Pac Man On The Frontpage

Iloilo - News, originally uploaded by jsigharas.

The Pacquiao - Barrera match was a fight not to missed by Filipinos here and abroad. The amount of attention it created was enormous. We found out that Pacquiao's fights are national events in the Philippines, with athletic clubs and bars and clubs turning into viewing venues for millions of fans. Tickets were even being sold to watch the match on big screens in movie theaters and amphitheaters.

We were on the road most of the morning travelling to Iloilo from Dumaguete, but were lucky enough to jump in on the match at the 6th round at a completely empty restaurant. It turned out to be a great afternoon full of delicious seafood, and of course, boxing.

At a modest height of 5'6" and age of 28, Manny Pacquiao, hailing from General Santos City in Mindinao, remains as WBC's featherweight boxing champion. He is a twelve-year pro, making his debut at the age of 16. Pacquiao's win against Barrera proved to be a huge point in his career. Four years ago, when Pacquiao dominated Barrera, he entered the fight as a 4-1 underdog. Manny is a national hero, a role model, and a much needed symbol of strength for the people of the Philippines.

Bamboo Immersion Trip - Day 3

Iloilo - Buildings, originally uploaded by jsigharas.

Our morning started off with a crowded but scenic van ride to our transfer point in Bacolod, a city situated on the north western end of the island of Negros Occidental. There we took a high speed boat (known to locals as the fastcraft) to the city of Iloilo City, the capital of the province of Iloilo on the neighboring island of Panay. With a population of approximately 370,000, it is the regional center and the main economic hub of the Western Visayas region. In the late 18th century, the development of a large-scale weaving industry started the upward movement of Iloilo's economy. But what really triggered the economic boom in Iloilo was the development of the sugar industry in the 19th century.