I was in my room when my friend dragged me to see the optometrist. I had an eye exam, and before I knew it, wow, unbelievably great.
"I got perfect vision"
"It's freedom to the eyes."
=P
*remember this?*
May 30, 2004
May 29, 2004
Swimming in Unknown Shores
What the heck did I get into? I'm part of a marketing group for the school of Humanities? Wow, experience certainly would be a factor here, considering that I have none. Oh well, few people, more work. Now looking for sponsors for Humanities Week. If you have any to suggest or refer, please contact me.
-------
I recently purchased American Idol for the PS2, made a virtual Milo and a virtual Jen, and set the difficulty to Hard. We made it both into the final two. Both got positive remarks from all the judges.
Although virtual Jen sang better than virtual Milo (as shown in the number of points earned - around a 1000 point difference), virtual Milo won by a huge margin, 62% to 38%. This proved that even though you have more talent, you won't necessarily win it outright if the fans decided.
Just look at Star Circle Quest right now. Everyone in the top 10 teens was better than Sandara, but look at where she is now, top 5. She is often in the bottom part of the judge's rankings, but since she is the favorite of the masses due to her looks, text votes are 40% of the ranking, and audience votes, 10%, she can't be beaten by anyone, no matter how low the grade the judges and the guest teachers give Sandara.
-------
I recently purchased American Idol for the PS2, made a virtual Milo and a virtual Jen, and set the difficulty to Hard. We made it both into the final two. Both got positive remarks from all the judges.
Although virtual Jen sang better than virtual Milo (as shown in the number of points earned - around a 1000 point difference), virtual Milo won by a huge margin, 62% to 38%. This proved that even though you have more talent, you won't necessarily win it outright if the fans decided.
Just look at Star Circle Quest right now. Everyone in the top 10 teens was better than Sandara, but look at where she is now, top 5. She is often in the bottom part of the judge's rankings, but since she is the favorite of the masses due to her looks, text votes are 40% of the ranking, and audience votes, 10%, she can't be beaten by anyone, no matter how low the grade the judges and the guest teachers give Sandara.
May 28, 2004
Everytime
For most people, the newest video of Britney Spears, "Everytime", left question marks in their minds. Was this a suicide video? How the hell did she get blood on the side of her head? What's with the baby? Did she really die in the video? What's with the ending?
Unlike the "Because I'm a Girl" video of the Korean pop group KISS where they used symbolisms to strengthen the story, "Everytime" used symbolisms to tell the story. It started off well, telling a story of a harrassed celebrity and his boyfriend. However, starting from the scene where she drowned in the bathtub onwards used symbolisms too much that they drowned their significance along with the emotions attached. As a result, instead of inducing tears or whatever emotion they wanted, people would just be left ALONE in wonder. If ever there were tears, it was probably due to the song's somewhat doleful lyrics and melody. The video could not stand alone.
To answer these questions produced by the video, here's my explanation. If it's correct or not, only Britney or the producer would know. As far as they're concerned, Britney said that it wasn't a suicide video, so Britney fans, your star wasn't planning on committing suicide anytime soon.
The video showed an overworked Britney being harrassed by the media. As she attempted to wade through the sea of photographers, she got hit by a camera on the side of the head. She was unfazed, as she had only one thing in mind, to relax back home. She finally reached her limousine and sped off towards her home.
Along the way, Britney and her boyfriend argued. When they finally reached home, she tried to refrain from talking back to her boyfriend. She just wanted to relax, not to add another burden. The guy angrily threw a vase at the wall, but she still continued towards the bathroom to have a relaxing bath. She took off her shirt. Then, the scene was cut to the guy who took off his shirt in the living room. This was a device used to say that Britney took off the rest of her clothes in the bathroom. This was also a subtle symbolism of both Britney and her boyfriend "stripping" all the negative emotions out and cooling down.
As Britney soaked in the bathtub, she ran her hand on the side of her head and found blood on her hand. If you remember earlier, she got hit by a camera on the way to her limousine. She fainted and sank to the bottom of the tub.
This scene was cut to a scene where Britney, in white, was running in a white hallway. This scene was repeated more than twice in the video. It signified that she was running away from something. She was also running towards the camera as if she was running to us for help.
It then returned to Britney's home where his boyfriend rescued her from drowning in the tub. She was unconscious, so she was brought to the hospital via an ambulance.
Now, in the hospital, Britney, clad in white, was walking along. She passed by herself on a hospital bed with doctors and nurses around trying to revive her. In the other part of the room, there was a mother who just successfully delivered a baby.
The scenes shifts back and forth from the running scene to the hospital scene. The camera finally zoomed in on the newborn baby. Then, it was cut back to the bathtub scene where Britney rose from the bottom of the tub, wiped the water away from her eyes and smiled.
From what I understood, she didn't really go to the hospital. She did almost drown. The scenes thereafter were therefore, a "life flash" much like what the famous saying, "Your life flashes in front of you before you die."
