I am the Master of My Destiny

Mirza Helps Tigers Get First Win

2009-07-11T05:10:00.000-07:00

The duel between UST Tigers and Adamson Falcons was the first offering for UAAP Men's basketball's opening day. Khasim Mirza led the tigers to an 86-85 victory through a game long inside and outside shooting with 9/19, almost 50% field goal shooting. Mirza was a promising rookie who experieced a sophomore jinx last year, I hope he can be consistent this season. Dylan Ababou, who contributed 10 points, will need all the help he can get especially with the departure of key players former MVP Jervy Cruz, starting pontguard Japs Cuan and athletic wingmen Canlas, Taylor and Allera.
This year, the Tigers lost an inside threat and a stable guard, I hope this game was just a bad game for Jeric Fortuna because he needs to step up big time!
It was an exciting game, the Tigers led all game long until the last minutes wherein the Falcons almost catched up.
I'm loving the paws but we need better killer instinct! Go USTe!!!

Kikay and Pamper Kit

2009-07-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

While having a coffee, my friend and I touched up on the topic of toiletries and how much girls - like us - spend on it. A regular guy, we thought, just needs shampoo, soap and deo. I've audited my pamper kit and here it goes
For hair:
Must have shampoo: Palmolive white pearls
conditioner: L'oreal Gloss or ever reliable cream silk blue
leave on: L'oreal anti frizz
For face:
cleanser: Olay or Body Shop Aloe cleanser
toner: Body shop aloe toner or Celeteque toner
moisturizer: Celeteque moisturizer
For Body
Victoria secret or Dove body wash, my new favorite Body shop strawberry polish and body butter!

Let's not even get into make-up. Oh well, back in the days, I can live by soap and shampoo but as I grew older, hopefully wiser, I've learned about these products that can really pamper and nourish me in different ways. Love your body, its the only one you've got.

Hooked on True Blood

2009-07-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

Vampires will never go out of style!

After my Twilight mania,I've learned about another interesting show and I finally got a hold of my True Blood DVD. It is a sexy and addictive series from HBO. It has a unique plot wherein human coexist with vampires, it was still the early stage so there are various civil and political issues mostly centered on equal rights and public safety. The Japanese have discovered a synthetic blood that's why vamps can now go "mainstream".

The lead character is Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Pacquin), who like Twilight's Edward Cullen can read or hear people's minds. She tries not to use this "gift" to everyone especially to people dear to her but it takes a lot of effort. That's why it was a breath of fresh air when she met Bill Compton, a brooding vampire that she can't hear.

It was hard for Bill to fit in a small town expecially when succeeding killings happened. Sookie has been alarmed since the first 2 killed were her friends and at one point were dated by his hot but gullible brother Jason.

The next tragedy was when the Stachhouse' grandmother, the one who raised the sibblings was found dead on their kitchen. Bill was the suspect while Jason and the townfolks have another thing in their minds. They thought that that was supposed to be Sookie since all of the girls associated with the vampires were killed.

I'm off to watch the rest of the episodes!

I love the soundtrack and the subplots. I'm excited to watch Eric, the Vulture like vampire.

JayJay Heltebrand 2009 PBA MVP

2009-07-09T00:56:00.000-07:00

Time flies, a year ago Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa proved to be the team's best backcourt tandem and last night after literaly carrying the Brgy Ginebra team on his back, Mr Fast was awarded as the Most Valuable Player - he is the 2nd player next to Eric Menk to win this most coveted award for the Ginebra franchise. I've read that he had 3000+ statistical points and the Arwind Santos trails by a big margin, he had 700+ points.

