This summer sure is hot. And on Good "Hot" Friday... I thought that I'd depict it rather differently.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Picture of the day: Reflections
As much as possible, I will try to post a picture of the day. In this case, it's for this Holy Week. This pic is called "Reflections" and is also directed to those who would do well to abstain from eating meat.Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Solemn Bedan Ground
I've gone to the San Beda campus so many times in the past few years and I always wanted to take pictures of the school grounds.The school's history, it's proximity to Malacañang, and its modernization makes for great photo subjects. And here I'm just using a digital camera!
I took the opportunity today when the school was closed for Holy Week. There is a beauty to it that is hard to appreciate when you have thousands of students walking about. So today and with the sun setting, it was perfect.
Wish I could have shot more as I was told not to since I was inside to interview the men's football national team.
I guess when I go back to take shots it's with students.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Cheap Memories of True Faith
When I was in Grade Six, I discovered having a barkada and hanging out. This was the time
when 99.5RT was starting to make a name for itself.
My classmates and I hung out there and made friends with many DJ's. It might sound strange as we were pretty young to be hanging out in a radio station (the old Pacific Bank Building along Ayala Avenue) and truthfully it was. One jock would always be reading porn which he would show us. We were young and had all these raging hormones. I think girls were the farthest thing on our minds as we were all into football and baseball, new wave music and hanging out. But you can be sure the seeds were planted here. Bwahahaha!
One of the jocks we befriended was Vince St. Price and I would chat with him all the way 'til high school. Later on I bumped into him and he told me he was helping manage this band called True Faith. I went to watch them one time and enjoyed their music which leaned heavily into new wave (they took their name from the New Order song). I still remember exactly where I first saw them and it was SM Megamall where they performed at the Atrium. But I was not so much into new wave anymore and latched on to other local bands.
I became a fan later on with their album Build even if their music had changed radically. Mainstream as it may have sounded, I guess this was really True Faith's soul.
I've seen them a couple of times more after that and have a lot of their albums. And Memories Are Cheap which I purchased years ago still remains on heavy rotation in my player.
I played it a lot that one friend who never even liked True Faith became a fan and used "Perfect" as his theme song with his then-girlfriend who he eventually married.
I recently raided my CD collection and uploaded hundreds of albums onto my iTunes and my iPod. Of course, True Faith was among them.
when 99.5RT was starting to make a name for itself.My classmates and I hung out there and made friends with many DJ's. It might sound strange as we were pretty young to be hanging out in a radio station (the old Pacific Bank Building along Ayala Avenue) and truthfully it was. One jock would always be reading porn which he would show us. We were young and had all these raging hormones. I think girls were the farthest thing on our minds as we were all into football and baseball, new wave music and hanging out. But you can be sure the seeds were planted here. Bwahahaha!
One of the jocks we befriended was Vince St. Price and I would chat with him all the way 'til high school. Later on I bumped into him and he told me he was helping manage this band called True Faith. I went to watch them one time and enjoyed their music which leaned heavily into new wave (they took their name from the New Order song). I still remember exactly where I first saw them and it was SM Megamall where they performed at the Atrium. But I was not so much into new wave anymore and latched on to other local bands.
I became a fan later on with their album Build even if their music had changed radically. Mainstream as it may have sounded, I guess this was really True Faith's soul.
I've seen them a couple of times more after that and have a lot of their albums. And Memories Are Cheap which I purchased years ago still remains on heavy rotation in my player.
I played it a lot that one friend who never even liked True Faith became a fan and used "Perfect" as his theme song with his then-girlfriend who he eventually married.
I recently raided my CD collection and uploaded hundreds of albums onto my iTunes and my iPod. Of course, True Faith was among them.
Friday, April 3, 2009
A treat for the fanboy in me
I saw the leaked and unfinished X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie. It was fun to watch seeing all those characters come to life; characters I only read of before.
I loved how they worked in Gambit, Emma Frost, Cyclops, Professor Xavier, and Team X into the film.
