I've had a not-so-good week so far. I've been bothered by a lot of thoughts lately. My mind's been bombarded with so many concerns and issues that've been keeping me up the past few days. I felt like I had to make some choices and I don't want to screw up.
I've talked to a few people, asking for their insights and opinions. I got varied results from that. Though they helped me in one way or another, I still wasn't able to decide on what I was going to do. So I had to come up with other options.
I felt like I needed a girl's point-of-view. I have all the male opinions I need (including mine) and it was now time to get ideas from the female species. I sought for a really good friend of mine, who I know will give honest if not brutal comments if needed. I just got off the phone with her a while ago and we had such an elightening chat. She cleared some of the stuff that bothered me so much, and things started to make a lot more sense. She gave me insights on certain things I'd never would've thought of. It was a refreshing conversation to say the least.
I still have a lot more to think about but I think I have it easier now as compared to a couple of days ago.
Thanks bud, you've been of great help.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Playoff-bound
I just got back from our big game a while ago. But before the game started, we were informed that we got a free pass to the semis because San Miguel had lost yesterday to Accenture, thus ending their chance on getting a semifinal slot.
Since the game with Unilab earlier had no bearing whatsoever. Some players on both teams had little motivation. Play lacked the usual tension that's normally present in games. I had a different plan in mind. With the competitive juices in me flowing, I thought it was the best chance to surprise Unilab and go all out for the kill. Though it was non-bearing, ending the regular season with a win would definitely boost our morale heading to the knockout phase next week.
We started out strong, grabbing an early double-digit lead in the first half. Unilab was able to stage a comeback and closed out the half with a long buzzer-beater from beyond the arc. We led 35-32 at the half. It was close for much of the third canto. We were having a shootout and the lead kept changing favor. The third quarter ended with Unilab having the upper hand with a 3-point lead.
The fourth quarter was a different story. We were able to hang with them for the first few minutes, as the game was neck-and-neck. They pulled away toward the middle of the quarter by hitting shots from everywhere. We lost steam and we couldn't hit ours. They ran away with fastbreak plays and they sank their freethrows as we were on a fouling-spree strategy.
The final score will not reflect the kind of game we played. It was a much closely fought game than that. Too bad we couldn't make the plays when it counted the most.
We've lost two games already to a short and undermanned Unilab squad. I'm actually puzzled how we weren't able to pull this one out. The semifinal knockout phase starts next week and we will be facing the same Unilab team again, for the third time this season.
They've got our number so far. I hope we can turn things around and knock them out of the playoffs this Saturday. Now that would be sweet revenge.
Since the game with Unilab earlier had no bearing whatsoever. Some players on both teams had little motivation. Play lacked the usual tension that's normally present in games. I had a different plan in mind. With the competitive juices in me flowing, I thought it was the best chance to surprise Unilab and go all out for the kill. Though it was non-bearing, ending the regular season with a win would definitely boost our morale heading to the knockout phase next week.
We started out strong, grabbing an early double-digit lead in the first half. Unilab was able to stage a comeback and closed out the half with a long buzzer-beater from beyond the arc. We led 35-32 at the half. It was close for much of the third canto. We were having a shootout and the lead kept changing favor. The third quarter ended with Unilab having the upper hand with a 3-point lead.
The fourth quarter was a different story. We were able to hang with them for the first few minutes, as the game was neck-and-neck. They pulled away toward the middle of the quarter by hitting shots from everywhere. We lost steam and we couldn't hit ours. They ran away with fastbreak plays and they sank their freethrows as we were on a fouling-spree strategy.
The final score will not reflect the kind of game we played. It was a much closely fought game than that. Too bad we couldn't make the plays when it counted the most.
We've lost two games already to a short and undermanned Unilab squad. I'm actually puzzled how we weren't able to pull this one out. The semifinal knockout phase starts next week and we will be facing the same Unilab team again, for the third time this season.
They've got our number so far. I hope we can turn things around and knock them out of the playoffs this Saturday. Now that would be sweet revenge.
Final Game (?)
