Thank You Everyone!

Want to thank everyone here in Metro Manila for the wonderful and memorable visit.  Each time, it turns out a little better than the last one.  This time, this blogger was here for three weeks instead of two.  It happens to be the longest away from America.

I don't take these vacations for granted, especially now in an advanced age.  There's never a guarantee that there will ever be a vacation like this again.

Next year, the planning is two countries in four weeks time.  I've talked with several people about this already.  The timeframe could be either in late July/August or perhaps earlier.  Nevertheless, the planning has already begun while still here.

As mentioned at the top, there are so many people to thank, and who made this visit special.  Getting a chance to do some running again at my favorite area at UP Diliman will always be special.  The meetups at UP, Trinoma and Ali Mall, Brawl Pit Bulusan and Onyang's Cafe were great as well.  Visiting much of Metro Manila either by foot, jeepney, MRT and Grab was a blast.  Finally, the PUSO Wrestling show the final weekend of the visit is still on one's mind.  Thank you to everyone that this blogger saw that evening.  All the best to PUSO Wrestling going forward.  The promotion has a very bright future and is on the right path!  Also, all the best to Jake De Leon, Fabio Makisig and Jomar in visiting Japan soon.

In closing, a couple of people are concerned that the flight out of Manila may be affected by the Taal volcano activity that's going on.  To my friends here, please be careful.  It may be rough breathing outside.  I've checked Philippine Airlines and the flight right now is scheduled for tomorrow night....subject to change (just like wrestling).

Please take care everyone and will chat when getting back to America. 

    

Puso Ng Isang Kampeon!

Inside Brawl Pit Bulusan before the show.

Last night's PUSO Wrestling's debut show, Unang Tibok, was one for the ages!  You had to be there to see it!  The show took place at Brawl Pit Bulusan, the mecca of pinoy wrestling.  This post may be a little long, but please enjoy! 

This blogger arrived nearly five hours before the start of the show by Grab (Philippines answer for Uber).  Being concerned about traffic in Metro Manila, it was more than worth the extra hours.

Meeting up with wrestlers, a few fans, and eating the great quesadillas at Onyang's Cafe, were the early highlights well beforehand.  The anticipation of what would be a memorable night was definitely there.  There were a lot of photo-ops, something that is very warm and popular throughout Southeast Asia. 

Leading up to the show, this fan knew that the show would go off well.  The concern was how the fans would react to what would transpire this night.  It didn't take very long once the gates opened and everyone was inside.

Receiving a Jun Capilos Jr. T-Shirt from Jelson, his son, was an emotional experience.  This blogger thought of wearing it during the Battle Royal in honor of Jelson's dad.  Instead, I wore it throughout the entire evening.  Thank you so much Jelson, and to Dax Clothiers for putting out a great product!  Also, I want to put a shoutout to The Nutcase for the shirts received.  In the two years of purchasing, the shirts are of good quality.  Thank you guys so much!

There was an experience of entering a wrestling ring, something I haven't done in 57 years as a wrestling fan.  That was emotional in which I wondered how the tears were held back.  It was an honor to step inside the squared circle that my past heroes such as Pat Patterson, Peter Maivia and Rocky Johnson entertained for many years.  It was an honor to hold a championship belt with some of my current heroes of the current PUSO Wrestling roster with Jake De Leon, Joya and Joey Rosas.  Thank you to all three wrestlers as well as Cholo, Rosh and the staff members who were the photographers of the event.

Then, there was the opening of the show and the unveiling of the Pusong Pinoy PUSO Wrestling Championship belt (thank for Rowen for the photo).  If you weren't there to see it, the pinoy wrestling fans in attendance were in awe of what they saw!  The cameras and photos were clicking!  It was definitely a sight to see.  Simple, but perfect design.  Whoever is the first to win the championship will be deserving and look really good wearing this!

The show itself, and the fan reaction was what this fan expected.....and a lot more!  There's something about Brawl Pit Bulusan that is magical.  The fans are right on top of the action.  The wrestlers and the fans feed off each other which makes for a better quality show.

The Unang Tibok show had two, first round tournament matches followed by the eight wrestler Jun Capilos Jr. Battle Royal.  Following a 15 to 20 minute intermission were two more first round tournament matches followed by the Main Event of the evening.

