From the Mountain Province to the Windy City

Pacquiao's foe David Diaz trains with Fil-Am from Mountain Province

WBC Lightweight boxing champion David Diaz during workout.

David's sparring partner: Diamond Gut-oman Baier, a 31-year old native of Mountain Province.

Text, Photos and Video by Ted Regencia PINOY Newsmagazine

Chicago, IL -- As he prepares for his biggest fight against the Philippines' Manny Pacquiao on June 28, lightweight champion David Diaz now spars with a Filipino-American southpaw.

Diaz has enlisted the help of Diamond Gut-oman Baier, a 31-year old native of Bontoc, Mountain Province, as one of his three sparring partners, all lefties.

Diamond, as he is popularly known in Chicago's boxing community, is an amateur boxer and trains with the Chicago Boxing Club. He is also an entrepreneur and long-time resident of the Chicago's South Side. At the age of 10, Diamond moved to Chicago after he was adopted by his aunt. He took his last name Baier, from his German-American uncle.

"I hope he doesn't get in trouble," Diaz jokingly quipped after revealing Diamond's name. "We didn't just get him because he's Filipino. We got him because his style is similar to Manny's. He is fast, he's pretty strong and he's from around the area," Diaz said.

On Thursday, June 19 as Diaz held court with the Chicago media, Diamond kept a low-profile staying at the back of the Jabb Boxing Gym, where the press conference took place.

David Diaz is being interviewed by a Chicago journalist.

In an exclusive interview with this reporter, Diamond said that he has been boxing for six years. In 2004, he met David through his coach, who encouraged him to watch the Olympian shadow-box.

"I learned a lot from David. It's a small world, years later, here I am helping him out for his championship fight," Diamond said in a soft-spoken voice that belies his hard-hitting punches.

"This is going to be a great fight," Diamond predicted of the match between the two boxing champions, Diaz and Pacquiao. "For all the boxing fans out there, I hope they'll get a chance to see it."

He also offered some analysis about the sports, particularly on the advantages of lefty boxers like him, saying that "they are just awkward to fight." "Most people who are right-handed usually fight right-handed fighters. So, when you fight someone who is left-handed, you're thrown-off just because of all the angles."

What makes the fight between Diaz and Pacquiao interesting is that both are lefties, Diamond pointed out. "This will be a great fight. I can't wait to see it."

While Diamond was not picked by virtue of his birth as a Filipino, he said he is proud of his Mountain Province ancestry.

"I'm always gonna be Filipino. Absolutely" Diamond said adding that he still loves to eat adobo, pancit and lumpia. Last year, he returned to the Philippines to attend the funeral of his mother, and will visit anew in September.

Diaz's two other sparring partners are Oscar Leon of Colombia and Ivan Popcea of Mexico. He is being trained by Bob Arum and promoted by Top Rank.

Just a little more than a week before his fight at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Diaz said as of June 18, he weighs 137 lbs., two pounds above the lightweight division that he is fighting.

Asked whether there's still some part of his training that he needs to work on, Diaz said that "like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, it's all coming together." "What we need is conditioning, so we need to work on that conditioning until the couple of days before the fight. And then from there, see what happens."

As to his psychological readiness, the Chicago-born pugilist said that "he doesn't think about it too much." "I just go with the flow and see where it takes me. If the day of the fight, I have to do something, then I'll do it. Other than that, just go forward man."

David Diaz with his father, Anselmo a native of Mexico. David is the youngest of nine children.

David Diaz: Chicago Cubs' "Pitcher for a Day"

Text, Photos and Video by Ted Regencia

Chicago, IL -- If only for a few hours, boxing was not the center of his attention, as WBC lightweight titleholder David Diaz watched his favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs play at the historic Wrigley Field on Tuesday, June 10.

Not only did he watch the game, he threw the ceremonial pitch, an honor reserved for celebrities and presidents. As the announcer called Diaz to the mound, a crowd of more than 40,000 cheered the hometown's top boxing champion.

