By Henni Espinosa, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

Feb. 3, 2012

MILPITAS, Calif. – 32-year old Glenn “The Filipino Bomber” Donaire may be the less successful, less famous one. After all, his brother, Nonito “The Flash” Donaire, Jr. is a three-division world champion and the reigning WBC Bantamweight Champion.

But more than three years after his last professional fight, Glenn said it’s his time to shine.

Last December, Glenn emerged victorious in his comeback fight against Puerto Rican boxer Alex “Nene” Sanchez, ending the fight with an eight-round technical knockout, and becoming the WBC Latino Interim Flyweight Champion.

“I’m so happy. It feels like I won the world championship. It feels like when Nonito first won the world championship. I’m happy I’ve made a comeback,” he said.

Glenn is set to fight Edgar Jimenez, the reigning Mexican Flyweight Champion from Mexico City on March 23.

He recently held a public workout at the Season’s Marketplace in Milpitas, California and showed his winning form. He said, “My technique is better now. I don’t get hit much.”

Glenn quit his job for a trucking company, to train full-time. His relatives, that own Kennel Boxing Gym where he trains, gives him a stipend of $3,000 a month.

He said his brother Nonito, Jr. gave him new boxing gear. But other than this, his father and coach, Nonito, Sr., said they don’t get help from his younger son.

Nonito, Sr. said, “I asked him if he could help Glenn financially. I told him we’d return the money used eventually. But he said no. I asked him if his brother could be part of the his undercard fights. He said he was coordinating with Top Rank about it. But it never happened.”

Glenn said he does not want anything from his brother…just for him to keep in touch with his parents. Glenn said, “He doesn’t call, even on their birthdays.”

Rather than dwell on the hurt, Imelda Donaire said she would rather support her children. She said, “As a mother, you love your son — no matter what.”

Even with his younger brother’s money, fame and success, Glenn still considers himself lucky — maybe even luckier.

He said, “You could have everything else, but if you don’t have your family’s love and support — you’re nothing.”

For his comeback career, Glenn is being promoted by all-star boxing, the same promoter for Nonito’s opponent, Wilfredo Vasquez.

Balitang America sent a detailed text message to Nonito, Jr through his wife, Rachel, to get his side of the story. The world champion has yet to respond.

You may contact Henni Espinosa at henni_espinosa@abs-cbn.com for more information.

Photo from Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal

-By Balitang America Staff and Jersey Journal

A Filipino American faces 30 years to life imprisonment after a court yesterday found him guilty of killing his ex-girlfriend’s daughter.

Romulo Gregorio, 41, is convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend’s daughter then setting her body on fire to hide the crime.

Claire Mariano’s 20-year old daughter, Christine was found burned, beyond recognition, in their Jersey City home on September 1, 2009.

The Jersey Journals reported that Gregorio killed Christine while arguing with her about his failed relationship with her mother.

He and Mariano had broken up two weeks earlier and over that period sent her hundreds of text messages, including “I hope one of us dies, you animal,” “I will only rest when one of us is dead,” and “I want you to feel what you did to my life.

The horribly charred victim was found naked in her mother’s bed after a “sexual portion” of her body had been doused with accelerant and lit, according to prosecutors. A charred Bible was found on the bed beside her, they said.

Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Sal Rozzi reminded jurors Mariano had earlier given the defendant an ultimatum, saying he had to start going to church if the relationship was to continue. “Think of the symbolism of his putting Christine Mariano in her mother’s bed with a Bible next to her.”

In his summation, defense attorney Mitchell Nelson acknowledged that Gregorio was upset about the breakup of a relationship.

But he said his client was no threat and the Mariano family knew it. Nelson noted that “On the day of the fire, (Claire Mariano) texts my client saying ‘I miss your brown eyes.’

Nelson has contended that the police took a wrong turn when investigators quickly focused on Gregorio and stopped looking for the “real killer.” He said the state’s case was completely circumstantial and not one bit of physical evidence put Gregorio at the crime scene that day.

Gregorio’s sentencing is scheduled on March 19 at the Hudson County Superior court in Jersey City, New Jersey.

ABS-CBNnews.com

February 3, 2012

MANILA, Philippines– Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire Jr. and Puerto Rico’s Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. nearly came to blows when they engaged in a heated exchange during their pre-fight press conference at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Philboxing’s Ronnie Nathanielsz said the tension began when Vazquez suddenly turned Donaire’s cap around during the customary face-off.

This prompted Donaire to retaliate by pulling off Vazquez’s skull cap, triggering a heated verbal exchange and shoving match.

Handlers from both sides immediately stepped in and pulled the fighters apart.