Since there will be streaming of the event, this blogger will leave it up to PUSO Wrestling when they would like for me to post any results.  However, in the meantime, this fan will tell you that each match was competitive and entertaining.  Viewing what was happening, no one left Brawl Pit disappointed at what they saw.  There were still over half of the people in attendance inside at least 30 minutes after the two hour plus show was completed.  I believe the other half was next door at Onyang's Cafe sharing their observations of what they saw.  In the coming days, there will be a hundred - plus stories of what transpired.  Go for it fans!  Let everyone on social media know.

In conclusion, the bar is set for future shows.  If anyone thinks Pinoy wrestling has faded into the sunset, think again!  It is very much alive and well!

Also, thank you to everyone!  PUSO Wrestling, wrestlers, staff, the numerous sponsors, all the fans, Onyang's Cafe, and yes, Grab for getting me back and forth from the hotel.  Everyone last night treated me as one of the family!  Hopefully, I wasn't a pain in the butt. 

See you guys sometime next year!  In the meantime, will continue to support, follow and write about PUSO Wrestling.  Hopefully, more will fans will follow.  Have a good day everyone!

A First!

Brawl Pit Bulusan, the Mecca Of Pinoy Wrestling.

Later on today (Saturday), a near capacity, if not capacity crowd will attend the first ever Puso Wrestling show in the Philippines.  It will take place at 6pm, Saturday August 17th at the Brawl Pit Bulusan in Quezon City.   The name of the show is Unang Tibok (English meaning First Beat).

One last time until tonight....a few tickets are still available.  Please visit the PUSO Wrestling page on how you can secure a ticket.  Only VIP tickets remain.  SVIP and GM tickets are sold out!

This inaugural wrestling show will be a first for this fan, and perhaps for a few fans attending.  Certainly, I'll always remember my first pro wrestling show in July 1970.  There was Wrestlemania 31 in March 2015 in Santa Clara, roughly 80 kilometers south of where this blogger lives.  Then there was my first Philippines show in December 2022 at the Peta Theater Center.

Honestly, this feels like my biggest show to date!  It certainly feels like July 1970 all over again!

Pinoy wrestling fans are definitely curious as to what might happen this evening.  For SVIP ticket holders, they will be allowed through the gates at 5pm. Once inside, there will be an opportunity to be inside a wrestling ring for a couple of minutes with three of their favorite wrestlers.  VIP ticket holders will be allowed in at 5:30pm and GM ticket holders at 5:45pm.  This may shock you but I've never been inside a wrestling ring!  A boxing ring?  Yes, but never wrestling.  

Prior to all this, I'll be visiting nearby Onyang Cafe for a mid afternoon lunch and drink.  The Cafe is one of my favorite places and hangouts here in the Philippines.  The cafe opens at 1pm per Google.  Please be sure to check before leaving.  I've been told the menu is bigger than ever.  If there, please check it out!

This will be a long day, and not in a bad way.  With the weather being very warm and humid, getting fluids and food down is a must!

Whatever transpires tonight, thank you to all the pinoy wrestling fans, Dexcon, WUW-Philippines, PUSO Wrestling staff and wrestlers who will be there, or even have other obligations today.  The excitement keeps this blogger going on a daily basis.  I'm, more than happy, to share everything that's been happening up to today.

In closing, this blogger has one message for everyone tonight.  The message is to enjoy the moment and the show.  There is a saying that "Rome was not built in a day!"  PUSO Wrestling has taken a large step since June when the promotion became official.  I know many of you heard this before, but please be patient with the group.  They have come a long ways in a very short time.  There have been the numerous training sessions, social media posts and television appearances of many of your favorite wrestlers.  

Don't be afraid to post photos on your favorite social media outlets.  Finally, let your friends know about the show for days to come.  Communication is important! 

All of us should be really happy with what has transpired since June.  Thank you to everyone involved in having this event happen!

Thank you everyone and we'll see you this afternoon!

Final Unang Tibok Pre Show Thoughts

Hello everyone!

The excitement has been building as PUSO Wrestling will finally debut tomorrow (Saturday) night.  The event, Unang Tibok, will take place at the Brawl Pit Bulusan (Bulusan and Calamba Streets) in Quezon City beginning at 6pm.  

Please note the following info!  For SVIP ticket holders, the gates will open at 5pm.  For VIP tickets, the gates open at 5:30pm.  For General Admission, the gates will open at 5:45pm.  My error from the last post regarding the VIP and GM tickets and time of entry.

There are less than 20 tickets remain as of last night.  Hopefully, those reading this don't feel that this fan is being pushy.  We're encouraging everyone who wants to come out to please do so.  Certainly, there are fans who may have other obligations that day.  All of us totally understand this.  To the fans who have tickets, and those who are unable to attend, but have supported from the beginning,  thank you for your support! 