The Menk-Helterbrand-Caguioa era of Ginebra is probably the most successful batch as they have garnered
4 championships

2004 Fiesta Conference
2004 Philippine Cup
2006 Philippine Cup
2008 Fiesta Cup

and is currently vying for their 5th, with the 2009 Fiesta cup series tied 2 all

MVP awards

Menk 2004-2005
Helterbrand 2008-2009

Best Player of the Conference
Menk 2004 Fiesta, 2005 Philippine Cup
Helterbrand 2008,2009 Fiesta Cup
Caguioa 2006 Philippine Cup

along the way. Here's to hoping that Mark's turn to become MVP will be next year :)

Ginebra Lives & Dies with Threes and Defense

2009-07-07T02:57:00.000-07:00

For the 2009 Fiesta cup the barometors for Ginebra Kings' chances in winning is their good defense and prolific three points scoring. That was the key factors on their Game 1 & 3 wins and the missing link on their game 2 loss.

Coach Jong Uichico have combined his defense oriented style and Ginebra's good old run and gun plus outside shooting to make the kings evolve into a very potent team vying to defend their crown.

Here's to hoping for better outside shooting, great defense on the next two games! *crossing my fingers

Ginebra Kings back in the Finals

2009-06-28T03:35:00.000-07:00

Brgy. Ginebra kings are back in the finals to defend their Fiesta cup crown. The kings was down 1-2 in the series but managed to win three straight games against the young Rain or Shine team.

Game 4 86 - 70
Game 5 96 - 85
Game 6 108 - 100

Wohoo!!!

Juno and Nanny Diaries

2009-06-27T03:22:00.000-07:00

A friend once asked me why do I even bother buying original VCDs, well its discounted and why not?

I bought 2 CDs on sale for my Saturday weekend marathon.

CD#1 Nanny Diaries.
My Nanny Diaries book have been on my bookshelf and pending item on must read list for a while now and after seeing the movie adaptation, I think I finally have the urge to read it. Scarlette Johansen stars as Annie, who is fresh from college with an Anthropology degree. She finds herself immersing on a nanny job for the "X" family.

Lesson Learned: Don't confuse your career with your life.

CD #2 Juno
Juno is a critically acclaimed movie and definitely not your ordinary teen movie. The story revolves on Juno, a funny, snarky teenage girl who deals with "unwanted" teen pregnancy. It has a fun exchange of dialogues but it manages to send the message accross to be pro life without being preachy.
Lesson Learned: Be chaste or be safe. We always have a choice and we should stand by it.

Definetely a steal for 2 for P151 deal!

Ginebra Kings back in the Game, Ties Series

2009-06-24T04:43:00.000-07:00

I was out of town this weekend so I only had the game updates from the SMS of my dad, Ginebra won last friday to tie the semifinals series 1-1 and last Sunday Rain or Shine bounced back for a 2-1 lead. Tonight was the king's time to bounce back and tie the series to 2-2 via a 86-60 win.

The kings started slow with import Noel relying on low percentage shots and nothing brilliant happening on the court. But on the third quarter Jayjay Helterbrand and Ronald Tubid fired up the offense and that started their intensity defensive wise. The king's lead ballooned upto 20+ points and they eventually maintained it upto to last second of the game. Its back to square one, don't ever give up on the kings!

Sidenotes:
Oh my, MC47 is in the house! Actually he's been there, watching the live games with Jayjay's daughter since Friday, but I've been living in rock and I only knew this today. He's back in town, in cheerleader mode. That's a good start rather than no MC at all.

Anyway, here's Mark Caguioa's interview clip from Rob4Ginebra.

Book Ban!

2009-06-16T01:29:00.000-07:00

I was walking aimlessly at Galleria today and I found a bookstore, National Bookstore's bestseller at the 4th level. Its a bookworm's haven, with a wide range of books and atmosphere comparable to Fully Booked and Powerbooks.

For my chick lit fix, I bought a new book from Cosmo, "My Imaginary Ex" and as brain food I bought Ricky Lee's "Para kay B".

Last thursday, I just bought the last book on Sophie Kinsella's Shopahollic series, "Shopaholllic and a Baby" and "Manhunting" by Jenniffer Cruisie on a thrift bookstore.

With 3 pending books on queue to read, I am officially on a book ban and should be meters away from bookstores.

