Blake upsets Federer in straight sets

OMG!

This means, Roger Federer is saying goodbye to his dream of an Olympic gold medal.

I can be so mean when it comes to Roger, but I feel for him. An Olympic gold in tennis has been his main goal this year, especially, after losing in the French Open and in Wimbledon (to Rafael Nadal - I just had to add that haha!)

Try again after 4 years. :) Oh wait, he'll be what, around 30 at that time? But who knows right? (yeah, right :P)

With the way Rafa is playing right now, I'm confident that he'll win his first Olympic gold medal. Of course, it would have been more grand if it was over Federer. But then again, it would have been too devastating for FEDex. :P

Read here :D

Francis M

I was a having a normal day when an incoming Yahoo email with the subject Francism caught my attention. It was from Ms. Day Cabuhat, Pupil's co-Manager, and her post went like this:

hi friends...

we would like to ask your generous help for someone very dear to all
of us in the industry. FrancisM has been diagnosed to have leukemia
and we are currently doing a blood drive. Blood of any type and
platelets may be donated at the Lower Ground Floor of Medical City,
please just tell them you are donating under the name of FRANCIS MAGALONA.

thanks much and your support of this will be most valued and
appreciated. ..

day

Whaaat?!? This could not be true! This was the same reaction I had when I found out that Ely Buendia had a heart attack. Tried to process the information but it wouldn't sink in. I was still in major disbelief. How can someone so healthy-looking be diagnosed as someone who has cancer?!

I've always been a fan of Francis Magalona, or Francis M, or Kiko. I began to appreciate rap music because of him. I used to know most of his songs, even the not-so-popular ones. I would like to think that I still do. (Note to self: rip all our Francis M cds and save it in my Zune). Even saw some of his movies, although sa tv nga lang. :) And he made me more loyal to Eat Bulaga, when he joined the show. Hehe!

I am no family, I am just a FAN. Yet, I'm greatly affected by the sad turn of events.

But I know I need to be positive. I know Francis M will get through this. He's always been a strong person. With all the help, support and prayers from his family, relatives, friends & fans, let's all make this a HAPPY BATTLE for FRANCIS M.

P.S.
To all who get to read this by any chance, would appreciate it if you can help Francis M by donating blood. If not, prayers would most definitely do.

Yo! Yes, yes Yo!

Happy Anniversary (not!)

This post is dedicated to ThePope.

Today is actually our first anniversary. It's been a year since I first saw you and decided that you were the one for me. Ironically, that was also the last time I saw you in the flesh. No, you didn't go abroad or worse, pass away. You just continued living a life you had always known - a life without me.

As for me, I tried to spice up mine. I pretended that you are a part of it, or rather, that you are going to be a part of it. Don't get me wrong. I didn't go around telling everyone that I was in a relationship with you. That's something I wouldn't have the guts to do.

Lemme make it simple.

All I did was try to get to know you. And boy did I find bits and pieces of info about you! I know when your birthday is, where you live (well, not exactly!), where you went to school, who your ex-gf was(!), your friends, your hobbies and interests. A true-blue stalker, am I not? Haha!

That's how I stumbled upon the song, Such Great Heights by The Postal Service. Frankly, I've not heard of them. But when I learned that you were fond of this particular song, I googled them and checked out their songs. I must admit, I still don't know the song by heart. Actually, hindi ko masabayan yung beat at yung phrasing, hehe! With that being said, I still liked it and put it in my Zune. But of course! :)

Well, that's not all. I also found myself reading the books you like. Which reminds me, I still have to finish Dante's The Inferno. See, that's not too bad. At least you influenced me to start picking up a book and read again. :)

To cut this short, I taught myself to adapt. Adjust. So that, when time comes that we finally meet again and be together, at least, we'll have something in common, or something to talk about. I just want to make it clear - NO, I am not forcing myself to like things just because you like them. I know I don't really have to.

One long year. A year of hopeful pining. Still not giving up on you.

