Words by France Pinzon  | Photographs by Carina Altomonte

A year after being elected to the Philippine House of Representatives for the province of Sarangani, “The Fighting Congressman” faces everything head on amidst legislative duties, Twitter feuds, and Shane Mosley

“O, punta na kayo dito ng mga 5 PM. Papunta na si Manny sa Congress,” says the overtly smug man on the other end of the line. I am at a gasoline station with fellow UNO editor—and former Royal Tru Orange child star—RJ Ledesma. We are to meet with Manny Pacquiao, the famed Filipino boxer and policy-maker at the Lower House, quite possibly the most popular sports hero the country has ever had. RJ’s mind’s is adrift; he’s supposed to be celebrating his third anniversary with his lovely wife and we’ve spent the entire day so far waiting for word instead.

Having been a longtime sports fan, I consider myself lucky to have been able to watch Manny Pacquiao’s debut on national television. I remember it quite well for a regular Blow by Blow evening back in the mid-‘90s. The boxing show on the now-defunct Vintage Sports channel would air fights that were held in different parts of the country, and that one night, a smiling 16-year-old guy caught the attention of spectators.

The young man, diminutive and slightly unkempt, threw punches and didn’t care if any of them landed on any part of his opponent’s body. He clearly lacked any technique and his strategy was to simply punch at will. But what more than made up for his lack of technique and self-control inside the ring were his unbelievable power and speed, and his charm that made him a crowd favorite by the end match. You could almost sense a certain stir in the live audience after the four-rounder. The then-young and close-to-100-pounds Emmanuel “Manny” Dapidran Pacquiao had made his very first impact as a professional boxer.

•••

“Carina is on her way,” I say, and fumble with my phone while informing RJ of the most likely setup once we get to Batasang Pambansa. “We wait—“ I pause, and then remember that he’s done it before.

“We’d done it before when we shot Manny for a Manual cover,” says the former Manual Editor-in-Chief, now the public face of UNO. “We picked him up from the airport and we took him to Gold’s Gym for the photo shoot.” A potentially unfortunate surprise was in store. “’Manny doesn’t know yet that he will be shooting for Manual,“ RJ was informed by a handler. “You need to convince him when he gets into the car.”

Of course, the photo op pushed on through anyway, and the issue came out right in time for the cover boy’s revenge bout against the pride of Mexico, Erik Morales, in 2006.

Fast-forward to the present day. From Manny’s camp, Chief of Staff in Business Affairs Jayke Joson has been telling us about the usual practice at a photo shoot with The Ring’s current top pound-for-pound boxer in the world. “Bigyan lang namin kayo ng 30 minutes to shoot and interview—pose pose lang si Manny, tapos shoot lang kayo nang shoot. Tapos, tapos na,” Jayke shares.

The challenging part has always been the time lag in between, especially if you’ve been on standby for over five hours now.

At past 5 PM, our three-strong team stood four feet away from the entrance to Congressman Pacquiao’s office in the Batasan. Right beside it was a couch that was occupied by more press people. RJ knew them. They sounded like they were from the dailies, just from the topics and names they brought up in that brief catch-up. They said they’d been sitting there all day and that more people were lined up in the waiting area behind the door.

•••

“I’m going to ask him about 50 Cent,” RJ blurts out.

“What?”—a short cerebral dispute with myself takes over. I check my Twitter feed to find out the latest on 50 Cent. I discover a series of tweets that relate Manny to several things: Charlie Sheen, steroids and Mayweather Jr. Hash-tagging those three would easily push them to trending-topic status in minutes if only 50 lets it catch on. Then a sudden surge of desire to defend one’s own takes over. I type on my phone in reply to the rapper, replying to his original post: “And this is coming from a man who can’t spell simple words correctly and likes wearing girls’ tank tops?” I refrain from clicking on the “Tweet” button as I go over 140 characters. Also, it’s pretty lame.

RJ’s face proves useful in the South Wing and in any area of Batasan. We got expedited to be the next group scheduled to a sitdown with the busy athlete-lawmaker.

While waiting, I dig up more Manny memories. Despite suffering his first TKO defeat at the hands of the now-infamous Rustico Torrecampo just a year after his first pro fight, Manny subsequently engaged in many local and then international matches, turning in a quick series of wins. The young hero archetype was gradually becoming a new source of inspiration for success-dreaming Filipino citizens to model their lives after, because Manny was in fact homegrown. He does everything for his family. He is very religious. He sings, too. What can be more identifiably Filipino than that?