Say No To Nukes!

2009-06-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

GreenPeace Philippines have sent its message across to the Congress and its loud and clear - Say NO to nuclear power.!

According to Amalie Hamoy Obusan, Climate and Energy Campaigner, it started with an online petition then a protest ride from Morong, Bataan, the site of the controversial Bataan Nuclear Power Plant up to the Philippine Congress at Batasang Pambansa. The last stop is installing pinwheels (symbolizing renewable energy), at the front gates of Congress for all to see - the names of all the petitioners were included. *yes, I'm nodding at everyone who signed and participated.

Each congressmen were given an information pack where "thousands of concerned Filipinos have sent a clear message to the House of Representatives to reject any proposal for nuclear power in the country and instead enable massive uptake of renewable energy."

Many have abandoned their support for the bill but we know how things work in our country, we still need to be vigilant to ensure that this won't be signed behind our backs.

600 Pesos Can Change Lives

2009-06-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

If your way to school or work is EDSA then you might be familiar with Sam Milby's billboard for World Vision where he was photographed with a kid.

World Vision Philippines has a Child Sponsorship program wherein you can help make a difference on a child's life. It only takes P20 a day, P600, $6 a month to take a little boy or girl back to school.

It pains me to see children, who are the future of this country, living on the streets. They are homeless and hungry. Having access to proper education, being able to eat, live in a child safe environment should be every children's right but in the Philippines its a priviledge.

Set aside P600 a month and bring a child back to school!

Check out World Vision's website or call 372-7777 :)

The Only Vampire I Want is Edward Cullen

2009-05-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Another fangirl moment post? LOL

New Moon will be shown on November but they're promoting it as if it will be shown next week. OMG, I just saw the shirtless Rob Pattinson shots from Italy. I'm just annoyed that they make me this excited and its still monthsss away!

They say that toxic people are like vampires because they suck the hell out of you. I say "The Only Vampire I Want to Suck My Blood/Life is Edward Cullen".

We all know that life is not perfect, as much as we want it to be. So I try to be a type of person who would rather see the goodness in everything amidst the drama and complications because I choose to be HAPPY than dwell on those shortcomings especially if I don't have a control about it. But then I often come across with toxic people, who are they?

*annoying
*depressing
*obnoxious
*malicious

Basically, toxic people are bad news because all they do is spread negativity
We are who we are but we can be influenced by who we hang out with - so choose your friends.

"Be positive instead of negative
Be compassionate not angry
Be generous not greedy
Be patient not anxious
Be happy, not lonely."

Don't Laugh at My Romance

2009-05-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for months to finally watch Kenichi Matsuyama's indie film "Don't Laugh at my Romance" or "Sex is not a Laughing Matter". Its so hard to find because a. its a foreign/Japanese film and b. its an indie film. Anyway, the long wait is over.

I first watched Kenichi Matsuyama from the Death Note series where he had an iconic role as L. So my initial reaction was "L in sexy scenes?" Then I got a chance to Zeni Geba TV series where he is a heartless money loving boy, and there's the funny Kenichi ni Sexy, Voice Robo. So its a breath of fresh air for him to act dopey-in-love type but not the J-idol over romantic mushy roles.

The film is about a May-December affair of Mirume (Kenichi Matsuyama), a 19 year old college student who falls in love with his 20 years older teacher Yuri (Hiromi Nagasaku). Yuri is not your ordinary college teacher because she's funny and sexy thus she was able to subtly seduce his student. Seduction, adultery, lies, innocent love and more complications brought by sex was delivered in this film.

The film is light but sincere, from the title you might expect presence of sex, but it only features suggestive scenes - before and after the act. But its still for the mature audience - I'm not sure about the Death Note fans - because of its central theme, a forbidden affair. Overall, Don't Laugh at My Romance is an enjoyable film, superb acting from the leads, good execution of the scenes and a chance to watch Kenichi having a close to normal guy role (If you have seen his other movies, you know what I mean *wink).

