Proud To Be Pango | Pinoy Pride

Pinoy In American Idol: Jessica Sanchez Sings "Fallin" and “Try A Little Tenderness” in American Idol Top 7

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:27:00 +0000

Jessica Sanchez sang ‘Fallin’ by Alicia Keys and ‘Try A Little Tenderness' on the American Idol 11 Top 7

To All Pinoys in America and for those who have the means to vote for Jessica, please vote for her. Let's prove to the rest of the world what we are capable of.

This is kind of a pressure on this kid -- after being saved by the judges, she needs to prove to the world that she's worth-saving. This has been supported by the judges that what they did was right. If I will play more bias, I'm thinking that they are rooting for her to win -- but it sounds to me that they want to tell Jessica something:"We can help you only by saying good things about the performance, but you need to win the people too"

Randy Jackson: I hope America shows up and votes for you this week.

Jennifer Lopez: Your just a little baby. I’m glad we had a save and used it on you.

Steven Tyler: With talent like yours you have a right to get mad at a song.

Jessica Sachez Is Saved by the Judges!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:05:00 +0000

I really don't get it -- is Jessica Sanchez really at the Bottom 3 or American Idol is only using her to get high TV rating?

Every year -- there will always be a shocking event in A.I., that everyone will feel upset about.

Joshua Ledet, Elise Testone and Jessica Sanchez are in Bottom 3. Joshua Ledet is declared SAFE. It’s between Jessica and Elise. And, shockingly, Jessica is eliminated! She begins to sing for her life, and Jlo rushes the stage to stop her. “THIS IS CRAZY” she screams. Randy and Steven join them on stage. Randy says, “We are saving Jessica without any doubt…this girl is one of the best singers in America! Ever! Are you kidding me! Please everybody, please vote for the best! It’s about finding the best! C’mon.”

Jessica wasn’t surprised to be standing there. “Whatever happens happens.” She says she’s been working hard her whole life.

Saved contestant, Jessica Sanchez, sings out to the credits.

1 of 7 Voted Off (4) ~ American Idol 2012 by HumanSlinky

Pinoy In American Idol: Jessica Sanchez Sings "Stuttering" in American Idol Top 7

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 03:01:00 +0000

Jessica Sanchez sang ‘Stuttering’ on the American Idol 11 Top 7

Jessica did it again! She's really one to beat. AKON thinks she’s going to be a legend one day. The judges called her a fish slayer.

I'm kinda frustrated at first, that given with tonight's category, "This Decade" -- Jessica chose this song, which is not famous as we thought. But I think, it was a good strategy, so that people will find her interesting.

Randy Jackson: I love the arrangement. Tonight you set the bar really high.

Jennifer Lopez: That was really beautiful. In the middle you were digging. I want you to sing like Joshua and be impactful and take us on a ride.

Steven Tyler: When I hear you sing, I forget where I am. You have the nerve to wear Jennifer’s shoes.

Pinoy In American Idol: Jessica Sanchez Sings "How Will I Know" in American Idol Top 8

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 02:03:00 +0000

American Idol star Jessica Sanchez sang ‘How Will I Know’ on the Top 8

This is another Whitney Houston's hit song. Jessica Sanchez has already perfected her craft that you cannot see any flaws on her voice.

Christopher Caluza: Pinoy figure skater places 20th in world championships

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 03:32:00 +0000

Christopher Caluza—one of two US-based Filipinos competing in this year’s World Figure Skating Championships in Nice, France placed 20th in a field of 30 in the men’s short program Friday.

Caluza earned a total segment score of 61.87 and had zero deductions.

He, however, gave an “under-rotated jump” in his execution of a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination in the second jump of his routine.

Caluza is a 22-year-old student born in Chula Vista, California—home of the United States’ Olympic Training Center. His hometown is Escondido, also in California.

Caluza started figure skating in 1997. His current coach is Natalia Bobrina. He had trained under Juri Ovchinnikov.

His personal best total score, best short program and best free skating were in the Four Continents Championship in February.

In the Bavarian Open 2012 Oberstdorf, he placed third.