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Here's the video and the lyrics of the song I was talking about. I'm thinking it must be the lyrics that made ThePope like this song! Or maybe not. :)

Such Great Heights
The Postal Service

I am thinking it's a sign that the freckles
In our eyes are mirror images and when
We kiss they're perfectly aligned
And I have to speculate that God himself
Did make us into corresponding shapes like
Puzzle pieces from the clay
True, it may seem like a stretch, but
Its thoughts like this that catch my troubled
Head when you're away when I am missing you to death
When you are out there on the road for
Several weeks of shows and when you scan
The radio, I hope this song will guide you home

They will see us waving from such great
Heights, 'come down now,' they'll say
But everything looks perfect from far away,
'come down now,' but we'll stay...

I tried my best to leave this all on your
Machine but the persistent beat it sounded
Thin upon listening
That frankly will not fly. you will hear
The shrillest highs and lowest lows with
The windows down when this is guiding you home




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And here's one of my current favorite songs. I loved it the first time I heard it being played on ThePope's favorite radio station. This song has ThePope written all over it. :)

The song's title is I will possess your heart by Death Cab for Cutie. This is probably the longest song I've ever heard. Even longer than Eraserheads' Ang Huling El Bimbo. But El Bimbo has got lyrics from start to finish, whereas, more than halfway into the song, that's the only time you'll hear Ben Gibbard (vocalist) singing. Still, the song just blows me away. I love the melody or the instrumental or whatever musical term you call it. It's so intense! And the lyrics - hit right smack into the heart! Plus Ben Gibbard sings it so beautifully! Incidentally, I found out that he also is the vocalist of The Postal Service. Hmm...such coincidence :)

Did I say I love this song? :)

I will possess your heart
Death Cab for Cutie

How I wish you could see the potential,
the potential of you and me
It's like a book elegantly bound,
but in a language that you can't read just yet
You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart
You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart

There are days when outside your window,
I see my reflection as I slowly pass
And I long for this mirrored perspective,
when we'll be lovers, lovers at last
You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart
You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart

I will possess your heart
I will possess your heart

You reject my advances and desperate pleas
I won't let you, let me down so easily, so easily

You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart
You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart
You gotta spend some time love, you gotta spend some time with me
And I know that you'll find love, I will possess your heart

I will possess your heart
I will possess your heart
I will possess your heart

Say hello to the world's new number 1

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you...

the new number 1 tennis player in the world...RAFAEL NADAL!

Applause, applause.

Ok, it's not official yet, BUT, IT'S GUARANTEED! :P

Although, Novak Djokovic, world's number 3, ended current number 2, Rafael Nadal's 32-match winning streak with a 6-1, 7-5 semifinal victory (this morning, Manila time) at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati, Rafa is still guaranteed to claim the No. 1 ranking this month after reaching the semifinals with a 7-6(3), 6-1 victory over Ecuadorian Nicolas Lapentti.

Rafa's loss to Djokovic means he will officially take over number 1 for the first time in the South African Airways ATP Rankings on August 18. Had Rafa reached the final, he could have taken over the number 1 spot on August 11. And had he won the title, he could have become the number 1 in the world by Monday, August 4.

Oh well, it's just two weeks. And besides, he really needs to take some time off before he competes in the Beijing Olympics.

For now, let me just say to Federer:

"Your days are numbered. Move over Roger!"

Missing the Joker

After watching the movie The Dark Knight, this came to mind:

add The Dark Knight as one of my favorite Heath Ledger movies.


Ok, ok. I know it's Christian Bale who plays the title role in the movie, but come to think of it, it should have just been called "The Joker." As far as I was concerned, the movie was about him. Without The Joker, the movie would have been a disaster.

Heath Ledger's take on The Joker is a completely different one. He took the character to a whole new dark and demented level. In one of his interviews, he talked about his character and said "he's going to be really sinister and it's going to be less about his laugh and his pranks and more about just him being a just a fucking sinister guy." And Heath did not disappoint. He was truly disturbing, The Joker, that is.

