from right Jeorge E.R. Estregan (Emilio Aguinaldo) and Cesar Montano (Andres Bonifacio) during better times. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Written by

Jude Bautista

Perhaps no other Filipino hero’s death is more shrouded in controversy and mystery than Andres Bonifacio’s. At the very least Ninoy Aquino had journalists behind him before he was assassinated. There’s audio and video recording until the moment. Historians trying to investigate Andres Bonifacio’s death and ‘execution’ have nothing to go on except court records of his supposed trial and questionable second hand accounts.

Cesar Montano (Andres Bonifacio) and Joko Diaz (Procopio Bonifacio) during their trial. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Jeorge E.R. Estregan (Emilio Aguinaldo) during the declaration of Phil. independence. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

The biopic EL PRESIDENTE by Mark Meilly on the life of Emilio Aguinaldo (Jeorge E.R. Estregan) depicts that very important part of Philippine history and offers an insight on how it happened. Especially since, Aguinaldo as the first Phil President had to be part of the decision not just to arrest but also to execute Andres Bonifacio (Cesar Montano). To fully understand this you have to see the context of what happened and the reasons that led to it. This is where EL PRESIDENTE sheds some new important facts that are not generally known by the public.

Jess Evardone (Severino Delas Alas) makes a speech during the Tejeros Convention. He is one of many critically acclaimed actors who were part of the historical epic. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

The film itself begins with Aguinaldo joining the ranks of the Katipunan with no less than Bonifacio performing the sacred tests and ritual. Bonifacio founded the Kagalang-galang Kataastaasang Katipunan-K.K.K (Highest and Most Honorable Society of the Children of the Nation). According to Wikipedia Teodoro Plata and Ladislao Diwa co founded the Katipunan. But Bonifacio undoubtedly was the moving force and face of the secret organization whose goal is to establish an independent and free Filipino nation. It is this concept that distinguishes him from Dr. Jose Rizal who favored peaceful reform under Spanish rule.

Cesar Montano (Andres Bonifacio) was Best Supporting Actor for EL PRESIDENTE.

The crucial role of Bonifacio and the performance earned the Best Supporting actor Award for Cesar Montano during the Metro Manila film fest awards night. The film won a total of 7 awards: 2nd Best Picture, Best Make-up: Warren Munar, Best Theme Song: Apl D’Ap and Jamir Garcia of Slapshock, Best Musical Score: Jessie Lasaten , Best Sound: Albert Michael Idioma, Youth Choice Award and Best Float.

Kids welcome soldiers hoping to see Filipino troops, the Americans arrive instead. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

In the history of countries finding their own identity and establishing independence from foreign powers the father of the revolutions are usually the national hero. One example is George Washington of the United States considered as the “Father of his Country”. Using this theorem Bonifacio as father of the revolution should be the National Hero not Dr. Jose Rizal. Bonifacio seems to be the figure either overlooked or de-emphasized in spite of his real importance in the struggle and creation of the Filipino nation.

Jeorge E.R. Estregan (Emilio Aguinaldo) marries Nora Aunor (Maria Agoncillo) his 2nd wife. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

EL PRESIDENTE is one of the newer films to look into the details of how and why; conflict arose between Bonifacio and the revolutionary government, which he was supposed to lead. Another film produced recently,  ANG PAGLILITIS NI ANDRES BONIFACIO (The Trial of Andres Bonifacio) by Mario O’Hara was a part of the Cinemalaya Film festival in 2010. O’Hara’s approach was more about the personal details of the hero’s life rather than WHY he was arrested in the first place.

Joko Diaz is Procopio Bonifacio. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

GMA Network will also air an 8-part docu drama on Andres Bonifacio entitled KATIPUNAN with Sid Lucero as lead star this year. The series was produced as part of the 150^th anniversary of the hero’s birth known as the Supremo. Incidentally, Lucero also has a role in EL PRESIDENTE as Gaudioso. Ronnie Lazaro plays Gen. Candido Triano Tirona who has been with Emilio since childhood.

Another period piece this time a TV series entitled INDIO is also from GMA network stars Bong Revilla, Jennylyn Mercado, Rhian Ramos, Agot Isidro and many more. The character revolves around a Filipino child adopted by Spanish conquistadors more than a hundred years earlier than the time of Aguinaldo and Bonifacio.

