For the Love of Ball

I was once a big PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) and NBA fan! I remembered fighting with my 7-year old niece with the remote control coz he wanted to watch the cartoons on TV. I even remembered betting with my cousins and classmates in college for my favorite team- Alaska. Oh yeah, I have those post cards in my bed room. Whenever I go to the library (college days), the first thing that I’m looking for is the newspaper and just flip directly to the Sports Edition, haha! I really love reading the good comments from the press people and get pissed when they’re attacking my PBA heroes, LOL! Those days are just so unbelievably fun, fun! I even went all the way to the gymnasium, to the house of Jojo Lastimosa in Cagayan de Oro (when they visit the city on a tour) just to see the players and have my diary be autographed. Oh my goodness, I could go on and on for these.

I believe I even gotten that far, from reading newspapers to tabloids and even to the collection of old Sports magazines in the library-digging those entire PBA superstars! I was an Alaska die hard fan then. My cousin hate it everytime we watch the game as I scream a lot, hahaha! I didn’t even realize I was able to know the game so very well. The basics or even the advanced “triangle offense” strategy being used by Coach Phil Jackson (Chicago Bulls) and was implemented by Coach Tim Cone (Alaska). And oh, I felt like I’m the happiest creation alive at the time when they won the Grand Slam in 1996.

It just makes me smile every time I remember those days! It’s really fun to be young. Now, when I watch basketball games- it doesn’t interest me that much anymore. The love of the game is still there though but I don’t see it the way I did- 10 years ago. Oppps, I’m still young, ok?

Basketball is definitely the most popular sports in the Philippines. Most of the import/foreign players would love to play in the hard court because they felt like a superstar or a Michael Jordan.

Wordless Wednesday

Earthquake in CA

Yesterday was my first time to experience earthquake here in California. My husband just told me, “Welcome to California”. Wow! I thought I’m done with the shakings of earthquake, LOL! I had experienced a lot of earthquakes in Taiwan when I was there and never did I get used to it. One time, it was quiet a big one that I really thought that was the end of my life.

Anyway, yesterday’s shaking had a magnitude of 5.4 that was experienced by Southern California. I was at Jim’s office and we were talking when suddenly we felt the shaking. Believe me; it’s always creepy when I hear the clatters and the building seemed to collapse. Then, they were talking about the “Big one” once again of which the theory has been around for 40 years. Nobody knows when it’s gonna happen. Oh well, I guess I have to live with the shaking every now and then for the rest of my life. Not a good thing to live with though, LOL.

Next Best Thing

My husband was thinking of sending some shoes to some kids in our town. Unfortunately, it’s gonna cost us a few hundred bucks since there’s not much kiddy shoes at the Thrift Stores. Some ranges from $15-25 for a second hand shoes. We decided to just forget about it. Then, I told him maybe we can buy flip flops instead. Last Sunday, I just finished wrapping the box full of slippers, hahaha! I’m pretty sure a lot of kids will be happy to get those.

We are not rich in our town but it has been a tradition every Christmas that people from the highlands would come down and ask for some second hand shoes and dresses. It started with just one family who came asking for a second hand dress. I remembered how happy her daughter was. She kept saying “thanks” coz she really wanted to attend church every Sunday but too embarrassed with her one and only Sunday dress. It was so touching to realize how one dress can make someone so delighted.

On my first few weeks here in the US, I always felt so sad throwing all the left-over. I put them all in the refrigerator but ended up throwing after few days. If only I could send it all back to our town. My husband used to tease me about cooking Filipino foods and stocking in the refrigerator as my whole week meal. Or the way I serve him the rice, he always wanted the fresh rice and I used to serve him the left-over. He just laughs every time I talk about “there are a lot of people out there that are starving”.

I just don’t know where to draw the line of understanding how they get into that situation- if it’s their choice or simply laziness. The scenario is everywhere though not only in the Philippines. Sometimes, I see a whole family down at the street (near the market). There may not be a lot of them but I just wondered how it happened when I see a lot of signs “We’re Hiring”. I mean, it’s the exact opposite in the Philippines where it says “NO Vacancy”. Oh well, I guess- I just have to count my blessings, work harder and share.

