koko & everything else

koko & everything else

Monday, February 18, 2013

Anecdote of a MMA Spectator at PXC 35

I’ve never been the type person to watch sports competition on television. I didn’t even have the same overpowering interest for UAAP compared to my fellow Lasallians back in the days. Don’t get me wrong, I do have the Animo blood and I do love sports (I’ve played so many different sports in this lifetime… some of which I still enjoy, some remain a distant memory of fun and pain), but watching others play is not really not my thing…




Then last Saturday, February 16, 2013, I got an invitation from PRC INC to watch the PXC (Pacific Xtreme Combat) 35. Yes, you heard it right, I watched a live Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight. It was a weird moment for me and for a time, I really felt like I was in a different world. For one, I don’t even seriously watch a Pacquiao fight, so you can just imagine how out-of-place I felt inside Ynares Sports Arena surrounded by guys (and even girls) thirsty of action-packed fights.

But hey, I was already there and the best thing to do is to learn the sports and get into the groove.






So the event had nine fights (matches, or however they call it). The first one was between Glen Ranillo and Mark Billena, both true blood Pinoys. It was more of a shock to me, than entertaining. I saw two guys grabbing and hitting each other. I thought I wouldn’t survive the first fight; my heart was literally pumping and worrying of the fighters’ welfare.

Then I scanned the whole arena and saw people cheering and yelling. It sounded like they were coaching, but I couldn’t really comprehend. My hands were tightly pressing my camera and just praying no blood would burst out of the cage.

Well, luckily, the first fight was bloodless, and I was able to watch through it without my own blood draining out of my body. Ranillo won, by the way, so I moved on to the next fights.

Although every match was heart-pumping and really nerve-racking, there were two fights that stuck to my lightheadedness. It was the fight between Egon Racz of Slovakia Versus Chuji Kato of Japan and Hawaiian Louis Smolka and Pinoy American Alvin Cacdac.

For the Slovakian and the Japanese dude match, I found it a little funny (okay, fine, I found it really entertaining). Excuse my lack for vocabulary, but as the two fighters tried to strangle each other, the Japanese fighter was a little comical. He tried to lock and pin his opponent, he grabbed every opportunity to hit/punch the poor Slovakian’s head/face. He seemed to be the type of fighter who literally seized every opportunity to gain advantage over his opponent. From afar, (although I know that every blow he released meant pain for the other guy), it really looked more like what I would see from a cartoon… from a Popeye’s show perhaps?

MORE ACTION-PACKED PHOTOS AT PRC INC FACEBOOK PAGE

The other fight that marked my head (and still lingers till now) would be with Louis Smolka and Alvin Cacdac… Oh my God! From the very first ring of the bell on the first round, the match was already intense! In fact, Smolka got wounded somewhere on his face that made the cage a bloodfest.

I know the whole night wouldn’t end without some blood, but seeing it right then and there… my heart skipped a beat (or BEATS!) I really thought the guy would tap out or just accept plain defeat. But hey, no! Instead, even though he got beaten up early, he went on for the next rounds, which I guess would be a good thing. At the end of the fight (whew!), Smolka won by choking Cacdac, or from what I learned from the MMA fans, “it was a win by a rear naked choke” or something like that.

But of course, even by a non-MMA fan, I was waiting for the big event for the night: the fight between Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento and Isaiah Ordiz which was also a title fight for the Lightweight division. I really felt weird saying that it was a “lightweight” fight because 1. It wasn’t light and 2. They didn’t look lightweight with all the hard muscles bursting out of their bodies. Anyways, that’s how they call it and who am I to argue with that?



However, after eight previous fights and a few hours, the big event ended so fast! Good thing, I didn’t decide to have my restroom break ‘coz the fight did not even lasted 5 minutes (and I am not exaggerating). I guess, Sarmiento really prepared for this fight and he just wanted to get it done and over with. He wanted the title retained! I heard he lost a fight with Mark Streigl from the previous PXC event, good thing his title wasn’t on the line by then.

I feel a little “bitin” somehow. I mean, I waited for the entire night for this one, but it ended up in a whoosh. Then somehow it made me think just how raw an MMA fight is. Somehow, I used to think that MMA fights would be a lot like WWF (World Wrestling Federation) type of events where bulky guys mouth off one another and get too dramatic. But here, the guys are there for one thing and that is to fight! No side talks, no props!

