Foodie Goodie | Nacho Salad.

It's almost the weekend! And you know what I'm most excited about?
UFC 187!
The card is stacked with awesome fights - from the prelims all the way to the main card, and two - yes, not one, but two - titles are on the line!

Chris Weidman will defend his Middleweight title against top contender Vitor Belfort, while Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson and Daniel Cormier will square off for the Light Heavyweight title, vacated by the former champion Jon Jones. It's gonna be one epic night, I tell you!

Well in my case, it's gonna be morning. Sunday morning to be exact. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to cook a proper meal in the kitchen because I'll be glued to the telly, so I'm thinking of making a huge platter of Nacho Salad for us to munch on while watching the fights. Best paired with an ice-cold beer! :)

Nacho Salad

Ingredients:
1 pack baked tortilla chips
12 ounces ground beef
3 tablespoons lettuce, shredded
2 tablespoons tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon cucumber, chopped
1 tablespoon green onion, sliced
1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, chopped
2 cups salsa
1 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Procedure:
1. Cook beef and bell pepper in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until beef is browned; stir to crumble.
2. Add salsa; bring to a boil.
3. Stir in cilantro; keep warm.
4. In a large platter, layer the chips, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and onion on serving plate.
5. Add the meat, then sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
6. Serve with sour cream or guacamole on the side.

Mousasi vs Philippou, Lim vs Magny added to UFC Fight Night Manila.

Oh yes, two more fights have been added to the much anticipated, first-ever UFC event in the Philippines!

Announced earlier today, Gegard Mousasi and Costas Philippou will meet in a middleweight matchup as the co-main event while in the welterweight division, Neil Magny will face-off against Hyun Gyu Lim.

Co-main event!

Mousasi, currently ranked at #7, is fresh off from a victory last January, where he punched out Dan Henderson in just 70 seconds. Philippou (ranked #12), on the other hand, is coming off a KO of Lorenz Larkin that ended his two-fight losing skid.

Lim vs Magny.

Neil Magny, who holds the longest current winning streak in the welterweight division, is aiming for his seventh consecutive victory. His current run includes wins over Tim Means, William Macario and, most recently, Kiichi Kunimoto, whom Magny submitted last February 14.

South Korean star Lim has a 3-1 Octagon record in his two years with the UFC, with all three of those wins coming by way of knockout. His most recent victory was last September, where he elbowed the lights out of Takenori Sato last September in just 78 seconds.

Stay tuned for more UFC Fight Night Manila updates! :)

Urijah Faber vs Frankie Edgar to headline UFC Fight Night Manila!

It's gonna be another thrilla in Manila as the UFC's first visit to the Philippines will feature a main event fight between two mixed martial arts superstars and former champions.

Here we go!

Former UFC world lightweight champion Frankie Edgar takes on former WEC featherweight champ Urijah Faber in a five-round featherweight main event which will air live on FOX Sports 1 from the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. The event is set for May 16.

Frankie Edgar, who was the king of the lightweight division from 2010 to 2012, is now seeking gold at featherweight, where he has won three straight over Charles Oliveira, BJ Penn and Cub Swanson after a razor-thin decision loss to current champion Jose Aldo in February of 2013.

On the other hand, Faber, also known as the 'California Kid', ruled the featherweights in the WEC from 2006 to 2008. He went on to become an elite bantamweight since coming to the UFC in 2011. Winner of six of his last seven, Faber has never lost a non-title fight, an impressive record that could be tainted as he faces Edgar in the Philippines.

Five more match-ups have also been announced for the main card.
In the lightweight division, Tae Hyun Bang will be up against Jon Tuck while Zhang Lipeng takes on Kajan Johnson. At 125 pounds, Yao Zhikui squares off against Nolan Ticman and the Philippines' own Roldan Sangcha-an meets Jon Delos Reyes. In the welterweight division, Li Jingliang battles Roger Zapata.

Tickets will go on sale in March, launched in conjunction with SM Tickets at www.smtickets.com.
Stay tuned for more info and updates! :)

The Wait is Over | UFC Fight Night in Manila!

Finally. Finally. Finally! :)
Having been a fan of mixed martial arts for years now, it has long been my dream to watch UFC fighters battle it out in Philippine soil. My wish has finally been granted as today, the UFC announced its much-awaited, first-ever Fight Night event in Manila.

UFC Fight Night Manila!

