"on a shoestring"

The last day of the Batang Pinoy Games was capped by boxing matches at Robinsons Mall Dumaguete. It was actually my first time to watch amateur boxing matches live right before my eyes, “on the ring” baby.

Daniel Folio (red) vs Hipolito Banal Jr. (yellow, youngest brother of AJ "Bazooka" Banal). See where I am?

I tell you, it was an adrenaline-inducing event. I was on my feet in every match. If only my ears can clap it would.

I want to publish as much photos I can but I think those who won gold are the most deserving ones, right?

So here’s your gold medalists during the Batang Pinoy Games Visayas leg. I would go on a step higher by saying that they are “The Future of Philippine Boxing.”

All of them will compete at Naga City, Camarines Sur come December 10-14 for the Batang Pinoy National Finals.

John Smith Gonzales of Leyte Province

John Smith Gonzales gave Cendrix Joshua Bacus a beating at the ANT weight category (first-time to hear about that category), 34.1-36kgs. He scored 5-0 winning the gold medal for Leyte Sports Academy. Btw, his coach is a 2004 Olympian, Violito Payla.

Marco Pomar of Talisay City

Scored 5-0 against Jerald Nuevo at the Minimum weight category, Marco Pomar from Talisay City. What an overwhelming victory!

Kit Ceron Garces of Talisay City

Another boxer from Talisay City, Kit Garces finished the Mosquito weight (so there is an Ant and Mosquito categories huh?) bout with a score of 4-1 against Julirev Villahermosa of Maasin City.

Mario Bautista of Himamaylan City

My fave young boxer! Mario Bautista has been on boxing gloves for 6 years now. He won the Light Paperweight category, 4-o, against Orville Olaivar. He was also given the “Best Boxer Award” during the entire Batang Pinoy Games Competition. Go Mario,I’ll cheer for you in Naga City. Look how proud he wears his Philippine-colored jacket.

Hipolito Banal Jr. of Cebu City

The youngest brother of AJ “Bazooka” Banal, Hipolito beat Daniel Folio from Dumaguete City at the Paperweight category (42.1-44kgs.). When I asked about his future plans, he said he wants to be a world champion at the 118 pounds category. This is not from now because 3 years from now he will be a pro.

Junrel Jimenez of Cebu City

Can I call him “The New Flash Elorde” ? During the 2 games I watched, he practically overwhelmed his opponents. He beat his opponent the other day with only 26 seconds on the 1st round, the coach throw in the towel after just 4 solid punches. He then won gold against Albino Tihuk of Sipalay City after referee stoppage in 48 second of round 1. Amazing TKO! Impressive young athlete!

Kenneth Paul Gentalan of Tagbilaran City

Alenar Javier of Maasin City lost to Kenneth Gentalan from the Pin weight category (46.1-48kgs.) with a score of 0-5. It was a brawl and people love the match! Look how he poses with the camera, ready fist!

Nikko Mollena of Bayawan City

The last match of the day belongs to Nikko Mollena of  Bayawan City after winning a 5-0 match against Cesar Bestudio of Maasin City at the Light flyweight division (48.1-50kgs.)

Congrats to all of you!

They are the future of Philippine boxing scene, ages 15 below. So glad we have more “Pacquiaos,” “Donaires,” “Banals,” “Villorias,” “Nietes.” And maybe, one of them would be bringing us an Olympic gold. Let’s just wait and see!

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Batang Pinoy Games 2011  is a grass-roots development program organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to identify young talents to be trained for the national pool of athletes. Mindanao leg was hosted by Zamboanga City (Oct 17-30); Visayas leg is being hosted by Dumaguete City (Nov 10-13); Northern Luzon leg by Baguio City (Nov 24-27); Southern Luzon by Sta. Cruz City (Dec 4-7); NCR leg (Nov 29 – Dec 2); and the Finals will be held at Naga City on December 10-13, 2011.

Official website: Batang Pinoy 2011

Facebook Page: Batang Pinoy (PSC Grassroots Program)