Boxing (Boksing, Suntukan, Boxeo, Bokushingu)
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Posted:May 7, 2007 8:46 pm
Last Updated:Feb 21, 2009 1:14 pm 3810 Views
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I took a vacation this past Friday and flew to Las Vegas (aka Lost Wages) to watch the match between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather. The fights were spectacular. The fight prior to the under-card had Ray "Boom Boom" Bautista, who won. That can hit. The body shots that landed on his opponent were deafening. He's got a great future ahead of him. There were a lot of celebrities. To name a few, Mark Anthony (sang the Star Spangled Banner) was with wife Jennifer Lopez, Toby Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, Eva Langoria, rappers P Diddy and 50 Cent(rapped as Mayweather walk in to the ring, Tommy "the hit-man" Hearns, Jack Nicholson, other boxing demigods and many more. I had a good chat with Magic Johnson who also sat at ringside. Before the fight, not really a gambler, I tried to put a few clams to play with the odds. I liked De La Hoya to win, but I put my money on Mayweather. So it was: 1) Mayweather on the 6th round, 2) Mayweather on the 7th round , and 3) the fight not going the distance, which was 12 rounds; obviously, I lost all three bets.
The shows and the restaurants confirmed their good to great reviews. Also tons of beautiful women. I checked out the new Wynn Hotel and the Trump, but I decided to stay at the MGM Grand. My room was the "bomb", I slept like a baby with all eight goose-down pillows and pillow top mattress. The MGM spa was like heaven, my massage was soothing.
Saturday morning, I went to drive around and see my old stomping grounds, saw our former residence too. I remember when our backyard was the desert and I'd just hop on my dirt-bike and take off. Now, all of that open sand is covered by residential housing, and still growing. I went to see Lake Mead, not much changes there. I went to Hoover Dam, took some pictures and playfully drove back and fort between the two time zone markers and see the atomic clock in the rent-a-car change between the Arizona and Nevada time zones, within a quarter mile. I took the helicopter ride to see more aerial views, surprisingly no post war syndrome during that (just kidding). Then I came back to the hotel to pull on a few slot machines, actually winning $600.00, not bad for a non-gambler. No, I did not hit the tables. Sunday, afternoon I got home.
I deserve this vacation, because my life mission statement is: "I work hard, so I can play hard." I did not detail much here, because as the saying goes: What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!
I'm going back to watch the Ultimate Fighting Championship on May 26. I will be with my sensei and after the fights, will hang out with Big John McCarthy. I can't wait! Dude, this is awesome!
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Zoom Zoom Zoom!
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Posted:Apr 13, 2007 7:12 pm
Last Updated:Sep 19, 2009 12:45 am 3482 Views
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It’s been an adrenalin pumping week in Long Beach. You can hear those racing engines revving up around downtown, competing in the Long Beach Grand Prix. As I mentioned to my friends, the city had a recent facelift to beautify for this annual event. The streets are currently packed with tourists and racing enthusiasts. Also accommodated by activities and pretty neat places.
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Fun & Pun Intended
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Posted:Apr 10, 2007 11:45 pm
Last Updated:Feb 14, 2008 10:21 pm 3695 Views
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I consider myself a pretty nice fellow, but not when it comes to playing paint-ball. I had a ton of fun this weekend. Although I got eliminated early in the first two stages, I got three head-shots, a flag capture, and thirteen kills in all the seven stages. The other team wanted me to be disqualified. I also got a couple of below the belt shots. They didn't see it coming and they still couldn't figure who did it. Shhhhh, don't tell them, ok!  Guess who's behind the bushes (l o l)?
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Vacations Offered, But With Pros & Cons
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Posted:Apr 5, 2007 7:52 pm
Last Updated:Oct 12, 2008 11:35 pm 3760 Views
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It is April, and it is peak time on vacations. I have the most fortunate opportunity this year to be offered multiple vacations from friends, relatives, colleagues and . However, as I ponder, I have my reservations on some of them:
- My best friend who lives in Texas goes to Thailand every year. This is the second time he had offered. I am a bit concerned of his usual itinerary when he goes there. We have our similarities, but not the usual activity men do when going there, if you know what I mean. Yeah, maybe years ago it would be fun. So I graciously declined.
