#Senseless

Encountered two of the dumbest (yet popular) hashtags on social media recently:

#JimSaabSaveTheWorld - Apparently it was being used for a wedding. Saving the world? Really? 

#JusticeForDLSZKids - They're asking for justice because the Ayala Alabang Village Association decided that the cars of non-resident students of the school cannot enter the village everyday. Big problem, eh? I could enumerate a number of people who need real justice more than these Zobel students. The recently massacred troops of the PNP Special Action Force are on top of that list.

Google before you ask

I was once asked this question, and I laughed before I answered:

"What is your INTJ personality?"

She was referring to the personality assessment called the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (or MBTI), and INTJ is just one of the results. Good thing I come from an HR background, otherwise I wouldn't have figured it out.

Ignorance is never an excuse so better google before you ask (or speak) if you're unsure. It won't take much time.

American Sniper

I'm a big fan of war movies, even those that feel like they were made for propaganda. I've heard some folks say that this film is Hollywood's way of trying to help out America justify the Iraq war. You know what? I'm not concerned about the political motivations of any film, if any. I don't really care. Just give me two hours of entertainment and hopefully I go home satisfied.

I like violent movies. Maybe it's the fascination for guns that I've had since I was a kid. Maybe it's the same reason why I loved playing Counterstrike back in the day. It gives you a sneak peak, a thrill ride into what goes on during war, without the risk of being shot at.

I knew I was going to love the movie the moment the first theatrical trailers came out a few months ago. Add the fact that it had a lot of good reviews, was a box office hit, and that it was nominated for an Academy Award for best picture. It had must watch written all over it.

I'm rooting for it to win Best Picture, and for Bradley Cooper to get Best Actor.

Taken 3

I expected the third film of the Taken franchise to probably be the worst (among the three) since there was already a big dropoff between Taken to Taken 2. However, there was no way I was going to miss this one because I enjoyed the first two installments.

True enough -- Taken > Taken 2 > Taken 3

I'm happy it's finally done because I don't know how else they can squeeze another script out of the same storyline.

Maggie Grace though...

That shit Klay!

Golden State's Klay Thompson scored an NBA record 37 points in the third quarter last night against Sacramento. During that unreal God-mode run, he went a perfect 13 of 13 from the field, 9 of 9 from downtown. He finished with a career-high 52.

Klay-zy!

Dream Super Bowl matchup

This is exactly what everyone wants to see: New England vs Seattle. Offense vs Defense.

If you know me well, you'd know that I root for both these teams. The Patriots primarily because of my man-crush, my number 2 sports idol Tom Brady (next to NBA legend Michael Jordan). I also follow the Seahawks because I have family in the greater Seattle area.

I'd be fine with whoever wins, but I do want Tommy to get his 4th ring so I will cheer for New England.

Alabang Girl

I'm almost never in Alabang. I lived in the south for several years back when I was a kid (1985-1995) but even then, I was rarely in ATC (Alabang Twin Cinema is what they used to call the current Alabang Town Center).

I went to Alabang last November because my ex and her friends wanted to try out this ramen place inside the Molito complex. Prior to this, I think the last time I was in that area was mid-2011. I remember watching a movie, but don't recall what movie it was.

Anyway, as we were walking towards Yushoken, I noticed a familiar face inside Designer Blooms Cafe. Lo and behold, this lady, whom I have had a huge crush on for a long time, was seated at a table alone. She looked absolutely beautiful. I was like, "Are you f'n kidding me?" The one time I'm in her area, and I see her, it must be a sign, right? Well, no, not really since I had a girlfriend at that time. A few months before that and it would have been perfect timing.

I hope I bump into her again soon, and that we're still both single when that happens. But since I never solely rely with fate and serendipity, because I believe we need to make things happen instead of just waiting for things to happen, I've asked a common friend to try to make it happen.

Hoping my friend comes through.

John Legend serenaded Manila

One artist I wanted to see perform live in 2014 was John Legend. I remember wanting to watch him in Manila and/or Singapore a few years back but never got around to. This time, I was not going to let it pass.

I was ecstatic that he sung all the songs I like. I checked the net for his Asian setlist and it didn't have some of my favorites. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he included his old hits for his Manila show.

Used To Love U
Green Light
Save Room
PDA (We Just Don't Care)
Tonight (Best You Ever Had)
All of Me

What a show it was indeed.

"You are polarizing."

Yes, that's what she said. Can't say I don't agree with her.

Wild Weekend of Sports

I'm an avid sports fan. I watch all sorts of sports that's why my cable subscription includes every possible sport available.

In the past 30 hours, I was treated to a wild weekend of highly entertaining games:

4 NFL Playoff games

Ateneo vs La Salle Women's Volleyball

Ateneo vs NU Men's Volleyball

PBA Finals Game 3

It all started with the New England Patriots - Baltimore Ravens playoff game, where the Patriots, led by my man-crush Tom Brady, had to climb out of two 14-point holes for a 35-31 comeback win. Then my second favorite NFL team, the Seattle Seahawks, blew out Carolina in the next game.

In local collegiate volleyball, Sunday had a pair of must watch games involving Ateneo. The topranked women's team (6-0) was facing La Salle (6-0), and the men's team (5-1) will challenge unbeaten NU.

The Lady Eagles came back from a 1-2 set deficit to win in 5 sets, while the Blue Eagles also prevailed in similar fashion, handing NU its first loss.

In PBA action, Alaska was down 20-plus points before mounting a monumental comeback to take Game 3 over San Miguel, 78-70. It was basically a repeat of Game 1 where they rallied back from 22 points to win in overtime. They lead the best-of-seven series, 2 games to 1.

