Alexander Martin Remollino: Journalist, Poet, Activist

Alexander Martin Remollino was a journalist, poet and activist who devoted the best years of his life to serving the Filipino people.
During his college days at the University of Santo Tomas, Alex joined the League of Filipino Students (LFS) and participated in mass protests not only against tuition increases but also against problems confronting the public. His political activism never stopped even as he was forced to drop out of school due to financial constraints.

For Alex: Para kay Kasamang Alex: Hindi Kinang Kundi Liwanag (Judy Taguiwalo); Zumel Center: ‘Alexander Martin Remollino Is Journalist of the People’; NDFP: ‘We Honor Alex as a True People’s Journalist and Poet’; Ngayong Maulang Gabi, Susulat Ako ng Tula ng Dalamhati – Hindi ng Pamamaalam (Noel Sales Barcelona); Sa Tula Ko Tatapusin ang Dalamhati (Richard Gappi); Bigkas: Munting Alay sa Pag-alaala kay Sir Alexander Martin Remollino (Francis Murillo Emralino); MILF: Men Like Alex Do Not Really Disappear Forever (Mohagher Iqbal); Pakikiramay at Pagpupugay kay Kasamang Alexander Martin Remollino (Joma and Julie Sison); For Alex Who Served His Muse Well (Ina Alleco Silverio); Elegy for Alexander Martin Remollino (Melissa Roxas); Ikaw Na Nagturo Sa Aming Manalamin Sa Harap Ng Hangin (Kislap Alitaptap); Nagtangka Kami (Axel Pinpin); Tuparin Natin ang Banta ng Ating Panahon* (Artists Arrest) and Huling Mensahe kay Alex Remollino (Danilo Araña Arao).

In 2002, he worked briefly for Ibon Foundation as researcher and, later that year, started writing for Bulatlat.com, an alternative online magazine.

Alex wrote in flawless English with ease; his writing skill enabled him to write about complex issues in a language understandable to the common reader. For nearly 10 years, Alex used his talent to expose the issues of the oppressed and the marginalized. With his writing chops, he could have chosen to work for the mainstream media where he could earn a more decent income but he opted to stay with Bulatlat to pursue the progressive, pro-people journalism the website is known for.

The aspirations and the struggle of the Filipino people for genuine freedom and sovereignty, their quest for peace based on justice, the Moro and indigenous peoples’ struggle for self-determination — the mainstream media largely ignored these issues but Alex was there to consistently and passionately write about them.

“The way it is, I compare my situation as a journalist with other journalists who work in other publications: even though they receive higher wages than we, the intellectual and professional environment in Bulatlat is more satisfying,” Alex said in an interview with a blogger in 2008. Such satisfaction emanates from writing about the daily struggles of the ordinary people that most in the mainstream media often ignore.

While he also wrote for other publications to make ends meet, Alex never compromised his activist principles. In fact, he used these other venues to further inform the public about the plight of the Filipino masses.

Alex was known for being taciturn but he minced no words about issues he felt strongly about. While he seldom talked about his personal circumstances and feelings, he was very active in political discussions.

Alex used for his poetry the truths he gleaned from his journalism. Unlike other young poets who found muses from the imagined, Alex drew inspiration from the real sentiments and aspirations, agony and hope of the masses. What he would not share with friends and colleagues would end up in his poems, told more fervently, told more gracefully.

Alex left Bulatlat in February this year and went on to work for Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan). There, he used his writing skills to help Bayan amplify its positions on the burning issues of the day and even took on the task of speaking about these. Even as his health began to deteriorate — he was later diagnosed as a diabetic; his vital organs had been so severely damaged he ended up at the ICU — Alex continued to perform the tasks assigned to him. To the very end, he remained a writer for the people. To the very end, he never wavered in his commitment to serve them.

At 33, his life may have been short but what Alex did during the best years of his life will be remembered for quite sometime.

MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE TRIAL FROM TAGUIG CITY TO QUEZON CITY?

Three scions of the powerful Ampatuan clan asked the Supreme Court on Monday to transfer the venue of the Maguindanao massacre trial from Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City to the Quezon City Hall of Justice.

In their petition, Akmad "Tato" M. Ampatuan and brothers Sajid Uy Ampatuan and Anwar Uy Ampatuan said holding of the multiple murder trial venue inside Camp Bagong Diwa is "a mockery of justice" because it is not a real court room.

The three are relatives of clan patriarch Andal Ampatuan Sr. and son, former Datu Unsay, Maguindanao mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. — key suspects in the Nov. 23, 2009 carnage in Ampatuan town that left 57 people dead.

The petitioners are also on the charge sheet in the multiple murder case being heard by Quezon City Regional Trail Court Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes.