In the weeks leading up to Saturday, PUSO Wrestling has done everything, and the right way, in preparing for the show.  There have been television appearances, social media posts, and everything communicative making this happen!  Also, thank you to Dexcon and WUW-Philippines for providing shows in the interim leading up to tomorrow's inaugural event.  Hopefully all the fans supporting the promotion are excited about Saturday.  Certainly, this fan is!  

Once again, here is the lineup of matches for tomorrow's show.  As always, the lineup is subject to change.

           Jake De Leon vs. Chelsea Marie in the Main Event.

Pusong Pinoy Wrestling Tournament First Round Matches:

Main Maxx vs. El Kapitunero.

Joey Rosas vs. Super P.

Nigel "Suplex" San Jose vs. Isaiah Valencia.

Aaron Liwanag vs. Joya.

The Jun Capilos Jr. Battle Royal

Participants:

Patricia Ligaia.

Robin Sane.

Dabid Ravena.

Ken Cifer.

Danny Zamora.

Jomar.

Kapitad Na X.

Serafin Liwanag.

Thank you for reading this.  Looking forward to tomorrow's show and seeing everyone there.

The Rumble Is Now A Sellout

Hello everyone.

Tomorrow night's Vietnam Pro Wrestling show, The Rumble is now sold out!

However, please visit the Vietnam Pro Wrestling Facebook page if there are any changes.  As always, the show is subject to change.

All the best to VPW on their show tomorrow night.  It will definitely be an exciting and wild one! 

Unang Tibok Update

Hello everyone!

There has been a change for the Jun Capilos Jr. Battle Royal this coming Saturday.  Due to an injury, Fabio Makisig will not be able to compete in the match at the Unang Tibok show.  Taking his spot in the event will be WUW Philippines' own Robin Sane!  Hopefully the injury is not serious and will see Fabio back in action soon!

There are still a few tickets remaining for the show which is at the Brawl Pit Bulusan.  The show is this Saturday at 6pm.  For more information, please visit the PUSO Wrestling Facebook page.  Thank you and hope to see all of you this Saturday.   

SPW Hardcore Island Show Update #4

Hello everyone!

Here's the updated lineuup of SPW's show, Hardcore Island 2: A Fine City.  The event will be held tomorrow night at the Foo Chow Building in Singapore beginning at 7:30pm.

Destroyer Dharma vs. Kentona.

Zhan Wen vs. Riz.

Emman vs. CK Vin in a Chairs Match.

Referee Ryan vs. Bryson Blade in a Loser Gets Caned Match.

Jack N Cheese vs. The Gym Bros.

Miyu Yamashita vs. Alexis Lee vs. Kaya Toribami in a Triple Threat Match.

Aiden Rex, Dr. Gore and Da Butcherman vs. Mason, RJ and Andruew Tang in a Singapore Xtreme Rules Match.

As of this late post, there are still tickets for the show available.  Please check the SPW Facebook page for more information.  Thank you. 

One Match Added For FPW's Unfinished Business

Hello everyone!

There is one match added to Filipino Pro Wrestling's show, Unfinished Business.  The show will take place on Sunday, September 15th at Baked Studios in Makati City beginning at 2pm.

Chino Guinto, continuing his drive towards an FPW Championship title show, will face Jan Evander in a singles match.  As this is being posted, Chino is in route or about to travel to Vietnam.  He will be a part of Vietnam Pro Wrestling's show this coming Saturday.

Jan Evander will provide him a stern test as he's look towards a title shot of his own.  I'm told that Chino has never beaten Jan, so a victory is vital if he wants a title shot.

For more on the show including tickets, please visit the FPW - Filipino Pro Wrestling Facebook page.  Thank you.

The Rumble Final Reminder

This coming Saturday, August 17th, Vietnam Pro Wrestling's next show, The Rumble will take place.  The venue is the VAIB Studio-D7 beginning at 7pm.

Here is the lineup of matches for the show..

VTX (C) vs. The Classic Night for the VPW Tag Team Championship.

Rensho vs. The Hunbelievable Benji.

Xiumin Long vs. Filipino Pro Wrestling's Chino Guinto.

AND

A 20 man Rumble Match for a SURE SHOT at the VPW Openweight Championship held by the current champion, Rocky Huynh.

There are still some General Admission tickets as of this post.  However, please see the Vietnam Pro Wrestling Facebook page for more information.  Also, the show is subject to change.  Thank you.