It’s raw-ness makes it really a good game, which really grew into me. I wouldn’t say I would be tuning in to every fight on TV (or live). But I am saying, I learned to appreciate the sports. It was not all about hitting and causing pain (which I used to believe), it was a mind’s game with a lot of body action. These guys play smart and had strategies of their own, on top of that, they are strong men who really doesn’t like to raise white flags very often.

So, for girls (and even guys) who doesn’t get MMA, I hope I was able take you on a short journey. I tried to catch glimpses for you and somehow, maybe the sports would also grow in you.






















For the MMA fans, here’s a quick review (Winners in BOLD):

Match One: Mark Billena (Philippines) Versus Glen Ranillo (Philippines) 
Match Two: Joseph Mercado (Philippines) Versus Dario Banario (Philippines)
Match Three: Steve Grandeza (Philippines) Versus Miguel Mosquera (Philippines)
Match Four: Ron Jhun (Hawaii) Versus Zebastian Kadestam (Sweden)
Match Five: Ruel Catalan (Philippines) Versus Ernesto Montilla (Philippines)
Match Six: Ergon Racz (Slovakia) Versus Chuji Kato (Japan)
Match Seven: Tony Reyes (Philippines) Versus Troy Bantiag (Philippines)
Match Eight: Alvin Cacdac (Philippines/USA) Versus Louis Smolka (Hawaii)
Match Nine: Isaiah Ordiz (Philippines) Versus Harris Sarmiento (Philippines/USA) – Title Fight

Team PRC INC at PXC 35 (Left to Right): Dhan, Air, Miggy, Koko,and Rusdee
(Grabbed from PRC INC FB Page)
Team PRC INC and bloggers with PXC star Ale Cali
(Grabbed from PRC INC FB Page)
With "The Hitman" himself, Harris Sarmiento
(Grabbed from PRC INC FB Page)

All Set and Ready for the Medicard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp


Left to Right: Hazel Chua (Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Finalist), Coach Jim Saret (METAfit founder), Dr. Nicky Montoya (Medicard President) and Kate Cruz-Joaquin (Medicard Marketing Manager).

Last February 7, 2013, one of the leading health maintenance organizations Medicard Philippines represented by Dr. Nicky Montoya, officially signed and joined hands with METAfit founder and famous Sports and Fitness Science Specialist, Coach Jim Saret to create the Medicard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp. Present in the contract signing were Ms. Kate Cruz-Joaquin, Medicard Philippines Marketing Manager; and Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition finalists and METAfit coaches, Raffy Tan and Hazel Chua.

“We (at Medicard Philippines) are trying to be pro-active in promoting health…” shares Dr. Montoya, President of Medicard Phillipines. “Here’s a real program where we ask our members to join; that should promote a more active and healthy lifestyle.”

“If you have the nutrition, the exercise and the psychological motivation, putting that together, it fits into what we are trying to promote.” Dr. Montoya further expounds.

Left to Right: Hazel Chua (Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Finalist), Coach Jim Saret (METAfit founder), Dr. Nicky Montoya (Medicard President) and Kate Cruz-Joaquin (Medicard Marketing Manager).


In fact, Coach Jim Saret believes that the Medicard-METAfit Fitness Boot Camp is the first of its kind when it comes to fitness programs. “It’s a really good match to have the physical with the medical side, for any fitness and wellness program of any person… METAfit together with Medicard is the first one to offer all components of a total health and wellness.”

METAfit and Medicard Philippines are known in the country to help Filipinos reach their health goals, whether to lose weight or to be medically healthy. Before the partnership, these two industry movers are doing great works on their own, but they felt there was something lacking. Coach Jim couldn’t agree more, “It’s a perfect combination for a METAfit program because we are providing the physical, the motivational and the nutritional program but what’s missing basically is the medical side of this.”

The 12-session program is designed to cater to all types of individuals and fitness backgrounds. The idea of the program is to acquaint participants with basic work-outs; and depending on their capacity and determination, they will progress to more advanced routines until they graduate. Fitness goals will also be laid down, however, as Coach Jim states, participants should not be worried as he, and his team will support them every step of the way, under the medical care of Medicard. Coach Jim guarantees that at the end of the course, many would be surprised by their own bodies’ capabilities. 

Left to Right: Grace Siongco (APEX-Metafit) Hazel Chua (Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Finalist), Coach Jim Saret (METAfit founder) Raffy Tan (Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Finalist),Coach Toni Dimaguila-Saret (APEX-Metafit) Dr. Nicky Montoya (Medicard President) and Kate Cruz-Joaquin (Medicard Marketing Manager).

