Congressman Pacman: photo from PhilBoxing.com
This week's theme in sports is celebrating the champion. In the Philippines, international sports icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao ran for a seat in the Philippine congress. Rising star UFC fighter Mark "The Filipino Wrecking Machine" Munoz will be honored as one of the newest members of the California State Wrestling Hall of Fame. The Conference finals for the NBA have been set for both the East and West and within a couple weeks we will have 2 teams square off to win the coveted Larry O Brien trophy. Let's get a little more in depth into each of these main stories as we are almost halfway through the year 2010.
-Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao ran for congress as a representative for the Sarangani province, the same province his wife Jinkee came from. Out of as possible 120,000 votes, preliminary reports have Pacquiao securing more than 75% of all potential votes and handily defeating his opponent. Pacman's recent campaign mimics another sports figure who ran for office and was quite successful in his tenure, that person being sports entertainment wrestler Jesse "the Body" Ventura, who was the governor of Minnesota. Despite his political involvement, Pacquaio is slated to fight in November against an unknown opponent. Could this be the prelude to the fight everyone wants to see?
-The accolades and notoriety for "the Filipino Wrecking Machine" seem to have no end. After his inspiring come from behind victory at UFC 112 over Kendall Grove and garnering 'Fight of the Night' honors, Mark Munoz has been sought after for multiple interviews to learn more about this product from the Bay. Today, May 15, Munoz will be honored in the state capital of Sacramento as he is inducted into the California State Hall of Fame. Munoz was a two time champion for Vallejo high school as well as a 1st team All American and 1996 National Champion.
-The NBA playoffs is nearing its pinnacle as the stage for the conference finals are set. In the West we have the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns. After initially stumbling out of the blocks in the playoffs and playing the 8th seeded Thunder to an unexpected 6th game, the Lakers brought out the brooms and tuned out the Jazz in 4 straight. The Suns, who finished out of the playoffs last year with practically the same team they have right now, have been rolling as of late as they have handily defeated the Blazers and the pseudo-dynastic Spurs. Their bench has been key for them the entire playoffs, and they must step it up even more if they want to have a shot against the star studded lineup clad in purple and gold. In the East, the top seeded Cavaliers bowed out of the playoffs as Boston craftily handled 'King' James and company. Their age has not been a factor as their diverse style of play as been proven hard to contain. Their opponents, the Orlando Magic, have not lost in the playoffs and look to make it 12 straight to get another berth into the NBA finals - as so far they have swept the Bobcats and the Hawks in record fashion.
As always, JM's BBM is looking to highlight local Pilipino sports leagues across the country. Is there an organization you would like highlighted here? Shoot me an email!
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