Daredevil skydiver Felix Baumgartner breaks records

Austrian Felix Baumgartner has become the first skydiver to go faster than the speed of sound, reaching a maximum velocity of 833.9mph (1,342km/h).

In jumping out of a balloon 128,100ft (24 miles; 39km) above New Mexico, the 43-year-old also smashed the record for the highest ever freefall.

He said he almost aborted the dive because his helmet visor fogged up.

It took just under 10 minutes for him to descend. Only the last few thousand feet were negotiated by parachute. (Source: BBC News)

LeBron James and the Miami Heat, NBA Champs 2012

After 9 seasons with 2 teams, 3 Regular Season MVP, 3 Finals appearance and 1 Decision, LeBron James is finally crowned King of the basketball world as he lead the Miami Heat in capturing the 2012 NBA Championship.

Story:  NBA
           Yahoo Sports
         

King with no Ring wins, King of the Ring lost

It was a big day for sports fans as two highly anticipated matches happened today.

First up was the NBA Game 7 match-up between Eastern Conference rivals Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. The Heat forced this game via an MVP-like performance by LeBron James in Game 6. It was a statement game for James who was often criticized for folding in big games. Today, the Heat won the game , the Eastern Conference trophy and the right to meet the rising Kevin Durant and Oklahoma City Thunders in the NBA Finals starting on Tuesday, June 12.

After the basketball game, fans switched to watch the boxing match between American Timothy Bradley and Filipino Boxing hero Manny Pacquiao. Many fans, still enthusiastic with the thrilling basketball game, are already expecting a double celebration with an anticipated dominant victory for PacMan. But the end result shocked fans, analysts and observers as Bradley won via Split Decision over the much-heralded Pacquiao.

Two of the judges scored 115-113 with only one judge calling the match for Manny. It was a controversial win that overshadowed the Heat and James victory and one which will surely be a hot topic for the days to come.

I can only say, you win some, you lose some. And others can make you lose even if you clearly won..sadly, this is how the game is played sometimes.

Jeremy Who?!

Jeremy Lin. That's who.

Seems like his name is everywhere these days..Linsanity. Lincredible. Linsational. Call him any Lin nickname you can think of.. And why not?

Everybody knows his story. He is the surprise star of this lockout-shortened NBA season. A perfect story line for a made-for-TV series...even a feel-good Hollywood movie.

A player of Asian descent, who did not receive any athletic scholarship, went undrafted out of college, signed by his hometown team to be used sparingly in NBA games, occasionally sent out to the D-League before being waived off to clear salary space. He eventually landed with the New York Knicks.

And the rest, as they say, is history. Or maybe... the legend is just beginning.



You don't have to be basketball fan..not even a New York Knicks fan..to like this guy. I mean, come on. We all have this fantasy that one day, all our dreams will come true, right?

Then here is one man living out his dreams and enjoying every moment of it. So better believe it.



Suddenly, the NBA is not just about Kobe, LeBron,Wade and Griffins anymore. But definitely, it is becoming a better place.

Filipino Boxer Casimero attacked by Argentinian boxing fans

From Vavel.com, translated:


The fight between Luis Lazarte and Johnriel Casimero ended in scandal. The Filipino won the flyweight interim title of the IBF. Minutes later the victory was marred by the outbreak of a pitched battle. The triumph of Asian boxer on the Mar del Plata by KO in the tenth round drew the ire of many viewers who got into the ring.

The overwhelming victory of Casimero could not formalized, as hundreds of people invaded the ring. The attackers, who were identified with flags of the Teamsters Union, to hurt the Filipino boxer whizzed chairs, bottles and punches. Meanwhile, the policeman at Club Eleven States of Mar del Plata could not contain the clutter. Even the journalists who were in the area fled terrified by the brutality of the incident.

In the fight itself, the process was very smooth and sloppy until the end of the ninth assault, Casimero clearly impacted on the face of Lazarte. The Argentine felt the blow and fell on the ropes. Later, the fall was repeated. This time by a combination of blows of Asia.

Prior to the completion of combat, Lazarte had committed several offenses and made ​​the podium gestures that warmed the air. Among other things, the Argentine bit the ear of his opponent and hit him in the neck. In fact, this latter action led the referee to deduct a point. Meanwhile, visitors also had disqualifying actions over his rival and was punished twice in the fourth and the eighth round.

From scandal to harsh penalties await the authorities of the organizing committee of the evening. Even Lazarte itself could be punished very harshly. In the coming days will be released an official report with the final decision.

