Juan Manuel Marquez Arrives in Manila

Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez arrived in Manila on Thursday, September 1, for the kick-off leg of a four-city promotional tour for the Marquez-Pacquiao November 12 fight in Las Vegas.

After Manila, Marquez and Manny Pacquiao will head to New York, Los Angeles and Mexico City in a span of 1 week.

This is the third fight between Marquez and Pacquiao. Their first fight in 2004 resulted to a draw while their 2008 fight ended in a split decision in favor of Pacquiao.

Recently, "Juan Miguel Marquez" trended on Twitter for telling 24 Oras that he drinks his own urine before big fights because it is a good source of vitamins.

photo: mannypacquiaovs.com

Kris Humphries in Swimwear for GQ

NBA star and Kim Kardashian's soon-to-be husband Kris Humphries was photographed by Ben Watts wearing the latest swimwear for GQ.

The 6'9" New Jersey Nets "big man" will marry Kim Kardashian in just a few hours as of this posting. Kris is 26 years old, while Kim turns 31 this October.

And just to show you how well-built Kim Kardashian's husband-to-be is, click "Read More" for some shirtless Kris Humphries.

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Maja Salvador Plays the Role of an Athlete in "Thelma"

Maja Salvador stars in Thelma where she plays the role of a track and field athlete coming from a poor family. Distributed by Star Cinema, it is set to be shown nationwide on September 7, 2011.

Directed by Paul Soriano, Thelma is basically an inspirational movie about life, hope, and the will to never give up. Inspired by true stories, some parts of the movie were taken from the life of national athlete Elma Muros who personally trained Maja in preparation for the role. Aside from that, Elma also has a role in the movie.

Aside from Maja and Elma, others in the cast of Thelma are John Arcilla, Tetchie Agbayani, Eliza Pineda, and Sue Prado with the special participation of Jason Abalos and Elma Muros.

Director Paul Soriano co-wrote the screenplay with Froilan Medina. He is also one of the producers of Thelma with Rino Que, Samantha Chavez-Que, and the star of the movie Maja Salvador.

Watch Thelma's trailer after the jump.

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More Neil Etheridge for Folded & Hung Underwear Photos

Girls (and boys alike) went gaga over the one photo of Neil Etheridge in only his underwear that was posted on the Folded and Hung's Facebook page last Wednesday. It immediately circulated all over the internet, blogged and reblogged, tweeted and retweeted. (RELATED POST)

And that's just one photo! What more would a set of images featuring the Azkals Goal Keeper in his undies do?

A few hours ago, Folded and Hung has released sexier images of Neil Etheridge on Facebook. The stunning images were shot by top fashion photog Ronnie Salvacion.

Neil, who told philstar.com that he was a little shy during the photoshoot because he didn't want to take his top off right away in front of a camera, said he owes his current physique to his "great fitness trainer" who has helped him get into shape.

And how does he feel about becoming an instant sex symbol because of the sexy photos? Neil Etheridge said he's not one at all. He is just a normal person who always has time for others.

Sadly, but none of these images will hit the billboards of EDSA anytime soon as some politicians see underwear ads on the streets inappropriate. (RELATED POST)

More Folded and Hung images of Neil Etheridge after the jump.

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Philippine Dragon Boat Team is Back in Manila

The Philippine Dragon Boat team is now back in Manila after winning 5 gold and 2 silver medals at the International Dragon Boat Federation (IBDF) world championships in Florida.

 The team was greeted by fans and relatives at the Terminal 2 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport around 4 AM of Friday, August 12, 2011.

In a press event at the Century Park Sheraton hotel, the Dragon Boat team thanked their Filipino fans and the Filipinos in Florida who supported them.

Asi Taulava Punched Malaysian Opponent For Grabbing and Squeezing His Crotch

Asi Taulava of the Philippine basketball team punched a member of their Malaysian opponent for grabbing and squeezing his crotch during their match last Tuesday at the 2011 William Jones Cup in Taiwan. Now, that's foul!