Her "life flash" had two stages as seen in the divided room. In the left, Britney was half-dead. In the right, a newborn baby, a contrast, a past and future. Her "life flash" ended on the baby. This signified that she was now like a newborn baby, clean, and worry-free. Britney "rising" from the tub signified moving on, a cleansing, a "rebirth", a new Britney. Her problems in the past (rumors, ex-boyfriend, etc.) that burdened her so much were washed away by the water, and no longer bothered her anymore. She was ready to face everyone and everything once more.
And of course, one can't help feeling that this video was also a publicity stunt to hype up Britney again.
Black & Blue
This upcoming UAAP season, Norman Black, is now the Team Development Consultant of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
May 24, 2004
Naive to Believe
The loop
Why must a sweet girl get sick again despite all treatments and operations she had in the past? What did she do to deserve being confined in a hospital over and over again? Can't a person live her teenage years anymore?
I just don't see why someone has to undergo such natural suffering. It just pains me that I took care of her ever since we got to know each other, and became one of her closest friends, but couldn't do anything to break this seemingly neverending loop. I just have to rely on prayer alone, and hope that she would completely recover from her condition, whatever it may be.
The schoolyear ahead
An IT Ateneo Placement rep, a self-appointed head of the Fine Arts Festival, and the computer-techie guy for the Sanggu School of Humanities leg, the students who work on the thesis refresher course, discernment talks, the Humanities Week and others. These, and probably, other future jobs, constitute my last say in the Ateneo. Hopefully, I could still do my classes well, remain in the dean's list, and achieve my fourth year goal, graduation with honors. (Hey, the seniors' final exams will be on Feb 22-24.)
The draft picks
I have three slots to fill up, Theo 131/141, Philo 103/104 and Histo 166. I got 92 as my random number, so hopefully, every class I want to enroll under would still be open.
I'm planning to free up my schedule during T-TH so I could designate them for my other extra-curricular activities, and of course, free time. I already have one class, my practicum, on T-Th, and if possible, I don't want to have one more subject. I would even place a subject in the M-W-F, 7:30 slot, since I usually arrive in ADMU at 6 am.
I also don't want to go home late. However, that writing seminar, which has yet to show up and reveal its schedule, strongly emits the essence of a 4:30-7:30 timeslot, much like the previous years. Hopefully, it wouldn't be the case this year.
The bloom in June
Yes, June 1, regform day, the first sign of the school season. And, of course, for the very first time, I would be doing something on that date besides celebrating my birthday.
"Teka lang, paki-ulit nga iyon."
"Oo, kaarawan ko na sa ika-1 ng Hunyo."
"Ba't 'di ko alam iyon? Ba't di mo sinabi?"
"Wala lang. Hindi ka naman nagtanong."
"Ilang taon ka na?"
"21"
"Oh, kailan party? BLOWOUT!"
"'Di ko alam kung meron nga."
"Kung ganoon, happy birthday na lang."
"May KFC chicken fillet ako rito. May pure chicken, lettuce at pepper mayo, gusto mo?"
"Sige ba."
"'E di bumili ka."
If you ask me what I want, I really don't know. Have a Karaoke Revolution for my PS2? Is there a party? I don't know. We'll just wait and see what happens.
---------
Milo's "The Four Stages of Happy Birthday"
1. Happy Birthday
This happens usually around the grade school years. This is the stage where you count how many days left until our birthday a month ahead, and keep bugging everyone you know that your birthday is near. you love celebrating your birthdays because you get to invite your friends and relatives, play around, eat ice cream and cake, and most especially, receive all types of presents. You have big presents, plenty of food, party hats and all the works. you always look forward to that single day where everyone in the world becomes your friend, and get what you want from them.
2. Birthday
This happens around the high school to college years. When the value of material things wear away, and the nth type of cake feels a little too sweet for you, you've reached the second stage. It's your birthday, and usually, you just spend it among the family. This is also the stage where people don't flaunt that their birthday is near. Most of the time, your circle of friends don't even know when your birthday is. Sometimes, you just give out little cupcakes while saying that "It's my birthday, and that's why I'm treating you." No lavish decorations, no huge spreads. However, sometimes, your wallet sometimes does the thinking, because you'd shell for the blowouts and receive a little in return. This is a bit different when girls reach 18 for their debut, but it goes back to this stage after it. For boys, well, there's no traditional debut at 21.
3. Day
This usually happens years after college when you start working. No one seems to care that it's your birthday. If there are, they would just greet you, sometimes as if obliged to, nothing else. You usually spend it with your family, if you have one of your own, go back to your roots and spend it with your parents and siblings, or with yourself. You might treat people to a bottle of champagne, but that's it. That happy birthday now becomes just a day, hooray, it's your birthday. Often, people hide their ages, along with their birthdays. You might even forget that it is your birthday since it has become so ordinary, so ritualistic, so normal.
4. Happy Birthday
It reverts back to the Happy Birthday stage when you reach 50 to 60. People celebrate your birthday because you've reach the golden and/or retirement age. Let's celebrate, you've gone the extra mile, served our country, did hopefully everything you wanted to. This is where everyone congratulates you on your seemingly extraordinary feat.