Since it was the unfinished version, I'm sure there are going to be changes here and there in the final product.
It's a real treat for X-Men fans.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Home Comforts
Home Comforts with Samsung
by rick olivares
There’s this old saying about houses being made of walls and beams. Yet a house, one’s hope chest, is built with love and dreams.
For Ryan Gregorio, Head Coach of the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in the Philippine Basketball Association, his concern isn’t solely to lead his ball club to more championships but to also provide a comfortable home and future for them.
When furnishing his home, Gregorio considers three factors before he makes any purchases.
“The cost is first and foremost consideration,” says the two time PBA Coach of the Year who has also won two titles. “The second is brand recall. I’m have been rather ‘chop suey’ when it comes to purchases but it’s always good to know that I am buying a quality product. Third, I am very conscious of where the nearest service center is. It helps if it’s near where we live.”
On the other hand, Larry Fonacier, the fourth year player with the Alaska Aces, has an altogether different take on making purchases for the new home for his new family.
Fonacier says he has always had a soft heart for the small or unknown brands. “I am not brand conscious,” he admits. “My immediate concern when I buy anything is – how long will it last me? Is it environment friendly? Is it expensive?”
Whether an appliance or piece of furniture satisfies the 2005 PBA Rookie of the Year’s criteria, his litmus test is that good old parental advice. “If my parent’s have something and they’ve been using it for a long time then it is good enough for me.”
Samsung, the world’s leading electronics and appliance distributor, although mostly known for its LCDs and mobile phones is poised to make a huge splash in the market for air conditioners.
The Vivace was the previous model for split type units that are stylish and state of the art. The new Vivaldi model is a premium product that is at once very affordable. It offers zero ozone depleting potential while saving up to 30% in energy use.
Christopher Pandi, Head of System Air conditioner Consumer Electronics for Samsung Philippines says that the Vivaldi not only satisfies that basic feature of being a coolant, but it is a premium product that is at once safe, easy on one’s finances, and is an energy saver. “Whether a home owner is looking for comfort, affordability, or even a long lasting product,” He said like a brand new father would to a newborn child. “The Vivaldi is a perfect addition to anyone’s home.”
“This new range of air conditioners combines unsurpassed Samsung technology with sparkling beauty to provide customers with utmost comfort. The new Vivaldi Max Air Conditioner with Smart Saver and Good Sleep Mode II, and Multi-step Filter, not only dramatically improves quality of the air people breathe, it also saves energy consumption and provides elegant design to the room” shares Brian Beltejar , Samsung Product Manager for airconditioners.
The Smart Saver function operates the air conditioner automatically in the least amount of time necessary to cool the room, therefore saving up to 31% in electricity consumption. Reinforcing the policy of Samsung in creating new products with a technology which maximizes efficiency whiles saves energy consumption.
For Ryan Gregorio, Head Coach of the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants in the Philippine Basketball Association, his concern isn’t solely to lead his ball club to more championships but to also provide a comfortable home and future for them.
When furnishing his home, Gregorio considers three factors before he makes any purchases.
“The cost is first and foremost consideration,” says the two time PBA Coach of the Year who has also won two titles. “The second is brand recall. I’m have been rather ‘chop suey’ when it comes to purchases but it’s always good to know that I am buying a quality product. Third, I am very conscious of where the nearest service center is. It helps if it’s near where we live.”
On the other hand, Larry Fonacier, the fourth year player with the Alaska Aces, has an altogether different take on making purchases for the new home for his new family.
Fonacier says he has always had a soft heart for the small or unknown brands. “I am not brand conscious,” he admits. “My immediate concern when I buy anything is – how long will it last me? Is it environment friendly? Is it expensive?”
Whether an appliance or piece of furniture satisfies the 2005 PBA Rookie of the Year’s criteria, his litmus test is that good old parental advice. “If my parent’s have something and they’ve been using it for a long time then it is good enough for me.”