Here's what Asi had to say regarding the incident: “He grabbed them, squeezed them then back-punched them. I wouldn’t have reacted that way if he didn’t do it, it was like a punch, it’s the worst feeling.” (Philippine Star)

Kwaan Yoong Jing was the name of the Malaysian who "couldn't resist Asi's hotness." After the incident, both he and Asi Taulava were ejected from the game which was won by the Philippines with a score of 86-68.

Asi Taulava then took to Twitter to say his apologies to Pinoys, saying: "Would like to apologize to everybody that watched the game today for losing my cool. No excuses for my actions, and I’m sorry."

Watch the video clip of the game below.

Sadly Kwaan Yoong Jing would come down to the history of basketball as the... crotch-grabber!

video: nosebleedzzz
photo: bestofmensworld.blogspot.com

Azkals' Neil Etheridge for Folded and Hung Underwear

Folded and Hung has just posted a photo of their new underwear endorser – Philippine Azkals Goal Keeper Neil Etheridge!

And look how hot the pose is.

The Azkals really has a future outside football. And they're willing to flaunt it!

Watch Azkals' Health & Beyond BTS Video

Check out the behind-the-scenes video of Philippine Azkals' Anton Del Rosario, Rob Gier, Nate Burkey, Simon Greatwich, and Misagh Bahadoran's photo shoot for Health and Beyond.

The five are the newest ambassadors of Health and Beyond, a chain of stores offering food supplements.

Brands like Levi's, Mikasa, Canon, Power Balance, JanSport, and Mizuno are used in the shoot.

Watch the BTS video after the jump.

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Azkals' Paul Mulders Injured, Might Not Play Against Kuwait

Paul Mulders, the attacking midfielder of the Philippine Azkals, might not be able to play in the team's match against Kuwait for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition in Asia.

The Fil-Dutch footballer suffered an open wound during their game in Sri Lanka. It worsened on Tuesday as bacteria got into the wound and spread out, to the point that he already had fever and his knee was so swollen it was already as big as his thigh. He was admitted to the emergency room last Saturday to undergo a procedure that would remove the infection.

With the infection gone, Paul is already okay but he's still recuperating and taking antibiotics. If he does not heal in time, he might miss their away match against Kuwait which will happen on Saturday, July 23. He already missed his club's (ADO Den Haag) away match against FK Tauras-Lithuania in the UEFA Europa League due to the injury.

Paul says he's in touch with Azkals coach Michael Weiss and manager Dan Palami and promises to play if he gets well enough.

He was touched when some of his Azkals teammates emailed him to let him know that they need him to win in their next big game.

If he couldn't play, that would mean three less players from the team since Aly Borromeo and Stephan Schrock both got a yellow card in their home game against Sri Lanka last July 3, 2011.

photo: phlazkals.com

Kobe Bryant is in Manila

NBA superstar Kobe Bryant arrived in Manila on June 12, 2011 for a two-day visit. Manila is the Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard's first stop in his five-city Asian tour sponsored by Nike.

The earlier reported one-day visit is now two, with an added appearance to a charity event. He will then be at the Araneta Coliseum for the elite boot camp at 5:00 PM of July 13, 2011. The boot camp features the FEU Tamaraws, La Salle Green Archers, Ateneo Blue Eagles, and Smart Gilas Pilipinas.

For more television, movie, and music updates, like/follow The Ultimate Fan on Facebook and Twitter.

photo: interaksyon.com

The Azkals in a Gang Rape Scandal

Four members of the Philippine Azkals are allegedly involved in a rape scandal, at least that's what the rumors currently spreading on the internet says.

The "scandal" started as a blind item in which four athletes were the subject. According to the blind item, these four athletes got drunk one night and took home a random girl from a bar. One of them took a video of "what they did" which the girl somehow found out when they woke up the following morning. The four athletes denied the video and threw the girl outside the house.

It was recently "reported" that the girl have already filed charges against the four athletes.