- A retired colleague, a former partner of a very large prestigious law firm, invited me to a safari in Africa. He stated that he can learn from the rifle skills I trained and excelled on. I will kill only what I will eat, is my principle. His intent to increase the number of his wild animal trophies, I disagree much. I respectfully said no.
- Someone formerly very close to me may still have continuing health and drastic financial issues. Most likely, already unemployed, if not, age already got the best of this person's dreams and burdensome responsibilities. I also want to visit Hong-Kong for the shopping spree I do (on my profile). But I sensed a change of mind which made me hesitant to push. I want to help, but pride and bitter stance can also be issues. I most certainly wouldn't want to go if it is too late.
- With the possible sale of one of our family's land parcels, this particular one is in the commerical and buisness district in the metropolis. I would like to venture again in the Philippines, by helping out in the process. My aunt wanted me take charge of the legalities so everyone can sit back on their laurels. This is in May, but I have other priorities and engagements lined up. Hence, if this was in June, I'd go almost immediately. However, traveling alone is the pits. I am still contemplating on the ramifications of my choices.
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Bitter-Sweet Week Back And A Promising Week Forward
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Posted:Apr 2, 2007 10:14 pm
Last Updated:Oct 12, 2008 11:29 pm 3206 Views
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The past week seemed to have gone well, with the exception that I am being stalked. The reported oral defamation has also come to my attention. This concerning situation is keeping me on my toes, but not scared, although taunting. The restraining order is in progress. Hence, I shall detail this on another blog soon.
The new week has come to attrition. At work, after puting my foot down, it was from "steady as she goes" to "all ahead full". I have also decided to consume rice as a vegetable, no longer as a full meal. It will take time to readjust again, but just like red meat, I was successful to only have it every three months (so far so good). In a week, I will also do the same I did a year ago, no dinner. I will only have -related dinners. If in a date, eat before six in the evening. It takes a lot of determination and dicipline to make this work. Plus, I am back to an exercise regimen. This time, I enrolled in Karate (Okinawa-Te Style), private lessons provided by the Master himself, Grandmaster Gordon Doversola.
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Attended A Silver Wedding Anniversary
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Posted:Mar 18, 2007 7:26 pm
Last Updated:Oct 11, 2008 12:49 pm 3769 Views
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I attended my aunt's and uncle's wedding anniversary yesterday. Although it was exclusively just for family, my invitation was for two, and yet another significant family engagement going alone.
It was at Yamashiro in Hollywood, up on the hill. Nice venue, excellent ambiance, but I dislike the traffic in the area, worst than it is in the PI. The streets are complicated, tight, and worsen by one-way traffic signs. I have been in this place for about four times and if you splurge, it could put a dent on your budget. Valet parking only! It is a very romantic place, and I would always recommend this for a date. It has a high-end Japanese architecture, completed with red lamps, a beautiful garden (they renewed their vows there)and a coif fish pond illuminated with miniature white lights. This was chosen by my cousin, whom I would commend for her excellent taste.
We had a choice of chicken, fish or steak. I had the beef and it was perfect. Dessert was superb. They uncorked some red and white wine, champagne, since I hardly ever drink, I sipped only during the toast.
All my uncle's were there. The ceremony was quite romantic and inspiring. The wedding anniversary service was touching. A flash back of my exit from a bad relationship crossed my mind, although the relationship was for many years, this celebration made my thought process change. I have to thank my uncle and aunt again, since it was their 25th anniversary, my conclusion that no matter how long a relationship is, that nothing lasts forever has changed. This event is as sentimental as it can get. They have inspired all of us, our generation (especially the couples there). Everyone gave a toast, when it was my turn, I got a bit misty-eyed and ended my speech saying "this is an excellent example of saving the best for last". Driving home, I realized that soulmates are out there. You can find them when destiny touches your life, but all in due time.