There were but two other fights where the 2011 Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Quintessential Athlete Awardee actually faltered and let the nation down. His first clash with Mexican legend Erik Morales in 2005 resulted in his colorful “Mexicutioner” nickname being called into serious question. Late-night partying was said to be the cause of Manny’s defeat.

The other rare setback took place in an even earlier part of Manny’s boxing career. Back in ‘99, dehydration was ultimately the reason for his second loss as Manny and his team struggled and failed to not go over the weight limit. Seeing how the then-flyweighter folded down and never got back up after a strike to the abdomen by Thailand’s Medgoen “3K Battery” Singsurat in a face-off that had already announced his being stripped off the WBC belt even before the bell rang added pain and utter dismay to all those who cheered for him back at home.

But again, as history may have it, these losses were nothing but a primer to winning even more awards, commendations from reputable international sports entities, and ultimately the hearts of millions. As he climbed up the weight class ladder in nearly impeccable style, the resilient fighter proved that although imperfect, a humbled victor can make things right again, which then makes him, in a sense, the perfect role model to many.

•••

7 PM. A stranger decides to strike up a conversation. Veteran movie director Wilfredo Milan, who was able to work with the now-32 year-old Bukidnon native in his first ever film, the 2000 comedy Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin (with April Boy Regino), is now hoping to do another one with him, this time in a more serious role. He voluntarily shares his story with us for a bit—nothing but fond memories of the fighter, something on the order of, “Si Manny, magaling siya mag-deliver ng linya. Matatawa ka talaga.”

But just like the rest of those who are lined up in and outside his office to see the young politician for a few minutes today, the filmmaker awaits his turn, though the chances remain small.

•••

Based on that distinct resounding voice that fills the room amid the unnerving lull in waiting, one can tell for sure that the self-assured Jayke has finally entered the scene. No matter what the online-forum and bar-room discussions say about Manny’s unabashed press agent, he seems less than inclined to care about any of them. He’s been branded as Manny’s henchman and pimp, even with the less affectionate nickname “Pambansang Anino”—but one digresses. Jayke, making himself useful when it counts, goes into his usual greeting procedure with the whole staff as he heads over to our table.

“Si RJ?” he asks.

“He had to go ahead. It’s his anniversary today with his wife.”

Quickly turning back around, the man walks over to a narrow path that leads up to the corner door across the room I’ve long deduced to be the entrance to the pride of the Philippines’ main work area. He must have taken a peep inside as he’s disappeared just behind the dividers.

When he finally re-emerges from the cubicle, I ask, “Where’s Manny?”

“Andyan na sa loob,” Jayke states matter-of-factly. And here I thought the crafty fellow was three hours late. Silly me.

The corner door swings open. “O, tara, sunod na tayo,” Jayke directs and we follow.

8 PM.

•••

The smell of pancit is torture to the light brunchers, as the employees have their much-deserved dinner. None of these folks move until Elvis leaves the building. It seems as if they love working for the most popular person in Congress, even if it has the extra office hours as a drawback.

We somehow forgot about the business-looking group who had to stop us from entering Manny’s room before they did. Another 20 minutes of waiting wouldn’t hurt.

Almost an hour passes. I shift weight from one foot to the other and stare at some promotional materials scattered all over the office while going over the prepared questions. Suddenly, laughter breaks from the inside, which then highlights the personal task at hand even more. The last thing Manny needs is a full-on grilling session with a nosy stranger whose face is half the size of his left fist. Not at that hour. When he is hungry. Yet, rickety questions shall be left with the showbiz driven tabloids, I consider. I’m vexed.

5 minutes before 9 PM.

The corner door opens once more and Jayke waves at us to finally get moving.

•••

We make it inside the work area. As we are introduced, I have become mindful of shaking the champ’s hand, and firmly. A handshake seems formal. At least it might make up for the disaster that is my outfit.

Almost the whole Team Pacquiao is in the room sans his long-time trainer Freddie Roach. We set up as our 30 minutes is running.

Carina asks the multi-titlist to stand in front of his desk to do a couple of test shots first. She demonstrates the pose for him. Manny compels himself to follow suit. Manny, looking a bit exhausted, finally gets in the mood. She clicks away with her camera, pausing once in a while to instruct Manny to change his poses and facial expressions. “Serious naman tayo, sir,” she says nicely to him. At certain points, he would cross arms over his chest and then flash his signature smile. When he sits back on his swivel chair, he looks even more somber; daunting, almost. Carina captures even those. By the third and last layout, Manny is seen exchanging jokes with his crew; it’s enough of a warm-up for the interview.