Immanuel Hermann said: "If we cannot live so as to be happy, let us at least live so as to deserve it."

Amazing Piece of History

(a pose with a pseudo-TerraCotta Warrior- no photos allowed inside as always)

It was very remarkable to see some pieces of the past (2000 years ago) and the amazingly perfect conditions of the famous TerraCotta Army at the Bowers Museum today. It was such a wonderful tour as I really loved History. You know, I worked in Taiwan for 4 years and to be honest, I have been very amazed at how they pay reverence to their culture and traditions. It struck me the most at how they judge punishment and crime. As long as you admit it’s your fault (although it might not be the truth), you pay a little punishment for that. I mean, correct me if I’m wrong but that’s how it works. It was even funny when a good friend (Taiwanese) said that Filipinos don’t seem to get really scared at their Gods because their Gods have lovely faces (he meant the sculpture of the Saints & Jesus) and how Chinese are so terrified to commit sins because their Gods looked so daunting.

Anyway, according to Wikipedia:

The Terracotta Army is a form of funerary art buried with the Emperor of Qin (Qin Shi Huang) in 209-210 BC (his reign over Qin was from 247 BC to 221 BC and unified China from 221 BC to the end of his life in 210 BC). Their purpose was to help rule another empire with Shi Huang Di in the afterlife.

The Terracotta Warriors were discovered in March 1974 by local farmers drilling water well to the east of Lishan (Mount Li). Mount Li is also where the material to make the terracotta warriors originated. In addition to the warriors, an entire man-made necropolis for the emperor has been excavated. The figures vary in height (184–197cm - 6ft–6ft 5in), according to their role, the tallest being the Generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. Current estimates are that in the three pits containing the Terracotta Army there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pits.

The terracotta figures were manufactured both in workshops by government laborers and also by local craftsmen. The head, arms, legs and torsos were created separately and then assembled. Once assembled the intricate features such as facial expressions were added. The terracotta figures are life-like and life-sized. They vary in height, uniform and hairstyle in accordance with rank. The colored lacquer finish, individual facial features, and replica weapons and armor used in manufacturing these figures created a realistic appearance.

There is evidence of a large fire that burned the wooden structures that once housed the Terracotta Army. It was described by Sima Lian, who said that the fire was a consequence of a raid on the tomb by General Xiang Yu less than five years after the death of the First Emperor. Despite the fire, however, much of the remains of the Terracotta Army still survive in various stages of preservation, surrounded by remnants of the burnt wooden structures.

Archaeologists continue to excavate the burial site of Emperor Qin. His actual tomb has not been excavated. Buried for over two thousand years, more than six thousand life-size terracotta warriors and horses were unearthed in 1974 and presently, it is regarded as the Eighth Wonder of the world. Now, I know why!

A Simple Touch of Kindness

Everyday, all of us has an ample opportunities to choose how we will grow spiritually and emotionally. We can choose to be angry or enkindle that soft spot in our heart. We can be only thinking of ourselves or we can care compassionately about others.

When I was a kid, I remembered this young guy. He is my Mom's close officemate . He's a man of few words. His smile is contagious and he seemed very sincere. We are not rich and it's not easy to grow up in a third world country where you work hard enough just to have rice on the table. My mother will just tell him her struggles of surviving amidst the economic crisis of the family. He became our close family friend. A friend who is always willing to help without asking in return. He resigned from his work and started his own business. It was an instant success. He tried politics and won as the number 1 town councilor. He succeeded politics and became the Vice Mayor. He never raised money for his campaign but still ended up victorious in every elections. Even when I'm far from my hometown and cannot vote, my prayers are with him. He's my inspiration. His sincerity and his being so humble is very contagious. He's married now and have kids. After all the fame and fortune that started from humble beginnings, he remained the same person I knew 20 years ago. His gentleness and kindness not just to our family but to anyone was embedded in my memory.