The Ampatuans allegedly ordered the bloodbath to prevent rival Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu from filing his certificate of candidacy for Maguindanao governor. Mangudadatu eventually won in the recent May 10, 2010 elections.

The three Ampatuans said the holding of the trial in Metro Manila is draining their financial resources because "the accused must shoulder the transportation, lodging, and meals of their witnesses."

Sinister atmosphere

They also said the makeshift court room in Camp Bagong Diwa has a sinister atmosphere. They also assailed Justice Secretary Leila de Lima's presence in one of the trial proceedings earlier this month.

"Her presence can be perceived as intended to have undue influence on the court. At least, this is the perception of the accused," the Ampatuans said.

They also sought for a public trial so that their supporters, relatives, and friends can give them moral support.

"Clearly, the government's effort to hold the proceedings of the instant case at Camp Bagong Diwa is prejudicial to the petitioners as they are denied not only of their constitutional but basic human right to speedy, fair, and public trial," the petitioners said.

Previous SC decision

Last April 13, the Supreme Court ordered that the trial venue for the multiple murder hearing be transferred from the Philippine National Police headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City to the Metro Manila police headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa.

As a result of the SC ruling, all suspects in the massacre, including six members of the Ampatuan clan and more than 50 implicated policemen, were all brought to one detention facility inside the police camp.

Former Taguig City Mayor Freddie Tinga then contested the SC ruling, fearing that the transfer of trial to Bicutan would pose security threats to surrounding schools and communities. But the high tribunal later ruled Tinga's motion was based on mere speculations.

On Monday, the Ampatuans made the plea even if the Supreme Court had already junked Tinga's motion.

Separate trial, new judge

In the same petition, the three Ampatuans also asked the Supreme Court to order a separate trial proceeding and to assign a new judge to handle the case.

They said their only crime "is that they bear the same surname and pose as obstacles" to the ambitions of a rival political clan in Maguindanao. However, the petitioners did not indicate whether they were referring to the Mangudadatus.

The three said they deserve a separate, speedy trial because in the main multiple murder case, only three of the 227 witnesses are set to testify against the the petitioners.

"Should trial be joint, the petitioners must await for the termination of testimonies of all the witnesses for the prosecution and the defense, even should the three witnesses against them be made to testify first," said the three Ampatuans.

Moro rebels declined to attend a two-day peace summit

Moro rebels declined to attend a two-day peace summit that started on Monday in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), saying the event was purely a government initiative.

Muhammad Ameen, central committee secretariat chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said that while they recognize the good intention behind the event, they would rather focus on the peace talks.

“The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is not even the result of the [Government of the Philippines-Moro National Liberation Front] peace negotiations, but a baby of then President Corazon Aquino in 1987," he सैद on the MILF website, noting the venue of the event, Cotabato City, which is under ARMM.

He said they considered the peace summit to be in the ambit of government’s initiative, adding that the MILF — the largest secessionist organization in the country — will only participate in the negotiation track that is the being held under the third party facilitation of the Malaysian government.

According to the MILF, its chairman Al-Haj Murad was invited to the summit, “but he politely explained to the bearer of the invitation why the MILF cannot give way to such kind invitation."

Organizers of the two-day summit said the event will discuss issues affecting peace and development in the troubled region of Mindanao. They also aim to craft a regional agenda containing recommended solutions.

The summit is aimed at helping to create a paradigm for peace and development thrusts that may serve as reference of the Aquino administration and the MILF in their imminent resumption of peace talks.

Participants include various concerned sectors, including foreign and national dignitaries.
Also invited were envoys from Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries belonging to the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

Colorful Moro banners and fliers were placed around the summit venue inside the ARMM government complex and along the highway leading to the site “to make the atmosphere very conducive to talking peace," said Romeo Sema, a summit working committee member and a key leader of the Moro National Liberation Front.

GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY OFFICIALS LIABLE FOR THE HOSTAGE TRAGEDY

The Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC) on the August 23 hostage incident that left eight Chinese tourists dead has recommended the filing of charges against several senior government and military officials who were held liable for the tragedy, President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III announced Monday.

Among the officials and media personalities he named were the following:
* Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez
* Former Philippine National Police Chief Director General Jesus Verzosa
* Former Manila Police District (MPD) Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay
* National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Leocadio Santiago
* Undersecretary Rico Puno of the Department of Interior and Local Government;
* Negotiator, Superintendent Orlando Yebra;
* Erwin Tulfo and Michael Rogas, from Radyo Mo Nationwide

He added that "three networks" may also be held liable, but did not give details.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, chairperson of the IIRC, earlier said 12 government and police officials and media practitioners will be held liable for the mishandling of the August 23 hostage crisis.

At a press conference, Aquino approved the release of the report to the public and said it will be posted on the government's Official Gazette, www.gov.ph.

