a roller coaster of thoughts..

Let's All Say a Prayer for Japan

2011-03-12T18:15:00.004+08:00

As I was busy yesterday applying for a TIN number for an account in LBP, I did not know that's something awful has been happening in our neighboring country, Japan. After arriving at home, my mom-in-law told me about the earthquake/tsunami that happened in Japan just 2 hours after I arrived home. Pictures of the tragedy where flashed on tv and you really can't believe that such disaster can happen. Cars and houses were like toys washed away by floods. Here is a pic I got from buzzfeed.com:

taken from buzzfeed.com

You can view more pics here.

Aftershocks are still felt by Japan after the 8.9 magnitude quake. Neighboring countries in the Pacific were also sent warning regarding the tsunami that would probably hit the coastal areas. Good thing Philippines was spared. Thank you Lord.

While Japan and all the other countries are busy rescuing and planning on the restoration of the damaged places, another bad news broke. Because of the quake, nuclear plants at Fukushima got leaks which resulted to explosion.

Please let's all continue to pray for Japan and to the rest of the world. God be with us.

Adgitizing...

2011-02-26T22:09:00.004+08:00

Going to update this blog after a very loooooooong hiatus. You may have noticed that the last post here is about Maria at Wimby '10. Perhaps I did get tired blogging that time because of the stress due to pregnancy. Just a bit of information, last year was really a roller coaster ride for me. Confirmation about my pregnancy really brought about joy and sadness at the same time. Too many thoughts occupied my mind obviously, but thank God I got through with it through His help, my family, my hubby. And now, I'm happily contented taking care of my 4-month old Nina Razelle.

By the way, adgitize was the one which inspired me to write this post. Clicking publisher's blog is really tiring and enjoyable as well. You get to read inspiring posts especially about life of moms like me. But honestly, I'm staying this late because of trying to click up to 100 ads. I really thought it's just that easy but oh boy, this really makes me sleepy. I'm still 40 blogs away from reaching my target. Do you think I can make this? Oh well...we'll just see... Am not really used nowadays to sleeping sooo late. Good night and have a great day ahead! :)

This is me at 10:20 pm, February 26, 2011....

Forgive me please for being so bold and brave for posting my ugly self. :D

Maria, back at Wimby 2010

2010-06-23T06:55:00.003+08:00

Because of excitement on Wimbledon 2010, I can't help but update this blog and post more about my fave players again. Many things has happened on the tennis world beginning this year and I was not able to deal with that because of personal stuffs. But now, I think I'll be updating more with regards to this All-England Championships 2010.

Sharapova blows a kiss to the crowd after her victory over Anastasia Pivovarova.

An article from wimbledon.org on her win:

" There is a feeling among the experts that Maria Sharapova is once again approaching the kind of form that makes her a contender at Grand Slam events and judging by her tennis during her opening victory at the 2010 Championships she can look forward to a lengthy stay in SW19.

Perhaps Sharapova expected a tougher test against a player who had enjoyed a fabulous run at Roland Garros - she qualified and reached the third round. Pivovarova had impressed too during the qualifying event in Roehampton last week where she cruised through three matches for the loss of just ten games.

But against a player as focused and as effective as Sharapova on Wimbledon's turf she simply had no answers to the world No.16's power. Sharapova was ruthless on serve in a one-sided 30-minute opener, dropping just three points on her own delivery, and was just as effective when returning, breaking the qualifier twice.

The second was even more lop-sided as Sharapova dropped just four points on serve and broke another three times, wasting only 24 minutes to complete a straight-sets passage into the second round."The goal today was to come out and just figure things out pretty quickly and I did a good job of that," the Russian said afterwards. "I feel good. My body feels good. I'm in much better condition than I was last year."

Sharapova also revealed that her time away from the game during 2008 and 2009 due to shoulder problems has left her even hungrier for success on the world's biggest stages. "My joy in the game is pretty much up there with what it was before I got injured. Maybe even more so because it was taken away from me for such a long period of time that it made me realise how blessed you are when you're actually on the court [and] are able to hit a tennis ball for an hour a day - and be good at what you do."

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-26T07:03:00.002+08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you did enjoy your holiday! I really wanted to post my thoughts on this season but my writing ability won't allow. hehe. So, just let me share to you one of the email messages I've received for this Christmas time.