Cesar Montano (Andres Bonifacio) painfully reads election results that may have been fraudulent. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Early and almost throughout EL PRESIDENTE Aguinaldo concedes that Andres Bonifacio should be and IS the leader of the Revolutionary movement as the Supremo of the Katipunan. This was made clear when Clemente Jose Zulueta (Epy Quizon) a revolutionary journalist informed the rebel leadership of possible Spanish concessions. Aguinaldo had taken some ground in Cavite and the Spanish wanted to negotiate a peace treaty with the rebels conceding to some reform including sending abusive monks back home. Aguinaldo refused to negotiate saying he was not authorized to do so and the Supremo was the true leader of the revolution.

Cesar Montano (Andres Bonifacio) reads Mariano Trias ballot during the Tejeros Convention. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

The Tejeros Convention

The Tejeros Convention in San Francisco De Malabon, Cavite in March 22, 1897 was supposed to be a meeting of strategy to defend the province against Spanish forces. Even within the Katipunan there were two groups. Manila, Tondo to be specific, was the base of the Magdiwang party under Bonifacio. His forces had to flee to Cavite after being driven out of Manila. The Magdalo party is Aguinaldo’s and was in their home turf in Cavite. An impromptu election had been requested to ‘formalize’ the leadership of Bonifacio.

Cesar Montano (Andres Bonifacio) got the Ministro del interior post as Consuelo de bobo. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

The film basically exonerates Aguinaldo of conspiring to wrest leadership through the election, which he won by landslide in absentia. It shows that Aguinaldo was off in an important battle and other members of the Magdalo group were with him fighting in Salitran, Dasmariñas Cavite. At the same time the film also made clear that there was a real conspiracy among the elite members or the illustrados to shut Bonifacio out of the very organization that he founded.

Don Umali (Daniel Tirona) questions the credentials of Cesar Montano (Andres Bonifacio) even for the consuelo de bobo post of Ministro del interior. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Andres came from the masses, taught himself how to read and was not educated unlike the landed gentry of which Aguinaldo and the later members of the Katipunan were part of. These were the mestizos or half-breeds (half Spanish and Filipinos) who could not accept the leadership of an indio (Spanish term for brown skinned native). There’s a class struggle within the Phil. revolutionary movement. This was also demonstrated in another controversial death, that of General Antonio Luna (Christopher De Leon) who was another illustrado. The Tejeros convention was the turning point for Bonifacio that created a split, which could not be repaired.

Cesar Montano (Andres Bonifacio) was antagonized by Don Umali’s (Daniel Tirona) suggestion. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Jeorge E.R. Estregan (Emilio Aguinaldo) kneels on grave of close ally. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Courage and Conviction

Aguinaldo had no choice but to honor the Tejeros election that made him the leader of the revolution. Bonifacio in his mind had no choice but to wrest back the leadership that was stolen from him by the elite conspiracy, which led to his arrest and execution. The class struggle then, still pervades to this very day more than a hundred years later. So this was the path that led to the inevitable conflict between the two great men. Although Aguinaldo until the very end did not want to execute the Supremo out of respect and gratitude for everything that he has done.

What cannot be questioned is the courage and conviction the two founding fathers displayed throughout their lives. Both men sacrificed so much of themselves and bravely overcame tremendous odds for the country and freedoms we have today as Filipinos.

Sunshine Cruz plays Gregoria De Jesus wife of Andres Bonifacio played by her real life husband Cesar Montano. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Jeorge E.R. Estregan (Emilio Aguinaldo) marries Nora Aunor (Maria Agoncillo) his 2nd wife. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

-(seated) Jeorge E.R. Estregan as El Presidente Emilio Aguinaldo, Yul Servo (Pedro Paterno) hands him a document. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Written by

Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

Lt Chacon (Baron Geisler) storms into the hall while the Cabeza de Barangay Emilio Aguinaldo (Jeorge E.R. Estregan) has a meeting. Chacon is livid looking for his carriage and screaming in Spanish how the indios had not prepared it. Aguinaldo responds calmly but in Tagalog, “Bastos ito a, bakit di ka sumasaludo?” (You are uncouth, why do you not give your salute?) Still in Spanish Lt Chacon responds, “Is there anyone here I need salute to?” Aguinaldo points to the portrait behind him, the Reina Rigente. Chacon gives his salute but responds, “I will be watching you Aguinaldo.” Little did he know that Aguinaldo was already one of the leaders in the Katipunan.

