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!

Ang Plastik Mo!

Well, this is something that popped out of my silly mind just recently. I realized, even if everybody, as in everybody stops using plastic bags in their evryday lives, but if the plastic manufacturing industries doesn't ceases, nothing will happen at all! For crying out loud, just imagine what will these manufacturers do to their wasted products. Surely they will not use them as fetilizers, right? What should be done is not to stop using plastics but to extinguish all of those plastic manufacturing companies! But I guess that would be a tall order. Hey, I made a point, right?