"This morning, we sent a copy of the report to the Chinese ambassador. Now I am authorizing the release of IIRC’s findings of fact to the public, in fulfillment of our administration’s commitment to transparency. It will be published online in the Official Gazette," Aquino said.

He said he has ordered Executive Secretary Paquito "Jojo" Ochoa Jr. and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Ed de Mesa to review the report before he acts on the IIRC's recommendations.

On August 23, a dismissed senior police inspector, Rolando Mendoza, hijacked a bus carrying 21 Hong Kong tourists and four Filipinos. He was demanding for his reinstatement and the dismissal of a pending case against him in the Office of the Ombudsman. However, at the end of an 11-hour standoff, Mendoza and eight Hong Kong tourists were killed.

"We are committed to implementing the necessary changes to upgrade the capabilities of our local government units, police and security forces, to ensure the safety of the public," Aquino said.

"We have also been working to review and improve our procedures and protocols for emergency and crisis situations and a draft of a new crisis management manual is now being prepared. This report represents a significant and necessary step in this process," he added.

The Aquino government's handling of the hostage crisis drew criticism from the international and local community.

Analysts and observers pointed out that the police appeared to lacked the skills and equipment to respond properly to the situation.

The media's live coverage of the hostage crisis has also been widely criticized.

Aquino will leave with a 57-member delegation for the United States at 10:30 p.m on Monday. The delegation is expected to return on September 28.

Aquino will visit the US for the following:
* attend the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York;
* meet with US investors for his administration’s public-private partnership (PPP) projects, and
* witness the formal signing of a US$434-million compact grant agreement under the US
government’s Millennium Challenge Account (MCA).

"As I am now leaving on an important mission, I want to emphasize that I do not want make decisions regarding such important matters without a thorough review. I will study their findings upon my return, and decide accordingly," Aquino said.

"I will release the committee’s recommendations alongside the legal team’s evaluation and recommended course of action at that time," he added.

STATEMENT of His Excellency BENIGNO S. AQUINO (On the release of the IIRC Report)

STATEMENT of His Excellency BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of the Philippines
On the release of the IIRC Report


[September 20, 2010]

I would like to thank Secretary de Lima and the members of the IIRC for the comprehensive work they have done. Our people have witnessed their diligence and perseverance to ferret out all the relevant facts, despite tremendous public pressure and time constraints.

This morning, we sent a copy of the report to the Chinese ambassador. Now I am authorizing the release of IIRC’s findings of fact to the public, in fulfillment of our administration’s commitment to transparency. It will be published online in the Official Gazette.

The report is recommendatory in nature. I have forwarded it, and its recommendations, to a legal team composed of the Executive Secretary and the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel to make a thorough review of the IIRC’s recommendations.

As I am now leaving on an important mission, I want to emphasize that I do not want make decisions regarding such important matters without a thorough review. I will study their findings upon my return, and decide accordingly.

I will release the committee’s recommendations alongside the legal team’s evaluation and recommended course of action at that time.

We are committed to implementing the necessary changes to upgrade the capabilities of our local government units, police and security forces, to ensure the safety of the public. We have also been working to review and improve our procedures and protocols for emergency and crisis situations and a draft of a new crisis management manual is now being prepared. This report represents a significant and necessary step in this process.

"Greatest Filipino Athlete of All Time"

Bowling, billiards, boxing and basketball are the four big Bs of Philippine sports. These four sports events have rewarded the country richly and produced world champions like Paeng, Coo, Bata, Django, Amang, Flash, Pancho, Onyok, and Caloy.

In a 1999 survey, local poll firm Social Weather Stations claimed that the most popular sports in the Philippines were basketball (72 percent), boxing (55 percent), billiards (37 percent) and bowling (15 percent).

Bowlers

Bowling, one of the four big Bs of Philippine sports is no doubt a field where Filipinos have excelled in. Two Filipinos have been included in the 1993 inaugural International Bowling Hall of Fame, namely: Paeng Nepomuceno and Bong Coo. Bowling has also produced an Olympic gold medal and six Asiad gold medals for the Philippines. Too bad, bowling was just a demonstration sports when Arianne Cerdena won a gold in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Nevertheless, Filipinos have already etched their names on top of more than 100 million bowlers worldwide.

Rafael "Paeng" Nepomuceno
Paeng owns the following distinctions: "Greatest Filipino Athlete of All Time", "Athlete of the Century", and "International Bowling Athlete of the Millennium." He has won the World Cup in bowling four times in three decades. He could even win his fifth in fourth decade.

He won his first World Cup in Tehran, Iran on November 19, 1976 when he was only 19 years old; his second World Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia on November 1, 1980; his third World Cup in Le Mans, France on November 8, 1992; and his fourth World Cup in Belfast, Northern Ireland on November 23, 1996.