Why must a sweet girl get sick again despite all treatments and operations she had in the past? What did she do to deserve being confined in a hospital over and over again? Can't a person live her teenage years anymore?
I just don't see why someone has to undergo such natural suffering. It just pains me that I took care of her ever since we got to know each other, and became one of her closest friends, but couldn't do anything to break this seemingly neverending loop. I just have to rely on prayer alone, and hope that she would completely recover from her condition, whatever it may be.
The schoolyear ahead
An IT Ateneo Placement rep, a self-appointed head of the Fine Arts Festival, and the computer-techie guy for the Sanggu School of Humanities leg, the students who work on the thesis refresher course, discernment talks, the Humanities Week and others. These, and probably, other future jobs, constitute my last say in the Ateneo. Hopefully, I could still do my classes well, remain in the dean's list, and achieve my fourth year goal, graduation with honors. (Hey, the seniors' final exams will be on Feb 22-24.)
The draft picks
I have three slots to fill up, Theo 131/141, Philo 103/104 and Histo 166. I got 92 as my random number, so hopefully, every class I want to enroll under would still be open.
I'm planning to free up my schedule during T-TH so I could designate them for my other extra-curricular activities, and of course, free time. I already have one class, my practicum, on T-Th, and if possible, I don't want to have one more subject. I would even place a subject in the M-W-F, 7:30 slot, since I usually arrive in ADMU at 6 am.
I also don't want to go home late. However, that writing seminar, which has yet to show up and reveal its schedule, strongly emits the essence of a 4:30-7:30 timeslot, much like the previous years. Hopefully, it wouldn't be the case this year.
The bloom in June
Yes, June 1, regform day, the first sign of the school season. And, of course, for the very first time, I would be doing something on that date besides celebrating my birthday.
"Teka lang, paki-ulit nga iyon."
"Oo, kaarawan ko na sa ika-1 ng Hunyo."
"Ba't 'di ko alam iyon? Ba't di mo sinabi?"
"Wala lang. Hindi ka naman nagtanong."
"Ilang taon ka na?"
"21"
"Oh, kailan party? BLOWOUT!"
"'Di ko alam kung meron nga."
"Kung ganoon, happy birthday na lang."
"May KFC chicken fillet ako rito. May pure chicken, lettuce at pepper mayo, gusto mo?"
"Sige ba."
"'E di bumili ka."
If you ask me what I want, I really don't know. Have a Karaoke Revolution for my PS2? Is there a party? I don't know. We'll just wait and see what happens.
---------
Milo's "The Four Stages of Happy Birthday"
1. Happy Birthday
This happens usually around the grade school years. This is the stage where you count how many days left until our birthday a month ahead, and keep bugging everyone you know that your birthday is near. you love celebrating your birthdays because you get to invite your friends and relatives, play around, eat ice cream and cake, and most especially, receive all types of presents. You have big presents, plenty of food, party hats and all the works. you always look forward to that single day where everyone in the world becomes your friend, and get what you want from them.
2. Birthday
This happens around the high school to college years. When the value of material things wear away, and the nth type of cake feels a little too sweet for you, you've reached the second stage. It's your birthday, and usually, you just spend it among the family. This is also the stage where people don't flaunt that their birthday is near. Most of the time, your circle of friends don't even know when your birthday is. Sometimes, you just give out little cupcakes while saying that "It's my birthday, and that's why I'm treating you." No lavish decorations, no huge spreads. However, sometimes, your wallet sometimes does the thinking, because you'd shell for the blowouts and receive a little in return. This is a bit different when girls reach 18 for their debut, but it goes back to this stage after it. For boys, well, there's no traditional debut at 21.
3. Day
This usually happens years after college when you start working. No one seems to care that it's your birthday. If there are, they would just greet you, sometimes as if obliged to, nothing else. You usually spend it with your family, if you have one of your own, go back to your roots and spend it with your parents and siblings, or with yourself. You might treat people to a bottle of champagne, but that's it. That happy birthday now becomes just a day, hooray, it's your birthday. Often, people hide their ages, along with their birthdays. You might even forget that it is your birthday since it has become so ordinary, so ritualistic, so normal.
4. Happy Birthday
It reverts back to the Happy Birthday stage when you reach 50 to 60. People celebrate your birthday because you've reach the golden and/or retirement age. Let's celebrate, you've gone the extra mile, served our country, did hopefully everything you wanted to. This is where everyone congratulates you on your seemingly extraordinary feat.
May 14, 2004
Walang maisulat.
Tapos na ang eleksyon, ngunit...
TULOY PA RIN ANG KAMPANYA NI EDDIE GIL!
Official Campaign Song: Charlen May Gil "Hello Papa, Hello Mama"
Maraming nagsasabi na walang plataporma si Eddie Gil, na puro kalokohan lamang siya. Ngunit naririto ang patunay na mayroon nga talaga siyang plataporma (hindi ito patawa) at hindi dapat siya na-disqualify dahil hindi natural born ang kanyang buhok.