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A Lot In Such A Short Period But Too Great To Forget
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Posted:Mar 7, 2007 9:30 pm
Last Updated:Apr 4, 2007 10:21 pm 3200 Views
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Recently, this song just meant a whole lot more to me:
Love Without Time
by: Nonoy Zuniga
What is time without love
What is love without time
What's the highest mountain like without a valley nestled at its feet
What's a river without a bend to guide its flow to where it should end
What am I without you
What is life without love
Well it's me with all the time
Time to think about the love
We hardly had the time to share
Now my life's without love
Our love just never had time
Now we've run out of moments to save our love in time
What is pleasure without pain
What is sunshine with no rain
What's the moon without the sun to take its place when night is gone
If the sea were without sky just where would the horizon lie
What's hello without goodbye
What is life without you
Well it's me with all the time
Time to think about the love
We hardly had the time to share
Though my life's without love
You are my love for all time
Though we've run out of moments to save our love in time
Though my life's without love
You are my love for all time
Though we've run out of moments
To save our love in time
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Trials and Tribulations
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Posted:Mar 6, 2007 11:34 pm
Last Updated:Mar 15, 2007 11:41 pm 3241 Views
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I find it disturbing that the following events happened in such a short period:
- February 16, approximately 8:15 a.m., on the 710 freeway, heading South to Long Beach, where traffic usually goes fast and then screeches to a stop; I got into an accident. I was at a full stop and this car came from nowhere hitting me from behind. The impact was so hard, I hit the car in front of me. The rear-ender's car was totaled. I was out for a while until the paramedics came. I was rushed to Long Beach Memorial Hospital. If I was not driving my C-Class, I'd be in a worse condition (possibly fatal). Although my car is drivable, this baby is in the shop.
- February 25, approximately 2:30 p.m., at an intersection in Alhambra, while driving my other car, a van drove so close, I honked at him, but he kept going, ending up clipping me on the passenger side. I continued to press on the horn, but he kept going. If not for a witness who cut him off, it would have been a hit and run. He was argumentative and acted unintelligibly, wouldn't give his driver's license, registration and proof of insurance, so calling a cop was necessitated. He was obnoxious, so was his wife, but with my witness and the police report this case is mine.
- March 2, approximately 7:00 p.m., coming out of the office from a hard day at work, a big truck (United Parcel Service) nearly backed-up on me. It was a close call. He could have crushed me.
- March 3, approximately 8:30 a.m., because I had to get things off my mind, I decided to mop my kitchen. I slipped and fell, took me a while to get up, making sure nothing was broken. The same injuries from the two previous traffic accidents, got aggravated again.
- March 3, approximately 1:30 p.m., frustrated by the chronological events, I picked up my two teenage sons. We hang out, bought some groceries, then this "road-raged" driver cut me off, but despite the fact, he had the audacity to present the universal "birdie" gesture. I reciprocated (stupid reaction), didn't know he turned around to follow me. He flanked me on my left and started to be verbal. Obviously a loser (many facial piercings), he challenged me. Since he had his passenger window down, I assumed that this guy was packed. I told my sons to get down, then I told this guy that I have my with me and that I will drop them off and I will give him his chance after that. Well, it aggravated this guy even more. He called us "gooks" causing the US to wage war. I was calm until that, so I told him that I saw action in two tours and proceeded to open my car's door to duke it out with this punk, but my sons stopped me. He spat, missing me and took off quickly.
- March 3, approximately 3:30 p.m., to calm myself down, but a bit hesitant, I proceeded to my favorite cyber cafe. This place gave me pleasant and unpleasant memories, it felt empty without that presence (sorry, can't share). Only to get an e-mail with an unexpected hate message from a person (sorry, can't share). It really put me down.
