Yu and Mi

One of the funniest scenes in Rush Hour 3

Yvonne Strahovski

Season 1 of Chuck complete, and now into the 4th episode of Season 2. I'm loving it more, especially with all the cool twists and the amazing actors, not to mention the talented and really beautiful Yvonne Strahovski who plays Sarah Walker.

Talented Pinoys

Raw but amazingly talented Filipinos

Star ng Pasko

Kung kailan pinakamadilim

Ang mga tala ay mas nagniningning

Gaano man kakapal ang ulap

Sa likod nito ay may liwanag

Ang liwanag na ito

Nasa 'ting lahat

Mas sinag ang bawat pusong bukas

Sa init ng mga yakap

Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw

Walang iba kundi ikaw

Salamat sa liwanag mo

Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Salamat sa liwanag mo

Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Tayo ang ilaw sa madilim na daan

Pagkakapit bisig ngayon higpitan

Dumaan man sa malakas na alon

Lahat tayo's makakaahon

Ang liwanag na ito

Nasa 'ting lahat

Mas sinag ang bawat pusong bukas

Sa init ng mga yakap

Maghihilom ang lahat ng sugat

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw

Walang iba kundi ikaw

Salamat sa liwanag mo

Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Salamat sa liwanag mo

Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Kikislap ang pag-asa

Kahit kanino man

Dahil ikaw Bro, dahil ikaw Bro

Dahil ikaw Bro

Ang star ng pasko

Salamat sa liwanag mo

Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Salamat sa liwanag mo

Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw

Walang iba kundi ikaw

Salamat sa liwanag mo

Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw

Walang iba kundi ikaw

Salamat sa liwanag mo

Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Ang nagsindi nitong ilaw

Walang iba kundi ikaw

Salamat sa liwanag mo

Muling magkakakulay ang pasko

Dahil ikaw Bro, dahil ikaw Bro

Dahil ikaw Bro

Ang star ng pasko!

Chuck

Since Smallville and Supernatural are taking a break this week, and I'm already up-to-date with Dexter and Glee, I decided to start watching another series: Chuck, as suggested by a close friend. I've seen the first couple of episodes and I'm enjoying it so far. It's still in its 4th season now so I don't have that much to catch up. And yeah, I already bought the DVD of the first 2 seasons.

At these times when my friends are so busy with their rehearsals and gigs and sleep-overs and their exclusive bonding sessions, and I'm again left out, I'm just glad I have my family and I have a new friend, Chuck Bartowski.

P.S. Yvonne Strahovski is VERY BEAUTIFUL ♥

Longest Survey Ever Invented

Got this from a really old blog of a close friend. This is just to keep my mind off negative vibes.

SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION

+ known as: Kal-El

+ hair color: black

+ eye color: dark brown

SECTION 2 - HAVE YOU EVER..

+ fallen off the bed? yes

+ broken someone else's heart? yes

+ had your heart broken? yes

+ had a dream come true? yes

SECTION 3 - CURRENTLY..

+ wearing: nothing.. haha! seriously, house clothes

+ listening to: Les Misérables 25th Anniversary Concert

+ chatting with: no one

+ watching: Chuck (multi-tasking)

+ should REALLY be doing: sleeping

SECTION 4 - DO YOU..

+ brush your teeth? yes

+ have any piercings? no

+ drive? yes but haven't done so for at least 6 years

+ have a cell phone? yes

SECTION 5 - THE LAST PERSON YOU..

+ talked to: my daughter

+ IMed/texted: KC

+ talked with on the phone: my mom

SECTION 6 - PERSONAL..

+ what do you want to be when you grow up: businessman / thespian

+ what comes first in your life? my daughter

+ do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?: none

SECTION 7 - FAVORITES..

+ movie: Beauty and the Beast

+ band: Journey

+ food: pasta, chinese food

+ Color: green, purple

+ like to walk in the rain?: yes

+ sleep on your side, stomach or back?: side and back

+ had a falling dream?: yes

SECTION 8 - THIS OR THAT..

+ pierced nose or tongue?: none

+ BET or MTV?: MTV

+ 7th heaven or dawsons creek?: 7th Heaven

+ chocolate or flowers?: both

+ stay up late or sleep in?: stay up late

+ hot or cold?: cold

+ sun or moon?: moon

+ left or right?: right

+ 10 acquaintances or one best friend?: one best friend

+ mustard or catsup?: catsup

+ spring or fall?: spring

+ happy or sad?: happy

+ wonder or amazement?: amazement

+ McDonalds or Burger King?: Burger King

+ mexican or italian food?: Italian

SECTION 9 - FIRSTS..