Jeorge E.R. Estregan as El Presidente Emilio Aguinaldo in the heat of battle. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

One of the most difficult tasks for a director is striking a balance between history and dramatic license. Mark Meily as writer director of EL PRESIDENTE was able to create enough drama and action to keep audiences at the edge of their seats while having historic credibility. With that said almost any historical piece always has controversy or critics. A film in particular will always have to make a statement one way or another and not everybody will agree with it.

Apl D’Ap performs with Jamir Garcia of Slapshock in the official EL PRESIDENTE soundtrack which won for Best Theme Song at the MMFF. Photo is a screen grab from official music video. Click on pic to watch vid.

What is undeniable is the impressive roster of actors and technical people assembled to put this epic film to the silver screen. The seven awards during the Metro Manila Film fest awards night bear this out: Best Supporting Actor: Cesar Montano, 2nd Best Picture, Best Make-up: Warren Munar, Best Theme Song: Apl D’Ap and Jamir Garcia of Slapshock, Best Musical Score: Jessie Lasaten , Best Sound: Albert Michael Idioma, Youth Choice Award and Best Float.

Jamir Garcia with his band Slapshock at Fete Dela Musique in B-Side last June 23, 2012. Photo by Jude Bautista. Click on pic to watch official EL PRESIDENTE Music vid.

The official EL PRESIDENTE soundtrack for example, combines one of he biggest Filipino acts internationally in Apl D’Ap with Pinoy Rap Metal god Jamir Garcia of Slapshock. Combining the two big acts made for a sure fire Best Theme Song award winning song. Apl recently collaborated with Jessica Sanchez for the single JUMP featuring travel spots in the Phil. Seeing Apl’s spiky Mohawk while wearing kawal uniform was a great contrast in the video.

Jeorge E.R. Estregan as El Presidente Emilio Aguinaldo. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

EL PRESIDENTE and ASIONG SALONGA also with Jeorge E.R. Estregan remind me of the song “Somewhat Overindulgent” from Forbidden Broadway performed by Lorenz Martinez in Upstart’s local production. Martinez is also in Resort’s World’s “King And I” extended until May 2013. “Somewhat Overindulgent” is a spoof of Mandy Patinkin’s one-man act sung to the tune of  “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.

I bumped into Bayani Agbayani in Eastwood Mall last December 30, 2012 (Rizal Day) with his family. Bayani played Gen. Baldomero Aguinaldo in ELPRESIDENTE. Photo by Jude Bautista

Estregan is both the producer and lead actor, similar to nearly all MMFF entries in this respect. It’s almost a tradition: Si Agimat, Si Enteng at si Ako, Sisterakas. It also happens in Hollywood obviously: Tom Cruise – United Artists, Drew Barrymore – Flower films. So that makes EL PRESIDENTE even more commendable by choosing an important historical Filipino figure no matter how self-indulgent it may be.

Nora Aunor (Maria Agoncillo) was convincing as the daughter of actors younger than her. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Nora Aunor is one of the big names in the impressive cast list. She plays Maria Agoncillo the second wife of Aguinaldo Maria Aguinaldo after his first wife Hilaria Del Rosario (Cristine Reyes) passed away. Nora’s diminutive stature came in handy especially when first meeting Aguinaldo.  She was playing the daughter of Felipe (Alvin Anson) and Marcela (Maita Ejercito) Agoncillo who were close friends to the much older Aguinaldo. Since her ‘parents’ and Aguinaldo seemed to tower over her she got away with looking the youngest among them. Make up in the later scenes where Aunor and Estregan grow old is the achievement of Warren Munar who won the Best Make Up award for his efforts.

from left: Nora Aunor (Maria Agoncillo) with her ‘parents’ Maita Ejercito (Marcela) and Alvin Anson (Felipe Agoncillo). Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Cesar Montano as the fiery Supremo Andres Bonifacio won the Best Supporting actor award. But there were so many notable performances in the film not all of them had big roles. Felix Roco was the young and heroic Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar. Roco’s boyish looks but quiet intensity was useful for his portrayal of the valiant figure.

from left standing: Cesar Montano as Andres Bonifacio counts the ballots during the Tejeros election. Beside him is Jess Evardone as Severino Delas Alas. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

GMA Network will also air an 8-part docu drama on Andres Bonifacio entitled KATIPUNAN with Sid Lucero as lead star this year. The series was produced as part of the 150^th anniversary of the hero’s birth known as the Supremo. Incidentally, Lucero also has a role in EL PRESIDENTE as Gaudioso.