- March 6, approximately 2:30 p.m., I was holding my ground with my superior. Argumentative, I nearly walked out of my job. Although he was apologetic afterwards. We were both shaken by the incident. I went home early, drained and thinking that this is not worth it. I am still deciding if I should shift careers. There is just too much stress in the legal industry. I may have disappointed a love, when it affects my behavior.
It is hard to be alone. I also asked myself, why did these things happen. Not really religious, but I asked God if He is trying to send me a message. I have a good guess and the other party must know this too. But this is just an intelligible guess and could be wrong. I am taking the day off tomorrow. I'm just gonna hang out in my room (but not mope nor emote).
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My Cousin's Wedding
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Posted:Dec 17, 2006 9:53 pm
Last Updated:Sep 19, 2009 12:42 am 3970 Views
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I attended my cousin's wedding this weekend. She married a guy who lived up on a hill (if you know what I mean).
Darn, it was raining so hard and I arrived late. Went solo, a first for me in a wedding. My GPS did not do its job since I got lost. Visibility was really bad, especially in the fog. In the village of the top 1% of society, making their street addresses visible, they purposely do not. I drove back and forth around the block, yet the street address seemed to jump from what I was looking for to a big gap. I paused, refocused and thought more about my bearings, then looked at the GPS again. With common sense, since a wedding would have a tremendous number of cars, I looked in into one of the properties. From far, it look like cars so I drove in. The property was the entire block, no wonder the street numbers changed tremendously. The mansion had five separate villas, two private tennis courts, one covered, one open. As I drove in further, to find an open spot, it reminded me of my catered childhood (pre Marcos regime). As I reminished in the past, I found myself parking where it seemed to be the 200th car spot. Then I walked, almost running since I was late, it took me another ten minutes to get in. Then it dawned on me, the entire clan (mostly US residents, some who flew from Canada, Philippines and Japan) would be there. The awkward feeling and anticipation that they would ask me why I came alone and the intrusive questions detailing "the" break up sorta threw me off.
As I walked in, the caterers and the servants were already setting up the reception. This house on the property resembled one of the houses in the movie "Count of Monte Cristo" (HUGE in all caps). The concierge pointed out the second floor. As I got to where everyone was, my cousin was just about to march down the isle. The place was full and so I just stood next to a pillar, almost next to the bride and her parents. To cut the details shorter, the exchange of vows were filled with true feelings, since both couples were in tears of joy (no it wasn't the bill- LOLZ). I smiled as I felt the love in the air.
After the official kiss it took an hour and half with the clan and friends, photographers and video professionals (the shoots).
At the reception (downstairs), more pictures, hugs and kisses, including reacquiantances. Then one of my cousins was lip-pointing out to a lady standing and staring at me with a big smile. It took me a few seconds to recognize her. It was my high-school sweetheart. She came over hugged and kissed me (on the cheek). Her date was looking at me and was not too happy as everyone can read her face. And as she was having and aslo taking pictures, she kept grabbing me to be in them too (I might post them here someday). More than once, I had to remind her about her date. As I sat at my assigned table, my Japanese blooded uncles came over with their wives (none seemed to have aged). We had our usual "Yakuza" reunion photo as relatives jokingly rubbed it on for the millionth time.
Then more hand shakes and hugs and kisses. As I got up to socialize, I saw this lady that seemed familiar too. Then as she saw me, she let out a bright smile and came over. She said remember me? And I called out her name in a guessing tone and she said yes. She's lost weight and gained some to where it should be. To be honest, for a lack of a better word, she was hot. Then I saw here date looking over and I diplomatically introduced myself. This lady, I use to ignore, not only because she was not my type, but mostly because she smoked heavily. I whispered that she looked great and she answered because she decided to stay single and proudly said she stopped smoking for a long time. I know that she was a thing of beauty, and that hanging out with her would be unfair to the other guy. Not my style and I know how that feels. Bottom line, she is attractive, but my previous disinterest about her remained in me. And I was right, she slipped me her number while she was holding on to her date. I purposely dropped the napkin. Later that night she asked for my number, wittingly I said I'll just call you since you already gave me yours. Then, she asked me to give her a "missed call" (she wanted to make sure), so even if I had my Dash on my side I said I need to charge it. I pulled out my charger to sound convincing (thank God I had it with me). So she asked me for my number (persistent isn't she?), so I gave her another number. Caught unguarded, I may have given my 's number (poor ). I felt sly, but with respect to the other guy and my cousin's wedding, I had to. Bottom line is that I was not dear hunting that night (the "two-legged" kind).