Samsung, the world’s leading electronics and appliance distributor, although mostly known for its LCDs and mobile phones is poised to make a huge splash in the market for air conditioners.
The Vivace was the previous model for split type units that are stylish and state of the art. The new Vivaldi model is a premium product that is at once very affordable. It offers zero ozone depleting potential while saving up to 30% in energy use.
Christopher Pandi, Head of System Air conditioner Consumer Electronics for Samsung Philippines says that the Vivaldi not only satisfies that basic feature of being a coolant, but it is a premium product that is at once safe, easy on one’s finances, and is an energy saver. “Whether a home owner is looking for comfort, affordability, or even a long lasting product,” He said like a brand new father would to a newborn child. “The Vivaldi is a perfect addition to anyone’s home.”
“This new range of air conditioners combines unsurpassed Samsung technology with sparkling beauty to provide customers with utmost comfort. The new Vivaldi Max Air Conditioner with Smart Saver and Good Sleep Mode II, and Multi-step Filter, not only dramatically improves quality of the air people breathe, it also saves energy consumption and provides elegant design to the room” shares Brian Beltejar , Samsung Product Manager for airconditioners.
The Smart Saver function operates the air conditioner automatically in the least amount of time necessary to cool the room, therefore saving up to 31% in electricity consumption. Reinforcing the policy of Samsung in creating new products with a technology which maximizes efficiency whiles saves energy consumption.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Shit coño, dude.
Joanna: I was watching sports news kanina about cricket. Some Sri Lankan player was being interviewed. These Indians, Pakistanis and Sri Lankans speak English really well. Tuloy Tuloy. We tend to mix in Tagalog pa while they speak straight.
Rick: Well, they'll never be mistaken for coños.
Rick: Well, they'll never be mistaken for coños.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Blair Peace Project
An Ordinary Human Being in an Extraordinary Situation
Tony Blair on the Leader as Nation Builder in a time of Globalization
by rick olivares
Tony Blair on the Leader as Nation Builder in a time of Globalization
by rick olivares
“If my friends told me that one day I’d be Prime Minister (of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), I would have laughed,” exclaimed Tony Blair in a whew-what-a-life moment.
And the now former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland who described himself as an ordinary human being in an extraordinary situation, had an audience of several hundred at the Irwin Theater at the Ateneo De Manila University laughing as he spiced his experiences as one of the free world’s important figures with witty one liners and humorous anecdotes.
If the picture in our minds of national leaders is of the droll, humorless, and smug type, Tony Blair was quite the charming opposite as he was candid and introspective. He gave a glimpse of a personal side that was perhaps never revealed to most of the world as a Guardian in Faith.
If Blair sounded like Robert Ludlum’s globe-trotting Jason Bourne telling his tales of standing at the banks of the Jordan River, tempting temptation at the Mount beyond Jericho, or working the dinner talk circuit during Barack Obama’s inauguration as the 44th American President, rest assured he skirted the cloak and dagger in the decision making behind the invasion of Iraq and the problems that stem from the acceptance and interpretation of different faiths. Sorry, students. Need to know basis; surely you understand?
While continuing his public service as a Quartet Representative to the Middle East, he is paid handsomely (a reported whopping $250,000 for a day’s worth – under six hours of lectures and Q&A’s) to share valued learnings. Yet suffice it to say, that even in this distant corner of the world where Britannia ruled the Philippines ever so briefly (1762-1764), even at his age, he too is taking home with him some valuable lessons that only back up his theories.
As he stood in front of the Rizal Monument in Luneta during the day before, he noted that the national hero was a profoundly educated man who made a difference. “Education is the difference in the success of countries,” he emphasized.
During a quick visit to Intramuros, he stood inside the San Agustin Church and marveled at how rich and varied our history is yet at the same time how our present problems is something most nations share.
Blair was correct in pointing out a lack of a sense of solidarity to make things work, but he omitted the sins of colonialism that exacerbated old hatreds and prejudices.
