Ganoy (left) about to drop body shots on Sakaorat. Photo: Louie Rockfingrz Abigail

The fireworks were ready and when the opening bell sounded for round one, the fuse was lit!

World class lightweight, Filipino powerhouse Ranee ‘KO Kid’ Ganoy returned to the ring last Friday night in Melbourne on an exciting Ellis Boxing show dubbed ‘Western Showcase II’.

And the ‘KO Kid’ was back with a bang in a big way.

In a special attraction bout scheduled for 8rds, Ganoy did not show any plan of taking the fight the distance.

He KO’d the internationally credentialed Sapapetch Sor Sakaorat of Thailand, himself a winner of 23 bouts, in round one by way of a brutal body attack which the referee stopped at the 2.51 mark.

Before the fight, Ganoy declared his intentions – to drop his opponent with body shots. That’s exactly what he did, brutalising his opponent with a stinging combination of body shots which Sakaorat simply had no answer to defending.

Ganoy now re-writes his boxing story with 31 victories, 28 of which finished exactly like last Friday night’s, early!

Previously quoted as wanting high class bouts with the likes of Michael Katsidis and Lenny Zappavigna, Ganoy after the bout again made public his desire to meet Katsidis and Zappavigna.

“I want big bouts and Mike (Altamura) and Graham (Shaw) know this. I’ll fight anyone and I’m excited at where we are headed. I’ve told Mike, get me Michael Katsidis, get me Lenny Zappavigna, I want them both and I want Australian boxing fans to see some top fights. I promise my supporters this, I will knock them both out!”, Ganoy said.

Ganoy’s manager Mike Altamura however was guarded in his statement: “I can’t say too much tonight, but over the coming weeks we’ll announce Ranee’s next bout which is on a big world-title card being announced shortly. After this bout, we’ll be right in the mix for a shot at a world-title opportunity of our own.” // Reporting by MJA Boxing / Nathan Butler. Photo by Louie Rockfingrz Abigail

The Darling Harbour precinct is home to a number of major public facilities and attractions, including: Harbourside Shopping Centre, M9 Laser Skirmish, as well as Australia’s first retail Jet flight simulator, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Paddy’s Markets, Sydney’s Chinese Gardens, Tumbalong Park, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Australian National Maritime Museum, Star City Casino, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Aquarium, The LG IMAX theatre – reputed as the largest screen in the world, Sydney Wildlife World, and Aboriginal Centre.

*** Photos taken last February this year. All photos are copyrighted. Please contact us if you plan to use any of the photos for whatever purposes. Other Sydney photos may be found at Street Gallery and IN PHOTOS INFO.

PCC new president Marivic Manalo

Philippine Community Council of NSW president-elect Marivic Manalo pledged in her induction address to do more for the community by “strengthening and empowering affiliates.”

“This year, we aim to start strengthening and empowering affiliates by involving them in PCC projects – such as the Philippine Australian Disaster and Emergency Relief Project, in lobbying with the Australian government to acquire our very own PCC headquarter, the aged care project, and in other activities which will continue to promote Filipino values, traditions and culture,” Ms Manalo said.

“This is so they can feel that they are rightful stakeholders and can take pride in our achievements.”

Philippine Consul Tony Reyes inducted to office Ms Manalo and other PCC officers and directors last Friday afternoon, February 25 at the Philippine consulate offices in Sydney in the presence of other Filipino Australian community leaders and guests from the media and some candidates in the March 26 NSW State election.

The other newly elected officers of the organisation for 2011 are Alric Bulseco (VP External), Arturo Sayas (VP Internal), Noel Bernardo (Secretary), Mildred Banan (Treasurer), Solina Lapalma (PRO), Mauricio de Vera (Auditor), and directors: Don Arizala, Dr. Alexis Leones, Marco Selorio, Mercy Jones, Nenita Weekes, Serge Jumonong, and Serna Ladia.

*** The Filipino Australian owns copyright of the photos on this post. Please contact us if you plan to use any of the photos for whatever purposes.

Performing the Philippines' Sinulog....

A dance group of the Visayan Association of Australia is doing its bit to showcase traditional Philippine dances.

Now on their second year, members of the dance group performed at the Plumpton’s St. Nino Fiesta last 16 January.

Members of the group are Mercy Jones, Linda Brandstatter, Josephine Brown, Edna Voros, Judith Broad, Belen Cox, Golda Osorio, Norah Howell and Jorefhe Tabares. Choreographer is Lagmar Lavistre. Supporting the group with props are Josephine Maynard and Inday Thurnher.

Edna Voros is the current president of the Visayan Association. // Information and photos by Richard J. Ford, PRO of Visayan Association of Australia