David Cook in Manila - The Experience

2009-05-20T01:48:00.000-07:00

Last week, May 12-17, 2009, was not the same. Its far from ordinary.

I don't know where to start, but last week, is so far the best week for the Cookistas - David Cook's Pinoy fans. Visit David Cook's Pinoyexchange thread!

After David Cook was crowned as the 7th Season American Idol, he had the AI tour and somewhere along the way he announced that he'll have his concert in the Philippines last January - but it didn't materialized.

Then, there was Jomari Yllana, an actor turned producer (Fearless Productions) announcing that he would bring the 2 Davids in Manila. At first, I was hessitant on the idea because it was like having a back to back concert of an extremely pop star and a rock n roll dude (Which how I felt the real concert turned out)

Tuesday, I was ecstatic because David has arrived (in the building!) I was in the bus when GMA had a flash report about his arrival. No cookie sighting after that upto wednesday, it turned out that he had video conferences fo Malaysia, China, Singapore and other Asian countries c/o Sony, his record label.

Thursday, he had a short but funny interview on Magic 89.9 with DJ Mo Twister. He learned about "Salamat" by this time - which will be very useful on the entire visit (Filipino word for Thank you). I had an annoying story about this, I was excited the whole day for this 2 minutes interview and then when it was Cook's time, I was inside a noisy tricyle, I couldn't understand a thing. But I trust the Cookistas to record it.

After the interview, David went to SM North Edsa for a Meet and Greet. I didn't even try to go there because I got off the office very late and I had to run some errands - of all the days! Anyway, lots of Cookie crumbs from those who went there.

I'm so happy for the Cookistas of PEX who organized the gifts for Cookies -> read the story behind the "The cookistas slept here" shirt, customized guitar, sneakers and the banner!

Friday, another big Cookie day
AM: Fancon on Magic 89.9 with DJ Mo, Mojo & Grace Lee. More than 30 minutes of fangirl moments, great questions and a lot of laugh out moments!
MID: I missed Cook's live performance at Eat Bulaga but of course, there are crumbs when I got home. David sang an acoustic version of Always be my baby!!! The first time he sang after his epic top 7 performance!!
NIGHT: To cause more excitement for tomorrow night's concert, the 2 Davids had a live interview at 24 oras. Me wonders, why do we always force visitors to eat balut lol.

Saturday, an amazing concert (after all the bruhaha -LBM - eww I know, LRT technical failure, overpriced cab fare)!! David Archuleta started the show - only sang along to the 2 songs that I know but I have to say he has a good voice. There were moments that I just stared to hotness known as Jomari Yllana who was standing across lol

After Archie's set, there's a beautiful fireworks display to distract us - of course Dave and his band need to set up.

David rose through the stage through a hydraulics, amidst the darkness with a spotlight and his reliable AC guitar. He silenced the crowd with "The World I Know"- Collective Soul cover and one of is 3 songs for AI 7 finals. Actually I had a mental blackout - I can't remember what the heck was that song - I can't process that David was THERE - feet away from me - well SEVERAL feet, I was on the 9th row gold section. "Mabuhay" - the first Filipino word of the night.

The second song is "Heroes" followed by "Mr Sensitive".
Before he sang "Declaration", Cookie greeted the 40,000+ crowd with "Magandang Gabi" (read as Good evening). I love the pre song banters!! Cookie said that the next song "Life on the Moon" described how his life has been after winning AI last year.

Then he sang the cookified version of "Always be my baby" - this was the first time he'll have a full band accompanying him - that's according to Cookie himself and its part of the special Manila set list :) FYI, Cook's "Always be my baby" was the #1 song on Magic 89.9's year end countdown and other stations as well. You know its a hit song when you walk to busy Quiapo and all the speakers play that song.

David asked if we have the his record, yes! and if we listen until the end of the song because they'll perform "Kiss on the neck". SexXay!

