Skywalker

During one of our review classes, Ma'am asked if "naabutan ba ninyo si Samboy Lim? Yung pinapaharipan yung shot eh ang dali na lang sana"

To which I replied, "naabutan .." Medyo excited ang voice sa "naa" na part pero medyo humina sa "butan..." when I realized that it seemed I was the only one who answered. It's either my classmates were not basketball fanatics back then, they just did not want to answer the question or I am just a bit older than they are.

I think it's a combination of them not that being much of basketball fans and me a bit older than them and being a basketball fan.

Yes, naabutan ko si Samboy Lim, a.k.a The Skywalker. Samboy Lim, Allan Caidic and Ato Agustin are the triple threat of SMB during the '90s. Actually, pinaka-fan ako ni Allan Caidic. Next na sina Samboy, Ato, and later si Olsen and the rest of the Beermen.

I will remember Samboy with his knee-high socks .. hehe

Buti hindi tinanong ni Ma'am kung anong team si Samboy? SMB.

Buti hindi tinanong ni Ma'am kung anong jersey number ni Samboy? #9

Buti hindi tinanong ni Ma'am kung kelan birthday ni Samboy? April 1

Buti hindi tinanong kung sino fan ni Samboy dito? Malamang sasabihin ko na ako. At malamang sasabihin ko rin na bumili ako ng postcard na nandun siya at meron akong poem ginawa about Samboy Lim .. haha .. Kaya lang hindi ko na mahanap yung notebook ko na iyon na puno ng poems na ginawa ko nung elementary and high school .. haha ..

Kung tinanong ako ni Ma'am na if nakita ko na si Samboy in person, sasabihin ko oo.

Kung tinanong ako ni Ma'am if humingi ako ng autograph, sasabihin ko hindi.

Sasabihin ko na nag-papicture lang ako with Samboy.

We were staying in Kowloon Panda Hotel nung April 2001. After eating free breakfast dun sa restaurant area nila, nasalubong ko si Samboy with his family sa escalator. Nag-smile ako, nag-smile din sila. Hinintay ko dad ko (basketball fanatic din iyon!). Sabi niya magpapicture kami pag bumaba na. Sabi ko hindi ko kaya na ako ang magsabi if ok magpapicture. Nung bumaba na sila, ang mommy ko ang lumapit and sinabi “Is it ok if I take a picture of you with my daughter? She is a big fan of yours. She has a big poster of you in her room”. (Wala akong poster niya .. hehe) So, picture, picture na. Ang bait ni Samboy and mukhang mabait din iyong wife and anak niya.

Malabo ang pic kasi wala kaming scanner.

Di ba sabi ko naabutan ko si Samboy? Naabutan ko nga .. hehe

Just Stand Up

I like this song - nice and inspiring.

It is also great because various female artists are involved in this.

I think it more than a song about fighting cancer but the obstacles in life in general.

Sing on!

Beyonce: The heart is stronger than you think,
It’s like it can go through anything.
And even when you think it can’t it finds a way to still push on, though

Carrie: Sometimes you want to run away, Ain’t got the patience for the pain
And if you don’t believe it look into, your heart the beat goes on

Rihanna: I’m tellin’ you that,

Rihanna/Miley: Things get better, Through whatever

Rihanna: If you fall, dust it off, don’t let up

Sheryl: Don’t you know you can go be your own miracle

Beyonce: You need to know

CHORUS :
Sheryl: If the mind keeps thinking you’ve had enough, But the heart keeps telling you don’t give up

Sheryl/Beyonce: Who are we to be..questioning, wondering what is what
Don’t give up…THROUGH IT ALL, JUST STAND UP!

