My NBA starters and De Niro

Though it was raining at times, it's a great weekend after all.  Met with Maya (after 30 years) and her friend, caught up with my laundry, clean the house (just some parts of it). But my weekend was mostly spent watching the NBA All Stars (wearing my Dwight Howard jerseys) with the kids. We love basketball (it's ironic we are in a city without an NBA team). Of course I provided the food and Deirdre provided interesting NBA trivia.

One question Deirdre asked me, "If you get a chance to pick for starting line up, who would it be?". I said, Dwight Howard definitely would be patrolling the center. Charles Barkley will be a strong presence at the block, Larry Bird will be raining those threes,  Michael Jordan taking the one on one situation and finally Steve Nash dishing pin point passes and playing the pick-and-roll with either Barkley or Howard for the Jam!

Of course it's just a fantasy... now back to reality, the game is over, the West won over the East. Though I voted for Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant got his 4th All Star MVP award.  It's back to work tomorrow, but before i turned off the TV, I chanced upon this classic scene from Robert De Niro pretending to shoot the TV (with Jackson Browne's Late for the sky song) in the movie Taxi Driver.

#141: What I saw (learned) from the Pacquiao fight tonight

5. This is the best fight I've ever seen since the classic clash between Tommy Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard.
Although I was a bit distraught when the fight went on despite clear indications that Cotto is in alot of trouble. They should have stop the fight in the 9th.

4. It's been a while since I heard someone really sang the Philippine National Anthem so well.  This group La Vida (who are they?) was much better (and prettier) than Martin Nievera (he sang the National Anthem during the Pacquiao-Hatton fight).

3. Boxing is a savage sports. Children should not be allowed so close to the ring. I'm sure everyone noticed when the camera focused on Cotto's wife (Melissa) and his kid grimacing in pain as if feeling every punch Manny throws at Miguel. Melissa was wise enough to take her son out to spare the kid from the horrors of the sport. Melissa should have defied Cotto's corner and throw in the towel herself.

2. Manny should retire now. He has nothing else to prove. He has his millions that will last him two life times. Take it from Mohammad Ali or his trainer Freddie Roach who are both suffering from Parkinsons as a result of too much beating during their boxing careers.

1. Events like this gives us a very good reason to get together and re-connect with friends and family.

#138: The Suns are rising again

I posted a question earlier on who's going to be our NBA team this season. I've caught some games for the past weeks and I wasn't sure who it's going to be.

Until recently, I checked the team standings and was surprised a quick start by the Phoenix Suns. Right now they are at the top together with the Boston Celtics.

The Suns was my team for a couple of years because of their high-octane playing style. The Suns would run and gun for 48 minutes. It was an awe watching them. Until they acquired the Big Shaq last year, who not only slowed down their style of play, but also affected other players because of his antics.

Today I made a point to watch them play against the New Orleans Hornets. And boy I was amazed how they played. Led by the two time MVP and most popular Canadian point guard Steve Nash, the Suns run around the Hornets with back breaking fast-breaks, pick and rolls (with the rejuvenated Amare Stoudemire)  and booming triples.

By the end of the 2nd quarter, Suns had scored 75 points and midway in the 3rd, the game was already decided. They went on to win by 20 points.

The Suns are back and they are running and on the rise again. And I'm back cheering on the side line. Now if I can only convince Deirdre

#123: Who's going to be our team?

Today's the opening of the 2009-2010 NBA Season. I caught the game between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. There were some new guys on both teams. Shaq for the Cavaliers and Wallace for the Celtics.

As I was watching the game, Deirdre sat beside me and asked "So NBA is back, who's gonna be our team this time?". Aren't we going for the Orlando Magic just like last year?", I asked back. "Mmm probably not, they don't have the original players like last year anymore", She answered. "So who are we going for then?", I asked curiously. "I don't know, who do you think?", she asked again. So I started to name some teams.

