Where are you Christmas?

Among Mama's collection of Christmas albums, there's this particular collection that includes one of the most heartbreaking Christmas songs I've ever heard. Where are you Christmas?

Just when you thought that the Supreme Court could not be more unjust, HUBERT WEBB JUST GOT ACQUITTED this morning (of the VIZCONDE MASSACRE).

This is a heartbreaker.
I know I am not in any position to judge Webb of what transpired in that incident, but this is just heartbreaking for Lauro Vizconde. The Webb family may consider this the best Christmas gift ever, but this just makes it more of a lonelier Christmas for Vizconde.

My sympathies go to him as we collectively pray for the truth and may justice be served to the deaths of his family.

I hate the King

Ok, hate is a strong word but really, there is something wrong with this man. Yes, he is a great basketball player, but he’s also one hell of a diva.

Yep, diva.

As I type down these words right now, Miami Heat (LBJ’s new found home) is battling the Cleveland Cavaliers (LBJ’s former home). The boos, teases and taunting are there, but LeBron is dominating the game. He did the chalk toss and got a collective uproar from the audience (mostly boos). I would have been booing him too if I can help it. I don’t know, there’s really something about LeBron that I hate.

Maybe it’s because he’s too “mayabang”. But most players in the NBA are one too, even Kobe. Some of the local players in the PBA also have a long list of bragging rights, but his is different.

“No Ring-King”. Yes he is. So, what’s up with him being so “mayabang”?  Because of his skills? Fine. But you know what, until you put that ring on it and until you learn how to respect your team, we’re not good. And I still hate you.

twitterati

I can't tweet nor tumble, so...

• I hate it when words escape me and my train of thought. (1:55PM)
• LSS - How, Maroon5 (1:58PM)
• Gahd, my nose hurts so much. :( (2:59PM)
• Cheese bread and coffee. Lethal combo before my meds. (3:23PM)
• May rally sa labas. (3:39PM)
• I wanna go out of the country and get lost for life. (3:53PM)
• I want a chocolate cupcake covered in Nutella and topped with a Ferrero Rocher chocolate. (4:04PM)
• Masarap ang Mentos Cola. (4:42PM)

In memoriam...

Today, we remember the tradegy that struck the country a year ago.
I pray that justice may be served to the men and women brutally and untimely killed in Maguindanao.
Let justice reign supreme!

Let this day remind us of what excessive power may bring forth to harm and eventually kill innocent people.

Hurry Harry!

Magical mayhem at its wildest welcomed me upon watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. The movie, as J.K. Rowling herself acclaimed, is the best so far. I'd still say that Alfonso Cuaron's was the best, but in terms of its relevance and relation to the book, this is the big deal. It is an ode to readers who followed both the books and the movies in as long as ten years. I personally have been a fan since 2000, a couple of months before the first movie release.

And now, a decade of magic and wandlore nearly comes to an end as we await for the last chapter of Harry Potter's epic battle against Lord Voldemort. It is a pity though that the next part is still to be longed until July 2011. Eight months, eight freakin' months! Hurry up Harry!

I know it's a long wait, but all I can do now is list the things that made this latest Potter flick a magical mayhem aka SPOILERS!


1. J.K. Rowling's last words.
   The lines in the movie came from the book itself. It seemed like you were just reading the book while you hear the characters say their lines. Not entirely though, but still, even Fred and George's "holey" conversation were right at the bat.

2. Harry, Hermione and Ron's adolescence
   Gone were the days where these three were just playing around Hogwarts, seeking for adventure and escaping danger. Now, aside from being outside the comforts of their school, their lives have also grown to entwine in adolescent rage that led to Ron's drastic actions. Hermione has really grown into a wonderful lady here. A very beautiful and smart lady.

3. Sneaky snake
   I was a bit disappointed when I found out that the movie will not be shown in 3D, but after watching the movie, I am actually quite relieved that it's not (shown in 3D). That Nagini (Voldemort's snake), was a scene stealer! He/she barely was involved in the movie but all of his/her scenes were painstakingly breathtaking! Really, a pain in the chest area. Makes me want to swear with a British accent.

4. Harry and Hermione's epic dance scene
   This was really a surprise twist that it actually came out as natural as it can be for Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson. I say though that Harry ought not to be asked to danced again in the next movie. But this is definitely one of those "awwww" moments in the film.

5. Harry and Hermione's epic kiss
   I was shocked. It was...weird seeing these two hit it on almost naked! Well, that is in Ron's imagination as the "evil" locket read his heart's desires and rage. Really, it was shocking...and kinda wild. (and I like it!)

6. Dobby...a free elf
   More than the untimed deaths of Hedwig (Harry's beautiful owl) and Mad Eye Moody, Dobby's was the saddest. I was teary eyed when I read it on the book, but when I saw Dobby slowly drifting away in Harry's arms, it was sad. Depressingly sad.

7. I was like, wha'?!
   True. It never really came to me that the movie has ended until I saw the credits. It ended with Voldemort victorious. That's it. It is now time to count the days 'til it's July 2011.

Avada Kedavra.

Whoa! Woes!

Since my rant on the losses of my basketball team in PBA, the Ginebra Kings have rallied a six-game winning streak until last night. They were yet again slaughtered by their "sister" team, San Miguel Beermen, in a one-point loss. Epic. This is just their third loss and all of those are just handed to them with a point deficit. Oh dear. I hate it, but I still love my guys. Jimbo Aquino's been doing very well, Hatfield is starting to dominate the board and Caguioa is starting to regain his spark.

It's still a good run boys. Just...stop messing around with those one point-deficits.

Owl my love for earrings.