GMA television was the only Filipino media company allowed at Wrigley Field to cover Diaz.

"I'm going to try and see if I can make it to the plate. If in fact I can make it to the plate, I'd be happy," Diaz said just before the start of the game.

And in what could be a good sign for Diaz, the Cubs delivered the necessary "hooks and jabs" to beat the visiting Atlanta Braves, 10-5.

The Chicago pugilist is only a few days removed from his biggest bout, and it looks like he has also ramped up his training.

"It's great. It's doing good. We are in good condition. We're doing already pretty good rounds and working hard to try to stay in good shape," Diaz said. As part of his training he runs 6 miles near his Northwest Side home.

He said he is ready to keep his title from being snatched by famed Filipino fighter, Manny Pacquiao, who now holds three world titles.

"I think [our chance] is great. I'm gonna be fighting a smart fight, an intelligent fight. I'll try to out-point him and beat him. Let's see what we can do," Diaz said.

"Train hard buddy, because we are gonna have a good time," Diaz said, directly addressing Pacquiao.

Diaz, however, hesitated to predict the possibility of him knocking out Pacquiao, who is also a lefty.

"I don't know if I can knock him out. But I feel comfortable and confident that I will do a good fight," Diaz said.

My dad, my hero
As Diaz talked about his upcoming fight, he quickly pivoted the discussion towards the role of his parents in his career.

"My dad is my hero. He didn't even go to kindergarten, didn't finish first grade and he was still there able to support and provide a roof for his kids. If he can do that, I can do anything as well," Diaz said. "I am very proud of my mom and my dad. I'm fortunate to be their son," he added.

Diaz's father, Anselmo is from the state of Guerrero in Mexico. He came to the US in the 1950s and toiling in the fields of Sacramento, California. He later moved to Chicago and later had to opportunity to work for R.S. Owens, maker of Oscar statues for the Academy Awards.

Meanwhile, Basilisa, David's mother is from Acatlan, another remote part of Mexico. Not too long ago, his mother faced some health-related problems. For five years, she was on dialysis until she finally got a kidney transplant. She also suffered a heart attack after the transplant, complicating further the challenges Diaz had to face. As the youngest of nine children, the responsibility fell on him to take care of his ailing mother.

Asked how they feel about his upcoming fight, David said that both his parents "are comfortable. They feel happy. They know the type, the line of work I am in, so we got to roll with it."

10-year old FilAm breaks own Guinness world record

Steven Purugganan to star in new McDonald's commercial

Steven Purugganan displays his cup stacking skills.

Text and Photos by Ted Regencia

Chicago, IL -- He has no mutant powers, but with his skills he can give the comic super-hero, Speed, a run for his money.

Ten-year old Steven Purugganan smashed his own Guiness Book world record last April, to keep his title as the fastest cup stacker. The fifth-grader from Massachusetts made his mark during the 2008 World Sports Stacking Championships in Denver, Colorado.

Steven set a record-breaking 6.21 seconds in the "Cycle Stack" category, a solid improvement from his previous world record of 7.23 seconds, which he set only last October 2007 in New York. He beat over a thousand competitors to claim the grand prize. Prior to the Denver championship, he already broke his original record twice, in February (6.65 seconds) and March (6.52 seconds).

Steven also holds two other world records in the "3-6-3" (2.34 seconds) and "3-3-3" (1.86 seconds) individual categories. The numbers refer to the pieces of cups involved in the routine. "Cycle Stack" is a more complicated combination using 12 cups.

Asked by this reporter whether he feels pressure now that he is the champion, Steven sheepishly said, "Not really because my time is really fast and not many people can get that time."

Sports stacking, or more popularly known as cup stacking, is a fairly new phenomenon. The game was believed to have started in the 1980s during summer camps. But it was only in 2001 when organizers formed the World Sport Stacking Association, that the game was elevated to a competitive level.

To play the game, each competitor is required to stack and unstack specially designed plastic cups in pre-determined sequences. The fastest competitor wins. Contestants can work with a team or compete individually.