Scheduled on the evening of May 16, UFC Fight Night Manila will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Its international broadcast will be through UFC Fight Pass, and will air on the morning of May 15 in North America,

Ken Berger, Executive Vice President and General Manager of UFC Asia said, “We are thrilled to be kicking off our Asia event calendar in Manila this year. The UFC has a loyal and passionate fan base in the Philippines and we’re looking forward to bringing the very best of mixed martial arts to Manila for the first time. We have found a great event partner in SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. and are excited that the SM Mall of Asia Arena will be home to a historic UFC event that fans will remember for years to come.” 

Berger also noted that this will be the first and only South East Asian card for the year.

No fights have been officially announced as of this writing, but it's most likely that homegrown talents Mark Eddiva and Roldan Sangcha-an will be in the line-up. Fighters will Filipino roots such as Mark Munoz, Chris Cariaso, and John Dodson could also be included in the fight card, as well as notable Asian fighters such as Kang Kyung Ho and Hyun Gyu Lim.

Tickets will go on sale in March, launched in conjunction with SM Tickets.

One FC: Warrior's Way | Brandon Vera's Homecoming.

Most were left intrigued when mixed martial arts superstar Brandon Vera spoke in Tagalog during the press conference held at NBA Cafe last September 3. In the said event, Vera's One FC signing was announced, as well as his debut match which will be held on December 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

It is not an uncommon fact that there are some Filipinos who would change their accent the moment they land in the US, even for a short holiday. One then wonders why Brandon Michael Vera, a US citizen, would imprint the alibata - an ancient writing system that now only appears on history books - on his back for all the world to see. He fought for 8 years in another organization and during his fights, he would bear the Philippine flag as he walked down the Octagon, or would have its logo imprinted on his fighting gear.

Tracing his roots.
Photo credit: Brandon Vera.

Brandon was left by his Italian-American mother at age 3. Eventually, he was raised by a Filipina step-mom and a Filipina grandma who taught him and his siblings to eat with his hands (kamayan). He is an expert at it and that skill became evident when Mark Zambrano of GMA-7 had a one-on-one interview with him at Kamayan restaurant last October.

Who among us even bothers to eat without utensils? Is it not that we have this ardent desire to depart from what our culture has inculcated on us? Then here comes Brandon with all the privileges of an American citizen, born and raised in the land of milk and honey, and he attempts to have a dual citizenship. Isn't it ironic?

Living the country life.
Photo credit: Brandon Vera.

Perhaps because he was abandoned by his mother at such a young age, perhaps it is his need to put down his roots to what he wants to call home, perhaps he just wants to become closer to his Filipino fans. Whatever it is, let us welcome him home, as he has done so much more than most Filipinos who were born and raised here in terms of embracing culture and heritage and being immensely proud of his roots.

Welcome home Brandon! See you on Dec. 5!

Brandon Vera set for One FC debut in Manila.

For the first time in his mixed martial arts career, Filipino-American Brandon Vera will get a chance to fight in Manila as he makes his debut in One FC. This was announced yesterday, September 3, at the press conference held at the NBA Cafe in Taguig City. Joining Brandon Vera in the press conference was Rich Franklin, former UFC Middleweight Champion and now Vice President of One FC.

Brandon Vera, looking very down-to-earth in a pair of 'tsinelas'. :)

NBA Cafe, Manila.

"I am so excited to compete in Manila for the first time for ONE FC,” said Brandon Vera, who used to fight with the UFC. “The fans in the Philippines have been behind me my entire career, and I want to repay their faith by giving them an exciting performance and bringing my best into the ONE FC cage for a victorious debut this December."

Brandon Vera's debut happens on December 5, 2014 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The event, dubbed as 'One FC 22: Warrior's Way', will be One FC's fifth card in the Philippines. Vera will be fighting at 265 pounds (heavyweight division) for the first time in his mixed martial arts career. His opponent for the said event has yet to be announced.

Whipped out his phone...

Brandon Vera parted ways with the UFC last June, and signed with One FC in July. He said the opportunity to fight in front of his hometown crowd (ergo, Manila) was the decisive force in signing with One FC.

"Pusong Pinoy talaga ako," said Vera, who surprised the crowd with his proficiency in Tagalog, albeit with a slang."Nung lumalaki ako, sinusubuan ako ng lola ko ng nakakamay, tanggal ang sapatos ganyan... Filipino talaga ako." (I'm a Filipino by heart. Growing up, my grandmother would feed me using her hands. We'd take off our shoes inside the house... I'm a real Filipino.)

... for a groufie with Rich Franklin!