I want these on my birthday:

Any OWL accessory

Or

Funky/Weird/Cute earrings (to add to my huge collection)

Happy Birthday to me!
:D

Fanatic Frustration

It really sucks when your team isn’t playing the way you wanted them to play. My ever-mentioned basketball team, Ginebra Kings has been playing a very frustrating game, pulling only one win since the start of the conference.  Their two losses were due to a one-point deficit against their opponent. Just a point! And all the remaining seconds of both games were given to them, which they have not taken into their advantage. Disappointing. Very disappointing.

Ginebra used to be a highly defensive team, during Robert Jaworski’s time. They would rip their opponent and win eventually. I remember the tumultuous applause and jeers from the crowd whenever Jawo plays on the floor. 

Later on, the backcourt tandem of Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand that were tagged such as the “Bandana Brothers” and “The Fast and The Furious” were heavy threats especially when they start their signature fastbreak shots. I miss those days. 

This was followed by the heavy hassles of Mr. Fearless, Ronald Tubid. He really does his part so well, that even if he gets stomped in the face by a haughty Macmac Cardona, he still gets the approval of the referees.

Ginebra used to be a highly offensive team as well, during the glory days of Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand. When one of them is in the injured list, the other one really steps up that brings the whole team to the championship trophies. The same goes to Erik Menk who plays really well when he’s all healthy and well practiced.

I used to hate Willie Miller for his brilliance while he was still with the Alsaka Aces. Now, I still hate him, for not playing like he used to do against Ginebra.

Ginebra used to have a heart. Afterall, the tagline “Never say die” was first coined from them in the league. The team that’s been playing this conference is not my Ginebra Kings. I miss my team. 

Dear John

20 days have passed and I still feel bad for not being able to watch John Mayer’s concert here in Manila. I am a huge fan and I’d love to see him perform live. The write-ups of the said concert did not help either as they drone on the wet and wild and chilling night with Mr. Mayer.

It rained that night, while I was with some college friends at Greenbelt watching a film called "La Teta Asustada". Anyway, as the rain got the audience wet and cold, John Mayer felt like a hot sponge bath with his songs and guitar prowess. He really is a guitar master. He knows his stuff well.

Rain + John Mayer = Chill. That’s right. I don’t mind getting drenched in the rain, it actually adds an effect to the relaxed, easy-to-sing-along songs of this guy right here.

Oh John, you’re in trouble again, but you’re still my music man.

I hope you continue to do good music, man.

Umbrellas up to you!

Yeah write!

While in Vietnam, one of Tita’s friends, Tita Lee, asked me why I chose to take Journalism in college. Without even thinking about it, I blurted out that “I’ve always wanted to become a writer.” It came out of my mouth unintentionally. Maybe it was because we were trying to brave the cold rainy night in our swimming attire. (We planned to swim that night, and it rained. More on that on my next blog.)

Going back, I was shocked with what I said. Well, partly shocked. Way back in highschool, I was pretty confident that I write well and I could take up Journalism with the little prodding from a former English teacher, Ms. Santos. The first time I told her I wanted to take up Journalism in college, she was ecstatic about it. She said I could really do great there, which of course is very flattering to hear from a very able English mentor.

But then things got a little shaky, when I passed UPCAT. I was on my way to UP Los Baños to take up Chemical Engineering instead. It was what I considered my greatest achievement. Prior to that, I also found out that I passed the entrance exam in PUP, where I intend to take up Journalism.  I don’t know if it’s a stroke of destiny, but mama just grabbed me one day to enroll in PUP instead of UP. I was hesitant because I had my mind set to go to UP and study chemicals and stuff. And honestly, when you think of it (and to what I did think before), the only thing that PUP has against UP is that extra letter “P”.

My first year in college was a so-so. I hated everything about writing, some professors and the deadlines. It was the time when I was introduced to terms like “stress” and “haggard”. Still, I was able to maintain my scholarship grant from a community foundation in Taguig. On my second year, I was able to join a media study tour in Singapore, where we visited different media-related institutions, from Reuters to MTV, as well as universities that puts a great deal in mass communication and journalism. It sparked an interest within me to pursue journalism. I was excited to go back to school and give it my best.

News journalism in the country was very terrifying. Journalistic killings were rampant and every news beat is a challenge. And then it hit me; maybe I don’t want to be a news writer. I opted to become a lifestyle writer, a creative writer. My love for sports took over as I applied for Solar Entertainment Corp. for my internship. I was designated at the Marketing Department of Solar Sports and was tasked to write newsletters and press releases on a specific channel, Basketball TV.

I grew a certain liking to this department, Marketing. The events, press releases and conferences seemed like fun assignments for a job. I then pursued this path until I got the same job in a different company. I am currently the Junior Writer of the Marketing Department of E. Excel Int’l.

So, why did I choose to take up Journalism? I still don’t know. Maybe it’s because writing is the only thing that I’m confident that I could do quite well. I was literally dragged into this whole thing and soon after, I followed its flow and flaws until I just let myself float and let the waves bring me where I am headed. I’m still not so sure if I made the right decision of choosing Journalism over Engineering, PUP over UP. But does it matter now? I actually like what I do. As described by a good friend in a conversation, writing is such a weird job, because really, most people know how to write. It’s one of the basic foundations of literacy. As a writer, it is our task to inform, entertain and educate through our choice of words, idea and emotions. It’s actually draining, but once you get that byline or a mention at the editorials, you’re made. It’s a grave task, but I chose to take it because I can do it. Everyone can write, but not everyone can be a writer.

Do I even make a sense here?

Screw it.

This is personal

There is just so much one person can take.

I know, in plain view, you can call me “pikon”.

Yes, I do catcalls and sometimes-insensitive remarks, but I don’t know.

Call me crazy as hell, paranoid even, but this is bullish.