Joining the METAfit team are Raffy Tan and Hazel Chua. They will work as motivators and facilitators of the boot camp with Coach Jim’s lead. 

The sold-out Medicard-METAfit Fitness Boot Camp will start on February 25, 2013 at the Medicard Lifestyle Center in Paseo De Roxas corner Buendia, Makati City. Medicard members, as well as non-members who signed up for the boot camp couldn’t wait any longer; they are very excited and looking forward to maximizing their body’s potentials. 

Not even on its first session yet, many are already inquiring about the next boot camp. With that, the team behind the Medicard-METAfit Boot Camp couldn’t wait to get started… for sure; people can expect many more boot camps in the near future!

For inquiries and added information, please visit the Medicard Philippines website at http://www.medicardphils.com

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Win a romantic date for two from PRC INC – Summer Lovin’ Romantic Getaway Photo Contest


More than that warm and fuzzy feeling from dear Cupid, Mr. Sunshine’s all prepped up for the coming summer season too! Yes, things are getting really heated up, but PRC INC will about to make it sizzling hot with LOVE!

PRC INC presents… “Summer Lovin’ Romantic Getaway Photo Contest”

Here’s how to join:

1. LIKE the PRC INC page and share the SUMMER LOVIN’ ROMANTIC GETAWAY photo contest poster on your wall (Make sure that the post is in public visibility setting).

2. PM us a photo of you and your loved one with the theme “MOST ROMANTIC SUMMER GETAWAY” with your NAME, YOUR PARTNER’s NAME, AGE, EMAIL ADDRESS, MOBILE NUMBER and the LOCATION where the photo was taken.

3. All entries must be an original material fully-owned by the sender and should not include watermarks, signatures, frames, date and/or time stamp or any other markings on the photo. (Digital manipulation is not allowed. Enhancements must be limited to basic post-processing such as adjustments of contrast, minimal color-balancing, sharpening, cropping, and dodging and burning)

4. Photo entries may be submitted until February 26, 2013 only. Approved entries shall be posted and open for voting on the PRC INC page on February 28, 2013 until March 31, 2013.

5. Approved photo entry (clear and thematic photo with complete details and a like to the PRC INC page) shall be uploaded to the page for voting.

6. Photo entries shall be judged based on the following CRITERIA (to be judged by three (3) representatives from PRC INC)
- 35% (Creativity); 35% Relevance to the Theme; 30% Votes

7. The TOP 3 Photos who will receive the following prize/s:
- TOP 1 – Overnight Accommodation with Spa Session for Two (2) at Nurture Spa, Tagaytay
- TOP 2 – Romantic Full-Course Dinner for Two (2) at Italianni’s Restaurant
- TOP 3 -  Spa Session for Two at Blue Water Day Spa

8. Contest is open to all Metro Manila and Greater Manila residents of legal age. (Prize/s may only be picked-up from PRC INC office in Greenhills, San Juan or through a special appointment with the company’s representative/s).

9. Contest winner/s shall be notified through email on or before April 5, 2013. Prize/s may be claimed by an authorized person (with an authorization letter from the winner with other identification documents).

10. Employees of PRC INC, and its subsidiaries and affiliates, and their immediate family members, and/or persons living within the same household as the employees (related or not) are not eligible to submit photo entries.

11. PRC INC reserves the right to use the submitted photos for any promotional or publicity efforts related to the promo.

There’s no time to waste… start searching for romantic getaway photos of you and your honey now! This is brought to you by the love struck summer lovin’ folks at PRC INC. Get to know us through our website, http://www.teamprcinc.com or LIKE us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/PRCinc.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

PXC-35: The Return of a Champion Harris "The Hitman" Sarmiento is back to defend his PXC Lightweight Championship



PXC is set to rock Manila AGAIN on February 16th, featuring a Lightweight Championship & some of the best rising stars of MMA from the Philippines, Guam, California, Hawaii, Japan, & Korea.


For people who can’t get enough of action, there’s nothing better than watching a good old fashioned brawl. Come February 16, there is going to be plenty of that and more inside the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City as the Pacific X-treme Combat, Asia Pacific’s biggest and best mixed martial arts organization, once again rolls into the country with PXC-35.

PXC has already established a name throughout Asia Pacific and its arrival in the Philippines last June 2011 cemented their reign as the premiere MMA organization by attracting the best fighters from the all over the world. With its most recent installment, PXC again makes its way to the Philippines to put a show in front of thousands of MMA fanatics.