THE INCARNATION

When we reflect on the celebration of Christmas, it is imperative that we remember we are reflecting upon a mystery and so no amount of thought is ever going to fully explain the incarnation to us to our satisfaction. The Second Person of the Trinity, the ever-begotten Son of the Father who is without beginning or end, also takes on human flesh — as if talking about Him was not difficult enough already. How are we supposed to respond to this wonderful mystery which lies at the heart of our salvation?
How we respond is up to each of us as individuals and it will depend upon how willing we are to submit our lives, and in particular our minds and hearts, to a mystery. The result of doing this will be a journey into the unknown — the unknown of the mystery of Trinitarian life in whose image we were created in order to be in relationship with God and one another. This sounds rather "heavy," doesn't it? Well, it is. However, it does not have to be a mystery only — it can and will be the experience of our faith if we allow it to be. What I mean by this is that the witness of the history of the Church's understanding of life in relationship with God is drawn from the lives of men and women who have freely chosen to enter into precisely this journey. Where it has led them is a different story for each one of them. Yes, there are familiar characteristics in them all, but each has a unique strand to it as well. Are we up to the challenge? I do not know for you, but I do know that I want to go down this path. Let us pray for one another that we will all be open to the work of the Spirit in our lives so that we will be willing to be led according to the will of God and thus arrive at the true end of our being — eternal life with the Trinity in heaven. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

Reflection Question:
Are you afraid to surrender all to God? You probably should be up to the point of realizing that it is impossible for God to harm you. He always desires the best for us all.

Jesus, help me to surrender to Your call more deeply and so experience Your calling me deeper and deeper into the mystery of the life of the Trinity.

This passage may be a li'l bit heavy for me but I really found it reflective. I also remember the priest's homily during the 1st Christmas eve mass that I attended last night since we started celebrating Christmas away from our hometown, that Jesus was sent in order for us humans to be freed from our sins. As a Catholic, this reminded me that we are really loved by God for him to send His Son to us. So, we should be thankful for this everyday of our lives. That's why I really love the saying that goes, "Count your blessings, not what's missing." Of course, we can't really deny the fact that worry always cross our path when trials come but we need not be, just count on HIM and everything will be alright.

A Blessed Christmas and a faith-filled New Year!

A Dream Came True

2009-12-09T16:01:00.006+08:00

I just wanna share one my experience of having a dream come true. Not really a dream exactly but this one has been one of my "desired" things in my life. As silly as it seems, this dream is to visit the bridge of a ship - whatever ship it may be. I just found it interesting on how they command the ship or what are their machines are since those are really unusual for me knowing the fact that marine courses are not really for women (as I was taught). And so, the dream remained as it is.

But without anticipating it, that dream came true. Last two weeks, when we were boarding to Bohol through Superferry 1 with Ninz, he unexpectedly stumbled upon his ex-officers during his apprenticeship time. When we were at the deck, his former 2/m passed by and that's when they started their conversation knowing the fact that these people were his mentors during his neophyte days and that they weren't able to see each other already for the past years. And so, to make the long story short, we ended up going to the bridge to see the chiefmate of the ship who is also a friend of his. Here are some pics I took while listening on their conversation:

a view of the horizon from the bridge

ninz talking to his former chiefmate

"control area" (sorry but really don't know the name exactly, i've yet to ask ninz..)

Honestly, really didn't expect this to happen. Thanks to Ninz. Their machines may not really be the "state-of-the-art" kind according to Ninz but nevertheless, it's the bridge, right? And I'm sure that not all gals have a chance to visit this part of the ship unless you're some kind of a VIP..hehe

Bohol Escapade

2009-12-03T03:45:00.004+08:00

There's nothing much happier and sweeter than traveling with your special one. Just sharing a sneak peek of my trip in Bohol with Ninz..:)

pic with our Bohol shirts..:)

facade of Dauis Church..

passing Dauis, Bohol..

More pics of the Panglao beach soon..:)

A Day in Hoyohoy Highland Park, Tangub City

2009-11-20T04:19:00.006+08:00

Traveling is really one of those things that I wanna do especially now that I'm still in my early 20's and single days. Seeing pictures of people in different places aside from the usual really makes me drool. I'm really envious when it comes to seeing mah folks having been to different places in this whole wide world. Too bad am not really into taking pictures here, there & everywhere so that would make mah trip, if ever, a not-so-interesting one. Nevertheless, I'm still inclined to travel even in Mindanao only and the neighboring places and will take time to take pictures na jud, bahalag walay camera..hehe

Anyhow, since I've only been to quite a few places here in Mindanao and a li'l bit in Visayas, would just like to share some of my pics in Hoyohoy Highland Park in Tangub City in Misamis Occidental when I was still part of the Patrol sa Kalamboan News Team. Pics taken by Kya Ching, akong cameraman kunuhay kay I'm the reporter man pod kintahay..hehe. This is a Flower Farm by the way managed by the Local Government of Misamis Occidental. Too bad dili kaayo maklaro ang mga flowers pero in fairness, nice iyang view. Kudos to Kuya Ching for the great photos!

overlooking Panguil Bay

me, kya ching & the interviewee

and lastly, the most dramatic post..

