Attention-deprived Aquinos

They're at it again. SMH.

Cory Aquino's family, specifically her infamous celebrity daughter, is again asking for the public's sympathy. According to reports, the former Philippine president underwent some form of surgical procedure in relation to her bout with colon cancer.

I still don't get why they have to release official statements and even appear on television to rally prayers for the old lady. It's as if the public truly cares. Can someone please tell them she's way past her prime? As difficult as it is for them to accept, she's just not relevant anymore.

Besides, there are a million other nameless people who have cancer and cannot afford treatment who deserve the public's support and sympathy.

I can just imagine the amount of hype and media coverage she'll get once she dies. I will pity those who don't have cable television. Torture will be worse than Guantanamo.

Previous posts:
Cory and Cancer
Cory and Chemo

Feels weird to be out of IBM Basketball

I played hoops with my former IBM teammates yesterday. Haven't shared the same court with them ever since the MCBL championship game last December. Moreover, I left the company soon after so I haven't seen most of them since then. They're now getting ready for the 2009 MPG Corporate Basketball League (MCBL) that starts next weekend.

Modesty aside, I built the IBM basketball program from scratch in mid-2007. Since then, we've joined three leagues and we've never finished lower than 3rd. We've gotten two runners-up trophies while placing third once. We've also produced one MVP, one Best Defensive Player, 5 First Teamers, a few more Second Team players and numerous league statistical leaders. Pretty good for a group that had no organized basketball team before.

This season, like our previous ones, I think they have a great chance of getting back to the finals for a third consecutive time. Hopefully, they'll end up winning this time around. I'm sure, like me, they're tired of playing bridesmaid again.

I may not be part of the team and of the program anymore but I'm confident they will be able to continue what I started. We've never missed the playoffs while I was at the helm so I hope they keep that streak going. I left the team in good hands so I'm sure they know what to do.

Good luck, have fun and don't embarass yourselves, boys.

I will miss playing with all of you.

Pacquiao KOs Hatton

Didn't expect to see it end so abrupt, so fast and so soon but Manny Pacquiao sure shut the lights out of Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton for all the world to see. The Brit got clocked pretty bad.

Courtside seats to catch former Tar Heel

I'm excited to see former UNC player David Noel play as Ginebra takes on Talk N Text in the PBA's main game tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.

Dude's been on a roll since arriving as the Gin Kings' import a couple of weeks ago. He got a triple-double on his debut to lead Ginebra to a win. He also captured the Slam Dunk title and was named the All-Star game MVP during last week's PBA All-Star weekend.

Can't wait to see him play up close. Been his fan since he captained an overachieving 2005-06 UNC team to a fantastic season despite losing its championship core (Felton, May, McCants, Marvin Williams, Jawad Williams).

Against the spread

I haven't bet on NBA games since my last year in college. I'd still gamble on baccarat and craps from time to time but not on sports (with the exception to the Super Bowl and March Madness).

But the playoffs coupled with boredom got me going again and I've been playing the lines since last week.

So far, so good.

Traveling Vol. Trying hard

The PAL and CebuPac airfare seat sale has made jetsetters out of everyone. Yeah I do mean just about every person I know who has access to a credit card.

SMH at those who were/are flossin' their multiple bookings all over Facebook and Twitter like they paid premium.

Everyday at Friday's

I was craving for Friday's world famous chicken fingers so I took a TGIF tour last week.

April 21 - Robinsons Galleria
April 22 - Robinsons Place
April 23 - Bonifacio High
April 24 - Glorietta 3

I just might drop by the Trinoma and Morato branches soon as well.

Flash me baby

That's why black clothing and cam flashes never go hand-in-hand. Unless, of course, that's exactly what you want to happen. You won't see me complaining though.

Daniel Smith released!

It's good to hear L/Cpl Daniel Smith is back in the US after being acquitted by the Court of Appeals recently. The appellate court reversed the lower court's December 2006 decision convicting the US serviceman of raping Suzette Nicolas in 2005.