Celebrity Status
Even before this latest record, Steven was already launched into the spotlight when he was featured last January in the NBC prime-time special, "Guinness Book of World Records: Top 100". He was ranked No. 72 as the most fascinating world record-holder.

After setting his newest record, he was featured anew on TV, appearing on ESPN's "Top 9 Play of the Day" segment. In his town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts where his family resides after moving from Chicago, Steven is being treated like a mini-celebrity, and sought after by different media organizations.

Recently, local politicians from Massachusetts welcomed him to the State House to witness his stacking prowess, according to CBS station WBZ-TV in Boston.

It was only in late 2006, when Steven and his older brothers Andrew and Brian learned about cup stacking, while watching ESPN. Sensing their interest of the game, their mother Victoria bought them a cup stacking set for $30.

Only 18 months after, the Purugganan household headed by their father, Dan, had a certified champion in their midst. "It was well worth it [$30]," Steven's mom jokingly quipped in a radio interview.

Steven trains every day for one hour. He also devotes time for his studies, as well as other extra-curricular activities like baseball, soccer, basketball and golf.

Steven with mom Victoria, grandpa Ding and grandma Lourdes.

Deal with McDonald's

Because of his achievements, the fast-food giant McDonald's offered Steven to star in a new television commercial, which will run in the US.

Last May 15, accompanied by his mom, Victoria, Steven flew in from Boston to Chicago to shoot the commercial. The McDonald's headquarters is based in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates.

"They knew of Steven's world record because of the website and his YouTube videos. They contacted people out in Denver and asked, 'Do you think Steven would be interested to coming over to Chicago for a McDonald's commercial," a visibly excited Mrs. Purugganan recounted. "They called me and we said, yes!"

"I was excited because I also knew it's my hometown, so I was thinking that we can visit all our best friends and cousins," Steven said. "I'm just excited to shoot my first commercial."

Steven's family from the maternal side are from Manila. His father, Dan was born in the US but grew up in Manila.

The television commercial will be aired in July or August. Steven's mom said she hopes it will boost awareness of the game.

This is the sixth year the World Sport Stacking Association has sanctioned the World Sport Stacking Championships.

Pinoys mob Pacquiao in Chicago

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV


For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Text, Photos and Video by Ted Regencia
Article also published on GMANews.TV

Chicago, IL -- Nobody can fire up a crowd of Filipinos in Chicago more than boxing champion Manny Pacquiao. Not even Chicago's very own senator and presidential candidate, Barack Obama.

Manny Pacquiao face-to-face with David Diaz in Chicago.

On his first visit to the Windy City on Wednesday, May 21, the WBC super featherweight champion sent his Filipino fans into a frenzy as they warmly welcomed their hometown hero during a chilly noontime pep rally.

Pacquiao is in a multi-city tour to promote his June 28 fight against another champion, WBC lightweight titleholder David Diaz. He is also in a chase to become the first ever Filipino and Asian to hold four titles in four divisions.

"Thank you to all Filipinos, my countrymen," Pacquiao said, as his fans of about two hundred, interrupted him with roaring cheers. "It's very nice to be here in Chicago. It is my first time to be here and I am surprised by your warm welcome."

Chicago Sun-Times Assistant sports editor Roman Modrowski interviews Manny Pacquiao.

Earlier, at a news conference, Pacquiao vowed to "give a good fight for the honor of our country, in the name of Jesus Christ." He said that he is making progress with his training, adding that he currently has four sparring partners.

One of the earliest fans who greeted Pacquiao in Chicago was pharmacy technician, Rey Ramos, originally from Davao City. He wore a specially-designed "Pacman" headgear in honor of his hero.

"I had to miss work today in order to see Manny in person, and welcome him to Chicago," Ramos said. "I'm really a huge fan. I'm from Chicago, but everytime Manny has a fight, we always go to Las Vegas."

Pacquiao poses with his Chicago fans.