The Climb

2009-11-18T01:37:00.002+08:00

I just love the lyrics. This song has been playing on air for quite a while already but it's only now that I've got time to discover its lyrics..hehe..nice & inspiring..:)

The Climb
by: Miley Cyrus

I can almost see it.
that dream I'm dreaming, but
there's a voice inside of my head, tellin'
you'll never reach it
every step I'm takin'
every move I make
feels lost in no direction,
my faith is shakin'
but I gotta keep tryin'
gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
always gonna be an uphill battle
sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
ain't about how fast I get there
ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
it's a climb

The struggles I'm facing
the changes I'm taking
sometimes they knock me down, but
no I'm not breaking
I may not know where, but
these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most
I've just gotta keep goin', and
I gotta be strong
just keep pushing on, but

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
always gonna be an uphill battle
sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
ain't about how fast I get there
ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
it's a climb

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
always gonna be an uphill battle
sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
ain't about how fast I get there
ain't about what's waitin' on the other side
it's a climb

Keep on movin'
keep climbin'
keep faith baby
It's all about, it's all about
the climb
keep the faith, keep your faith, woah

Roller Coaster Thoughts..

2009-11-14T02:32:00.004+08:00

Waahh! So many things has already happened since I last updated this cyberspace of mine - a lot of stress to deal with being in the graveyard shift for four months already, isn't that tiring? Just wishing and praying that good things will happen in lieu of these sleepless nights..:D I always know that God is good and will always find a way to help me with this ordeal..hehe..kaka-stress na talaga.

Anyhow, just thought of updating this one for the sake of updating myself with what's really happening within and outside of me. :)

Let me start with congratulating Rain or Shine for having their 1st win on Friday the 13th! Congrats @GNorwood5! Gotta get the 15-peso load my cousin bet for his Alaska to win..haha!

These past few weeks have been a roller coaster ride for me - a mixed feeling of having been elated for the arrival of my sweetest Ninz and having to rumble and rant for the extension of our graveyard schedule. Grumbling and complaining isn't really my cup of tea but having our night schedule extended up to 4th month and until-they-tell-us-so really made me grumble because of the fact that I'm having some kind of anemia and afraid that this would worsen it. I just hope and pray that if I've got time to go to a doc, everything will be back to normal. Also got confused whether i'd be offended or flattered if my fam calls me "Kim Chiu"..haha,,flattered pa talaga? Payat ko na daw kasi..hay..ito kasi si GY.. But nevertheless, as quoted by my idol Gabe Norwood, "in victory and defeat, I'm still blessed beyond belief."

Another reason for being on hiatus is that I've been hooked to twitter lately. Been following interesting and inspiring tweets from celebs and other pipz in this world wide web. It's keeping me up to date on what's happening especially now that Phil. elections is near. I also got to know the thoughts of people who we only see on TV, especially my crush, haha! I suggest you better be on twitter too so that you'll not get behind with recent happenings. But of course, be respectful enough with the ones you follow. You may not like their tweets all the time but at least you get to hear their thoughts, ayt? Twitter is fun - you don't only get to address to people whom you thought you will never reach but you also get to befriend someone who has the same interests as yours. But just don't expect too much that the people you're following or addressing will follow you back or reply to your tweet since it will just cause major disappointment..believe me!

Well, these are just some parts of what's on my thoughts these days. There are so many things pa that I wanna share but I ran out of words na especially that I'm at the office updating..hehe
Just grabbing the opportunity that my eyes aren't closing yet..haha.. Excited to go home na! and see fam and mah sweet..missing him much already..:D

Gotta go..Bye for now..:)

Congrats for the Back-to-Back Blue Eagles!

2009-10-13T00:24:00.005+08:00

courtesy of fabilioh.com

Sorry for the very, very late post. Congrats to my favorite-est team! Gonna miss Jai, Nonoy & Rabeh too! Thanks Chris, & NFP for the heart-warming articles on the back-to-back. Superrr love them!:) Will surely miss you!:)

Smart Gilas Pilipinas edge out Singapore Slingers 70-67

2009-09-24T15:45:00.000+08:00

I just want to share another milestone of Smart Gilas Pilipinas Team on one of its exhibition games against Singapore Slingers yesterday, September 23, 2009. This really made my day especially that Chris Tiu went with the team to play :D I just hope he gets to share this win in his blog. Take note that out of the, I think, 14 member of the team, only 9 went there to play. Below is the article from a Singapore sports news. Sorry for being so biased..:)

Members of the Smart Gilas developmental team together with coach Rajko Toroman, fourth from left, depart for Singapore for a series of exhibition games with the Singapore Slingers. They are, from left, Maggie Sison, MacMac Baracael, Mark Barroca, Japeth Aguilar, Jason Ballesteros, JV Casio and Chris Tiu. (Photo by Rudy Santos)
courtesy of teampilipinas.info

article courtesy of redsports.sg

Singapore Indoor Stadium, Wednesday, September 23, 2009 – The word on the Smart Gilas Pilipinas team was that they were all about skills, quickness and hustle.

