User:International Journalist

Granville Ampong, also known as C.S. Granville, Award-winning Speechwriter and Book Author

Granville Ampong, known as C.S. Granville (Countryman Simeon Granville), was born Simeon Granville Tolo Hayag Vergara Ampong on February 18, 1964 at Camp Allere, Salvador, Lanao del Norte of Mindanao, Philippines. He is the book author of "Pacquiao Under Crossfire," "Embedded Code" and "May Your Name Be Sealed." His speech, "COME FLY WITH ME" tackling a theme on motivation, won first place in the International Speech Contest in 2000 held at the Ron Hubbard Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. His greatest passion is sportswriting. He writes regularly for different newspapers and internet outlets. He has been freelancing and ghostwriting for medical doctors, lawyers in the U.S. and writing speeches for politicians based in the Philippines since 1994.

While studying at Silliman University (SU) in Dumaguete, Philippines for his first undergraduate studies in business administration, Ampong served as President of Silliman Junior Business Executives under the guidance of Professor Norma Caluscusan from 1988 through 1990. He was an active member of the drama guild of the SU's English Department. He was one of the three students who were mentored in creative writing by Professor Cristina Taniguchi, along with other scholars Ramot Sihumbing from Indonesia and Masuki Kondo from Japan. Other than his well-regarded skills in debates and oratory, he first made his mark in the political scene by being involved in the investigative reporting on social and political issues from 1986 through 1990, as an active member of the League of Young Democrats. After a brief hiatus from SU, he left Philippines at 21 and eventually took his post-graduate studies in the U.S.

Praises for Granville Ampong from Fellow Credentialed Journalists

“Granville Ampong has opened a new frontier in “sportswriting.” His unique style, backed up by his passion to be good and yet different, separates him from the pack.” ---Ed de la Vega, DDS, Graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry; Restorative, Cosmetic and Sports Dentist. Part-time boxing writer & photo-journalist; Multi-state licensed boxing & MMA cut-man and maker of custom-designed World Mouthguards

“Granville Ampong is like a baseball umpire who calls them as he uniquely sees them. If the pitch is down the middle, this writer calls it a strike. If it is high and wide, off the mark, he says so in plain language. Ampong admires the Great Man Pacquiao, yes, but he is no idol worshipper. If you want fluff and rump-kissing, look elsewhere. Ampong serves up his views and observations straight, no chaser. He is always a good, informative read.” --- Michael Marley, Esq. from the Law Offices of Michael Marley in New York

“Granville Ampong brings an honesty in his writings on Manny Pacquiao, conqueror of the American heartlands. The author has always seen the Filipino hero with a clarity which says as much about the writer, as it does the fighter. It is a chapter in history which in later years will be remembered as ground-breaking. These essays will form a part of that history.” --- Gareth A Davies, The Telegraph, London

“Granville Ampong’s passion and dedication to the sport of boxing are easily recognized in the tone of his work. While the true journalism and pure objectivism that he demonstrates invite both acclaim and criticism, he continues to report the truth, and only the truth, exactly as he sees it.” ---Lorne Scoggins, Fort Smith Boxing Examiner and Associate Pastor of Christian Lighthouse Church in Springdale, Arkansas