Known for his aggressive Muay Thai style and skills in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (he holds a black belt, fyi), Brandon Vera had a combined record of 8-7, 1 no-contest in his 9-year stint in the UFC. He kicked off his UFC career with a 4-0 run, which included a 69-second destruction of ex-champion Frank Mir.  

The Truth and The Ace.

Vera, who once described his MMA career as 'peaks and valleys' said that his fight in Manila this December 'will be the highest peak ever'. Winning his first ever match in One FC will make Vera the inaugural One FC Heavyweight Champion.

Mark your calendars!

“It’s a dream to become a champion in this organization," Vera stated. "From the very start of my career, I never handpicked my opponents I will fight anyone just to be the first One FC heavyweight champion and reign as long as possible."

Best of Both Worlds | Korean Celebrities and Mixed Martial Arts.

The long weekend is about to come to an end, but I'm still on a high from the action that was UFC Macao. Although I must say, I was rather disappointed that Dong Hyun Kim lost that way. I had high hopes that he would stun Tyrone Woodley the way he did with John Hathaway; unfortunately his grinding, relentless fighting style took the best of him.

Next month, UFC will be bringing the action to Saitama, Japan, with three Korean mixed martial arts fighters included in the fight card. Kang Kyung Ho and Hyun Gyu Lim will be fighting against Japanese contenders in their respective Prelims matches, while Choo Sung Hoon (more popularly known as Yoshihiro Akiyama) will fight in the main card against Kyle Noke.

You might not know this (unless you're a Kdrama/variety show fan), but Choo Sung Hoon is also a TV star in Korea. He currently appears in 'Superman is Back', a reality show where celebrity dads are left to care for their kids alone for 48 hours without the help of anyone.

In fact, there are a few other Korean celebrities who are making a name for themselves in the mixed martial arts scene. Here are some of them:

1. Cheon Jung Myung.
The star of Cinderella's Sister, Fashion 70's, and Glory Jane, Cheon Jung Myung has more than just acting awards to his name. He also holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), and trains under Professor John Frankl - the founder of BJJ in Korea.

Photo credit: Cheon Jyung Mung.

 2. Lee Jae Yoon.

Also training under John Frankl, Lee Jae Yoon holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is famous for his roles in Queen of Ambition, Cruel City, and Golden Rainbow. Oh, and he was also in Macao to watch UFC Fight Night. :)

Photo credit: Lee Jae Yoon.

3. Lee Si Young. 

In 2010, Lee Si Young took up boxing to prepare for her role as a female boxer in a TV drama. While the drama ended up getting scrapped, Lee fell in love with the sport and continued with her training. At present, Lee is a member of the Incheon City boxing team, and is the first and only Hallyu star to become a national team athlete for any sport in Korea.

Lee Si Young at the National Amateur Boxing Championship.

4. Lee Seung Yoon.

Popular for his stint in 'Gag Concert' and his segments 'Fitness Girl' and 'Health Show', Lee Seung Yoon is also a mixed martial arts fighter. He made his debut on Road FC (Korea's number one MMA organization) in October 2010, going up against a professional MMA fighter ten years his junior.

Photo credit; Hancinema.

5. Yoon Hyung Bin.
Also a Gag Concert alumni, Yoon Hyung Bin made his debut as a professional mixed martial arts fighter in Road FC earlier this year. He competed against Japanese fighter Takaya Tsukuda in the lightweight category, and earned the victory by knocking out his opponent in the first round.

Photo credit: Road FC.

Mixed martial arts is growing in leaps in bounds in Korea and I'm sure Korean MMA fans are looking forward to a UFC event in their country. I for one, would love to have a UFC event here in the Philippines! Dana White, Fertita brothers, anyone from Zuffa? :)

UFC Fight Night Macao | Le vs Bisping.

Macao will once again see some hard-hitting mixed martial arts action, as the UFC returns to the Cotai Arena for a showdown between two top 10 contenders in the middleweight division.

UFC Fight Night Macao.

Former Strikeforce champion Cung Le (9-2 in his professional mixed martial arts career, fighting out of San Jose, California), makes a comeback after a two-year hiatus that saw him serve as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter China, the organization’s long running reality series, as well as further his action movie career. In his return to the Cotai arena, Le will look to build on his reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in combat sports history when he meets Manchester, England’s Bisping (24-6, fighting out of Orange County, California) in the Octagon.

For Bisping, a win over Cung Le would mark his first victory over a former champion, which could possibly lead to another shot at the middleweight title.

Kim and Woodley stare down at the weigh-ins.

In the co-main event, 'Stun Gun' Dong Hyun Kim (ranked no.9 in the welterweight division) will go up against no.4-ranked Tyron 'The Chosen One' Woodley.