Another period piece this time a TV series entitled INDIO is also from GMA network stars Bong Revilla, Jennylyn Mercado, Rhian Ramos, Agot Isidro and many more. The character revolves around a Filipino child adopted by Spanish conquistadors more than a hundred years earlier than the time of Aguinaldo and Bonifacio.

left: Ronnie Lazaro is Candido, childhood friend and confidant of Aguinaldo. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Among the prestigious cast of EL PRESIDENTE is Ronnie Lazaro. He is the ever-faithful Candido Tirona who also became one of the revolutionary generals. Candido is Aguinaldo’s childhood friend who’s there through thick and thin. His advice and presence was something that he relied on during many battles. The close circle of Generals includes actors: Bayani Agbayani (Gen. Baldomero Aguinaldo), Gerald Ejercito (Gen. Crispulo Aguinaldo), Allan Paule (Gen.Tomas Mascardo), Emilio Garcia (Gen. Pio Del Pilar), Wendell Ramos (Gen. Mariano Noriel) and John Arcilla (Gen. Mariano Trias).

Jess Evardone (Severino Delas Alas) is one of many critically acclaimed actors who were part of the historical epic. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Center- Jeorge E.R. Estregan (Emilio Aguinaldo), at right is Ronnie Quizon in black suit as Apolinario Mabini. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

The Quizon brothers had an opportunity to work this film. Even though they did not share scenes their late father Dolphy would certainly be proud of them in these historically significant roles. While Epy Quizon has had more awards, Ronnie Quizon had a larger more distinguished role in Apolinario Mabini. Ronnie played the wise adviser known as the Sublime Paralytic. Epy was the journalist Clemente Jose Zulueta whose numerous articles on the Phil revolution have become the basis of many historical texts. Zulueta bravely covered the battle scenes and interviewed Aguinaldo, Bonifacio and other Generals.

John Arcilla (Gen. Mariano Trias) is one of many critically acclaimed actors who were part of the historical epic. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

A huge cast of actors was needed to produce the epic. Actress Suzette Ranillo did a wonderful job as casting director. The list includes talents that have achieved critical acclaim and recognized with awards but are not as popular with mainstream audiences: Perry Dizon (Pedro Janolino), Archie Adamos (Luis Aguado) Jess Evardone (Severino Delas Alas), Joonee Gamboa (Ambassador Felipe Buencamino), Soliman Cruz (Maximo Incoencio), Lou Veloso (Julian Felipe), Yul Servo (Pedro Paterno), Hero Bautista (Major Lazaro Macapagal), Allen Dizon (Col. Simeon Villa), Gary Estrada (Col. Jose Tagle), Wil Devaughn (Col. Agapito Bonzon), William Martinez (Dr. Santiago Barcelona).

Joonee Gamboa (Ambassador Felipe Buencamino) is one of many critically acclaimed actors who were part of the historical epic. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Foreground: Felix Roco plays Greogrio Del Pilar behind him is Cristine Reyes as Hilaria Del Rosario, Aguinaldo’s first wife. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Favorite Bad Guys

Tisoy (Fair skinned) actors were cast in the antagonist roles as the Spaniards: Christopher Deleon (Gen. Antonio Luna), Baron Geisler (Lt. Chacon), Ian Veneracion (Gen. Ernesto Aguirre) and even Tony Mabesa (Gen. Echaluche). Baron used his bad guy image to the hilt, his character Lt. Chacon was one of the ultimate rivals on the battlefield for Aguinaldo. John Regala as Padre Agustin played the abusive monk. While Padre Damaso was known for raping women, Padre Agustin beat sacristans.

Baron Geisler is the battlefield rival Lt. Chacon. Photo is from MMFF award winning film EL PRESIDENTE.

Jeorge E.R, Estregan (Emilio Aguinaldo) with Nora Aunor (Maria Agoncillo) as an old couple. EL PRESIDENTE won Best Make Up (Warren Munar) along with 6 other awards.

