Positive developments

We found ourselves during the weekend confronted by a barrage of news that made us aware that there are a lot more happenings in the world that we should take stock of.

The most enervating was the report that the World Boxing Organization had ruled on review of the tapes that Manny Pacquiao won the fight with American Timothy Bradley. The ruling by the three judges of the fight, however, could not be over-ruled by the review panel.

Even Pacquiao released a statement that he would not accept the crown even if Bradley were to give it back to him.

Instead, he declared that he prefers that the title be declared vacant.

That ruling by the WBO mollifies to a certain extent the ire and frustration may considered Pacquiao to have won that controversial bout with Bradley. But the loss is actually the Mafia-controlled Las Vegas matches.

For decades, I, myself, was a witness to the fact of how the Mafia controlled Las Vegas. Even in Boxing, I learned in San Diego, California, during my six months there that boxing was under protection of the Italian Mafia. Those of the South, to a certain extent, was influenced by the Cuban Mafia.

I learned it inadvertently when my brother, Bert and myself, found ourselves in a taken of honor despite the fact that were wearing only ordinary coat and tie. The entire group in the hotel for the Archie Morre testimonial were all in tuxedo.

Amazed, I asked, “How come we are given this privilege?” The answer by the San Diego Tribune former sports editor, “Because you are with the Cuban Mafia allied with the Italian Las Vegas.”

***

The other story that tugs at the heart strings of many Filipino comedy fans – that Dolphy, the comedy king, is dying, he was resuscitated for a while by dialysis that relieved the water congestion of his lungs last Thursday night, according to director-son Eric Quizon.

Very few are aware that Dolphy is actually named Rodolfo Vera Quizon.

For most of us pre-war generation of children, Dolphy is a legend. But over the past few years, his fame as comedy king seems to have faltered because of the few films that projected him on the screen with his wit and his antics.

Of course, he can never be a moral icon for young Pinoys. Dolphy has 18 children of different mothers. His latest partner is Zsa-Zsa Padilla.

What is surprising is that thousands of Pinoys are praying for Dolphy who remain in a coma despite the dialysis.

He really needs our prayers. In his own inimitable way, Dolphy made a lot of Pinoys laugh at the world and their antics with Dolphy's films and acting.

***

But the thing that bothers is the possibility that sooner or later, we must establish better relations with China.

Most of the country's millionaires and billionaires are actually of Chinese ancestry and there is no denying the fact that those of European or American originals have dwindled.

The top billionaire is Henry Sy, 87. He owns the string of SM malls in the country and abroad. And a string of other corporations which have catapulted him to billions, $1.9 billion more than just a year ago.

That is why it is important to study the profile of the country's 15 billionaires even the 11 just a year ago.

Sy, L. Tan, Gokongwei, Conaunsji, A. Tan, B. Ty, Zongpin, Goyiuto, Tan Oaktiong, Yap.

Even Eduardo Cojungco is also of Chinese ancestry.

The only ones with European ancestry are the Enriquez, Razon and Ayala. These are of Spanish ancestry.

It certainly is amazing how the Tsinoys have gained much of the country's wealth just after the war. Most of them anyway, which shows that hard work, frugality and dedication are the most important factors for their climb up the economic ladder.

In short, there's no reason for us to be at odds with China. We have a lot of links with our powerful neighbor. And there is no reason why we should rile our native born Tsinoys by antagonizing mainland China and Taipei.

As they often say – in the long run, China will win.*

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