Via GMA Network

Pinoy In American Idol: Jessica Sanchez Sings "Sweet Dreams" in American Idol Top 9

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 02:03:00 +0000

Jessica Sanchez sang ‘Sweet Dreams’ on the American Idol 11 Top 9

If there's one reason why I'm still watching American Idol, it's because of Jessica Sanchez. God, she's really good. And, will you agree that she looks like Sarah Geronimo? She’s the one to beat! I don’t think anyone can beat her now. The title is hers!

Randy Jackson: I say it all the time, but stars are truly born.

Jennifer Lopez: If I was Beyonce, I would slow that one down.

Steven Tyler: Beautiful dress. You really know your notes.

Download MP3 here (Right-Click Save Target As…)

Lewis Hamilton and street children in Manila

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:47:00 +0000

Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One racing driver from England, currently racing for the McLaren team. He was the 2008 Formula One World Champion. He is also the boyfriend of our very own Nicole Scherzinger. He spent two days in Manila to visit some of the 85,000 children who live and work on the streets of Manila in the Binondo area. He took part in a film for UNICEF which will be aired in this year’s Soccer Aid.

From Daily Mail:

‘I hope that we have managed to make a film that will show the harsh reality for children who live on the streets in Manila and around the world,’ Hamilton said.

‘The young boys and girls who I have met today are really fantastic children, but they are living without the simple things that most people take for granted, like food, clean water and a safe place to sleep at night. It shouldn’t be like this. But I’ve also seen how UNICEF and their partners are helping them and changing their lives for the better. Just a little money can make a huge difference for vulnerable children living tough lives around the world.’

‘Please, buy a ticket for Soccer Aid in May, or watch the programme and make a donation. It could be the difference between life and death for a child.’

Eugene Domingo Is the True Pride of Pinoy!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:15:00 +0000

Eugene Domingo is known in the Philippines as one of the most talented comedians. She became known for her wit and spontaneous unforgettable lines that people find them funny and smart.

Now, you're going to see videos before and when Eugene accepted the Best Actress Award at 6th Asian Film Awards, which is also known as "Asian Oscars". This was held at Hong Kong Convention Exhibition Center last March 19.

She was so funny, especially when she accepted her award from Andy Lau! She's really a true pride of our country

Eugene Domingo the day before winning big at the 6th Asian Film Awards 2012

ASIA'S FAVORITE ACTRESS & ACTOR: Eugene Domingo & Andy Lau

6th Asian Film Awards Backstage - People's Choice for Best Actress

Pinoy In American Idol: Jessica Sanchez Sings "Everybody Has A Dream" in American Idol Top 10

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 02:08:00 +0000

Jessica Sanchez sings ‘Everybody Has A Dream’ on the American Idol 11 Top 10

She's really good! I totally agree with JLo that the song was written for her! Will Jessica be the first Filipino to win American Idol?

Randy Jackson: You have a moment everytime you step on that stage.

Jennifer Lopez: That song was just written for you.

Steven Tyler: You’ve gone way past my judging.

Download MP3 here (Right-Click Save Target As…)

Watch John Lloyd Cruz and Angel Locsin: Unofficially Yours Online!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:26:00 +0000

Probably, this is the first time that a Filipino/Tagalog movie embraced a story of "one-night stand" or "casual $ex" or we can call it having a "FUBU" or "FCUK Buddy". Hmmmp! I'm really casual about this topic.

This is a good thing actually -- because honestly, this event has already been embraced by young men and women. Well, we've been watching lots of Hollywood films that's why!

Unofficially Yours is about a man who falls in love with someone who doesn’t want to fall in love. John Lloyd Cruz plays the role of Macky Galvez, a depressed young man who’s been contemplating on why he had several failed relationships. On the other hand, Ces Bricenio, portrayed by Angel Locsin, is a modern-day woman who is afraid of commitments. When their worlds collide, a funny yet sexy love story develops.

Watch the full movie here!

Pinoy Conquers Canada's Got Talent! Paul Ong Is Awesome!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 01:48:00 +0000

Paul Ong maybe pure Chinese descent but his heart came pure Pinoy!

Paul Kelvin Ong, who introduced himself as “a new immigrant from the Philippines although I’m a pure Chinese” and who lived for “just over a year” in Winnipeg, performed “Somewhere” from “The West Side Story.”

