ONE FC: Rise of Heroes | Toquero's Skills and Experience will Make the Difference.

Filipino mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Eugene Toquero will rely on his experience and skills to beat, even knock out, undefeated American-born Malaysian Gianni Subba on May 2 in the star-studded ONE Fighting Championship card at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

“My experience and skills will make the difference. There will be a knockout and it will be him going down,” Toquero, whose MMA record is four wins and one loss, said.

He guarantees that the fans will enjoy his fight with Subba.“The fans will enjoy our fight. Subba may be good but I’m better because of my experience and skills.”

“I have more fights in my career than Subba. I’m a veteran when it comes to competition. Mas maraming baon ako,” he added.

Before venturing into MMA in 2009, Toquero, a flyweight like Subba, was a member of the Philippine muay thai national team from 2004 to 2009. In his teen, he was a member of a Cebu kickboxing gym and participated in local competitions.

Eugene Toquero at the ONE FC Press Conference.

Toquero, 33, admitted that the competition in ONE FC is tough that’s why he’s not taking his fight with Subba, 22, lightly. “Maraming magagaling sa ONE FC kaya hindi puwede pa-easy easy lang. Laro laro din ako pero nandon pa rin ang game plan (There are lots of good fighters in ONE FC that’s why it’s not advisable to take it easy. I play but I still follow my game plan),” the Cebuano fighter said in an interview.

Toquero, whose day job is gym instructor and coach to some local celebrities on mixed martial arts, said he has learned some lessons during his first MMA loss to Team Lakay fighter Geje Eustaquio in the ONE FC event last December. “Lessons learned? One should not stop from training. One should learn more techniques,” he said. Toquero said this time against Subba, he’s training hard and spending more time in the gym and has enhanced his fight techniques.

Gianni Subba vs Eugene Toquero.

He started training as early as January this year even though he has no opponent yet at that time. He admitted, though, that he has not seen any fight tape on Subba and would not watch it even as the fight nears. “I will be underestimating myself if I watch his fight tapes.”

Toquero may seem like a brash fighter because of his intemperate comments but in reality he’s silent and serious. “I just want to entertain the fans that’s why I seem like arrogant sometimes."

Tickets for ONE FC: RISE OF HEROES are on sale now at SM Tickets.
Ticket categories begin with the full Red Carpet and cageside experience for VIPs at PHP 6,360, followed by Patron PHP 3,180, Lower Box PHP 1,280, Upper Box PHP 640 and General Admission PHP 220. Prices include ticketing fee.

ONE FC: Rise of Heroes | Lisita Promises All-Action Fight against Kawanago.

Australian featherweight contender Rob “Ruthless” Lisita has promised a great, all-action fight against former Legend FC Featherweight champion Yusuke Kawanago, a battle “which the fans will truly enjoy,” on May 2 in ONE Fighting Championship’s Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

“Fans can expect ruthless aggression, a dog fight, a good scrap,” Lisita said as he seeks revenge against his former tormentor who won via a close decision when the two brawled in August 2012 under another MMA organization.

After that fight, which Lisita believed he won, the Australian has won three in a row, all by way of stoppage. In his last bout, he was the first fighter to ever beat Japanese mixed martial arts legend “Lion” Takeshi Inoue via stoppage. He said MMA fans will enjoy it more this time. “Our first fight was good; we have both improved, we are gonna trade punches, and I always come to fight. It’s gonna be a great fight.”

Lisita sees his winning streak intact after May 2 as he predicts a victory over Kawanago. “I’m gonna put my fist on his chin and get my hand raised. I believe I have the power to knock him out; but it’s a fight anything can happen. I will do my best, and I think my best is better than his best.”

Since his fight with Kawanago, the Australian has done nearly all his training camps at Phuket Top Team, considered one of the best MMA training facilities in Asia today, which gave him access to quality sparring partners and coaching instructors.

“I have grown more in every aspect of mixed martial arts and have shown it in my fights. I am so motivated for this fight,” he said, adding: “I’m a different animal now. It’s my time.”

Yusuke Kawanago vs Rob Lisita.

Lisita’s style is expected to please the fans as he carries his aggressiveness to the cage and will not hesitate to bring the fight to his opponent. That’s the reason he got the monicker “Ruthless.” In his own words, Lisita calls himself a “pitbull, someone who attacks and will fight to the death.” He said the fans can expect a ruthless Lisita on May 2.

If Lisita needed any more motivation for his bout against Kawanago, he received it at the press conference at the MOA last March 18. While on the podium for his turn to talk, the Japanese confidently stated that his opponent is not as good as him and that he will knock him out on May 2. That obviously got Lisita hot under the collar and the duo had an intense staredown after the press conference.