I don’t mind being laughed at or called such names believe me. You can ask my friends about it.


 The thing is, we’re not friends.

Eat Pray Love...and eat some more

I can’t even remember how we started to get crazy over the movie Eat Pray Love. My best friend Mia and I have waited at least 2 months before the film hit the Philippines.

It was well worth the wait. The movie ended with us envying Julia Roberts, or more appropriately mentioned, Liz Gilbert. The aftermath of that movie date had us eating ice cream at DQ. As if getting the idea out of nowhere, I blurted out that if ever we reach our 40’s still single, we will pull a “Liz Gilbert”. Meaning, we will visit three countries just to eat, pray and love…to eat some more.  Well, if one of us gets lucky to find a man in our forties, then that’s great!

But if ever we get luckier, whoever gets married last between us will receive a trip to Bali honeymoon gift from the other. Insane deals make a great friendship, believe me. Haha!

Blog-ag!

I haven't blogged in a while. 

A lot of things have  happened  and  a lot of things have been said. Oh the pressure looms in. 

I promise to update soon. It's just that, I couldn't handle the pressure now. Shiiiiiiii...t

:P

The ir-RAJ-tional answer

After the major, major upset that downsized the Filipinos morale, we found a shed of light in the hope that our Miss Philippines might grab the Miss Universe tilt. It was an intense moment. Venus Raj, the Philippines’ representative for the pageant was regarded as the crowd favorite and even got the top votes online.

She strut her stuff at the Mandalay Bay. Venus got the numbers for the swimsuit and evening gown competition. The whole 7, 107 islands of the country were excited if she will take home the crown up until she reached the coveted 5^th place of the Top 5.

And the story ends there. She made it to the Top 5.

Seriously, I am still so proud of her. For the longest time, we have never seen a Filipina reach that far, considering the fact that she has almost lost her chance to join this pageant due to her citizenship queries. It could have been a better day, but it just turned out to be good. And good is not bad at all.

Heads up, Philippines!

What the Philippines.

It was just later this afternoon that I first heard of the hostage crisis involving Ronaldo Mendoza, a former police officer, and a couple of foreigners inside a tourist bus. The way the story was handed out to the press, it seemed like everything was harmless and calm, maybe because of the fact that the hostage taker is a comrade.

At first everything seemed to be flowing smoothly. In fact, the hostages were given food and the bus was supplied with fuel just so the air conditioning of the bus would not be disrupted.  Kids and some of the elder hostages were also freed not later this morning.

Things started to get complicated for as I got home, some of Mendoza’s relatives were being seized by the police, I think in the efforts of getting the hostage taker’s attention. It was believed that he is watching the news on TV while inside the bus.

True to that, just a few moments later, there were gunshots heard from the inside of the bus. And then the camera was focused to the driver of the bus who was handcuffed into the steering wheel. A few more moments later, the driver miraculously got out of the window and ran hysterically shouting that everyone else inside is dead.

That’s when the “mighty” law enforcers surrounded the bus and “tried” to get Mendoza in “every way possible”. Just like that, the hostage drama became a hostage comedy. Some of the police tried to shatter the glass door and windows of the bus and candidly, one of them threw the axe inside the bus not just once, but twice. It really looked stupid.

After a gazillion hours later, they have smashed the door down and a sniper FINALLY got Mendoza down. When it was confirmed that Mendoza is dead, some of the hostages that were still alive inside went out shaking, crying and traumatized by the situation. I feel sad for them. It almost made me cry. Later on, a report was released saying that at least eight hostages held for 10 hours appear to have survived the incident.

PERSONALLY...

Now, there are a lot of major concerns constituted at the course of this unfortunate event. First is the lack of a strategic plan coming from the police force. WHOEVER is in charge in this incident should be sacked. The police force, our police force, looked downright stupid and unprepared as they set off to try to put Mendoza down. The fact that it took them ten whopping hours to get this job done is already a manifestation of how disorganized they were.

They have strategized of getting the attention of the hostage taker by publicly assaulting his relatives without even realizing that it could result an adverse effect to the inconvenience of the hostages. And yes it did.

MEDIA. I think the best way that the media should have contributed is by shutting their selves out of the situation. What the situation calls for is a news blackout. Being a Journalism graduate myself, I know how important it is to get the facts straight ahead, plus the raging competition that looms between new agencies. But this is a different situation. There was a time that Mendoza aimed a series of gunshots at the media men, which I think is a way for him to cause a diversion. He wanted the police to split their attention as we all know that media men are hard to shoo away from a high profile case like this.

As I’ve said, there were gunshots aimed at the media men present within the vicinity of the hostage area, and it is said that a civilian was hit by one of these gunshots. These bystanders never learn. I think it is really in our nature to pry on every controversy even if it can put us into harm. Just like what happened when Mendoza was confirmed dead. A swarm of “usiseros” rushed into the scene and blocked the way of the hostages getting out of the bus. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think it is a form of obstruction of justice, when someone else just comes into the middle of a police operation. The rescue of the hostages is still considered as a part of the police operation, so everyone, including the media men who rushed into the bus, should have been arrested. The scene of the crime has not been cleared yet, what if a grenade was set somewhere there and someone accidentally kicked it. It will become a greater threat to MORE lives.

In line with that, I was intrigued by the fact that none of the local officials of Manila were there to assist the police of securing the vicinity of the crime scene against bystanders, because as I’ve said, it is a great threat to them. I don’t know about all of these, and these are just my opinion.

LASTLY...

