On Getting Old.......

        When I was younger, I used to shun the idea of getting old. I simply thought that it will be far from happening, since time moves slowly. But after more than three decades of existence, I realized that time has flown past me, without me knowing it as I have been very busy all these years. Oh how time flies! I am not that young anymore. I would tell my students though, that age is just a number. Am I just trying to shield myself from the unforgiving thought that I am on my way there, to getting old?

What Manny Pacquiao Can Learn from Steffi Graf.......

Manny Pacquiao and Steffi Graf

Pacquiao vs. De La Hoya

        I am quite of a boxing a fanatic, but only if it’s Manny Pacquiao inside the ring. Other than him, boxing is alien to me. Thus, I give the credit to him, for making me fully aware of the aforementioned sport. I am drawn to his boxing matches, specifically because he is a fellow Filipino representing not just himself, but the entire Philippinedom. I have “watched” almost all of his boxing matches, most especially the famous ones where he defeated Oscar dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and just very recently, Juan Manuel Marquez. I am also drawn to all the drama and hype that surround the Pambansang Kamao pertaining to his wife and mother (the queen and princess of the House of Hermes), showbiz goings-on, and political career.

Pacquiao vs. Marquez

        Last Sunday, November 13, the world stood still for us Filipinos, as we await who between our very own Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico will emerge victorious in Las Vegas. As always, Manny came into view as the winner after twelve grueling rounds, but some of our kababayans were utterly dismayed with his performance. What the hell did they want? Two boxing experts made pronouncements immediately after the match that it was a lackluster performance by Manny, and that Marquez deserved the title more than the former. I also heard that some of those who watched the match at public venues were disappointed, to the extent of having to leave the venue during the later the stages of the match when Manny was perceived to be “losing” it to the Mexican. How dare you abandon Manny! A genuine fan is one who is fastened to his or her idol, come hell or high water. Correct?

Congressman Pacquiao

        Lackluster performance or otherwise, I think the most important thing is that he won, period. It may not be the kind of victory that most of us wanted, but nonetheless, it was still a victory. A common observation is that it was a close fight. Yes, I could not agree with that more. Finally, Pacquiao has met his match in the person of Marquez, and that Marquez reads him like a book according to what one boxing expert mentioned. The question still is why are some Filipinos disappointed? Is it because Manny did not go for the kill? Well how primitive can you be? Is it because the match lasted for twelve rounds? Is Manny Superman? He is not, may I remind you. What I admire most about our Pacquiao is his capability to win a fight, despite all the distractions, if they could be called as such, along his fringes. His plate is full of things to do: his political career as Congressman, showbiz activities, product endorsements, and domestic issues to boot. His win over Marquez, therefore, is no mean feat considering the many things that he has to attend to, inside and outside the ring. And lastly, can we not just respect the decision of the judges? They know better than us, and had a better view of the fight. Let us not judge Manny's career solely in terms of  his recent bout with Marquez. Where is our sense of history? Have we deleted from our memory his past victories? It is very disheartening to digest the fact that we Filipinos are the first ones to criticize Manny, who is our co-Filipino.

Ali is afflicted with Parkinson's disease

        But some good things never last. I personally and honestly believe that Manny should leave the sport while he is still on top, quit while he is still ahead of the race. Forget about Mayweather since there are too many obstacles to forge a match between them. It’s like asking for the moon, unless money comes into play. Manny has already achieved so much in terms of fame and fortune, and has already brought honor and glory to our country a number of times. So enough, Manny. You have nothing else to prove. All the injuries and blows that you had will hopefully, not took their toll on you later. We all know what happened to the great Muhammad Ali.  

S T E F F I   G R A F : Fraulein Forehand

        Talking of retiring from a sport reminds me very much of my favorite tennis player, Steffi Graf of Germany. She is hailed as the greatest female tennis player of all time, having won the holy grails of tennis at least four times: four Australian Opens (hard court), six French Opens (clay), seven Wimbledons (grass), and five US Opens (Deco Turf). She also excelled in the Olympics, having won the gold in 1988 (Seoul) and silver in 1994 (Barcelona). In terms of ranking, she was number one in the world for a record of 377 weeks, which remains unchallenged up to this day whether by any male or female tennis player. She retired in 1999, after winning the French Open and reaching the final at Wimbledon. She quit while still on top, as the world number three. What is most special about Graf's retirement is that she did it in her own terms. Just read in between the lines, and you will know what Manny Pacquiao can learn from my dear Steffi, on how she bid the tennis courts goodbye, and hung up her racket for good.