Azkals lost the game and still won the hearts of Pinoys in Kuwait

Kuwait vs. Philippines, Qadsiya Stadium, July 23, 2011 (Photo by the Author)

Filipino Pride is alive in Kuwait as the much anticipated World Cup qualifying match between Kuwait and the Philippine Azkals was played yesterday (23 July) at the Qadsiya Stadium in Hawally, Kuwait. At least 70% of the capacity crowd were Filipinos--solid fans, plain supporters and curious spectators alike--who were off from work, have probably asked for a leave or simply skipped their duties for the day. They braved the 46-47 degree late afternoon heat, the traffic in the area and the queue and near stampede at the gates just to be in there at least 2 hours before the game.

The seating for the area was arranged so that Filipinos occupy one half of the stadium and Kuwaitis on the other half. But there are still a lot of people waiting outside the gates! Minutes before the game, more people-mostly Pinoys- were allowed in to the Kuwait side until all seats were taken. As it seems, it’s a home game for Filipinos as we filled the stadium..I know we have a large population working in Kuwait but in my years of stay here, I have never seen that huge number of Pinoys all in one place..it was an amazing sight!

The Azkals singing the National Anthem  during the Opening Ceremonies (Photo by the Author)

Inside the stadium, the energy was so high, the anticipation growing as the time draws near..fans were ecstatic even before the players enter the field..mostly wearing their Azkals shirts, some with waving flags, banners and even face paintings to show their support..the feeling reached fever-pitch when one by one, the players hit the grass and started their warm ups..the chants, cheers and screams were so loud I can’t even hear myself!

The same level of energy was sustained at game time until a Kuwaiti striker head home the first goal at the 17th minute of the match and even until the end of first half with Kuwait maintaining its 1-0 lead....we continued to cheer keeping the upbeat mood though everybody's already drenched in sweat..By the second half, everyone can sense the Azkals are already showing signs of exhaustion, due mainly to the sweltering summer heat while the Kuwaiti team is gearing up to deliver the finish. A small scramble at the post resulted to a Kuwait goal at the 67th minute but the crowd almost failed to notice..it even took some time before it appeared in the huge scoreboard..by then, Pinoy fans started feeling restless...It was not so long after when Kuwait delivered its final blow, a solid goal from the middle that left everyone stunned..With so little time left, that should be it for this match..Some fans already sensing defeat, started flocking to the exits but still a good number stayed behind, us included..

The Final Score. Kuwait 3, Azkals 0. (Photo by the Author)

When the game ends, right after the congratulatory handshakes for the winning Kuwaiti team, the Azkals ran next to the stands and acknowledged their countless supporters...it was a gracious exit for the team as they waved and thanked the Kuwait-based Pinoys who came in droves and cheered for them till the end.

Azkals acknowledging the crowd after the match.  (Photo by the Author)

Outside the stadium, while walking towards our parking spot, we passed by some Kuwaiti teenagers playfully taunting us for the score but we proudly showed them our "Go Azkals" placards and continued walking..Another group of Kuwaitis were walking next to us and one of them offered me a packet of Sunflower seeds. I politely said "No, thanks" and instead gestured towards my daughter..He then handed it over to her..I tap the back of the teen and said "Thanks" and "Nice game"..he just smiled back..I think it’s what the game was all about, just a friendly match between two friendly nations..

Though defeated, I know every Pinoy left the stadium happy and proud..The Azkals may have lost the game but they've earned thousands more of supporters and the respect of the Kuwaiti audiences..I can only wish them Good Luck for their second match against Kuwait to be played in the Philippines on July 28...

Go Azkals!

Philippine Azkals in Kuwait

Football fever hits Filipinos in Kuwait as the Philippine Azkals football team arrived in the country for their World Cup qualifying match against the Kuwait National Team . As news spread that the team will be practicing at the open Salmiya Sporting Club at around 7 pm last night, a good number of Pinoy fans trooped to the venue to see the team up close. I was also there together with my family and some friends.

The match will be played at the Mohammad Al Hamad Stadium, Qadsiya Sports Club in Hawally this Saturday, 23 July from 7:00 pm..Tickets, according to press releases, will be available starting today till the day of the match and are priced at KD 2 ( roughly Php 312), KD 3 (roughly Php 468) and KD 5 (roughly Php 780).

Get Ready: NBA Finals 2011

Manny Pacquaio's LA house featured in MTV Cribs