Late father continues to inspire Filipino hard-hitter Jeremy Miado

Fathers play many roles in parenting responsibilities to their children. Some are involved in every aspect of their children’s lives, while others work on only selective facets.

Regardless of which areas a father chooses, this relationship begins the journey towards an inevitable bond between parent and offspring.

Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado, a professional mixed martial artist who hails from the province of Albay in the Philippines, looked up to his father all throughout his life and considered him as his personal hero.

“The most important influence in my childhood was my father. My dad was my hero because he's someone I looked up to every single day,” he shared.

Miado’s father supported him in the early stages of his martial arts journey as he trained boxing at a local training facility in his hometown.

Growing up, his idol was Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao, and it was not unusual for him and his friends to mimic boxing’s only eight-division world champion during their free time.

“Manny Pacquiao was my idol. I wanted to be just like him when I was a teenager. He was so amazing during his prime as a boxer,” Miado said.

Although it was just a few buddies playing around back then, Miado’s commitment to boxing took a serious turn at the age of 20 when he had to drop out from his Criminology course at Bicol College to help augment the family income.

“I knew I had to do something to help out, anything,” he recalled. “I could not watch my family go through hardship, so I knew it was up to me to change our situation.”

According to Miado, his father was a bit hesitant about his decision to leave school and become a pugilist.

“I guess it’s normal for parents to be worried because what we do is so physical. But I thank him for respecting my decision to drop out and put my focus on martial arts,” he stated.

“Even though he didn’t agree with me, my father knew that I was doing it for the family.”

Like many other rural areas in the Philippines, poverty is widespread, including one of the communities in Albay where Miado was raised as his own family lived a hand-to-mouth existence.

As his parents barely made enough money to provide for the family, strapping on gloves was his only choice, hoping to emulate how Pacquiao fought his way out of bleak circumstances with his fists.

Miado showed lots of promise, garnering a solid record of 32 wins and two losses as an amateur boxer.

He dedicated time and effort to his training, but replicating what the Filipino boxing icon has accomplished was a monumental task.

With no promoters in the region to take young prospects on a route towards money and success, Miado needed a different angle, leaving home to relocate to Metro Manila.

“When I decided to move to Manila because there were a lot more opportunities, I discovered mixed martial arts. It enticed me to try it and make a career out of it,” he disclosed.

When a college friend introduced Miado to Muay Thai, he quickly fell in love with it, adding “The Art of Eight Limbs” to his repertoire.

As he progressed deeper into martial arts, Miado dabbled into different combat disciplines such as wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

With his passion for martial arts growing as the day goes by, Miado eventually won the commendation of his loving father.

“He understood where I was coming from. He started to notice the values that I learned from martial arts. After seeing the beauty of it, he ended up as my biggest fan,” he revealed.

After mastering different forms of martial arts, Miado made his cage debut in January 2016, winning his first six assignments.

His success on the mixed martial arts stage gained him the attention of ONE Championship.

Under the organization’s banner, “The Jaguar” owns two astonishing knockout victories, including the shocking first-round finish of former ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke at ONE: IRON WILL in March 2018.

This past November, Miado pushed through tremendous adversity to claim the most emotionally-charged win of his young career.

The 26-year-old Filipino striker defeated China’s Peng Xue Wen via second-round stoppage at ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS, which took place in front of his countrymen at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

While the partisan crowd cheered over his spectacular triumph, Miado closed his eyes, raised his hands in celebration, and dedicated the impressive showing to his father, who passed away merely five days prior to his bout against Peng.

"I drew strength from him for that fight. He supported me in this journey. The only thing that I could do at that moment was to repay his support with a victory,” he stressed.

“I was ready to throw in the towel, but my family and team gave me the motivation and the drive to enter the cage.

“Even though my father is gone, I still have them. My friends and family are now the source of my strength.”

Miado was tenacious from the opening bell and displayed marked improvements after he successfully defended against the Chinese wrestler’s takedown attempts.

He threw all of his punches and kicks with authority, and never showed any signs of losing steam.