While it is always good to understand and study history, Blair presented several truths or values that form the crux of his stewardship in a time of globalization: that today’s problems require a unified response, that response should be based on concepts and ideas that is fair and just, that response should be respectful of different faiths, and that response should bind people together.
As a youngster, Blair envisioned himself to be a rock star in the mold of the Rolling Stone that gathers no moss, Mick Jagger. He sang and played guitar until a friend, who as a true friend should be, pronounced with all due honesty, that from thereon Blair should just play the guitar and leave the singing chores to him.
If you tell Tony Blair today that he could have been a rock star maybe in the vein of his current favorites U2, he’d enjoy a hearty laugh. He certainly was better off as the Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
And the now former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland who described himself as an ordinary human being in an extraordinary situation, had an audience of several hundred at the Irwin Theater at the Ateneo De Manila University laughing as he spiced his experiences as one of the free world’s important figures with witty one liners and humorous anecdotes.
If the picture in our minds of national leaders is of the droll, humorless, and smug type, Tony Blair was quite the charming opposite as he was candid and introspective. He gave a glimpse of a personal side that was perhaps never revealed to most of the world as a Guardian in Faith.
If Blair sounded like Robert Ludlum’s globe-trotting Jason Bourne telling his tales of standing at the banks of the Jordan River, tempting temptation at the Mount beyond Jericho, or working the dinner talk circuit during Barack Obama’s inauguration as the 44th American President, rest assured he skirted the cloak and dagger in the decision making behind the invasion of Iraq and the problems that stem from the acceptance and interpretation of different faiths. Sorry, students. Need to know basis; surely you understand?
While continuing his public service as a Quartet Representative to the Middle East, he is paid handsomely (a reported whopping $250,000 for a day’s worth – under six hours of lectures and Q&A’s) to share valued learnings. Yet suffice it to say, that even in this distant corner of the world where Britannia ruled the Philippines ever so briefly (1762-1764), even at his age, he too is taking home with him some valuable lessons that only back up his theories.
As he stood in front of the Rizal Monument in Luneta during the day before, he noted that the national hero was a profoundly educated man who made a difference. “Education is the difference in the success of countries,” he emphasized.
During a quick visit to Intramuros, he stood inside the San Agustin Church and marveled at how rich and varied our history is yet at the same time how our present problems is something most nations share.
Blair was correct in pointing out a lack of a sense of solidarity to make things work, but he omitted the sins of colonialism that exacerbated old hatreds and prejudices.
While it is always good to understand and study history, Blair presented several truths or values that form the crux of his stewardship in a time of globalization: that today’s problems require a unified response, that response should be based on concepts and ideas that is fair and just, that response should be respectful of different faiths, and that response should bind people together.
As a youngster, Blair envisioned himself to be a rock star in the mold of the Rolling Stone that gathers no moss, Mick Jagger. He sang and played guitar until a friend, who as a true friend should be, pronounced with all due honesty, that from thereon Blair should just play the guitar and leave the singing chores to him.
If you tell Tony Blair today that he could have been a rock star maybe in the vein of his current favorites U2, he’d enjoy a hearty laugh. He certainly was better off as the Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Good things come to those who wait... a free caramel frap!
I got my Starbucks 2009 planner kinda late but it's not bad at all considering it came with a cool black shoulder bag, pen, and a complimentary coupon for a drink of your choice.
The two previous planners weren't much to my liking at they seemed more cutsey and like a Sanrio keepsake than planner. The new one is more functional and simple.
I have four planners this year but I only use two of them. The Nike planner I use to take down notes while the Starbucks is used as intended.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Where soul meets body
YOU HAVE TO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING USING SONGS BY ONLY ONE BAND/ARTIST.