Today's the biggest day of the season for Team Adidas. We play our last regular season game this afternoon over at the Meralco Gym. We're playing Unilab in a rematch of some sort. They beat us by 10 points in our first meeting. Should we win today, we punch our ticket to the playoffs. If we lose, there's one other scenario where we can still get in. San Miguel Beer played Sustagen yesterday morning. As of this moment, I have no news yet who won. A San Miguel loss will automatically place us in the top 4 of the division, thus getting an automatic berth regardless of what happens today. If San Miguel had won, then we would have to beat Unilab later to get in.
It seems complicated but it actually isn't. What makes things look complex would be the quotient system that will be followed should there be teams tied in the standings. To simplify it, we basically just have to win today and nothing else will matter.
I'm looking forward to later's game with much excitement. We're on a win-or-go-home phase and I don't want our season to end just yet. It's high-time that we get our act together. It may be our last.
It seems complicated but it actually isn't. What makes things look complex would be the quotient system that will be followed should there be teams tied in the standings. To simplify it, we basically just have to win today and nothing else will matter.
I'm looking forward to later's game with much excitement. We're on a win-or-go-home phase and I don't want our season to end just yet. It's high-time that we get our act together. It may be our last.
Ne-Yo
I normally don't write about music stuff here. But y'all got to listen to Ne-Yo. He's an up-and-coming RNB artist from the DefJam label. He's been killing since the release of his first single, "So Sick". All the tracks in his album are absolutely tight. It's the type you can listen to over and over again without getting sawa.
If you're feeling "So Sick", then you'll go crazy over the track, "Girlfriend (Sexy Love)". Hands-down the best new artist for the 2007 Grammy's. Put that on record.
If you're feeling "So Sick", then you'll go crazy over the track, "Girlfriend (Sexy Love)". Hands-down the best new artist for the 2007 Grammy's. Put that on record.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
What I Didn't Know
There are some things in life I wish I had never known. It changes my perspective altogether. It alters whatever ideas and thoughts I already had in mind.
A few days ago, I learned of some stuff I wish I never did. They don't really bother me, as I feel they are not that important. But then again, as trivial as they may seem, these had drastic effects on me as it increased the complexity of certain matters.
Usually I'd rather know everything and get burned than not knowing anything at all. It satisfies the curiosity I have. It makes my imagination stop wandering wild. However this time, I feel it would've been better had I been left out.
My point of view has changed. My mindset has been shaken. Things just got worse.
A few days ago, I learned of some stuff I wish I never did. They don't really bother me, as I feel they are not that important. But then again, as trivial as they may seem, these had drastic effects on me as it increased the complexity of certain matters.
Usually I'd rather know everything and get burned than not knowing anything at all. It satisfies the curiosity I have. It makes my imagination stop wandering wild. However this time, I feel it would've been better had I been left out.
My point of view has changed. My mindset has been shaken. Things just got worse.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Spirit of Edsa
As the country commemorates the 20th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution, I also look back and remember the vivid memories I had there. My mom brought me and my brother along as we braved the danger of treading down the long highway with a battalion of tanks and artillery lurking behind. I will never forget the Cory and Doy pins we had on, as well as the big bright yellow Laban foam-fingers neatly wrapped around our hands. These propaganda materials were reduced to mere playthings for my brother and I.
I was four years old then. I had no idea what was going on. Little did I know that what I was about to witness was history in the making, a bloodless revolt paving the way for our country to achieve democracy. A era was about to end, and a new beginning was forthcoming.
As the country celebrates and memoirs are relived, I can and will always look back and say proudly that as diminutive and clueless as I was then, I was part of Edsa 1986.
I was four years old then. I had no idea what was going on. Little did I know that what I was about to witness was history in the making, a bloodless revolt paving the way for our country to achieve democracy. A era was about to end, and a new beginning was forthcoming.
As the country celebrates and memoirs are relived, I can and will always look back and say proudly that as diminutive and clueless as I was then, I was part of Edsa 1986.
Redemption
The past two weeks, I've had two chances to win games for my team in the last seconds. For both instances, I squandered the opportunites I was given. I missed two crucial freethrows during one game while I botched a potential gamewinning play on another. Needless to say, I choked both times.
I was able to redeem myself last night. I had my usual Tuesday night scrimmage over at the Department of Agriculture. Leading by one point, I was fouled with about three seconds remaining. I could basically clinch the game if I convert both charities. They would have very little time to launch a game-tying three inbounding from our baseline. All I need was to sink both shots.