The finish came at the 35-second mark of round two. Miado dropped Peng with a right uppercut, and then threw follow-up punches until referee Yuji Shimada stopped the contest. .

Miado takes great pleasure in knowing he served his father's memory well as ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS.

"I knew that if I won, he would be happy,” he expressed. “The moment I won, I knew he was happy from up there. I know he was with me. I know he was watching, so I did my best to win."

Knowing that life will never be a straightforward pathway, Miado remains optimistic and believes that he has to hold onto his persistence more than ever.

“Life can get hard and things can go wrong, but no matter what happens, I’ve got to stay strong for my family,” he stated. “I know deep in my heart that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”

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Feast of the Senses at Bistro Charlemagne Ayala Malls Feliz

Bistro Charlemagne recently opened its second branch at Ayala Malls Feliz along Marcos Highway, Pasig City and we got to try out some of their best selers.

Looking for a tasty roasted chicken or fried chicken? Bistro Charlemagne's Little Asia Crispy Chicken is a choice for those looking for the best chicken in town. Dine in and enjoy their tasty and juicy roasted chicken.

Beef Tenderloin Rolls has a burst of cheese and spice that worked out so good!

Vegetable lumpia is usually a stir-fry ground pork, shrimp, soy sauce, salt, pepper, onion, carrots, and green onions that are folded into a paper thin lumpia wrapper and eaten with a peanut sauce or fried like spring rolls.

Bistro Charlemagne takes it to whole new level by arranging on top of each other, alternating the vegetable with crispy-fried lumpia wrapper.

They offer Ox Sisig made from slow-cooked tripe and ox tongue with chopped chili peppers, onions and mayonnaise.  They also have Pork Sisig Fries which have the pork cheeks and ears sisig recipe over French fried for an awesome treat!

And their Shrimp Popper (P 425) was excellent. Shrimps are often breaded and fried. Bistro Charlemagne's recipe, however, gives them a "popper" twist. A light golden coating surrounds her butterflied shrimps.

Do visit them soon for a feast fit for a king!

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), returned to the Mall Of Asia Arena for another exciting evening of world-class martial arts action. ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS featured a series of compelling bouts, punctuated by two unforgettable championship clashes that left fans on the edge of their seats. In the main event, Filipino-American superstar Brandon Vera successfully defended his ONE Heavyweight World Championship against Italian challenger Mauro Cerilli. In the co-main event, Eduard Folayang of the Philippines defeated Singapore’s Amir Khan via unanimous decision to capture the vacant ONE Lightweight World Championship.

Visit the official ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS photo gallery by clicking: https://bit.ly/onephotos

In the main event, reigning ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera of the Philippines made quick work of Italy’s Mauro “The Hammer” Cerilli, stopping his opponent with a well-placed left hook counter to the jaw that turned the lights out on the Italian. After an aggressive Cerilli stalked Vera across the cage, the Filipino-American took a step back and uncorked the counter that landed right on the button. Cerilli was out before he hit the canvas as referee Olivier Coste stepped in to call a halt to the contest just passed the one minute mark. The victory also earned Vera GoDaddy KO of the Night honors.

Brandon Vera, ONE Heavyweight World Champion, stated: “Manila, all my countrymen, I’ve missed you all. Two years was a long time. I’m sorry I’ve been away for so long, but it looks like I can still do it. I’ve been watching Mauro’s tapes every night. Even as I sleep, I watch him train. I watch him fight. I watch everything he does. I know he swings hard. He did punch me in the mouth and it hurt, and then when he fell down, I was pretty surprised. So I’m glad I got that left hook in and dropped him with it. In the world of martial arts, the Philippines owns five world titles. We can do this. Continue your support. Let’s get all the belts!”

In the co-main event of the evening, the Philippines’ Eduard “Landslide” Folayang secured a thrilling five-round unanimous decision victory over Singapore’s Amir Khan to capture the vacant ONE Lightweight World Championship. Folayang dominated Khan from start to finish, punishing his younger opponent with a variety of striking combinations featuring spinning heel kicks and sharp elbows. Khan tried his best to counter Folayang’s offense, but appeared a step slower and couldn’t pin down Folayang’s timing. In the end, all three judges saw the bout in favor of Folayang.