+ first screen name: sonalqui

+ first pet? cat? dog? fish?: dog

+ first piercing/tattoo: none

SECTION 10 - LASTS..

+ last car ride: yesterday

+ last phone call: mom

+ last time showered: earlier this morning

+ last item bought: cheese bread

+ last annoyance: officemate

+ last website visited: sidereel.com

+ last words you said: 'cge nalang..'

SECTION 11 - CURRENT..

+ current mood: sick

+ current food: cheese bread

+ current hair: straight

+ current annoyance(s): my cough

+ current hate: my cough

MARK THE THINGS THAT APPLY TO YOU : X'S..

[ ] I am shorter than 5 feet

[x] I think I'm ugly sometimes

[ ] I wish my hair was a different color.

[ ] I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color.

[ ] I have a tattoo.

[ ] I have/I've had braces.

[x] I wear glasses/contacts

[ ] I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.

[x] I've been told I'm attractive by a complete stranger.

[ ] I have more than 2 piercings.

[ ] I have/had piercings in places besides my ears.

[ ] I have freckles.

[x] I've run away from home for 3 minutes or more.

[ ] I've been kicked out of the house.

[ ] I have a sibling less than one year old.

[x] I want to have kids someday.

[x] I've had children.

[] I'm in school.

[x] I have a job.

[ ] I always do my homework.

[x] I've missed more than a week of school.

[ ] I've been on the Honor Roll within the last 2 years.

[ ] I failed more than 1 class last year.

[x] I've stolen something from my job.

[ ] I've been fired.

[ ] I've slipped out a "lol" in a spoken conversation.

[x] Disney movies still make me cry.

[ ] I peed from laughing.

[x] I've snorted while laughing.

[x] I've laughed so hard I've cried.

[x] I've glued my hand to something.

[x] I've laughed til some kind of beverage came out of my nose.

[x] I've had my pants rip/drop in public.

Health

[x] I've gotten stitches.

[ ] I've had broken a bone

[ ] I've had my tonsils removed.

[x] I've sat in a doctor's office with a friend.

[x] I've had my wisdom teeth removed.

[x] I had a serious surgery

[x] I've had chicken pox.

Traveling

[ ] I've driven over 200 miles in one day.

[x] I've been on a plane.

[ ] I've been to Canada.

[ ] I've been to Disney World, Orlando

[ ] I've been to Mexico.

[ ] I've been to Niagara Falls.Save Now

[ ] I've been to Japan.

[ ] I've Celebrated Mardi

Sinulog 2011 Schedule of Activities

Dec 01 – Jan 31, 2011 - Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Blvd.

January 2, 2011 (Sunday) - Sinulog Fun Run

January 06, 2011 (Thursday) - Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus

4:00 AM - Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña

4:30 AM - Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño

5:30 AM - Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2011

January 07, 2011 (Friday) - Sinulog 2011 Kick Off

Sinulog Photo Exhibits through the years @SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, MCIAA

2:00PM Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño)

3:00 PM Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to Cebu City Sports Center)

7:00 PM Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña featuring Mandaue City Children’s Choir,Dancesports Team Cebu and Dance Troupes from Cebu’s schools and universities

7:30 PM Ms. Cebu 2011 Presentation, Fuente Osmeña

8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM Streen Party Bands

January 8, 2011 (Saturday) - Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan

1:00 PM Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center

2:00 PM Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center

4:30 PM Awarding of Winners

6:30 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) DepEd, Cebu Province

8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:30 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 9, 2011 (Sunday) - Sinulog sa Kabataan- Dakbayan

4:00 AM Cebu City 2011 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.com

1:00 PM Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center

2:00 PM Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center

4:30 PM Awarding of Winners

6:30 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)University of San Carlos

8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

January 10, 2011 (Monday)

6:30 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)University of Cebu

8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 11, 2011 (Tuesday)

7:30 PM Cultural show (Fuente Osmeña)University of San Jose-Recoletos and Cebu Institute of Technology

8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 12, 2011 (Wednesday)

9:00 AM Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)

6:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)University of Southern Philippines-Foundation and Salazar College of Science and Institute of Technology

7:00 PM Ms. Cebu 2011 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel

8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 13, 2011 (Thursday)

9:00 AM Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)

10 AM – 3:00 PM Photo Shoot Sinulog Festival Queen , SM City Entertainment Plaza

7:00 PM Sinulog Festival Queen Parade of Costumes @ SM Northwing Lobby

6:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)Cebu City Division

6:00 PM Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu

8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

8:00 PM Handumanan @ Ayala Terraces

9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 14, 2011 (Friday) - Visual Merchandising Contest(Dept. Stores and Malls)