This fight has quite a divisional significance, as well as major world title implications. A well-rounded mixed martial arts fighter, Kim has a ton of momentum after crushing victories over John Hathaway and a knockout of the night performance against Erick Silva. Woodley, on the other hand, is potentially one huge win away from a shot at UFC gold. Both fighters will be looking to cement their place among the elites in the welterweight division.

Also included in the main card are Yang Jianping and Ning Guangyou - who will battle to become the featherweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter® China and win the coveted UFC contract.

UFC Fight Night Macao will be held on August 23, 6 in the evening at the Cotai Arena, Venetian Hotel.

Wordless Wednesday #80 | Bruce Lee, baby!

Bruce Lee UFC shirt, check.

(Bruce Lee) Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi shoes, check.

I'm a happy fangirl. :)

The Mauler Takes Over | Alexander Gustafsson in Manila!

The Philippines has had its fair share of visits from UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) stars. Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell has been here, current (and still, even after UFC 167, hehe) Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre has been here, BJ Penn has also paid a visit, and of course our very own Filipino Wrecking Machine Mark Munoz has been here, too.

This time around, Alexander 'The Mauler' Gustafsson, the man who gave Jon Jones the fight of his life, will be coming to Manila for a Public Open Training. The event, dubbed as 'The Mauler Takes Over' will take place at the Trinoma Activity Center on November 10, 2013.

Alexander Gustafsson in Manila!

One hundred (100) lucky fans will be given the chance to meet and greet the Swedish mixed martial artist on the said day, and they will also be given the opportunity to take photos with 'The Mauler'. Promo details and mechanics can be found on the Balls Channel official website.

I would love, love, love to see The Mauler in person, but alas, I'll still be out of the country by that time. Oh well, guess I'll just keep my fingers crossed that Manila will really be hosting a UFC tilt in 2014. :)

Get your Pink on for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services.

Photo credit: Fine Art America.

In an effort to educate and empower women to take charge of their own breast health, Q-T Intimates, an innovator in the world of intimate apparel, is collaborating with the Breast Cancer Charities of America (BCCA). Q-T Intimates is proud to partner with the BCCA and support the work they are doing to make a difference in women's lives.

The BCCA is the leader in integrated cancer care, bringing together progressive breast cancer authorities from different health care and allied health care disciplines to spread their message to the women of America. They focus on bringing the body, mind and spirit to the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Through their program services, BCCA's goal is to educate, teach and provide the latest accurate information about integrated cancer care, cancer prevention, recovery, treatment, early detection and survival. The group is dedicated to ending breast cancer as a life-threatening illness. Their iGoPink campaign hosts several events and fundraisers each year to help fund research on the link between breast cancer and nutrition, educate the public and health care professionals on integrated cancer care, and support the "Help Now Fund," which provides food, clothing, shelter, transportation, mammograms and more to women who are uninsured or in need.

Q-T Intimates has created a limited edition bra, the Breast Cancer Awareness Bra, that is available only through the end of October. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each limited production bra will go to support the BCCA's iGoPink campaign. The fashionable t-shirt bra is made with seamless microfiber and features a low center gore, underwire support and lace trim detail. The black padded plunge bra is also adorned with pink bows and a sparkling pink breast cancer awareness ribbon charm.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Bra.

Crafted with imported materials and made of 90% Nylon and 10% Spandex, the Breast Cancer Awareness Bra is produced in limited quantities and will be available for delivery throughout October only. It's currently being sold at $25, and $5 per bra will be donated to the iGoPink campaign.

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a special discount!

Q-T Intimates will continue to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by offering 20% off all orders over $50 throughout their online store. Use offer code AWARENESS at checkout to receive this special discount.

P.S. Even the American Gangster is a Breast Cancer Awareness advocate. Thank you for supporting the cause, Chael Sonnen! You truly are a champion. :)

Pink ribbon on his walkout shirt, UFC Fight Night 26.

Wordless Wednesday #53 | 'Twas Another Crazy Weekend.

The little man got sick.

Maleficent showed her wrath.

And Anthony Pettis beat Benson Henderson to become
the new UFC Lightweight Champion! :)

UFC Fight Night | Chael Sonnen for the win!

Talk like a gangster. Fight like a boss. Win like a champion.
That's exactly what Chael Sonnen did in UFC Fight Night 26, when he beat Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua with a first round submission.