Former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario of the Philippines overcame a game effort from challenger Rahul “The Kerala Krusher” Raju of Singapore to win by unanimous decision after three rounds. Banario dominated Raju in striking exchanges while also threatening with submissions in the first round. Raju made it a competitive bout in the second frame, but Banario came alive once again in the third and nearly finished the Singaporean with a rear naked choke. In the end, all three judges saw the bout in favor of Banario.

In a spirited ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest, bantamweights Saemapetch Fairtex of Thailand and Alaverdi Ramazanov of Russia put on an absolute show for fans at the Mall of Asia Arena. Ramazanov used his height and length to pose problems for Saemapetch early, but the Thai veteran would start to come on in the second round. Although Ramazanov would try his best to outwork his opponent, Saemapetch proved much too explosive and powerful. After three rounds of action, all three judges saw the bout in favor of Saemapetch to win by unanimous decision.

James Nakashima of the United States authored a solid all-around performance in his ONE Championship debut, dominating Russia’s Raimond Magomedaliev to earn a unanimous decision victory. Nakashima bucked a slow start in the first round after Magomedaliev’s range posed a problem for the former American National Wrestling Champion. Nakashima’s grappling prowess was put on display in the succeeding rounds as he took Magomedaliev down at will and consistently pounded him out. In the end, all three judges scored the bout in favor of Nakashima.

Japanese kickboxing ace Hiroaki Suzuki was victorious in his ONE Super Series debut, picking up a unanimous decision win over Lithuania’s Deividas Danyla. Danyla controlled the pace in the opening round, but Suzuki connected on a left hook that sent Danyla to the mat to close the first frame. In the second round, Danyla continued to put the paces on Suzuki who appeared to grow stronger as the bout wore on. In the third round, Suzuki turned up the pressure with a stream of thunderous kicks and punch combinations, enough to earn him the nod on all three judges’ scorecards.

Norwegian Cruise Line Jewel is set to arrive in Sydney after bow and stern renovations

Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in cruising, today announced the completion of the refurbishment of Norwegian Jewel as part of The Norwegian Edge® program, reaffirming the company’s commitment to elevating the standard of excellence across the fleet. Following a two-week dry dock in Singapore for the company’s most extensive enhancement project in 2018, Norwegian Jewel will debut in Sydney, Australia on Saturday, Dec. 1, showcasing refreshed venues, updated spaces, premiere entertainment and redesigned staterooms.  Offering seven to 19-day itineraries to some of the region’s most exotic destinations, she’ll spend her winter 2018 and spring 2019 seasons cruising from Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore, before joining Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy in Alaska for the summer. “Norwegian Jewel’s complete renovation showcases our dedication to providing guests with quality experiences across the fleet and around the world,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Not only are we revealing updated designs and accommodations throughout the ship, but guests will also enjoy new venues and three incredibly exciting shows, one of which premieres for the first time on Norwegian Jewel.”  Debuting Entertainment Norwegian Jewel will feature two new shows – “Rock You Tonight,” and ship exclusive “Velvet,” illustrating the company’s commitment to providing high-caliber entertainment. “Rock You Tonight” showcases a medley of songs from the best bands of the 70s, including Queen, Journey and The Who. The Australian hit musical “Velvet" makes its debut at sea with disco classics, a stellar combination of circus acrobatics, cabaret and burlesque elements, and features the talented Brenda Edwards of “X Factor UK” as the lead, with “The Voice” finalist, Frenchie Davis to follow.   New and Updated Restaurants, Bars and Lounges Nearly all dining, bar and lounge offerings on Norwegian Jewel were updated, and two new venues were opened – The Pit Stop and Bliss Ultra Lounge, replacing the Sky High Bar and FYZZ Cabaret Lounge. Drawing inspiration from the 1950’s, The Pit Stop is an all-American bar retrofitted with vintage license plates, gas station signage and other classic car elements of the era. Bliss Ultra Lounge offers late-night entertainment in a modern and upscale setting, with more intimate seating options now available. Redesigned Staterooms All 1,188 staterooms were upgraded with new televisions and USB outlets, as well as new carpet, artwork and furniture. The Haven by Norwegian® received updates to the courtyard, additional cabanas on the sun deck and new finishes, carpets, tiles, drapes, artwork and furniture for all suites and villas. The ship also boasts two new Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suites, at nearly 1,200 square feet and featuring large, 567-square-foot balconies, two private jacuzzies and accommodates up to four guests.  Enhanced Public Spaces and Recreation Areas As the heart of the ship, the Atrium has been revitalized with an entirely refreshed look centered around a custom-design chandelier and includes updated flooring, refurbished reception and shore excursion desk areas, the addition of relaxed banquette seating and a large TV screen.

