UFC 124: GSP vs Koscheck

Last September, UFC welterweight champion Georges St Pierre or GSP visited Manila to promote mixed martial arts to the general public. The charismatic UFC champion has vowed to return to the Philippines for a vacation. Vacation can wait but for now, GSP must defend his welterweight belt at UFC 124 against one of MMA's bad ass fighter, Josh Koscheck. This will going to be the second time both fighter meet in the Octagon with GSP claiming victory on the first via Unanimous Decision. Koscheck is an outstanding stand-up fighter with knockout power and can definitely wrestle. Great skills yet bad ass attitude.

GSP (20-2), on the other hand, sticked to his ground game and wrestling and bringing himself victories through decision. He has somehow strayed away from striking and settled to a 'grind-it-out' style for his recent fights. I would want to see GSP's Muay Thai mixing up with Kos' dirty boxing with both fighters more hard take downs and slams. Another angle that needs to be seen is the potential "upset" of the champion. There has been trend in UFC nowadays that the underdog always win over the favorite.

My prediction is that GSP will win this one on close unanimous decision. UFC 124 on December 11 2010 at Ballz Channel and Spike.

Belenismo Belen 3: Tarlac SSS Office

The Social Security Service (SSS) Tarlac City Branch hoisted its 7-character Nativitiy scene. Compared to the other two featured belens of Nay's Haus and Diwa ng Tarlac, this one is composed of the main nativity characters with the main colors of colors of Chrismas. Yet, in another showing of innovation and ingeniuty, the belen is made up of collage that made the figures quite distorted. At the first glance, it seems that Joseph, Mary, 3 kings and the angel are all headless. A close look will reveal that the faceless heads are somewhat inclined backwards. There might be some significance for the design but I leave that the expert interpreters.

The main belen is surrounded by the official red Belenismo tarpaulin on the left, yellow lanterns on the top and an inscription entitled "Prayer to the Belen" on the right. The stage is covered with blue and red clothes that appears to be a Philppine flag. For me, the Tarlac SSS Belen strays away from the traditional belen design norms and created its own distinct and creative rendition.

My rating: 8.5/10. Unconventional, full of symbols and gleeful

Belenismo Belen 2: Diwa ng Tarlac

The Diwa ng Tarlac belen is situated along the Romulo Blvd, Tarlac City near the Tarlac Capitol. The nativity character is made up of faceless manequins, perhaps composed of materials from wood, cardboard and plastic. The manequins are wearing actual satin clothes that glittered especially at night time when the lights are on. The background appears to be rays of the sun perhaps implying some sense of nationalism. I am not sure though if it is Philippine or Japanese nationalism.

The belen is surrounded by white steel grills covered with yellow christmas lights. Not shown in the picture and located on the left side of the belen is an angel gesturing open arms. At the top are steel grills shaped to look like the nativity Bethlehem star. Overall, the belen is complemented by its bright light with a dedicated spotlight focusing on the infant Jesus Christ.

My rating: 7.5/10. Full of cold steel frames with hot bright lights!

Belen 1: Nay's Haus

First belen for Belenismo 2010. The first Belen to be featured on my blog is the "Nay's Haus" belen located along Brgy. San Vicente, Romulo Blvd. Nay's House is a fine dining restaurant serving native Filipino foods. For the second consecutive year, the belen of Nay's Haus never failed to impressed me.

The belen is composed of the famous personalities from the nativity scene yet somehow limited to the main actors: baby jesus, joseph, mary and the three wisemen. The characters are made of ceramics while belen structure is composed mostly of plastic, cardboad and banig (weaved) rattan. The color theme is predominantly blue red and green, the colors of Christmas.

My rating: 8/10. Simple, traditional and classic.

Belenismo sa Tarlac 2010

Belenismo sa Tarlac: The Art of Making Belen 2010 was launched last November 5 at SM Tarlac. The event, on its fourth year already, is a held every Christmas whereinm belens are creatively being crafted and proudly hoisted outside the premises of various offices and agencies. Belen is a replica of the nativity scene. In addition, the Museo ng Tarlac shows miniature belens from different provinces around the country.

Last year's winner is the Capas Municipal Hall belen. i remember that the materials used are biodegradeable such as corn, coconut husk and dried leaves. PNP Belen Stationed at BRgy Salapungan is already a Hall of Famer. The competition for this year should be tight. One belen will featured per day on this blog.