Let me make it clear.

Heath Ledger was such a talented actor that he made me feel terrified of The Joker. Even before the movie was shown, there was already so much hype about his portrayal. And like I said, he did not disappoint. He delivered a remarkable performance, oh yeah, worthy of an Oscar.

The Joker was truly disturbing. Not Heath. And I'd like to think that he was not disturbed, either. There has been much speculation about the true nature of his death, but for me, it was an accident. Even his co-star in the movie, Gary Oldman, refuted rumors that Heath was emotionally affected by the darkness of The Joker. Oldman said that they are "just people looking for a darker story that doesn't exist."

Almost 6 months have passed since Heath's death, but seeing him on that big screen made me forget, even for just a bit, that he was already gone.

I miss you Sir William Thatcher, my Joker.

Backfired

After going through my Facebook page, I switched to stalker-mode and searched for ThePope.

The search result was a slap in the face.

It was no longer a question mark (which means no pic uploaded yet), but a picture of him with a girl.

I don't really want to know if they're a couple or not. Don't need to.

Not right now. Just seeing them together in that picture sucks. Big time!

Rafa wins his first Wimbledon

Now it can be told:

Rafael Nadal is not just the King of Clay, he's the new hero on grass, the new King of Wimbledon!

After 4 hours 48 minutes and 2 rain delays, Rafael Nadal won his first ever Wimbledon by conquering five-time Wimbledon champion and world's number 1, Roger Federer in an epic five-set battle, 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (8-10), 9-7.

Too many superb rallies, too many excellent shots, too much excitement, too much drama, two great players. Truly, this year's men’s singles final will be remembered as one of the greatest in Wimbledon’s rich history.

On a personal note: The match started around 9:30PM and ended at 4:30AM. I didn't even think of going to bed when the play was suspended for about an hour and a half because of the rain. Play got held up again for the second time, but like the jampacked crowd in Centre Court of the All England Club lawns, I too, never left my seat (in our living room :D). I wanted to see this match over and done with. I was still confident that Rafa would win even if he lost his chance of doing it when he was up by 2 sets to love. Besides, this was truly one for the books and I wouldn't want to miss it for the world.

After 2 hours of sleep, I still managed to go to work today. My dad and I had a deal - I promised him that no matter what the outcome is, I would not go on a self-declared holiday. Well, here I am at work, blogging away. Was too happy to do my part of the deal. :)

Vamos Rafa!

1-0

UAAP's 71st season started yesterday with FEU winning over Adamson and UE over UST. There was not much hype yesterday, but today was a different story. First, UP won their first game under a new coach, after going 0-14 last season. Yeboi! Hopefully, this won't be a case of first and last for the Maroons. :)

But the real deal came from the second game between the Ateneo Blue Eagles versus De La Salle Green Archers. As always, people flock the Big Dome to watch the much-awaited encounter between these two schools. Twenty-two thousand paying patrons came to witness the first game of the season between these great rivals. I didn't get to watch it live, but I surely woke up just in time to catch the game on tv. It was a close match with Ateneo leading at one point and then being overtaken by La Salle and then Ateneo again with the lead and then La Salle and then Ateneo...you get the picture. :) I actually hate watching close games, because it's more heart-breaking when my favorite team (or player) loses by a point or two. So you can just imagine how restless I was the whole time. But alas, Ateneo proved to be the better team when they beat La Salle, 79-73. Yeboi! :)

It's always a great feeling when you have the upperhand over someone and there's no doubt the whole Ateneo community (and me!) are feeling high and mighty at this time. I know it's just the first round of the elims, but hey, a win is a win is a win! 1-0 pare!

-------------------------

It's been a promising day so far with UP and Ateneo winning their first match in the 71st season of the UAAP. :) A few minutes from now will be the Wimbledon final. I'm looking forward to a spectacular match between the top 2 tennis players in the world, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. I have a very positive feeling that Rafa will put one over Federer and will get to hold his first Wimbledon trophy tonight. Gotta have faith! :)

A first for Rafa and a double celebration for me? No doubt.