TULOY PA RIN ANG KAMPANYA NI EDDIE GIL!
Official Campaign Song: Charlen May Gil "Hello Papa, Hello Mama"
Maraming nagsasabi na walang plataporma si Eddie Gil, na puro kalokohan lamang siya. Ngunit naririto ang patunay na mayroon nga talaga siyang plataporma (hindi ito patawa) at hindi dapat siya na-disqualify dahil hindi natural born ang kanyang buhok.
May 12, 2004
Alin, alin, aling ang na-iba?
Hindi ko talaga minsan maintindihan ang mga tao. Kapag ba hindi kayo nagkapareho sa hilig sa musika, paniniwala o kahit ano pa, dapat ba tratuhin siyang parang sakit na kinakailangang puksahin sa mundong ibabaw? Kung nalaman mo na mahilig ang isang kaibigan mo sa isang bagay na kinamumuhian mo, dapat bang itakwil mo na siya kahit na mababaw lamang ang bagay na iyon?
Katulad ng nakasanayan ko na tuwing nasa internet ako, dumadaan ako sa iba't-ibang blog. Sa isang napuntahan ko, may isang kumento na na nagpapatangal lamang sa listahan ng kanyang kaibigan. Subalit, sa paraan ng kanyang pagkakasulat, parang isa siyang mamamatay tao na nasa impluwensya ng bawal na gamot. Isa pa, sa kanyang marahas na pamamaraan ng pagkakasulat, maaari rin itong mailagay sa isang kaso ng grave threat kung magsasampa man ang pinadalhan nito.
Oo nga at may karapatan tayo sa kanya-kanyang mga hilig, ngunit hindi naman kinakailangang tratuhin ang kausap niyo na parang isang taong nilikha lamang sa isang maruming libro. Walang isang tao na kagayang-kagaya mo, kahit ang pinakamalapit na kaibigan o kakambal mo. Maaaring milya-milya ang haba ng pagkakapareho ng hilig niyo, ngunit may laging isang banda pa rin na hindi kayo magtutugma at magkakatalo. Kahit na makaya ng agham na gumawa ng clone mo, hindi pa rin siya kagaya mo.
Katulad ng nakasanayan ko na tuwing nasa internet ako, dumadaan ako sa iba't-ibang blog. Sa isang napuntahan ko, may isang kumento na na nagpapatangal lamang sa listahan ng kanyang kaibigan. Subalit, sa paraan ng kanyang pagkakasulat, parang isa siyang mamamatay tao na nasa impluwensya ng bawal na gamot. Isa pa, sa kanyang marahas na pamamaraan ng pagkakasulat, maaari rin itong mailagay sa isang kaso ng grave threat kung magsasampa man ang pinadalhan nito.
Oo nga at may karapatan tayo sa kanya-kanyang mga hilig, ngunit hindi naman kinakailangang tratuhin ang kausap niyo na parang isang taong nilikha lamang sa isang maruming libro. Walang isang tao na kagayang-kagaya mo, kahit ang pinakamalapit na kaibigan o kakambal mo. Maaaring milya-milya ang haba ng pagkakapareho ng hilig niyo, ngunit may laging isang banda pa rin na hindi kayo magtutugma at magkakatalo. Kahit na makaya ng agham na gumawa ng clone mo, hindi pa rin siya kagaya mo.
May 11, 2004
Just for an update
Yes, I voted someone from the disqualified party, Isang Bansa.
But just in the local government. Since I know little of the candidates and their respective platforms in the local government, I mostly based my decision on what party they are affiliated with. I didn't want to abstain as it can be used as a tool for cheating.
Indelible Ink
If you wash it with alcohol almost immediately after you got it, most likely it will come off. However, I didn't do that, and now I still have that stain on my fingernail. It now looks like I have a dead nail or something.
Blogger Layout
I might do another layout for my blog since Blogger upgraded their services. They offer more flexibility for design now.
Is the FPJ camp scared?
Earlier today, FPJ called for a press conference and blamed the media for showing the wrong results regarding the elections, and called his supporters to guard the canvassing and join him for a victory rally. Right now, GMA is leading all polls done by different groups like GMA-7, ABS-CBN, and Namfrel. Every poll except for the KBP one, FPJ's own election count, where he dramatically leads over GMA. Is this a sign of an impending rally for election fraud if FPJ doesn't win the elections? Would the non-FPJ supporters believe him? The past surveys, exit polls and official counts are all against FPJ's claim.
Survivor: All Stars - Best Survivor Ever
It was down to Amber and Rob, the two who stuck together since the beginning of the season. They had an alliance, everyone knew it, yet they still remained intact. Even if their style of playing wasn't the most moral of all techniques, it was one of the smartest and strongest. They had the control of the ship and steered it in whatever direction they wanted to go. Sure, they ran over some ducks swimming along the way, and threw some people overboard, but it's a game, and for people with big targets on their backs, it's their only chance of survival.