Speaking to reporters after the press conference, Lisita said: “I think those words (of Kawanago) are spoken out of fear. We trained together after our first fight. He knows who the better guy is and I’ll prove it when I knock him out.”

ONE FC Press Conference at the Mall of Asia Atrium.

Both fighters have a habit of putting on exciting bouts and many pundits believe this bout has the potential to steal the show. Lisita agrees with the assessment, putting down a challenge to Kawanago “I’m going to be standing in the middle ready to stand and trade. Will you meet me there, or will you be scared and run?” 

Both fighters are new acquisitions by ONE FC as the organization secures the top mixed martial arts fighters across the world. They will be looking to make an immediate impact in the ONE FC Featherweight division as a victory will propel them to the shortlist of contenders for the World Championship belt currently held by Japanese Koji Oishi.

For Rob, signing with ONE FC is a dream as he gets to chase a world championship. “Everything about ONE FC is world-class. The production, the people, the fans, it's all a whole new world to me and I can't wait to showcase just what I can do. After this fight in May everybody will be talking about Rob Lisita and calling for me to fight for the title.”

About ONE FC
With a 90%+ market share in Asia, ONE Fighting Championship is Asia's largest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization. Headquartered in Singapore, the world’s most exciting mixed martial arts organization hosts the best Asian mixed martial artists and world champions, all signed to exclusive contracts, on the largest media broadcast in Asia. ONE Fighting Championship™ has partnered with FOX and STAR Sports for an unprecedented 10-year cable television deal with a coverage that spans 70+ countries across the world.

Up Close and Personal with Xander | Alexander Fan Party in Manila Press Conference

Kpop artist Alexander Lee Eusebio (or simply Alexander to us Kpop fans) is in town! He'll be having a Fan Party on Saturday (July 27) and will appear live on Sunday (July 28) at KFest4. Prior to these events, I had the privilege of seeing him up close and personal at yesterday's press conference.

Held at KPub BBQ at The Fort Strip, the press conference was attended by media outfits, fellow bloggers, and some of Alexander's fans. Kring Elenzano was host for the said event and was the first to throw a question at Alexander - how it feels like to be back in the Philippines.

"Has it really been three years?" Alexander asked, his eyes beaming at the crowd. It's been three years since Alexander's last visit and except for the fact the he is now a solo artist, the former UKISS member is still as bubbly, cheerful, and handsome as before. "I missed halo-halo!" Alexander said. "You've seen my photo eating halo-halo?"

Welcome back, Alexander!

Alexander talked about his upcoming movie, 3 Peas in a Pod, where he plays the role of Peter Park. He admitted that he's nervous with his silver screen debut, but doing the movie was a fun experience. Alexander also spoke of his co-star Calvin Chen, who was a good hyung (that's Korean for elder brother) to him.

The program went on with a Q&A portion, and Alexander gamely answered the questions from the media people and his fans.

I'm not going to name my son adobo! Haha.

When asked if he misses being in a boy band, Alexander admitted that he does. "When I was in UKISS, each member would take turns on answering questions, and when we go on the stage to perform, each one would have different parts. But now being solo, sometimes I really wish that they would help me with the workload and make me stronger."

The 25-year old also didn't have qualms in saying that he would like to perform again with the group. "I don’t know when but I’m sure it will be exciting.," he added.

Alexander, who has dabbled into singing, dancing, modelling, and now acting, was also asked if there are any other things that he would like to try. The crowd went wild when the idol star answered, "I want to try to be a husband. I want to find a girlfriend, later a wife, stuff like that..." A wave of laughter then erupted as Alexander protested, "But no I’m not going to name my son ‘adobo’! Because there's a rumor saying that I’m going to name my son ‘adobo’. No!"

Looking good, Xander!

As for his Fan Party, the Kpop star said that the fans should expect 'a not so fake Alexander' during the event. "I want to be more like myself," he stressed. He also promised to sing a Filipino sing, to which he has listened to several times.

The press conference ended in a happy note, with Alexander thanking the media and inviting everyone to his Fan Party in Manila, which happens later at SM Megamall Cinema 4 at 4PM. Hope to see you there!

Posing for the crowd. :)

A big, big kansahmnida (that's 'thank you' in Korea) to Fangirl Asia for inviting The Rebel Sweetheart to this event. :)

See you at the party! :)

What Time is It | 2PM Press Conference in Manila!