Don't trust nature

Let me share with you a conversation I had with my good friend Che thru YM. This is the part where we talked about ThePope. Real names were replaced with their alias so I can still save my face. Hehehe!

che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:38:26 PM): stalk natin si ThePope, hahha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:39:33 PM): hahaha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:39:44 PM): hay naku, hanggang dun nlng nga ako eh
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:40:00 PM): hahahah
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:40:03 PM): pocha, ung friendster nya dati gsto nya ma-meet "anyone alive"
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:40:14 PM): pocha ngayon patay na ang gsto ma-meet =))
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:40:17 PM): nampocha gurlet..kelan pa tayo magaasawa????
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:40:25 PM): hahahhaa
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:40:27 PM): hahhhahha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:40:32 PM): 24 plang nman ako eh
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:40:37 PM): :)
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:40:49 PM): hahhaha
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:40:59 PM): sabagay, ako nga 26 pa lang, hahhahah
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:41:26 PM): hahahaha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:41:32 PM): ayan natututo ka na :P
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:41:40 PM): hahhhahaha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:41:46 PM): pero seriously pocha di ko na alam gagawin ko kay ThePope
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:41:48 PM): what time kyo aalis?
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:41:52 PM): hahah
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:42:02 PM): mahirap bang pasagutin?
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:42:04 PM): hndi ko alam if i'll let nature take its own course
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:42:07 PM): :P
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:42:18 PM): naku, don't trust the nature
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:42:22 PM): or dpat ko bang pakialaman ang destiny ko at magpakilala na tlga ako sa knya =))
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:42:31 PM): may sariling mundo ang nature, madalas harsh, hahah
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:42:42 PM): hahhaha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:42:44 PM): korak ka jan
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:42:46 PM): pakilala ka na
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:42:58 PM): kaso super stalker nman labas ko nun
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:42:58 PM): yung pa-demure effect, bwahahha
che_dc26 (7/4/2008 4:43:11 PM): hindi kaya
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:43:23 PM): pocha
colette_51 (7/4/2008 4:43:57 PM): tangina pare natatawa parin ako sa don't trust nature =))

Don't trust nature.

That remark really made me laugh. And then it hit me. Yeah, I should not let nature take its own course. If I want something that bad, I should work my ass off to achieve it. But then again, does it also apply to matters of the heart?

Think about this:
People often say kung tayo para sa isa't isa, tayo talaga. Such a cliche. Don't they realize that without effort, destiny is useless?

Hmm...pero balik tayo sa nature. This also came to mind "when nature calls, it's always a bad thing right?" Ayan na, I think I need to go. Nature is calling me since I can't stop from laughing. :P

King of Queens

Fresh from his French Open victory over Roger Federer, King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, was crowned King of Queens after beating Australian Open Champion Novak Djokovic, 7-6(8-6), 7-5 in the final of the Artois Championship at Queen's in London.


This is Rafa's first grasscourt title and now that he's won on this surface, I'm positive he'll have a pretty big chance of getting his first Wimbledon title this year, as well. Remember last year's final? Though he lost, it was not a lopsided victory for Federer. Rafa fought strong, it went up to 5 sets and lasted for I think about 3 hours and so. It could have gone either way. For all it's worth, last year's final proved that Rafa is also capabale of winning on grass. And now winning at Queens only goes to show that he really can do it.

So much for my being a Rafa-fanatic, hehehe.

Here are some related articles I've read in the net.
http://sports.indiatimes.com/Nadal_is_king_of_Queens/articleshow/3131675.cms

http://www.tennis-x.com/story/2008-06-15/h.php

Rafael Nadal: King of Clay

Annihilation!

That's what happened when Rafael Nadal, the number two seed, defeated the world's number one, Roger Federer in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 in the 2008 French Open Final. With this victory, Rafa tied Bjorn Borg's record of four consecutive French Open titles. On the other hand, the loss prevented Federer from achieving his first French Open title, the only Grand Slam title that eludes him.