That being said, I know that the Philippines is now in the brink of a tourism breakdown. But I hope that everyone will understand that this incident is in the discretion of just one man. Overall judgment of how Filipinos are should not be reflected on one man’s act. It is unacceptable that he has claimed the lives of innocent people just for his personal claims, but this is life. It just happened that bad decisions were made this day. It was a bad decision that he went aboard the bus and took everyone hostage. It was a bad decision that the police weren’t able to shut down the situation earlier as possible without having anyone get hurt in the process.

Let us not let this situation bring us down. I suggest that we better take this opportunity to make out a better citizen in us who would wisely make better decisions in the future.

Heads up, Philippines!
 
*DISCLAIMER: This is my personal account on the hostage crisis. Get the facts straight here.

Philippine Basketball Anthology

It’s with a heavy heart that I discuss this matter. Being a die-hard Ginebra fan, of course, a part of me still weeps as they were beaten out of the playoffs series earlier than expected by the team that later on bagged the conference title, the Alaska Aces.

ALASKA WHO?

There are a lot of points that are worth discussing in that win. First, at the beginning of this conference, no one really thought that it could boil down into this.  A lot of people were actually talking of how strong the revamped Talk n’ Text lineup is. After the acquisition of Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes earlier on the eliminations, TNT rallied a 14-game win stretch that gave them the first outright semis berth into the playoffs. Meanwhile, defending Fiesta Conference champions San Miguel Beermen were also on the spotlight as they have re-acquired their winning import, Gabe Freeman backed up by some of the league’s best players, shooters and defenders. The SMB franchise did not disappoint as they went all the way to achieve the second semis berth and eventually, graced the finals series once again to defend their crown. There are a lot of notable teams that battled it out into the playoffs as well. The Rain or Shine Elastopainters, who gained the wildcard spot gave their all as they tried to snatch the semifinals slot from the B-meg Derby Ace Llamados.  Probably the most controversial team of the conference, what with the personal grievances of their star player, James Yap.  But the team also lost their thunder from the Beermen. The Barangay Ginebra Kings brought controversies as well, as the team acquired a lot of the best players in the league to play along with an already talented lineup, but the problem is that they couldn’t work on the chemistry of the team. They got Willie Miller, Mike Cortez and Yancy de Ocampo but all in all, it was a fail. All those trades resulted to nothing but sorrow, especially to the dismay of the fans.

It was a different story though with the TNT franchise. After a long break, they were toppled by the Alaska Aces in just a snap. It was evident that Chot Reyes and his boys weren’t able to contain the momentum that favored Alaska’s wins. Alaska had its share of complications as well. Every team in the PBA was actually affected with the bout of players traded from one team to another. Alaska lost their top gun Willie Miller to the Ginebra Kings in exchange for Finals MVP-to-be Cyrus Baguio. The trade gave out better results in favor of the Aces as they found a new “Ace” player in Baguio.

THE ROAD TO THE FINALS

 Before facing TNT, Alaska came from a highly momentous and epic battle at the quarterfinals series with the Barangay Ginebra Kings. It was a do-or-die match on both teams, and obviously, the Aces were the better team.

So, the Aces and the Beermen, two of the winningest teams in the PBA went head-to-head to get the conference title that easily went to the Aces in just six games. Finals MVP was awarded to LA Tenorio and Cyrus Baguio. The Aces are now the second winningest team in the PBA, tied to the Crispa Redmanizers of the yesteryears. Incidentally, it is also the 100^th PBA finals game and the last for “The Jet” Jeffrey Cariaso.

 ALL-"NEW" PBA

The next season is just around the corner, which will start with the PBA Draft Pick with former Atenean and Smart Gilas stalwart, Rabeh Al-Husseini leading the pack of hungry PBA wannabes. Aside from the rookies to watch out for, we shall be enthralled with the new system of the PBA, as a regular season will have three conferences just like what it did before. We will also be witnessing the emergence of two new teams in the league, from Meralco (formerly the Sta. Lucia Realtors) and Petron (formerly the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados) along with its new coaching staff and probably players as well.

And so the countdown begins…

JGL and FRIENDS...

#itdoesntmakesense

Life is full of questions.

These are the what’s, where’s, when’s, why’s and how’s that we need answered in order to move on. But somehow, questioning isn’t just enough to move on. It’s like what they say, “action speaks louder than words” – whereas our questions are the words that doesn’t do much at all. It’s in action.

Come to think of it, I am a (wo)man of questions. I always ask. And when I don’t get the answers straight, I continue to ask more. Not realizing that I should have worked on finding the answers to my questions. But what if I’m just really a “Curious George” who wants everything questioned? (just like that)

Is it wrong to ask questions?

I don’t know and I may never know either. Do I need to act upon it? No. It won’t save my life to answer that question on questions. So what’s my point? Do I need to make a point?

Do I need to explain this? Oh questions. Our love/hate relationship continues.

On to the next one…

Cam on!

Have you ever had the best vacation ever?

I did.

Last year, as a graduation gift from my ever-loving Tita, she booked me a trip to Vietnam. She has been working there for almost eight years now. It wasn’t my first time abroad, but it was the first time that I flew on my own.

So, Vietnam

Vietnam is not as progressive as Singapore neither it is underdeveloped. Their city is a fusion of trees and concrete buildings. In the Philippines, I would probably compare it to the likes of Manila and Pasay City. But the outpour of foreigners is really impressive. You can almost see one wherever you go. Later on, I found out that it’s because foreigners feel safe there. The country is under a strict compliance of gun ban and the residents give high regards to the law enforcers. One more thing that I was so shocked to witness is the ratio of cars to motorcycles in their main streets, or even on the alleys.  I may sound exaggerating but the ratio, I think, is in every 2 cars, there are 8 motorcycles.

My Tita lives on the 10^th floor of an apartment building and every time the rush hour comes, it is a funny sight seeing the streets of Vietnam clogged with motorcycles like ants crawling in a traffic jam.