So the jury went in with the "lesser of two evils", Amber wins the Survivor, Rob second place in a 4-3 decision, but it didn't matter. Either way, they still get the cars and the money. Emphasize the word "THEY". My sweet Amber and Rob are now engaged! *LUCKY GUY* Rob proposed in front of a live audience in the Survivor finale, and gave her a ring with a huge diamonds with little ones encrusted around the ring. How's that for a construction worker?
Jerri walked out in the finale after she got dissed by the crowd when she tried to explain her anguish over the broken friendships in Survivor just for the entertainment of the people. However, like Rich Hatch said (who by the way also found a loving partner when he was voted out), it was just a game. Jeff Probst emphasized this in his analogy of Survivor being a poker game. In poker, if you bluff, nobody gets hurt, but in Survivor, if you bluff, it has a bigger scale and repercussions. To add more emphasis in their point, Rob and Tom, whose friendship bonds were severed during the game, was mended in the finale as shown by their handshake.
We also find out in the finale that Jenna M. and Ethan are seeing each other, Sue had undergone liposuction and face surgeries (and she looked great), Shii Ann got a car from Amber, and the other Jenna got married. The audience (that includes us) could also vote now in CBS.com for the Survivor who we want to give the million dollars. If you want to give it to the winner of Survivor and make her more richer, go ahead. I'd give it to Kathy if it were me.
But just in the local government. Since I know little of the candidates and their respective platforms in the local government, I mostly based my decision on what party they are affiliated with. I didn't want to abstain as it can be used as a tool for cheating.
Indelible Ink
If you wash it with alcohol almost immediately after you got it, most likely it will come off. However, I didn't do that, and now I still have that stain on my fingernail. It now looks like I have a dead nail or something.
Blogger Layout
I might do another layout for my blog since Blogger upgraded their services. They offer more flexibility for design now.
Is the FPJ camp scared?
Earlier today, FPJ called for a press conference and blamed the media for showing the wrong results regarding the elections, and called his supporters to guard the canvassing and join him for a victory rally. Right now, GMA is leading all polls done by different groups like GMA-7, ABS-CBN, and Namfrel. Every poll except for the KBP one, FPJ's own election count, where he dramatically leads over GMA. Is this a sign of an impending rally for election fraud if FPJ doesn't win the elections? Would the non-FPJ supporters believe him? The past surveys, exit polls and official counts are all against FPJ's claim.
Survivor: All Stars - Best Survivor Ever
It was down to Amber and Rob, the two who stuck together since the beginning of the season. They had an alliance, everyone knew it, yet they still remained intact. Even if their style of playing wasn't the most moral of all techniques, it was one of the smartest and strongest. They had the control of the ship and steered it in whatever direction they wanted to go. Sure, they ran over some ducks swimming along the way, and threw some people overboard, but it's a game, and for people with big targets on their backs, it's their only chance of survival.
So the jury went in with the "lesser of two evils", Amber wins the Survivor, Rob second place in a 4-3 decision, but it didn't matter. Either way, they still get the cars and the money. Emphasize the word "THEY". My sweet Amber and Rob are now engaged! *LUCKY GUY* Rob proposed in front of a live audience in the Survivor finale, and gave her a ring with a huge diamonds with little ones encrusted around the ring. How's that for a construction worker?
Jerri walked out in the finale after she got dissed by the crowd when she tried to explain her anguish over the broken friendships in Survivor just for the entertainment of the people. However, like Rich Hatch said (who by the way also found a loving partner when he was voted out), it was just a game. Jeff Probst emphasized this in his analogy of Survivor being a poker game. In poker, if you bluff, nobody gets hurt, but in Survivor, if you bluff, it has a bigger scale and repercussions. To add more emphasis in their point, Rob and Tom, whose friendship bonds were severed during the game, was mended in the finale as shown by their handshake.
We also find out in the finale that Jenna M. and Ethan are seeing each other, Sue had undergone liposuction and face surgeries (and she looked great), Shii Ann got a car from Amber, and the other Jenna got married. The audience (that includes us) could also vote now in CBS.com for the Survivor who we want to give the million dollars. If you want to give it to the winner of Survivor and make her more richer, go ahead. I'd give it to Kathy if it were me.
May 09, 2004
Rejects in a School of Obedience
About-face
Ok, I watched Click last Saturday, and what did I perceive? Everybody is rich and the ladies make the first move. Wow. If it is like this, my "torpe" instincts wouldn't matter (I find ladies who make the first move more attractive [shows strength, determination and character by breaking out of the norm]. And still a bit ga-ga over Cyd (pic on right) -- yeah, it's a corny thing.
Swaying like a palm tree
I played billiards with my sister's friend in Sta. Lucia last Saturday. After leading 5-1, I made several unforced errors and he was able to catch up. Fortunately for me, I managed to still emerged victorious, 7-6. I got to train harder...
Impervious
Pacquiao vs Marquez, the fight of the century ending in a disappointing and controversial draw. After the first round, Marquez bled profusely from his nose and suffered three knockdowns. However, Pacquiao wasn't able to finish the job due to the fact that after that round, Pacquiao sustained an injury in his knockout fist, and developed a cramp in his left leg. Despite all of these injuries that disabled his swiftness and the usage of his left, Pacquiao absorbed all of Marquez's power shots and still remained standing after all twelve rounds.