The night went well even if I had to dodge a couple of hotties. When my former GF came over again, this time to tug me for a dance, my cousin told her to leave me alone (tantanan mo naman pinsan ko!). That night, I earned respect from my relatives that I no longer am the "player" they use to know. And maybe secretly, the dates of these ladies appreciated my defaulting on what would have been the competition that night. The icing on the cake is that, my confidence was still intact and it was good to know that at my age, I still have the charm (I haven't fed my ego for many years).
A few times, caught both of the ladies still looking over. The hottie tried a last approach and said lets go out some time, call me. I just smiled and said, I can't, I'm happily married. She dropped her jaw and said how come nobody talked about this. Before she figured out that I had to lie and felt like Pinocchio, I walked away again. I have changed... I use to not pass up on opportunities like that. Years ago, I'd take them both on (I'd bang them both). The former Filipino saying "when the rice comes to the chicken" (kapag ang palay ay lumapit sa manok - tukain!"). After the rain I stepped out for fresh air. Then, I spotted a couple doing it in a car, moonlit in the dark. I chuckled... and said to myself that use to be me. Then went back in for another round of socializing then went home.
Driving down the hill, I had a grin thinking out loud that even if my reputation still precedes me, I am a "good boy" now. Ready to settle down. Being free, I can be choosy. Yeah!!!
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Best Vacation Ever
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Posted:Apr 5, 2006 5:59 am
Last Updated:Oct 11, 2008 12:52 pm 3443 Views
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I have been in the Philippines for quite some time now. Beach-hopping was the best. The only thing I didn't like is that I couldn't seem to keep my tan longer. I have gotten over the stares and returned them with smiles. I thought I knew the customs here, yet there was more to learn. I have lost contact with some of those I wanted to meet. A special education teacher that I wanted to help her school charity program. School supplies and more, so I ended giving all of it to another deserving school of deprived . Another was with a very humble employment, yet was too busy focused to toil and earn.
So much for this. I just grab my fishing pole whenever I feel like holding hands, sunrise or sunset. Swam with the fish and amazed myself with corals, so other beauties can captivate me. The locals say why not mingle with the local ladies, but they are either too shy or too agressive presenting themselves as entertainment for hire; and the others are already taken.
Under my auspicious relatives, I have seen Boracay, Puerto Gallera, Iloilo, Calatagan, Hundred Islands (actually many in Pangasinan) and some I couldn't pronounce or remember. This includes flea markets to small and large malls. Perhaps Dakak is next.
I consider my visit most productive, focused on my eldest sister who is now both healthy and happy (quite content). Anyone can quote me when I say, "You are what your family is". I have also realized that my previous relationship lacked on morals, family upbringing, conscience, sensitivity, content and "genuine" love. Yet, I have no one to blame. Regardless of what happened or inflictions, even if I did not deserve an aiota of it, I leave these all to God. I believe that we shall all face him someday. I have nothing to worry when that time comes.
I am well travelled, but this has been my longest vacation and probably wouldn't have another until my retirement. My younger brother and younger sister have also impressed with me that our reunion was outstanding, fullfilling and tight bonding.
Time to head back to the corporate world. Time to once again roll with the punches and counter-punch in the legal industry. The healing process and inner peace I have finally reached. Hopefully, the same elements or attrocities that made me come here will subside, if not decipate.
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