I was there for over a month and it has been a place that I can call home. It is safe to say that I fell in love with the place, the ambiance, almost everything about it. But just like my trip to Singapore, I have listed down the top 5 reasons why you should visit Vietnam.

5. Pho, Banh Mi and more!

I have blogged about my food tripping in Vietnam and it is plain to see that I am a huge fan of their food palate.

4. Wi-fi access everywhere

Since arriving there, my Tita has given me her Blackberry phone with a Vietnam accessible SIM card. I was shocked upon learning that almost every establishment around the city has a wi-fi access even at the cinema! And it’s for FREE!

3. City Tour, Damsen, Vung Tao

What’s a vacation without sight seeing? Aside from the busy alleys and Tita’s workplace, I was able to tour the city and Cu Chi tunnels through a package tour at Sinh Tourist. Their historical story is actually interesting and inspirational. I’ve also visited Damsen, the city’s version of Enchanted Kingdom. I wasn’t able to try some of the rides because Tita feels that they’re not that safe. So we just tried to tour the whole theme park by foot and via the monorail train. The only ride I was able to try is that log jam-slash-horror-house-with-dinosaurs-instead-of-monsters nightmare on wheels. OK, I am exaggerating. But really, I was spooked and was just screaming all throughout the ride. Dinosaurs keep popping in and out the way trying (and really did to me) to scare those at the ride.

Lastly, if Brazil has a Christ the Redeemer statue, Vietnam has it’s own mini-Redemption statue at Vung Tao. It takes a ferry ride of 30mins to get to Vung Tao. You can compare it to a fishing village, like in Quezon Province. It was a long and steep walk going to the top of the statue but it was worth it. The view of the shoreline was beautiful, and it was a bit cloudy that day. Imagine if you get to witness a clear blue sky along the shoreline.

2. Ben Than Market/Saigon Square

For someone like me who has a lot of people to give pasalubong for (family, cousins, high school friends, college friends), looking for the right thing to give them is such a task. I went to Saigon Square with a ready list on my mind of what I should buy. But it was just so distracting seeing a lot of things that you would want to buy for yourself! I mean, everything is just so cheap and nice. Shoes, bags, shirts, DVDs, accessories and even shades are so tempting there.

The same thing happened to me when I went to Ben Than Market, the place where you can buy authentic souvenirs from Vietnam like embroidered wallets, figurines and other native products like spicy dried squid, candied fruits and several nuts.

1. Coffee

This is hands down my favorite part of being in Vietnam. From their instant coffees (Nescafe, G7) to their Café Sua Da (iced coffee with condensed milk), their coffee never failed to perk me up and brighten my mood. Their premier coffee house, Highlands Coffee has a lot more than coffee as well. Their cakes, pastries, teas and Nasi Goreng is the best! I hope they’ll franchise a branch here in the Philippines soon. : D

INCEPTED.

INCEPTION.
Where do I begin?
The storyline? Effects? Joseph Gordon-Levitt?

It was love at first sight.
I'm lost for words.

This definitely makes it to the list of my favorite movies of all time. Super!

You are the only inception..

I know, I know...

Sports Boo-Boos

I’ve just been through a great ordeal. Just recently, I was crushed like a plastic cup and thrown into the trash. Even now, my heart pounds of frustration. My PBA team lost. My Barangay Ginebra Kings wasn’t able to reach into the semi final round of what should be the Tubid-Cardona face-off.

Theywerethisclose in winning that match up against the Alaska Aces, but I guess this loss will serve as a way for them to rethink the organization of the team. Seriously, a lot of these players are the best in their field, but as a team, they just couldn’t reconnect. New coach? Trade players? I don’t know.

Rumors are everywhere, but these will stay as rumors until the final word comes out. I just hope that those changes will be for the good of the team. As a fan, I will give my team a chance to regain their strength and confidence to play a decent game again.

Sportsmanship. It’s one essential value to bear in mind if you are considering to be an athlete or even just a die-hard fan of any athlete or team. Sportsmanship, nobility, humility - but not everyone can handle this.

When it comes to sports, the people involved, more than humility and sportsmanship possesses pride and aggressiveness. A lethal combo if you ask me, because people will do everything just to keep their pride intact. That’s where the technical fouls and the red cards come in. These serves as a warning for the players to try to loosen up and keep a clean game.

And sometimes, people just love to hate. They just love to feed their pride by squashing their opponents. And probably the best way to do this is through words. Bad words. You hear it everywhere. You hear it between the legions of fans of Kobe and Lebron. You hear it between Serena Williams and well, everyone she wanted to hate. You hear it between rivals, teammates, coaches and most especially, the fans. Lastly, you hear it from Floyd Mayweather Sr.

That “old hermit” has been badmouthing Manny Pacquiao for a long time now. Funny though, their team hasn’t even got the balls to fight this “little Filipino midget”.  I am not a fan of Pacquiao, but those Mayweathers are being racist about this.

I hope Manny gets to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr and beat him into smithereens. That’s for his father’s rudeness and “unsportsmanly attitude”, even if I just made that word up.

And now, back to my basketball "freakness".

Stormy, stormy night

It was not too long ago when tropical storm Milenyo hit the country. And who can ever forget Ondoy?

The Philippines, as being exposed into the open sea that’s the Pacific, can already be considered a typhoon capital in the world. (exaggerating here) when Milenyo hit the country, I was at home that time waiting for the PLDT men to connect our DSL line. The two men were stranded for a while in our house while they try to concoct a plan on how to brave the raging wind and flying debris everywhere. Luckily, none of our properties were damaged. Just a couple of flying trash caught our front yard and the rest is fine. But what struck us was the electricity was out for at least a month. There was also a water shortage in our community and in other places. The classes were suspended for a whole week too. Tons of billboards and different signage were scattered on every highway and trees were uprooted.