4:00 AM Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña-Sto. Niño

7:00 AM Misa de Translacion (Motorcade)

9:00 AM Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent /Floats / Higante / Puppteers) @ Cebu City Sports Center Gym

6:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)(Cebu Normal University, Abellana National High School and Asian College of Technology

7:30 P.M Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum

7:30 P.M Sinulog Festival Queen 2011, Cebu City Sports Center

8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 15, 2011 (Saturday)

6:00 AM Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño

8:00 AM Vibration and Big Bike Rally by Vmax Owners Group

9:00 AM Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Sto. Niño

2:00 PM Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño

7:00 PM Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu

7:00 PM Street party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia

8:00 PM Gala – Passionata a Cultural Heritage Celebration in Honor of Sto. Niño de Cebu @ SM Cinema I

8:00 PM Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras @ Ayala Center Cebu

8:00 PM Handumanan Concert, USP-F Theater for the Performing Arts

January 16, 2011 (Sunday) - SINULOG GRAND PARADE

4:00 AM Mañanita Mass @Basilica del Sto. Niño

6:00 AM Pontifical mass with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal

9:00 AM Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off

7:00 PM Grand Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center

7:30 PM Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña

January 17, 2011 (Monday)

1:00 PM Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center

January 21, 2011 (Friday) “HUBO”

4:00 AM “HUBO Mass” Ritual @ Basilica del Sto. Niño

January 29, 2011 (Saturday)

1:00 P.M Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contest / Sinulog Short Film Festival

January 31 – Feb. 10, 2011 Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog ‘10 @SM City Cebu

KH Restage Music Vid

Finally, the music video of our Kindred Hearts Restage is already done and just uploaded online by our producer.

Let it shine where there is darkness,

let if fill the emptiness.

Let this be our creed...

So Long, Dobby

I cried when I read it in the book, and I cried when I saw the scene unfold in the movie. Dobby is just a very lovable character, and he died with honor, protecting Harry and his friends.

Dobby has no master,

Dobby is a free elf,

and Dobby has come

to save Harry Potter

and his friends!

Fooling Myself

Who am I kidding?! It will never work out! I may kill myself trying to make it work out, but it just won't if I'm the only one doing it. And guess what? I've been doing it for the longest time, and I've been hurting myself again and again in the process, but I still believed it's possible. Now that I'm 30 years old, I think it's time to give up on these fantasies no matter how painful it is, and move on. Easier said than done. It will take time, I know, but I gotta start somewhere, sometime. I have to start now without waiting for a tomorrow that may never come.

I've always believed that my soul siblings would be able to compensate for my siblings who passed. I was wrong. Or maybe I just expected too much? Or maybe I just don't know how to hold back.

I know it's wrong but I'm the type of person who gives my all in whatever I get into. I've always believed in giving everything so that in the end, I will not have any regrets. Ever since I started having soul siblings, I gave my all. I've did all I could to really treat them as I would treat my real siblings, but it wasn't really reciprocated. Yes, they'll say this and that, but those were just words, nothing more. Actions speak much louder than words, and basing from the actions and not just their words, I'm really nothing more to them than just one of their friends - not even a close friend. No, I'm not really complaining, I don't have the right to, I'm just really disappointed with myself why I care too much.

I love my soul siblings and I always will. I just have to learn to accept the fact that they will never look at me the way I look at them, that they will never treat me like I treat them, that I may be their kuya, their tatay, but in reality, I am just like everyone else - or even lesser. Sad but true, and for the acceptance thingie, I leave it all to time.

Yes, I just realized that I am just fooling myself.

Erika Grace Turns 21

Today, my Shobe turned 21. I suck at organizing surprises so I wasn't able to organize anything for her, unlike my birthday where it was her who organized that simple but very meaningful and touching surprise. For her birthday this year, I just made a simple video compilation. Yes, this is simple but it's from the heart. And since we no longer have rehearsals, it was not easy to go around and get the people to record their greetings.

Happy, happy Birthday Erika Grace!

Thank you for EVERYTHING!

I love you, my dear sister!

Pacquiao-Margarito: What We Can Learn From The Humility, Empathy, and Grace of Manny Pacquiao

By Michael D. Sellers

Another Pacquiao fight — another drubbing of a much larger opponent, and Pacquiao’s legend as a boxer grows. But the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito produced not just a memorable pay-per-view experience worth every penny of the $64.95 it cost — it produced, for this observer at least, some moments of clarity that helped me better understand what makes the Filipino “National Fist” so much more than just a great athlete.