It's not everyday that Korean boy groups and idol stars come to the Philippines, let alone see them in the flesh. And so when I received an invitation from Hoopla Inc. to attend the exclusive Press Conference for the 'What Time is It' Live Tour in Manila, I was floored. Without thinking twice, I said yes, and confirmed my attendance to the said event.

I may not be the biggest 2PM fan (you know I will always and forever be an ELF and a VIP), but I will never in a million years pass on the chance to breathe the same air as Wooyoung and Chansung. Haha!

2PM! 

With eager anticipation and a giddy heart, I commuted all the way to Manila yesterday, March 1. I arrived at the Manila Hotel around 2PM (no pun intended). I wasn't surprised to see fans complete with placards and cheering goods loitering outside the hotel. I probably would have done that, too, if I were a hardcore Hottest. (That's what 2PM fans are called, by the way.)

After going through the usual security procedures at the entrance, I went to the Registration Area, signed the attendance sheet, and got my Press Kit. There I had the chance to meet Mica, EON Account Executive and the person who made my 2PM PressCon experience possible. :)

Press Kit + Media Pass.

We were told that food will be served prior to the PressCon proper, and by 3PM we were all gathered outside the Tap Room Bar for snacks and coffee.

Bread + Bread Spread from McCormick.

These were a big hit amongst the attendees, too. :)

Cheated on my diet and had coffee, haha. 

Manila Hotel's yummy ensaymada.

There was chicken at the buffet table, too. 

Fried Chicken, KPop style from McCormick.

And they came in all four flavors of the McCormick Fried Chicken Recipe Mix.

Bulgogi, Soy Chicken, Kimchi, and Spicy.

After our tummy fill, we were ushered to the second floor all the way to the Sampaguita Hall. Security began to tighten by then as the fans, who were now inside the hotel, grew by numbers.

Hottest, a throng of them! :)

Inside the hall, I realized how intimate this gathering was. (Like, there was less than a hundred people inside the room.)

This is it! :)

And how lucky I am to be included in this crowd of media practitioners, and seated three rows away from the main stage at that. The boys didn't keep us waiting, and within minutes, this happened.

I had to stifle a scream, lol.

The boys - JunK, Nickchun, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Junho - appeared before us, looking dashing and dapper in white suits. Yes, Chansung wasn't there. As per Taecyeon, he's still filming for his drama (that's Level 7 Civil Servant, which I'm buffering as I write), but will definitely be there at the concert. So boo hoo. No maknae for me. :(

Now what really caught my attention was Taecyeon. I couldn't believe how fair his skin is! TV sure can be deceiving, as his skin looked olive to me when he starred in Dream High and Cinderella's Sister.

"First of all, the view is great. Just look outside the window of my hotel room..." Taecyeon began.

And boy, his English sure was impeccable. I was impressed!

Cheeky Taecyeon.

I knew beforehand that Nick can speak in English (and Thai, and Korean, and Japanese, and Chinese for that matter), and that he has this irresistible, boy-next-door charm. So it's not surprising that he's the new poster boy for Bench.

Oh Nick, you're so adorbs. :)

I loved how Nick and Taec were smiling throughout the duration of the PressCon. Wooyoung was a bit more reserved, smiling lopsidedly every once in awhile. But I love him nonetheless.

Wooyoungie!!!

I love him too much more than the others, I guess. Because as I went through the photos on my Galaxy Note 2, I realized that almost two-thirds were Wooyoung's solo shots. Haha!

"Our upcoming album will be very great," says Taec.

The boys promised to give their best effort for their concert (which is happening like, right now) - their first in Philippine soil.

As for their messages to their Filipino fans, Jun K said, "Mahal na halo-halo! Mahal ko Filipinos! Mahal ko Philippines!" From Wooyoung, "Mahal kita, salamat po." (Yes, Wooyoungie, Noona loves you, too!)

But nothing can beat Junho's adorable, though grammatically incorrect "Miss you kita!"

The boys of 2PM and their alabaster skin. :)

Ah, the most surreal thirty minutes of my life as a Kpop fan. This noona is happy!

One happy fangirl!

Big, big thanks to Hoopla Inc. for inviting me to the Press Conference (and for the gifts, too), to Big Daddy Entertainment for organizing the 2PM Live Tour, and to JYP Entertainment and CJ E&M for bringing 2PM to the Philippines!

Sending out thanks to McCormick as well - this loot is just what I needed as I have chicken wings stored inside the fridge. Haha!

Loot from McCormick!

Fried Chicken Mixes in all four flavors.

Gifts from Hoopla Inc. :)

More photos from the 2PM Press Conference uploaded on my Facebook page! And I warned you about the Wooyoung overload! :)