“Canada’s Got Talent” judges Martin Short, Stephan Moccio and Measha Brueggergosman were impressed with his performance, as were the audience who lavished him with applause and a standing ovation.

“You have a sweet voice. Bravo, bravo, bravo” said Moccio. “I’m intrigued. I really want to see what’s next from you, Paul,” he added.

“I really like how connected you were to the song. It was a really, really great performance,” Brueggergosman commented.

“I do think you have a really lovely voice,” Short said admiringly.

All three judges gave Paul their “yes,” which helped him advance to the next round.

In his post-performance interview, Paul, who was initially speechless, said, “It’s a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you.”

More Pinoy Pride Fighting News!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 03:19:00 +0000

Fight with Mexican foe to test Fuentes’ resolve
PINOY PRIDE XII – BAUTISTA AND GARCIA FACE TO FACE IN BOHOL
Fuentes, AJ Banal ready to rumble
“GORRES IS THE BEST BOXER I HAVE FACED” – OTIENO
Biado rules all-Filipino finale of Bali, Indonesia 9-ball Open

Pinoy's Sisig Conquers Manhattan: Best of Maharlika's Pinoy Brunch

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:26:00 +0000

If there's anything that Filipinos have in common, around the world, it's the "love for our own food". Whenever I travel abroad -- the first thing that interest me, is to find a Filipino community and talk to people who will bring me to a Filipino restaurants.

Maybe I will go to Manhattan!

"Maharlika: Filipino Moderno" started out as a weekend-only, pop-up restaurant in Manhattan, February last year.

After successfully putting modern Filipino food in the forefront of New York City's gastronomic scene, Maharlika's popular Filipino brunch is now being served at its first brick and mortar location in downtown Manhattan.

"We’re happy that people are embracing brunch. It’s such an American concept and we’re happy that we can put a Filipino kiss on it," said Nicole Ponseca, co-owner of Maharlika.

Instead of Eggs Benedict, Maharlika serves Eggs Benigno, named after the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. The restaurant also offers Eggs Florentine that has been named Eggs Imelda (poached eggs on pan de sal with taro leaves, coconut milk and prawns), for former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

A favorite among brunch-lovers is the "silog" meals such as tocilog and longsilong.

Maharlika's executive chef Miguel Trinidad, is of Dominican Republic descent. He traveled around the Philippines to learn how to cook authentic Filipino dishes.

"We backpacked from Ilocos Norte all the way down to Palawan. It was an amazing experience. The people were beautiful. The island is gorgeous, we couldn’t have been here where we are today if it wasn’t for that experience," Trinidad said.

Because of Maharlika, sizzling sisig has now become a part of New York's international food scene. On its menu, sisig was described as "pig ears, snout, cheek, belly (cooked 3 times—boiled, grilled, sautéed), with sibuyas, garlic, lemon."

Sizzling sisig was named "Best New Food" of Time Out New York, a leading food and entertainment guide in New York.

NY CHOW featured the famous sisig. Check it out here:

Maharlika was also named "Best New Restaurant" of Metromix, a well-known entertainment and dining guide in the U.S.

Even the New York Times described Maharlika as an "empire in the making," which could soon rival Chinese and Thai restaurants.

"I didn’t think we’re gonna be here within a year, but I am so happy that we are," Ponseca said.

Maharlika is also becoming known for its mixed drinks, which are named after famous Filipinos. "Pacquiao's Punch" was named Best Cocktail Drink of America in 2011.

There are also light mixed drinks named after Lea Salonga, Hilda Coronel, Sharon Cuneta and Weng Weng.

Pinoy In American Idol: Jessica Sanchez Sings "Turn The Beat Around" in American Idol Top 12

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:22:00 +0000

Jessica Sanchez sang ‘Turn The Beat Around’ on the American Idol 11 Top 12

I'm not so sure why the judges didn't like it. Or maybe I'm just bias!

Randy Jackson: Learn to shorten your vibrato

Jennifer Lopez: Your voice has such a strong vibrato, but it lagged on this song.

Steven Tyler: I love your voice, but you can’t stray too far. I love those pants.