About 10 hours earlier (Monday 2:00 am Manila), I was glued on the TV for another round of NFL playoff games. Green Bay squeaked past Dallas with the help of a controversial call, while the Indianapolis Colts upset the Denver Broncos on the road at Mile High.

Tomorrow, the first ever College Footbal Playoff National Championship game between (2)Oregon and (4)Ohio State will be played and it should be a good one. Rooting for the Ducks, Nike's flagship school.

Need more weekends like this.

Jones Fracture

It's been a while since I've had any major injuries but that streak ended in 2014 when I broke my foot last September.

I was playing in a weekend league when I landed on my opponent's foot while coming down from jump. The impact caused the base of my fifth metatarsal to break, while giving me a third degree ankle sprain as well.

The bone cracked in multiple places, but wasn't severe enough to require surgery to fix. Just had to put my right foot in an Aircast walking boot for 6 weeks. I recovered well enough to be able to resume playing after 7 weeks.

May have lost count already, but I think this was my 6th major injury (2 torn ACLs, a broken nose, 3 broken ankles and/or third degree sprains). Basketball never stops though.

Love and Heartbreak in 2014

Disclaimer: I actually enjoyed writing this, and everything is pretty much accurate but don't take it too seriously/literally. All in good fun.

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

My dating life in 2014

Had a number of twists and turns.

Here's a brief summary

In old school poem form.

I met a good deal of new lady friends

And went out with a few.

Got turned down a couple of times

But also broke a heart or two.

Dated a closet narcissist,

Who didn't fall into my usual type.

Glad that didn't last long,

Just had to kill the hype.

Messed with Tinder

And swiped right with the trend.

Suprisingly met a few people

Who turned out to become awesome friends.

Crossed paths with an old crush.

We flirted, dated and fell in love quickly.

Spent an evening to witness the great John Legend

As he serenaded Manila to "All of Me."

Thought we had a great relationship,

I felt she was The One.

She got me thinking long term.

Like my bachelor days are done.

Unfortunately, when the going got tough,

She quit on us too easily.

She didn't want to make it work,

Giving reasons and excuses so flimsy.

Won't lie, I felt pissed and crushed

But maybe things will work out in the end.

Looking forward to the future

Even if the present I can't comprehend.

It wasn't the best way to end the year

But such is life.

Hoping 2015 will be better

With the (new) love of my life by my side.

Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015

Ended the year on a not-so-good note. But that didn't mean I didn't flourish in 2014 and I still have plenty to be thankful for.

So much to say and write so I'll try make a Year-in-Review kind of post within the next few days. Just need to gather all my thoughts as I try to relive the memorable (and also the forgettable) moments of 2014.

Time is of the Quiescence

This blog has been dormant for over four years. I guess I either didn't have the time to religiously write and update, or I just lost interest.

Either way, I'm thinking of resuscitating this. Got so much material collected (to write about) over the course of my idle years. Plus, 2014 was hella crazy, and by itself can be the subject of a ton of posts.

Let's see how it goes.

2010 Singapore GP Weekend

I'm flying to Singapore later for the Singtel Grand Prix experience. There'll be events galore during the whole weekend culminating of course with the race proper on Sunday night and the after-party.

It'll be the first time Blek, Wangbu and I will be traveling out of the country together so it should be monumental.

My trips with either of them were all awesome adventures so the bar has been set very high. Anyhow, we'll have the entire weekend to make sure it exceeds it.

Best believe.

Big baccarat kid

Saw a young Chinese guy play baccarat last night with about 5M in capital. Dude was pushing markers like they were pawns in a chess game.

Wow.

Ateneo seeks 3rd straight title

Can't believe yesterday's Final Four game versus Adamson was the first game I went to this season. I usually catch a couple of games each year and I was expecting to see a lot since I have all the time.

Anyhow, Ateneo dominated the whole game en route to a 68-55 win, advancing to the championship round against FEU. Game 1 of the best-of-three series starts this Saturday. Too bad I won't be in town for the game and I'll probably have to settle for Twitter updates.

PBA Draft: Top 2 picks are Ateneans

I don't understand the fuss over Nonoy Baclao being #1 and Rabeh Al-Hussaini #2 in yesterday's PBA draft. Both are Ateneans. Both will play for Air21 and will get maximum contracts. No difference.

If it's his enormous pride and ego that bothers Rabeh that someone else went number 1, I hope he changes his attitude. Otherwise, he hasn't played a game of professional basketball but it might just be the start of his downfall.

Besides, it's his former teammate that was picked ahead of him so he shouldn't be upset and feel slighted.

Grow up, Rabeh.

Ateneo beats Adamson again

Ateneo stretched its win streak over Adamson University to 27 straight games with a 55-52 victory yesterday.

While Ateneo may have owned Adamson for the past 13 years or so, the Falcons have won the betting game the past couple of years. They've kept most games close thus having an excellent against the spread (ATS) record versus the Eagles.

Ateneo is now in solo 2nd in the UAAP standings with a 9-3 card. Adamson is third at 8-4.

Green genocide

The other day, a team of Ateneo Grade Schoolers massacred De La Salle Zobel kids 110-17 in the PAYA Midgets division. Talk about bringing humiliation to a whole new level.

Major props to the entire AGS PAYA Midgets team and to Jutes Templo, one of their coaches who is a good friend of mine. Keep it up!

So much for the future of DLSU basketball. ROTFLMAO.