S T E F F I   G R AF : famous backhand slice and serve

        So, should Manny retire from boxing and call it a day?

"I think most Filipinos and myself always want to remember him as a champion, who did not lose a match to anybody. After his fight today, I think he should retire."
- Omid Irankhah (WCC RadTech student, businessman, jet setter)

"In my opinion, Pacquiao should continue his boxing career not because of his winning streak, but I believe God has blessed him with incredible talent which can influence and inspire other people."
 - Oscar Tetangco (WCC graduate, registered Radiologic Technologist, 
8th Placer - 2011 November RT Licensure Exam) 

"No, I don't think he should retire until he fight Mayweather, or it will be a big question mark in boxing history. If he retires, only maybe after Floyd so that Mayweather won't have any excuse ever on why they never fought." 

- Kyle Castillo (WCC Nursing student, skateboarding-dance-boxing-food-movies enthusiast)

"I think so. Fifty plus fights for any fighter is too much impact and stress for the brain and body. With all that weight cutting and gaining, and blows received from opponents. But I would still love to see a Pacman-Mayweather match. Though we all know it probably won't happen. But still......." 

- Hermann Weber (WCC Nursing graduate, registered nurse, model) 

with ROB GIER of PHL Azkals

"Yes, I think he should retire because he doesn't have to prove anything. He has nothing to lose and nothing to gain anymore. If he will engage in another fight, what will he gain from it? He already has fame and fortune." 
- Irish Planes (member, UP Pep Squad/Cheerdance, Speech Communication major)



       

with MANNY PACQUIAO

"I think Pacman should retire now. First, for health reasons. Second, he has nothing else to prove. Third, he should retire while still on top. Fourth, he already has millions." 
- Archie Zapanta (WCC Nursing graduate, registered nurse, former DJ - Pinoy Radio DM 95.5, radio anchor - Radyo Singko 92.3 news FM)

Abby for Ms. CCW Environment Philippines!

        Abby is one of my children at the College of Arts and Sciences, along with Rica, Yeye, Eura, and Fatima, when I used to head the department. I also served as their academic adviser for several semesters, since their freshmen year at WCC.

Do you believe in SOULMATE ?

           

      The subject matter of soulmate is awfully captivating, most especially for sentimental folks out there. Even the great Greek Philosopher Plato was not spared from the appeal of this topic. Does it exist? Is there such a phenomenon? I have heard quite a number of individuals who have spoken about it with immense fascination. I myself raised this issue at a certain point in my life. Is there really a soulmate? What is a soulmate to begin with?

Some Rhymes

Si Andy

Jess: Sir Tristan, paano processing natin ng ID?
Tristan: Tanongin po natin si Ma'am Precie. Ma'am Prec!
Prec: Yes po!
Tristan: Paano processing natin ng ID?
Prec: Si coach Andy? Athletics Coordinator natin siya. 
           M-W-F siya andito.
Tristan: Ha? ID ang tinatanong ko!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Si Janilyn

Prec: Kain tayo sa Danny-Licious! Masarap barbecue dun!
           Tara Ma'am Hidalgo kain tayo dun.
Tristan: Saan ba 'yan?
Prec: Diyan lang sa Project 4.
Tristan: Ano ba meron dun sa Danny-Licious?
Prec: Ang sarap ng barbecue dun!
Del: Janilyn Shoes? Bakit may barbecue na ba dun?
Tristan: Danny-Licious Ma'am! 

I K A W na !

I-K-A-W  N-A ! Is an expression that I have been hearing for a long time already. It is usually mentioned with much zest and flair. How this expression evolved remains a mystery to me, and sounds quite vague if I may add. What does it exactly mean? But despite this, I must confess that I have uttered this pa-uso expression a few times, much to my astonishment! I have asked some people what this expression means to them. Take your pick…….

All They Want For Christmas.......

         Christmas for me is a time of sharing.  A time to gather every reason to be generous to others, most especially to those who are dear to us. I associate Christmas with the idea of gift giving. Who doesn’t? The sight of a gift makes our eyes sparkle, and be curious as to what could be inside it. It gives us a certain excitement, which stirs up the child in us. We love gifts, don’t we?

The MIGHTY PEN.......

Not meant to be…….

It’s over…….

Letting go…….

Miles away…….

Disappointments in life.......