Download MP3 here (Right-Click Save Target As…)

Tribe 1946: New Pinoy Mag -- In Holland?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:03:00 +0000

A new Filipino-Dutch magazine was recently launched in Assendelft, The Netherlands, to cater to the need for information and entertainment of Filipinos abroad, especially in Europe.

Tribe1946 magazine was an idea that Dutch businessmen Maartem Lemmers and Willem Snijder decided to pursue when the only Filipino magazine in the Netherlands, Munting Nayon, stopped publishing last year. They aim to provide not only information but a sort of medium for networking for Filipinos living abroad.

“Last year, we started an idea to support and give services to the Filipinos here in Holland and from the services that we came up with, the magazine is the first one that we started with,” said Snijder.

Lemmers and Snijders came up with the name Tribe 1946 for the magazine because they believed that through their goals, they will help build a stronger Filipino community abroad. The partners also believed that the true Philippine independence was achieved when the United States recognized a free country in the Treaty of Manila signed on July 4, 1946.

Source: ABS-CBN News

Top Chef Season 9 Winner: Proud to Be Pinoy "Paul Qui"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:44:00 +0000

Paul Qui is the first-ever Pinoy to become a “Top Chef," the country can also take pride that he "outcooked" not only the usual 15 or 18 contenders but 29 chefs from all over the US, a first in the show's history.

He was born in Makati and raised in San Juan, Qui’s family left the country when he was 10. Now 31 years old, he became only the second Asian nationality to succeed in the cooking reality show (the first being the third season Vietnamese-American winner Hung Huynh).

According to Texas-based Qui, his “love for food” began in childhood through the smell of baked breads in the morning at the bustling bakery in his family’s grocery store. As he pursued his culinary dream through "Top Chef," Qui noted the inherent Pinoy characteristic that served him well in bagging the illustrious title.

“I think the number one thing that we Filipinos have is that we have a lot of heart and a lot of guts. And I definitely got that from my parents and that definitely helped me push through to ‘Top Chef,’” said he.

Asked how he cooks Adobo, the quintessential favorite dish by locals and foreigners alike, he replied,

“I like my Adobo with peppercorn and bay leaf. I don’t like soy sauce so I cook it with coconut vinegar. And I like using pork belly; I get liempo and a mixture of pork shoulder. And I do like to mix pork and chicken sometimes."

Though he hauled nearly $200,000 in cash plus other incentives from "Top Chef," for him, the most significant thing that he took away from the show were the experiences and lessons.

“Top Chef Season 9” will air locally on BeTV (formerly AXN Beyond) soon.

Source: Manila Bulletin

Pinoy netter rallies past Korean rival

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:34:00 +0000

Eric Olivarez Jr. came from behind to beat Lim Min Soeb of Korea 4-6, 7-6 (5), 13-11 to barge into the semifinal round of the ITF Asia 14-and-Under Development Championships–Division I Week 2 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center yesterday.

Olivarez rebounded from an opening set setback with a scrambling tiebreak victory then survived two match points to snatch the deciding set super tiebreak for the hard-earned victory that lasted almost two hours.

Olivarez, out to atone for a disappointing second round performance in Week One of the ITF-sanctioned event which offers ranking points, seeks a spot in the finals against top seed and last week’s champion Oh Chan Yeong of Korea. Oh trounced No. 6 Meng Cing Yang of Chinese Taipei, 6-2, 6-2, to remain in the hunt for back-to-back titles.

Source: Malaya.ph; Inquirer

Canada’s Got Talent: Kayumanggi (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 01:29:00 +0000

Kayumanggi auditions for Canada’s Got Talent with a traditional Filipino dance ‘Singkil’.

Pinoy Pride is taking over reality shows! It’s kinda weird to see the Philippine flag being waved in front of the Canada’s Got Talent logo.

Jessica Sanchez Gets A Stand-O At American Idol

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:47:00 +0000

This isn't the first time that Jessica Sanchez have received overwhelming applause and standing ovation. When she was a little younger that she is now, she also auditioned at America's Got Talent. She sang, 'I Surrender', which made Brandy left in awe, same reaction she gave when she saw Bianca Ryan. If you don't know what I'm talking about, just search at YouTube!