Although they displayed all that and more, including several rim-rattling, crowd-pleasing dunks, it took a last-ditch defensive play from point guard Mark Barroca to prevent his Singapore Slingers counterpart Al Vergara from setting up the game-tying shot at the death.

Smart Gilas Pilipinas edged out the Slingers 70-67 in a fast-paced Challenge Series game that was chockful with excitement all 40 minutes. The match was the second of four pre-ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) season matches for the Slingers. Their first was a 93-85 win over the Coca-Cola Tigers of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) last Friday, and while that victory was achieved against an experienced, well-grounded side, this match was a different kettle of fish.

The Smart Gilas Pilipinas squad are a national developmental team whose ultimate goal is to reach the 2012 Olympics in London. Led by former Iranian men’s basketball team coach Rajko Toroman, the Smart Gilas consisted of standout collegiate and amateur players like Barroca and the twin towers of 2009 PBA Number 1 draft pick Japeth Aguilar and former Los Angeles Lakers’ player CJ Giles, who, standing at 6 feet 11 inches, is an inch taller than Aguilar.

And it was Giles who provided the highlight moment of the match late in the third quarter, with the game tied. The centre, who led Smart Gilas with 21 points and 11 rebounds, rose high above the Slingers defence to dunk an alley-oop pass from Barroca to hand his team the lead at 52-50. After the Slingers immediately turned it over, Giles slammed home a teammate’s miss with aplomb to double the Smart Gilas’ lead, and send the hugely-partisan Philippine crowd into raptures.

The crowd were at it right from the tip-off, as the Slingers looked to be overrun by the Smart Gilas team during the opening exchanges. The home team started with Kyle Jeffers, Pathman Matialakan, Hong Wei Jian, Al Vergara and Marcus Ng, the latter being the one change from the previous starting five, taking Lim Wai Sian’s spot.

Despite the seemingly-consistent lineup, coach Frank Arsego said, “There is no starting five yet. We are still putting some players in and changing around, and seeing who can do what.”

What the Slingers did was get into an early deficit – as they did in the previous match against the Tigers – and then climb right back out of it. The Smart Gilas sprinted and hustled their way to a quick 8-2 lead, with Aguilar and Giles splitting the points, and the Slingers looked both out of depth and sorts as they struggled to keep pace with their opponents. They racked up the turnover count as well, with Wei Jian accounting for four first-quarter mishandlings.

With the Smart Gilas team and the crowd smelling blood, the Slingers dug in and played to their strengths. With their shooters yet to find their range, they went to the low block of Jeffers and Pathman for points in the paint.

Jeffers then made the second period his own. Tormenting the Smart Gilas post defenders time and again, the big 6 feet 9 inch American scored 12 of his 20 points here in a dazzling array of post moves, long jumpers and even an alley-oop dunk from a Vergara feed.

Aguilar scored six points in the period to keep the Smart Gilas close, but the Slingers led by as many as eight, the largest lead in the game. Jeffers’ points, as well as contributions from Pathman and Wei Jian, who converted a double-clutch layup which seemed to defy gravity, provided the impetus for a 35-31 Slinger lead at half-time.

The second 20 minutes was a cagey affair, as both teams neither built a substantial lead nor held one for an extended period of time. There were nine lead changes and five tied scores alone in the half, which the Smart Gilas team dominated to overturn the half-time deficit.

Although Aguilar was held scoreless in the third period, Giles, Joseph Casio, Chris Tiu and Marnel Baracael stepped up to score the points for their team. Baracael scored all his seven third-quarter points in a 7-0 run which gave Smart Gilas a 43-37 lead as the Slingers seemingly fell into a rut.

But once again, the Slingers came right back at their opponents. A reticent Wei Jian, who had not taken a jump shot yet in the game, scored 10 of the Slingers’ next 13 points, including two three-pointers. He said, “Coach told me not to worry (about his 4 first quarter turnovers), and to just keep taking shots.”

Wong Wei Long, who missed the previous game due to his enlistment into National Service, added another trey as the Slingers tied the game at 50, before Giles came up with his double-dunk delight for the Filipino fans.

Barroca’s jumper off an excellent screen from Giles made it 58-52 at the start of the final period, but the Slingers chipped away at the deficit once again, and led 61-60 after three minutes of fourth-quarter play when Vergara made one of two technical free throws after Smart Gilas were deemed to have made an improper substitution which resulted in them having six players on court for several moments.

This left Pilipinas coach Toroman delirious with rage, as he remonstrated at length with the officials. The Serbian was once again absolutely livid with three minutes to go when, with his charges trailing 64-65, the Slingers’ Jamal Brown seemed to commit a goaltending violation which was not called by the officials. The following play went out of bounds off a Smart Gilas player, handing possession over to the Slingers, and leaving Toroman and his team quite incensed.

