In the not-so-distant past, homebuyers buying a house or condo unit simply involved considering its location, the amenities offered, its size, and finally, the price (does the monthly amortization match one’s budget?). But since early 2020, homebuyers’ considerations have been altered in a big way. When, during the pandemic, people were restricted from going outdoors...
Author: Charles E. Buban (Charles E. Buban)
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Messi powers Argentina past France in dramatic World Cup Final shootout
The 36-year wait for Argentina is finally over as the most coveted 18-carat gold trophy in the world of football is again in the hands of the Albicelestes after winning a nail-biting 4-2 penalty shootout against reigning champion France on Sunday night (Monday morning in the Philippines) at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar. Only...
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Croatia holds off Morocco, 2-1, gets World Cup bronze
Is there a more bittersweet match in the FIFA World Cup than playing for third place? The teams facing off lost in their respective semifinal: Croatia, 2018 World Cup finalist, were denied passage to the final by Argentina, who cruised past them, 3-0, while Morocco were beaten 0-2 by France, the 2018 World Cup champion....
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World Cup: Argentina in final as Messi’s last-dance dream stays alive
Lionel Messi’s Argentina is now a win away from its goal of World Cup glory after dismantling a weary-looking Croatia, 3-0, in the first semifinal match this morning (3 a.m., Dec. 14 in Manila) at Lusail Stadium. It is the sixth time Argentina reached the World Cup final, and they are now waiting for the...
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Where we’re at in World Cup: 4 teams remain in thrilling tournament
Except for some shockers like powerhouses Argentina and Germany losing to unheralded opponents at the start of the Group Stage, the 22nd FIFA World Cup in Qatar began uneventfully. But as expected, the quadrennial event exploded into life with the semifinals set this week. Anxiety levels soared through the roof in this weekend’s quarterfinals, in...
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A muddled recollection (or did Sonny Padilla really influence a title fight?)
It was an interview Carlos “Sonny” Padilla Jr. should not have engaged in. For the few unaware, the name Sonny Padilla is synonymous with boxing not only in the Philippines but also in the United States. Last Aug. 8, he was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (Class of 2020) along with Miguel...
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When you let your fists do the talking
What is it with blowout games and big brawls? Retribution for a humiliating beatdown? Payback for the other team’s 3-point shots that never seem to miss? Vengeful warning to an opponent for dunking on one’s team’s misery? It could have been any of those in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) match between the College...
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Looking for the next Eugene Torre
In a society where attitudes and behaviors are easily swayed by what’s viral or trending on social media, the 1,500-year-old board game called chess might help improve how people approach some of the most pressing and complex issues, mold them to be better observers, and improve their critical thinking. But first, the Philippines needs...
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Obiena heads back to training with sights set on 6-meter mark
Ernest John “EJ” Obiena was on easy street on home grounds. In the three weeks that he was in the Philippines for much-needed R&R, the world’s No. 3 pole vaulter was peppered with profit-making deals that made him ambassador of top consumer brands. Of course, there were also the mandatory courtesy calls to various sports...