On the week of live show for the Top 13, Jessica Sanchez received standing ovation from the three judges of American Idol after her goosebumps-inducing performance of Whitney Houston‘s “I Will Always Love You.” Pretty much current, while commemorating Whitney's death and A.I.'s celebrationg of 400th episode.

Randy Jackson said “Jessica is legit. This is one of the hardest songs in the world to sing but I think you may be one of the best talents in the whole competition.”

Steven Tyler said “You just made 40 million people cry!”

Jennifer Lopez said “Just amazing. I don’t know what to say. It was beautiful.”

Bar Exam Results 2011: 31.9% Passing Rate in the 2011 Philippine Bar Exams

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 01:59:00 +0000

Despite the catastrophic impeachment trial of Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona, there are still young hopefuls to be lawyers and someday become the Chief Justice of the highest court.

The result of the 2011 Philippine Bar Examinations was announced by the Supreme Court today, February 28, 2012, as reported by several local news sites. There are 1,913 examinees out of 5,990 who passed the 2011 Bar exams or a passing percentage of 31.9%.

Reports say that the 2011 Bar Exam result is the 2nd highest passing rate in this millennium. The highest Bar Exam result was registered in 2001 where 32.89% of the examinees passed. The 2002 Bar Exam result of 19.68%, was the lowest passing percentage.

Supreme Court spokesman Jose Midas Marquez explained that the high passing rate in the exam was due to “the reforms undertaken in the 2011 Bar Exams.” Marquez said that the 2011 Bar Exam results are still being audited manually and the complete list of Bar Exam passers will be released at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28.

Below is the complete composition of Bar examiners of the 2011 Bar Exams.

Justice Roberto Abad – Chairperson and former Dean of the University of Sto. Tomas Law School Court of Appeals Justice and Professor Amy Lazaro-Javier for Political Law Professor Atty. Cesario Alvero Azucena, Jr. for Labor Law Former Justice Usec. Dean Ernesto Pineda for Civil Law Professor Abelardo Domondon for Taxation Court of Appeals Justice and Professor Ramon Paul Hernando for Mercantile Law Sandiganbayan Justice and Professor Maria Cristina Cornejo for Criminal Law Former Professor and Practitioner Virgilio Manguera for Remedial Law MCLE Lecturer and Professor Edwin Carillo for Legal Ethics

A multiple choice type of exam was included for the first time in the 2011 Bar Exams. About 60% of the exams was multiple choice and the remaining 40% was in essay.

Lester Zapanta: Pinoy Dog Whisperer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:15:00 +0000

You've probably Cesar Millan -- the American-Mexican TV host, with super powers to tame your obnoxiously mischievous dogs. He's the famous host of TV show "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan", which features guests’ problem dogs, introduced through documentary-style footage and an interview with the owners. Millan offers suggestions on how the owners can become their pet's 'pack leader', consistent with the theory that dogs are pack animals. He uses behaviour modification techniques and the philosophy that exercise, discipline and affection are required "in that order" for dogs to be healthy and balanced.

Well, of course, we Filipinos must have our own version. Meet Lester Zapanta, the Pinoy Dog Whisperer.

Lestre Zapanta, a dog behaviorist who offers to rehabilitate these pooches, cites a few examples – a dog scared of the ceiling fan, another who attacks tricycles, or the mutt who can’t stop barking at the trash can. Problematic pet owners may send the videos through his Facebook page called "Petiks Dogbehaviortraining."

Zapanta, who started pack walks in Las Pinas and walks as many as eight dogs at a time, has seen an increasing number of dog owners for all sorts of behavior issues – aggression and biting, hyperactivity, dominance, obsessions, territorial behavior, non-stop barking, to name a few.

Dog owners from as far as La Union and Caloocan troop to his center in Las Pinas, called "PETiks," with their pets. Here, Zapanta sees dogs of all breeds and temperaments -- there’s the leash-pulling Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the territorial Labrador Retriever who nips workers in his owner’s compound, the Chow Chow who kills cats and has bitten his owner’s son, and the aspin who growls during a bath, among a few.

His Facebook page shows videos of some problem dogs he has rehabilitated. He even offers sessions through FaceTime.

