The New Meaning of Blue

Blue no longer relates to sadness and depression anymore as the Ateneo Blue Eagles are soaring high with immaculate exaltation after lording over their arch rival the De La Salle Green Archers yesterday and eventually snatching the 2008 UAAP Men's Basketball Championship, a title that has eluded them for six years.

I know, I know, this is so yesterday, but can you blame me? I really can't get over the euphoria that was yesterday. I've been an Ateneo fan ever since I can remember -- watching their every game, regaling wiht their triumphs, weaping over their most painful defeats. I even took their rivalry with La Salle by heart, if you may ask (haha). This feat seriously means a lot for me as well.

GO ATENEO!

OK Archers, you can turn green with envy right now. Haha.

Frustrated

I hate it! Why, of all the episodes of UAAP, does today;'s match the one I have to miss? It's Game 2 of the finals , for crying out loud! And it's not just an ordinary finals, coz if it is, I wouldn't react this way. It's an Ateneo-La Salle finale! C'mon. it's like the greatest rivlary in Philippine sports history. It's the biggest sporting event of the year, next to the Olympics! I'm totally devastated right now. Screw this Chemistry Departmental exam!

But for now, I’ll just keep my fingers (and toes) crossed. GO ATENEO! ONE BIG FIGHT!

I Hate Emos!

Before I thought the saddest part of one's birthday is when you celebrate it on your own. But I realized, it's actually when all the world seems to remember it but alll the while, only one person is enough to make that day truly special. And that person didn't even bother.

Gosh, this is soooo emo..

A Very Happy(?) Birthday

Just a few hours ago I turned 19. Yes, it's my birthday. So what's the big deal? I'm 19! For heaven's sake.

Well, there's nothing totally wrong 'bout being 19. Actually, I can still imagine myself almost jumping out of excitement for my 18th birthday last year 'coz finally, I can do those things normal 17-year-olds and below cannot (e.g., voting). But now, knowing that I only have one year left before I say bye-bye to my teenage life, I can't help but dread this day. I don't know if you guys also feel or have felt like this before, but being called a twentysomething? sounds very ancient to me.

But on second thought, better be old than dead, right? I'll just accept the fact that people grow old. And of course, with age comes maturity, Sometimes.

Hmmm. I wonder what flavor of cake will I eat tonight. Yum-yum!

Intrigue, Drama and Romance in Survivor Philippines

Here is some of my views vis-à-vis the first week of Survivor Philippines:

As expected, a lot of changes in episode patterns were seen, focusing more on the castaways and the life and issues revolving around the tribes. On the first day alone, bonds were formed, real attitudes were shown and characters were tested. So much drama and so much emotion prevail.

One surprising highlight in the series is the early – as in EARLY – re-shuffling of the tribes. It happened on the third day, just before the Immunity Challenge kicked off. Old alliances were immediately broken and new posses were hastily yet carefully formed. And what’s even more surprising is that after the tribe switching, fresh romance instantly blossomed. Talk about active hormones.

But you know what made this franchise even more unique? It’s where the castaways base their votes on. It’s very noticeable even in other reality shows here. Instead of voting off the person whom they feel threatened of or whom they consider as the weakest link, people base their votes predominantly on two things: looks and social status.

The first one is given. People will always have a strong bias to people whom they are attracted to. The other one is something that really gets my ire.

I don’t know, probably Filipinos are generally sympathetic so they’d rather choose those who belong to the lower ranks of the society than those whom they refer as “already has a future”. For crying out loud, if that’s what’s on their frame of mind, why not ask the producers of these shows to just pick those who belong to the slum areas who are more ‘deserving’. Thankfully, people learn to grasp the real essence of these shows during the latter stages.

My overall rating: EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS.