Pick a band/artist: Death Cab For Cutie
1. Are you a male or female:
"I Was A Kaleidoscope"
2. Describe yourself:
"I Was Once A Loyal Lover"
3. How do you feel about yourself:
"We Looked Like Giants"
4. Describe your ex boyfriend/girlfriend:
"Blacking Out the Friction" or "For What Reason"
5. Describe your current boy/girl situation:
"A Movie Script Ending"
6. Describe your current location:
"No Joy In Mudville"
7. Describe where you want to be:
"Soul Meets Body"
8. Your best friend is:
"Champagne From A Paper Cup"
9. Your favorite color is:
"Technicolor Girls"
10. You know that:
"The Ice Is Getting Thinner"
11. What’s the weather like:
"No Sunlight"
12. If your life was a television show what would it be called?
"Debate Exposes Doubt"
13. What is life to you:
"The Sound of Settling"
14. What is the best advice you have to give:
"Someday You Will Be Loved"
15. If you could change your name what would you change it to:
"Talking Bird"
Monday, March 9, 2009
She's a beauty...
From left: Ewgina Hahn, second runner-up; Melody Gersbach, Bb. Pilipinas-International; Pamela Bianca Manalo, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe; Mary Ann Umali, Bb. Pilipinas-World; and Richell Angalot, first runner-up.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Where am I going?
It was a Saturday of reflection. Maybe even more accurately dealing with another bout of depression. And seeing both films one after the other by happenstance (not by design), I stayed awake and thought some. I remain in pursuit of my own happiness at this most difficult time. The bright memory of yesterday is like those old graying photographs as I am rebuilding my own.
People think it must be the coolest of lifestyles. Let me tell you that it's not as I wallow in my self-pity and unhappiness. And I remain alone in my misery. I think of what I've lost. The little victories just the everyday and mundane things. Simple things we all take for granted.
People think it must be the coolest of lifestyles. Let me tell you that it's not as I wallow in my self-pity and unhappiness. And I remain alone in my misery. I think of what I've lost. The little victories just the everyday and mundane things. Simple things we all take for granted.
I can still dream.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
25 Random Things About Me
I cut this from my facebook notes.
Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you.
(To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)
-----------------
1. As a kid, I loved illustration. Writing was nowhere near the radar. I only took up writing seriously after school. My illustration skills eventually atrophied because I shifted to music.
2. In my lifetime, I've met quite a few celebrities. My most memorable encounters with any of them are with Jennifer Lopez (what a babe!), James Gandolfini (what a jerk!), Marky Ramone (Rock 'n Roll God), and Dwyane Wade (nice guy!).
3. New York City is my absolute favorite place in the world. I so love the city. The next are Hong Kong, Paris, Santorini, and the Bahamas.
4. I once helped "manage" my office mate Jorge in the underground fight club scene in New York. Jorge was this tough Mexican guy who I feared. But we were friends. Jorge was having an affair with an officemate and that turned out messy and it affected his fight club career. Jorge now lives in Orlando.
5. My dream writing jobs are: Sports Illustrated, the New York Times, and Marvel Comics. Oh, God, I'd be in Heaven if I get the chance at any one of these.
6. I once worked as a waiter at Burger Heaven first at East 49th & 5th Ave and in East 86th & Lex in the Upper East Side. After that I worked three times a week at Virgin Records in Times Square as a DJ. On other days, I worked as a coat checker for a restaurant at the Trump Tower. I kept up this routine until I moved to a marketing job. But I kept my waiting on tables on weekends because it kept me down to earth.
7. I'm finishing a book on my life in the United States and it's titled, Turn On the Bright Lights. There's a different version that's meant for a movie treatment and it's called, The Empire of the Senses.
8. My favorite chocolates are Hugs, Nestle Crunch, and Maltesers.
9. I have a massive CD collection (5,000 and counting) and a growing DVD one as well. Oh, yes... they are all original and I prefer Region 1 discs.
10. If I could go back in time and view 5 things in history, they would be: the JFK Assassination, the Allied invasion of Normandy, the Battle of Tirad Pass, the Crucifixion of Jesus, and the Death of Joan of Arc.
11. I can swim but prefer not to -- in beaches or in the ocean. This is so because I once saw a shark one time in the water beside the boat my cousins and I rented out off Calatagan, Batangas.