Dressed in a Ralph Lauren 3-piece suit, which, according to Jayke, is usually what he wears to work, the in-demand public servant has been making up for lost time at the office—in between fights, self-promotion and family. In a few weeks he’s off to Baguio and eventually back to the U.S. to prepare for his much-awaited bout with former WBA Welterweight Super Champion Shane Mosley, scheduled on May 7th (May 8th, PHL time) in Las Vegas, Nevada. But right this moment, he’s focused on his duties as the Representative of his province.

However, such dedication to his obligation has been under public scrutiny as of late. Most recently, an evening visit on the interwebs via Twitter has led to a complicated exchange between Manny and several of his “followers”—all of which are Filipino, presumably all registered voters, though none are currently based in the region that the public official currently represents. His absence on the night that the Lower House voted for the impeachment of Ombudswoman Merceditas Gutierrez was brought to light by his tweet that said: “I vote NO! And I can give my explanation thanks.”

While Manny’s excuse—that he was up in Baguio preparing for his fight against the California-bred Mosley—has been deemed as lame by many, the workhorse swears by his diligence when asked about juggling the two roles he now has to play. “Naipakita ko naman na na-handle ko both boxing and politics. At ang maganda ay wala tayong problema. So, napatunayan ko na.”

He also graced the 2011 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards and gave a speech that he hoped would serve as motivation for the country’s athletes in their efforts to succeed internationally: “Maraming magagawa ang ating Sports Commission at marami pang mga Pilipino, hindi lang ako at yung ibang mga ano, na may potensyal na sumikat at magbigay karangalan sa ating bansa. Marami pang mga kabataan na sumisibol ngayon na pwedeng maipagmamalaki ng Pilipinas.”

Such determination to keep things right applies to how the man dedicates his life to his wife and four children. Manny confesses that family time has been squeezed into their Saturdays and Sundays at home, in church and at the mall.

•••

“50 Cent?” the small office erupts in laughter as Manny Pacquiao turns to his posse seated on the couch. Obviously, he isn’t that fond of rap music.

I shift the topic to his choice of leading lady to star with in an action film: “Karylle,” he answers. The posse agrees.

His favorite fight so far: “[The one with] Hatton… two rounds lang, eh.”

On his choice between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James: “[Kevin] Garnett.”

•••

Manny’s passion for sports is obvious in the way he keeps himself updated on his favorite ones. Lately, he’s been following the success the Philippine national football team has been getting on the international level. He’s been pleased with their performance and he does try to catch the matches in his spare time.

Meanwhile, gradually climbing up in the world’s best boxers list, fellow Filipino fighter Nonito Donaire Jr., who presently holds three-division world titles, is receiving the support of his forerunner. When asked about the comparison, the hailed “People’s Champ” is quick to point out their importance in representing the country in sports at a global scale. “It’s hard to compare, eh. For me, I don’t want to compare my accomplishments in boxing to others. Gusto ko, kung ano man ang ma-accomplish ko is ‘yun ay karagdagan karangalan sa bansa. At kung ano man ang na-accomplish ng ibang mga Pinoy is, pasalamat tayo dahil iyan ay karagdagan na karangalan sa ating bansa.” His only advice to the new flag-bearers of the country: “determination, discipline and train hard.”

At the moment, apart from boxing, the multi-faceted public figure continues to busy himself with his duties and obligations as part of the legislature, as well as juggle time with his family and other business affairs such as his MP Promotions and several establishments he’s built with wife Jinky back in General Santos City.

•••

By the time the whole world feels another “Fight of the Century” coming on, Manny has already slugged it out with his American rival in front of over 16,000 spectators inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, plus millions outside the US. While most people always have their own versions of how the epic showdown will turn out, you can bet on the fact that Manny will be sticking to his guns, as proven by his long and rigid training (“Spar twelve rounds with three different sparring partners,” according to Timothy James, co-author of the autobiography Pacman: My Story of Hope, Resilience and Never-Say-Die Determination) and the fact that he just never underestimates whoever is matched up against him. As it turns out, a 12-round win by the defending champion arrives in an anticlimactic fashion and Sugar Shane is officially a has-been.

Manny has become one of the most accomplished and well-respected 21st-century sports icons on the planet. On the other side of the coin, in his first year as congressman, consensus seems to be that Manny could be doing better, though one has to take note of his countless projects for his beloved Sarangani—hospital, jobs and housing, among other things. Nevertheless, the fact remains that whatever he does, he does with conviction and passion, even the heavily criticized short dabble in tweeting and his stand against the Reproductive Health Bill. When most of his constituents would prefer to take a back seat discussing sensitive matters, the statesman remains steadfast. Surging, even.