Superheroes

Everyone knows how miserable life is in the Philippines right now. With the Philippine Peso breaking records in terms of all-time lows, with crime and poverty continuously spreading like wildfire, and with corruption slowly becoming a permanent element of the state, there seems to be o cure for this ailing third world country. No wonder why there are some who seemed to have had enough and decided to search for ‘greener pastures’. Others do that as well, not to stay there for good, but to look for an elusive high-paying job that they cannot grab here. They are the Overseas Filipino Workers or simply OFWs to which we proudly call as ‘mga Bagong Bayani’ (Modern Heroes).

And why not, considering all the sacrifices they made like living in a foreign country and being away from their family, enslaving themselves and ignoring the threats of discrimination and the bitter truth, even death, they truly are worthy of one’s admiration.

There is one major problem, though, and it is something that I think most people (especially the ones involved) fail to see.

Let me first share this to you: One night as I was watching the news, my full attention was suddenly caught by this woman being featured regarding the Peso’s declining value. Apparently, she’s a relative of an OFW she was gleaming at the camera, wearing a smile that reaches her earlobes then she made this devastating remark, “Of course the weak Peso-Dollar exchange rate is such a big advantage for us, for one thing, it will increase the value of my husband’s salary.” I couldn’t believe my ears! Unbelievable. She said it with so much pride and conviction as if money is the only valuable thing for her. The problem is that people would rather let others suffer as long as they continue to live in affluence. This is the root and also the fruit of all this depression – people doesn’t seem to care but them.

The issue now here is not whether you’re in relation to an OFW or not, nor whether you’re a Filipino or a foreign blood. The real issue now here is us – ALL of us. And how we are all accountable for whatever’s happening to the society where we exist.

People, let us be reminded: the roots of real change springs from within us. It is only ourselves who can MAKE it; it can never be brought by one person alone. We cannot continue living in a world of superheroes; there’s no Superman to save us times of despair. Only us. After all, we can all be superheroes in our own rights.

Me? Authority?

What Your Black Umbrella Says About You

When faced with adversity, you respond with authority. You don't let problems faze you. You are naturally powerful and commanding. People look to you to take charge. You are elegant and classy. You know how to always say and do the right thing. While you stand out, you also fit it. You thrive in a variety of situations. On a rainy day: you carry on as normal - a little bad weather isn't going to get in your way!

The Umbrella Test

Survivor Philippines Kicks Off Today

Alas, after years of waiting the Philippines has finally come up with its own version of the US reality show Survivor which will start airing today at GMA 7. I am so overwhelmed with excitement right now for two big reasons: First, I am such a fan of the show. Big time. It's actually the main culprit why I can't seem to control myself from watching each and every reality show that I come across on TV. Talk about addiction. Second, unlike the original and the other franchise series, Survivor Philippines will be shown on a daily basis, which means expect a lot of deviations in terms of its episodes.

Why the change in format? Well, I can only come up with two possibilities. The first one is so that it can adapt to Philippine primetime TV since soap operas and other primetime shows here are being shown daily. The other one is to be able to compete with GMA's rival channel's franchise of another US reality show, Big Brother (though the latest season has already ended a couple of months ago). That's simply where Philippine TV revolves -- competition that is.

I can only assure you one thing. This is going to be one helluva trip.

The Catcher in the Rye

Just finished reading the J.D. Salainger classic The Catcher in te Rye and, not surprisingly, I liked it. Totally. Unlike most of the novels that I’ve read, this one is something that I can most appreciate probably because of the spontaneity of the scenarios and the language. Being ostracized before due to its overwhelming profanity and angst, I find the book, well, inspiring. It’s in fact the most inspiring novel that I’ve read so far, if you may ask. Just forget about proper language usage, or complex plot twists, or even a protagonist to fantasize of, you won’t find those here. Instead, what you will stumble upon is the author’s views and thoughts about the human condition, the society to which one evolves, and the concept of getting up and moving on that would make you stop, think and probably utter, “Hey, that’s right.” The novel was simply put and very genuine which is one thing that I liked most about it.