Then came last year, when a 9-hour non-stop rainfall from tropical storm Ondoy devastated Metro Manila. I can plainly remember that it was a Saturday when the “tragedy” struck us. The overnight rain was still on when I woke up that morning. The electricity went out at around 2pm then and reports of stranded commuters were being flashed on the TV. It was later at 11pm when the electricity came back. When I switched on the TV, the first scene that caught me was a flooded area where only the roofs were visible. Then I heard it for the first time, Metro Manila has almost drowned from the flood coming from the heavy rainfall of Ondoy. It was a tragic sight. People on top of their houses asking for help, children braving their way out of a flooded house, damaged properties everywhere. It was a nightmare. And for the second time, we were lucky that we’re not flooded at all. The electricity outage was our only issue, which only lasted for a whole day, while the others were already homeless.

And now, the first tropical typhoon that hit the Philippines this year has come, Basyang. Though it did not possess the heavy rainfall of Ondoy, it did possess the mighty gusts of wind as Milenyo did, or even more. Our little mangga tree in our front yard was cut and mama’s prized orchids were toppled. The only difference now is that I’m not home. As a regular working employee, I went to work amidst the bad weather. The whole building now relies to the support of a generator, as the electricity outage is Luzon-wide. Now, I struggle to think on how long this will last. I hope sooner than what I expect.

Just recently, I remember complaining about the hot weather, and now, I can’t say that I’m not complaining either. Global warming. Don’t say that you weren’t warned.

I'm missing FRIENDS..

I love these guys..
This made me laugh...

The Recovery of Mr. Em

Track back my high school days, one of the most influential artists in the world was a "white" rapper called Eminem.

His songs were memorized by teenage boys trying to dress like him with their baggy clothes and Em’s signature shaved hair. I wasn’t really a fan of his music, what with all the words and stories he likes to tell, but I was always looking forward to see his music videos. They’re usually flooded with parodies and comedic stunts, and in rare cases, a deep story behind it.

But just like any other globally-followed personality, he slowly drifted off the limelight. I’m not saying that I miss him, but just like any trend, they keep on coming back better in time.

And Eminem is now back on track. I was just listening to his latest single, Love the way you lie, with Rihanna singing the infectious chorus. I love it! I guess I have never loved any Eminem song than this.

Who's that dude
I don't even know his name
I laid hands on her
I'll never stoop so low again
I guess I don't know my own strength

I heard his album, Recovery, is doing quite well too. And so I say this, “It’s nice to have you back sir!”

I love Las Vegas! (CSI)

Have I ever mentioned that I love crime fighting shows?
Then here it goes…I love and worship CSI.

There even came a time when I only eat, breathe and live CSI. Before there was Glee, CSI ruled my world. My love for the show started way, way back when I was in high school. I was a late bloomer with the show for I just started following the series during its fourth season. Yet I was able to watch the first few seasons when I bought a DVD copy of it. Even though many people are not interested in this kind of TV show, I instantly got hooked on it. I think it was the most intelligent show in the planet. I was just stuck at the original CSI though. Grissom and his team made me want to be a crime scene investigator. With all the gadgets and tricky situations they were able to go through, this show is the best for me.

The show just ended its 10th season, but the original characters are starting to leave the show one by one. This is also one of the reasons why I’m slowly lacking an interest to the show that I haven’t watched any episode from its latest season yet. It all started with Sarah leaving the show, then Warrick, then Grissom. How I miss the whole team.

But, that’s not a reason for me to forget about their best episodes ever. I’ve chosen 20 of my favorite episodes and here they are:

•  Season 1: Blood Drops

"When a teenager and her sister are the sole survivors of the gruesome murder of four members of one family in a quiet suburban neighborhood, Grissom and his entire team investigate the crime. What initially looks like a bizarre cult murder becomes more disturbing when they discover the motive behind the massacre."

• Season 4: Butterflied

"Grissom can't help but examine his feelings for Sara when a dead woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to her is discovered as part of a double murder he's investigating. A second dismembered body is soon located in nearby trash cans. Making the case tough to crack is the fact that the killer took extraordinary measures to clean up after himself."

• Season 4: Bad Words

"Catherine and Warrick suspect a serial arsonist is at work after a house fire kills a teenage girl in a neighborhood where there was a previous blaze a few days earlier; a champion at a popular word-game tournament is found dead of asphyxiation in a men's room and several tile letters are found in his throat and stomach."

• Season 4: Bloodlines

"In the fourth-season finale, a casino employee is beaten and raped on her way home from work, but she survives and identifies her attacker. Unfortunately, a DNA test sets him free and Grissom must wrestle with whether evidence can ever lie. Later, Grissom comes to the rescue of a coworker who ends up on the other side of the law."

• Season 5: Down the drain

 "A man's badly twisted corpse is found in a city storm-drain tunnel following a severe thunderstorm, and the discovery leads to another disturbing finding: human bones that may have come from a murder victim. As more bones are found the investigation focuses on identifying the victim and pinpointing the location where the body was dumped."

• Season 5: What's eating Gilbert Grissom?

 "Grissom is haunted by the return of the blue paint serial killer that got away two years ago. As the CSI team investigates the multiple murders on the WLVU college campus, they realize that the murders took place on the two-year anniversary of the execution of John Mathers, a man found guilty of murdering a woman in the same manner as these new victims at this college campus. The main clue tying four murders together is the blue paint found on all the victims' hands. The killer fooled the CSI team two years ago, when another murder took place the night of John Mathers' execution, and Grissom and team are determined to not let that happen again."