The True Tale of How the Fight Unfolded, and How Pacquiao Had to Fight Through Early Adversity to Gain Control

First, if you didn’t see the fight but have read about it, you probably have read that Pacquiao dominated; that he won every round or almost every round; that he cut Margarito to shreds so much so that everyone, including Pacquiao, had legitimate concerns about Margarito’s health and whether the fight should continuing the later rounds. That rendition of the fight is accurate up to a point — but it fails to capture the genuine peril that Pacquiao faced in the early rounds, the genuine threat that Margarito represented, and thus the challenge that Pacquiao overcame to prevail against Margarito–a fighter who was in the best shape of his life and weighed 165 to Pacquiao’s 148 on fight night–an advantage of not just 17 lbs but 12% of of body weight–a Goliath to Pacquiao’s David and a disgraced Mexican warrior on an epic quest for redemption Could Margarito have been more prepared or more motivated? I don’t see how. That’s what Pacquiao was up against.

Think it was easy for Pacquiao? Think again. As the fight began, Emmanuel Steward, hall of fame trainer and normally shrewd commentator for HBO said: “I see the size difference — it’s a big factor right now. I see he’s not used to punching at a man as big as this one who seems to be absorbing his blows pretty easily.” Then there was Margarito’s jab — a new weapon — that was touching Pacquiao up in the first round. Steward: “What I’m surprised about is Margarito’s jab, which is a very good move, and that seems at this stage to be the most dominant punch in the fight.” A few moments later, with a minute to go in the first round, Steward said of Pacquiao: “He may have a problem tonight — the physical size seems to be a big factor.” By the time the first round ended Pacquiao had thrown enough punches to win the round — but just barely, and the sense was that he could be in trouble, that he finally might have bitten off more than he could chew. The jab was a problem, the size difference was a problem, and Margarito–a notoriously slow starter–might get stronger as the fight wore on.

In the early part of the second round Max Kellerman — another normally astute boxing analyst and commentator, had this to say: “Margarito has landed not only some shots but a head butt followed by a right hand — these are hard shots from a big man.” This prompted Steward to repeat: “The size is being a big factor as I see it right here.” Then, after Pacquiao mounted a flurry that didn’t seem to hurt Margarito, Jim Lampley said: “The loss of power from punching up could be a factor in the fight” – meaning that Margarito’s height advantage was causing Pacquiao to punch skyward and this was taking power out of the punches. Then with 10 seconds to go in round 2, Steward said: “Looking at the eyes, Pacquiao is much more uncomfortable than Margarito is at this stage even though he may be winning the fight.” Lampley: “Brand new experience for Pacquiao.”

Easy fight?

And that was how it felt after the first two rounds. But as he has so often in the past, Pacquiao — guided by the man he calls his “master” Freddie Roach — gradually began to solve the Margarito puzzle and find ways to use his astonishing hand speed, footwork, head movement, and ring savvy to start slicing his opponent, most notably opening a cut under Margarito’s right eye that almost immediately began to swell, causing the eye to almost close. From there Manny gained the upper hand but even after the cut had begun a problem, there were some nerve wracking moments, notably in the 6th round when Margarito got Pacquiao against the ropes and hit him with a huge left to the liver that buckled Pacquiao’s knees. Later, and more than once, he rocked Manny with uppercuts, most notably one in the 8th round that clearly hurt.

Yet in spite of being hurt more than once, Pacquiao dominated; he repeatedly landed power punches that soon had Margarto’s entire face swollen and bleeding and yet Margarito — to his credit as a warrior if not a sensible human — refused to go down and refused to stop.

By the 10th round there was ample reason to stop the fight–and Pacquiao glanced at the referee more than once as if to ask, “Shouldn’t you end this?”, and his look was one of concern, not bravado and dismissiveness. Steward at that point commented that while the referee had every reason to stop the fight–he wouldn’t because Margarito was still demonstrating his grit by throwing punches even though he could hardly see and his punches no longer had snap or power to them. To which Kellerman said, rightly: “It’s not about his eyes, it’s about his brain — how many power punches flush to the head can a man take?” And indeed, by the end, the compu-box figures that Pacquiao had landed a disturbing 401 power punches to Margarito’s head — and who knows when the damage from that kind of beating will present itself.

Margarito on his stool between the 11th and 12th rounds looked more like Rocky Balboa in the original “Rocky” than any real fight most of us have ever seen — both eyes almost swollen shut, punch drunk, but demanding that he be allowed to continue, to finish it. All that was missing was Margarito yelling “cut me” to make it a complete reprise of Hollywood’s epic and amped up vision of the outclassed warrior willing to risk everything to go the distance. There he was, insisting through his mangled features that he wanted to fight one more round, to make it to the end, and his corner let him do it–a decision that honored Margarito’s epic courage but placed him in epic danger.