Aside from his amazing voice, you can see and feel through his interaction, banters with the audience that he is a seasoned performer - a Rock god! David - you're born to do this!! In the middle of "Straight Ahead" a song from his Analog heart album, he went to the crowd, and went to take picture of the crowd and himself. He went back to stage with a manly giggle before picking up where he left of. The next song played was "Make Me" from his former band Midwest kings. I learned just yesterday that in the setlist it was supposed to be "Lie", I almost heard "Lie live" :( Another reason why Cook should come back to Manila!

Then he spoke about how he had no expectations when he released his album and then he found out that songs like "Avalanche" was played and did well in Manila. This song is awesome when played live. They did another cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies", I'm kinda familiar with this because of the Declaration Tour crumbs.

Before he sang "Come back to me", there was a banter with the memorable line "Salamat po so much" and David spotted a girl carrying a "Marry Me Neal poster". He dedicated the song to the "newlyweds". CBTM now stands for Come Back to Manila!

David and the EEB (Easy on the Eyes band) does an encore of "Light On", OMG live Bar-ba-sol where there were 40,000 heads bobbing and an epic ending with "A Daily Anthem". Just a side note, ADAm is a song written for David's brother who recently succumbed to Brain cancer so it was really an emotional song for him - he haven't been singing this song on his Declaration tour.

"Will you sing along Manila?"

I was just happy for him because he wrote this song pre-idol and that night 40,000 people from the other side of the world was singing along with him :)

Almost But Not Quite

2009-04-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

When you experience a major setback, I learned that you have to talk about it because the more you open up about the issue with your friends or even enemies, it will give you a wider perspective.

You will be able to hear the opinions of people who matters, the "outsiders" and more importantly, you will be able to HEAR YOURSELF and realize how pathetic the situation. Then you'll come around with the truth - that the answer was there all along.

Its CLEAR now BUT I'm giving myself until this weekend to mop around. You'll probably ask why not start now? Well, I'm just being realistic, I need to cry it all out and then I'll be fine - good as new - ready for another battle.

Ginebra, PBA's Only King

2009-04-20T04:58:00.001-07:00

Ginebra Kings paraded 3 new players, 2 of which had major contributions on their win over Burger King. The newly added players are the import Noel - who had a triple double performance but I still forgot his first name lol. He's quick, have an outside shot, positions himself well, shares the ball *cough Nealy *cough and shows Chris Alexander-esque brilliance.

The 2 other players added on the kings roster are Cyrus Baguio and Homer Se - who I think will replace Alex Crisano's role, and displays a Wilmer Ong-esque style.

I just love the crisp passing, unselfish basketball showed. Baranggay Ginebra Kings sealed their third straight win. Eric Menk and Jayjay Helterbrand had another solid game to boot.

Its all about peaking at the right time, I can't wait for MC to come back :)

A Spark of Never Say Die Ginebra Spirit

2009-04-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

Undermanned, Caguioa-Salvacion-Valenzuela and import less but Baranggay Ginebra kings managed to out hustle Rain or Shine for a 94-89 victory last night. The Fiesta conference defending champs managed to push their first back to back win and improve their team standings to 3-5 for the 7th place.

Major pain Eric Menk, PBA's one time MVP, scored 24 points with 9 rebounds to seal his major comeback from an injury. Jayjay Helterbrand is back on doing what he does best, sharing the ball (now that Nealy is out of the picture), at one point on the game, Mr Fast had more assists than the entire ROS team. JC Intal, Artadi and Tubid also had their contributions but there were instances that as a Ginebra fan, you will miss the big scoring and overall game intensity, a hole made because of Mark Caguioa's absence. He was rumored to get back after holy week but that remains to be a rumor until now.

I hope that the kings will get their major players back and peak at the right time to defend their crown!

Bs

2009-04-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

It's sad, annoying and utterly disappointing when you are both supposed to be geared on a common goal and you see and feel that he is not as passionate as you are. Of course you cannot, or maybe you can push a person to work or try harder but it will all depend on their motivation. Do you really have the same goal? The same vision? Or do you simply have different ways of working your way to reach the goal? I'd better sleep that be restless of these bs. Sleep is a good temporary escape.