People who embrace the nature and power of kindness will find themselves living better lives. Their words and deeds of kindness will help in one way or another the lives of others they encounter.

Photo Hunt "Hanging"

With its huge eyes, long tail, hands and feet- the Philippine tarsier, (Tarsius syrichta) is a very peculiar small animal. In fact, it is one of the smallest known primates, no larger than an adult men's hand. Mostly active at night, it lives on a diet of insects. Folk traditions sometimes has it that tarsiers eat charcoal, but actually they retrieve the insects from (sometimes burned) wood. Did you know that we travelled 3 hours just to see these primates? How fun,lol!

Well, that's another tarsier hanging on a coconut tree. Maybe trying her extinct monkey skills? You judge, LOL!

A Simple Twist

A young clerk who worked for a department store had an idea for a store that would sell only items costing a dime or less. The clerk approached his boss and asked him to invest in his plan, but the boss dismissed the idea as being too risky. "There aren't enough items to sell for five to ten cents, he told the clerk.

The young man opened his own store without his boss' help. Eventually, F.W. Woolworth's stores stretched across the nation, and his former boss commented, "As far as I can figure out, each word I used to to turn to Woolworth down cost me a million dollars."

Studies of older Americans have shown that those who take risks are the healthiest, live the longest, and remain in the best of spirits. Extreme risk taking has its own hazards, of course, but a moderate level of risk taking is crucial to emotional and physical health. Too much self-protection can hinder our growth.

He that would catch fish, must venture his bait.

-Ben Franklin

i-Gossip on Glamour

I was just wondering what happened to Dayanara Torres? I was one of her big fan then when she hosted the show “ Eezy Dancing” in one of Philippine's televsion show. She’s really a great dancer- that's why she earned the title "Dancing Queen". It was just sad though when I heard the news that she and Marc Anthony (singer) broke up.

Her humble beginnings had drawn my curiosity and I thought she’s one of those talented and yet, modest celebrities. At age 17, she was approached while walking through the Plaza de Toa Alta in her hometown and was subsequently invited to represent Toa Alta in the annual Miss Puerto Rico Pageant. It was on the beauty pageant circuit that Dayanara Torres first made her mark. After earning the title of Miss Toa Alta (her hometown), Dayanara went on to become Miss Puerto Rico and then Miss Universe in 1993. In 1994 she went to Manila to crown the new Miss Universe. After the 1994 Miss Universe pageant, Torres received offers to endorse products. She made television appearances and landed several movie roles as well. She lived in the Philippines for five years, becoming a celebrity in the country. She also appeared in more than 10 movies and dated a Filipino actor, Aga Mulach which I remembered she said on an interview that he’s her first boyfriend. Well, she became Miss Universe at the age of 18.

Oh, what happened to her after her strange husband left her and married Jennifer Lopez- 4 days after the divorce? Well, news said- she’s now dating professional actor Amaury Nolasco of Prison Break. Good for her!

Funny Pictures

See what technology can do!

Where's my Paradise?

It wasn’t long ago when our island was so peaceful. People go to bed as early as 8PM where it’s damn dark and the silence was deafening. The crime rate was so low that we often don’t respect the police officers. When I was a kid, I remembered seeing them just sitting, talking and laughing outside their office. There’s not much to do as there’s no crime or any trouble. It was just a picture of paradise. The people lived harmoniously, being contented and happy.

Then, progress came along and with it comes a lot of trouble that people are not used to or even prepared after all. I mean, it’s pretty rare that you would hear somebody being shot, killed or being put to jail. It’s just so sad to let go of all the images I have put together when I was a little girl of the small town where I grew up. Things are not the same obviously.