Doug Kramer and JC Intal are Taiwan Excellence ambassadors for its Pilot Basketball Camp

Taiwan Excellence  partnered with legendary PBA star Coach Eric Altamirano to bring in the first ever Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp. Combining the Filipino passion for basketball and the Taiwanese drive for innovation, the two-day Basketball Camp filled the Mall of Asia Music Hall with an intense 3-on-3 Hoop Challenge, top-notch innovations from Taiwan Excellence, and PBA stars last July 21 – 22, 2018.

Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp aims to promote sportsmanship as it brought together some of the Metro’s most promising basketball players while highlighting the incredible products awarded with the Taiwan Excellence Seal.

“Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp is an exemplary showcase of excellence from both countries: the fighting spirit of the Filipinos further empowered by the products of Taiwan,” said Alfred Wang, Director of the Economic Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).

With its aim of promoting the leading products, Taiwan Excellence shares to the world a variety of truly innovative brands. Initiated by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), Taiwan, R.O.C., in 1992, the symbol of Taiwan Excellence is continuously recognized by 102 countries.

The symbol of Taiwan Excellence, according to Wang, honors Taiwan’s most innovative products “that provide tremendous value to users worldwide.” Each product has been selected for a specific Taiwan Excellence Award based on their excellence in the following categories: design, quality, marketing, Taiwanese RResearch and Development plus manufacturing.

Boasting participation of 192 amateur Pinoy ballers, the Camp put their skills to the test in a rigorous 3-on-3 matches while 3 PBA stars are on the sidelines showing support. Alongside Coach E of Alaska Aces, local court heroes JC Intal and Doug Kramer of Phoenix Fuel Masters also gave their support to the budding ballers.

Also integral to the whole Taiwan Excellence Basketball Camp set up is the Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone which exhibits the top-of-the-line products of Taiwan.

With products from tech giant Asus, fitness company Johnson, and bike manufacturer Tern, among others, the Taiwan Excellence Zone got everyone up close and personal with impressive products championed by Taiwan. Wang hopes these superior products from Taiwan will boost the way of life and strengthen the love of Filipinos for basketball and sports in general.

“They did a great job in showcasing the best products that Taiwan can offer. The quality can go head to head with other global brands,” said Christian Ramos, one of the players for the Camp.

Meanwhile, the two celebrity players look forward to using the products themselves. “I am really excited about the bikes from Tern. They make biking and going around the city a much more fun experience,” said Intal.

As for Kramer, he has his sights on the Paper Shoot, compact digital cameras with cases made out of eco-friendly paper.

“I really feel that the whole family will fall in love with it. It is so simple and sophisticated, I know my kids will love using Paper Shoot.” Kramer said.

Do visit https://www.taiwanexcellence.org/ph for updates about Taiwan Excellence. You may also follow their Facebook page at facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph.

Online Dating can be Fun

Was there ever a time when you meet someone outside and you instantly feel the connection? Did you ever feel an intense pull towards a person you barely know? Did you came to a point when you realize that you were growing to care for that person in a way which was more than friendship? 

Some of my previous love affairs were karmic. Back then, I was prepared to take risk of losing everything if my love partner was. My personal life had been on hold for a time. I had been focused on corporate work lately. I had given up the best years of my life to a tiring job. And I just wanted to live a normal life for a while. I was not socializing as much as I have done and I so decided to work on my social life.