Since I am no expert sports writer (hey, I just love the sport :P), or any writer for that matter, let me share with you this article I read from tennis.com

Rafa Rampant: Nadal sweeps to 4th French crown
http://www.tennis.com/tournaments/2008/frenchopen/frenchopen.aspx?id=134652

Happy reading!

Happy Friday

Of all the other Fridays in the calendar, today's Friday is my favorite. Well, aside from the fact that today is my mom's birthday (happy birthday mommy), today is also payday (actually nung 14 pa hehe). Basta, happy-friday-mode ako today. ;-)

Amazing Asian Tour

It's been a month since I first set foot to a foreign land and I still can't get over it.

I don't remember exactly when did I convince my sister, Candy, to go out of the country with me, but I won't forget the day we left the Philippines. It was March 20, a Holy Thursday, around 730PM.

Afraid that the plane might leave without us, we got to the airport around 430-5PM. Excited, hahaha! Soon after, my officemates Joyce and Queenie arrived. In the immigration, my sister and I were completely caught off-guard. The officer who checked our passport and other documents (and who was old enough to be my father) was so obnoxious and condescending. Clearly, it was our first time to travel abroad. He didn't have to say it to our face. I was so tempted to answer back and tell him "Yes, it's our first time. But we'll be traveling to four different countries, old man!" Of course, I kept my cool, lest, he'd prevent me from leaving the country. Needless to say, it was kinda traumatic for us.

I thought I was going to experience the same thing when we got to the Macau International Airport. The lady kept looking at me, to her screen and then to my passport. After what seemed like forever, she finally let me enter their country. Thank heavens! What's with these people?!? Come on, I'm not a terrorist or some kind of bad element (hahaha!). We just want to have fun! ;-)

And what FUN we had!

First stop: Macau

We got to play some of the slot machines in the casino of the Venetian Hotel, got to go around the place and explore the wonderful Venetian Hotel, got our pictures taken in front of the Grand Lisboa Casino(hehe), got to see the amazing Prosperity Tree in Wynn Macau Casino. There is, of course, much more to Macau than casinos. We also got to visit different churches, museums & galleries, the Senado Square, which really made an impression on me. Even the temples and fortresses were inviting. Macau is not just an entertainment place, but is also rich in culture. Though I didn't really enjoy the Macau food, I can still say that the whole experience was worth it.

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Next stop: Hongkong

Most of the people I know relate Hongkong with shopping, shopping and more shopping. The only thing I can think of when I think of Hongkong is Mickey Mouse. Mickey Mouse equals Disneyland. This, I believe, is the reason why my sis got convinced to take this trip with me. We both love Mickey, Donald, Goofy and the rest of the gang. Imagine how happy we were getting our pics taken with Mickey and Goofy. Had the queues been shorter, we would have lined up again and taken another pic with them. =) I also enjoyed our trip to Ocean Park, prolly because I'm such a sucker for theme park rides, hehehe! Tip: try the The Abyss, if you want to get your money's worth. It surely made my day. ;-)

But of course, we also got to do some shopping. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! =) I bought a souvenir shirt from Disneyland for my dad and I, a ref magnet from Ocean Park for Margie (which until now I can't find, sorry girl) a Lacoste bag (yipeee!), pasalubong shirts for my siblings and pamangkins from the night market (hehehe), a jacket/blazer, a backpack and a (katsa) bag from Giordano. Good thing I got a hold on myself, otherwise, malamang super gasgas ang credit card ko.

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Singapura

After Hongkong, my sis and I went back to Macau and went straight to Macau International Airport to catch our flight to Singapore, while Joyce and Q went back to the Philippines. We arrived in Singapore around 10 or 11PM. After a good night sleep and waking up at almost around noon, my sis and I, together with her friend, explored Singapore via the MRT. It was fun and I felt kinda at home. Funny, coz I don't really like taking the MRT (especially during rush hour) back at home, but I enjoyed the train ride in Singapore.