Fergie: It’s like we all have better days
Problems getting all up in your face

Leona: Just because you go through it

Fergie: Don’t mean it got to take control, no

Leona: You ain’t gotta find no hiding place

Keyshia: Because the heart can beat the hate

Leona: Don’t wanna let your mind keep playin’ you

Keyshia: And sayin’ you can’t go on

Rihanna: I’m tellin’ you that

Miley: Things get better
Through whatever

Rihanna: If you fall

Miley: Dust if off, don’t let up

LeAnn: Don’t you know you

Natasha: Can go

LeAnn: Be your own

Natasha: Miracle

Carrie: You need to know

Ensemble: CHORUS

Mary: You don’t gotta be a prisoner in your mind

Ciara: If you fall, dust it off

Mary: You can live your life

Rihanna/Carrie: Yeah

Mary: Let your heart be your guide

Rihanna/Carrie: Yeah yeah yeah

Mariah: And you will know that you’re good if you trust in the good

Ashanti: Everything will be alright, yeah
Light up the dark, if you follow your heart

Mary: And it will get better

Mariah: Through whatever

CHORUS

Fergie: You got it in you, find it within
You got in now, find it within now
You got in you, find it within
You got in now, find it within now
You got in you, find it within
Find it within you, find it within

Everyone: THROUGH IT ALL, JUST STAND UP!

Happy

(Read this article in the Philippine Star and I thought of sharing this ... read on)

How to be happy

MIND YOUR BODY By Willie T. Ong, MD Updated November 25, 2008 12:00 AM

Is there a person alive who doesn’t want to be happy? There isn’t one. But how often do we think of ways to be happy? If you’re feeling sad because of some family or financial problems, don’t despair. Here are 20 strategies to be happy;

• Decide to be happy. Make a plan. Think of ways and things that bring you happiness. Set happy goals not just for yourself but include others, too. Then, think of what to do next. (I am happy. Mas energy, mas happy!)

• Use your talents. Identify your strengths. Can you sing, dance, draw, paint, write, or speak? Find and cultivate these strengths of yours. Focus on them and they will bring you confidence and satisfaction. Do what you were meant to do in this world.(I will sing to my own tune and dance to my own beat!)

• Play. Play with your kids. Have fun with friends. Take time to relax and play. There’s nothing wrong with having fun and liking your work. Go through your normal day in an easy and light manner. (All study and no play makes jazzie a dull girl .. hehe)

• Be curious. Try to see happiness around you. Watch the sunrise, feel the cool breeze, listen to the birds chirping and see people smiling. Nature is full of happiness. (Why do lawmakers make confusing laws? Why are there conflicting jurisprudence?)

• Count your blessings. Be grateful and happy with what you have. Accept the blessings that you have and think positively about the things you do not have. Maybe you weren’t meant to get it anyway and that something better is in store. Look at the bright side always. (Grateful!)

• Like yourself. Everybody commits a mistake at some point in their lives. It’s part of our learning process, whether it’s because of our youth or ignorance. Try to make amends on the mistakes you made and then let it go. A wise man said that it’s the things we didn’t do that we later regret, and not the things and mistakes that we did. (Love your own .. hehe)

• Pamper yourself. After a long work day, treat yourself to a warm, refreshing bath. Enjoy your favorite magazine. Tinker around with your hobbies. And when you feel like a kid, bring out the child in you. (I pamper myself with watching TV, eating and surfing the net .. hehe)

• Enjoy close relationships. A unique study shows that talking to a supportive friend is as effective as taking a tablet of pain reliever. There is something heavenly in true and caring friends. Invest your time in building close relationships. They are as good as money in the bank. (Family and friends .. woohoo!)

• Find positive people. Surround yourself with positive and happy people. Find good mentors. They can be the key to your success. Some believe the other person’s good influence and good karma will also bring you luck. Happy people tend to be more supportive of others, too. (And avoid those who bring negative vibes …)

• Volunteer to help someone in need. If you want to receive P2,000 worth of happiness, donate P2,000 to your favorite charity. Studies show that the more people give to others, the happier they become. (… in my own little way)

• Think happy thoughts. Positive thinking proponent Norman Vincent Peale says that if a negative thought should enter your mind, you should immediately block it with a positive one. If a fearful thought crosses your mind, tell yourself that you’ll overcome it, and that you’ll be alright. Think positive. (Happy, happy, happy ….)

• See and hear happy news. Read inspiring books. Watch happy movies. Look for the good news in the papers and magazines. Fill your minds with positive and constructive news. (See no evil, hear no evil?)

