CHICAGO – From Bohol to Singapore. From the United Kingdom to the rest of the world, Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista’s name is uttered by the sweet lips of every Pinoy boxing fan.
Move over just a little bit, Manny Pacquiao, because the Philippine boxing centerstage just got crowded with the arrival of Candijay, Bohol’s hottest property.
On the heels of his gallant come-from-behind triumph against wily veteran Gerardo Espinoza last Dec. 23 in southern California, my Inbox has been swept by emails asking about Bautista, his latest conquest and his ongoing saga toward the mountaintop of the bantamweight division.
So here’s today’s Q and A.
1) Nathaniel Alino ([email protected]) – “I missed Bautista vs. Espinoza. This place I’m renting in Singapore doesn’t come with the luxury of a cable TV. To my disappointment, searching the Internet yielded no pictures or video clips of Bautista’s win. So I ask, where can I find what I’m looking for?”
I wish I knew, Nathaniel. The Bautista vs. Espinoza fight was shown on the Mexican channel, Telefutura. Beyond that though, I don’t think it was well-covered enough to spawn clips and photos on the various boxing websites.
2) Sherwin Pepito ([email protected]) – “We waited all day last Sunday just to witness the new boxing idol, but we didn’t see the fight’s telecast. Can you tell us when the said fight will be aired on the local sports channel?”
None of the local sports channels have the rights to broadcast or re-broadcast Bautista’s swing at the Sycuan resort and Casino’s Showcase Theater. I think the only chance to see the replay of Bautista vs. Espinoza is through ALA stable owner Antonio L. Aldeguer, who likely has a DVD of that memorable eight-round tussle.
3) From Oliver Rondez ([email protected]) – “I’m in London and I have no access to your live reports on Y101 and dyAB with Leo Lastimosa. What’s the latest with Bautista?”
I spoke yesterday to Rey’s business manager in the US, Mike Koncz, and I found out that Boom-Boom is having a well-deserved week off from training. He still goes to the gym, though, for some swimming and to take a steam bath.
BOHOLANO PRIDE. This from Reylan Loberternos ([email protected]), a letter that is dripping with sincerity and swelling with provincial pride. After reading this e-mail, I immediately looked for someone to hug. Consider yourself warned.
“Your column last Wednesday (‘The magic words’) was the best thing I’ve read in years! I was literally holding back tears while reading it. The drama, the suspense, and the feeling of pride was intense and overwhelming.
“I’m proud that a Boholano is making the whole country proud. You have no idea how much this means to us Boholanos, who have always been the subject of hurtful jokes, sarcasm, and mockery by most Cebuanos. I experienced it first hand, but I was able to understand.
“You showed the world how much Rey wants to please the Filipino people, thereby creating something that somehow I wish could bridge the gap and create harmony between Cebuanos and Boholanos as displayed by Rey and Mr. Aldeguer.”
I’m sorry that you and your paisanos have been the easy target of jokes, yesterday and today. But a far greater majority of Cebuanos are not naughty, wise-cracking idiots. We look at every Boholano with greatest respect.
Two days ago, I began what would now be a regular live on-air NBA segment on dyTR in Tagbilaran. Through that new gig, I extend my hands of friendship to the Boholanos, hoping that they’d take me, too, as one of their own.
Pending approval from my editors at Sun.Star Cebu, I have also been asked to write a weekly column for the Tagbiliran-based Sunday Post.
Yes, indeed. Rey wants nothing more than to make the Philippines proud. Rey is eager to please and easy to like, that is why he has endeared himself to his millions of fans.
LAST WORDS. From Llyod Ca?ete ([email protected]): “Ever since I started reading your articles, I believed that you can always do magic to your readers. Thanks for your column ‘The magic words.’
“Homer, I never thought I still have one more un-opened gift left under my Christmas tree. You made me feel proud as a Filipino, more than ever. Keep it up.”