I leisurely took the two freethrows to take away the pressure. Sometimes when I concentrate too much I lose my focus and end up missing. I swished both shots.
Finally, redemption was on hand.
I was able to redeem myself last night. I had my usual Tuesday night scrimmage over at the Department of Agriculture. Leading by one point, I was fouled with about three seconds remaining. I could basically clinch the game if I convert both charities. They would have very little time to launch a game-tying three inbounding from our baseline. All I need was to sink both shots.
I leisurely took the two freethrows to take away the pressure. Sometimes when I concentrate too much I lose my focus and end up missing. I swished both shots.
Finally, redemption was on hand.
Monday, February 20, 2006
A Learning Experience
We had a very important game yesterday. A win would've propelled us to the playoffs automatically. A loss makes our last game (next week, a rematch against Unilab) a must-win one.
In perhaps the most exhilirating game I've been part of in my four seasons of playing in the ABL, we lost a nailbiter, 45-44, to Accenture. I have to give it to them though. They don't look like a good team, yet they manage to keep winning.
We played terrible throughout the game. We would've gone scoreless in the second period had I not converted a driving layup. We still only wound up with 8 points in the first half.
With about 3 minutes or so to go, we were behind by 13. Under normal circumstances, that would've been a hopeless case. We didn't back down though and we took the challenge head on. We slowly inched closer as we were only down 1 with 24 seconds left, with the ball in our hands.
It was the best scenario. Having been down by a huge margin, yet having the chance to win the game with the last shot. It will be perhaps the last possession of the game. Win or lose, we had the last shot. Or so we thought.
We bungled the last possession as I chose to pass off instead of creating my own. We got tied up as the buzzer sounded. We weren't able to launch a shot attempt off even with an eternity of time.
Being the court general of the team, I take full responsibility for the miscue. I should've put everything in my hands and see how fate turns out. Anything in retrospect though, will always be the best option. It's beyond me now so I can't dwell on that anymore.
This is a learning experience for me. Next time, I know what to do. Step back people, I'm taking over. I'm taking the last shot. For the win.
In perhaps the most exhilirating game I've been part of in my four seasons of playing in the ABL, we lost a nailbiter, 45-44, to Accenture. I have to give it to them though. They don't look like a good team, yet they manage to keep winning.
We played terrible throughout the game. We would've gone scoreless in the second period had I not converted a driving layup. We still only wound up with 8 points in the first half.
With about 3 minutes or so to go, we were behind by 13. Under normal circumstances, that would've been a hopeless case. We didn't back down though and we took the challenge head on. We slowly inched closer as we were only down 1 with 24 seconds left, with the ball in our hands.
It was the best scenario. Having been down by a huge margin, yet having the chance to win the game with the last shot. It will be perhaps the last possession of the game. Win or lose, we had the last shot. Or so we thought.
We bungled the last possession as I chose to pass off instead of creating my own. We got tied up as the buzzer sounded. We weren't able to launch a shot attempt off even with an eternity of time.
Being the court general of the team, I take full responsibility for the miscue. I should've put everything in my hands and see how fate turns out. Anything in retrospect though, will always be the best option. It's beyond me now so I can't dwell on that anymore.
This is a learning experience for me. Next time, I know what to do. Step back people, I'm taking over. I'm taking the last shot. For the win.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Hate the feeling
My mind's bombarded with a lot of thoughts now. I need to come up with decisions that will perhaps chart the path I'll be taking professionally. Worse, I need a decision by early next week. That gives me like three days to figure and weigh things out. Aside from that, there are a few other things that I need to clear off my mind.
I hate this feeling.
I hate this feeling.
Missed
I just got back from a despedida a while ago. The night didn't turn out as well as what I thought it would be. I will acknowledge though that I'm partly to blame. It was just awkward and I didn't want to impose. At any rate, I missed someone both literally and figuratively. I feel like an opportunity was both missed and wasted.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Globe Telecom 97, Adidas 84
We played the top-seeded team in our division last Saturday while most people were frolicking at Lovapalooza. The scoreboard won't be able to describe what kind of game it was. It was much closer and more exciting than the final score would show.