Paeng also won two equally prestigious international titles, namely: the International Tournament championship in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 8, 1984 and the World Tenpin Masters championship in London, England on March 7, 1999. On October 4, 2002, Paeng won a gold medal together with RJ Bautista in bowling's double event for men at the Asian Games held in Pusan, South Korea. All in all, Paeng has won over 100 tournament titles.

He is the only bowler who had received the prestigious International Olympic Committee (IOC) President's Trophy and was the first enshrined in the International Bowling Hall of Fame in St. Louis, Missouri in 1993. In November 1999, the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ) named Paeng as the "International Bowling Athlete of the Millennium."

In a ceremony held in Dubai, United Arab Ermirates, an FIQ official cited Paeng with these words: "No international bowling athlete is more deserving of recognition than Paeng. In addition to his long list of well-known achievements as a world champion in three decades, Paeng truly has been and continues to be an extraordinary ambassador for our sport. I congratulate Paeng for receiving the highest award possible from the IOC. Being the first time an IOC recognition has been given to a bowling athlete, I can only say: On behalf of 100 million bowlers in the world, I salute Paeng Nepomuceno as the international bowling athlete of the millennium."

Paeng, who is still an active player, was born in Manila on January 30, 1957. Truly, Paeng is a world champion and we are proud to say that Paeng is a Filipino!

Bong Coo dubbed as "Asia's Bowling Queen"

Like Paeng Nepomuceno, Bong Coo dubbed as "Asia's Bowling Queen" was enshrined in the World Bowling Hall of Fame in 1993. She is the most awarded female Filipino athlete in history, having won 107 national and international titles including two world titles, one World Cup and five Asiad gold medals. She set three world records in consecutive FIQ World Championships in 1979 and 1983 and one world record in 1979 World Cup.

Lita dela Rosa
Lita dela Rosa won bowling's World Cup in Bogota, Colombia in 1978.

Arianne Cerdena
It was a Filipino triumph just the same. Despite being excluded from the regular gold medal tally, Arianne Cerdena's Olympic gold medal, which she won at Royal Bowling Center in Seoul, South Korea on September 18, 1988 only proves that the Philippines could easily beat other countries for that elusive Olympic gold. For the record, bowling was considered only as a demonstration sport in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Asiad Gold Medallists
Bong Coo has won five gold medals in the Asian Games from 1978 to 1986. Her teammates in five-person team events were Lita de la Rosa, Rosario de Leon, Lily Reformado, and Nellie Castillo. On October 4, 2002, Paeng Nepomuceno and RJ Bautista won the men's doubles bowling event at the 14th Asian Games in Busan, South Korea. It was the first Asiad gold for Nepomuceno. Both Paeng and RJ are left-handed.

Other Champion Bowlers
Among the other Filipino bowlers who have performed competitively in World Cup and other international tournaments include Irene Benitez, Jojo Canare, Liza Clutario, Angelo Constantino, Rosario de Leon, Liza del Rosario, Benito Dytoc, Jorge Fernandez, Cecilia Gaffud, Delfin Garcia, Irene Garcia, Chester King, Loreto Maranan, Richard Poblete, Lolita Reformado, Leonardo Rey, Linda Reyes, Rene Reyes, Engelbert Rivera, Virgilio Sablan, Rudy Salazar, Jose Santos, Catalina Solis, Christian Suarez, Manny Sugatan, Diana Tanlimco, Paulo Valdez, Bec Watanabe, and Cecilia Yap.

Efren "Bata" Reyes is undoubtedly the most admired Filipino champion

Billiards, one of the four big Bs of Philippine sports, has been a consistent source of pride for Filipino sports aficionados. So popular has this game become that it has edged out basketball as the number one sports among Filipino youth, if one is to consider the number of pool halls in the country today.

This trend can be attributed to the exploits of Filipino cue artists who have invaded various international tournaments in the past two decades. The mere mention of the names Bata, Django, Amang, Lining and others could quickly elicit admiration from Filipino billiard aficionados.

It is a proven fact, and not a hyperbole if we claim that Filipino cue artists are among the world's best that have played the game.

Efren "Bata" Reyes
While Paeng is recognized as the finest Filipino athlete, Efren "Bata" Reyes is undoubtedly the most admired Filipino champion. A 1999 survey conducted by local poll firm Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that "the Magician" is the sports personality most admired by Filipinos.

Bata's magic can be attributed to his humility and his sheer delight in associating with the common tao. His charm can also be credited to the fact that he has been a world champion for many times and is considered the finest billiard player of all time.

In 1995, Bata was ranked as the world's number 1 billiard player. Least known among his exploits is the fact that Bata is a four-time World 8-Ball champion. It is said that nobody could rival Bata's strategy in the 8-ball. In 1999, he clinched the World 9-Ball Championship in Wales, proving that he is an all-around billiard player.