Nonito Donaire retains his WBO Super Bantam Title after his KO of Jorge Arce. Behind him with sunglasses is Fil-Am singer Apl D’Ap. The fight was held in Toyota Center in Houston Texas, Dec 16, 2012, Manila time.

Written by

Jude Bautista

Weeks before, I along with millions of Filipinos were more wary of Nonito Donaire’s fight with Jorge Arce rather than Manny Pacquiao’s bout with Juan Manuel Marquez. Jorge Arce known as “El Travieso” (the mischievous one) definitely has a far more fearsome reputation than El Dinamita-Marquez, even though the latter is a sure thing for the boxing Hall of Fame.

Arce is known for always going forward and unleashing a barrage of punches. He’s very outspoken and has a proven fiery attack in the ring. There were many times in the past where Arce would call out Manny Pacquiao, particularly after the Filipino won against his Mexican compatriots.

Fil-Am singer Apl D’Ap was part of the Donaire entourage on the ring. The fight was held in Toyota Center in Houston Texas, Dec 16, 2012, Manila time

Since Pacquiao had beaten Marquez, three times in the past we were all thinking of how he would beat Marquez rather than IF he could beat him. Would it go the distance? Would Manny finally be able to KO Marquez in the early rounds? Initially I couldn’t even fathom WHY Aurum would rather choose the Marquez fight over a rematch with Tim Bradley or with someone like Arce.

Jorge Arce still looked tough after his first knockdown. The fight was held in Toyota Center in Houston Texas, Dec 16, 2012, Manila time.

That’s the beauty and thrill of sports, the sheer unpredictability. So when Pacquiao was the one KOed by Marquez, the whole Filipino nation was in shock last December 9, 2012. For so long we believed our hero to be invincible, seeing him fall was worse than getting hurt ourselves. Now that he has lost convincingly, Pacquiao needs us more than ever, after lifting us up countless times before; it’s our turn to be there for him.

Jorge Arce still looked tough after his first knockdown. The fight was held in Toyota Center in Houston Texas, Dec 16, 2012, Manila time.

A week later the Donaire vs Arce fight was coming up. We heard the promises of a definitive finish from both camps.  We know that Nonito has better technique, he’s more cerebral, he’s faster, taller and stronger than Arce. We could almost say the exact same thing for Pacquiao over Marquez. But Arce was even scarier with his pronouncements than Marquez could ever be, that’s just the way he is. I was so scared I didn’t even watch the fight live. I was sure that I wouldn’t be able to take the pain of another defeat so soon. I was suspecting most Filipinos felt the same way.

After the 2nd knockdown it was the beginning of the end for Jorge Arce. The fight was held in Toyota Center in Houston Texas, Dec 16, 2012, Manila time.

Sunday morning December 16 when my brother Tim texted me and my mom with Donaire’s KO victory, I STILL held my judgment or celebration til I saw it myself on free TV. And there it was clear as day. By the 2^nd round Donaire had already scored a knockdown on Arce, with a lightning fast cross. Arce was shaking it off saying it was nothing and there was an even stronger look of determination on his face after he got up. Fresh from the week before, Pacquiao actually put Marquez down in the 5^th both men got knocked down in their fight. SO I knew Arce was still dangerous at this point.

After the 2nd knockdown it was the beginning of the end for Jorge Arce. The fight was held in Toyota Center in Houston Texas, Dec 16, 2012, Manila time.

By the 3^rd round Arce was even more fired up and tried to smother Nonito. But his problem was he couldn’t get near enough without getting hit by the jab. Donaire knew how to ‘fight tall’ using his superior reach and speed. The more frustrated Arce became the more aggressive he tried to come in and land his punch. This was where Donaire was waiting with a power punch of his own to knock him down in the last minute and again in the last second of the 3^rd, which made the ref stop the fight.

After the 2nd knockdown it was the beginning of the end for Jorge Arce. The fight was held in Toyota Center in Houston Texas, Dec 16, 2012, Manila time.

Nonito Donaire retains his WBO Super Bantam Title after his KO of Jorge Arce. Behind him with sunglasses is Fil-Am singer Apl D’Ap. The fight was held in Toyota Center in Houston Texas, Dec 16, 2012, Manila time.

