Boxing in Paradise (with more pics!)
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 29 Jul 2006
GLORIA DE DAPITAN, that fantasy escapade of a place located in Dawo, Dapitan City, was host to Tuesday's 'Double Trouble' card, arguably the biggest boxing event to be held in the city. Dakak, however, was the talk of the entire stay.
Cho Locop, who oversees Gloria De Dapitan, said she was happy to see sports mediamen for the event. But truth is, we can't thank them enough for the invite, especially young bizman Seth Frederick 'Bullet' Jalosjos who promoted the event.
Gloria de Dapitan (formerly known as Glorietta) is a recreational complex that can put to shame the entertainment complexes of Cebu and Manila. It's the Las Vegas of the northwestern corridor, minus the gambling.
"It is the place where dreams trickle into reality. It?s a place where you and your family can experience that fantasy escapade of wine and fine dining, Internet caf? and computer arcade, billiard halls, disco pub, bowling, carnival, fitness gym, resto bars, boutiques and salon in just one stop!" blared the Negros Chronicle.
Inside Gloria de Dapitan is the 5-star De luxe Gallera de Dapitan, the official venue of 'Double Trouble' boxing event which was presented by the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte, City Government of Dapitan, San Miguel Beer, Dakak Park and Beach Resort and Cebu Pacific.
Gallera de Dapitan is envisioned to be an entertainment hub that will host concerts, boxing, and other events aside from big-money derbies, said Dakak's resident manager Rossini Montecalvo.
The serenity of Dakak in Dapitan is an exact opposite to the circus atmosphere of Aklan's Boracay and thus makes it a perfect hideaway for those who want to experience peace and tranquility. Photo by Dong Secuya.
DAKAK REMAINS THE STAR. Me and Philboxing.com's Dong Secuya were billeted at Room 6B, while Sunstar's Rommel Manlosa, Emmanuel Villaruel and Superbalita's Erwin Lirazan took Room 6A. The rooms were cozy and almost extravagant, but when you're in Dakak, you forget the nest, you play in the forest! I've been to some of the region's best, like Bali in Indonesia, Phuket and Pattaya in Thailand and this party place called Bora, but hey, Dakak is on a level all its own.
Plus, once you're there, you just don't know when some of Manila's showbiz stars show up, and before you know it, you're rubbing elbows with them. I was told Katrina Halili was at the weigh-in the day before the fight. She was with Bullet Jalosjos.
Manny Villaruel of The Freeman (left) and Erwin Lizaran of Sun.Star Super Balita pose after an afternoon nap. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Salven Lagumbay poses at Dakak's main marker. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Dong Secuya chooses the tranquil Dakak sea as a background. Photo by Salven Lagumbay.
Rommel Manlosa of Sun.Star Cebu (right) ably does the announcing chores of Dapitan's highly successful boxing event dubbed "Double Trouble in Dapitan." Photo by Dong Secuya.
Bullet even confided to us after the fight that he's planning on a medical tourism theme for Dakak. I'm not going to divulge the other details, I'm not at liberty to do that. But this Bullet indeed knows his business and can be quick to the draw!
Kudos also to Philip Tan, for that outstanding invocation that had everyone glued, as well as Fil-Aussie beauty Michelle Lynn Murinic, who mesmerized the crowd with her songs, and knocked out one boxer with a kiss on her check. Of course, Lana Jalosjos was a sight to behold, she with the voice and face, as she belted out the national anthem for the main event.
Event organizers Bullet Jalosjos (3rd from left) and Zamboanga del Norte governor Rolando Yebes (right) award the Philippine Lightweight Championship Belt to boxer Dexter Delada (center) as Wakee Salud stable trainers Jun Bubuli (left) and Brix Flores (2nd from left) look on. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Fil-Aussie beauty Michelle Lynn Murinic offers a kiss to boxer Philip Parcon. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Ms. Lana Jalosjos belted a stirring rendition of the Philippine national anthem before the start of the main card of the night. Photo by Dong Secuya.
Two of the night's lovely round girls pose for a picture. Photo by Dong Secuya.
MORE ON GLORIA DE DAPITAN. We came very early for the fight, so we had a chance to roam around. This recreation center also boasts of the Powerhouse Gym, the biggest state-of-the-art facility in the province which also has class offerings in boxing, aerobics and beat this, belly dancing! It also has Exodus Bowling Center, which is state-of-the-art. Then there's the Billiards and darts hall, Derm and Spa Center for the beauty freak. For the kids, there's the ride at the Luzvimin Carnaval Grande, which has a Ferris Wheel, Bumper Boats, Fish Coaster, Merry Mix-up, Scramble, Safari Adventure, Sea Bird and Horror Trains. The computer buffs will love the internet caf?s and arcade stations. There are food outlets like the Bistro Paborito, FNR Meatshop, Cold Front, Nize Pizza (where we had dinner), Willem?s Sports Bar, BB Edna Restaurant and Sweet Angels. The cherry on the icing are the coffee shops, pharmacy, moneychanger and bakery.
An exact replica of the clinic of the Philippine's national hero Dr. Jose Rizal is preserved at the Rizal Shrine in Dapitan. Photo by Dong Secuya.
A marker (foreground) greets the visitor on the way to a replica of Dr. Jose Rizal's house where he spent most of his time while in exile in Dapitan. Photo by Dong Secuya.
FINAL FLURRY. When you're in Dakak, fail not to visit the Rizal Shrine, our national heroe's home when he was put in exile. It's just some 15 minutes from the resort. It's a must. Only in Dakak, folks, only in Dakak.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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