In front of more than 12,000 fans in Boston's TD Garden, Sonnen proved that there's more to his trash-talking and unpredictable shticks. Using his impressive wrestling skills, he took Rua down early on in the round, and they pretty much stayed on the mat the entire time.

Rua, a former light heavyweight champion, managed to defend himself and got back on his feet. And just when you thought the odds have turned in favor of the Brazilian, the American Gangster got a standing guillotine, brought it down, and locked it tight. And at 4:47 of the first round, Rua (who happens to be a black belter in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), tapped out.

Photo credit: Jared Wickerham / Zuffa LLC

After the fight, Sonnen dedicated his win to his grandmother, to his friend Alaina, and to all cancer patients and survivors. Of course, no interview would be complete without his witty remarks, and this time he picked on another Brazilian. "Wanderlei Silva. 6 feet tall and 205 pounds, but until I met you, I didn't know they could stack crap that high," said Sonnen, quipping a line from Full Metal Jacket.

He was a bit 'tamer' however, in the post-fight press conference. When asked how he felt about snapping his two-fight losing streak, Sonnen answered, "It feels good because it's Shogun."

Check out the pink ribbon!
Originally posted on my Instagram. :)

He went on by saying, "The guy's a former world champion. He's going to be in the Hall of Fame. He's beaten [Chuck] Liddell. He's beaten Forrest Griffin. He's beaten [Lyoto] Machida. He's beaten all these guys. He's beaten guys I've known and looked up to, from the Kevin Randlemans and Mark Colemans of the world. So yeah, it feels good."

And boy, do I feel good.
And why not? I am perhaps the biggest Chael Sonnen fan in this country, if not the world. So yeah, my happiness is beyond the stars.

Congrats Chael Sonnen!
And to all the other winners in UFC Fight Night 26 - Travis Browne, Urijah Faber, Matt Brown - kudos to you, too! You've all made me a happy fangirl. :)

Chan Sung Jung, and throwback to UFC 163.

Last Saturday, 'Korean Zombie' Chan Sung Jung battled it out on the octagon with Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo at the HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. And while the odds may not have been in favor of the Korean contender, the fact still remains that Chan Sung Jung is the first Asian to headline a UFC main event and fight for the championship title.

Photo credit: MMA Weekly

A native of Pohang, South Korea, Chan Sung Jung made his professional debut in June 2007. He made his debut in the UFC four years later, in March 2011 at UFC Fight Night 24. Chan Sung Jung's ability to fight aggressively and withstand heavy blows from his opponent has earned him several accolades in the UFC, including the 2012 Submission of the Year and 2012 Fight of the Year awards.

UFC 163 would be the biggest day in Chan Sung Jung's career as a mixed martial arts fighter, and in a pre-fight interview, the Korean Zombie said that he felt great physically and mentally, and will do his best to beat Jose Aldo.

Photo credit: Fighter Fashion

When asked as to how it felt to have reached the pinnacle of his MMA career, the 26-year-old Taekwondo black belter said, "It's been my goal and dream for several years now, so it means the world to me. I know that it would push MMA in Korea to the next level if I win, so a victory would be that much more important."

Unfortunately, the Korean Zombie dislocated his shoulder during his match against Jose Aldo, which brought about a TKO loss in the fourth round. This would be his first loss in four UFC fights.

Photo credit: MMA Fighting

"...when I separated my shoulder, I tried to put it back in myself, but it didn't work, and I think Jose noticed my shoulder was out, and he kicked me three times really hard. So unfortunately, the shoulder was not able to be put back in," said Chan Sung Jung during the post-fight press conference. Thankfully, the medical team was able to pop the shoulder back in and the Korean Zombie was able to speak before the press (together with his translator) - arm sling, bandages, and all.

Would the Korean Zombie ask for a rematch?
"As far as the rematch goes, I would love to get a rematch," he answered. "I would love to ask for a rematch, but I think there are other people that are waiting in line, and I probably have to get a couple more wins in the division before they'll give me another shot at the title."

Sure, the Korean Zombie would have to work his way back up to the Featherweight ladder, and even he knows that for a fact. Here's hoping that he gets better soon - last I heard he also has an orbital fracture on top of the dislocated shoulder. His fans in and outside of Korea (including me!) will be looking forward to his return to the Octagon, and hopefully, for another shot at the title.

Wordless Wednesday #46 | Good Job!

Noteworthy (and praiseworthy, too!) events from the past week. :)

The little man acing his quiz in Reading...

And his quizzes in Math and Science, too!

Best of all, Chris Weidman defeats the GOAT Anderson Silva by KO
to become the new Heavyweight Champion of the UFC! :)