12. One of the most memorable live sports events I watched was Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. After Aaron Boone slammed that walk-off home run to win the game for NY, me and my pals nearly walked all the way from the Bronx back to Manhattan.Thankfully, we came to our senses. Do you realize how far that is? We'd be like the Warriors!
13. I once ran a "See New York on $25 tour" with a few friends. On a good day, we made like $400 a day. On bad days, we made like $50 each.
14. Two of my all-time favorite films that were never huge blockbusters are The Rocketeer and Oscar. In fact, my old seat in my ad agency stint had a noted taped behind it, "Reserved for Jennifer Connelly." She is my eternal babe.
15. If you want to be on my eternal good graces then you must help me collect French Football jerseys.
16. My yelling, clapping, and hollering appears on one live album -- Dave Matthews Band's The Central Park Concert which got made into an album and DVD. I worked under time that day thinking I'd get a good spot at the Great Lawn. Wrong. I was way out there! Thank God for vid screens. But I was one thousands and thousands of people in the park that day (more than 100K present).
17. Back in high school, I played with two bands -- both new wave. When I got to college and discovered REM and The Smiths, I refused to play new wave after that.
18. I wore long hair twice. Hahahaha. Don't laugh. The first was in college and the second time was for a brief period of time in New York when I was thinking of putting up a band. I even tried to wear my hair in dreadlocks. Hahahaha.
19. If I could play for any sports teams, they would be the Ateneo men's basketball team, Liverpool, and the New York Yankees. Any one of them is fine.
20. My favorite cuisine is Mediterranean and Japanese.
21. My parents trained us all to be domesticated. I can hand wash clothes, iron, and clean better than house helpers (so now you know I can work as a DH if my writing career doesn't pan out). As for cooking? Only the basic stuff. My best dish... stuffed chicken and home-made burgers.
22. My favorite kicks are Nike's Huarache, K-Swiss Classic, and the Adidas Mali. Not in any particular order.
23. I hope to watch the FIFA World Cup one day. But if it's in South Africa, I'll pass. As long as it's in Europe I'm fine.
24. My favorite coffee is Pokka Cappuccino. Nothing comes close. Not even Starbucks.
25. I like nature treks and love sunsets. The outdoors. And in case you haven't noticed, I love traveling. Aww, shucks. Does that give away my being a hopeless romantic?
Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you.
(To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)
-----------------
1. As a kid, I loved illustration. Writing was nowhere near the radar. I only took up writing seriously after school. My illustration skills eventually atrophied because I shifted to music.
2. In my lifetime, I've met quite a few celebrities. My most memorable encounters with any of them are with Jennifer Lopez (what a babe!), James Gandolfini (what a jerk!), Marky Ramone (Rock 'n Roll God), and Dwyane Wade (nice guy!).
3. New York City is my absolute favorite place in the world. I so love the city. The next are Hong Kong, Paris, Santorini, and the Bahamas.
4. I once helped "manage" my office mate Jorge in the underground fight club scene in New York. Jorge was this tough Mexican guy who I feared. But we were friends. Jorge was having an affair with an officemate and that turned out messy and it affected his fight club career. Jorge now lives in Orlando.
5. My dream writing jobs are: Sports Illustrated, the New York Times, and Marvel Comics. Oh, God, I'd be in Heaven if I get the chance at any one of these.
6. I once worked as a waiter at Burger Heaven first at East 49th & 5th Ave and in East 86th & Lex in the Upper East Side. After that I worked three times a week at Virgin Records in Times Square as a DJ. On other days, I worked as a coat checker for a restaurant at the Trump Tower. I kept up this routine until I moved to a marketing job. But I kept my waiting on tables on weekends because it kept me down to earth.
7. I'm finishing a book on my life in the United States and it's titled, Turn On the Bright Lights. There's a different version that's meant for a movie treatment and it's called, The Empire of the Senses.