Name NASA Node 3 as Eraserheads

2009-03-18T04:13:00.000-07:00

Why not Name NASA Node 3 as Eraserheads?

1,000,000 Filipinos to Make Francis M a National Artist

2009-03-18T04:10:00.000-07:00

Repost:

In a tribute to Francis M, we want him to be a National Artist for Music posthumously. Francis M is an urban patriot whose music helped us to be proud Filipinos. Join this is saying that we want Francis M's legacy be preserved for all Filipinos.

"Every color and every hue is represented by me and you" - From "Kaleidoscope World" - Francis M.

Epic Fail

2009-02-05T00:49:00.000-08:00

...

Korea's Boys Over Flowers

2009-01-31T18:49:00.000-08:00

photo credit: crunchyroll

According to Wikipedia, I know a completely unreliable source, Hana Yori Dango is the best selling manga. This one I got to believe Wiki. The best proof is that the manga has been done in TV and movie in three different productions & countries.

First of course is the unforgettable, Taiwan's Meteor Garden 1 & 2 that launched F4 to Asian fame. The first season is epic, the fun bickering of Shan Cai & Dao Ming Si while the second season is kinda dragging although that's where Hua Tse Lei got his chance to be with Shan Cai. Next is the short and sweet Japan's Hana Yori 1 & 2 and now I'm starting to watch Korea's Boys Before Flowers.

In the three versions so far, I've got to say their choice to play Makino is always perfect - they always get adorable yet fiesty actresses.

Korea's salon FTW! Dao Ming Si's pineapple hair is funny, Domyoji Tsukasa's perm is funnier while Goo Joon Pyo's perm is acceptable.

I'm always rooting for the sensitive Hua Ze Lei, Hanazawa Rui & Yun Ji Hoo!

I almost forgot about the OST! I hope Korea's version lives up to its predecessor's cool soundtrack selections.

Its the same addictive plot, in different setting, culture and subtitle lol. F4 Fever FTW!

SpongeCola's Closer You and I

2009-01-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

Yey! I've been hearing Sponge Cola's Closer You and I version for Close Up all over radioland and I finally got to see the TVC, well I rarely watch TV nowadays but its on most of the time. I really like Sponge's version :)

*updated! Closer You and I - full song :)

Radio countdowns and music elitist

2009-01-21T02:22:00.000-08:00

Earlier, I was listening to magic 89.9's countdown where David Cook's Avalanche is number 1 and nu107's stairway to seven where Spongecola's Di Na MAbabawi placed third and Pupil's Teacher's Pet reigned supreme! I own the albums of the three artists and I loved those singles beforehand but it's a different exciting feeling to hear it in the radio and other people actually like it. I've never been one of those music elitist, who I still don't understand, why they have an ownership to a song to an extent that they don't like it when it was heard by the masses. I understand and know the feeling of outgrowing a song because it's overplayed never hated something because everyone else like it. Music should be enjoyed period.

PBA DVD Collection - Ginebra Fiesta Cup 2008

2009-01-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

I was in the province - in my 5 days vacation at Cabiao - when I noticed the commercial plugs for the PBA DVD collection so I had to wait to come back to Manila to buy my copy.

I'm kinda disappointed when I read the back cover that its only the whole game 7 plus the bonus 4th quarter of the 3 other games that Ginebra won - 2008 Fiesta Cup Finals was a 7 game series. But fine, like a true blue fan, I bought it. It costs 299.00 but I'm willing to pay more if I could have the complete 7 games or even just the 4 games that they won lol

Another rant is, why did it have Homer Se and Mike Holper on the cover? I mean it feels like the one who did the cover have no idea on the main players, "the guys" who represents and carries the team. They're not even on the starting five.

Anyway, I'm just ranting but I might buy the Gordon's Gin DVD too and the other Ginebra DVDs that will come out.