The four athletes allegedly involved were eventually named as Neil Etheridge, Anton Del Rosario, Jason Sabio, and Simon Greatwich. This became harder to disregard when actress Michelle Madrigal, who is friends with some members of the Azkals, tweeted something that many believed was with regards to the alleged rape scandal.

Michelle Madrigal tweeted: "People should stop assuming..I'm friends with neil,simon n anton.wala naman kayong alam kaya sana wag kayo gumawa ng kwento.don't hate coz I'm cool w them!to all the fans I'm NOT dating neil etheridge.I don't normally care about what people say but your words are hurting me deeply.thank u n godbless!

The gang rape scandal has also reached the pages of Bandera, a local tabloid. The tabloid said that the former Philippine Football Federation consultant Paul Weiler e-mailed them with the details of the gang rape as related to him by the Azkals' head coach himself, Michael Weiss. He also had screenshots of his Facebook conversation with Neil Etheridge regarding the gang rape.

24 Oras recently had a chance to talk to the Azkals and Team Manager Dan Palami had this to say: "Before we judge or before we post anything siguraduhin natin 'yong facts because maraming taong naaapektuhan. And, of course, on our side we wanna make sure na kung may katotohanan man we will not tolerate it... But on the other hand kung ang basis ko lang naman is statement ng isang nagpapanggap na consultant at saka isang blog, medyo mahihirapan ako mag-take ng actions just based on those things."

In a live interview with Mel Tiangco, the Team Manager said that he already talked to the players regarding the matter the first time he heard about it. Those who were allegedly involved in the controversy denied it.

Paul Weiler was a consultant for the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) some ten years ago under the administration of that time. Palami said he had already met Weiler who wanted to apply to again become PFF's consultant, but the Team Manager told him they didn't have that kind of position. Palami thought being rejected to become part of the team motivated Paul Weiler to put the Azkals down through "scandals" like this.

Meanwhile, Team Captain Aly Borromeo, said "I think there's a few people out there who just wanna take away the limelight off the Azkals and it's a shame for people like that in the Philippines."

Let's just hope that this controversy doesn't affect their match against Kuwait in teh second round of the 2014 World Cup Asia qualifiers. They will fly to Bahrain this weekend to begin their acclimatization for their away game in Hawalli, Kuwait on July 23. The second leg of the game will be held here in Manila on July 28.

Yao Ming is Retiring

Yao Ming is retiring, that's according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski

The 7'6" Chinese basketball player who plays center for the Houston Rockets only played five games last season due to the severe fracture on his left foot and the surgeries he had to go through.

He got the stress fracture on 2008 and he underwent several operations which placed screws in his foot to strengthen the bone. He was able to play after that, but on December 16, 2010, it was announced that Yao developed a stress fracture in his left ankle that was related to the previous injury.

He failed to attend the Western Conference last January 2011 where he was voted as the starting center for the 2011 All-Star Game. He was not in Los Angeles at the time due to after-surgery rehabilitation.

On July 8, 2011, there were reports that Yao Ming was retiring. One of his agents, though, falsified the claim. Yao then announced a press conference for July 20 to talk about his future career plans.

Bench Removes Philippine Volcanoes EDSA Billboards

Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos told abs-cbnNEWS.com that top local brand, Bench, agreed to take down four of its EDSA billboards featuring seven members of the Philippine National Rugby Team, Philippine Volcanoes, wearing nothing but their Bench Body undies. (related article: Philippine Volcanoes Bare For Bench Body)

The mayor clarified that he didn't order the billboards' removal, he just requested the advertisers to have it removed. Abalos further said that the act is not a moral issue because he's not very conservative himself, but the road is the center of Metro Manila where a lot of people pass. His concern is its inappropriateness to the eyes of the children.

For more television, movies, and music updates, follow The Ultimate Fan on Facebook and Twitter.

photo: http://iamjammed.com/

Bench Releases the Philippine Volcanoes Poster Calendar

After featuring the Philippine Volcanoes in sexy posters, Bench now releases a poster calendar of the rugby players to support the team.