Dad: Hey what about the Boston Celitcs? I love to see them play when we go to Boston
Deirdre: I don't know anyone from that team.
Dad: Well Kevin Garnet is back
Dierdre: Don't know him
Dad: Ok, what about the Spurs, they have Tim Duncan and Tony Parker
Deirdre: Is he still married to Eva Longoria?
Dad: I think so, he's French
Deirdre: Maybe
Dad: Then let's go for the Lakers
Deirdre: yuk! I don't like Kobe
Dad: Yeah me too.
Deirdre: Shaq is still playing?(referring to the current game) Isn't he like 100 years old?
Dad: I think he's 37
Deirdre: He should stop playing
Dad: I agree. We can always go back to the Magic
Deirdre: But the team is not the same anymore.
Dad: Hey what about the Hornets! Nah I don't like Cris Paul
Deirdre: I don't know dad, I think let's just wait for the playoffs then we decide
Dad: You're right
Deirdre: Let's go (referring to Taekwando practice), am driving
Dad: here you go (tossing my car key to her)

So for now, the choice of our NBA team is up in the air.

#98: Two Birthdays, a Funeral and new belts

Couple of things happened today.

Birthdays

First birthday is for my younger brother Panchet. I talked about him on my earlier post. Panchet is the youngest of the family but I feel he had achieved more than what most people have done in their lifetime. I heard he's having the time of his life. What's with all the parties they have prepared for him. A lot of people would like to be in his shoes. That includes me. I'm very proud of him.

Second Birthday is for our youngest in the family, JR. He listed his birthday today but some argued that he's birthday is really on the 5th. Well, either way he's celebrating his birthday. JR is my nephew's son. My parents took him in our family at a very young age. My parents fell in love with JR the first time they saw him. Why not! he was so cute, like a baby in a soap commercial. JR like any other kid, has some shortcomings. But who doesn't. The important thing is He knows very well that his family loves him the way we love each one. Happy Birthday JR.


A Funeral

It's wasn't a surprise. It was announced as early as January this year. Intel Philippines is closing.

internal memo circulated yesterday that Intel is definitely moving out of the Philippines. Actual reasons vary — from high corporate taxes, to expensive electricity charges and even stealing of microchips.

Today, it finally happen - the last nail in the coffin. Intel Philippines is officially closed. This is a big blow to the Philippines specially the hundreds (it was thousands at its peak) of Filipino workers who lost their job. One of them is my good friend and classmate Francis . He's a Design Engineer at Intel. Back in my college days, he was my study buddy. We've collaborated in many school projects as well as "other" projects. He's a brilliant Engineer so I'm sure he'll bounce back.

New Belts

My two girls successfully moved closer to their quest for the black belt. It was a grueling one hour of testing of forms, routines, breaking boards and sparring.  It was also a test of stamina and mental control. In the end it was very rewarding as Deirdre moved two belts up to green belt. The grandmaster explained that she was so good that she qualified to skip yellow belt, which doesn't happen often. Nadire, though, was two point shy of following her sister's feat. She still got the yellow belt but I sense her disappointment, I was too. But I explained to her that "never mistakenly consider one defeat a final defeat". Don't worry dad, I'm ok, she said. Later, I treated them to a nice Japanese restaurant  with some sushi, udon and a mochi ice cream dessert. And they were all smiles.

#80: Monday night football

Football is back and It's monday night football on prime time. The Oakland Raiders at home against the San Diego Chargers. It's always fun to watch these two teams play.

The Chargers seems rusty as they got dominated by the more aggressive Raider for most of the game.

The game is a sleeper until two minutes left in the fourth quarter when the Raiders made a touchdown on 4th and 15 to go up 20-17. Raiders fans went crazy and it looks like the Raider will finally break 11 consecutive loses to the Chargers.

But two minutes is an eternity in football (or any sports). The charges made 9 plays in 85 yards capped  by the 5 yard run by the diminutive running back Darren Sproles (this guys is just 5-6 but runs like a dynamo) to make the final score 24-20.

A good start for the Chargers. Although it seems that LaDainian Tomlison is no longer as dominating as before. I hope this time they won't choke when the playoffs comes.

#66: Boring city no more?

My family has been living in Chula Vista California for almost 8 years now and never heard any mention of the city on national news. In fact the city was mentioned by forbes magazine as one of the most boring city in the U.S.

Until yesterday.

I would have never known if not for a TV screen at my gym showing the World Little League Championship. The Park View Little League team was playing Taiwan for the title.