And then it was the 12th round, with Margarito out on his feet and all but defenseless, game but beaten. There was every reason to believe that Pacquiao, hungry for the KO that would put the exclamation point on his performance, would swarm Margarito and either drop him at last, or mount a swarming, blistering final assault that would leave the referee with no choice but to stop it.

But that didn’t happen.

Grace in the 12th Round

The first sign that something special was about to happen came during the traditional touching of gloves before the last round. Pacquiao touched them up, but went a step further — giving a deep nod to Margarito – a salute — and then, as if to make sure the salute was understood, he touched his right glove one more time to Margarito’s — stepped back, crossed himself, and began to “fight” — but not quite. For the first 30 seconds of the round Pacquiao, who had been throwing power punches at a rate of one every five seconds of the entire fight, threw only two tentative punches that wouldn’t have hurt a fly, circling Margarito instead of engaging with him. Pacquiao threw his third punch – an inconsequential jab, 40 seconds into the round –thus three inconsequential punches 1/4 of the way through the final round, when by simple “average” punch count Pacquiao would by then have normally thrown at least 25 punches. Something was up.At 45 seconds into the round, Lampley was the first commentator to realize what was happening and comment on it: “Max, I honestly wonder whether Pacquiao has no more stomach for the punishment. He doesn’t seem eager to hit Margarito any more.” Kellerman: “It looks like he’s carrying Margarito right now.” Steward: “It’s much like Joe Calzaghe did…” Lampley: “Some of the greatest fighters in history have done this. There is no question Pacquiao is pulling his punches now. He is not following through and committing the way he does……it’s a nod to Margarito’s guts and courage…and Pacquiao is going to let him finish the fight.” And then Lampley capped it off — no doubt with some hyperbole — but then Pacquiao invites, and deserves, hyperbole: “This is not Manny Pacquiao the fighter, this is Manny Pacquiao the Congressman, Manny Pacquiao the cultural icon, Manny Pacquiao the citizen of the world. That’s the man who’s letting Margarito finish.”

Humility, Empathy, and Candor in the Post Fight Interviews

As the fight ended Pacquiao knelt in his corner in prayer as is his custom. I’ve watched Pacquiao do this and each time I’m struck by his body language as he prays – the intensity with which he clutches his gloves to his head, blocking out the crowd, the arena, the chaos around him creating what clearly must be a profound moment of heartfelt religious communion. And then, moments later as the championship belt was draped over his shoulders, a smiling Pacquiao immediately looked around for his crucifix – found it dangling from the hand of a handler, then immediately leaned forward, head bowed, placing it around his neck.

And then a gracious and amazingly (yet typically) humble post fight interview with Max Kellerman who started by saying: “Manny, that was a pretty big guy you just beat up – what was that like?” Pacquiao: “It’s hard, I really …I mean ….I did my best to win the fight….he’s strong….a very tough fighter. And I can’t believe it.” Kellerman: “What can’t you believe?” Pacquiao: “I mean, he’s very tough and strong and I never expect that.” Who ever heard a boxer be so candid and so humble after such a victory? What other boxer’s ego would allow such statements?

Then Kellerman drilled down a bit, noting that Pacquiao had gotten his back to the ropes and had a few tough moments in the fight, ending it with “Why was your back on the ropes.” Pacquiao: “Well, I’m trying to psyche him that I’m not hurt, but the truth is — he’s really strong and I got hurt.” Full stop — again, when did a winning boxer ever admit so openly to getting hurt? Kellerman: “When did you get hurt?” Pacquiao: “When I stayed on the rope.” Kellerman: “Where did you get hurt?” Pacquiao: “In the body and in the face. He got me in the uppercut, so … I am so lucky tonight.” And later, in his second interview: “I tell you the truth. I got hurt in the body shot, I tell you, I got ..I felt so weak in that round because I got really hurt in my stomach.”

Kellerman then asked — what were you asking the referee to do when you looked toward him in the 11th round (presumably imploring him to stop the fight). Pacquiao: “You know, I feel….pity to my opponent…his eyes, his bloody face, you know — take a look for that.” Later, in another interview, Pacquiao was more direct: ”Boxing is not about killing each other. It’s about entertainment.”