Boos rang down from the Philippine section of the crowd, but they soon turned to cheers when Aguilar made a jumper which gave his team the lead for good, and again when Tiu’s acrobatic layup made it 70-67 to the Smart Gilas with 50.2 seconds to play.

Jeffers used up the clock on the ensuing inbounds play, but missed his hook shot after good team defence from the Smart Gilas. They then had a chance to put the game to bed, but Marcus Ng nearly stole the ball off Barroca, whose team then failed to get a shot off in time as they committed a shot-clock violation with 5.5 seconds left.

Vergara brought the ball up-court as the Slingers prepared for a game-tying three, but Barroca swiped the ball away from behind as time expired on a game that left spectators and players alike breathless.

“Our main aim was to take away their athleticism,” said Arsego on the Smart Gilas team. “These guys are the future of Asian basketball. With their team structure and play, ball movement and screens, this team is hard to defend.”

Despite the close loss, Arsego felt his charges could hold their heads high. He said, “The Smart Gilas had that third quarter run, but we kept it close till the end with big plays. We were just a little tap away from winning the game. I’m proud of the boys, to put up that sort of performance against this team.”

When asked about the aspect of play that the Slingers could improve on, Vergara replied that they could do better on their transition defence, and Wei Jian echoed his point guard’s thoughts, saying, “We did not defend hard enough, nor run back fast enough during their (Smart Gilas) fast breaks.”

The Slingers will play their next match of the Challenge Series against the Barangay Ginebra Kings, one of the most popular PBA teams. The match will take place on Wednesday, September 30 at 8pm, and will be played at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Scoring by quarter:
Singapore Slingers v Smart Gilas Pilipinas
1st Q: 17-14
2nd Q: 18-17
3rd Q: 17-25
4th Q: 15-14
Final Score: 67-70

BOX SCORE:

More of the pics from redsports.sg:

The Blind Leading The Blind

2009-09-12T05:09:00.003+08:00

I have always been receiving very beautiful messages from one of my yahoo groups and found this one, very appropriate, in my own opinion, nowadays upon observing that people are trying to blame one other for the misfortunes that come our way. I think this is from today's Gospel.

The Blind Leading The Blind

It is not good to ask a blind person to lead another blind person on an obstacle course. It is sure to end in some injury. Today's Gospel warns of the pitfall of becoming the judge of another as we are just as prone to sin as the others are and we are therefore not in the best position to cast judgment on them. The implication of this is that we should concentrate on our own responsibility to grow in holiness rather than on judging others. In any case, the greatest form of judgment we can bring to the life of another is the direct witness of our own life of holiness. Without the personal witness of holiness, any judgment we make on others opens us up to the accusation of hypocrisy.

Jesus often calls His disciples to focus on their own response to the grace of God rather than that of their neighbour. It is a very good principle to remember. When we judge others without taking care of our own holiness, whatever advice we give to others will just boomerang on us.
The call of holiness is universal — none of us can avoid it. In fact, it is the basis of any vocational calling we have. Without growing in holiness, we will not be able to successfully pursue our calling. Jesus' life witnesses to this truth as we can see through His commitment to prayer notwithstanding that He is one with the Father and the Spirit in the Trinity. Even Jesus knows the necessity to be committed to the basic aspects of His relationship with His Father. Thus He was and remains an example for us to follow, and to draw inspiration from, so we can make the necessary decisions that will keep us firmly rooted in the love of God and His grace. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

Reflection Question:
How committed am I to living out the fullness of the Christian calling to live a holy life? Am I taking short cuts that can give me problems later on?

Holy Spirit, I need Your grace to convince me that the basics of a life of holiness are essential — namely, prayer, reading the Scriptures and the lives of the saints, and studying the teachings of the Church.

St. Patiens of Lyons, Bishop, pray for us.

For me, living a holy life is not really as simple as what one thinks. Just wanna share also this quote I've always been seeing on ads posted across in our city, "A saint is a sinner who always tries to be one." Enjoy life!:)

Maria and her Cole Haan Collection

2009-08-29T05:29:00.000+08:00

Maria has been showing her fashionable side lately. Right after the Finals in Roger's Cup, she was then seen partying with actress Blake Lively with a piece of birthday cake in honor of Blake Lively's 22nd birthday at their game hosted by InStyle and Tiffany & Co. at The Cooper Square Hotel - Penthouse on August 25, 2009 in New York City. This cocktail party was made to honor herself and Frank Gehry, a famous architect who created the sterling silver and diamond earrings especially for Maria to wear at the US Open.

And just the other night, she was also sited at Rockefeller Center Store on August 27, 2009 in New York, New York unveiling her own Cole Haan Collection which includes a ballet flat, an ankle-wrapped stiletto, a flat over-the-knee boot, an ankle bootie and a strappy platform sandal. With prices ranging from $138 - $328, the collection offers luxe options at an attainable level.