Donaire’s trainer, Robert Garcia, said it was rude for Vazquez to instigate such action.

“You don’t do something like that. It’s being disrespectful… his grabbing his cap and throwing it away. You don’t do something like that to a man and Nonito took it personal,” said Garcia.

He added that Vazquez may be trying to play mental games on Donaire.

“I think he’s just trying to make us think that he’s ready and he’s going to come in and be a monster against Nonito but that doesn’t scare us. We’re ready,” said Garcia.

The trouble actually began early this week when Vazquez’s wife reportedly started a word war against Donaire’s camp through Twitter.

Donaire’s wife, Rachel, said her husband was upset because he treated Vazquez and his father, legendary Puerto Rican boxer Wilfredo Vazquez Sr., with utmost respect.

She said Donaire didn’t expect the younger Vazquez to act rudely.

“When you give that kind of respect you don’t expect someone to be so rude and unprofessional. It would be different if it was like the [Vic] Darchinyan fight where all they did was talk back to each other but this fight they weren’t even doing anything and they come out taking cheap shots and playing little mind games,” said Rachel.

Rachel said Donaire will make Vazquez pay inside the ring.

“They are playing mind games and I don’t know what they think it’s going to do. He’s just going to go down faster,” she said.
The Donaire-Vazquez bout serves as the co-main header of the “Welcome to the Future” fight card, which also features WBO middleweight title clash between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Antonio Rubio.

Welcome to the Future is slated to take place at the Alamodome this Saturday (Sunday in Manila). — With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News

By Henni Espinosa, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

Feb. 3, 2012

MILPITAS, Calif. – 32-year old Glenn “The Filipino Bomber” Donaire may be the less successful, less famous one. After all, his brother, Nonito “The Flash” Donaire, Jr. is a three-division world champion and the reigning WBC Bantamweight Champion.

But more than three years after his last professional fight, Glenn said it’s his time to shine.

Last December, Glenn emerged victorious in his comeback fight against Puerto Rican boxer Alex “Nene” Sanchez, ending the fight with an eight-round technical knockout, and becoming the WBC Latino Interim Flyweight Champion.

“I’m so happy. It feels like I won the world championship. It feels like when Nonito first won the world championship. I’m happy I’ve made a comeback,” he said.

Glenn is set to fight Edgar Jimenez, the reigning Mexican Flyweight Champion from Mexico City on March 23.

He recently held a public workout at the Season’s Marketplace in Milpitas, California and showed his winning form. He said, “My technique is better now. I don’t get hit much.”

Glenn quit his job for a trucking company, to train full-time. His relatives, that own Kennel Boxing Gym where he trains, gives him a stipend of $3,000 a month.

He said his brother Nonito, Jr. gave him new boxing gear. But other than this, his father and coach, Nonito, Sr., said they don’t get help from his younger son.

Nonito, Sr. said, “I asked him if he could help Glenn financially. I told him we’d return the money used eventually. But he said no. I asked him if his brother could be part of the his undercard fights. He said he was coordinating with Top Rank about it. But it never happened.”

Glenn said he does not want anything from his brother…just for him to keep in touch with his parents. Glenn said, “He doesn’t call, even on their birthdays.”

Rather than dwell on the hurt, Imelda Donaire said she would rather support her children. She said, “As a mother, you love your son — no matter what.”

Even with his younger brother’s money, fame and success, Glenn still considers himself lucky — maybe even luckier.

He said, “You could have everything else, but if you don’t have your family’s love and support — you’re nothing.”

For his comeback career, Glenn is being promoted by all-star boxing, the same promoter for Nonito’s opponent, Wilfredo Vasquez.

Balitang America sent a detailed text message to Nonito, Jr through his wife, Rachel, to get his side of the story. The world champion has yet to respond.

You may contact Henni Espinosa at henni_espinosa@abs-cbn.com for more information.

By Don Tagala, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

February 3, 2012

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – One of the Philippines’ most bankable Kapamilya star, singer/actor Sam Milby is now in New York to chase his Hollywood dreams.

In one of his Heartthrobs concerts last year, Sam Milby’s looks, talent and stage charm impressed a New York ABC Network TV executive who happened to be watching the show.

The TV executive then invited Milby for a meeting followed by screen tests and interviews.

Milby is making New York his temporary home so he could focus on auditioning for acting roles in US mainstream TV offered by numerous casting agents, thanks to the ABC TV executive.

Sam Milby said, “All emotions wrapped into one, nervous, excitement,siyempre nam-imi-miss sa Pilipinas, but most of all excited.”