Pinoy teacher's kid wins Maryland spelling bee

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:52:00 +0000

High school honor roll student Jireh Lee Silva recently topped the preliminary round of the Exodus Spelling Bee competition in Prince George’s County, Maryland. She is the daughter of one of hundreds of Filipino teachers who’ve lost or are about to lose their jobs.

“I joined the Spelling Bee on a whim,” said Jireh (pronounced “Ji-rah”), who heard about it from one of her classmates and at first didn’t give it much thought.

“I thought I might as well take some risks since it was my senior year,” she added. “I’ve never won money for anything so it felt nice to get something that I know I worked hard for.”

Aside from qualifying for the championship in Atlanta, Georgia this April, Jireh won a $1,000 cash prize.

The 14-year-old lass is the daughter of Nerisa Silva, one of the teachers hit by the Labor Department’s 2-year debarment against the Prince George’s County Public School (PGCPS) system.

For more news about Jireh Lee Silva, read ABS-CBN news!

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago: Top 10 Mad Moments

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:25:00 +0000

Honestly, Philippines politics will be massively boring without Sen. Miriam Santiago. She's smart, definitely educated, awesomely knowledgeable about laws, has sense of humor without knowing it -- and all of these are happening at the same time, when we get to see her in court, Senate and wherever she into.

Currently, Supreme Court Justice Corona is under Impeachment trial and we always, always miss Sen. Santiago if she's not present in court. Spot.ph did a great job on collecting the Top 10 Mad Moments of our dear senator.

Take a look here!

10. Provocative Look

9. Talakitok

8. Don't Ever Smile

7. Black and White Movement

6. No EPAL Allowed

5. Duwag

4. No Mercy

3. Only I Can Scream Here

2. Allergic To Cellphone Rings

1. OK is Not Okay!

Have You Heard about ‘iChoose’ Campaign?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:47:00 +0000

To further support the government’s “More Fun in the Philippines” project, Choose Philippines, the country’s first-ever social and travel networking site, will launch the “i Choose” campaign, introducing a new microsite that encourages every Filipino to contribute to the 7,107 reasons why people choose the Philippines.

At the grand launch on “ASAP 2012” last Sunday (Feb 19), the campaign’s video will be aired for the first time. It features people from across the world who have shared their different reasons why they choose the Philippines over other tourist destinations in the world. Their thoughts are not only limited to the beautiful places but also the other activities that are more fun to do in the Philippines.

This is really cool! Say about getting goosebumps while hearing foreign people "choosing" Philippines!

By logging on and signing up to www.choosephils.com, anyone can access the social travelnet’s microsite http://choosephils.com/ichoose/ where they can participate in the campaign and state the reason why they choose the Philippines. The post can only be a simple sentence yet accompanied by a picturesque image of any of the Philippines’ best—that can be a place, food, service, event and even admirable Pinoy values.

Check out more information about "i-Choose Philippines" at ABS-CBN News!

Mark Muñoz: ‘The Filipino-Wrecking Machine’ is In Manila

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:40:00 +0000

Filipino-American and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight star Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz arrived in Manila last weekend to visit the Philippines for the first time.

UFC middleweight star and top contender Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz is scheduled to fly out from California to Manila to attend an MMA event in the Philippines this weekend as well as visit his native roots for the first time in his life.

The full-blooded Filipino Munoz has long been trying to visit the Philippines, but with his career taking off and the UFC keeping him on a tight schedule, it took an unfortunate elbow injury that forced him off his title eliminator fight against Chael Sonnen three weeks ago, to finally open up his schedule.

Mark's father hails from Bicol and was a serviceman in the NAVY, while his mom on the other hand is from Sta. Ana in Manila, and is the primary culprit for Munoz's love for Filipino food. His parents ran a Filipino restaurant for years in Vallejo, California while he was growing up.

"The Filipino culture.. these are my roots man. I grew up Filipino. I grew up around Filipinos. I just love my culture man. I'm excited to finally come home to my roots."

Munoz will be staying in the Philippines all the way up to the 21st, then fly back to the US to resume rehabbing his surgically repaired elbow. The timetable for his return is tentatively set around July.

Source: Examiner