Because of his exploits in Wales, his two gold medals in the 20th Southeast Asian Games in Brunei, and five other major international titles all in one year, Bata received the Athlete of the Year in 1999. For the second time, he was named Athlete of the Year for his exploits in 2001.

In its December 21, 2001 issue, the prestigious Time Magazine has included Reyes in its roster world's best in sports and described him as the Philippines' "sole bona fide international sports superstar".

Aside from the World 8-Ball and Word 9-Ball championships, other international tournaments he has bagged since 1985 include the Tokyo 9-Ball Tournament, the World League Title, International Challenge of Champions 9-Ball Classic, First Masters 9-Ball Championship, Pro-Tour Championship, Derby City One-Pocket, Camel Pro 8-Ball, Masters 9-Ball, among others. In 1995, the US magazine "Billiards Digest" named him as the Player of the Year.

Bata Reyes, who is still an active player, was born in Pampanga in 1953.

Francisco "Django" Bustamante

In 1998, Django Bustamante, who has the most smashing break in billiards, was considered the world's number one billiard player because of the string of victories he won in the United States, Europe, Japan and the Philippines. The US magazine "Billiards Digest" also named him as the Player of the Year for 1998.

Django has bagged the World Pool Masters Championship twice (1998 and 2001). Other international tournaments he has won over the years include the Camel Pro Billiards Series, ESPN Champion of Champions, Japan Open 9-ball event, Peninsula 9-Ball Open, Riviera Hotel Pro- 8-Ball Open Championship in Las Vegas, All-Japan Championship, and IBC 9-Ball.

Despite the death of her young daughter, Bustamante placed second behind Earl Strickland of the United States in the World 9-Ball Championship held in Cardiff, Wales in July 2002. In October of the same year, Django together with Antonio "Nikoy" Lining won a gold medal in the 9-ball doubles event of the Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.

Django was born in Tarlac in 1964 and is based in Germany.

Asian Gold Medallists
Billiards has produced two Asiad gold medals for the Philippines. In the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, Romeo Villanueva and Gandy Valle brought home the country's only gold medal, after capturing the 9-ball doubles event title. On October 7, 2002, Francisco "Django" Bustamante and Antonio "Nikoy" duplicated the feat by winning the 9-ball doubles event at the 14th Asian Games held in Busan, South Korea.

Philippines teems with world billiards champions

Other Billiards Champions
Aside from Bata and Django, the Philippines teems with world billiards champions. Jose "Amang" Parica, for example, was the number one pool player in the US in 1997. Other champions include Edgar Acaba, Dodong Andam, Lee Van Corteza, Ramon del Rosario, Ramil Gallego, Warren Kiamco, Antonio "Nikoy" Lining, Rodolfo Luat, Dennis Orcullo, Alex Pagulayan, Santos Sambajon, and Romeo Villanueva.

Boxers

Boxing, one of the four big Bs of Philippine sports, has not only produced the most number of Filipino world champions but has also contributed five of the nine Olympic medals harvested by Filipino athletes since the country participated in the Olympics in 1924. The country's two Olympic silver medals came from boxing.

Boxing has also produced the country's lone bronze medal in the Goodwill Games and has hauled 12 gold medals from the Asian Games, the most among sports events that Filipinos participated in.

Two of the four Asians enshrined in the New York-based International Boxing Hall of Fame were Filipinos, namely: Pancho Villa in the old-timer category and Gabriel "Flash" Elorde in the modern category. Aside from Villa and Elorde, the Philippines has also produced world boxing greats like Ceferino Garcia, Ben Villaflor, Erbito Salavarria, Pedro Adigue, Rolando Navarette, Luisito Espinosa, Gerry Penalosa, and Manny Pacquiao.

World Boxing Council named Gabriel "Flash Elorde"

Pancho Villa, who has been touted as the greatest flyweight of the century by the Associated Press, was also the first world champion from Asia. He was one of only four Asians enshrined into the New York-based International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994. He was also inducted to the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

Born as Francisco Guilledo in Ilog, Negros Occidental on August 1, 1901, he began his boxing career in 1919 and adopted the name Pancho Villa after a famous Mexican revolutionary leader.

After his successful bids in the Philippines, he went to New York in pursuit of international bouts. Known for his whirlwind style, Villa, then 22, knocked out reigning world flyweight champion Jimmy Wilde of England in the seventh round at New York's Polo Grounds on June 18, 1923.

Among the opponents that he trounced were Benny Schwartz, Georgie Marks, Frankie Ash and Clever Sencio.

During his entire boxing career, Villa engaged in 99 bouts - 22 knockouts, 49 wins by decision, 5 losses, 4 draws and 19 no-decision bouts.

