Cyress Lawn

The Farewell

Eight years ago, the exact same date as today, the local channel aired the most heartbreaking episode of my favorite anime Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X) entitled, “The Farewell”. This was the farewell between Himura Kenshin and Kamiya Kaoru witnessed by the fireflies at Lake of Love.

This is very emotional since the hero, a samurai, has no assurance of coming back in his quest to finish the greatest battle in the story. The Kenshin-Kaoru love story is one of the most interesting and well reserved parts of the anime. In most part of the series, the characters deny any affection for one another (although the care for each other is very obvious). It was only this once that the word “love” was ever mentioned by the main character. I could still remember every single detail of that episode. Hu hu… (sniff)

This was the most powerful line in that episode:
“Not because I’m leaving does it mean I don’t love you.”

–Kenshin to Kaoru

At the Congress

Day1: Outside the Assembly Hall at the Reg booth--that's the skirt I got from Bangkok and the shoes from Serramonte :)


Day 2: a pic away from the crowd with Ate Lyj.

Let's talk boxing

For the past three Sundays, I’ve been watching good boxing matches on TV. One was titled, “A Day of Glory” a late telecast (7 July 2007) of Filipino fighter Nonito Donaire’s besting the Australian champ Vic Darchinyan for the IBF-WBA Flyweight belt. Donaire showed a spectacular “signed, sealed, and delivered” performance with a picture perfect left straight to result in a TKO in round 5. That was a good fight! Good jab, Nonito!

On August 5th (night of Aug 4th in Illinois), I saw the fight between Erik Morales and David Diaz. Diaz is the reigning WBC lightweight champ. Morales is my favorite in this match and I really hoped he won the bout to save face (he lost four of his last five fights). I know for a fact that Morales is a strong fighter, it just so happened that Pacquiao is a stronger one. I should call it a close fight and both fighters show their worth—they brought their opponent to canvass at one point. Unfortunately, in most cases, decision matches tend to lean more in favor of the champ. I guess if Morales threw a few more punches in the last three rounds, he would have won the fight. The judges scored a unanimous decision to retain the crown. I’m still hoping that Morales could recover after this.

Last Sunday, August 12, was the much-awaited “World Cup of Boxing” Philippine team versus Mexico camp. Six bouts were anticipated of which, the Lahing Kayumanggi gloriously brought home five victories plus the trophy. I got to watch only the last four bouts; but was greatly impressed with Gerry Peñalosa’s win over Mexican defending WBO bantamweight champ Jhonny Gonzalez.

The young Gonzalez (25-year old) was dethroned by the 35-year old fighter. Honestly, it was a huge surprise for me. After watching the performance of the previous fights (Banal and Gorres both winning by KO), I say Peñalosa would be the team’s weak link. My brother and I were willing to give up the fight seeing that Gonzalez was making a good target at Gerry. What I hoped for was that for the older man to remain standing til the last round. To our surprise, Gerry got the “opportune moment” and took advantage of Gonzalez’ opening on the right body. It was the liver as I declared. The same spot which put my Oscar (dela Hoya) on his knees.

The other surprise was Boom-boom (Bautista)’s loss. Of all the Filipino fighters in the line up, the nation expects the victory from him. I feel sorry for him for a knockout in the first round. Such a shame. But it was not something to grieve for long since he is just a boy (21 years old!). When the 27-year Daniel Ponce de Leon stepped in the ring, me and my brother had the same impression, he looks like a gangster! Very strong features and looks furious too. Boom-boom was like a lad with gloves! That was Bautista’s first loss and the psychological effect would be considerable. Anyhow, I hope the young fighter would recover easily; he still has a bright future ahead of him in the ring. Even Oscar claimed he was ready to be champ. Not yet though, but very soon.

One thing I like very much in boxing is the chance to analyze the fighters inside the ring. I’m happy to say that being a boxing fan for a long time, (I’ve been watching boxing since about six years old), I sort of familiarize myself with “the moves” of the sport. Most of the time, I give my own analysis and there my family would hear the ringside analyst say the exact same details I said. A lot of times I could spot the fighters’ weak point (and strong point as well). Even before the fighter gets knocked out, I would announce it and my father and brothers were always amazed.

One best example was Oscar (dela Hoya)’s first and only knock out courtesy of Bernard Hopkins. After Hopkins threw his punch, I knew the fight was over. I screamed and told everybody, “It’s finish! Oscar’s going down!” they all looked at me with a blank face. He seemed okay but after a few seconds, Oscar did fall down slowly at the corner. I knew it was the dreaded “liver punch”. Even Oscar cannot escape that one. Afterwards, the ring analyst proved me right.

I’m always excited when it comes to boxing. I cannot deny, I’m a big fan.

Congratulations to our Filipino fighters in the World Cup. We are so proud of you!

PS. Oscar's coming to the Philippines to present the trophy!