Kiko Matos, Mark Striegl

Mark Striegl, Kiko Matos exchange messages before ‘URCC: XXX’

Mark “Mugen” Striegl and Kiko “The Badass” Matos are two of the most anticipated fighters in the fight card of “URCC: XXX.” Striegl will fight former URCC bantamweight champion Andrew Benibe while Matos’s opponent is social media sensation Billy Jack Sanchez. Striegl, Matos, Benibe and Sanchez were among the fighters present during the “URCC: XXX” … Continue reading Mark Striegl, Kiko Matos exchange messages before ‘URCC: XXX’

Yuji Hoshino, Mark Striegl, AJ Pyro

Mark Striegl’s MMA mentors: AJ Pyro, Yuji Hoshino

As a mixed martial artist, Mark “Mugen” Striegl trains with different gyms to make sure he gets the best there is. But there are two veteran fighters that he considers his main mentors, one from Malaysia and one from Japan. “I like to hop around,” Striegl told me and explained that a fighter gets stagnant … Continue reading Mark Striegl’s MMA mentors: AJ Pyro, Yuji Hoshino

Jeric Raval, Toto Natividad, Conan Altatis

10 reasons to watch Toto Natividad’s ‘Double Barrel’ starring AJ Muhlach, Phoebe Walker, Jeric Raval

“Double Barrel” will hit theaters in the Philippines on August 9, 2017. Here are 10 of the many reasons why Filipinos should watch this action film: It marks the comeback of action films in the Philippines, thanks to master director Toto Natividad. It has been years since a big action film graced the big screens … Continue reading 10 reasons to watch Toto Natividad’s ‘Double Barrel’ starring AJ Muhlach, Phoebe Walker, Jeric Raval

Mark 'Mugen' Striegl

The Striegl is real: Meet Mark Striegl, MMA fighter-model-PE teacher based in Baguio City

Mark Edward Martinez Striegl, 29, was born in Tokyo, Japan. His American father is from New York, United States while his Filipino mother is from Calapan, Mindoro, Philippines. Striegl finished grade school and high school in Japan where his parents work as international teachers. For university, he moved to San Diego, California, USA and pursued … Continue reading The Striegl is real: Meet Mark Striegl, MMA fighter-model-PE teacher based in Baguio City

Mark Striegl, Conan Altatis

URCC fighter Mark Striegl: Team Lakay is a strong team

On February 19, 2011, Mark “Mugen” Striegl entered the cage at “URCC Baguio 3: Invasion” as an undefeated professional MMA fighter with 2 wins. He left the cage then with his third win after defeating Team Lakay fighter Crisanto Pitpitunge via rear-naked choke submission. When I interviewed Striegl at Hybrid Manila gym in Pasig City, … Continue reading URCC fighter Mark Striegl: Team Lakay is a strong team

Cinemalaya 2017 screening schedule: ‘Bagahe’ by Zig Dulay

Written and directed by Zig Dulay, “Bagahe” is one of the official entries to the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2017. Led by Angeli Bayani, the ensemble cast consists of Shamaine Buencamino, Boots Anson-Roa, Sue Prado, Bing Pimentel, Raquel Villavicencio, Yayo Aguila, Menggie Cobarubbias, Arnold Reyes, Matt Daclan, Madeline Nicolas, Micko Laurente, Alvin Nakassi, Erlinda … Continue reading Cinemalaya 2017 screening schedule: ‘Bagahe’ by Zig Dulay

Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao on Joshua Pacio’s loss: It’s a temporary stopover

Igorot mixed martial artist Joshua Pacio had his second loss as a professional MMA fighter in Macao on August 5, 2017 at “ONE: Kings and Conquerors.” On the other hand, Japanese fighter Hayato Suzuki maintained his undefeated record after submitting the Team Lakay fighter via rear-naked choke in the first round. On August 6, 2017, … Continue reading Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao on Joshua Pacio’s loss: It’s a temporary stopover

Soichiro Honda biography: 13 things about Honda founder

Soichiro Honda was a Japanese engineer and industrialist who founded Honda Motor Co., Ltd. He started his career in automotive repair and went on to produce motorized bicycles. Born in Shizuoka, he faced challenges but innovated in the industry, remaining involved with Honda until his death in 1991 at age 84.

Team Lakay’s Joshua Pacio has advice to young fighters

Joshua “The Passion” Pacio was one of the Team Lakay fighters present during the "Team Lakay Championship XIII: The Kapangan MMA Invasion 2" at the Kapangan Municipal Gymnasium in Lomon, Kapangan, Benguet, Philippines on May 1, 2017. Before the fight night, I had a brief interview with him. Pacio said his training was ongoing. I … Continue reading Team Lakay’s Joshua Pacio has advice to young fighters

Kiko Matos, Conan Altatis, Mark Striegl

URCC fighter Kiko Matos looks up to Royce Gracie, Conor McGregor

Kiko Matos is always up for a new challenge. After taking on a wide range of roles in various independent films, he is now taking mixed martial arts seriously. On July 6, 2017, I had a sit-down interview with Matos at BAMF MMA Center in Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines where he regularly trains. After the … Continue reading URCC fighter Kiko Matos looks up to Royce Gracie, Conor McGregor