Manny’s unwavering spirituality (“Wala akong takot. Ako, natatakot lang ako kapag nakakalimutan kong magdasal, [at] magpasalamat sa Panginoon,”) provides him with the padded armor he needs to withstand life’s beatdowns. The country’s “Pambansang Kamao” has a lot to deal with—responsibilities enough for ten men, the strange psychic weight of being a role model and symbol, even unwarranted accusations and trash talk—but like the 16-year-old he used to be, he has his fighting instincts, an almost foolhardy determination, and the crowd’s favor, on his side.

Originally published in the June 2011 issue of UNO Magazine.

Word got out on the street.  Suddenly it went public. Kobe Bryant said during the Nike Asia Tour press conference held at the Manila Pen last July 13, 2011 that he heard about the invite. Finally, it was all over the place.  Tickets were sold out.  Patron seats were selling at PhP25,000.00 while the Nose Bleed seats were selling at PhP 900.00 in the black market.  On game day, Araneta Coliseum opened its windows to sell Upper A at Standing Room Only for PhP1,500.00.

There have been visits by notable NBA Superstars, past and present, but none of this magnitude.  The  Philippines has been ignored far too long for a shot at an NBA game but thanks to the resources Manny V. Pangilinan thru the MVP Sports Foundation, his team of sports enthusiasts made a bold statement and has accomplished what was deemed, the impossible.

They have made every basketball loving Filipino ‘s dream come true – to watch the best and brightest NBA players on their home floor.

For two consecutive days, excitement was everywhere.  Some fans entered the coliseum with jerseys of their favorite player, most of them spectators, who follow the NBA,  but some of them are as rabid as they can be.  They filled the coliseum wearing their passion and admiration that is anything and everything about the NBA.

Children, teens, couples, mom, dad, grandpa, and celebrities were all captivated by their mere presence.  Especially during thier pre-game shoot around, the likes of Chris Paul, arguably the best point guard in the planet, the youngest NBA MVP, Derrick Rose. Oklahoma City Thunder and fastest rising NBA Superstar, Kevin Durant with teammate James “Fear the Beard” Harden and 5-Time NBA Champion and future NBA Hall of famer, Kobe Bryant will play alongside, 3rd Year NBA veteran JaVale McGee of the Washington Wizards, 2nd Year NBA Veteran Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings, NBA rookie from the University of Arizona Wildcats Derrick Willams of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and senior veteran from the LA Lakers Derek Fisher, appeared like curtain call.  You see the smile and awe on their face.  For a typical basketball fan, it was absolutely a weekend to remember.  A once in a lifetime opportunity to watch the best players of the world, not as individuals on a promo tour, but together, as a team.

Fans were left in utter amusement on their first day as they were treated to an NBA style spectacle, For the 1st time, Chants of Kobe!!!, CP3!!! and MVP!!! were heard from Filipino Fans. It didn’t matter if the score ended with a shameful 26-point loss for the PBA selection.  Who are we kidding, these are the best of the best were playing.  What matters is that the fans got what they paid for, an unforgettable NBA charged event.

For the Smart Gilas team, it was a different story. It’s a chance for our National Basketball team to shine, because the FIBA Asia Tournament is just around the corner and this game might be their yardstick.  Smart Gilas Hed Coach Rajko Toroman was seen touring the basketball court during the All-Stars shoot around relaxed but anxious.

After the ceremonial toss, the atmosphere was feverish.  In the 1st quarter, after Japeth Aguilar tied the ball game at 6-all, a Kobe Bryant 3-pointer and a Kevin Durant slam made it a 7-point lead for the All-Stars, 13-6.  Tyreke Evans had back to back baskets including a steal off JV Casio to finish the 1st 10 minutes of action with a 12-point lead, 28-16.

In the 2nd Quarter, Mac Baracael, Marcio Lassiter, including a Dondon Hontiveros 3-pointer at the 7:15 minute mark kept the Nationals in striking distance but the combination of athleticism, size and uncanny quickness and hand speed of the All-Stars overwhelmed the Smart Gilas Team.

Now seen and experienced live, we were able to verify, right before our very eyes the level of NBA Basketball.  It was by definition a formal cognizance why they are the best in the business.  At the end of the 1st half, the All-Stars had the biggest lead of the ballgame at 22-points.

Early in the 4th period with the game in motion, another certified superstar entered the basketball court.  It was Manny Pacquiao.  Kobe approached the All-time boxing great after a timeout in a fighting stance to acknowledge his presence.

Afterwards, as a gesture of respect from one great athlete to another, Pacquiao approached the All-Stars bench only to be taunted by Chris Paul saying that he can last 15 seconds in the ring with one of the greatest fighters of all time.