"It's my hope that other young women will embrace the spirit of the collection; it's fun, chic, fashionable and most importantly, able to take you from day to night," says Maria.

And here is one Maria's lovely pics during the event:

SEE MORE OF MARIA SHARAPOVA HERE.

You can also subscribe to her pics at zimbio.com.

sorry for being so cheeesy..:)

2009-08-17T09:30:00.001+08:00

Just can't help but post this one since I'm also one of those TIUnatics out there.haha.so cheesy! Enjoy!

Please take a look...

2009-08-06T19:58:00.005+08:00

I am not really into politics but just felt an urge to repost this one. Got this from Carlo Ople's site. Having done this is really disrespectful. Please read the account below to know the whole story. The account was written by a Happy Feraren who happens to be there during Pres. Cory Aquino's funeral yesterday.

Full quote of the narration of Happy:

Shame on your Jamby Madrigal by Happy Feraren

Now that we’ve remembered, relived and recreated the spirit of ’86 let’s make sure this yellow ribbon doesn’t get tangled up in other people’s political campaigns.

Subtle electioneering IN A FUNERAL?!?! SHAME ON YOU. Do not ride on Cory’s wave to pursue your vested interest. The people who waited in the streets weren’t there to see you! The revolution doesn’t belong to you, phony politician, it belongs to the people. And what makes you

think you could get away with such a dirty trick? Cory’s lasting impression of sincerity, humility and honesty is now the benchmark of what leaders are supposed to be. You think people don’t see through you? The respect we have for Cory is not something you acquire with falsity (or through endorsement from Judy Ann Santos) it is earned. How dare you pose as someone offering sympathy to the Aquino family while you think about the votes you’re going to get come election time.

As I waited for the cortege (news networks’ new favourite word) along the South Super Highway, my mom and I bou

ght 2 yellow umbrellas from this street vendor who was also selling nuts. And then as we paid, he pulled out something from his pocket – a yellow beaded bracelet nicely packed in a small clear plastic bag. Upon handing it over to us, he said: “Eto o, bonus para sa inyo.”Of course my mom and I were pleased and were all “awww how sweet.”Until I actually looked at the bracelet and saw a little tag with the name and photo of Jamby Madrigal.

I called out to him and asked, “O bakit may Jamby Madrigal itong bracelet na ito” and when I looked at the vendor for

an answer he had already walked away.

Maybe an hour before this incident, I saw her car passing by the growing sea of people. Window open, flashing the L sign and strangely enough, a cameraman in front filming the people. My mom started shouting “Transparencyyyy!” and then I looked at her asking if I could put up my middle finger and my mom looked at me and said I should just shout transparency, accountability or good governance. In other words “BOOOOOOOO!!!!” And

then the two of us just started shouting BOO JAMBY!!!

I am utterly disgusted by you, Ms.Madrigal. And to you other filthy politicians, behave yourselves because we are all

watching you, even if you’re supposedly Cory’s “favorite” mayor. Genuine democracy is People Power and everything Ninoy and Cory stood for. It also means that now, whenever there’s a phony claiming he or she is there to protect Cory’s legacy, we will be able to speak up and act with the same fearless fervour we had before.

You know sometimes I wish I could march in the government offices with a magical broom that can sweep away all the dirty politicians we have in this country. A giant clean up, but this time not just for the environment but for our government. Haha, imagine if we could really do that? I’m already writing down the names of the people I’d attack first with my magic walis!

So, before you file for candidacy (a b

it too late though in this case) think again. Actually, good luck! The people have remembered.

Here is the picture of the said bracelet.

Ano sa tingin niyo?

Just a moment...

2009-08-01T22:47:00.004+08:00

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my condolences to the Aquino family and to the Filipino country men as well for the passing of our former Philippine President, Pres. Corazon Aquino. Though I really don't know her at all and had no BIG idea on how she has influenced Filipino's lives, all I can say is that she may really have been a good president just by watching all those people on TV for their grievances and sympathy with the passing of the beloved President. Personally, I really feel teary-eyed just by watching and hearing people's stories on their wonderful moments and experiences with Mrs. Aquino. Farewell Mrs. Cory! You will always be remembered...

Ateneo for 3-0

2009-07-19T18:31:00.004+08:00

Just wanna say congratulations to the Ateneo Blue Eagles for another well-deserved win in the UAAP Season 72 against UST Growling Tigers! 3-0 already in the standings. 4 games to go after the 1st round. Congrats Eman Monfort for being the Champ of the Game and to my other favorites as well - Rabeh, the former MVP, Nonoy "Blocklao", Jai Reyes, Buenafe, Salamat and those other guys who really stepped up for the win.

Credits to Sir Rick Olivares' blog for the pic. I'm no an expert on any game nor a good critic. Just a pure fanatic whose smile widens everytime my fave wins. OBF! :)

Updating..