I'm no fan of baseball but knowing a local team gunning for a title makes it interesting. I caught a glimpse of the game only because it was right in front of the stationary bike am using. It was in the 5th inning when Chula Vista made a brilliant double play that made the guy beside me scream in awe and said "That's the play of the game". Chula Vista was still behind 3-1 but eventually came from behind and won 6-3.

The news of the win reverberated around the city and suddenly Chula Vista is in the spotlight. What makes the win so interesting is that it took 11-12 year old kids for the city to be finally get recognized. A feat that seems to be elusive with the mediocre performances of The San Diego Padres and the San Diego Chargers for years.

There's going to be a celebration downtown but it seems the Mayor (Cheryl Cox) is going to spoil the fun as she declared that it will just be a small celebration because of budget problem.

A once in a lifetime (who knows when is the next) opportunity to sell the city and she's bucking down. I'm sure that many individuals or business would like to help with the cost.

Well boring or not, I still love Chula Vista. This is where my kids got to roam around the city without fear.

The city may be boring, but the people certainly are not.

#28: Tour de France

With the NBA off season still in full swing and football season still a month away, I've been following the Tour de France instead. It's a little bit more exciting this year because of the return of 7 time champion Lance Armstrong after a 3 year absence.

I love to watch Tour de France. for one thing, the coverage is so extensive that you feel like you're actually touring Europe for free.

To appreciate the sports, you have to have a little bit of understanding how the race works. For instance, majority of the time during a stage, you need to be in a group of riders (peloton) to save your energy (Much like walking. You won't feel tired if your walking with someone). Then of course the most exciting part when several riders sprint to the finish line.

With just two stages left, Armstrong is in 3rd place, more than 5 minutes behind the yellow jersey being held by Alberto Contador. In cycling this is a huge lead. Plus the fact that Contador is 11 years younger than Armstrong.

The race will end on Sunday at the famous Champs Elysees in Paris and I of course would be watching every bit of the action.

#22: Orange Belt

It was a big day for Deirdre and Nadire. Today, they completed their testing to move from white belt to orange belt in taekwondo.

My daughters started their taekwondo class 6 weeks ago. They practice 3 times a week under the eagle eye of Master Kwon, a Korean grandmaster and his assistant Mr. Dan Resurrection, a Filipino fourth degree blackbelter (see photo below).

So far their are enjoying every bit of it. I can see in their eyes the motivation to reach the goal of being a blackbelter. That's 2-3 years of hard work. Quite a tall order, but as sit in the sideline each time (Master Kwon has been urging me to join them- so far i resisted), I know that they will go all the way.

The class is not cheap, but I see this opportunity as a great investment for their future. Aside from being able to defend themselves in times of trouble, it will certainly improve their confidence and discipline to face the world on their own.

To my daughters Saranghabnida (I Love you). And to Master Kwon and Dan, go'mahp'sum'nida (thank you).

#19: Barangay Ginebra

I just came back from a conference in L.A. regarding the State of California's Initiative to convert all Medical Records to Electronic format and be able to seamlessly exchange clinical data to different health care providers.

I was planning to write about what transpired during the conference but on my way back to San Diego, I was browsing inquirer.net and saw the sports headline that San Miguel Beer stayed alive as they even up the series 3-3 against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA fiesta cup finals.

Anyway, I just realized I have not been following the PBA since I moved to the U.S. 9 years ago.

Ok California Initiative can wait (after all the state is broke and politicians are still fighting in Sacramento on how to close the more that $26 Billion budget deficit ).

As I continue reading the article, it seems that Ginebra is still the most popular team today. But I cannot recognize any of the players anymore (except for Menk). Gone are the players I knew very well...The Big J, Chito and Rudy.

This brings back one memorable moment in the history of the PBA that I can never forget. It was 1991. Ginebra was battling Shell for the Open Conference Title. Shell jumped to a commanding 3-1 lead in a 7 game series. It was over (at least for the Shell fans) but Ginebra fans refused to surrender. Then it happened. Ginebra made a furious come back and tied the series and eventually completed the greatest come back in PBA history courtesy of a last second off-balance shot by Rudy Distrito. Of course it would have not happen without a great inbound pass from the Big J.

Let's relive the moment and watch one of the greatest shot ever:



if you can't see the embedded video just go directly to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW7VV5z9m-I