Midway thru the 4th quarter, things started to get interesting.  The Nationals were able to hold their own with their deficit down to just 8-points but it wasn’t enough to keep up with the All-Stars impeccable basketball prowess.

As the buzzer sounded, CP3, Rose, Durant, KB24 and the rest showed their appreciation to the thousands of fans that trooped to the coliseum by giving away their jerseys and game shoes.  Some got away with photos while others got hold of autographs as memorabilia.

The games’ best players had a glimpse of our love for the game as well as our hospitality.   Thanks to the MVP Sports Foundation, the Philippines has been given the opportunity to audition for the NBA Calendar of overseas games. Fans here are definitely ready for more – NBA Action.

Photos by: Michael G. Yu – Rebound Magazine

Article by: Mike Abasolo (follow me on Twitter: michaelabasolo)

by France Pinzon

While many people may never be able to understand the love, following sports can mean the whole world to some. Having said that, it was not too long ago when we first heard of the Azkals—the Philippine national men’s football team, and how they were slowly making their mark, at least here in Southeast Asia with every miraculous goal they scored and number of wins that they were able to pull off in the AFF Suzuki Cup last December 2010. It also didn’t hurt that the matches were televised on the Asia-based Star Sports channel—not only did it get the attention of average sports fans in the country, but the average Filipino families—heck, everyone who owned a TV set and a cable connection, for that matter. As history would have it, the successful stint overseas led to one good thing after another for those responsible for this revived PH Booters as soon as they returned home—some changes in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) system, improved training and recruitment programs, added sponsorships, talks regarding the future official home field, and most especially, a brand new swelling support from the entire nation.

Fast-forward to February 2011—the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod is packed with the hometown fans clad in white and blue, and the country’s latest favorite team does not disappoint. It is the first time the boys are to display its wares before a live hometown crowd and it is an extraordinary moment. The 2-0 win over Mongolia is soon followed by a series of away games in the team’s mission to qualify for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup next year. And qualify, they did.

July 5th 2011—memories of the historic home game against the Sri Lanka Brave Reds held just two days ago at the refurbished Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila kept resurfacing. From the unforgettable downpour in the first half, to the resounding cheers and “waves” of the 30,000 present, to the inspiring passing of the huge Philippine flag, to the much-celebrated four goals and the opponent’s inability to react, many people who were able to witness this national victory live came home with their shirts drenched in rainwater and their memory sticks full. They didn’t mind the precipitation; they kept clicking away with their digi-cams at the thought of not having another chance at this ever again. It’s not everyday that you get to see the basketball lovers and Pacquiao-faithful Filipinos out, cheering for their newest hailed favorite team. And we’re not talking about the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

It’s not only that. In the last six months, the Azkals have been juggling training with their new-found fame. From an array of endorsement projects: clothes, an energy drink, pain reliever and a seasoning brand to count a few, one can’t help but wonder if this ascension would last long. Will one crucial loss cast them back into obscurity? If you think all this attention is a bit unwarranted, that the fanaticism is all but temporary, you better think again.

The Philippines’ beloved Azkals play the most popular sport in the world. In a year, there are quite a number of tournaments, both major and minor, being held in Asia alone. The country should come to realize that it’s more than just the existing team now, (as a number of male fans would also like to point out: “more than the pretty boys in the lineup.”) but it’s the system and the intention to do whatever it takes to better its situation day after day, season after season. Thanks to manager Dan Palami, this has been the main priority of everyone involved.

Unlike rooting for fickle-fated players in the country’s other more popular sports, the Azkals, as a unit, are fighting for one thing—national pride. While the younger and more talented ones may proceed to join bigger and much more experienced European clubs, and the older members to eventually retire, the battle cry remains the same. Even with different personnel, the drive to succeed won’t be clouded by politics, at least not with this diligent management standing in the way.

Our fellow Filipinos are wearing their Azkal shirts. They are learning the cheers. The most crucial and most welcomed addition to the team’s campaign has been the massive fan support. About a year ago, when the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Africa was in full swing, Filipinos wondered about our absence in international football. Now, we have an actual shot at making it to the next FIFA World Cup in Brazil come 2014.The celebrity status has been overwhelming albeit sustained since the media dubbed them as what could possibly be the future of Philippine sports, one that could give pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao a run for his money. Well, no, not really. But without a doubt, the journey of Pacquiao has been an inspiration to most of our athletes. And while most of the Azkal boys instead share the rather less colorful varsity background, their experience as one emerging squad has equally been worthy of documentation. The combination of the homegrown with the much younger biracial talents from abroad, who know of their Filipino roots through stories from their brown-skinned relatives, give both a fascinating and encouraging feeling for us who see them play well as one unit.

