“Hurricane” Julaton takes Pangasinan by Storm

“Hurricane” Julaton takes Pangasinan by Storm

Lingayen, Pangasinan - - - Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. led the Provincial Officials and employees in welcoming WBO Super Bantamweight Champion and Fil-Am Boxing Sensation Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton in her first-ever visit to the country and to her home-province in Pangasinan last July 14, 2010.

Upon knowing that the Filipina boxer is going to visit the province’s Capitol, a throng of provincial employees and other spectators trooped to the Capitol building to take a glance of her.
Wearing her pink spaghetti sleeveless blouse and maong jeans, Julaton was described to have the true beauty of a Filipina.

Born Luciana Bonifacio Julaton, the boxing champion traces her Filipino roots in Pozurrobio, Pangasinan. She is the first Filipina to win a boxing world title, already collecting three titles at that.

Julaton revealed she became aware that she is from Pangasinan because of her grandfather, Cesario Cariaso Julaton, who always talks about his roots all the time when he was still alive.

Angelo Reyes, manager of Julaton, said that when she started in 2004 as an amateur boxer, she was already donning the Philippine flag on her shorts. “She was always connected with her Filipino roots because of her grandfather,” Reyes said.

“Ana is the best person to really work for, it is an honor to be around her because she’s always humble even though she has already accomplished a lot”, Reyes added.

Julaton thanked Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan and all the Pangasinenses for welcoming her in the province.

“It was amazing and it was my first time here, everything’s beautiful, everyone’s heart was warm and it feels like home”, she said.

Julaton bared that she plans to bring the fight here in the country with her upcoming fight either against Lisa Brown or a rematch against Maria Villalobos.

“I want to fight here in the Philippines, and be the first Filipino to do that”, she said.
Julaton and Reyes said they are considering the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center as venue for her next fight in September or for her next training under Freddie Roach.

Meanwhile, Julaton received a Plaque of Recognition conferred to him by Governor Espino for her numerous achievements in the field of boxing and becoming the pride and inspiration to the Filipino people especially in her home-province, Pangasinan.

Reyes said that Julaton is set to meet his Amang Pedring and her relatives in Pozurrobio. Amang Pedring is the only surviving relative among the siblings of her grandfather. (PIO/Darwin Magalong)