I was really looking forward to this trip because I was excited to see my good friend, Apol, who now works and lives in Singapore. True enough, the following day, afer our Sentosa adventure, we got off at Lavender station to meet with Apol. 'Twas like a scene from the movies - we ran to each other, kissed and hugged each other (kulang na lang background song, hehehe). This definitely made the whole trip more special. I missed my friend so much and was just looking forward to spending crazy times with her.

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Last stop: Malaysia

I didn't get to explore Singapore with Apol, but we did spend time together in Malaysia. Right after meeting her at Lavender, we went to the bus station going to Genting, Malaysia. It was going to be a 6-hour long drive, but we didn't mind. We were busy catching up. So when we arrived in Malaysia, we were all tired and kinda not in the mood due to lack of sleep. But after getting breakfast at Mcdonald's and seeing the rides at the Genting Theme Park, we were all pumped up again. I was surprised to find out that Apol was also not scared of trying all the rides. We were thrilled in riding the Space Shot and Flying Coaster. But we had the time of our life when we tried the former. Space Shot is Malaysia's version of Ocean Park's The Abyss, so another tip: try and experience Space Shot! The best, pare! ;-) But be warned, this is not for the faint-hearted! ;-)

After exhausting all our energy in the theme park, we looked for a place to stay, dropped our things off, and went to have dinner in KL. Good thing, dinner was great (forgot the name of the resto, but they served mostly fish and chips)! This gave us energy to do our last task for the day - have our pictures taken, with the Petronas Twin Towers serving as backdrop.

----------------------

We went back to Singapore the following day. Apol and I said our goodbyes, this time around, we were not that sad. We were maybe thinking the same thing - it's more possible for us to visit each other, unlike when she was staying in China.

Eversince I was a child, I've been dreaming of living in another country, specifically, the US of A. I'm still far from realizing that dream. But I am more confident now that, it has a big possiblity of coming true.

I will forever cherish the opportunity of visiting other countries, may it be in Asia or Europe. This is such an amazing, amazing journey and I can't wait to take the next one.

American Idol and then some

I've been a fan of American Idol since Season 3 where Fantasia won as that season's idol. I was satisfied coz she was the one I was rooting for to win the contest. I didn't really care who'd win in Season 4 since my bet Nadia Turner was eliminated earlier in the show. Then in Season 5, I was really hoping Elliott Yamin would win, but unfortunately for him, he just finished third. And then last year, I've accepted the fact that Jordin Sparks had a lot more fans (or at least those who'd vote for her) than Blake Lewis, so I wasn't really disappointed with the outcome.

And now American Idol Season 7. Among the top 12, my favorites are Michael Johns, Jason Castro, Carly Smithson, Brooke White and David Cook. Aside from their looks, (the-kind-that-makes-me-want-to-stare-at-them-forever) I like these three guys coz they really make me listen and always be in anticipation of what they have in store for the viewers every week. I also love the song choices and style of MJ and David Cook since I'm more of a rock/alternative fan. I may not really like the style of Jason, but seeing and hearing him sing every week, gosh, it doesn't matter; he had me the minute he sang the first note. =) I like Carly and Brooke coz Carly can really sing (though she tries too hard to please everyone) and for Brooke, she can sing as well, but I like her more for her authentic 'good-girl' image.

So much for the long intro. :P Tonight is result's night, and since I couldn't wait, I checked out the blogsite of this girl who lives in the US, and I effing didn't believe of what I was reading from her blog. I was in utter shock to find out that Michael Johns has been voted off. He was never at the bottom 3, so it was really shocking to know that he was leaving the show for good. Upset as I was, I immediately called up at home to relay the bad news. My dad and brothers were surprised as well with the result. I just felt really, really bad. Oh well, shit happens! "Goodbye MJ, I will surely miss you mate."