In a matter of weeks, the second round of AFC’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification starts, battling a much tougher opponent in Kuwait (present FIFA ranking: 101). The home-and-away series will see the Azkals back in Manila, July 28th, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. for its 2nd leg game against Al Azraq. We are back once again to being considered the underdogs in this contest, as the 1982 World Cup Finals participant is slated to return with a vengeance, especially after failing to make it past the third round of the AFC’s 2010 qualification held in 2007.

On the other hand, the Philippines, ranked 159th, have never made it this far into the qualifiers. A mere spectator can dismiss the thought of an extended run and say that the team’s already accomplished so much in so little time. But surely its diehard followers would beg to differ. They’ve trained hard (another session underway in Bahrain) and sealed special recruits (Angel Guirado, Stephan Schrock, Manuel Ott, Nate Burkey, Paul Mulders, Misagh Bahadoran, Jerry Lucena) as of late. Their last showing against Sri Lanka would demonstrate how they’ve beefed up their defensive line and prove how strong their offensive attack can be, considering the stats would suggest they could’ve done better.

Our national team has been underestimated since nearly the beginning that even when things are finally looking up, many would still see them not seizing the opportunity. This is where the value of a Filipino fan comes in. Proven by this passionate people’s nature to attach themselves to every emotion and back story acquired by a few outstanding individuals of similar ethnicity, it is for this reason that singers Arnel Pineda and Charice have been recognized around the world. Or in this case, this is why we have a Fighting Congressman. And yes, a never-say-die Barangay Ginebra. While many people may never be able to understand the love for sports, it won’t matter much when you see your brothers out there fighting in your name.

Also Read:

Azkals’ Angel Guirado Eyes Brighter Future

Our Brand of World Cup Fever

Here at UNO magazine, we basically get paid to enjoy ourselves. Make no mistake, it is a job, and not an easy one at that: what with all the setbacks, drawbacks, unforeseen reversals, late nights, last-minute disasters, and just typical day-to-day difficulties of putting out a worthwhile monthly print magazine, sometimes we work so hard at this that our pets don’t recognize us any more and our personal hygiene suffers (I won’t name names).

Our May-June2011 cover in the alternate universe would have been Congressman Manny Pacquiao

We won’t lie though: it’s fun to put together UNO, a magazine with features on beautiful and interesting women (among other beautiful and interesting things), as well as everything from self-improvement to creative workspaces to power cars to sports icons like Manny Pacquiao (titles we considered for this issue’s Pacquiao feature: “Mo’ Manny Mo’ Manny,” “Manny Changes Everything,” and “I’m Waiting for the Man(ny).”) And every anniversary issue, we get to look back at another year of awesome.

We are very happy indeed to feature the incredible Iya Villania on the cover of this, our eighth anniversary issue.

Putting together the cover is one of the most vital aspects of making UNO magazine. With so many factors to consider (the strength of the main image, the composition and placement of the coverlines, the logo, the newsstand eye-catching appeal), debates and seemingly endless revisions are not uncommon (special thanks to our very own Mark Garcia, who has managed to remain sane in the face of it all).

The most basic factor the choice of the cover subject is, naturally, not exempt from this dynamic process involving selections, negotiations, and revisions. We are always proud of the end result, but for this month, we thought it would be fun to show you one of the other options that we came up with: an alternate-universe version, if you will.

Thanks to all our contributors, without whom the magazine would be about six pages long. Thanks to the advertisers, without whom we would be stapling together UNO from a makeshift office made from a cardboard box. Thanks to Manny, and Iya, and everyone else who ensures that we will always have amazing people to feature. And most of all, thanks to you, yes you, reading this.

We’ve been doing this for eight years, and we’re just getting better at it.

Enjoy!

Photos by Juan with retouching by Anna Hyde | Make Up and Hair by Nina Dumpa

Our last April’s Bombshell gives us little tips on how to dismantle a bomb without it blowing up in your face

“Is she really going out with him?” are the first words you’ll hear on the first ever punk single released in the U.K. “New Rose” by The Damned released on October 22, 1976 under Stiff Records (“If ain’t Stiff, it ain’t worth a fuck” was the company’s famed tagline), beating the Sex Pistols by over a month. (“Anarchy in the U.K. was released on 26 November). Tellingly, the b-side was a cover of The Beatles’ “Help”.

Despite its anti-everything stance, even punk couldn’t get away from the fundamental problem of how to fathom women. Or just get them to notice you for that matter. I mean, after all, going onstage with little more than clothes stuck together with safety-pins and spouting revolutionary rhetoric to the tune of three chords played badly can’t get you noticed, what will?