Gabriel "Flash" Elorde
In 1974, the World Boxing Council named Gabriel "Flash Elorde" as "the greatest world junior lightweight boxing champion in WBC history" for winning 79 bouts in his professional boxing career. In 1993, he became the first Asian inducted into the New York-based International Boxing Hall of Fame. He was also enshrined into the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

Elorde became a world champion in the 130-pound division on March 16, 1960 when he knocked out American Harold Gomes at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. Since then, he has defended his title in 10 bouts for seven years, making him the longest reigning world junior lightweight champion ever. He finally lost to Japanese Yoshiaki Numata in a 15-round match in Tokyo on June 15, 1967.

Elorde was born in Bogo, Cebu in 1935 and died in 1985.

Luisito "Lindol" Espinosa has held two different world-boxing titles

A gold medal at the first Muhammad Ali Cup Invitational Boxing Championship, a silver at the 1997 World Boxing Championships, a bronze at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and a bronze at the 1998 Goodwill Games. These are just a few of the many honors Roel Velasco has brought home from grueling international boxing competitions.

With such feats, Roel, the older brother of Olympic silver medallist Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco, is perhaps the country's most successful amateur boxer. In September 1997, Roel, a light flyweight, won the country's first gold medal in the Muhammad Ali Cup Invitational Boxing Championship. That was his third international gold medal in that year, after winning gold medals at the Italian Boxing Championship in Italy and the Balado Memorial Cup in Cuba.

In July 1998, then 24-year-old Roel also won the country's first-ever bronze medal in the Goodwill Games held in New York, USA when he outclassed an American opponent. He later lost to a Russian boxer in the semifinals to settle for the bronze. Before this, Roel won the silver medal in the World Championships held in Budapest, Hungary in 1997.

Roel was the sole Filipino medallist (outside demonstration sports) in the 1992 Olympic Games held in Barcelona, Spain. He won the Olympic bronze medal when he was only 18 years old. Roel was born in Bago City, Negros Occidental province in 1974. He is a member of the Philippine Navy.

Ceferino Garcia
Ceferino Garcia was the heaviest Filipino ever who became a world-boxing champion. Known for his bolo punch, he captured the world middleweight title on October 2, 1939 when he knocked out Fred Apostoli in New York. He defended his crown against top rivals twice (Americans Glen Lee and Henry Armstrong) before losing his title in May 1940. Before he switched to the middleweight division, Garcia became a welterweight champion when he knocked out boxing legend and war hero Barney Ross in 1937 and Henry Armstrong in 1938.

He was born in 1912 and grew up in Tondo, Manila. In 1977, Ceferino Garcia was inducted into the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame and into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1981.

Luisito Espinosa
For five years, Luisito "Lindol" Espinosa has held two different world-boxing titles: the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight crown and the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight belt.

In 1996, Luisito Espinosa was named "Athlete of the Year" for defending his World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight crown twice. He edged out Olympic silver medallist Mansueto Velasco in the country's top athlete award. He was again feted the "Athlete of the Year" award in 1999 alongside golfer Frankie Minoza.

The five-foot-seven boxer was born in Tondo, Manila on June 26, 1967.

Pacquiao Filipino power puncher

Manny Pacquiao, one of the finest Filipino power punchers, is an International Boxing Federation (IBF) world super bantamweight champion and a former World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight champion.

He was the first Filipino to clinch a world boxing title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena where he floored Lehlo Ledwaba of South Africa in the sixth round to bag the IBF super bantamweight title in June 2001. Before this, Pacquiao knocked out a Thai champion in the 8th round of their match in Bangkok on December 3, 1998 to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight title.

Pacquiao was born in Bukidnon province (northern Mindanao) on December 12, 1976. He is married to the beautiful Jinky.

Ben Villaflor
Another world junior lightweight champion was Ben Villaflor, who was only 18 years old, when he dethroned Alfredo Marcano on April 25, 1972. He lost his title to a Japanese contender but regained it seven months later. Villaflor was able to defend his crown for five times until 1976.

Erbito Salavarria
On December 7, 1970, Erbito Salavarria wore the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight belt when he beat a Thai world champion. On April 1, 1975, he grabbed the World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight crown from a Japanese fighter.

Rolando Navarette
In August 1981, Rolando Navarrete knocked out a British boxer in the fifth round to clinch the World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight championship. Navarrete kept the title until May 1982 when he lost to a Mexican pug.

Pedro Adigue Jr.
Pedro Adigue Jr. had reportedly held five different titles in his professional boxing career. His career reached its peak on December 14, 1968 when he defeated American Adolph Pruitt to bag the World Boxing Council (WBC) junior welterweight crown.