Collectively, it was our best showing so far this season. Our offense got going after being dormant the past three games. We were able to score 84 after averaging about 52 points in three games. Moreover, it was a moral victory for us, if ever there's such a thing. We were able to hang with the stronger Globe Telecom squad for most of the game. They were only able to pull away in the final period.
Next up for us is Accenture this coming Sunday at the Loyola Gym. I hope we could play with the same kind of intensity we had against Globe so we could inch closer in booking our ticket to the playoffs.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Cellphone Anxiety
I'm sure you guys out there have experienced this thing called cellphone anxiety at one point or another. It's the feeling you have when you're texting with someone and you patiently wait for that person to reply. The awkward and oftentimes long wait leading up to the sounding of your phone brings a lot of tense moments. Once you do get the reply though, the anxiety doesn't end there. Before you actually read the message, you'd be hoping to receive a favorable reply to whatever you guys've been talking about. It's pretty much the same way when you're waiting for a phone call. The amount of tension is sometimes overwhelming that it becomes stressful.
I've learned to deal with this feeling though I'm so not good at it. A good friend of mine once gave me sound advice on how to manage it. He told me to tuck away my phone, somewhere far enough so as not to distract me. If the phone's always at your side, then it'll always be on your mind. You'd forever be waiting for that text or call. Better yet, turn the phone off before you hide it away. That way, you won't hear it even if it beeps or rings.
I did that a lot back when I was still working. I'd turn my phone off and keep it inside my pedestal. Then I'd go on with my work, and check back on it after I finish or before I leave. However since I have a lot of free time now, there ain't enough things to keep me busy to keep me away from the phone. So what I do now is just sleep it off. It works both ways as I get my rest and lay off the unnecessary anxiety.
Remember, if that text or call is destined to come, it will. Otherwise, there's no use wasting time, waiting for something that just might not come at all.
Wasn't life much simpler before, when we didn't have all this technology available to us?
I've learned to deal with this feeling though I'm so not good at it. A good friend of mine once gave me sound advice on how to manage it. He told me to tuck away my phone, somewhere far enough so as not to distract me. If the phone's always at your side, then it'll always be on your mind. You'd forever be waiting for that text or call. Better yet, turn the phone off before you hide it away. That way, you won't hear it even if it beeps or rings.
I did that a lot back when I was still working. I'd turn my phone off and keep it inside my pedestal. Then I'd go on with my work, and check back on it after I finish or before I leave. However since I have a lot of free time now, there ain't enough things to keep me busy to keep me away from the phone. So what I do now is just sleep it off. It works both ways as I get my rest and lay off the unnecessary anxiety.
Remember, if that text or call is destined to come, it will. Otherwise, there's no use wasting time, waiting for something that just might not come at all.
Wasn't life much simpler before, when we didn't have all this technology available to us?
Thursday, February 09, 2006
I Need a Job
I've been out of work for close to four months now, and my funds are nearing empty. Basically that means I've to start working soon.
I've been going full blast in my jobhunting efforts the past week. Nothing's definite yet, but there are quite an interesting number of jobs on hand. I hope things work out well and good offers will be laid out.
My play time is just about done. Time to get serious.
I've been going full blast in my jobhunting efforts the past week. Nothing's definite yet, but there are quite an interesting number of jobs on hand. I hope things work out well and good offers will be laid out.
My play time is just about done. Time to get serious.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Choker
Game tied. Four seconds left. No timeouts for both teams. Defensive foul. Two freethrows from the fifteen-foot line.
We set up an isolation play for me at the top of the key. As I made my move towards the basket, I was fouled with about 4 seconds left. I had a chance to basically clinch the game by sinking at least one. The other team will not be able to stop the clock. This was the perfect scenario for my team.
I was pretty confident as I shot the first one. It had a very good line. It rattled in, then came out. Alright, it's okay. I still have another one. The second freethrow was similar to the first. It was straight away, bounced halfway in, then rolled out at the last moment.
Fuck. I just muffed two freethrows in crunch time.
It was a good thing it was just a scrimmage. It wasn't any official game, otherwise I won't forgive myself. Since our scrimmages don't go beyond regulation, I had no chance to make amends and win it in overtime.