Good thing we’ve got Jacq Yu, an adventurous, no-nonsense girl, who also happens to be the girl we see selling us roof sealant every time we watch a Manny Pacquiao fight and probably the first reason we decided to watch Amazing Race Asia. She also did a memorable turn as a White Castle girl, donning the famed red-bikini and riding astride a steed on some beachside, and riding towards our collective unconscious in exquisite slow motion. And she was willing to sit down and spell it out for us just what it takes for a guy to impress someone from her peer group (i.e. unattainable goddess who will never, ever really go out with the likes of you).

The worst pick-up lines would be when they pretend they know me. It’s usually something like, “Do you remember me?” I hate it when a guy is trying to be cool or when guy shows they’re somebody that they’re not. I especially don’t like the arrogant ones.

If you want to introduce yourself to a girl, just be real. And don’t say annoying things like, “I think I met you in my dreams before.” Also, I don’t really talk to guys I don’t know, unless they’re friends of friends.

Getting me to give my number depends on how they ask me. Be proper, be humble, and be honest. Don’t expect to get it within the first few minutes. Some girls aren’t easy. But it all depends on how they approach me. It doesn’t matter whether you’re rich and famous or otherwise. For me, it’s the personality that matters.

To read the complete article, “Rules of Engagement” (by Nathan Tioseco), check out UNO’s April 2011 issue with Nathan Azarcon on the cover. To download the complete e-magazine version, please visit Press Display, sign up and search for UNO Magazine.You can also download the Press Reader application for your iPhone and iPad.

As we wish “The Fighting Congressman” good luck on his May 7th (May 8th, Manila time), here are the latest MP swag courtesy of Nike:

Pacman KO ZP Hoody

Nike-Pacquiao tees

Nike Zoom Huarache Trainer Low

Also out: Manny’s training shoes the Nike Trainer 1.3 Max.

“I pity the fool…I’m gonna get that sucka, Pac-Man”

Holiday boxing day, November 14 over on this side of the world. You can get yourselves a copy of the comic biography Pacquiao: Winning In & Out of the Ring, while you’re at it.

Written and illustrated by Jose Gamboa. You may also get the E-book version, in limited supply, though, so hurry.

MAIN EVENTS INVOLVE SPECIAL ADMISSIONS, HIGH STAKES AND A LOT OF MEDIA ATTENTION. NONITO DONAIRE SR. TELLS US WHY GETTING THE PINK SLIP IS QUITE THE SIMILAR AFFAIR.

After enduring a cold cyber-blow to the gut (translation: getting sacked from one’s job as a world boxing champion’s father-trainer via Internet news), Nonito “Dodong” Donaire Sr. got right back to business, leading two budding Filipino boxers to score upset wins over much favored opponents–one with 19-year-old Marvin “Marvelous” Sonsona, who beat Puerto Rican Jose Lopez for the WBO super flyweight title, and another with Ana “Hurricane” Julaton, who won over American Kelsey Jeffries in the IBA super bantamweight division-all of which happened last September. (As of press time, Sonsona had just lost his title to Mexican Alejandro Hernandez in Canada last November 21, after going over the weight limit , while Julaton had kept her belt, winning against American Donna Biggers last December in San Jose, CA.)

Despite those post-firing events appearing to be a mild case of poetic justice, the 50-year old South Cotabato native didn’t have any plans on proving anything to his superstar son, whom he’d read on the Web was “looking for a new trainer” just days before his WBA super flyweight title match against Rafael Concepcion of Panama last August. “I don’t have any problems with my son, I really love and care for him.”

Such a response only reveals a fraction of the type of relationship the two share with each other. “He was a very nice kid, very respectful and energetic. He would always beat me in basketball and baseball,” the older Nonito recalls of the younger’s childhood.

The older didn’t quite have similar me-and-my-dad days while growing up in the province. (His father Teodorico died when he was just three.) After finishing grade school in Polonuling Elementary School in Puli, South Cotabato, then-young Dodong, his mother Rosario and sister Amparo all moved to General Santos City, where he was forced to work as a child, carrying sacks of rice and cement in exchange for less than 10 centavos per bag delivered. He was also unable to finish his education.

With a lot of things not going his way, the high school dropout enlisted himself as a Third Class Trainee in the Philippine Army, where he would soon get into amateur boxing and then meet his very first student: himself. (“I had to practice on my own since there were no boxing trainers available in the camp.”)

