
ABS-CBN CREW: THEY ARE BACK, BUT DID THEY EVER LEAVE?
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 19 Mar 2009

Los Angeles, CA:- This is our third Wednesday report from the Wildcard and we are pleased to say that unlike yesterday, the day was relatively uneventful.
The 24/7 crew from HBO was there filming so we were very careful where we positioned ourselves so as not to interfere with their job. The crew was very friendly and they understood that we too have a job to do. With that they gladly accommodated us.
Pacquiao?s day was mostly spent on top of the ring with Freddie Roach. They did ten rounds with the mitts as they developed the game plan against Hatton. Those of us who were allowed in the gym marveled at the manner and pace Roach explained to Pacquiao how he wants certain things done. Of, course Buboy Fernandez was close by conveying instructions to Pacman in the vernacular. Michael Moorer was there as well observing closely and occasionally giving pointers.
We wish we could let our readers in on what we witnessed at the training camp but that would violate the trust Roach and Team Pacquiao have in us.
What was so interesting to note was the presence of some old friends from the Philippine media, specifically the trio from ABS-CBN, Diane Castillejo and videographers, Val Cuenca and Rene Casibang.
It was indeed nice to see them back. But did they really leave?
At any rate, the mood at the gym today was mixed. Pacquiao was dead serious as he went over the game plan with Roach. But, he was high-spirited with his Team during breaks, playing his favorite prank, the ?pass the slap-on-the-face around?. These of course are the signs that all is well and things are going on the right directions, other news reports from the Philippines notwithstanding.
Tomorrow, Pacquiao spars for the second time this week. That I suppose would be a lot more interesting than today in terms of what we can report from the gym. So, stay tuned.
Top photo: ABS-CBN crew Dyan Castillejo (L) and Val Cuenco make their presence felt at the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles today after Pacquiao's announcement yesterday that he is returning to his old network.

L-R: Pacquiao, Moorer, Roach and Fernandez plotting their strategy against Hatton at the Wildcard Gym today.
Photos by Dr. Ed da la Vega.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
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