Unang Tibok Final Reminder

Hello everyone!

Final reminder that PUSO Wrestling's show, Unang Tibok, will take place this coming Saturday.  The show begins at 6pm at the Brawl Pit Bulusan (see map above) in Quezon City.

If you have an SVIP ticket, the doors will open one hour early at 5pm.  Those of you having a ticket should have received an email on this.  Please read it since it is important for you, the ticket holder!

For everyone else with VIP and General Admission tickets, the doors will open at 5:30pm.

Here is the lineup of matches for the show:

Jake De Leon vs. Chelsea Marie in the Main Event.

Pusong Pinoy Wrestling Tournament First Round Matches:

Main Maxx vs. El Kapitunero.

Joey Rosas vs. Super P.

Nigel "Suplex" San Jose vs. Isaiah Valencia.

Aaron Liwanag vs. Joya.

The Jun Capilos Jr. Battle Royal

Participants:

Patricia Ligaia.

Fabio Makisig.

Dabid Ravena.

Ken Cifer.

Danny Zamora.

Jomar.

Kapitad Na X.

Serafin Liwanag.

There are a small amount of tickets in VIP remaining as of this post.  If you're waiting to the last possible moment, the tickets may, very well, be gone.  So, please visit the PUSO Wrestling Facebook page regarding information and tickets.  As always, the show is subject to change.

Thank you everyone and we'll see you at the show!      

Four Days Until The Rumble!

Hello everyone!

It's a little over four days until Vietnam Pro Wrestling's event, The Rumble.  The show will take place on Saturday night, 7pm at the VAIB Studio - D7.

A few General Admission tickets remain.  Please visit the Vietnam Pro Wrestling Facebook page for more information.  Thank you.

Four Days To Go!

 

Hello everyone!

Four days until PUSO Wrestling's Unang Tibok!  The event will be held this coming Saturday night, August 17th at the Brawl Pit Bulusan in Quezon City.  The show begins at 6pm.

A few VIP tickets are still available.  Please visit the PUSO Wrestling Facebook page for more.  Thank you.

Wrestlemap

Pro Wrestling has become the fastest when it comes to sports entertainment.  In Southeast Asia alone, nearly every country now has at least one wrestling promotion.  Hopefully one day soon, countries such as Laos and Cambodia will have wrestling shows.  I'm told fairly recently, Indonesia now has a wrestling promotion.  Indonesia currently has the fourth largest population of any country in the world!

A little over a year ago, one of my friends in the industry, Adrian Gomez, who promotes Middle Kingdom Wrestling in China, told me about Wrestlemap.  It's home of the interactive map of pro wrestling worldwide.  Like this blog that you read, the website is an ongoing process.  The group, I believe, is based in Europe.  

I've been on the website several times over the past month and it's great how much time Bryan Anderson, the creator, puts into it.  If any of you have time, please check it out!

This blogger has the link on the right side of the blog.  Also, I've added a link to the page just below.  Hopefully, my friends at PUSO Wrestling in the Philippines don't mind me doing this, but this blogger just e-mailed Wrestlemap to have them added to the growing list.  Here's the link:

        

https://www.wrestlemap.com/

  

Wrestling This Weekend

An update:  Four Southeast Asian countries will be having a wrestling show this coming weekend.  As of this post, there are still tickets available to each event.

Beginning on Friday night in Singapore at the Foo Chow Building at 7:30pm, Singapore Pro Wrestling will be having it's show, Hardcore Island 2: A Fine City.  Please check the SPW Facebook page on ticket availability.

On Saturday night beginning at 6pm, PUSO Wrestling in the Philippines will have their inaugural show, Unang Tibok, at the Brawl Pit Bulusan in Quezon City.  Please check the PUSO Wrestling Facebook page if any tickets are available.  As of 10:15am this morning, it appears that this is close to being a sellout!

On Saturday beginning at 7pm at the VAIB Studio-D7, Vietnam Pro Wrestling will have their show, The Rumble.  Once again, tickets are still available for this event.  Please check the Vietnam Pro Wrestling Facebook page for availability.

Finally, this just added....Top Dojo in Thailand will be having a show this coming Sunday.  The event is called Reinforce, and will be held at the Motorway Dojo at 12:30pm. Please check the TOP Dojo / Thailand Origin Pro Wrestling Facebook page there.

Hope all the shows this coming weekend will be successful and all wrestling fans who attend enjoy their various shows.  It's a great time right now to be a wrestling fan!  Have a good day everyone!