Donaire Sr. during his stint with the Philippine Army

Nonito Jr.’s adolescence involved neither military service nor Gensan Makar Wharf manual labor. By the age of seven, his father, being part-Hawaiian, had moved to the United States and the whole family (including mother Imelda and siblings Glenn, Rochelle and Lucky) eventually followed within the next three years. In 1994, to protect his children from gang recruitment, Nonito Sr. decided to get them into combative sports. Soon after, Jun-jun, who was training in karate then, would find himself in a sort-of sibling rivalry with his older brother Glenn, who at that time had begun bringing home trophies from boxing competitions under the father’s coaching. Feeling the need to match up to his brother’s amateur success, Jun joined the tandem and, in just 45 days, began competing like Glenn.

As the boys’ father-trainer, Dodong claims to have applied the semi-authoritarian method (“I made jokes with them, but I never babied them.”) “If I didn’t train them hard, you wouldn’t see where Nonito Jr. is right now.”

Dodong, with sons Glenn and Nonito Jr.

But as many a teacher has experienced, the student eventually surpassed expectations and became bigger than his mentor. In any case, a simple need for personal space could be reason enough for one bitter separation.

“Right now we have not had any communication since his second title defense against Mthalane [last August],” Dodong admits. “I lost my job, our health benefits and my retirement because of this.”

Distress over the fallout has been obvious as the older Donaire shares his sentiments. “Everybody worked hard for him because he had the potential to be a world champion. Now, even his Mom, who is jobless right now, is worried about getting evicted from the apartment [in San Leandro, California] where she is staying with Glenn [who works for Red Ribbon as a truck driver],” he says of Junior, who now resides in San Mateo, California with Fil-Am wife Rachel, a former United States taekwondo champion. Likewise, Dodong realizes that his plan of settling down for good in order to relax and nurse a bad back, which came from his many years of working, is not going to happen any time soon.

When someone takes a good beating, his immediate reaction is to strike back. But in Nonito Sr.’s case, we realize that it’s never really the ideal automatic response.

At the moment, the now-Cebu resident busies himself in training Sonsona and Julaton, as well as arranging matches for his prized fighters. (“I am trying to get Ana to fight here in the Philippines.”)

Any other prospects? “I have Jundy Maraon, number seven in the WBO category, who has a bout on December 19. I also have Ciso Morales.” (who just defeated Mexican Miguel Piedras and is scheduled to go up against Fernando Montiel this February.)

His dream bout? “Sonsona against [Vic] Darchinyan, I know we can beat him.”

The world boxing champion Donaire didn’t know anything about the celebrated sport until his father/ mentor/ trainer became all those things all at once. “I always told him, ‘Don’t forget where we came from; be humble.’ When he’s in the ring I always told him to be smart and to not get hit too much.”

As Nonito Jr. fights another fight and his father trains another possible up-and-comer, spectators carry on with their speculations: That the younger Donaire will continue to win more titles and eventually become the next Manny Pacquiao, while the older one goes on developing future contenders in the coming months, but eventually retires due to the emergence of more known training camps.

Like every underdog down the homestretch of a main event, he is bound to find his second wind while the opponent rests on his laurels, and then deliver the sensational game-finisher just when the crowd thought it’s long been a unanimous win.

“I’ve always been underestimated by everybody,” Nonito Sr. professes with much conviction. “Until I made a champion.”

Nonito Donaire Jr. is set to fight Mexican boxer Gerson Guerrero on February 13, 2010, at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada.

So the new issue’s out! And, as you can see on this site, the cover rocks. But what’s inside?

We’ve got a quite frankly astonishing shoot with the gorgeous Cindy Kurleto — photography by who else but Juan Caguicla, and interview by none other than poet/songwriter Aldus Santos. And then we have a feature on Ellen Adarna, again with amazing photos by Juan, made even more amazing by special guest artist Lala Gallardo (I’m not going to describe it, you just have to see it). Interview by yours truly, writer and closet gangsta rapper Luis Katigbak.

There’s lots more: Jessica Zafra on historically significant treasures, Tweet Sering on Manny Pacquiao and boxing (in more than one sense of the term), Noel Orosa on Kinatay, Norman Black on how to win a championship, Erwin Romulo on Lor Lapus (and PJ Harvey), longboarding in the Visayas, UAAP predictions, and more more more, fashion and business and pop culture coverage that is second to none. Just get it!

“No fun to be alone… Well come on, well come on, well come on!” — Iggy Pop

*Incidentally, Cindy Kurleto was also featured recently on Complex magazine’s list of 9 Hottest Filipinas. If you check it out, you will also come across former UNO cover girl Kat Alano (as well as images from our Anne Curtis cover shoots).