Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

MERELY a one month into the New Year, and there’s been so much happening already. The US swore in a new president in the person of Barack Obama. The Pride of the Philippines Manny Pacquiao is finalizing a deal for another blockbuster match this time with British boxing icon Ricky Hatton. Filipino World War II veterans are hoping this is the year for the Veterans Equity Act to pass, and many Philippine politicians are gearing up for the country’s presidential race in 2010.

There are more issues affecting the community in 2009. Here is the Asian Journal’s list of top 9 stories that Filipinos should look for in 2009:

The Pride of the Philippines Manny Pacquiao is on top of the list once again. After a stellar fighter of the year campaign in 2008, capturing two championship belts and vanquishing Mexican foes Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar De La Hoya, Pacquiao is set to continue the momentum in 2009.

Although there are a lot of talks that Pacquiao or his management team called off the fight against British boxing icon Ricky Hatton, the probability of that happening is slim so expect Pacquiao and Hatton to face off mid-year.

There are also been discussions that after the Pacquiao vs. Hatton match, Floyd Mayweather Jr., the former pound-for-pound champion, might come out of his retirement to face off against the Philippine champion.

No one means more to the Filipino people than Pacquiao. Word is that Pacquiao is starting his own non-profit organization to continue giving back to the Philippine people.

This past Saturday, Fil-Am comedian Jo Koy taped the pilot episode of his very own sitcom show for Comedy Central. More than 100 people showed up for the live taping at a Glendale studio.

The 30-minute show includes live sketches, upbeat dance performances and hilarious clips. Koy, whose mother is Filipino, said that he signed the 22-episode deal with the comedy network last year. The Writers Guild Strike delayed the show that was expected to premiere in late 2008. However, he’s more than happy to start the year with his dream project in full production.

The scene last Saturday was a far cry from when he first started performing. He spent more than 15 years on the road performing in comedy clubs nationwide before he earned his first big break. Three years ago, he was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, his first ever performance on prime time. Now, everyone will be able to watch him on a weekly basis on Comedy Central.

A little over a year from now, the Philippines will hold its national elections—to elect a new president, vice-president, senators, congressmen and local officials. The elected president will become the 15^th President of the Philippines, succeeding President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is barred from seeking re-election due to term restrictions.

It will be the first national computerized election in the history of the Philippines.

Even as early as a year ago, the country’s political parties and politicians have already been very busy positioning themselves for the big fight. Filipinos would do well to carefully scrutinize and review the credentials, affiliations, experience, principles, qualifications and platforms of the people who are running for office, especially the presidential wannabes. This will guide voters in making an intelligent and informed decision in choosing who will run the reins of our government in the next six years.

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