Smith should've never been convicted in the first place. Nicolas, aka Nicole, flirted her way into having consensual sex with the American then cried rape to save face and make a quick buck.

What's even more ironic and somewhat disturbing is that she flew to the US and plans to stay there for good after going all out against the Americans during the trial.

What can I say? She's the typical hypocrite, hoodrat and whore. Sad to say a lot of Pinays are just like her.

If You Seek Amy

F. U. C. K. Me

Witty wordplay. Brilliant Britney.

David Noel is PBA dunk champ

Former Tar Heel and current Ginebra import David Noel took home the PBA Slam Dunk crown today. The 2005 NCAA champ and 2006 Final Four Slam Dunk winner tore it up in the final round with a pair of 50-point throwdowns.

His highlight slam came from a round-off, backflip routine punctuated by a two-handed, alley-oop 360 that got the crowd on their feet.

Failed Fantasy repeat bid

I just missed out on defending my IBM NBA fantasy league title this year. For the second straight season, I entered the playoffs having the 4th seed and scored an upset on the topseeded team during the semis. I fell miserably in the finals though.

Coincidentally, both number one seeds from this year (Gh0stface) and last year (Lenobo) were managed by JP Sarmiento. I have bragging rights yet again for taking him down on consecutive seasons.

With a lot of us having left IBM already, I hope someone can still organize this when the 2009-10 NBA season starts later this year.

Back to basketball

Haven't hooped in about two weeks. Can't wait to hit the hardwood later.

A jolt back to reality

I had a long, enlightening chat with an old friend over lunch yesterday. I can't say it was pretty. There was no room for sugar-coating. It was purely blunt, unadulterated talk.

I haven't had that in a while. I believe we all need that from time to time. You know, someone to knock some sense into our heads and keep us afloat.

Filthy and floody Manila

I had a fun Recto adventure with my ex last month. She needed to run an errand so I accompanied her and we took the easiest and most convenient way to get there - to commute via LRT2. It might not have been the most comfortable option but it was a seamless ride.

My trip to Manila yesterday was nothing like my last one though. I may have picked the wrong time to go because it was raining real hard halfway through my train ride from Katipunan to Recto. Afterwhich I would need to go down and transfer to LRT1 to go to Malate.

Upon reaching the Recto terminal, there was flood everywhere. You cannot get out of the station without submerging your calves in dirty water. It was even worse along Taft, from where LRT1 passes. Getting off the Pedro Gil station to go to Robinsons Place Malate seemed like suicide.

I did manage to complete my errand but not after going through hell and high water. Excuse me for the pun but I was soaked from head to foot. My AM90 did not deserve the punishment it took from the murky flood water.

Anyway, my ordeal just reminded me of how shitty the Taft area is. They make Katipunan look way too posh.

Innate benevolence

I think I've been very nice and accomodating for too long now much to my disadvantage. Frankly, it hasn't brought be anything good except a barrage "stop being nice and don't accomodate" comments from friends. Worse, it seems some people have been capitalizing on exploiting my kindness.

Maybe it's about time I shed that attitude and start being an ass.

Or maybe I should just let karma equalize.

Ginebra brings in former Tar Heel as import

Can't believe David Noel from North Carolina's 2005 NCAA Basketball Champion team is playing as an import here in Manila! And to top that, he's playing for my favorite team too!

He recorded a triple-double on his debut the other night with 22 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists in leading Barangay Ginebra to a 100-94 win over Burger King.

I've all the more reason to catch the PBA games live this season with the former Tar Heel mainstay reinforcing the Gin Kings.

Insurance policy

It ain't always about getting back or getting even. But whatever happens, I will never let go of my Aces, even if it means deception.

Sleepy Sunday

Sunday was recup day for me as I was hammered into near alcohol submission for two consecutive nights. I swear my liver took a bad beating this weekend.

I had a few things to do but I chose to spend almost entire day and night sleeping to make up for the buzzed nights.

Doing just fine

I ain't gonna front. It's been quite difficult but at least it's getting better everyday.