Gerry Penalosa won the World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight crown

Gerry Penalosa won the World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight crown on February 20, 1997 and was able to defend it three times until August 1998. In June 1999, he knocked out a Mexican fighter to clinch the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) North American junior bantamweight title in Mississippi. Penalosa, the brother of former world champion Dodie Boy Penalosa, was born in Cebu.

Small Montana
His real name was Benjamin Gan. Based in the US, Small Montana became the world flyweight champion in 1935. He kept the title until 1937.

Little Dado
Another Filipino who fought in the US, Little Dado kept the National Boxing Association (NBA) flyweight crown from 1938 to 1940. NBA is the predecessor of the World Boxing Association (WBA).

Salvador "Dado" Marino
On August 1, 1950, Salvador "Dado" Marino defeated Terry Allen to bag the world flyweight boxing championship. He kept the title until May 1952.

Roberto Cruz
Roberto Cruz knocked out Raymundo Torres in the first round to clinch the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) junior welterweight crown in Los Angeles, California on March 20, 1964. He was born in Baguio City on November 2, 1941.

Rene Barrientos became a world-boxing champion

Rene Barrientos became a world-boxing champion when he defeated American fighter Ruben Navarro in 1969. In particular, Barrientos was declared World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight champion of the world in Tokyo, Japan on February 15, 1969.

Bernabe Villacampo
On October 20, 1969, Bernabe Villacampo defeated a Japanese opponent to bag the World Boxing Association (WBA) flyweight crown. He kept the title until April 1970.

Frank Cedeno
On September 27, 1983, Frank Cedeno defeated Charlie Magri at Wembley Arena in London, England to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight championship. He kept the title until January 1984.

Dodi "Boy" Penalosa
On February 22, 1987, Dodi Penalosa, the older brother of Gerry Penalosa, beat a South Korean champion to become the International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion. He lost the title to another South Korean pug in September of the same year.

Rolando Bohol
Rolando Bohol beat a South Korean champion to become the International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on January 16, 1988. He lost his crown to a British opponent in London in October of the same year.

Tacy Macalos
On November 5, 1988, Tacy Macalos defeated a South Korean boxer to clinch the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight title in a bout held in Manila. Macalos he kept the cronw until May 1989 when he lost to a Thai contender in Bangkok.

Rolando Pascua knocked out Chiquita Gonzalez

Eric Chavez
In September 1989, Eric Chavez was crowned the International Boxing Federation (IBF) mini flyweight champion of the world.

Rolando Pascua
On December 19, 1990, Rolando Pascua knocked out Chiquita Gonzalez in the sixth round to bag the World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight title. He lost the crown in his first defense match in March 1991.

Manny Melchor
In September 1992, Manny Melchor defeated a Thai fighter to win the International Boxing Federation (IBF) straw weight championship. Melchor, a boxer from Oriental Mindoro province, relinquished the title to another Thai fighter two months later.

Eric Jamili
In December 1997, Eric Jamili defeated a British boxer to bag the World Boxing Organization (WBO) straw weight title. He lost the title in May 1998.

Samuel Duran
Samuel Duran became an Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) featherweight champion in 1998. He also once held the World Boxing council (WBC) international bantamweight title.

Melvin Magramo
On February 14, 1998, Melvin Magramo defeated a Thai champion to retain his World Boxing Organization (WBO) flyweight crown in front of 10,000 Filipino fans in Las Pinas City.

Joma Gamboa
On December 4, 1999, Joma Gamboa knocked out a Japanese fighter in Nagoya, Japan to become the World Boxing Association (WBA) minimum weight (105 pounds) champion. He defeated a Venezuelan boxer in August 2000 but lost the title to another Japanese opponent in December of that year.

Malcolm Tuñacao was the only reigning Filipino world boxing champ in 2000

Malcolm Tuñacao was the only reigning Filipino world boxing champion in the year 2000. At 21 years old, Tuñacao grabbed the World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight crown from a Thai boxer in Bangkok on May 21, 2000 and was able to defend it for the rest of the year. Tuñacao was born in Mandaue City in 1978.

Andy Tabanas
In February 2001, Andy Tabanas edged out a Thai fighter to become the leading World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior flyweight. He kept the interim title for two months.

Tiger Ari
Tiger Ari won the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super featherweight title in early 2002.

Other Boxing Champions
Among other Filipino champions who have won a world tile or figured in international boxing bouts include Manfredo Alipala, Rey Asis, Dencio Cabanella, Little Cezar, Speedy Dado (Diosdado Posadas), Johnny Jamito, Ronnie Jones, Rocky Kalingo, Baby Lorona, Pretty Boy Lucas, Orlando Medina, Benigno Clever Sison, Roberto Somodio, and Young Terror.

