Sunday's One-Two Punch

At last, I finally had a good time to relax and enjoy my weekend after taking up a month-long review for a series of exams (i.e., Series 7 and 63). And what a pleasant Sunday to start the week!

First, our very own Pambansang Kamao Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao had won a title bout over the British boxing pride Ricky “Hitman” Hatton via a knock out on the second round. I've just watched the fight on television as I've ran out of tickets to view the fight on some theaters or sporting venues which would telecast it on real-time mode. Nonetheless, I still had a really good time watching the ring duel while munching peanuts and popcorn.

However, I just find it too short for a classic match. Although, I had a hunch that the Pacman would win the bout, but I never thought that it would be that fast and easy. Well, it only shows that Pacquiao's victory over Oscar Dela Hoya is no fluke!

With that very impressive win, no doubt that our Manny is the best pound-for-pound boxer in this era. In fact, boxing promoter Bob Arum had said in one of his interviews that he thinks that the Pacman is the greatest fighter of all time.

Thus, I am rarin' to see the match between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., which may be staged this coming October as per some ring insiders.

Right after watching Manny Pacquiao in action, I proceeded to the PICC Plenary Hall to attend the coronation night of the Slimmers World Miss Bikini Philippines 2009 (thanks to Emilou of Slimmers World for the tickets).

The girls were all stunning in their swimsuits and evening gowns. And all of my bets had won an award.

The lovely Contestant No. 17, Kim De Guzman, had bagged the title of Miss Bikini Philippines World and the top prize worth around Php2-million, and the right to represent the Philippines in the Miss Bikini World contest which will be held in Europe. My other bet, Contestant No. 1 Kimberly Brandon, a tall and gorgeous mestiza, had won the Miss Bikini International and the right to represent the country in the Miss Bikini International to be held in China this coming October.

On the other hand, black beauty Contestant No. 8 Mariella Castillo won the 1st Runner-Up, while the 2nd Runner-Up went to Contestant No. 20 Jocel Kusain.

The event was hosted by Paolo Bediones with guest singer Richard Poon, serenading the lovely candidates during the latter part of the show prior to the question-and-answer portion. Much like the Pacquiao-Hatton fight where several celebrities were spotted in like Hollywood actor Jack Nicholson, sultry singer Miriah Carey, local showbiz couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez, ex-Ilocos Sur governor Chaviy Singson, etc., there were also guest celebrities posing as judges in the bikini pageant. They were former beauty queen Miriam Quiambao, dramatic actress Eula Valdes, showbiz talkshow host Butch Francisco, and showbiz columnist Ricky Lo.

Miss Bikini Philippines 2008 titleholder Elena Lopena, on the other hand, graced the awards night for the turn-over ceremony. Likewise, Slimmers World bigwigs like Joseph Roy, Maureen Roy, Helen Camacho, Angeli Chua, to name a few, were in attendance to provide full support to their big event.

By the way, you may watch for the TV telecast of Miss Bikini Philippines 2009 on May 9 at around 10:30 p.m. at Channel 23.