Rabin Catalan Draws Inspiration from Teammates to Continue MMA Career

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It was a bitter pill to swallow for Filipino fighter Rabin “The Rock” Catalan when his maiden appearance on an international mixed martial arts (MMA) stage ten months ago did not go into his favor.

The 30-year-old native of Iloilo City lost his ONE Championship debut via second-round technical knockout at the hands of Team Lakay’s Joshua Pacio in April 2016.

Catalan had difficulties in dealing with the stoppage setback to Pacio, prompting him to shy away from the spotlight and assess his future in the sport

With the help of his brothers-in-arms at Mindanao Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts (MUMMA), Catalan reignited his desire to compete in MMA.

Headquartered in Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental, MUMMA houses the best and the brightest MMA talents in the Philippine’s southernmost major island of Mindanao, including Catalan and fellow ONE Championship athlete Rocky Batolbatol.

Catalan revealed that he draws his inspiration to continue his professional MMA career from his MUMMA teammates.

“They are always there for me. My teammates uplifted me when I was down and out. I’ve found a family in my comrades,” he said. “Now, I am inspired to go back inside the cage and put on a great performance.”

Catalan is slated to return to action as he squares off with Thai standout Pongsiri “Punhod” Mitsatit on the undercard of ONE: WARRIOR KINGDOM, which takes place at the 12,000-capacity Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on 11 March.

An undefeated prospect from Chiang Mai, Thailand, Mitsatit holds a stellar win-loss standing of 7-0, with five knockout triumphs and one submission victory.

50% Off For All Women At Marriott Café Buffet!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

You heard it right! Marriott Hotel Manila joins the International Women’s Day celebration on March 8, 2017 by treating all women to a 50% off on their buffet. This discount applies on both lunch (12nn to 2:30pm) and dinner (6pm to 10:30pm) buffet at Marriott Café.

A very special day made for women should overflow with everything they love. Marriott Café has an array of international cuisines and create-your-own stations perfect for empowered ladies. Ladies can indulge on sustainable seafoods cooked hundred ways for the sultry ones; certified angus beef on the carving station for the lady bosses; organic and crisp greens are for the health junkie; authentic Asian delights from China and Japan for the free-spirited; delectable confections for the daring and adventurous. Other delightful surprises are Halal-certified food, Filipino dishes that taste like home, stir-fried goodness, and grilled meats. So dear ladies, these are all yours to enjoy at only Php 975 for lunch and Php 1,050 for dinner.

After a filling dinner, the Greatroom extends 50% off on their sophisticated cocktails such as Cosmopolitan, Margarita, Mojito, Daiquiri, Apple Martini and Mimosa. It’s “Girls Night Out” from 6pm to 1am at the lobby lounge. It is an amazing gift to equally amazing women in your lives. So to the men, make reservations now to show your appreciation and affection. Or to the ladies, set this day to reunite with you fab girlfriends. Womanhood is a marvelous hat to wear and is worthy of a indulgent celebration at Marriott Manila, where every woman is made to be a queen. 

13 Young Players To Represent South Luzon at Jr. NBA PH 2017 National Training Camp

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Over 600 boys and girls from South Luzon came out to showcase their basketball skills as Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 presented by Alaska staged its second Regional Selection Camp February 25-26 at Manuel S. Enverga University in Lucena City.

After two days of intense training and scrimmages, eight boys – Jeryk Dwight Bait, 14, of Batangas Eastern College; Marc Harold de Guzman, 13, of St. Francis National High School; Nygel Gonzales, 13, of De La Salle Lipa; Raphael Hutamares, 13, of Maryhill College; Carlos Noel Panganiban, 14 and Troy Gerard Umayao, 13, of International School for Better Beginnings, Lucena; Wrench Mason Roquid, 13, of University of Perpetual Help System-Laguna, and Raphael Tolentino, 12, of Metro Lucena Integrated Learning School – topped the boys division. Five girls – Fatima Irish Alpay, 13, of Luis Palad National High School; Kristin Aira Carmona, 12, of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation; Gracey Aine de Mesa, 13, of Lucena City National High School; Jezza Oabel, 13, of University of Perpetual Help System-Laguna, and Nicole Rosaldo, 12, of Tayabas West Central School – were selected to progress to the next stage of the Jr. NBA program.

The 13 young athletes produced strong performances during the skills stations and scrimmages as well as embodied the Jr. NBA core S.T.A.R. values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect throughout the camp. The young players will represent South Luzon in the Jr. NBA Philippines National Training Camp where they will go up against top players from other Regional Selection Camps on May 11-14, 2017. The best players in the NTC – eight boys and eight girls – will be named the Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 All-Stars who will participate in an overseas NBA experience later this year.