Manseuto "Onyok"Velasco
Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco nearly clinched the country's first Olympic gold medal in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics when he slugged it out with Bulgarian Daniel Bojilov in the light-flyweight finals. The controversial bout led to Velasco bringing home the silver medal. Before this, Velasco was one of the three Filipino boxers who clinched gold medals in the 1994 Asian Games held in Hiroshima, Japan.

The country's first Olympic silver medal

Anthony Villanueva
The country's first Olympic silver medal came in 1964 when then 19-year-old Anthony Villanueva, son of 1932 bronze medallist Cely Villanueva, fought Russian Stanislave Stephaskin in boxing's featherweight finals at the Tokyo Olympics. Villanueva lost the gold in a split decision to the Russian.

Leopoldo Serantes
Leopoldo Serantes, a light flyweight, completes the cast of Filipino boxers who have brought home five Olympic medals, and joins the father-and-son tandem of the Villanuevas and the Velasco brothers. Serantes clinched a bronze medal in the Olympic Games held in Seoul, South Korea in 1988.

Leopoldo Contancio
Leopoldo Contancio won a gold medal in the Asian Challenge Cup in Manila in 1983.

Asiad Gold Medallists
Filipino athletes have won 12 of their total haul of 56 Asiad gold medals in boxing. Five of these 12 boxing gold medals came from the 1954 Asian Games, which Manila hosted while three came from the 1994 Asian Games held in Hiroshima, Japan.

Other Amateur Champions
Aside from the Velasco brothers, the father and son tandem of the Villanuevas and Leopoldo Serantes, other amateur boxers who have shown impressive performance in international competitions include Celedonio Espinosa, Ricardo Fortaleza, Reynaldo Galido, Roberto Janaiz, Alejandro Ortuoste, Ernesto Porto, Elias Recaido, Ernesto Sajo, and Vicente Tunacao.

Philippines performed well in the Olympic basketball event

Basketball is arguably the most loved sports in the Philippines. Despite the lack in height, Filipinos have dominated basketball in Southeast Asia and formed world competitive teams in the 1950s.

The Philippines performed well in its participation in the Olympic basketball event from the 1930s to the 1950s and placed third in the 1954 World Basketball Championship (WBC) held in Brazil.

Basketball has produced four Asiad gold medals for the Philippines. The country also won the Asian Basketball Conference (ABC) championships in 1960, 1963, 1967, 1973 and 1986 and the William Jones Cup International Basketball Tournament in 1986 and 1998.

The Philippine basketball team, composed of Philippine Basketball League (PBL) players, has also won the ABC Champions Cup four times: 1984, 1988, 1995 and 1996.

The Philippines Basketball Association (PBA), widely considered the first and oldest professional basketball league in the Asian region, is also the country's number one spectator event.

Olympic Participation
The Philippine basketball team that placed fifth in the basketball event of the 1936 Olympic Games during the Nazi rule in Berlin, Germany, should have won at least a bronze medal, if not for a controversial ruling. Despite winning four of its five games, the country did not bring home any medal. It lost only to the United States, which eventually clinched the gold medal, but defeated Mexico, Estonia, Italy and Uruguay. The members of that fabled 1936 Philippine basketball team were Ambrosio Padilla (team captain), who later became a senator; Charles Borck, who at 6'1" was the tallest in the team; Jacinto Ciria Cruz, Primitivo Martinez, Jesus Marzan, Franco Marquicias, Fortunato Yambao, Amador Obondo, Bibjano Quano and Johnny Worrel.

The Philippine basketball team also performed superbly well in its other Olympic participations, including placing 12th at the 1948 London Olympics, 7th at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, and 11th at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

World Basketball Championship

The Philippine basketball team, captained by Carlos Loyzaga, placed third in the World Basketball Championship (WBC) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1954. The Philippines beat the favored Uruguay team, 67-63, to clinch the third place on November 5, 1954, which was to become the greatest mark in the history of Philippine basketball. As expected, the U.S. team won the title against the host Brazil.

Loyzaga was chosen as a member of the Mythical Five - the world's best basketball players in 1954. His teammates included Lauro Mumar, Florentino Bautista and Mariano Tolentino.

In 1959, the Philippines also placed 9th at the WBC held in Chile.

Asian Basketball
The Philippine basketball team won the title in the first Asian Basketball Conference (ABC) championship held in Manila in 1960. It duplicated the feat in 1963, 1967, 1973, 1986 and 1996. Basketball has also produced four consecutive Asiad gold medals for the Philippines. The country won the basketball gold in the 1951 New Delhi Asiad, 1954 Manila Asiad, 1958 Tokyo Asiad, and 1962 Jakarta Asiad. The Philippine basketball team, composed of professional celebrities, won a silver medal in the 1990 Asiad, and a bronze medal in 1998 Asiad. The country was the consistent winner in the basketball event at the Southeast Asian Games.