• Laugh. If you watched Patch Adams, you know that the doctor’s secret cure for his patients is to simply make them laugh. Wearing a clown’s makeup, Dr. Adams brings joy to cancer-stricken kids. A study by Dr. Lee Berk shows that watching an hour of comedy movie releases 27 percent more good endorphins in the body. Endorphins help reduce pain and stress, and boost the immune system. (Watch AFV .. hehe)

• Follow your instincts. In the best-selling book Blink, author Malcolm Gladwell says our minds can make a wise decision based on our gut feel or intuition. Most of the time, this turns out correctly. In business decisions and relationships, it pays to listen to this inner voice of wisdom. (… especially when you don’t know the answer to the exam question .. hehe)

• Be healthy. Being healthy is a prerequisite to being happy. Get a checkup and see your doctor. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes. (Eat a glass of milk each night and vitamins, vitamins .. )

• Eat healthy and exercise. Go for something green or orange. Green leafy vegetables and orange-colored tomatoes, carrots, and citrus fruits are high in antioxidants. Exercise moderately and stay active for your age. (Channel surfing is my favorite exercise!)

• Find the right amount of stress. Studies show that too much stress from work can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and anger. However, too little stress can also lead to boredom. The secret is in finding the right amount of work that will make you productive and happy. (Law school gives me the right amount of stress – this goes back to thinking happy thoughts)

• Sleep. Make sure that you get adequate sleep and rest, like around seven to eight hours. If you have insomnia, just lying in bed and thinking happy and restful thoughts can relax your body, too. (Yey .. sleep approximately at 2.30 am then wake-up at 10:00 am .. hehe ..)

• Be in love. Gerontology professor Dr. David Demko believes that being in love can prolong one’s life by as much as seven years. Married people or those with close relationships are generally happier compared to single people living alone. If you don’t have a partner, then having a close friend, a pet or a hobby canbe a substitute. (I love life!)

• Believe. Studies show that people who have a strong sense of spirituality are 40-percent happier than those who don’t. People who hope for a brighter future and sense a meaning and purpose in their lives are happier and more fulfilled. (Oh, when you believe ….)

• Try to have faith in yourself. Have faith, too, in the goodness of others. And finally, have faith in God. If you’re not happy today, don’t worry, because slowly things will get better. It always does. You have all the resources you need to be happy. (Keep the faith!)

What Was I Thinking

Maraming iniisip. Malayo ang iniisip. Kulang sa isip. Wala sa isip

-oOo-

Cereals with orange juice for breakfast. Take note that the orange juice was poured into the cereals instead of using milk. Malayo ang iniisip.

-oOo-

Putting "chapstick" before going to bed. After combing hair and before leaving the house for school, I put it on. It became such a routine that after combing hair before going to sleep, chapstick was put on. Wala sa isip.

-oOo-

Reading the Bible then, looking at the bottom for a footnote after seeing a number after a word as a superscript. Forgot that the number refers to the verse, and not a footnote. Got used to reading text books/notes with such footnote reference. Wala sa isip.

-oOo-

Opening the refrigerator and grabbing a pitcher of water. Actually, looking for soy sauce and not water. There should be no reason to look for soy sauce in the refrigerator. Maraming iniisip.

-oOo-

Laughed when read "easy" questions on an exam questionnaire. It was actually, "essay" question. Wala sa isip.

-oOo-

Hindi "bilog ang mundo". It is spheroid. Ano Tagalog ng spheroid? Maraming iniisip.

-oOo-

Anong Tagalog ng "either"? Maraming iniisip.

-oOo-

Kung ang ocean ay karagatan in Tagalog at ang sea ay dagat in Tagalog, ano ang Tagalog ng beach? Maraming iniisip.

-oOo-

Comparing personal answers to questions and grades in first year and second year as to answers in fourth year. Personal assessment - probably better back then. Mom said there is a reason. Unlike in first year to third year, coverage was limited unlike in fourth year. Now, there is information overload and it is more likely to forget more stuff. Information overload or lack of memory. Pano na sa bar? Kulang sa isip at Maraming iniisip.

-oOo-

1st sem is unoffiically over since the results are not yet out. Full throttle for second sem started - study for an exam, prepare for a recit, prepare for requirements, study other subjects in between. Maraming iisipin.