Happiness....... 
Feelin' Blue.......
Rain.......
  - click title

                Passenger Now Boarding

                         by: Gin Planes

Tears are fallin’, spirit is crushin’

Goodbyes are truly excruciatin’

I must admit that time really flies fast

And some good things just never last

A great soldier knows when to abandon a mission

A wise fighter recognizes the time for submission

A good friend should realize when to say farewell

When everything isn’t really going too well

It's O V E R.......

        It’s over. This is one phrase that we associate with anything that has ended. It is music to one’s ears, when we speak of the end of suffering or misery. But an unfamiliar and dreaded resonance, when it comes to the end of something we thought was beautiful. This phrase applies to anything that has reached its inevitable finality. Depending on the situation, either we say it with relief, or with sorrow. Either we say it with a gratifying smile, or with poignant tears welling in our eyes.

        It’s over. This phrase is commonly uttered after the demise of a relationship. Ending a relationship is not easy as 1-2-3, for it entails the uncoiling of the intertwined souls of two people. Naks! A relationship is something intangible. It is not like an object that you can simply throw out of the window when you are done with it, or when it has already served its purpose.  Being intangible, a broken relationship cannot be mended through mechanical means, unlike a gadget that you can easily send back to your dealer for repair. So how does one deal with it? Through intangible means as well - our emotions, memories, thoughts, and our little conversations with our selves, and with our God. We play with these tools, to help us pick up the pieces, and get ourselves back to our senses.

        It’s over. When a relationship is already beyond repair, then it’s over. Love could still be lingering in your hearts. Hope could still be seeping into the crevices of your consciousness. But not enough anymore to fix the damage. I know that things are easier said than done. But consider this: you cannot be troubleshooting the whole time! Maybe the relationship has seen its better days, and is already headed towards the drain. It will take some while before one can get over it. The only antidote I guess, is the passage of time. As hackneyed as it may sound, but time heals all wounds. We really do not forget though. But we learn how to live with it, and move on with our lives, as we open new chapters in our life book.  

        It’s over. The past few days saw me on the brink of shouting this out to the whole world. I don’t know what hit me. It just came all too suddenly which led me to be gravely disappointed over something. Being the impulsive person that I could be sometimes, I thought of dropping things like hot potatoes. Very painful, but something that I had to do nonetheless. And there is no turning back if I may add. Such is life. There are bitter pills that we all have to learn how to gobble up. Nigauri is good for the health, right?

        It’s over. Should you say this, then you must have the valor to stand by it. With finality, and with a clear broth of conscience.  There are words that cannot be taken back anymore. Perhaps, the two of you are not meant for each other. God's wisdom can never be fathomed even with the most complicated mathematical calculation. It will hurt the two of you for sure, but something that both of you have to accept. Ending a relationship could be a mutual decision, or one that is initiated by either party. Whatever the circumstance, when it is over, then it's over.......THE END. 

(photos by Javes Consul)

On Friendship

        When I turned on the radio this morning, the song being played was Amy Stewart’s Friends. Voila! I drew inspiration from it, and thus, this latest blog entry. A friend is defined as someone whom one knows, likes, and trusts. I guess these are the criteria or qualifications for one to be considered a friend. In the course of our lives, we cross paths with different people and only a few, if not many of them, become our friends. The rest are mere acquaintances.

        Our friends could be our classmates, neighbors, officemates, et cetera. In other words, for two people to become friends there has to be something in common between them. We cannot start from scratch. We cannot start from an empty slate. There has to be a common denominator which will bind you together, a common niche where the friendship will grow and bear fruits.

        I consider friendship as a stress-free kind of relationship. No real demands. No real obligations. But despite the absence of such, friends know how to understand each other, and sympathize with each other more importantly. Real friends are those with this kind of understanding. Friends should be there for each other during the best of times, but most especially, during the worst of times. They may not see each other that often, but the bond between them is intact as ever, and ages like wine.

        But some good things never last. Here goes the pessimist in me! Sometimes, friends will have to go on their separate ways, and eventually grow apart. They pursue different interests, different careers, and different paths. Friends can forget each other. Friends can become strangers again. But it is never too late, to start all over again.

        I had a falling out with some people before. I know that sooner or later, our paths will cross again. The world is not that vast as it appears to be. It is a small world after all. And life is too short to be reminded of our misgivings…….

Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a 

slow-ripening fruit.

                                                     - Aristotle

THE VIEW FROM THE.......side

     The title above could mean a lot of things. I know that it sounds quite boring, if not appealing. Nothing really exciting for this week.

 

     I will just let the pics do the talking, and hopefully, you will be able to decipher why this humble post was accorded such title. You be the judge…….from the side.   : )

   

(photos by Javes Consul)