I've missed a lot of potential gamewinners, and luckily I've made quite a number too. But this particular situation felt awful for me. I've never been a great freethrow shooter. In the ABL, I think I'm shooting about 40% in my four seasons of playing. Everyone knows that's like Shaq numbers, nothing to be proud of. But I know I can hit the big shot when it matters. I want the rock when the game is on the line.
There it is. The best-case scenario. Two freethrows. Four seconds left. No timeouts. Just me and the rim, fifteen feet apart.
Too bad I choked big time on this one.
We set up an isolation play for me at the top of the key. As I made my move towards the basket, I was fouled with about 4 seconds left. I had a chance to basically clinch the game by sinking at least one. The other team will not be able to stop the clock. This was the perfect scenario for my team.
I was pretty confident as I shot the first one. It had a very good line. It rattled in, then came out. Alright, it's okay. I still have another one. The second freethrow was similar to the first. It was straight away, bounced halfway in, then rolled out at the last moment.
Fuck. I just muffed two freethrows in crunch time.
It was a good thing it was just a scrimmage. It wasn't any official game, otherwise I won't forgive myself. Since our scrimmages don't go beyond regulation, I had no chance to make amends and win it in overtime.
I've missed a lot of potential gamewinners, and luckily I've made quite a number too. But this particular situation felt awful for me. I've never been a great freethrow shooter. In the ABL, I think I'm shooting about 40% in my four seasons of playing. Everyone knows that's like Shaq numbers, nothing to be proud of. But I know I can hit the big shot when it matters. I want the rock when the game is on the line.
There it is. The best-case scenario. Two freethrows. Four seconds left. No timeouts. Just me and the rim, fifteen feet apart.
Too bad I choked big time on this one.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Adidas 60, San Miguel 56
Chalk up another W for Ateneo Adidas.
We exacted revenge over Ateneo SMB with a hard-earned win last night over the team that beat us by 35 points back in the first game of the season. It was sweet revenge as we were overly matched then. I wasn't able to play in our first duel so that might have been a factor. Haha! Seriously though we played great last night and we erected a big 15 point lead during the first half. A series of fastbreak lay-ups and a couple of threes gave us a good cushion as the first half ended with Adidas leading, 29-20. A spirited SMB comeback came in the third quarter after a decisive 6-point play gave them the momentum. A teammate of mine was charged with a flagrant foul and-1 opportunity. They sank the extra freethrow and drilled a long three in the ensuing possession giving them slim lead. It was a close match from then on but we managed to make clutch shots down the stretch to give us the victory.
Oh yeah got a bit of bad news though, I tweaked my right ankle during the second quarter. It's the same ankle that I fractured last July. What a bummer. It hurt pretty bad but I managed to keep myself on the court. I couldn't run as much but I was still able to make good heads-up plays. I wasn't able to finish the game though. A slurry of fouls was called against me so I fouled out midway through the third canto. It was funny because it was the fouls that kept me from finishing the game and not my injured ankle. I think it was a blessing in disguise though as my teammates, who weren't really used to doing point guard duties, stepped up and did quite well in my absence. It gave them the opportunity to show what they got and they did an awesome job.
Three cheers for Adidas... Hephep, Hurray! Hephep, hurray! Hephep, hurray!
We exacted revenge over Ateneo SMB with a hard-earned win last night over the team that beat us by 35 points back in the first game of the season. It was sweet revenge as we were overly matched then. I wasn't able to play in our first duel so that might have been a factor. Haha! Seriously though we played great last night and we erected a big 15 point lead during the first half. A series of fastbreak lay-ups and a couple of threes gave us a good cushion as the first half ended with Adidas leading, 29-20. A spirited SMB comeback came in the third quarter after a decisive 6-point play gave them the momentum. A teammate of mine was charged with a flagrant foul and-1 opportunity. They sank the extra freethrow and drilled a long three in the ensuing possession giving them slim lead. It was a close match from then on but we managed to make clutch shots down the stretch to give us the victory.