The victory was a bit controversial due to these facts: Marquez was warned three times because of low-blows, but he never got a deduction, and in the first round, it is customary to place a 10-6 on the scorecards when a fighter manages to score three knockdowns over his opponent, but since only 2 out of the 3 judges placed that score, the fight ended in a draw. Otherwise, it would have been a 113-112 victory for Pacquiao.
Nevertheless, Pacquiao showcased his heart and determination that he was able to match up with the Mexican champion even if he was disabled. A rematch is in the works, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Pacman wins the two belts when that event happens.
Boxing experts in KO magazine placed their bets against the Pacman, but Manny made them eat their articles with his performance. We are proud of you, Manny!
Nothing else but magic
Efren Reyes comes from behind and wins over the Korean, Jeong Young Hwa, in a heartstopping finals of the San Miguel Beer Asian 9-Ball Tour Taipei leg, 12-10. Anyone who loves a game of billiards must watch this match and see the magical shots Efren did to escape out of Jeong Young Hwa's almost flawless safeties, including a four-rail kick shot at the one, and the jump shot over two balls pocketing the one ball that sealed the victory for him. Congratulations Efren on winning yet another Asian 9-ball leg! I think that makes four already?
Don't forget to watch the Manila leg of the San Miguel Beer Asian 9-ball Tour on May 29-30.
Ok, I watched Click last Saturday, and what did I perceive? Everybody is rich and the ladies make the first move. Wow. If it is like this, my "torpe" instincts wouldn't matter (I find ladies who make the first move more attractive [shows strength, determination and character by breaking out of the norm]. And still a bit ga-ga over Cyd (pic on right) -- yeah, it's a corny thing.
Swaying like a palm tree
I played billiards with my sister's friend in Sta. Lucia last Saturday. After leading 5-1, I made several unforced errors and he was able to catch up. Fortunately for me, I managed to still emerged victorious, 7-6. I got to train harder...
Impervious
Pacquiao vs Marquez, the fight of the century ending in a disappointing and controversial draw. After the first round, Marquez bled profusely from his nose and suffered three knockdowns. However, Pacquiao wasn't able to finish the job due to the fact that after that round, Pacquiao sustained an injury in his knockout fist, and developed a cramp in his left leg. Despite all of these injuries that disabled his swiftness and the usage of his left, Pacquiao absorbed all of Marquez's power shots and still remained standing after all twelve rounds.
The victory was a bit controversial due to these facts: Marquez was warned three times because of low-blows, but he never got a deduction, and in the first round, it is customary to place a 10-6 on the scorecards when a fighter manages to score three knockdowns over his opponent, but since only 2 out of the 3 judges placed that score, the fight ended in a draw. Otherwise, it would have been a 113-112 victory for Pacquiao.
Nevertheless, Pacquiao showcased his heart and determination that he was able to match up with the Mexican champion even if he was disabled. A rematch is in the works, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Pacman wins the two belts when that event happens.
Boxing experts in KO magazine placed their bets against the Pacman, but Manny made them eat their articles with his performance. We are proud of you, Manny!
Nothing else but magic
Efren Reyes comes from behind and wins over the Korean, Jeong Young Hwa, in a heartstopping finals of the San Miguel Beer Asian 9-Ball Tour Taipei leg, 12-10. Anyone who loves a game of billiards must watch this match and see the magical shots Efren did to escape out of Jeong Young Hwa's almost flawless safeties, including a four-rail kick shot at the one, and the jump shot over two balls pocketing the one ball that sealed the victory for him. Congratulations Efren on winning yet another Asian 9-ball leg! I think that makes four already?
Don't forget to watch the Manila leg of the San Miguel Beer Asian 9-ball Tour on May 29-30.
May 07, 2004
In another light
Lessons in billiards
Quality over quantity: There are nine balls on the table. However, it doesn't matter if you pocket the most balls in a rack. All that matters is that yellow and white striped 9-ball. If you don't pocket the nine-ball, you don't win the game.
Ball by ball: There are nine balls on the table, but you only need to pocket the nine-ball to win the game. However, you couldn't reach that goal without going through the obstacles first. Eight balls seem a long way just to get to that nine, but you just need to take each obstacle ball by ball. Sometimes, you would fail to put away that obstacle. Sometimes, you could use that obstacle as a tool to reach that goal. Sometimes, you would luckily solve the problem without you knowing it, hence the term, serendipity, or divine intervention. No matter what the case is, eventually, you'll reach that nine.
