Did You Know?: Random IBS trivia

...that when I joined IBS in early 2006, we were only about 400 employees. Now, about 20 months later, we're more than 1800 already.

...that when I joined IBS in early 2006, we were occupying four floors (Cyberone) in Eastwood. Now, about 20 months later, we have a total of nine floors spanning three buildings (Cyberone, IBM Plaza, 1800).

NBA Tipoff

The NBA season officially kicked off today with a triple-header. It's still a long time 'til the Finals in June, but I hope the Phoenix Suns go all the way.

Tricks no treats

The office turned out to be a daycare center because of the annual Trick-or-Treat festivities for the children of IBM employees. A lot folks, yours truly included, got seemingly annoyed at the insane number of noisy kids, some of which were crying their hearts out.

Ugh. Someone shove candies down their throats. Please.

Trying to get back to ballin

I played basketball yesterday after a long layoff. Last time I was on the court was during the company sportsfest about a month ago. I tried playing with an injured ankle then, and I didn't last long on the floor. I could hardly move and I didn't have lift at all.

Yesterday was different. My ankle was feeling way better, though it's still a bit swollen on the lateral side. My lift is back as well and I could run with the best of them. I'd say I'm at about 80-85% match fit compared to about 50% four weeks ago.

I really need to see my doctor. It's been almost eight weeks and the swelling still won't go away.

Erap gets release papers

So the deposed former president was released the other day on the basis of the executive clemency granted upon him by President Arroyo. It's the first time (ever) that Erap acknowledged GMA as the country's chief executive. It's about time he starts licking her chops because she did him a huge favor. Imagine being free now considering he was just convicted a few months back.

I don't like GMA's decision to pardon Erap. I was present in Edsa Dos and I feel all the efforts of the people are put to naught with what seems to be a politically-motivated call by Arroyo. I'm guessing it's mutually beneficial arrangement. I-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine sort of deal.

But, come to think of it, Erap has served more than six years in jail detention. Plus he's over 70 years old. And my God, have you seen the condition of his mother? It's so terrifying, it makes me think twice about reaching old age. And no way in hell I'm exaggerating.

That said, pardoning Erap may not be that bad after all.

Random musing: Which is worse?

Celebrating someone else's misfortune or wishing against someone else's wishes?

Beantown Biggies

It sure is fun to be a Boston sports fan nowadays.

The New England Patriots are tearing up the NFL, beasting over their opponents by an average of three touchdowns and then some. It ain't even fair anymore. They're just too damn good.

The Boston Red Sox are in the World Series, two games up over the suddenly hapless Colorado Rockies. It very well looks like the Sox will be getting their second chip in four years.

The Boston Celtics had a really awful 2006-07 season. Help is on the way though as Boston prepares a comeback having traded for All-Stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. They now boast of a big three (along with Paul Pierce) that can mix with the best of them.

Don't look now, but there's a possibility of having three major sports championships in Boston by next year.

Glorietta being shut down

I just read over the papers that Glorietta (yes, all four wings) have been closed indefinitelyuntil further notice.

For the uninitiated, Glorietta 2 was rocked by what was perceived to be a bomb blast almost a week ago. It resulted to about 11 deaths with over a hundred injured. Police authorities aren't ruling out an accidental blast caused by leaking gas.

Now I guess more and more people will be trooping to nearby Greenbelt and posh Rockwell.

Blast gone wrong

I had to wake up early to get my ass to work by 8am because of an emergency. We had to go into crisis management, firefighting mode so to speak.

Having to get up by 7am is a alredy a personal crisis by itself.

Goodbye and Good luck

I've had a lot of colleagues who've left IBM to move on to other endeavors. It's just natural for other companies to pry the IBM think tanks away by enticing them with extravagant offers. While some promise the moon, others will include the sun and the stars as well. It's hard to turn them down.

It's quite different though when the person leaving is one of your mentors. You throw out protocol and you begin to wonder why. Nevertheless, I'm sure it's going to be a great opportunity for him.

Good luck, Boss.

Knocked Up is not a knockout

I came across someone's online review of the comedy movie, Knocked Up. I had to a double-take because the girl rated it a perfect 5/5. I watched it the other night and it was anything but nice. Yeah it had its funny moments but it's definitely not I-like-it-I'll-recommend-it material. In fact, if it weren't for hottie Katherine Heigl, I swear I could've dozed off.

Giving this a perfect rating means this can be lined up with the likes of Gladiator. Now, that's sacrilegious.

I'm dreading wondering what other movies this person likes.

Stress and shopping

I was feeling a bit pissed lately. So how does one cool off the steam? Retail therapy baby! I just blew out on some Diesels and Antiks.

Retail therapy can get expensive, but hey, it always works. I'm feeling way better now.

Overplayed apologies

You fuck up. You apologize. You make amends. You go on like nothing happened. You fuck up again. You apologize again. You make amends again. You go on again like it never happened.

Sadly, it's a neverending cycle.

Sorry ain't an excuse to keep fuckin' up.