Oh yeah got a bit of bad news though, I tweaked my right ankle during the second quarter. It's the same ankle that I fractured last July. What a bummer. It hurt pretty bad but I managed to keep myself on the court. I couldn't run as much but I was still able to make good heads-up plays. I wasn't able to finish the game though. A slurry of fouls was called against me so I fouled out midway through the third canto. It was funny because it was the fouls that kept me from finishing the game and not my injured ankle. I think it was a blessing in disguise though as my teammates, who weren't really used to doing point guard duties, stepped up and did quite well in my absence. It gave them the opportunity to show what they got and they did an awesome job.
Three cheers for Adidas... Hephep, Hurray! Hephep, hurray! Hephep, hurray!
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Surprise Party
My good friend's beau hosted a surprise party for him last night over at Greenbelt 2. It was quite an intimate gathering as only family and select friends came over to celebrate with the birthday boy. I'm not sure how she managed to pull it off since she didn't know a lot of our friends, especially from our high school and college days. Anyhow, she did a fantastic job and it was one amazing party.
Also, I've never seen such an unending flow of booze. Cocktails and beer were being delivered in hordes. I'm not really much of a drinker, as my friends can attest to that. However, I succumbed to the temptation and had my fair share of Gin Sevens (or was it Gin Sprite?). I must admit they got be buzzed up so bad that towards the end of the night, my taste buds were damn awful. Worse, I woke up with the nastiest hangover I've had in recent time. It's all good though as the party rocked.
Unlimited booze. Wonderful company. Great friends. Awesome fun. There's really nothing more you could ask for.
Also, I've never seen such an unending flow of booze. Cocktails and beer were being delivered in hordes. I'm not really much of a drinker, as my friends can attest to that. However, I succumbed to the temptation and had my fair share of Gin Sevens (or was it Gin Sprite?). I must admit they got be buzzed up so bad that towards the end of the night, my taste buds were damn awful. Worse, I woke up with the nastiest hangover I've had in recent time. It's all good though as the party rocked.
Unlimited booze. Wonderful company. Great friends. Awesome fun. There's really nothing more you could ask for.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Season Debut
Finally after two games, I had my season debut for Ateneo Adidas in the ABL. Here's a brief recap for those who may not have been following my posts. I was suspended for the first game of the season because of an incident/infraction that happened last year with my other team. I had to serve the 1-game ban this year. We badly lost that first game. The second game was a bummer. Our opponents did not show up so we won by forfeiture or default. What an incredible start to the 2006 season eh?
Anyway, we played against Ateneo Unilab last Saturday over at Reyes Gym. For some reason, it's quite difficult playing there as most players feel the rim is too hard. Not much shooter's roll or bounce, unlike in other gyms. Add the fact that our official game ball this year bounces more like tits of a 38D woman. I'm kidding, but you get the drift right? It's just too bouncy.
At any rate, we lost the game 56-46. In my opinion, we could've won the game if it were not for conditioning problems and utter bad luck. My teammates were hell tired after a couple of fullcourt runs. We didn't have enough people to rotate so we had to make do with two subs. Moreover, we missed 59 shots. Damn that's a lot. What's worse is that about 40 of those shots were good, open looks. They just wouldn't drop in for us. Oh well, that's all water under the bridge now. We got four more games and the next is this Sunday, a rematch with Ateneo San Miguel Beer.
Hopefully we all get our act together and get real W. This time I don't want it to be a win by forfeiture.
Anyway, we played against Ateneo Unilab last Saturday over at Reyes Gym. For some reason, it's quite difficult playing there as most players feel the rim is too hard. Not much shooter's roll or bounce, unlike in other gyms. Add the fact that our official game ball this year bounces more like tits of a 38D woman. I'm kidding, but you get the drift right? It's just too bouncy.
At any rate, we lost the game 56-46. In my opinion, we could've won the game if it were not for conditioning problems and utter bad luck. My teammates were hell tired after a couple of fullcourt runs. We didn't have enough people to rotate so we had to make do with two subs. Moreover, we missed 59 shots. Damn that's a lot. What's worse is that about 40 of those shots were good, open looks. They just wouldn't drop in for us. Oh well, that's all water under the bridge now. We got four more games and the next is this Sunday, a rematch with Ateneo San Miguel Beer.
Hopefully we all get our act together and get real W. This time I don't want it to be a win by forfeiture.
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