“We are very excited to kick off the year with great matchups at PXC-35 in the Philippines,” says PXC CEO, EJ Calvo. “The card features fighters from all over the world along with rising MMA talent from the Philippines,” Calvo adds.

Harris "The Hitman" Sarmiento

PXC-35 scheduled 9 action-packed fights to be headlined by a Lightweight title fight between Filipino talents Harris “The Hitman” Sarmiento (35-24) and Isaiah Ordiz (2-0). Coming off a disappointing loss to fellow Filipino-American Mark “Mugen” Striegl in PXC-34 last November, the veteran Sarmiento is set to bounce back and defend his belt against the young blood, Ordiz. This is surely a battle between a veteran and future star of the sport.

In addition, the match between American Alvin Cacdac (11-9) and undefeated Hawaiian Louis “Da Last Samurai” Smolka also draws attention primarily because the winner will most likely be the next contender for the Flyweight title currently held by Filipino fighter Ale “The Young Gun” Cali.

The PXC-35 fight card also includes Team Lakay’s Troy Bantiag (4-1) vs. Guam’s Tony Reyes (5-5), Japanese Chuji Kato (3-1) vs. Korean Top Team’s Hong Seung Chan (2-0), and Hawaiian Ronald Jhun (24-24) vs. Swede Zebastian Kadestam (3-0).

Other homegrown Filipino talents featured on the night are Dario Banario (2-0) vs. Joseph Mercado (1-1), Ruel Catalan (1-2) vs. Ernesto Montilla Jr. (0-1), Adrian Hillana (1-0) vs. Steve Grandeza (0-1), and Glenn Ranillo (1-2) vs. Mark Billena.

PXC-35 expects nothing but fireworks all night as fighters punch, kick and sprawl their way all for the glory of being crowned PXC victors. “We hope to see everyone at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on the 16th of February and we promise you that it is going to be an exciting night of fights,” Calvo says.

The Hitman with Air Urquiola of PRC INC

Pacific X-treme Combat will hold the following events at the Holiday Inn Manila Hotel in Pasig City

PRESS CONFERENCE
Date: February 14, 2013
Venue: Fab Restaurant
Call time: 10:30am
Time: 11am-1pm

WEIGH IN
Date: February 15, 2013
Venue: Bar One, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Pasig City
Call time: 10:30am
Time: 11am-1pm

PXC-35 is presented by San Mig Strong Ice and Sports 5. With special thanks to E-Games, Fitness First, FHM Philippines, FHM.com.ph, Premiere Condoms, Healthway Agility Phil, Beer Below Zero, Eden NightClub, Real Sports Radio, and Loqal.ph.

For more information on PXC, check out www.pxc.com.ph or www.facebook.com/pxcmma

Suaveng Ahit Gwapong Schick Barangay Tour goes to Antipolo, Quezon City and Marikina!



ABANGAN ang Suaveng Ahit, Gwapong Schick Barangay Tour sa inyong Barangay!

WATCH THE VIDEO 
(Embed http://youtu.be/4pCN9ti1V1U)

SCHEDULE:
February 9, 2013
Cupang Covered Court, Ma. Corazon Subdivision, Brgy Cupang, Antipolo City

February 10, 2013
Dagohoy Covered Court, Purok Dagohoy, Bargy UP Campus, Quezon City

February 17, 2013
Parang Covered Court, General B.G. Molina Street, NGI, Parang, Marikina City (beside Parang Brgy Hall)

PRC INC at Philippine Red Cross Run To Save Lives Giveaway



So who’s running on February 10, 2013 for the Philippine Red Cross’ Run to Save Lives (Million Volunteer Run 2)? Guess what, team PRC INC will join the event as well and do their own part to “save lives”.

But running alone is just not enough for the team… so PRC INC decided to hype up the event a few notches higher by giving away PRC INC merchandise to TEN (10) LUCKY RUNNERS who can spot us during the event.



Here’s the simple mechanics:
1. LIKE the PRC INC Facebook Page (http://facebook.com/prcinc) 
2. Invite your runner friends who will also join the RUN TO SAVE LIVES event on February 10
3. SPOT the PRC INC representative (wearing the PRC INC RED SHIRT) after the run
4. First TEN (10) to approach a PRC INC representative shall WIN INSTANT PRIZES!!!

It couldn’t be any simpler than that. This is another PRC INC’s way of sharing the blessing and supporting a cause!