch to the head

Pacquiao blocking Margarito's punch

Pacquiao's corner in between rounds

My view

Ouch ~ Margarito definitely landed that one

End of the the 11th round, Margarito's right eye is DONE

Told you

Start of the 12th and final round

Manny looked like he let up, but was punching STILL

The end ~ Pacquiao won!

The irony of the poster...  Come on, Mayweather ~ let's fight!

The final interview for Margarito, he fought until the end

Pacquiao leaving the ring and walking out of the stadium

Final picture of the night

If you're a boxing fan, you really need to go see Pacquiao fight.  He's amazing...  "They" weren't kidding when they said, "speed kills". 

Those are the best pictures, I took. Hope you enjoyed them. 

Now here are the videos from last night's adventure.

Video: Antonio Margarito entering the stadium:

Video: Manny Pacquiao entering the stadium:



Video: Manny Pacquiao unleashing on Antonio Margarito:




Video: End of the fight, Margarito returns to his corner, while Pacquiao is lifted by a team member:



Manny Pacquiao won the WBC junior middleweight title (i.e. his 8th title in an 8th weight class) and I was there to witness this historic event.  I saw a quote earlier today on my friend Kathy's facebook page and it struck me.  The quote my friend posted was, ""Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity...why would you be realistic...what's the point of being realistic? Fortunately the Wright Brothers didn't believe in being realistic." ~ Will Smith

The last guy I went out with, in Dallas, and I used to debate the virtue of being optimistic v realistic.  Yes, I realize that the quote is from Will Smith...  However, I have to believe that as a boy in the Philippines, if it wasn't for Pacquiao being hardworking and optimistic, we wouldn't have been treated to such a special talent.  Therefore, I'd argue that being realistic is not necessarily a good thing.  STILL.

Boxing.  I just might be "hooked"... 

Like my pictures and videos?  Here's the camera I have that I used.  I've had this camera for over a year now and I love it.  ****  For some reason, a little puff of smoke comes out of the top of it, when I shoot pictures.  I think it's just because my pictures are HOT!!!!  :-P



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In Dallas, I met Freddie Roach ~ Before the Margarito v Pacquiao fight

I am in Dallas for the Margarito v Pacquiao fight tonight.  After getting swooped at the airport by family, I mentioned to my cousin that the Gaylord Texan was hosting both the Margarito and the Pacquiao camps.  Therefore, for breakfast/lunch, my cousin and his family took me to the Gaylord.  

As soon as we entered the Gaylord, you could see all the Filipino fans taking pictures in front of the Manny Pacqiuao bus.  ****  Only when I left did I notice that there was a Margarito bus parked right next to it.  It's days like this that I wish I spoke or at least understood Tagalog.  I also wish I had some Pacquiao gear, but I think I can rectify that situation tonight.

While waiting for a table at the Riverwalk Cantina, I noticed Freddie Roach walking down the steps towards the restaurant.  Yep, that's my life...  Right place at the right time.

After signing a poster and a glove for a fan, Freddie stopped and I was able to get a picture with him.  

Freddie Roach and I

Later on, during lunch Alex Ariza (i.e. Manny Pacquiao's Strength and Conditioning Coach) came down to the restaurant.

To be honest, the Gaylord Texan seemed to be a place for all the Pacquiao fans to get together.  It was a quiet scene, and even though I saw one Mexican flag, you could tell there were more Pacman supporters "in the house".
It's going to be a good one tonight!

**** Right before the fight, my mom sent me a text. She told me that the flag I posted was a Philippine flag and not a Mexican one. I KNOW THAT. That was my point. But just to clarify, there were more Philippine flags... I only saw one Mexican flag.


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Dallas bound ~ Margarito v Pacquiao fight tomorrow!

I'm going to Dallas to see friends and family AND for the Antonio Margarito v Manny Pacquiao fight!!!  I cannot wait...  It's going to be a great time at the new Cowboys Stadium :-P

I'm watching the HBO 24/7 Pacquiao-Margarito episodes now, since they're being replayed in preparation for the fight tomorrow.  Speaking of preparation, it's time to charge my camera batteries... 

Lastly, yes, it's also time to channel my "Filipina" side...  Go Manny!!!

It's too bad Kelly Pavlik isn't fighting on the undercard.  It would've been good to see the Youngstown, Ohio native battle live.

This will be my first boxing event.  I might even have a Tecate, for the first time.  The possibilities are endless.  One thing's for sure, the pictures are going to be RIDICULOUS.  I can feel it...

For those of you wondering where you can watch the fight, I recommend (i.e. if you're in the Dallas area) that you ante up and hit Ticketmaster.  Great seats are still available.

Ok, lastly, what to wear?  Maybe I'll wear my SF Giants hat.  What?!?!  Too soon?!?!  Haha, OK.  Maybe I'll wear my new Texas Rangers hat.  Guess, we'll have to wait and see...

Mama Said Knock You Out ~ LL Cool J



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Quick poll: Margarito's size v Pacquiao's speed? Who do you have?