Milby arrived from the Philippines Wednesday to move into his new fully-furnished apartment in Brooklyn, New York.

Milby had two pilot TV show auditions scheduled, just a day after he arrived from Manila – one for giant network ABC – makers of hit shows like Desperate Housewives, Greys Anatomy, and Lost.

The other is for CW TV network, known for shows like Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl and 9-0-2-1-0.

Milby said, “My ultimate goal, of course, the whole point of me auditioning is to get into one of the pilot shows and not only to get into a pilot show to have that pilot show be picked up by the network to be put into full production.”

Leaving his lucrative career in the Philippines was not an easy decision for Milby.

Now he’s back to square one, after making it in the Philippine Showbusiness – he has accomplished a lot in the Philippines including an Emmy nomination for the teleserye “Impostor,” where he was the lead actor.

Milby said, “I have to take risks in life, you know what I mean, when I moved to the Philippines, wala naman akong trabaho nun eh, you know, I have no idea what I was getting myself into, with this I have an agency, I have good feedback naman, It’s just going by faith, you know, believing that something good will come out of this.”

The pressure to land a job in Hollywood may be high but Sam keeps himself grounded to the reality that the he may or not make it to Hollywood in just three months in the U.S.

Milby said, “Even if nothing happens, it’s still something good kasi, the experience you know, this is something that will help me grow as a person talaga, no matter what I’ll come out of this a different person and that’s a good thing.”

Milby says, if he makes it then he may stay longer in New York, if not, he will definitely come back again next year when pilot TV shows open its 2013 casting season.

By Don Tagala, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

February 2, 2012

NEW ROCHELLE, NY–Fourteen-year old Eira Maghuyop, a Filipino American high school freshman, was found dead in her Yonkers, New York home on Tuesday, after allegedly hanging herself in the bathroom.

Yonkers police investigators refused to comment further on the Maghuyop’s death but are said to be looking at the possibility that bullying may be behind her alleged suicide.

Before Maghuyop’s death, her Facebook status said: “Someday I’ll be living in a big old’ city, and all you’re ever gonna be is mean. Someday I’ll be big enough so you can’t hit me. And all you’re ever gonna be is mean. Why you gotta be so mean?”

An Ursuline School spokesperson read the school’s official statement on a phone conversation with Balitang America: “The Ursuline School is deeply saddened by the loss of a fine young member of our community. Our hearts and prayers are with our student’s family in the grief. We have visited the family and offered comfort.”

The school’s spokesperson also said that they held special assemblies for students in the wake of Maghuyop’s death. She also said that counselors were made available for students and staff who were affected.

A private mass was held at the school today for friends and family.

By Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News
February 2, 2012

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Wilfredo “Papito” Vazquez Jr. trained five hard months for his upcoming world title fight against Filipino-American Nonito Donaire Jr.

The Puerto Rican revealed his training camp was very serious. It included daily intense workouts on the ring, in the gym, and repeated study of Donaire’s video of past fights.

Papito was animated as he showed off his condition on Thursday at the Jessie James Leija Gym in San Antonio.

The former world champion was bold to declare he will be the definite victor against Donaire this weekend.

“I’m gonna knock him out,” says Vazquez in Spanish.

Vazquez was proud to display his muscle tone saying he will overcome Donaire with his strength.

Motivating Vazquez for the fight is his father Wilfredo Sr., who won a world title in Texas 17 yrs ago.

The elder Vazquez monitored the training of his son very closely and is also very definite about the win.

Vazquez Jr. thanked Latino fans for their support, promising he will bring them the victory.

Donaire, who followed Vazquez’s training on the ring, impressed fans with his huge left and right bombs, lighting speed and 8 to 10 punch combinations, tiring out his mitts partner former Pinoy world champion Morris East.

Donaire was super cool while reacting to Vazquez knockout prediction.

“Good. I’m glad. It’s not gonna be a boring fight,” he said.

Donaire said he will use his ring intelligence power and speed to beat the respected Puerto Rican fighter.

“I’m really skinny. Maliit ako sa timbang na ito, mabibigat ‘yung suntok n’ya pero sa akin, mas malakas akong sumuntok,” he said.
Donaire and Vazquez are equally determined to win the WBO super bantamweight belt.

With the aggressive styles of both fighters fans are sure to enjoy some fireworks on the ring sat night in the US, Sunday morning in the Philippines.

By Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

February 2, 2012

LAS VEGAS — It was an hour of hearing and deliberation during the application of Floyd Mayweather Jr. to box in Nevada.

Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) officials grilled Mayweather, as his boxing license expired December 31 last year.