This is it!

Liar, Liar

I guess one of the things that somehow pisses me of is when someone insinuates that I am lying.

I am not a saint. I try my best not to tell lies. It is really hard but I try not to.

I may have a high tolerance for other people's confusing personalities. But, sometimes, push really comes to shove ...

Yes, I do keep things to myself. But I think it's a whole new ballgame when someone insinuates to another that I may not be telling the truth. The most that person could probably do is tell it to my face that I am not telling truth.

I can't understand why people act that way. You treat them nicely and help them out in your own little way. And then, this is how they talk about you - or for anything or anyone you are associated with.

What is more confusing is such person is insinuating something I have no idea of. Maybe such person is right. Maybe such person is wrong. But maybe there is really something to what such person is talking about and I just do not have any inkling of it. The best such person could do is probably ask me personally and just don't come to conclusions and immediately associating things and people just like that.

What is most confusing is that such person seem to forget to reflect upon the mirror ...

Oh, well ...

Watch

Last night, my sister asked me what do I want as a gift from my aunt this Christmas.

The first thing that I blurted out was a stop watch!

And then, I laughed.

Just before I was asked, I mentioned to my friend that I used to have a goal to study for 8 hours within a 24-hour period. There were times that I really counted the hours, up to the last minute, that I studied. This is less the water breaks, food breaks, CR breaks or chika breaks. I rarely reach my goal during school days. Sometimes, I do get to study for 8 hours if there is no school. I only counted the number of hours I studied for a short time. And then, I stopped because it was useless since I rarely get to reach that goal anyway.

With 2nd sem-4th year at hand, I was thinking of getting a real stop watch - the one they use on basketball games and not the one I have on my mobile phone.

I am not sure if that wish was pathetic .. hehe. Maybe. Maybe not.

Anyhow, I just said that a lotion or perfume would be fine.

My sister added if I am sure because they are asking for boots and bag. They said maybe I want to get some new clothes.

I said I was ok. I have enough clothes for now.

But I do not have a stop watch :)

Uncool

Jennifer Aniston calls Angelina Jolie's 2007 Remarks About Working with Brad Pitt 'Uncool'

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Jennifer Aniston is sounding off about her ex-husband's current partner, Angelina Jolie.

In a new cover story for Vogue magazine, conducted by writer Jonathan Van Meter, Jennifer said Angelina's interview with the fashion magazine in January 2007, in which the "Changeling" star revealed details about the start of her romance with Brad Pitt, was tough to read.

"There was stuff printed there that was definitely from a time when I was unaware that it was happening," Aniston said in her new interview, which will appear in Vogue's December 2008 issue. "I felt those details were a little inappropriate to discuss."

In the original January '07 article Jennifer was referring to, Angelina told Vogue that it was clear Brad was "with his best friend, someone he loves and respects." But, Angelina's comments about the excitement she felt going to work on the set of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," where she met Brad, were stinging.

"That stuff about how she couldn't wait to get to work every day? That was really uncool," Jennifer said.

But while Angelina's remarks were hurtful, Jennifer said her split with Brad was not as rough as people might have thought.

"It was never that bad," she said. "I mean, look, it's not like divorce is something that you go, 'Ooh, I can't wait to get divorced!' It doesn't feel like a tickle. But I've got to tell you, it's so vague at this point, it's so far away in my mind, I can't even remember the darkness."

And Jennifer's light continues to shine with her upcoming roles in "Marley & Me" and "He's Just Not Into You," and with her rumored rekindled romance with John Mayer.

"I deeply, deeply care about him; we talk, we adore one another," Jennifer said of the musician. "And that's where it is."

3 Dads and 1 Mommy

Bitter-sweet ...

I was happy that I got home just in time. The last episode of "3 Dads and 1 Mommy" was just shown a couple of hours ago.

For about 2 months, every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night, I fervently watched every single episode of this Asianovela - or whatever you may call it. More than anything else, the show never failed to make me laugh.

This is the first of its kind that I watched. I don't know if there will be another one.