The calendar costs only P69 but only includes the months of July 2011 up to February 2012.

Proceeds of the poster calendar sale goes to the Philippine Rugby Football Union, so if you're a fan, throw your support to the Volcanoes by buying Bench's Philippine Volcanoes Poster Calendar now!

Phil Younghusband and Angel Locsin Star in the New Century Tuna TVC

Phil Younghusband and Angel Locsin have a new television commercial that premiered yesterday during the live coverage of Philippine Azkals vs Sri Lankan Brave Reds match. Following the tradition of love teams endorsing canned tuna, Phil and Angel now endorses Century Tuna (video below).

Angel Locsin was present during yesterday's football match held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium which was won by the Philippine Azkals. A lot of us are wondering if the two are just dating or if they're already a couple.

Philippine Azkals Wins Against Sri Lankan Brave Reds in July 3 Game

The Philippine National Football Team Azkals won against Sri Lanka's Brave Reds with an aggregate score of 5-1 during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition in Asia.

Both teams got 1 goals each during the first leg of the game held in Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka last June 29. Nate Burkey scored that lone goal for the Azkals.

The second leg of the game was held July 3, 2011 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila, which was flocked by Filipino fans who were ever supportive of the country's football team.

The first half ended with 2-0 in favor of the Azkals. First goal was scored by Chieffy Caligdong while the second one was by the crowd favorite Phil Younghusband.

Angel Guirado Aldeguer scored the third goal during the second half. The fourth goal, which came from a penalty kick by Phil Younghusband, put the game beyond Sri Lanka.

The game ended with a score of 4-0 in favor of the Philippine Azkals, and they won with an aggregate score of 5-1, making them advance to the second round of World Cup Qualifier vs. Kuwait.

Starting 11  were Etheridge, del Rosario, Borromeo, Gier, Ott, Schrock, Mulders, Guirado, J. Younghusband, Caligdong, and P.Younghusband.

It's just so unfortunate that Aly Borromeo and Stephan Schrock will miss the next match versus Kuwait after accumulating 2 yellow cards.

Angel Locsin was a camera favorite who watched the game with fellow actress Bubbles Paraiso. The two were flashed many times especially during the two times Phil Younghusband scored. It is well known that Phil and Angel are dating.

Kobe Bryant Manila Tour 2011

Basketball superstar Kobe Bryant will visit Manila for the third time this July 13, 2011. It's the Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard's first stop for his five-city Asian tour sponsored by Nike.

Kobe Bryant, 32, will begin his one-day visit with a short show at Nike Park, The Fort at 3:00 PM. He will then be at the Araneta Coliseum for the elite boot camp at 5:00 PM. The boot camp features the FEU Tamaraws, La Salle Green Archers, Ateneo Blue Eagles, and Smart Gilas Pilipinas.

The show is for free but tickets are still needed. To get one, visit Nike Park and Titan at The Fort on July 2 at 12 PM, or you can follow Nike Philippines on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nikebasketball.phils. They're giving away 2 free tickets each to 50 lucky fans.

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Philippine Volcanoes Bare For Bench Body

Members of the Philippine rugby team The Volcanoes were tapped by Bench, one of the country's leading brands, to model for the Bench Body line of underwear. Since most of them were raised in "more liberated" countries, I'm sure they didn't need more prodding to bare their bodies for the camera.

In other countries, it has become a trend for some time now for famous football players to pose naked for calendars. They even sometimes do that for the benefit of some charitable institutions.

With the booming popularity of football in the Philippines comes the trend of the athletes posing naked for the cameras. I actually wonder why it hasn't become a trend with basketball players, when basketball is considered as the top sports in the land.

This Bench pictorial, though, can actually be described as wholesome if we would compare it to something like Dieux du Stade where famous rugby players go all out.

One more screencap and the behind-the-scenes video clip of the Bench Body photoshoot after the jump.

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