2009-07-02T20:32:00.002+08:00

Just wanna update this site for my own benefit since I know that no one has been reading this. :) I'm just busy lately doing:

1. my full-time work from 6am-2pm, Monday-Saturday..
2. my part-time work after..
3. following the Wimbledon's final (rooting for the Russians)
4. following people on Twitter :)
5. thinking on how to update this one..

C yah!

Sharapova makes winning return to AEGON Classic

2009-06-09T09:28:00.004+08:00

After the tiring French Open Grand Slam, here is Maria Sharapova again competing at the AEGON Classic Tournament in Birmingham as a preparation for the next Grand Slam which is the Wimbledon.

Maria Sharapova made a winning start to her AEGON Classic campaign at the Edgbaston Priory Club, Birmingham today as she continues her comeback from shoulder surgery.

The two-time former champion recovered from a slow start to defeat Canadian Stephanie Dubois 6-4 6-2 in one hour 13 minutes to book a second round date with American Alexa Glatch.

“I thought I did a really good job of getting into the groove of playing on grass again," said Sharapova. "My goal today was to get used to the grass and my opponent, who I hadn’t played before.

“I have tremendous memories from here. It seems that the fans have grown up with me here as I have played here since I was younger. That’s one of the reasons why I keep coming back."

The Road to Bali reaches its half-way mark in Birmingham this week with the AEGON Classic, the 15th of 30 International tournaments on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour's calendar. The 56-player, $220,000 event also heralds the start of the four week grass court swing, with all roads leading to Wimbledon at the end of the month. Hoping to find their footing on the turf, five of the Top 30 are present, along with two-time champion Maria Sharapova.

Sharapova, who first won the Birmingham title as a prelude to her Wimbledon triumph in 2004, defended it the following year and was also runner-up to Jelena Jankovic in 2007, promises to steal much of the spotlight. Considering her lack of recent match play the Russian was hugely impressive at the French Open, fighting her way to the quarterfinals on her least favorite surface to lift her ranking into the Top 75. Back on more comfortable terrain she'll be even more dangerous, despite missing out on a seeding.

More information about the tournament here and about Maria here.

Click here for more information about the tournament and the order of play and draws.

SAVINGS

2009-06-08T07:29:00.003+08:00

I just got this message from my yahoogroup and I just can't help but post it. It's very inspiring especially to the married ones...So touching..:)

This is dedicated to all married people...... .CHEERS!!!

Vicky married Paul this day. At the end of the wedding party, Vicky's mother gave her a newly opened bank saving passbook. With Php1000 deposit amount.
Mother: 'Vicky, take this passbook. Keep it as a record of your marriage life. When there's something happy and memorable happened in your new life, put some money in. Write down what it's about next to the line. The more memorable the event is, the more money you should put in.. I've done the first one for you today. Do the others with Paul.When you look back after years, you will know how much happiness you've had.'
Vicky shared this with Paul when getting home. They both thought it was a great idea and were anxious to know when the second deposit can be made.
This was what they did after certain time:
- 7 Feb: Php100, first birthday celebration for Paul after marriage
- 1 Mar: Php300, salary raise for Vicky
- 20 Mar: Php200, vacation trip to Bali
- 15 Apr: Php2000, Vicky got pregnant
- 1 Jun: Php1000, Paul got promoted
..... and so on...
However, after years, they started fighting and arguing for trivial things. They didn't talk much. They regretted that they had married the most nasty people in the world.... no more love....Kind of typical nowadays, huh?
One day Vicky talked to her Mother:
'Mom, we can't stand it anymore. We agree to divorce. I can't imagine how I decided to marry this guy!!!'
Mother: 'Sure, girl, that's no big deal. Just do whatever you want if you really can't stand it. But before that, do one thing first. Remember the saving passbook I gave you on your wedding day? Take out all money and spend it first. You shouldn't keep any record of such a poor marriage.'
Vicky thought it was true. So she went to the bank, waiting at the queue and planning to cancel the account.
While she was waiting, she took a look at the passbook record. She looked, and looked, and looked. Then the memory of all the previous joy and happiness just came up her mind. Her eyes were then filled with tears. She left and went home.
When she was home, she handed the passbook to Paul, asked him to spend the money before getting divorce.
The next day, Paul gave the passbook back to Vicky. She found a new deposit of Php5000. And a line next to the record: 'This is the day I notice how much I've loved you thru out all these years. How much happiness you've brought me.'
They hugged and cried, putting the passbook back to the safe..

Do you know how much money they had saved when they retired? I did not ask. I believe the money did not matter any more after they had gone thru all the good years in their life.
"When you fall, in any way, Don't see the place where you fell, Instead see the place from where you slipped.
Life is about correcting mistakes."