When Nonito was proclaimed the winner, behind him was Apl D’Ap who held the WBO Feather Weight Title aloft. Apl D’Ap’s song JUMP IN featuring Jessica Sanchez and the Phil All Stars is already becoming a popular online video. In it there are a lot of tourist sites in the Philippines like waterfalls and the jeepney. Nonito is a great example of the message of the song of courage and going after your dreams.

Donaire was born in Bohol which has waterfalls and is known as one of best diving spots in the world. The pic is a screen grab from Apl D’Ap’s JUMP IN, a popular online video featuring Jessica Sanchez and the Phil ALL STARS.

Donaire was born in Talibon, Bohol. The town is the birthplace of 4^th Phil Pres. Carlos P. Garcia. According to Wikipedia the coastal area is home to the “the Danajon Bank, which is the Philippines only double barrier reef and one of the few documented double barrier reefs in the world.”

Donaire was born in Bohol which has waterfalls and is known as one of best diving spots in the world. The pic is a screen grab from Apl D’Ap’s JUMP IN, a popular online video featuring Jessica Sanchez and the Phil ALL STARS.

Rachel Donaire was in FHM’s Sexiest List for the 2nd straight year. She was all smiles after her hubby KOe’d Jorge Arce. The fight was held in Toyota Center in Houston Texas, Dec 16, 2012, Manila time.

The fight also marked the farewell match for sportscaster Larry Merchant who was inducted to the boxing hall of fame in 2009. Merchant is considered as one of the enduring faces and voices in the sport with a career spanning 35 years. This is the same Merchant who had an on air tiff last year with Floyd Mayweather who said, “you don’t know sh__ about boxing.” To which he responded, “If I were 50 years younger I’d kick your ass!” Mayweather apologized last May to the Boxing Hall of Famer.

Apl D’Ap in front of the jeepney, one of the icons of Philippine culture. The pic is a screen grab from Apl D’Ap’s JUMP IN, a popular online video featuring Jessica Sanchez and the Phil ALL STARS.

Mark Muñoz raises his arms in victory after Chris Leben’s corner throws in the towel at the end of the 2nd round during UFC 138 at the LG center in Birmingham, England last Nov. 6, 2011.

Written by

Jude Bautista

Apl D’Ap’s distinctive voice blared in the large LG Center in Birmingham, England. Mark Muñoz’ choice of the Black Eyed Peas as a walkout song “Bebot” said it all, “Hoy pare, pakinggan n’yo ako, heto na ang tunay na Pilipino, Galing sa baryo Sapang Bato… Ikaw ay Filipino! Filipino!” (Hey friend listen, here comes the true Filipino from the town of Sapang Bato…You are a Filipino!)

The last time a compatriot faced a Brit in a major high profile fight it barely lasted two rounds. Manny Pacquiao blasted Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton in a most devastating fashion. So the reception to Mark “Filipino Wrecking Machine” Muñoz was mixed with boos and applause in the arena last November 5, 2011. Now he was about to fight a Yank with an even scarier reputation.

His opponent’s walk out music was also telling, “Mad World” remade by Gary Jules originally by UK duo Tears for Fears. Chris “The Crippler” Leben, always had the image of a bad boy and a trash talker so much so that his antics have overshadowed an evolving game. He first shot to fame as the hot head in the very first Ultimate Fighter series, with colored hair and black nail polish and elaborate tattoos. His devastating left hook has knocked out countless other fighters. As far as defense goes, Leben also possesses ‘the toughest granite chin’ according to Joe Rogan.

Dana White goes between Leben and Muñoz during weigh-ins.

When I first heard about the fight I was worried for Muñoz, even if I was aware of his superior wrestling skills and conditioning. It was historical as the first to be scheduled to five rounds without being a title bout. Which was also a little bit ironic since everyone knew it wouldn’t go the distance. Both of them are extremely aggressive and have one punch KO power so it was certain, someone would go down soon.

That’s the Axe Murderer that Leben KO’d in 27 seconds.

The excitement was similar with Leben’s fight against Wanderlei “Axe Murderer” Silva which was still fresh in my mind. Leben clashed in the middle of the octagon with one of the most legendary and recklessly aggressive strikers in MMA. It only took 27 seconds for Wanderlei to fall face down on the mat after both men threw a mad flurry of punches at each other.