• Season 5: Grave Danger

"After learning that a member of their team has been kidnapped and buried alive, the two CSI teams come together to try to save one of their own."

• Season 6: Gum drops

"The CSI team suspects an entire family has been murdered, but cannot prove it until they find the victims' bodies. When the blood evidence suggests only three people were killed, Nick is the only one on the CSI team that believes the fourth family member, the young daughter, is still alive. Now, it's a race against time to find the perpetrators who may lead the CSIs to a possible survivor."

• Season 6: A bullet runs through it

 "A routine traffic stop turns into a wild police chase through the streets of Las Vegas, resulting in the death of a police officer. When all is finished, the crime scene stretches for miles and the CSIs face an avalanche of ballistic evidence in order to find the real killer of the police officer who died on the scene. Grissom fears the officer may have been the victim of "friendly fire" and not the drug criminals they were chasing."

• Season 7: Built to kill

"Grissom is intrigued when he finds an exact miniature replica of a crime scene involving a famous ex-rock star. Grissom is fascinated when every detail of the miniature is identical to that of the real crime scene, and he goes about trying to solve the case using the clues provided. Meanwhile, Catherine again finds herself -- and someone close to her -- in danger, and begins to suspect who may be responsible."

• Season 7: Fannysmackin'

"When an innocent man is brutally attacked and beaten to death by what looks like a monster in a black cape, the CSIs are called to investigate -- only to learn that a similar attack took place moments later. As the crime spree continues, the team follows the trail of evidence until Greg interrupts a beating in action and must make a difficult decision that could impact his life forever."

• Season 7: Empty eyes

"While processing the house where several showgirls were murdered, Sarah is haunted by the terrified eyes and cryptic dying words of the sixth victim she discovers."

• Season 7: Lab rats

"While Grissom and the rest of the CSIs are out investigating new cases, Hodges leads Archie, Henry, Mandy and Wendy to believe that Grissom wants them to secretly band together that evening in an attempt to solve the four miniature killer cases."

• Season 7: Living Doll

 "As the CSI team comes closer than ever to identifying the miniature killer, Sara mysteriously goes missing, forcing her relationship with Grissom out into the open."

• Season 7: Living legend

"Grissom and his team investigate a string of murders in Las Vegas that may be tied to an infamous mob boss from the 1970s who disappeared many years ago. After the mob boss's Cadillac mysteriously resurfaces in a Las Vegas lake and a photo turns up of the murder victims posing with him in the 1970s, the CSIs begin to investigate whether or not the notorious gangster, whose disappearance remains a mystery, might somehow be connected to the current killing spree in Las Vegas."

• Season 8: Goodbye and good luck

"In Jorja Fox's last episode, a suspect from Sara's past returns, causing her to question her future as a CSI."

• Season 9: For Warrick

"The CSI team comes together after Warrick is shot in a Las Vegas alleyway."

• Season 9: 19 down...

"When a new murder leads to a connection with an infamous serial killer, Grissom secretly joins the class of well-known criminal pathologist Dr. Raymond Langston (Fishburne), to gain access to the killer and get a crack in the case."

• Season 9: One to go

"The CSI team is shocked and saddened when, after working with Dr. Raymond Langston (Fishburne) on the "Dick & Jane" murders, Grissom announces that his time as a CSI has come to an end and offers Langston a permanent position on the CSI team."

• Season 9: No way out

"Langston and Riley are taken hostage during the aftermath of a shootout in an usually calm Las Vegas community."

I miss Grissom and the whole gang. But since they killed Warrick's character already, it will be almost impossible to see the whole gang once again. Oh memories...

'Tis STILL the season of balls

It is still the season of balls and I’m not complaining about it. I was just a basketball freak before, but now, I think I’m starting to appreciate other ball sports such as tennis and that very infamous soccer (or football, whatever you want to call it).

It’s a learning process and I’m lucky to have friends who are willing to give me a little bit of background on what’s going on in that side of the world of sports. Setting aside the physical attractions of the players involved with those sports, I am just starting to get a knack for it. And that’s me who hasn’t tweeted for a week now. No Twitter, no overcapacity.

Rafa’s Revenge

Rafael Nadal bagged the Wimbledon title as smooth as a silk. He swept the match against his opponent Tomas Berdych. As to what I’ve read online, Rafa redeemed his glory as he was sidelined for an injury last year. But things are looking quite good for him these days. After winning the French open, he now gets the Wimbledon title back. Roger Federer wasn’t able to defend his title as he was eliminated incidentally in a match against Berdych. Another notable story for this tournament was the 11-gruelling-hour match by Isner and Mahut. It was the longest tennis match ever recorded in history as per my friend Mia.

World Cup Weeps

Now this is another sport that I’m starting to understand and get interested with. Spectators all around the world were starting to weep day by day as their teams bid goodbye to the tourney. Early favorites Argentina and Brazil were already eliminated, which brought tears to tons of men and women alike. But I guess one of the momentous tearjerkers of the series was when Cristiano Ronaldo, his hotness and the rest of the Portugal team were sent home after a sorry loss against the powerhouse team, Spain. True to that, Spain is now head-to-head with the Dutchmen of Netherlands as they clash for the Finals Cup. I don’t have a bet between the two because I haven’t seen them play before, popularity-wise (and according to the octopus) - I think it’s going to be Spain.

King and vagabonds

After beating the Boston Celtics, NBA 2010 champs LA Lakers are now faced with the threat of another teams that recently acquired Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the “KING” himself, LeBron James. Now that Wade, Bosh and James has signed with the Miami Heat, it seems that they will create a powerhouse team that may topple Phil Jackson’s “three-peat” legacy. I am such a fan of Dwyane Wade (not really a Miami fan-girl) more than the entire Lakers ballers, and now that LeBron will really be teaming up with him, I might find it hard to root whole-heartedly to them. I kind of have issues with the “king”. But definitely, the upcoming conference will be a treat and threat to basketball fanatics all over the world.