I was just too happy with the ending! It was what I really hoped for from the very beginning. I had doubts over the past few days because of what they have shown. But I was seriously hoping that the Justin was the real dad .. and he was! Yahoo! Just the way I like it!

While I do like the ending, I'm a bit sad because there is less to look forward to during weeknights .. tsk, tsk .. Oh, well. Life is like that.

Thanks to Jake, Jayden, Ariel, Lizette and Nicole for making my weeknights really fun.

Hmm .. I wonder what happened to Mr. James ...

You Can't Hurry Love

"My Only U"

I haven't been to the cinemas since August. And I think this movie was the perfect fix for my sentiments lately.

I was very happy when I got the chance to watch "A Very Special Love" on its 3rd week. And when I felt I had some free time, I took the chance to watch "My Only U". I think "My Only U" is funnier than a "A Very Special Love". I also like its story line better. But it doesn't mean I like it better. I like both films in different levels .. char!

Jologs na kung jologs but that is just me .. hehe.

There are some stuff that doesn't make me react much - patola, punks, rock n' roll, the kissing scene. But the weird thing is I think many people found this funny. Oh, well, I'm weird :)

Just to sum things up, here are my top 10 favorites as to this movie:

1. I love John Lloyd Cruz! Sun dance works! I super love his cameo here - along with Ronnie Magsanoc, Sam Milby and Zanjoe Marudo.

2. Vhong-Toni tandem clicks! They make you smile, cry, laugh, teary-eyed in a matter of seconds. I guess they make you look like you are going out of your mind!

3. I like the songs "You Can't Hurry Love" and "Kasama Kang Tumanda". Even before this flick, I love Phil Collins singing "You Can't Hurry Love". I even have a tape of it. I also like it because it was featured in Julia Robert's "Runaway Bride". I think the Tagalog song sounds like a "tagalized" version of "Growing Old With You." But I like the lyrics and the melody ... "umabot man tayo sa 3001"

4. I like the "4-season" scene. I know this is similar to a scene in Notting Hill, which I super like!

5. I like the evolution of the "kamay". It maybe corny to some but hey, I'm a certified corny!

6. Supporting casts - Kit Kat and Empoy as Sheryl and Romnick is carino-brutal. I like their exchange! I also find Empoy's dance moves funny! Janus role is ok. I know it may be cruel to a hairlip but there are really some scenes that can make you laugh. I don't think it has much to do with being a hairlip but ever since, Janus presence as a comedian makes me laugh.

7. Funny lines or situations along the way - Rosa Rosal scene, tulong not tulak scene, i love you Lord scene, among others.

8. The bulag-pipi lines somehow sticks to you and makes you think about people who have eyes but can't see and those who have tongues but can't speak. Isn't it ironic?

9. The story line seems corny but is actually refreshing. I knew that there was a twist in the end and we made a guess but we were a bit wrong. And to think that we went inside the cinema just when the super-twist was revealed. But I didn't feel that watching the movie after seeing the twist spoiled the movie itself. It was still fun to watch!

10. It makes you more appreciative of life and gain more perspective of death. I try to live my life that way and to see how it is tackled on-screen, in a comedic way, somehow makes me smile and forget that my worries (even for awhile).

PS - I think the movie poster could be better :)

Survivor Friday

Survivor Friday wasn't that too good for me!

Survivor Gabon was quite interesting with the new twist. But I really was not happy when Marcus got voted out. While I don't think the he will be the ultimate survivor, I was hoping that he could hang-around until the merge. The reason I don't think he will be the ultimate survivor is because he is too smart and too strong for others. In other words, other people than his alliance see him as a threat. I will miss him! (Char! .. hehe)

I think it was also quite interesting that Bob, the 58-year old, was there fighting it out for the immunity in an endurance challenge. Talk-about age! (Ayos!)

Survivor Philippines was a disappointment last Friday!

I felt a "crime" was committed against a Survivor fan (or just me maybe) when they decided to do a cliff-hanger episode and divulge next week the latest cast-away to be voted out. I understand "to be continued" episodes in TV series - X-Files, Lost, Heroes, CSI. I understand "to be continued" episodes in The Amazing Race. I understand Ryan's Seacrest in American Idol when he says we'll find out who is safe "after the commercial break." But I do not get it when you do that in a Tribal Council is Survivor franchise, which is aired every week night. Preposterous!