Kellerman: “In the 12th round it looked like maybe you were backing off, maybe not to hurt him”: “I’m not looking for a knockout. I want to finish the round. My trainer said take it easy, win the round, just be careful.” Now this is interesting because on the surface it sounds like Manny was just following Roach’s instructions–and indeed I have no doubt that Roach gave the instructions Manny describes. But I think there is something else going on here — he didn’t want to “dis” his opponent by saying that he intentionally let up. Instead, he just left it that his corner told him to win the round and be careful. But everything from the salute to Margarito at the beginning to Manny’s demeanor throughout the round confirms that he was, indeed, “carrying” Margarito to the finish line, giving the warrior his due in the process.

The interview finished with Pacquiao saying: “That’s all I can give. I’m trying to make people happy.” For a boxer to say “I want to make people happy” seems overly simplistic on one level — but when you think of where Pacquiao comes from — not just the Philippines, but the mean streets of the Philippines, a place of grinding poverty where there is no escape and where hope is often all but extinguished — the power to “make people happy” is a power that means more than producing a transitory moment of enjoyment. It’s an ability to fundamentally alter that state of mind and heart for people – to lift them up and make them feel that there’s hope, and good things are possible in a tough unfriendly world. For Manny Pacquiao, to “make people happy” is something far more profound and meaningful than it would be if the same statement were coming from an American boxer.

Asked about his next moves, Pacquiao replied: “That’s why …. I have another job after this, I’m going back to the Philippines and do my job as a public servant — and I want to help people.” Honestly — much of the time when Pacquiao speaks English you have the feeling that he’s groping for words, that he could be much more articulate in Tagalog — and yet there is a simple clarity to his choice of words — ‘do my job as a public servant’ and ‘I want to help people’. How can you not believe he is sincere — and humble. He’s not just a “public servant” – he’s a congressman, and rightly proud of that. But he always chooses to refer to himself by the term “public servant”, not “Congressman”. There’ is genuine humility–and perhaps a touch of political genius– in that.

The Last Word

Those of us who are connected to the Philippines have followed Manny Pacquiao for many years and we’ve heard him say things like this, and act in this humble, gentle manner — so this in itself is not news for us. But as his fame grows and the rest of the world gradually wakes up and takes notice of Pacquiao as a sporstman who transcends national boundaries and the niche of boxing, hearing him speak this way reminds us that while on the one hand what we see in Manny is unique, in another way it is not, because what is on display when Pacquiao speaks is essential Filipino values that typify the elusive best of a country whose people’s humble and gentle virtues are not particularly well understood abroad. This is, after all, a world where, for example, some cultures have adopted the term “filipina” to be slang for “housekeeper”. The truth is, it’s easy for ill-informed westerners to underestimate and misinterpret the gentle, gracious nature of the Filipino character — yet somehow Manny Pacquiao is singlehandedly changing that, teaching the world and reminding the Philippine universe that humility, grace, compassion, and empathy can coexist with the heart of a warrior.

Yet even if Filipinos instinctively understand the meaning of Manny Pacquiao better than we foreigners — they have been traveling on a learning curve with Pacquiao as well. Remember that Pacquiao’s popularity in the Philippines, great as it is, did not automatically win him a berth in Congress. He ran previously, two years ago and lost badly. Some said the loss reflected what was in essence a cynical “no” vote from an electorate who wanted him to keep fighting; others inerpreted the “no” as a desire keep Pacquiao from becoming tarnished by the dirty nature of Philippine politics. Pacquiao lost, and it wasn’t a split decision — it was much closer to a political knockout. But he didn’t give up, he showed patience and sincerity and above all perserverence, and throughout it all he continued to talk compellingly about his real reasons for doing it — and along the way many of the skeptics who saw in his first run for Congress a questionable act of celebrity ego began to gradually come to understand that it was another impulse, the impulse toward genuine and sincere public service, that was driving Pacquiao. And so now he has the position he sought — the position of “public servant”, and he has stated that his goal is to become a “champion of public service” as his life transitions toward a new phase. Boxing has been his vehicle to “make people happy” in one profound, “let me lift you up” way that Filipinos perhaps understand better than the rest of us. That phase will end. But now, today, he is an elected Congressman who through both his boxing and public service has truly has made millions of people happy in that transcendant way he seeks–so truly and so beautifully that the skinny kid who grew up on the streets may well someday have the opportunity to lead not just an impoverished Sarangani province, but an entire resurgent nation that with Pacquiao as example-maker-in-chief–a long-suffering and self doubting country that under his inspired leadershp may lift itself up as a country in ways that would be just as surprising, yet just as inevitable, as Pacquiao’s rise to the top in boxing. I for one believe in Manny Pacquiao–his heart, his sincerity, the sheer power of his will, and the true Filipino essence of his character. He makes me feel hope for the future of the Philippines, and proud to be part of a Fil-Am household that has plenty of Filipino blood flowing through our family’s veins.