8. My favorite chocolates are Hugs, Nestle Crunch, and Maltesers.
9. I have a massive CD collection (5,000 and counting) and a growing DVD one as well. Oh, yes... they are all original and I prefer Region 1 discs.
10. If I could go back in time and view 5 things in history, they would be: the JFK Assassination, the Allied invasion of Normandy, the Battle of Tirad Pass, the Crucifixion of Jesus, and the Death of Joan of Arc.
11. I can swim but prefer not to -- in beaches or in the ocean. This is so because I once saw a shark one time in the water beside the boat my cousins and I rented out off Calatagan, Batangas.
12. One of the most memorable live sports events I watched was Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. After Aaron Boone slammed that walk-off home run to win the game for NY, me and my pals nearly walked all the way from the Bronx back to Manhattan.Thankfully, we came to our senses. Do you realize how far that is? We'd be like the Warriors!
13. I once ran a "See New York on $25 tour" with a few friends. On a good day, we made like $400 a day. On bad days, we made like $50 each.
14. Two of my all-time favorite films that were never huge blockbusters are The Rocketeer and Oscar. In fact, my old seat in my ad agency stint had a noted taped behind it, "Reserved for Jennifer Connelly." She is my eternal babe.
15. If you want to be on my eternal good graces then you must help me collect French Football jerseys.
16. My yelling, clapping, and hollering appears on one live album -- Dave Matthews Band's The Central Park Concert which got made into an album and DVD. I worked under time that day thinking I'd get a good spot at the Great Lawn. Wrong. I was way out there! Thank God for vid screens. But I was one thousands and thousands of people in the park that day (more than 100K present).
17. Back in high school, I played with two bands -- both new wave. When I got to college and discovered REM and The Smiths, I refused to play new wave after that.
18. I wore long hair twice. Hahahaha. Don't laugh. The first was in college and the second time was for a brief period of time in New York when I was thinking of putting up a band. I even tried to wear my hair in dreadlocks. Hahahaha.
19. If I could play for any sports teams, they would be the Ateneo men's basketball team, Liverpool, and the New York Yankees. Any one of them is fine.
20. My favorite cuisine is Mediterranean and Japanese.
21. My parents trained us all to be domesticated. I can hand wash clothes, iron, and clean better than house helpers (so now you know I can work as a DH if my writing career doesn't pan out). As for cooking? Only the basic stuff. My best dish... stuffed chicken and home-made burgers.
22. My favorite kicks are Nike's Huarache, K-Swiss Classic, and the Adidas Mali. Not in any particular order.
23. I hope to watch the FIFA World Cup one day. But if it's in South Africa, I'll pass. As long as it's in Europe I'm fine.
24. My favorite coffee is Pokka Cappuccino. Nothing comes close. Not even Starbucks.
25. I like nature treks and love sunsets. The outdoors. And in case you haven't noticed, I love traveling. Aww, shucks. Does that give away my being a hopeless romantic?
Friday, February 13, 2009
Baguio Sojourn
I'm in Baguio on a three-day assignment to interview IBO/IBF World Boxing Champion Nonito Donaire.The champ is training here for his March 22 fight against undefeated Raul Martinez at the Araneta Coliseum.
I'm also using this as a means to see the City of Pines for the first time in a decade. So I'm excited for the trip.
I love the weather! The sun is out during the day time yet it's cool. I can walk around without any jacket but still you should have one with you in case the weather changes pretty quick. So far the last three days, the rains came down and the fog was kind of thick.
Rachel Donaire, Nonito's lovely wife, says it reminds her too of the Bay Area where both of them hail from.
It's nice to see all the infrastructure improvements and that makes me wonder how on earth can this city handle the tourist influx during peak seasons? Lots of folk about and the Korean community has mushroomed. Hahahaha. A cabbie joked that Filipinos are becoming a minority here.
You might want to check my sports blog at http://bleachersbrew.blogspot.com/ for more on my diary.
I wanted to go around and take more shots but the bad weather held me back. But I'll be back for that soon.
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