-anonymous author

Sharapova will be seen next at AEGON Classic Tourney

2009-06-06T15:09:00.005+08:00

Since Maria is out of the picture already from the French Open, she will be seen next at AEGON Classic, an International series tennis tournament on the WTA Tour held at the Edgbaston Priory Club in Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom. It will start on June 6-14, 2009, U.K. time of course. Held at this location since 1982, the tournament is played on outdoor grass courts. It is seen as a major warm up tournament for Wimbledon and a sister tournament to the men's Queen's Club Championships.

Maria has been a 2-time champion in this tournament and will be looking forward on her next win.

“I’m really excited about getting back on to the grass courts again and playing in the AEGON Classic,” said 22-year-old Sharapova.

“Birmingham is a really special tournament for me and I always get great support. I’ve won there twice before and I always feel very welcome - it’s excellent preparation for Wimbledon.”

Click HERE for full details about Maria.

And HERE for the final entry list of main draw players.

Fabulous Federer stands firm to make final

2009-06-06T14:58:00.003+08:00

Roger Federer will be advancing to the Finals of the Roland Garros tournament after a five-setter game against the 5th seeded Juan Martin del Potro.

Click HERE for full details on their match.

Roland Garros: In the Semis

2009-06-04T09:12:00.002+08:00

Wow..too many upsets for this year’s RG Cup. Robin Soderling defeated the defending Champ Rafael Nadal, No7 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova defeated No2 seed Serena Williams and women’s defending champ defeated by No.9 seed Victoria Azarenka. I have been really upset for the defeat of the defending Champs and Maria. But as what Maria had said, that’s tennis and that is sport. No one is really invincible.

As you have read from my previous posts, I am following this tournament because of my fave players. But now that they’re out (Maria, Ana, & Rafa), I’ll now be cheering for world’s WTA #1 Dinara Safina and ATP’s #2, Roger Federer. So now, I make myself satisfied that Dinara is still on the go for the cup and will be facing No7 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova who just defeated No.2 seed Serena Williams. Hurray! Dinara for the win!

On the other hand, since Rafa is out of the way, I would love to see Roger Federer getting the RG crown. For now, I will be following the semi-finals round of both the men’s and women’s and I bet that the top 2 seeded players will go victorious, I hope so!

Click this link to see on who will be vying the Semi-Finals Round for the women.

And here for the men’s.

You will also see further stories at the right sidebar of this blog. Enjoy Reading!

Rafa out, Ana out -- I still can't believe it...

2009-06-01T08:38:00.004+08:00

As you would know, it has been a habit of me nowadays to check out on the Roland Garros site for updates on the ongoing French tournament on Tennis and to get sight of my faves namely the defending Champs Rafa Nadal and Ana Ivanovic. And since Maria Sharapova is now back on the tennis world, it made me visit the site more for updates and to see who's advancing up to the finals. Since the tournament is a Grand Slam, many players all over the world are participating hoping to grab the crown one day. It has also been a reason on why I have subscribed to Google news for more updates on the tournament.

But sadly, upon visiting my site this morning for new updates, it broke my heart to see that defending Champs Rafa and Ana has been eliminated from the tourney by Robin Soderling and Victoria Azarenka respectively in the 4th round of the tourney. Click here for the details of what really happened on the May 31st games. As what Rafa has said, "This is not a tragedy, losing here in Paris. It had to happen one day, and this is an excellent season for me. Of course it's a bit sad, but I have to overcome this as quickly as possible.”

Despite of that, I am still not totally down because my fave of them all, Maria, is on the go and advances to QF defeating the 25th seeded Na Li from China.

More Power Maria and Good Luck!

For the detailed articles, click the story on how the Stunning Soderling dethrones Nadal.

Maria Saharapova advances to the 4th round..

2009-05-30T08:09:00.003+08:00

" Maria Sharapova hit back from losing a 6-1 set for a second successive match as she battled her way into the fourth round of the French Open."

Just like her game against fellow Russian and 5th seeded Nadia Petrova, Maria bounced back after being left behind for the 1st set against Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan on the 3rd round of the Roland Garros tournament.

As Skysports has reported, Sharapova has endured a tempestuous relationship with the Roland Garros crowd in the past - she was booed off after being knocked out in 2007 and 2008.

But she said she was enjoying playing the role of the underdog after seeing her ranking slide during her enforced absence.

"You're ranked outside the top 100, so people like you," she quipped. "When you're number one in the world, for some reason they don't like you anymore. It's amazing how the society works.

"Especially here in France, I think they always love the underdog, and they always love the one that comes back from behind, or the one that's not expected to win. I'm probably that person,"

She will now take on another player returning from injury in Li Na of China for a place in the last eight.

Despite favoring other top-seeded players like Dinara Safina and former French Open title holder Ana Ivanovic, I would love to see Maria advanced up to QF, then SF, and hopefully in the Finals. I just love her - her fighting spirit and her strong mentality to win. And besides, seeing her dressed up with her Nike-sponsored sports outfit makes me root for her more. Good luck Maria!