Yesterday, my Mom told me the story of a neighbor that was caught by the NBI for being involved in a drug trafficking while another neighbor died mysteriously. Last month, I heard news about another neighbor shot and killed in front of their house. While it’s understandable that during economic crisis- crime rate is high. Not only that, even prostitution too. The worse part though is you know how they make their living and you can’t help but just close your eyes and pretend it doesn’t exist. It’s just so sad to see this whole thing coming.

As what John Lennon had sang:

"You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one."

Virtual Friendship- Meme

I got this tag from Vicy. It's really nice to be part of the world-wide web network of friends. Please feel free to grab this meme and join in for more fun!

~Start Copy Here~
1. Copy from start to finish
2. This letter should be pass on to your closest friends online.
3. Add your name and URL blog HERE!! .
1. Wheng
2. Hazel
3. Janeth Vicy's Life Journey
4. Denz Recreational
5. Cecile's life is good and beautiful
6. Anneberly's Beyond the Rave Reality
7. Rock's God's Best Gift
8. Shimumsy
9. Swittooth
10. Texas Babe
11. Dette's Muthahood Crib
12. Mommyallehs
13. Pinaymama's Masipagwapa
14. Pinaymama's Honeybabybee
15. Mummy Sheng
16. Pinay Smiles
17. Zoya
18. Ester's Embracing Health
19. Rhedge
20. Hanging Around with MJ
21. Anig
22. vjforever technology's assignments
23. Emcee
24. Del
25. Blanne
26. Shawie
27. You're Next!

*****************
4. Get back to Me [Vicy] and leave a comment once you’ve passed on the letter. Will then visit your site to make sure your links are complete and proper.
5. To ensure everyone receives equal link benefit, UPDATE your list regularly!

It's true I have never seen you
and we have never met,
Never shaken Hands or
even truly hugged and yet!
I know for sure you care for
me by the kindness that you give.
And our keyboards keep us
together doesn't matter where we live.
So I give you this gift to
put a smile on your face
and to let you know in my
heart you have a special place.

~End Copy Here~

Wordless Wednesday

Comics as An Art

Based on the movie: Batman- The Dark Knight’s huge success- it’s undeniable that comics is still so popular and largely accepted by the general public.

Honestly, I never was a comic-addict. I mean, it wasn’t long ago when people in our town has been so addicted with comic booklets. They’re everywhere in the market, in the ferry boats and even in school. Okay, I would say, our town was kind of remote then when I was a kid. There was no TV- thus, making the soap operas on the radio and comic booklets such a hit. Oh, I even remembered how my classmate oftentimes came in late in school because he doesn’t want to miss the episode and that he’s worried somebody might borrow it. Did I tell you that comic booklets are displayed in the market and they are for rent? You might think it’s funny but that’s how it worked. They are just cheap maybe but not too cheap if you want to buy the whole edition, LOL! Oh, one more thing- did you know that one of my grade school teacher was so addicted to it that she doesn’t mind squatting on the floor in the market just to read her favorite story? Crazy, huh? I mean, I was young then but I thought that was hilariously stupid, LOL! Yes, we do have our own Comic Super Heroes too!

Kids just loved watching those. My niece and nephew oftentimes would narrate to me (on the phone)- what happened to their favorite Super Hero “Kapitan Boom”, haha! I don’t have any idea though what they’re talking about. Ah, the spirit of being a kid!

Facts About Me- Meme Monday

I have been tagged by Louise from Living in Seychelles. Thanks, girl! It's really nice to know more bloggers- after all, it's a small world, right?

Here are the rules:
1. List these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.


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1. I love spending some time with myself in the beach, in the bookstore or just simply driving around without telling anybody where I went. I love the feeling of being a stranger in a place and nobody really cared.

2. I have watched the movie "Les` Miserbales" so many times and I always cry everytime I watch the movie:(

3. I always thought Garfield was a mouse until I was 25.

4. I loved collecting friends. My husband would say I have a lot of bestfriends. Well, I guess that's just the cheapest collection you can have- it's free!