Finally, I met a woman I thought I might grow to love. We agreed on things that mattered in life, but I have ruined everything in the end.  I was in for a rude awakening.

I thought that I can captivate her forever. I was wrong. I never exercised caution. I was foolish enough to make promises I could not keep.  I have to accept the consequences then. I had been careful ever since not to fall for alluring women who might cause me to break my quiet stride of life. Those serious relationships that did not work caused irreparable damages on me that time can only heal. From then on, I made a mental note not to mess up my life again.Other possibilities were unsettling to contemplate on.

I came into contact with some fantastic people, but still felt alone. I yearned for someone new and interesting to talk to. I was looking a romantic friendship or to passionate attachments in the wrong places that I have given up hope finding someone who was on the same wavelength as me. Before, I often thought of looking forward to something that is more important than that which I am afraid of losing in myself when I leave a marital affair. I embarked on a couple of relationships which were fun while it lasted. I knew deep inside that these were not the people I could settle down and spend the rest of my life with.

Dating sites make things a little easier for me to find some casual fun minus the risks. Like other people, I enjoy the benefits of participating in online, remote affairs while avoiding flaws.  There is nothing wrong with playing the field a little and getting to know people before jumping into a serious relationship.Dating doesn’t have to lead to a lifelong commitment. There is a lot to be gained by going casual. Casual dating gives everyone an opportunity to figure out what you do and don’t like in relationships. .

I joined in a few online dating platform weeks ago and it has been pretty good! In that time, I have met local girls with similar backgrounds and inquiring minds who never asked for anything other than companionship. I did get a lot of no replies but with a little more patience and it happened. It pays to keep on trying with some manners to go along. 

No Strings Dating looks great and I was surprised to see it is free. It caters to people looking for casual dating to those after for long term relationships.  Could it be the opportunity I'd been looking for? Its easy-to-use interface allows me to search for people by area and by distance that are online. And it shows them in a big list. Now, I have the freedom to flirt constantly and get deeply entwined in another’s mind without the tension and guilt when the connection fades.

Casual dating lets me explore an exciting side of life I never thought possible. I can reach out to another person without the constant need to stay connected, unlike in a marital affair. Before, I often thought of looking forward to something that is more important than that which I am afraid of losing in myself when I leave a marital affair. Now, I have the freedom to flirt constantly and get deeply entwined in another’s mind without the tension and guilt when the connection fades. .

Being up front with women about non-exclusive intentions is the key to a successful casual dating. By being honest, you don’t feel pressured to settle if you’re more about having some fun. Next to  honesty, rule number two is all about discretion.. Casual dating lets me explore an exciting side of life I never thought possible. I can reach out to another person without the constant need to stay connected, unlike in a marital affair..

Get a Taste of Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine at the Winestone Restaurant

Winestone is a  late-night bar and wine retail store, serving affordable wines and authentic Mediterranean platters. Strategically located near Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore on Stevens, this Mediterranean restaurant caters to locals and expatriates from witihin its neighborhood, as well as international guests from around the world.

True to it name, "Winestone" reflects a new distinguishing concept with two elements: the wine selection created out of the experience and the knowledge of its wine ambassadors and signature meals served on stone boards.

The concept of Winestone revolves around the key words: simple, attractive, authentic and affordable. Expect quality wines at affordable prices, from $10 for a glass and $48 for a bottle. Take-home wine is also made available at Winestone Retail, located within the restaurant, with a separate entrance to the driveway.

The signature “Winestone Express Platter” is served promptly (within 15 minutes) for the early and hungry. It includes a mixture of cold cuts, cheeses, olives, bread and a glass of wine for $22. Other signatures include Ricotta and Veal Meatballs, Falafel with Hummus, Battered-fried Whitebait, Seabass and Dolma Prawns, 150-days Grain-fed MS2+ Beef Tenderloin and more.

As night falls, the music gradually transforms from chill beats to house music. Winestone is the only restaurant and bar on Stevens Road that operates till 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Winestone Restaurant
30 Stevens Road, #01-09, Singapore 257840
www.winestone.com.sg