Alphabet Soup

I finally got my Alphabet Air Max 1's earlier. Apparently, they tried to deliver it a couple of days ago but no one had authorization to receive it on my behalf. So I had to pick up the package myself at the PhilPost EMS main office in Pasay. I have to admit it was a bit of a hassle going there but I'm not complaining.

Chicosci for FOB

It's been about a month since American pop punk band Fall Out Boy flew into town and rocked the Araneta Coliseum. I just want to give a shoutout, albeit delayed, to my good friends from Chicosci, who opened for FOB. These guys have truly gone a long way since our high school days.

Good job!

Did You Know?: Random DLSU fact

...that since 2001, only six (6) of La Salle's basketball players student athletes have graduated. Mind you, most of these players students used up all their five years of UAAP eligibility yet they never finished school.

These are the six who played for got their degrees:

Renren Ritualo
BJ Manalo
Mika Vainio
Mike Gavino
Tyrone Tang
Cholo Villanueva
-------------

Why am I not surprised?

Kicks like these ain't free

I've seen spectacular goals from awesome set pieces, but I've never seen anything quite as jaw-dropping as this one.



How can you defend a free kick from near the halfline circle? This is like checking a shooter from halfcourt in basketball. Absolutely insane.

Wow.

Confessions of an Ebay whore

I just bought a pair of retro Nikes (AM1's baby!) over at Ebay a few days ago. I just received word that it got shipped out earlier today. Buying/paying is the easy part (word to PayPal), now comes the hard one: waiting.

I've ordered tons of stuff online. Come to think of it, I copped about six items the past week. Anyway, some packages come in a few days, others maybe a few weeks. Longest I've waited was about 25 days. Shortest? Overnight.

So far, so good though. Haven't missed any packages up to this moment. PhilPost seems to be on point, at least as far as I'm concerned.

Off I go now, gotta keep track of the items on my watchlist. =P

No more HK

Alright, so I'm supposed to be in Hong Kong right this very moment, but I'm not. Had I decided to go, I would've left for HK Friday night, and would be arriving back in Manila by Tuesday night.

But no, for the second time this year I had to cancel on a previously scheduled trip. I should never do another impulse booking anymore. I just end up throwing away cash.

Hung Over

It's been awhile since I got myself buzzed on consecutive nights. Hangovers are a bitch (or bitches?).

Punyeta

I'm so pissed right now if someone makes an unwarranted remark, I'd kill.

Comeback Kings

Props to the De La Salle Green Archers for winning this season's UAAP Men's Basketball championship. They missed out last year as they were suspended due to cheating eligibility issues. A stellar comeback season indeed.

I just hope they don't return it at some point due to another anomalous scandal(think Benitez/Gatchalian). Kidding aside, they whacked UE big time and they probably deserved it the most.

Will to Win: Pacquiao vs Barrera (Rematch)

Marco Antonio Barrera's (potential) last bout proved to be anything but spectacular. He clearly veered away from a slugfest with Pacman, perhaps avoiding a knockout loss in what seemed to be his final boxing match in an illustrious and hall-of-fame career. In the end, MP proved to be the superior fighter, easily routing the Baby-faced Assassin to a unanimous decision.

Time to hang up, Barrera. It's been a good run. MP, on the other hand, has quite a number options he can choose from. Regardless of what he does, it'll surely be another huge payday for the Filipino champion.

Tiu-perman & Pacman

I heard through the grapevine that Ateneo's main man Chris Tiu is joining the showbiz ranks. According to the news, he will be appearing in a late night sports-oriented show, sharing hosting duties with boxer extraordinaire Manny Pacquiao. Both have been signed up by the kapuso network, GMA7.

If this report is holds water, I guess this is GMA's answer to ANC's very interesting, candid and no-holds-barred sports talkshow, Hardball.

MP wears the Swoosh, while Chris dons the Three Stripes. Not sure how their sponsors feel about this team-up considering they're fierce rival competitors.

Fr. James A. Martin, SJ (1902-2007)

Most of us know or at least have heard about the Fr. Martin Cup. It's the country's premier college preseason basketball tournament before the corporate-sponsored leagues surfaced (Nike, Fil-Oil, Flying V, etc).

Let's take time out to ackowledge the person behind the name.

Fr. Martin brought modern basketball to the Philippines in 1928. He was one of the founders of the NCAA, and is considered the father of Ateneo basketball.

The Ateneo community, through Fr. Nebres, received word that Fr. Martin passed away last October 1. He was 105.

Together with the entire Jesuit community, let us pray for the eternal repose of his soul. May he rest in peace.

Nike and Pacman

I was never really a boxing fan. But since our very own Manny Pacquiao will be fighting Marco Antonio Barrera for their much-awaited rematch this Sunday (Manila time), I copped his Nike shirt to show support.

I honestly think success has gotten into his hard head. Anyway, still gotta give some love to a fellow Pinoy.

Go MP!

IBS Championship game on film!

We finally got hold of the videos from the IBS championship game last Saturday. They didn't film the whole game but the 'best and most interesting' parts were captured.

We even heard some folks who were watching from the stands say that the LeNoBo-Allstate match was way better than any Ateneo-DLSU game this year. It didn't even come close. That's IBM basketball for you.

We'll post them on YouTube for the whole public to see.

Soon.