I knew the reason of such "cliff-hanger" - Pinoy Fear Factor will be shown next Monday (I also don't like the everyday Pinoy Fear Factor thing, but I am not a big Fear Factor fan anyway). Anything for the ratings in this side of the world. Oh, well! For that, I decided not to watch episodes of Survivor Philippines which do not involve challenges and tribal councils. I don't think they will care anyway. Period.

Dazed and Confused

I think I know why I am dazed and confused lately. I think I just think too much.

I think of things what I have to do. I think of things that I need not do but I do it anyway.

I think of possible consequences and endless possibilities.

I think I work best at a momentum rather on a roller coaster. I think I do ok with learning curves. I think that when I am at my very peak, I should then take a break for a while to recharge, before I reach my breaking point.

I think I should watch any of the movies being shown. I think I choose not to watch any of them anytime soon.

I think I need a haircut soon.

I think I think of others too much. I think they don't think of me much. I think I am paranoid.

I think I am a cautious person. I think I am not a risk taker.

I think I can live with other's principles. I think I find it hard to contradict myself.

I think people are confusing. I think that some people do not really care.

I think some people do not reflect upon themselves. I think I do, too, at times.

I think some people forget that when they talk about others, they do not see that they are what they talk about.

I think some people are disappointing. I think they impose too much on other people and yet, I wonder what their reaction will be if you impose on them.

I think there are stuff that I get really excited about.

I think I want to take a break sometime soon, even just for a day.

I think I want to see Michael John's on the 3rd week of November at the Ayala Malls. I think that is not probable.

I think I will miss "3 Dads and 1 Mommy".

I think I compare the US Survivor and Survivor Philippines a lot. I think you cannot blame a fan.

I think Survivor is totally different with Fear Factor, as to the game itself.

I think I like Ryan Agoncillo saying "Ako po si Ryan Agoncillo at ito ang Pinoy Fear Factor Argentina, South America." I think I used to mimic him saying "I'm Ryan Agoncillo and this is The Explorer." I think I am not a Ryan Agoncillo fan.

I think I am again at this point where things are at a blur. I think this happens when I get to think of the day according to what is shown on television. I think this indicates that I am stressed.

I think I like David Archuleta's "Crush".

I think I should distance myself so that I would not think too much. I think it is not that easy nor possible.

I think I don't like to hear "beh" when someone asks a favor. I think I find it a little bit irritating if people plead with the use of many "please" when they ask for a request. I think a single "please" or without the "beh" would suffice.

I think I find it sad when people break-up. I think they should be ok later on.

I think I should study for exams.

I think the title should not be "Dazed and Confused". I think it should be "I Think."

I think this blog is long already.

High School Life

High School ...

For the past few weeks, I got to see some pictures which made me think about high school.

I was browsing my Friendster account and I stumbled upon the wedding pictures of a "friendster" on her wedding day. She and her husband came from the same high school, although we do not belong to the same batch. I was just happy seeing that her high school friends and his high school friends had "major roles" in their wedding. I think it's just nice to see such friendships going strong.

About a week ago, I also received a message as to updating the PWC Alumni Directory but I only remembered forwarding the message to my batchmates tonight .. hehe.

I also got to see pictures of my sister and her high school friends, and they're all there in the US of A. Nice!

Just a few hours ago, I also browsed my Friendster account and what do I see? A reunion of some sorts of my batchmates in Dubai!! I really find it great that there were 7 of them and there they were, hanging out! Lingaw!

It got me thinking to that time when I was in Manila and my batch mates and I had a get together. That was las January 2004 and I think we were around 8 that time.

And it's not just that planned get-together. There are those simple meet ups with the respective group of close friends, attending a wedding or a baptism. Little things that when you look back, it's nice to think about.

Last December, a number of us also hung-out twice - in BakBak and in Woodridge.

Last December 2003, we had our official "reunion" and that was really fun :)

From Davao to Manila to Dubai .. hmm, where to next?