Source: http://michaeldsellers.weearth.com/2010/11/14/pacquiao-margarito-what-we-can-learn-from-the-humility-empathy-and-grace-of-manny-pacquiao/

Someone to Watch over Me

All my life I've searched, for someone just like you

To love, to hold, to treasure, to watch your dreams come true

You're with me beside me, behind me when I'm down

I can't believe what you do to me, delete my every frown

So how can I love you more I think I might implode

My love for you may sometimes be a love too heavy to hold

But all I ask in return for all the above you see

I ask for nothing more than just someone to watch over me..

Outcast

All my life, I've always been invisible. As big as I am physically, I almost always blend in the background wherever I am. As one friend said, "I'm used to being a wallpaper."

I know I'm a very boring person that's why almost anywhere I am, I always feel like an outcast. Yes, that's what I am - an outcast.

Simply Me

I may not be the one whom you can understand,

I may not be the one who can give you a hand.

I'm never less of being me,

Nor do am I more what you see.

I do have pains and happy times too,

I'm a person just like you.

So here I am for you.

I may not be the one who can touch your heart

Not a gift nor a lift,

not a fitting part.

But being me is my greater share,

To this friendship I really care

And nothing more I deem so true,

Being me I share to you.

So here I am.

Can you take me for what I am?

Here I am, it's just me,

And all that I can be.

Now I'm here just for you,

with all my hangups too.

A soothing pillow I may not be,

A road of thorns is all that you see.

Just being me, is it enough for you?

For being you is all I needed too..

La Misère

No matter how I try to be positive, there are always negative things and people around me hurting me with or without them meaning to.

Is misery really after me?

Can I not be happy and stay happy for a long time?

Am I really that bad to deserve all of these?

*sigh*

Dr. Jose Sal. Tan

This morning, my mentor who became like a father to me, Dr. Jose Sal. Tan, passed away at the age of 66. He was the man who pushed me to become the youngest Master's and Ph.D. degree holder in our school. I have a lot of fond memories of him because before he became my boss and mentor, he was dad's friend from way back.

He was a janitor, a working student who rose to become the President of different state colleges and universities. He was a man who never stopped studying. Even if I was his assistant before, I already lost count of all the courses, both undergrad and graduate, he finished, that had he not been slowed down by diabetes, he would have been studying until now.

The first time I encountered Tito Joe was when I was in high school. I would be at the waiting shed in front of Cebu Normal University at 5 AM every morning waiting for our school bus. Once a week, a tall, smiling middle-aged man wearing a barong would disembark from the jeepney and sit beside me bringing his black document bag. He will just sit there with that smile on his face without saying a word. I would remember him years after when dad introduced me to him.

When I started my first job at the state college (now state university) where he was the President, he would always let me stay at his office so I can learn from watching him work. And boy did I learn a lot working with him for almost 6 years. He's the type of leader who ALWAYS decides on a win-win situation, and in those almost 6 years, I've only seen him get angry once and that happened when he learned that the school Registrar of one of our campuses scolded and humiliated a parent.

I myself was not the best assistant but he never, ever reprimanded me. He always looked at the positive side of things. During the times when insecure people were throwing mud at him, and asked the help of those one-sided, looking-for-fame-and-glamour media people, he never fought back. He was calm and composed, smiling and understanding until the end.

He may have been gone but his legacy, his learnings, the lives that he has touched, the people that he has helped, he will always be alive.

No one is really gone as long as there's someone who remembers

Turning 30

Like in the previous years, yesterday was just an ordinary working day. Yes, I also turned 30 years old yesterday. The last time I really celebrated my birthday was when I turned 18. My aunts and uncles donated a few dollars just so I would be able to celebrate that birthday with my college friends then. After that, my next birthdays were just ordinary school or working days.

Yesterday, it was supposed to be that way when my sis, Khai, organized something I will never forget: my first every surprise. It was not a party, but Khai and most of our Kindred Hearts family surprised me with 2 birthday cakes. It was simple but it was very meaningful for someone like me. I'm the type of guy who likes to do little things for the people I love, much that I also appreciate those little things done to me. I'm the guy who works behind the scenes in most surprise parties, always forgotten and unappreciated, but hey someone's gotta take care of the music, right?

As of my last count, I had 295 greetings through text, Facebook, Twitter, and in person. I can't thank everyone enough for remembering. Sure, Facebook reminds people, but hey, at least they went out of their way to go to my wall and post something. I really appreciate that.

If life begins at 30, then these guys made the first day of the rest of my life extra special.