You are a factor: Sure, there are many factors that contribute into reaching a goal. Take for example, a goal of getting a perfect score in a quiz. Your grade can depend on the difficulty of the questions, the time factor, the stress, the humidity of the day, the mood of the teacher, and more. This is much like nine-ball, you don't know where the balls will land when you break. The felt on the table can become a factor, the amount of chalk, the length and flexibility of your cue stick, the condition of the balls, and more. But you also hold a factor, you control the cue ball in a number of ways. Add spin, hit it strong or weak, make it jump or curve, and more. It won't guarantee you winning the rack, but at least, you know that you can control something, and not let other factors dictate it for you. In the quiz example above, you have the studying factor. It wouldn't guarantee a perfect grade, but at least, it helps, maybe less, maybe more. The society shapes us, and at the same time, we shape the society. You have a say, you are a factor.
There are different solutions: In 9-ball, there are six holes you could pick to make the balls, and each one could be a solution to that obstacle. Some are readily available, some are not. There is also no one perfect way of doing something. You could pick the top-right corner pocket, and make the ball. Same with the top-left corner pocket.
Just little ways of how things around us can teach something.
By the way, Migs and I played 9-ball earlier in Sta. Lucia. And hopefully, just like what happened in the game earlier, the Spurs would sweep the Lakers in the NBA. Score was 5-0.
A little something for the road
Love Song For No One
by John Mayer
Staying home alone on a Friday
Flat on the floor looking back
On old love
Or lack thereof
After all the crushes are faded
And all my wishful thinking was wrong
I'm jaded
I hate it
I'm tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
Searching all my days just to find you
I'm not sure who I'm looking for
I'll know it
When I see you
Until then, I'll hide in my bedroom
Staying up all night just to write
A love song for no one
I'm tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
I could have met you in a sandbox
I could have passed you on the sidewalk
Could I have missed my chance
And watched you walk away?
I'm tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
You'll be so good
You'll be so good for me
Quality over quantity: There are nine balls on the table. However, it doesn't matter if you pocket the most balls in a rack. All that matters is that yellow and white striped 9-ball. If you don't pocket the nine-ball, you don't win the game.
Ball by ball: There are nine balls on the table, but you only need to pocket the nine-ball to win the game. However, you couldn't reach that goal without going through the obstacles first. Eight balls seem a long way just to get to that nine, but you just need to take each obstacle ball by ball. Sometimes, you would fail to put away that obstacle. Sometimes, you could use that obstacle as a tool to reach that goal. Sometimes, you would luckily solve the problem without you knowing it, hence the term, serendipity, or divine intervention. No matter what the case is, eventually, you'll reach that nine.
You are a factor: Sure, there are many factors that contribute into reaching a goal. Take for example, a goal of getting a perfect score in a quiz. Your grade can depend on the difficulty of the questions, the time factor, the stress, the humidity of the day, the mood of the teacher, and more. This is much like nine-ball, you don't know where the balls will land when you break. The felt on the table can become a factor, the amount of chalk, the length and flexibility of your cue stick, the condition of the balls, and more. But you also hold a factor, you control the cue ball in a number of ways. Add spin, hit it strong or weak, make it jump or curve, and more. It won't guarantee you winning the rack, but at least, you know that you can control something, and not let other factors dictate it for you. In the quiz example above, you have the studying factor. It wouldn't guarantee a perfect grade, but at least, it helps, maybe less, maybe more. The society shapes us, and at the same time, we shape the society. You have a say, you are a factor.
There are different solutions: In 9-ball, there are six holes you could pick to make the balls, and each one could be a solution to that obstacle. Some are readily available, some are not. There is also no one perfect way of doing something. You could pick the top-right corner pocket, and make the ball. Same with the top-left corner pocket.
Just little ways of how things around us can teach something.
By the way, Migs and I played 9-ball earlier in Sta. Lucia. And hopefully, just like what happened in the game earlier, the Spurs would sweep the Lakers in the NBA. Score was 5-0.
A little something for the road
Love Song For No One
by John Mayer
Staying home alone on a Friday
Flat on the floor looking back
On old love
Or lack thereof
After all the crushes are faded
And all my wishful thinking was wrong
I'm jaded
I hate it
I'm tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
Searching all my days just to find you
I'm not sure who I'm looking for
I'll know it
When I see you
Until then, I'll hide in my bedroom
Staying up all night just to write
A love song for no one
I'm tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
I could have met you in a sandbox
I could have passed you on the sidewalk
Could I have missed my chance
And watched you walk away?
I'm tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
So tired of being alone
So hurry up and get here
You'll be so good
You'll be so good for me
May 03, 2004
A New Month
Now is the time to comment, and affect my list
Rules on how to comment:
Pick a candidate you wish to change, then put your suggestion in.
Sell your suggested candidate to me.
No negative remarks attacking the candidate you wish to change are allowed.
PROJECTED BALLOT: Version 6 (yes, I changed it 6 times already)
President:
MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, Gloria M.
Vice President:
AQUINO, Herminio S.
Senators:
ALVAREZ, Heherson T.
BARBERS, Robert Z.
BIAZON, Rodolfo G.
CAYETANO, Pilar Juliana S.
CHAVEZ, Frank I (After his serious allegations against surveys and other things, I'm seriously doubting his truthfulness. Now, he looks like a "sour graper" who is attacking anything that goes against his way. [might change him to Joson])
GATMAYTAN, Nicanor Jr. B.