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Speaking of goodbyes, I almost said bye-bye to my Zune, digicam, cellphone, wallet and my (sister's) entire bag last Sunday, April 6. I went to the baptism of Baby Deus (Cherry's baby) in Muntinlupa since I was one of the ninangs. On my way home, the jeep I was in got hold-upped by a thin and not-so-tall teenager. Yes, a hold-up(!) and it was in broad daylight on a Sunday at that! Even though the hold-upper was alone, I, along with the other passengers (who were mostly girls and there were even kids) were scared to death since he was holding an icepick and he was attacking us with it. When he turned to me and asked for my phone, I got into panic-mode and I wasn't able to find my phone. What I was taking out from my bag and was actually 'giving' him were the other items I've mentioned. Good thing, these items have their own 'covers/cases', so he didn't know what was inside. Also, the stupid hold-upper was just determined to get my phone, so he didn't even bother to take them away from me. And since I was taking too long to find my phone, he just gave up, released my bag and got off from the jeep. I was relieved that nothing was taken away from me, but was startled to see blood in my hanky. The other passengers noticed it too. I got cut in my left ring finger and I didn't even know it. I panicked so much I didn't even feel any pain when I got cut.

At this time, I was 100 percent more scared. I was starting to feel the pain and the sight of blood was really terrifying. Then my finger got swollen and suddenly felt numb. I so desperately wanted to get off from the jeep and go to a hospital and have my finger checked. Need to get an anti-tetanus shot, this was what was running in my mind the entire time. When I got off in Sucat (East Service Road side), I saw 2 policemen (or are they just traffic aides?) and told them what happened. They wanted me to go with them (I guess, to a precinct) to file a report, but I said that I would not coz I was afraid that the hold-upper might get back at me (ok, sorry but I've seen too many police-drama on tv and film already) and told them that my main priority was to get to a hospital. In the hospital, the lady doctor was so nice and I felt that she was genuinely concerned for me. While the nurse was cleaning my finger and was prepping me up for the anti-tetanus shot, I called my dad and told him my story. All these time, I was holding back my tears and trying hard enough to be strong. But when my dad and brother got to the hospital, I wasn't able to stop the tears from falling. I cried silently while my dad was trying to make me feel better.

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I am so paranoid with what happened to me. There are a lot of things in my mind. One of them is - is this my karma for being so maldita? I really want to believe otherwise.

TH

I am so friggin' happy. Can't help this big smile on my face from showing. Two words - Terrence Howard. =)

He's that guy from the movie The Brave One, starring Jodie Foster. He's relatively 'old' in the 'biz, but I just started to notice him after seeing that movie. Now I am drawn to him. I can't tell exactly why, but I don't care. This is one of those happy mysteries. And I'm just loving this big smile on my face. =)

A year after

In November 2006, I sent you an email. You said you were surprised and somehow flattered. You even thanked me. Then in February 14, 2007, you greeted me a happy valentine's day thru IM. It was my turn to be surprised, but not flattered. Tried so hard not to cry, but I did. A friend in the office took notice and asked me why. I said I didn't appreciate your greeting me a happy hearts day. She was confused, but I wasn't. I felt that you were just playing with me, with my emotions. You didn't even bother to greet me on my birthday, prolly 'coz you don't remember when my birthday is. But come on, neither did u greet me on Christmas and New Year! And on Valentine's Day you suddenly remembered? Dude, Christmas and New Year are more 'universal' holidays than Valentine's Day! Even those who are not really close greet each other during these times. Honestly, I would have appreciated it more if you had greeted me on these occasions. It's pretty obvious that you did what you did because of that letter. Maybe you were trying to be nice, thought it might make me feel good. WELL, YOU SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT IT TWICE!

After that incident, pissed-off feeling aside, I can sincerely say that I was able to start letting you go and move on with my life. We stopped whatever little communication we had and it was such a good thing for me.

Present time, February 14, 2008. Today, a year after, you confirmed that what I was feeling exactly the same time last year, with regard to your greeting me, was true. You met my expectation by not greeting me today. Now it's my turn to thank you.