Another Chicagoan Steve Ravino, originally of Roxas City, could not wait for the rally to meet Pacquaio. He sneaked into the press conference held at a restaurant, and managed to have his photo taken with the boxing sensation from General Santos City.

A number of Filipino office workers in the downtown Chicago area also spent their lunch break, cheering for Pacquiao.

One of the most prominent Pacquiao fans who showed up was former North Cotabato governor, now Vice Governor Manny Pinol.

Pinol, who is in the US to visit a family member, said that he is "very proud" of Pacquiao's achievements.

"I'm proud because Manny has this character of not forgetting the people who were able to help him in the past," said Pinol, one of the earliest personalities who supported Pacquaio as a young boxer. "One thing I appreciate about Manny is his ability to remember people who helped him along the way. And this is a virtue that we seldom see today."

Of his upcoming fight, Pinol said that it could reveal "a lot of unknowns" about Pacquaio as a fighter. "I would like to see him fight a lefty. I'd like to know how Manny would take the body-punching of Diaz."

Team Diaz
Chicago native, David Diaz was not to be outdone, bringing with him his family including his mother and father and a band of supporters some wearing specialized "Team Diaz" vests and jackets.

"It's gonna be an all-out war between Manny and myself. Manny is a straightforward fighter as I am, and we're both going to go at it. But the only thing that's going to happen there is I am going to win the fight," Diaz said. "We're going to bring back the belt to Chicago."

"Hopefully the Filipino people out there can forgive for that, but I can't allow it [Pacquaio victory]," he said. "We've been in this situation before. This is not a strange territory for me. We've been the underdog, but we've managed to somehow, someway come out with a victory and I don't see why we can't do it on June 28. May the best man win, and I believe that man's is going to be me."

Meanwhile, boxing promoter Bob Arum lavished his praise of Pacquiao saying he is a "consummate fighter" and a "great professional" He also called Diaz "a real gentleman."

"It's gonna be one of the most exciting fights that we've seen: Two guys who do nothing, but keep punching. Manny is the faster guy. David is the bigger and stronger guy, so it's gonna be one of the classic fights of our time."

Last year, Diaz, 31, (34-1-1, 17 KOs), successfully defended his title by defeating another Mexican star Erik Morales, whom Pacquiao also defeated in the past.

Pacquiao (46-3-2, 34 KOs) currently holds four world titles, including the World Boxing Council super featherweight belt.

Pacquiao fans crowd around the boxing champion, asking for an autograph.

(Please check back for videos of the press conference and rally)

Details on Pacquiao visit to Chicago out

By Ted Regencia

Chicago, IL -- In an effort to rally his Filipino supporters in Chicago, reigning WBC super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao will breeze through the Windy City on May 21, and assert his presence at the home turf of WBC lightweight champion David Diaz.

Pacquiao and Diaz will host a media roundtable luncheon at Lalo's Restaurant at 10:30 AM, to be followed by a public pep rally at the Federal Plaza. They will drum-up support for their world title fight, according to Bernie Bahrmasel of Double B. Publicity, Inc. This was also confirmed by Ace Freeman of FightFan.com.

It will be Pacquiao's first visit to Chicago, according to Bahrmasel, who handles the publicity of the fight.

Bahrmasel urged the Filipino fans of Pacquiao in Chicago to show their support and join the rally.

Lalo's Restaurant is located at 500 N Lasalle St, Chicago. The Federal Plaza sits next to the Klucynski Federal Building in the corner of Adams and Dearborn in downtown Chicago.

In an exclusive interview last May 4, Diaz said he and Pacquaio are "made for each other."

"I think we're going to give a great and exciting fight for the public. This is what the fight is all about, to make the public happy and the fans happy," Diaz said.

Last year, Diaz, 31, (34-1-1, 17 KOs), successfully defended his title by defeating another Mexican star Erik Morales, whom Pacquiao also defeated in the past.

Pacquiao (46-3-2, 34 KOs) currently holds four world titles, including the World Boxing Council super featherweight belt.

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