GORDON, Richard J.
HUSSIN, Parouk S.
MAURICIO, Melanio Jr. L.
MERCADO, Orlando S.
ROXAS, Mar Manuel A.
SONZA, Jose Y.
Party List:
AVE (Alliance of Volunteer Educators)
The Winds of Change in Houston
It's the off-season for the Rockets once more. Although the team has gelled in a lot of ways, they still crumbled when they faced a top-caliber team like the Lakers or the Kings. It's now the time to find a good draft pick (the Rockets won't have a first-round draft pick though), or get a good trade.
Center:
Yao Ming - Virtually untradable due to the fact that he is known to be the league's second-best center now. A flexible player, having the ability to put up points and defend. He can shoot virtually anywhere in the half-court with accuracy, give assists and block shots with ease.
Right now, I believe that he still couldn't lead the team. He needs to be more aggressive especially in crashing the boards and positioning himself around the post. He still would get into foul trouble most of the time due to the fact that the referees still don't give him the respect that he deserves probably due to his kind demeanor. This year, he has shown, in flashes, that he can dominate a game. It is now time for Yao Ming to ask for the ball and become the leader of this team.
Power Forwards:
Kelvin Cato - All defense, no offense. Every team needs one right? The player who has the ability to annoy the opposition due to his pestering defense. However, this "all-defense" position is not for the power forward slot as far as the Rockets are concerned. What they need is a more offensive player who can power his way into the paint. The ability to pass is a plus. Imagine all the open looks Yao would get if this raging bull charges down the lane forcing the opposing center to double-team.
Mo Taylor - The reverse of Kelvin Cato, all offense, no defense... well ok, with a little defense. However, he cannot power down his way down the paint or post up as needed by the Rockets. He is more of a perimeter shooter, which isn't bad. He could still become the sixth-man of the Rockets, but I think, needs to buff up more so he isn't limited to his jumpers.
Clarence Weatherspoon - Now this is the guy the Rockets needs in the PF slot only if he was more taller and had the shooting touch. He can defend and drive with determination. Although he has post presence and defense capabilities, he is still too short and couldn't be a second center (another PF function). In the Lakers series, if Yao was placed on Malone, and Spoon was placed on Shaq, Spoon could never outbump or harrass Shaq above.
To be continued...
Rules on how to comment:
PROJECTED BALLOT: Version 6 (yes, I changed it 6 times already)
President:
MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, Gloria M.
Vice President:
AQUINO, Herminio S.
Senators:
ALVAREZ, Heherson T.
BARBERS, Robert Z.
BIAZON, Rodolfo G.
CAYETANO, Pilar Juliana S.
GATMAYTAN, Nicanor Jr. B.
GORDON, Richard J.
HUSSIN, Parouk S.
MAURICIO, Melanio Jr. L.
MERCADO, Orlando S.
ROXAS, Mar Manuel A.
SONZA, Jose Y.
Party List:
AVE (Alliance of Volunteer Educators)
The Winds of Change in Houston
It's the off-season for the Rockets once more. Although the team has gelled in a lot of ways, they still crumbled when they faced a top-caliber team like the Lakers or the Kings. It's now the time to find a good draft pick (the Rockets won't have a first-round draft pick though), or get a good trade.
Center:
Yao Ming - Virtually untradable due to the fact that he is known to be the league's second-best center now. A flexible player, having the ability to put up points and defend. He can shoot virtually anywhere in the half-court with accuracy, give assists and block shots with ease.
Right now, I believe that he still couldn't lead the team. He needs to be more aggressive especially in crashing the boards and positioning himself around the post. He still would get into foul trouble most of the time due to the fact that the referees still don't give him the respect that he deserves probably due to his kind demeanor. This year, he has shown, in flashes, that he can dominate a game. It is now time for Yao Ming to ask for the ball and become the leader of this team.
Power Forwards:
Kelvin Cato - All defense, no offense. Every team needs one right? The player who has the ability to annoy the opposition due to his pestering defense. However, this "all-defense" position is not for the power forward slot as far as the Rockets are concerned. What they need is a more offensive player who can power his way into the paint. The ability to pass is a plus. Imagine all the open looks Yao would get if this raging bull charges down the lane forcing the opposing center to double-team.
Mo Taylor - The reverse of Kelvin Cato, all offense, no defense... well ok, with a little defense. However, he cannot power down his way down the paint or post up as needed by the Rockets. He is more of a perimeter shooter, which isn't bad. He could still become the sixth-man of the Rockets, but I think, needs to buff up more so he isn't limited to his jumpers.
Clarence Weatherspoon - Now this is the guy the Rockets needs in the PF slot only if he was more taller and had the shooting touch. He can defend and drive with determination. Although he has post presence and defense capabilities, he is still too short and couldn't be a second center (another PF function). In the Lakers series, if Yao was placed on Malone, and Spoon was placed on Shaq, Spoon could never outbump or harrass Shaq above.
To be continued...