PBA Playoffs

Now let’s go local. The playoffs is about to kick start with the Quarterfinals Series with wildcard baby Rain or Shine Elastopainters against B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados, and the Alaska Aces up against the Baranggay Ginebra Kings. San Miguel Beermen and the (all star) Talk n’ Text Tropang Texters has gained the outright semis berth and are waiting for the teams that will resurface from the Quarterfinals. RoS and the Llamados will definitely put up a show as their key players are now on the limelight. Of course, James Yap and all his jazz (and pizzazz) against the “Sol Train” Sol Mercado who has been playing very well that led them to get through the wildcard phase. On the other side of the bracket, the Alaska Aces will face the Gin Kings with their new point guard, Topex Robinson. The Gin Kings on the other hand has just redeemed their sorry losses with the acquisition of new import Chris Daniels. I am a huge, huge Ginebra fan, but I think the two teams who might fight for the Fiesta Cup will be TnT and RoS. (It’s hard to topple the Texters now with Kelly Williams and Rain or Shine has definitely put up the most heart to the series so far)

I could go on talking about sports the whole day because everything is just so huge and has been a huge deal as well. Every sporting event is hyped and exciting as it can be. It makes me miss Twitter more. (I can never let go of the Twitter issue, right?) :D

Questions

Whatever happened to “Better in Time”?

Is infinity still a hoax?

Missing my Multiply account.
Oh gad! This tweet rehab has taken a toll on me.

Tweet be with you

Let’s talk about sacrifices.

No! Seriously, I’ve had enough of this tweetless days and it’s getting the best of me! Yesterday, I tried my very best to stray my thoughts away from that bliss of expressing everything that I wanted to say while at work. True enough to my being an UberTweeter (over sa twitter), I took a step back from technology and wrote down in an index card my “tweets” for the day. And here they are:

“I’m so addicted to Twitter that I wrote down my tweets on a paper.”

“ I know that the sex and voters’ education is essential to be instilled to the youth, but I think it will be better if we try to raise the standard of education first.”

“Bago dagdagan ang ituturo, dagdagan muna ang magtuturo at pagtuturuan.”

“I used to associate working with thesis-writing. The hassle, headaches and stress is just the same, but now I realized the difference – the fun and ease of working as a group.”

“I don’t get it, but I’m just not a fan of Japanese food. Tempura and teriyaki go! Sushi and sashimi, no!”

“A morning thought: I’m considering on applying for a credit card. Parang ang yaman lang.”

“Another fun day at the office. Mainit ba ulo mo? LOL”

“Gahd! Malapit ko nang makabisa yung Baby! @ulybog”

“Depressed. I miss you..Twitter.”

“Nothing to tweet.”

How long will I be able to endure this loneliness?
I miss tweeting. You are my (virtual) life.
(GEEK FREAK)

P-Noy (Para kay Noy)

Tomorrow marks another highlight in Philippine history.
Tomorrow, we will be having a new president.

A new president that seems to be the country's next big hope for a better life, a better country.
A new president that awakened the sense of nationality among Filipinos.

As Filipinos, we should take part and coordinate with the new leaders of our country.
As Filipinos, let us all welcome the new president with open arms...and an open mind.

For Noy, all my respect to you.
For Noy, a little reminder of what you promised this nation.

Growing up with Harry..

I was inside Tita Lani’s room when I saw three books scattered on her bed. I picked one of them and randomly opened a page. My eyes easily caught the name Professor McGonagall.

A few minutes later, I was walking on my way home tugging along the three books about a boy named Harry Potter.

I was in 6th grade when I first dared to read a whole book. It was the first of the seven book-series about a boy wizard, Harry Potter. It took me almost a month reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone because I wasn’t very interested about it at first.

I was about to read the second one when the movie of the first book was released. I was then a high school freshman. I remember how my high school classmates dislike Potter and joined the Lord of the Rings bandwagon instead. But I remained a Potterhead. I finished the other two books (Harry potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) right away and waited for tita’s copy of the fourth.

I was able to read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire not from a book, but through a printed copy of it acquired online (I guess through an ebook copy). As the middle book for the whole series, Goblet of Fire really delivered. I was so hyped while reading it. Later on, I was also able to get hold of the real book. It took almost a year before the fifth installment came out.

Tita Lani was working in Vietnam then, and she already bought a copy of the book. Since she was coming home for vacation, I waited months before finally getting hold of it. When Tita Lani got here, she immediately handed the book to me and I started reading it right then and there. Back in school, my other friend Lala is also a Potterhead. I would then give her hints on what happened on the book. We were mad-crazy about it.

The sixth book came I guess when I was already in college, a freshman I presume. This time, most of my classmates are also addicted to Harry. We would talk about Harry and gush on Daniel Radcliffe.

When the last book came out, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I pre-ordered a copy of it right away. Upon getting the book, I went straight home and flicked the pages hungrily. Not later that afternoon, I was already teary and sad that Harry Potter’s adventures are finally over.

The movie versions were good too. I have to say though that my favorite would probably be the third, which was directed by Alfonso Cuaron. It was wickedly funny and sarcastic, but it has really portrayed the maturity of the characters from the last two movies.

And now, the two-movie finale for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is almost on its way. These movies were the only remaining connection that I have to Harry Potter. After this, there will be no Potter mania anymore. But for me, Harry will always be in my heart. It feels like we grew up almost at the same time. From his first year in Hogwarts down to his coming of age.

I’m gonna miss Harry, but there will always be the books and movies to remind me of the boy who lived.