Axe Murderer Wanderlei Silva faces Kung Le in UFC on Fox November 13 (Manila time) coinciding with the Pacquiao Marquez III fight. Cain Velasquez will defend his Heavyweight belt against Junior Dos Santos in the main event.

Wanderlei has a scheduled fight next week against another powerful striker: Kung Le on November 13 (Manila time) coinciding with the Pacquiao Marquez III fight. Cain Velasquez will defend his Heavyweight belt against Junior Dos Santos in the main event. I plan to watch the Pacquiao fight live via satellite while catching the UFC replay on Balls or Studio 23. Muñoz also had his own spectacular wins but nothing as devastating as Leben destroying the Axe Muderer. Leben has definitely earned his moniker as The Crippler.

Muñoz drops down his vicious ground and pound on Leben during UFC 138 at the LG center in Birmingham, England last Nov. 6, 2011.

The first round between Muñoz and Leben was an incredible back and forth battle. Mark gets an early takedown and Leben landing elbows and punches from below. Mark lands body punches and two solid right hands before Chris gets back up. Leben even catches a knee and is able to body slam Muñoz to the ground who is able to get back up himself. The difference between the two is the amount of control Muñoz has while on top landing power shots. On the other hand Leben while also gets back up, he’s visibly weaker, wilting under the better strength and conditioning of the All American Wrestler.

Muñoz drops down his vicious ground and pound on Leben during UFC 138 at the LG center in Birmingham, England last Nov. 6, 2011.

Leben is cut and bloodied after Muñoz’ powerful right hand shots.

By the second round, Mark scores two more takedowns but this time landing right hands that swells the left eye of Leben and a deep cut near the left eyebrow. It results in a bloody mess that affects his vision. Referee Mark Goddard stops the fight to check on the eye but lets it continue after asking him if he could still see. Leben tries to go for front chokes during clinches and takedown attempts but his arms are too gassed out and exhausted to pull them off.

Mark Muñoz raises his arms in victory after Chris Leben’s corner throws in the towel at the end of the 2nd round during UFC 138 at the LG center in Birmingham, England last Nov. 6, 2011.

At the end of the round, in Leben’s corner he admits to his trainer that he could no longer see through his left eye and they throw in the towel. Leben in his post fight interview said, “Munoz was a national wrestling champion. He’s as good as they come on the ground. I definitely need to evaluate my ground game after that performance. He did a fantastic job on the ground. I wanted to keep it on my feet. He outwrestled me tonight, it takes a man to know when they’re beat ad he beat me tonight, hats off to Munoz.”

Leben is more mature and respectful as opposed to his wild TUF1 days. He congratulates Mark in the locker.

Mark was able to give a respectful post interview with Joe Rogan, “First off I’d like to thank Jesus Christ my Lord and savior; I’d like to thank my training partners Trace and Keith MMA. Chris Leben is a tough, tough competitor. I knew that I had to look out for his left hand and he came with it. I had to get rid of my brawling instincts and stick to my wrestling skills. I had to get my angles, utilize my wrestling, hit my single leg, utilize my ground and pound and that’s what I did.”

And unlike the recent controversial challenge by Chael Sonnen, Mark was more tactful when asked about his next fight, “You know I paid my dues in this weight class and I think I deserve a title shot. Anderson Silva is by far the best pound for pound fighter. I give him all the respect and honor but I think I deserve a title shot right now. I consider him a friend but right now I’d love to get a title shot.”

Mike Goldberg had a very apt comparison with one of the greats in the sport, “I almost feel like they passed a baton both Oklahoma State Cowboys. The baton has been passed from Randy Couture to Mark Muñoz as the classiest man in the game today. He does everything right, he respects everyone. He believes it’s a competition. To me, it’s like talking to Randy Couture many years ago and when I talked about that with Mark he considers it as one of the greatest compliments ever.”

Mark Muñoz raises his arms in victory after Chris Leben’s corner throws in the towel at the end of the 2nd round during UFC 138 at the LG center in Birmingham, England last Nov. 6, 2011.

Joe Rogan agreed saying, “He’s a great human being on top of being a great fighter. If you watch the Countdown show Randy Couture was the guy who got him into MMA in the first place. He’s an amazing wrestler who has developed into an amazing mixed martial arts fighter. Tonight was the pinnacle of what so far has been his career. Muñoz is knocking on the door for a title shot right now.”