Tears

There is a sacredness in tears.
They are not the mark of weakness, but of power.
They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues.
They are the messengers of overwhelming grief,
of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.

- Washington Irving

Loner

Let me tell you this:

If you meet a loner, no matter what they tell you, it's not because they enjoy solitude. It's because they have tried to blend into the world before, and people continue to disappoint them.

- Jodi Picoult (My Sister's Keeper)

45 Lessons

This was forwarded to me by email. It makes sense that's why I'd like to share it. :)


Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come..
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Insensitive II

I never thought that my previous post about my disappointment would have a sequel. *sigh*

I thought everything would be okay after the producer decided to pass the Glee project to someone else. He first tried to pass it on to me, but after getting hurt, I declined and told him I'd rather spend my time with my family (which I did). The one who got the lead on the project, a close friend of Kaz, asked me to join. Trusting her, I said I will offer my slot to a friend, a member of the Kindred Hearts ensemble, and if she says yes, I will be supporting them all the way. If she'll say no, then I will join them as a performer.

The person I offered my slot to is my favorite dancer, Anne. She joined Kindred Hearts just 4 days before the show, and mastered all the dances right away. She's also into theatre and is a good singer, so I thought she's a perfect fit to join the Glee thingie.

Everyday, I was making sure with the project lead that the slot for my friend was still available, and I assured her that she will not be disappointed whatever complexities and no matter how far they've gone with rehearsing since Anne is just an amazing talent.

Yesterday, PL (Project Lead) texted me that she's at the mall and wanted to talk to me. As a concerned friend and supporter, I went there. I again was shocked when she told me right there and then that she no longer has a slot for my friend, and a lot of other crap that I wasn't able to hear anymore because my world crashed yet again. Here I was, always making sure they're okay and assuring them of my support and of my friend's talent and dedication, and at the same time, keeping in constant touch with Anne who was still at her home province, assuring her that I will give up my slot for her because I simply believe that she's perfect for something like this.

This started as a really bad day, and ended worse. I don't really know if people are just so insensitive, or they just don't care. Or are those 2 the same? I know no one's perfect, I for one, the most imperfect creature here on Earth, but at least I know that when I give my word, I really mean it. It doesn't take much effort to mean what you say, and say what you mean.

It's funny how people really go out of their way to show that they care kuno, when their body language unconsciously says otherwise.

Hay, I hope they'll do well in the contest. Anne would have been a major, major help to them, yet she wasn't given a chance. I don't know how to tell Anne. I am already in awe of her presence as someone I truly admire and love, now I don't have a face to tell her that she's out. I'm out. We're both out. It doesn't seem to be a big deal to them but it is to me because I'm the type of person who's willing to give up even my own life just to keep my word.

Yes, my word is my oath. This is who I am.

Broken

In my years of performing, I've always had 3 dream roles and I just noticed recently that maybe I love those roles because like me, they're so imperfect, broken, full of melancholy and angst. Jean Valjean from Les Miserables, Quasimodo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. I am like them in so many ways, that if you combine all 3, you'll get ME.

Window of the Heart

One of Shin Shin's songs that wasn't released but included in her I Care album is Window of the Heart, a duet with Mark Bautista. It's a very beautiful song that I think should have been released by Viva. Oh well, there's nothing we can do now about it.

Where do I begin I’m still looking for a way

To tell you how I feel and there’s so much to say

When you look at me I can tell you want to know

If my heart is for real and here to stay

Countless moments I’ve tried to find you

I keep telling myself, to remind me that it’s true

If you wanna know my love, from end to the very start

You can see me through the window of the heart

Chorus:

Just let me know I’m everything to you

You changed my world from all that I knew

If you’re looking for the truth, I know where you can start

You can see me through the window of the heart

Stop where you are, just look into my eyes

You can see where I live, and how I live for you

You light the spark that brings a flame to the core

From my waking hour, it’s in all that I do

Chorus:

Just let me know I’m everything to you

You changed my world from all that I knew

If you’re looking for the truth, I know where you can start

You can see me through the window of the heart

I wanna dream, I wanna to live it everyday

With a love that never stops inside

And fills my life in every way

I would never ask of you,

What I’m not so willing to give

Cause to be without you in my life,

Well that’s just no way to live

Chorus: (2x)

Just let me know I’m everything to you

You changed my world from all that I knew

If you’re looking for the truth, I know where you can start

You can see me through the window of the heart

Always

ALWAYS my forever, you will be

Like words that rhyme, in poetry

The music we make, with each kiss

Every chance I get, I never miss

To hold you I've told you, is a dream

A dream more beautiful, than it seems

For in my heart, no matter what I do

Through good days and bad,

I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU ♥