It’s all about Mo-nny

True enough, the outcome of the Pacquiao-Bradley bout came as a global shocker with two of the three judges giving the fight to the 28-year-old Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley, a former dishwasher whose professional record remains unblemished at 29-0, ending Manny Pacquiao’s seven-year unbeaten reign. All over the world, boxing fans are livid and even experts are calling the outcome “highway robbery” – fanning calls for a rematch. The only ones who were probably happy were those who made a bet on Bradley with their $100 winning $325.

Manny had a guaranteed purse of $26 million and could go up to $30 million with the pay-per-view earnings, while Bradley had $5 million – the biggest so far in his career. What’s clear however is that everyone – from Bob Arum to Bradley to Manny – made loads of money and they stand to make even more with a rematch in November. Even Bob Arum said so, and this early, Bradley’s camp is hinting that the new champion’s purse will double at $10 million.

Who knows, another rematch might just happen after November – to complete the series of three that would determine who is really the better fighter, after which Pacquiao can probably (or at least most of us are hoping) announce that he is ready to retire. In any case, it will take quite a while before suspicions about the match being rigged will go away, judging from the reaction of disgusted fans who said, “It’s all about money, not just Manny.”

Shuffling the Cabinet

Insider sources from Malacañang corroborated rumors about an impending Cabinet shuffle that got triggered following an announcement by Secretary Lacierda that P-Noy was eyeing Senators Ping Lacson and Kiko Pangilinan for his Cabinet when their terms end in 2013. Lacson will most likely become the DILG secretary while Pangilinan could take on the post of agriculture secretary.

People have been engaged in a guessing game after the ouster of Renato Corona as Supreme Court Chief Justice, with speculations that either current DOJ secretary Leila de Lima (who was earlier rumored as a shoo-in for the LP senatorial slate in 2013) or BIR chief Kim Henares would get the nod of the President for the CJ post.

The same sources said Energy secretary Rene Almendras will most likely take the place of Julia Abad as Presidential Management Staff head – in effect making him some sort of an executive secretary. Meanwhile, (Cesar) Purisima friend, Noel Bonoan, will become the new energy chief while Julia will relocate to Washington DC where her husband, World Bank official Andrew Parker, will be posted.

Ivan Acuña’s growing following

It would seem that abstract artist Ivan Acuña is becoming a favorite of most condominium dwellers particularly at Serendra Two in the Fort Bonifacio area where his two-story gallery at the W Tower is located. His work can also be found in the lobbies and function rooms of buildings and offices in upscale areas in Makati and Global City, Mandaluyong and many others.

The vibrant lines and bold colors that distinguish Acuña’s work are indicative of the passionate nature of this young artist – which is probably why a lot of his work is appreciated by young designers and celebrities. The 43-year-old UP Fine Arts graduate actually has a global clientele, with his paintings being compared to that of Dutch abstract expressionist artist Willem de Kooning’s.

Acuña says he prefers his pieces to be showcased in interior design showrooms instead of art galleries because that makes it easier for people to imagine how the paintings would fit in their homes. No wonder he has a growing following.

ECJ at 77

Former Ambassador Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. was given a surprise party by close friends for his 77th birthday last Sunday at the old NPC Clubhouse in Balete Drive in Quezon City where he launched his 1992 presidential campaign.

ECJ had so many well wishers, among them former President (and soon-to-be Manila mayor?) Joseph Estrada, speaker Sonny Belmonte, former Cabinet secretary Titoy Pardo, Cebu businessman Douglas Lu Ym, Senator Bong Marcos, former congressman Frisco San Juan, former senator Ernie Maceda and of course, PAL president Ramon S. Ang and Air Philippines president and CEO Iñigo Zobel.

The former Ambassador may have relinquished the Nationalist People’s Coalition party reins to make way for the younger people, but he continues to be considered as a kingmaker. Just recently, Lakas-CMD members from the vote-rich province of Pangasinan joined the NPC – an indication that ECJ’s political party will be a major factor in the outcome of next year’s senatorial elections and even up to the 2016 presidential elections.

Spy tidbit

The polo team of Iñigo Zobel might just make it to the finals of the prestigious Queen’s Cup (sponsored by Cartier) slated this June 17 in London. Much earlier, Iñigo’s Ayala team beat Queen’s Cup titleholder Talandracas of Edouard Carmignac by 11 goals to nine, making it the first team to secure an impressive three-zero win-loss record.

The performance of Iñigo’s team is no less than striking considering that it is a newcomer to the competition, regarded as the most prestigious polo event of all. Held at the Windsor Great Park, a win at the Cartier Queen’s Cup would be doubly historic considering that it is timed for Queen Elizabeth’s much-celebrated Diamond Jubilee.