6 months after

September, October, November, December, January, February. Six months have passed. No developments. Nothing at all.

Clueless but still hopeful. Never giving up on you.

Keep in mind that I will always be here.

Novak is King of the Australian Open

You are not mistaken!

It's not Roger Federer nor Rafael Nadal.

Novak Djokovic, the world's number three, became Serbia's first Grand Slam singles champion, when he defeated Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets, 4-6 6-4 6-3 7-6(7-2) at Melbourne Park, Australia.


Good for him.

Novak turned pro in 2003. But if I remember correctly, the first time I saw him play on tv was in 2005. I instantly became a fan. Saw the potential in him (naks, feeling tennis guru naman ako, hehehe) and he was super cute (ayan, mas forte ko
yan :P)! I'm glad that he won his first grand slam, though, a bigger part of me wanted Tsonga to win. The Frenchman was the one who beat Rafa in the semis, while the Serbian won over Federer.

As you probably know by now, next to Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal is my next favorite tennis player. And you might have guessed that I am no Federer fanatic. I cheered for Novak during his match with Federer and was super happy when he beat the world's number one. But as my karma would have it, Rafa lost to Tsonga.

But I still cheered for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Final. Instead of wishing Novak to win so he could avenge the loss of Rafa, I had other twisted things in mind.

* Tsonga needs to win so that Rafa's loss would be easier to accept - at least he lost to the Champion, and
* Novak must not win because I don't want him to get closer and closer to the number 2 spot and take it away from Rafa. He can remain at number 3 all he wants, but he must not overtake Nadal in the rankings.

I am that selfish.

Hmm...did I say that I was glad Novak won? Wachutink?

Gone too soon

I was brushing my teeth this morning when my dad suddenly blurted out "Sweetheart, patay na yung isa sa mga cowboys." No idea as to who he was referring to, I asked "Sinong cowboy?" "Yung dun sa brokeback mountain," my dad replied.

"Huwaaat? Sino dun? Shyet! Si Jake Gyllenhaal?" I specifically said Jake's name because I didn't want for Heath Ledger to die so soon. Then my dad said "Hindi, yung si Ledger." My heart skipped a beat.

Actor Heath Ledger dies at 28.

I know we're not related (well, we should have been if he didn't pass away so early hahaha), but I was really devastated when I heard the sad news. To quote Mel Gibson, his co-star in the movie The Patriot, "He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss."

Gone too soon.

Truth is, I always get scared when someone young or younger than me passes away. Morbid thoughts cross my mind and I always end up thinking "what if it was me?" I'm afraid to die - there I said it! I'm not ready to leave this world yet. I have so many things I want to do, so many experiences for me to take part of. I have to ask forgiveness from a lot of people, and at the same time, I have a lot of love & happiness to share. I can't leave just yet.

Having said that, I also don't want for people I love to leave so soon. I've experienced the pain of losing a loved one when my mom passed away almost 4 months after I turned 7 years old. I didn't really feel the impact of her passing away until I think I was in high school already. Sure, my dad, brothers and sister were there for me, but it was different not having a mom. I can imagine what Heath's daughter, Mathilda, will go through when she grows up.

Life and death - both are difficult to master. Life, you want to experience more, death, you try to avoid. And yet, when you explore life, this may actually lead you to your death. How ironic.

Open/Idol

Two things I love about the month of January:

(1) Australian Open - first grand slam event of the year. It kicked off yesterday and will run for two weeks. No doubt i'll be rooting for Rafael Nadal. He's a three-time grand slam champion, but these are all from the French Open. Hope he'll do well in the hardcourt and have a fruitful (read: win his first Australian Open) fortnight.

(2) American Idol - Simon, Randy, Paula & Ryan are back. It's that time of the year when America and I start looking for the new American Idol. Hehehe! The thing I like about this show is, it helps me appreciate different types of music. But the downside is, if I didn't like the performance, I could be worse than Simon. Hahaha, just kidding.

Only the first month and I'm already busy. Busy watching tv.