During the early part of the novel the narrator and protagonist mentioned, “What really knocks me out is a book that, when you’re all done reading it, you wish the author was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up whenever you feel like it.” And truly, Salinger made me feel that way.

Five-peat for FedEx

Yes, he did it again. Roger Federer and his tennis racket once again proved to the world that he's still the best person to play the sport of tennis by smashing number 6 seed Andy Murray in the final of the 2008 US Open with a score of 6-2, 7-5, 6-2.

Not only did he grabbed his fifth US Open title, he also made history for being the first person to catch 5 consecutive titles in two grand slam events (Wimbledon being the other one).

He still hasn't regained the top spot but it's definitely just an inch away.

Way to go FedEx!

To Ana Ivanovic

I know you've been through a lot lately. Being world's number one? Man, that's no joke. All eyes are fixed on you. Criticisms flock here and there, it's the world against you. You against yourself. And I completely understand that.

Yes, let's admit it, though you definitely have the makings of being a top seeded player, let's just say you reached that spot where you are right now by default, with Justine Henin's early retirement and all. So suddenly you're there, to the spot everyone's dying to get. Only quite abrupt. Earlier than expected. And now you're pressured to excel, to do better than everyone else.

But you're just human. You're not perfect. You have flaws. People have to understand that. You have to understand that. So don't feel depressed or anything just because you're not performing well lately. It's not entirely your fault. Anyway, you're still the reigning French Open champion. That's a big leap. Use it to your advantage. Make it inspire you and not weigh you down. And c'mon, you're not even in your best form yet. Just imagine what you can do if you're in top shape. Jankovic and the rest must be shaking right now.

Remember this: You are great. And nobody can make you believe otherwise except you.

P.S.

This also goes to the great Roger Federer. I know you've had a pretty rough year as well. But I guess nobody would dare disagree if I say that you are still by far the greatest person to ever – ever-- hold a racket. Show that butt-tugging Spaniard what he deserves. Way to go for both of you!

First Day of Christmas

Today's September 1. There's nothing so significant about this date except that for us Filipinos it's officially the start of Christmas!

Oh yes, it's the 'Ber' months once again. I haven't even gotten over last year's celebration and here we go again preparing to give gifts to our dear ones (save for those compulsory 'exchange gift' ceremonies in school or at work). Oh well, Christmas has always been my favorite season of all. I don't know, I just love the peaceful and engaging vibe it carries whenever it arrives. As if there are no problems in the world, like we didn't suck at the Olympics or as if there hasn't been any turmoil in Mindanao.

But times do change, though. During these past few years, I've noticed that the celebrations intended to remember Christ's natal day had slightly decreased in 'intensity' (here in our neighborhood at least). As if every thing's delayed.

If the cool Christmas breeze which usually comes weeks before December is a student, it could have been expelled for tardiness and absenteeism. Seriously, I cringe at the idea that it's the Christmas season yet I wake up in the morning all sweaty. But once it gets cold, it really is cold. Urgh,that global warming!

The carolers seem to be not in the mood for jamming as well. Sometimes three songs is enough (including the infamous We Wish You A Merry Christmas which has become sort of a requirement for some reason) for them to shout 'Namamasko po!'. I don't know, maybe they're just saving their golden voices for tomorrow's gig.

Christmas lights are also making their own disappearing act. Save for our neighbor who puts Christmas lights even on their dog house, people seem to be content putting up one one set of these decorative doodads. Maybe they're just being safe and they don't want to get caught on fire. But most probably it's because of their blowing electric bills.

But despite all these, it is still undeniable that, for so many reasons, Christmas is still the most joyful time of the year. There are the colorful Christmas lanterns, the snowmen (without the snow), the puto-bumbong, the tyangge along the Marikina River, the gifts!, Noche Buena, Santa Claus, and of course, World Peace who visits so rarely. This sounds trite already but I seriously wish it's Christmas everyday.

Wanna be one of the first to greet you this -- Have a Happy Christmas!