5. I always keep a diary until Internet and blogging came my way.

6. I love the music of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Anne Murray. I was born on the wrong era.

7. I'm always scared of the dark!


******

Now I'm passing this Meme to :

My World in My Own Word, Janeth Vicy’s Life Journey, In The Life Of..."Mně" , Mighty in Spirit, Lainy’s Musings, The Luttrull Journey, and spell GRANDMASTERSON.

The Dark Knight

After watching the movie “10 Things I Hate About You”, I became a big fan of Heath Ledger. The movie was a remake of the classic Shakespeare play "The Taming of the Shrew", set in a modern day high school. It’s some kind of a teeny bopper movie but it’s really cute! That was the first time I have heard of both Heath Ledger and Julia Styles. I even still have a copy of the movie’s soundtrack. Obviously, I’m not a big fan, LOL!

Last night, we watched Batman- The Dark Knight, which is unfortunately, Heath Ledger’s last movie. It was very sad to see such a talent to die so early but that’s life. His deep husky voice and undeniable talent has captured the moviegoer’s attention and even stealing most of the scenes. A downright evil, fraudulent, insane, psychotic and petrifying. More creepy than humorous, he shows audiences that the Joker is unquestionably Batman's most wicked foe and his perfect archenemy. Well, my husband was even worried that kids might imitate him as he played the role so good; he’s ultimately rude but kind of cool. Oh, hope not!

Photo Hunter "What IS that?"

This is commonly found in an ordinary house, buildings or trees in the Philippines. My husband was so scared of it when he stayed at the "fish pond" as he calls it (although it's a cottage for us, LOL). Anyway, it's not that scary as you thought, they are actually flesh-eating lizards. They help eliminate some insects and mosquitoes. They don't sound good though and when they get bigger, they don't look good either, haha! Oh, okay... they look soo scary then.

For the Love of Books

I remembered I can spend the whole day in a bookstore when I was in Taiwan (it’s not the same as National Bookstore-Philippines where you’re not allowed to read that long, lol!) I even remembered taking the trip to Taipei alone for the first time, just to visit Barnes and Nobles. I always felt welcomed every time I go in. Oh, I love the smell of the coffee and books!

Well, I have read some very interesting books and have followed a few favorite authors. For me, they are considered the modern prophets. You may not like some or all of it; yet, I just thought of sharing some of my all-time favorites.

***

1. The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck

2. The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

3. Mere Christianity by CS Lewis

4. Choosing to Love the World by Thomas Merton

5. Confessions of St. Augustine

6. To Be Human by J. Krishnamurti

***

To be honest, reading all of these books was a little bit difficult but it’s really worth it! They provide answers to all the questions I’ve been looking and struggling for. It inspires me to look within myself and in the peaceful silence of contemplation; I have found and sang my own song.

Finally, here’s one of my favorite line from Choosing to Love the World:
“Wherever man and society exist; where there are hopes, ideals, aspirations for a better future; where there is love- and where there is mingled pain and happiness- there the contemplative life has a place”.

Wanna Ride My Tri-Sikad?

I was so surprised to see a tri-sikad at the beaches in Santa Barbara. All this time, I thought it’s “only in the Philippines”. Then, we were in San Diego for the trade show and everybody’s looking so dignified with their business clothes and hurrying back to their hotels when I saw a parade of tri-sikad outside the huge Convention Center waiting for passengers. Wow! That was very amazing knowing that in the Philippines that’s just the cheapest transportation one can get (comparable to a taxi). No, not for executives! As I was trying to figure out if it’s real or not (still unbelievable to me, lol!)- I saw some lady drivers. No, they’re not gays! Amazing, eh?

It just reminded me of a careless tri-sikad driver back in CDO. He hit me on my back leg and my niece was bruised while we were walking along side the street. They’re kind of annoying on the road as it’s very narrow; yet, they’re a big help to people specially on rainy season.

Oh, did I tell you the meaning of tri-sikad? The word tri – from the prefix meaning three and sikad in English means pedal. In short, a three-wheeled "bike".

(this picture was taken in Santa Barbara)

Wordless Wednesday