One less from my bucket list

Cebu - Among the things I wanted to do before I die was to get a chance to play golf in a tournament with my son. Today, I am very excited since my dream shall come true as I’ll be teeing off alongside my son as he takes part in his first tournament – the Christmas Fun Golf Classic 2008 at Alta Vista Golf and Country Club.

We’re not expecting anything spectacular, just the mere fact that I’d be with him as he takes part in an event that I am also taking part in is something that already makes me a happy father.

Well, we’ve played in the same football tournaments in the past, but we never were together is any game inside the playing field at the same time. There was always one of us, who had to stand at the sidelines and cheer for the other.

Sorry for getting too personal this time, but if you are a sporting dad like me, you’d probably feel the same.

* * *

Was Sunday’s bout between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De la Hoya really rigged? The past few days, I have been asked this question and many times I just shrugged trying to look indifferent.

I don’t want to dignify this nasty rumor, but then sometimes one must have to say enough is enough.

Although I am no boxing expert and from the replays of the bout, because I did not watch it live, I saw a different De la Hoya against Pacquiao, I don’t think it was rigged. 

De la Hoya is too proud to allow himself to be been beaten in that match, but even President Gloria Arroyo was right, it was a mismatch.

I would say I was very disappointed with De la Hoya. He was not even a shade of the Golden Boy that I once admired. Although I am no Pacquiao fan, but as a Filipino I feel proud of what he did, De la Hoya was just the unfortunate to have received the punishment.

I would like the people, most especially those who bet an obscene sum of money on De la Hoya and lost, to stop this talk about the bout being rigged. 

As to a rematch, I say it would be too early to say there would be none. Money talks and the more money there is the louder noise it makes.

As to Pacquiao getting into politics, he said he would not think about it for the next six months. I hope he forgets about it eventually and stick to something he always does best – boxing.

* * *

Poker fanatics in Cebu are in for a big weekend as the Filipino Poker Tour 6: Bravio Cup with an estimated prize pool of P3 million takes place starting today.

This is the first time that the tour has gone outside of Manila.

There will be a lot of stars at Bravio located along A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City so head on there to witness the action.

* * *

MILESTONES: I’d like to start this portion with belated birthday greetings to my aunt Ofelia Quiñones-Gabbidon, who celebrated last December 11.

Happy birthday greetings also go to Lucille Ballori, who turns a year older today. The same goes to my fellow sporting parent Margie Lugana, who is one of the most active in terms of organizing the sports events for parents at the Don Bosco Technology Center.

Tomorrow is a big day for the staff of Acas Electric as it is the birthday of their big boss and my cousin Rolando Q. Acas.

On Monday, another cousin, Rosalie Lebumfacil-Cañete, wife of my fraternity brother Andrew, is also turning a year older.

There are lots of reasons to celebrate. More power! – THE FREEMAN