“I called him forward. Normally we wouldn’t call him forward but I called him forward because of the December 21 and January 6 matters in criminal court, because we needed explanation on this subject,” said NSAC commissioner Raymond “Skip” Avansino.

Five commissioners collectively decided to grant Mayweather a one-time-only license to step back in the ring.

However, Mayweather needs to comply with the conditions provided by the NSAC.
One of those conditions: Mayweather will not avoid or delay his set jail time on June 1 following the district judge’s order on the guilty plea charges of domestic battery charges.

“By having your commitment to the commission that you will serve your time starting on June 1st without any question, you’re not going to enjoy it and I wouldn’t either and have the tendency to fight it but it will be a mistake from the perspective of the commission if you did that,” Avansino told Mayweather.

Mayweather will face Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto instead of Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao.

“Without Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather is still gonna make $60-70 million in 30 minutes,” said Mayweather.

The most awaited fight of the century seems to be unfeasible, as both camps are not agreeing to the fight purse.

Mayweather admitted that he met with Pacquiao’s camp through Michael Koncz.

“Tell him watch me and Miguel Cotto. I’m happy that I am my own promoter you know. I am my own promoter; there’s a lot of money that go around,” he said.

Mayweather is contented with the outcome of the hearing and believes that the commission’s decision was fair.

Now that the he has been granted a license to fight here in Las Vegas, he can now set-forth in gearing up to go against Cotto on May 5.

By Henni Espinosa, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

Feb. 2, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO – The unpredictable and exciting world of events planning and entertainment is where Al Perez feels most comfortable. It is here where Perez shines — and knows he can make a difference in his community.

42-year old Perez was born and raised in Sampaloc, Manila. In 1980, he and his family migrated to the U.S. and lived in the San Francisco Bay Area.

But here in America, there were times when Perez felt out of touch with the Filipino culture. So in the 90s, he became active with the Filipino American Arts Exposition, the group that organizers the Pistahan, now considered one of the largest Filipino parade and festivals in America. Perez is now Pistahan’s lead organizer.

Perez said, “We just stayed true to our mission of promoting Filipino heritage and culture. We stayed focused on that and little by little, every year, we gained more support from people.”

In 2008, Perez was appointed by then San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, as Commissioner for the San Francisco Entertainment Commission, a position he holds to this day. He is the only Filipino in the commission.

That same year, Perez co-founded the Mayor’s reception to celebrate Filipino History Month at the San Francisco City Hall.

He said, “It’s important for us to have a seat at the table so that we have a voice and we’re recognized as part of the community.”

Perez also organized the first Filipino Heritage Night with the San Francisco Giants, which is now being celebrated in other sporting venues all over California.

For his contributions to the community, Perez was given a certificate of recognition by the city of San Francisco in 2009, a presidential citation from former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2010.

Even with all his achievements, Perez remains humble. He said, “I don’t think of myself as a role model. I’m just doing my fair share.”

TFC and Balitang America are honoring successful kababayans in North America through its ongoing series called “The Filipino Champions: Mga Pinoy na Maipagmamalaki.” If you know anyone who deserves to be featured, e-mail us at balitangamerica@abs-cbni.com. Write The Filipino Champion in the subject line.

By Henni Espinosa, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

February 1, 2012
SAN FRANCISCO–The state’s top judge is taking on California’s capital punishment. Filipino American Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, said the death penalty is no longer effective.

“It’s no longer effective in a sense that it is the kind of program that needs to be re-examined because of the fiscal arrangements facing the state,” said Cantil-Sakauye. “And we don’t have the money to create the kind of change that is needed.”

But the 53-year old chief justice said whether she believes the death penalty should be replaced with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole is immaterial.

“I simply apply the law. It’s not important whether I believe in it or not,” said Cantil-Sakauye.

Capital punishment in California does not come cheap. According to a report from the L.A. Times, taxpayers have spent more than $4 billion on capital punishment in California since it was reinstated in 1978, or about $308 million for each of the 13 executions carried out since then.

Fil-Am reaction to the chief justice’s position

Filipino-Americans have mixed emotions about Cantil-Sakauye’s opinions about the death penalty.

Dee Faraon, a teacher, said that despite the fiscal crisis, the government should continue capital punishment.

“It has to be all about justice. That has to be served. That’s the most important thing for me,” said Faraon.

But community leader Rudy Asercion, on the other hand, is against capital punishment. He said the government should focus its resources on keeping neighborhoods and children safe; away from prisons.

“Prevention is better. You’re preventing the child to be on the other side,” Asercion said.

Contact Henni Espinosa at henni_espinosa@abs-cbn.com for more information.