I've got the Antonio Margarito v Manny Pacquiao fight on the brain.  The fight is tomorrow, Saturday, November 13 at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium.  ****I'm also 2 seconds away from a plane ticket, but that's neither here nor there for this blog post.   I have a question after watching a couple of the HBO 24/7 Pacquiao-Margarito episodes (i.e. actually, it might have been the same one twice ~ but who really cares).

Vegas had Pacquiao as a 6-1 favorite, but I think the line moved to 5-1.

Question: Who do you have winning the fight?  Antonio Margarito or Manny Pacquiao? 


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Video: Margarito's camp mocking Freddie Roach's Parkinson's is terrible...

****  I looked and the video I posted originally is no longer available due to a copywright claim by ESNews...  OK, here's a link to the video that I found in an article from Lem Satterfield on Boxing Fanhouse:  http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2010/11/10/freddie-roach-angered-by-video-mocking-his-parkinsons-disease/  As of now, this link is active.

I saw this video on my Twitter feed and had to create a quick post.  Have you seen this video of Antonio Margarito and his camp making fun of Freddie Roach's Parkinson's disease?  The camp also makes light of Margarito's hand wrap scandal.

One word: TERRIBLE.

I hope Manny Pacquiao destroys Margarito in the ring on Saturday at the new Cowboys Stadium.  I'll be watching....


THE WIRK

Margarito v Pacquiao is a sad substitute for Mayweather v Pacquiao

It's obvious if you've been checking this blog, that I've had Dallas on the brain.  I was just there over the weekend and I couldn't help but notice the billboards that were up for the Antonio Margarito v Manny Pacquiao fight, which is slated to take place at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium on Saturday, November 13.  Is this fight appealing to me?  Eh.  The answer isn't simple.  I'm curious since I would like to see Pacquiao fight.  A month or so ago, I noticed he was working out in Baguio (i.e. in the Philippines, where I have family).  I practically begged my cousins to run out and send me some pictures, but they never came through for me.  I have another cousin in Dallas who went and saw Pacquiao fight Clottey the last time he was at Cowboys Stadium, and he relayed that the experience was awesome.

I've been to the new Cowboys Stadium.  I saw the Dallas Cowboys defeat the Philadelphia Eagles during last season's NFL playoffs.  This year, I also saw the NBA All-Star game at Cowboys Stadium.  Thank goodness I had a pass and a good seat to take in the game and the entire scene, otherwise I may not have enjoyed the experience as much since the building is HUGE.  I never realized the difference in size between a basketball court and a football field until I saw just how many people they could pack in for the basketball game.  There were chairs EVERYWHERE.  Since a boxing ring is even smaller I really can't imagine how that will look in such a large space.  If it weren't for that monstrous overhead screen, I can't fathom how anyone could enjoy watching a boxing match at the venue.

I remember where I was when Manny Paquiao fought Joshua (aka "Blood" <-- sorry, my joke) Clottey.  I was in Atlantic City with friends and the action on the casino floor basically came to a stop as the rounds ended one after the other.  Supervisors, pit bosses, waitresses, customers all stopped and watched the TVs.  I need to talk to my boxing friend, John, to see if that's the same reaction the Margarito v Pacquiao is anticipated to evoke.

Margarito v Pacquiao...  Is it just me, or is this a bit of a sad substitute for the marquee match-up that most boxing fans desire?!?!  It's no secret that people would prefer to watch Floyd "Money" Mayweather v Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.  I was playing online and found a poll.  The poll simply asked when people thought Mayweather and Pacquiao would fight.  With over 40% of the vote, the respondents answered "Never".  The other two choices were: 2011 and when they're both washed up.  Out of curiosity, I'm going to poll the readers of this blog and see what they think ~ so feel free to vote on the right-hand side of this post.

I'm not going to lie.  I was curious and looked at the tickets available for the Margarito v Pacquiao fight.  There are definitely some good ones available and I've been wanting to see Pacman fight live.  Margarito has been in trouble in the past for his hand wraps and accused of using a plaster like substance to gain an unfair advantage.  As a result, Margarito and his trainer had their license revoked by the California State Athletic Commission.  If you want more information, check out the following link: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=3897765.  Needless to say, Margarito acquired a license to compete in Texas.

I've never seen a live boxing match.  It might be time to think about returning to Texas, to see if Margarito can redeem himself and fight "fair" but in all seriousness, I think Pacquiao will dominate and win.  To be honest, I have to question why Pacquiao is even fighting Margarito (i.e. who I'll admit I had to research heavily as if I was doing a grade school book report to even write anything remotely knowledgeable on the man), when Mosley or Martinez would have more cache in the world of PPV.  I mean. let's face it, I'd imagine that my cousins would be among the faithful Filipinos and boxing fans who might invest in the fight (i.e. to share the nation's pride, when Pacquiao wins <--  yes, I wrote "when") and Margarito should receive support from his Mexican fan base, but I can't imagine that this fight would really be a good one.  Plus, even though I'm not the most patient person ~ I might be willing to pass/wait for the match-up that over 40% of the people polled believe will never happen (i.e. Mayweather v Pacquiao).  I guess time will tell...


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